2022: the ULTIMATE challenge // books, project pan & yearly goals

Hey!

I didn’t start this challenge earlier because I had no time for it, and I wasn’t wearing makeup often. (I have about 11 more months to make progress in the pans, so I’m not bothered by it.) However, today’s the day when I can finally share an intro of my makeup, reading and lifestyle challenge for 2022!

The challenge for this year consists of five segments: pan that palette, project pan 2022, one-person book club, an ever-changing 30-day challenge, and, starting next month, a recipe of the month. I’ll try to include some bonus content within each post, too! Today I included my 2022 goals; who knows what I’ll share next time. 🙂

✨ pan those palettes 2022 ✨

I was on the fence about using these palettes for a whole year. At first, I thought I’d like to switch them out every two, three or four months; then I decided to use them for a year as they can be paired with other palettes.

Revolution Redemption Palette “Mermaids vs Unicorns”

start: 106g // goal: pan four shades

Recently I’ve loved using blue eyeshadows, and I reach for them almost every time I do my makeup. I also realized that while I love all of the shades in this palette, the only ones I enjoy using are four of the shimmery blue-green ones. (Except the first one, that one sucks.) I’d love to get my fair use out of them and hit pan in the four shades mentioned above!

Revolution Ultra Professional Eyeshadow “Flawless”

start: 205g // goal: use up half of palette

I’ve had this palette for many years, and I recently realized I only like half of the shades. The eyeshadows are of good quality, and the shade variety is fine. However, I rarely use these sorts of shades, so I’d like to use up what I like and declutter the rest. Also, there are not that many light mattes that I use every time, so I’ll need to use other palettes, too.

✨ project pan 2022 ✨

This year I’m starting my Project Pan challenge a month later than usual. On the other hand, I barely wore makeup throughout January, so it’s all good. I’d love to use up as many of these products as possible, but I’ll be happy about any progress. Hopefuly you’ll enjoy seeing these pans grow over the next ten months!

Catrice Liquid Metal eyeshadow in 060 Petrol Pan

start: 27g // goal: hit pan

This dark petrol eyeshadow is dark enough to use as eyeliner and light enough to use in certain eye looks. I’ve had it for longer than I care to admit, so I’d like to finally use it enough to create a dip or hit pan. By the way, how amazing is the pressed pattern?!

Rival de Loop Bronzing Powder in 01 Salted Caramel

start: 37g // goal: use it up

I’ve included this bronzer in one of my past Project Pan challenges, but I didn’t finish it so I’m using this bronzer again! And the colour of this bronzer is different from any shades in the blush/bronzer palette.

Revolution Ultra Professional Blush Palette in Golden Sugar

start: 112g // goal: pan half of palette

I’ve had this face palette for a few years now, and I’ve kept it because I like four or five of the eight colours. (Actually, I like them all, but I can’t use all face powders on my ghostly pale skin unless I want to look like a clown.) I like the natural and shimmery glow all powders give my skin. I also love how easy they are to blend out!

Wjcon (Wycon) Soft Blush N.02

start: 80g // goal: pan half of palette

Cream products go bad quicker than powders, and I’m afraid this blush will go bad before I get a chance to use it up! I like the formula and the colour, and it works well for natural makeup days.

H&M nail polish in “u-taupe-ia”

start: 44g / 18mm // goal: use up half

I’ve been using nail polish quite often, so I could use up at least half during 2022. Honestly, my goal is to use up a few bottles before buying new ones! (And I miss having black nail polish in my collection.)

Essence Soft Contouring Lipliner 02 Nude Painting & 08 Big Proposal 

start: 02 = 51mm, 08 = 69mm // goal: use them up

I’ve had these Essence lipliners for many years, and while I love their formula and colours, I need to use them up. I’d love to try other nude lip liners once these are done. Do you have any nude lipliner recommendations?

random thin and thick red lipliners

start: thin = 37mm, thick = 52mm // goal: use them up

These two red lipliners are standing on their last legs, so I should probably try using them up. I don’t use bold lipsticks, and my goal is to use up all lipsticks or at least try doing that. (I’d love to replace them with lip products I would actually use!)

Catrice Kohl Kajal in 240 My Dream of Caribbean

start: 93mm // goal: use it up

I got this pencil to use in the waterline and as base for colourful eyeshadow. The colour is too light to use as eyeliner by itself, but it works wonderfully as a base for the single shadow! (Or one of the dark shades from the colourful palette.)

