Shopping My Stash | Clinique Finds

Hey Everyone!

Since I have been on a very tight budget lately, I have been unable to purchase new products as often as I usually do and I have to admit I miss having new things to try. I have therefore been inspired by a few videos I saw on YouTube with the theme of "Shopping Your Stash". Simply put, this means searching through your neglected products to find treasures that are amazing but have been forgotten. I was pretty impressed with the idea and thought I would give it a go with my most neglected make up collection: my Clinique tin.

Most of my Clinique products are samples, my mums cast off's or bonus time gifts. Although I absolutely love getting freebies, I have found that since I did not purchase these myself, I've never felt the need to really get the use out of them, even if they are fantastic products which I would otherwise use to death (or till they run out). So a few nights ago, whilst shopping my stash, I found these gems.

So as you can see, quite a few amazing products have been hiding in my drawer! I have been using the Liquid Facial Soap every night since my simple face wash ran out and although its for combination oily to oily skin and I would describe mine as combination dry, it has worked perfectly and I have noticed somewhat of an improvement. The first few days I used it with my Soap & Glory sponge, but I noticed this was quite drying, so now I'm just using my hands and it works a treat. I'm not saying its a miracle treatment but its all I'm looking for in a face wash.

As for the Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser, I'm not entirely sure how to use it. I'm pretty sure its a makeup remover- but it says avoid contact with eyes. So perhaps you've just to use it to remove foundation and blusher etc and find an alternative method for eye make up? If you can share any knowledge on this let me know in the comments.

Finally, both mini palettes I found I am particularly excited about. I couldn't believe these had been forgotten for so long! The browns and neutrals are exactly the colours I wear and I think the pinky peach shadow would make a lovely highlighter. Also, I think the blush will give a lovely rosy glow for cooler days. (I wasn't sure whether the correct word is blush or blusher, I googled it, said it over and over and I've reached the conclusion that is doesn't matter- though I found that saying it over and over in your head means it doesn't seem like a word any more!)

So there we have it- my stash has successfully been shopped! I absolutely love this concept as it feels like getting new products without spending any money. 

Have you shopped your stash lately? Found any forgotten treasures?

Decor | Cute Up-cycled Glass Jar

Hey Everyone!

This is a bit of a different post today- decor I was inspired to create by similar ones I saw on pinterest and by my shabby chic obsession.

To make this, all I did was wash out an old glass coffee jar and fill it with a selection of pretty things. You could use anything; from sweets to dried flowers. I chose shells, pearls and sparkly jewellery as I like the contrast between them.

I then covered the lid in a Cath Kidston napkin and secured it with a white elastic band. You might notice that the napkin is the same pattern as my make up bag which I like as they tie in with the pink and green theme of my room.

As I mentioned, although my room is pink and green, I absolutely love shabby chic decor and I am trying to incorporate small hints here and there without changing my room entirely.

I love how simple yet pretty the jar is and how is adds a really interesting touch to an otherwise boring surface.

Would you consider giving it a go? Would you like to see more decor or DIY posts in future?

Polish Post 4

Hey Everyone :)

Well after a fantastic weekend of blogging, shopping, watching many, many youtube vids, joining (and loving) pinterest and generally not studying, it's time to get back to my books because exams are looming! So I've prewritten this post on Sunday's nails.

MissTique nail polish is available as part of the Summer Splash Polish Set on MissGuided for £10 but I got mine in a magazine a while ago.

Colour-This is a gorgeous blue/teal. It's really attention grabbing and out there. I put it on because today has been really dreary weather so I thought it would add a bit of cheer and remind me that summer is on its way (hopefully!)

Consistency- I usually like nail polishes with a thicker consistency but I actually get along really well with this as its midway- not watery but not clumpy. Two coats gives my nails complete cover.

Brush- The brush is round which again, I'm not usually fond of but because it's quite thin its great and picks up just the right amount of polish.

Durability- This lasts a good few days with no chips with no top coat which I think is pretty good.

Rating- 8/10 (Those 2 are dropped simply because it wouldn't go with every outfit eg. a peach chiffon blouse).

Have you got this nail polish? Do you like it?

Nails | Polish Post 5

Hey Everyone!

I officially have a new favourite nail polish that I have been coating every colour with - Topshop's Ice Crush. I had been eager to try glitter polish for a very long time but was really confused as to which one to get as there are so many available now. I had heard many great things about the Topshop nail polishes, so I decided to give their glitter a go. They have pink, purple and silver, and I opted for the silver as I thought the glitter was more 'chunky' and the clear polish could go over any colour.

As with all of Topshop's make up line, the packaging is super cute. I actually love this so much that for the first few days of having it I used it as decor simple because it was so pretty! It works amazingly with a variety of different colours, and as I mentioned, I love that there is a mixture of large flakes of glitter and small flecks. Another thing which I was really impressed with was the consistency- one coat of this will cover the nail in sparkle.

Apologies for my nails which are possibly in the worst condition in history. Mid years resolution-stop biting them!

Not only does the polish make your nails sparkle, it leaves a lovely shine as a top coat. Also, its holographic properties reflect the colour you're wearing so in a way it adapts to it. Overall, I am super pleased with this polish- its exactly what I was looking for and I am now desperate to try out more glitter nail polishes and more of Topshop's