M.A.C. Satin lipstick in M.A.C. Red

start: 19g / 12mm // goal: use it up

I’ve had this MAC lipstick for a long time, so I need to use it before it goes bad. (It still smells like vanilla cupcakes!) I don’t know how I’ll use it up as I rarely use lipsticks, especially bold ones. Do you like lipsticks? If so, do you prefer nude or bold shades?

Artdeco Lip Brilliance lipgloss in 03

start: 26g / 43mm // goal: use it up

Of all lipglosses I’ve tried, the Artdeco one has the best formula. It’s not slick or sticky, so it holds on the lips for a few hours unless you’re eating or talking exessively. It feels more like glossy lip balm and it leaves a slight colour on the lips after it wears off. (But it’s not a stain; you can easily clean it off with a makeup wipe.)

L’Oréal Color Riche lipstick in Doutzen’s red 

start: 21g / 13mm // goal: use it up

My goals for 2022 are grand indeed, as I want to use up not one but two red lipsticks! I like the lipstick formula, but the scent is quite atrocious. I also love this particular shade. It’s like a light red with orange undertones, but it doesn’t make your teeth look yellow.

✨ one-person book club ✨

This year I want to read at least two books per month. I’m pleased to announce I read two books during January! (And started a few others.) In 2022 I’ve decided to read the Harry Potter series a second time and read some new young adult fiction books. I’ve realized YA fiction helps me de-stress from the day. I love classics, but they require more mental energy, you know what I mean?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

by J.K. Rowling // 331 pages

The first book in the series follows a seemingly ordinary eleven-year-old boy, Harry Potter. He has a lightning-shaped scar on his head from a car crash in which both his parents died and left him in his mother’s relatives’ guardianship. But is that true?… The truth is, he’s a famous wizard who’s the only known survivor of the menacing evil wizard, Voldemort, and it’s time that Harry went to Hogwarts, the school of witchcraft and wizardry.

I deliberately kept the synopsis short as I don’t want to make this post super long. Besides, most of y’all know the story of Harry Potter and those who don’t should get the chance to experience the magic!

Frankly, I had forgotten lots of things and dialogues happening within the book series. It felt as though I was reading a new book! I still love them and find them as magical as I used to, though I feel like I must clear up one thing. I love the Harry Potter series, flawed as they might be, but I disagree with J.K.Rowling’s stance on womanhood. I believe trans women are women (and trans men – men), and I want you, my reader, to know that.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

by J.K. Rowling // 360 pages

The second book in the series follows a now twelve-year-old Harry. He’s about to start his second year at Hogwarts and meet his besties, but his plans get derailed by a strange house-elf. The elf earns him imprisonment in his room, but Harry’s trusty friend Ron and his mischievous brothers help out. The house-elf did warn Harry about the deathly danger he’s in, and Harry soon notices weird things happening to and around him.

The first two books are not my favourite from the bunch, but I still love how hopeful and cosy they are. If you’ve read the Harry Potter series, which book is your favourite?

♦ books I’m reading right now ♦

Currently, I’m reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, as well as some books I started last year. I’m still reading Gothic Short Stories, Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte and The Princess Bride by William Goldman. I also started The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu, but I was already reading Harry Potter, so I gave the book to my mum. Once she’s done with it, I’ll continue reading that one, too!

✨ 30 day challenge ✨

I didn’t participate in any 30-day challenges during January. Instead, I tried to find routines that work and figure out what I wanna do this year. So far, I haven’t developed any “aesthetic” routines or created a structure for my life. I’m starting to think that routines don’t work for me!

challenge for february: walk every day

I go on walks as often as possible, but some days I’m swamped with work and have no time for them. (Or energy – after most walks, I’m pooped and need a nap!)

This month I want to make time for a 15-20 minute walk every day and try going on at least an hour-long walk a few times a week. A walk an hour before bedtime makes me extra drowsy, and I can sleep better if I have gone on a walk. (Not to mention the benefits for my body – my job is quite sedentary.) I have already been on three walks, so this challenge should go well!

I also want to push myself to go for a short walk even if the weather’s horrible, as I used to do that every day when my doggy Rex was still alive. It’s not like I’m pushing myself to run a marathon every day, you know? And I miss my nightly walks in Riga; so many parts of the town look more beautiful in the lantern light.

Photo by Lina Kivaka from Pexels.

✨ bonus: my goals for 2022 ✨

My 2022 goals are sorted into two categories: work and life. I’ve listed them in no particular order as they are all equally important to me, and I feel like they’re also doable. I’ve already started doing most of them, and I’m planning when and how to do the rest!

go on an adventure every month

It can be as simple as trying a new hobby, going for a walk in a new place, or doing anything that’s out of the ordinary. (Which isn’t saying much for me – I spend most of my time in front of a computer screen.) I didn’t go on any adventures in January, but I will think of something for the rest of the months!

make more money

Many goals involve money, as I need certain things to grow my business and increase productivity. I’d also love to do some exciting things in my free time, and most involve money.

eat healthy five days a week

To me, healthy eating includes lots of veggies, home-cooked meals, and limited amounts of junk food. I’d also like to limit sugary foods, alcohol, and highly processed foods. That doesn’t mean I’ll live off salad all the time; in fact, many popular “healthy” foods like boujee salad, berries and random supplements are far too expensive for me. I love using cheap veggies and a variety of spices to make tasty stews, roasts, soups and other dishes.

post on blog at least 3x a week

I haven’t posted frequently on my blog for a long time; it’s always been a goal of mine! However, I have a weird thought process that prevents this. I get focused on a Mon-Wed-Fri schedule, and if I miss a Monday, I won’t try posting anything at all! It’s so stupid, but that’s how my all-or-nothing brain works. This year I’m trying to be a healthier person, including changing toxic mindsets!

Photo by Sarah Chai from Pexels.

read at least 24 books in 2022 aka 2 per month

Last year I read 15 books instead of the 12 I hoped to read, so this year I’m pushing myself to read even more. My goal for 2022 is to read at least two books per month. Some months I might read more, but I’ll try to read at least two books.

make a savings fund

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to create a tangible savings fund. My goal for 2022 is to create a savings fund for emergencies and the like. Is that one of your goals, too?

work out at least 3x times per week

Fun fact about me: yoga and most other at-home exercises make me irrationally angry. I’m not joking! I get so aggressive I want to yell at puppies! However, I love going for walks around the city, so my current plan is to go for many walks. I’d also love to start running in the spring and summer months!

make my business grow and prosper

I’ve neglected my jewellery side hustle, but I have plans and more tools at my disposal to give it a better go. I’d also love to grow my blog, as it’s been on the back burner. I’ve started revamping some old posts, and I redesigned the site. I’ve also started sharing new posts; I aim to share a new post from Mon-Fri, but I’m not upset if that doesn’t happen. I have other business ideas as well but currently I have enough stuff on my plate! 😀

take a day off each week

Honestly, I often don’t have time to take a day off and do something fun or catch up on house tasks. Most days, I have some work-related thing to do, and I always feel like I’m falling behind if I’m not working. (Which is an awful mindset, and I should change it ASAP.) In fact, for the past couple of months, I’ve worked pretty much every day to some degree! (I’m sure quite a few freelancers, workaholics and I-suck-at-time-management people will find this relatable.) I plan to work longer hours for 4-5 days a week on stuff that will bring in money soon and spend 1-2 days on other things. That way I’d have a day to do something that helps me recharge for the next six days!

Photo by Taryn Elliott from Pexels.

better work-life balance

I need time for personal growth, to learn new skills, work on side-projects, develop new hobbies, and go out to do fun things more often. Unfortunately, I’m an umpteenth generation workaholic, so work-life balance is something I wasn’t really taught growing up. I love what I do, but it is mentally exhausting, and I don’t want to burn out! How do you keep a good work-life balance? Perhaps you’re looking to fix it, too?

maintain a clean home

I have many things to clean and organize before I can say I’m “maintaining” a clean home. (Besides, with four mischievous cats, the house will never be clean!) Once my home is organized, I will create a to-do list for all cleaning tasks I need to do and when I need to do them.

pay off all debt

Pretty self-explanatory. It will be tough, but I’m confident in my abilities, and I would love to exit 2022 fully debt-free!

#QOTD: Are you participating in any challenges during 2022? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Until later,

xoCaligo

---

SUBSCRIBE to my blog

This is not a sponsored post; all opinions are my own. I am not being paid to promote anything.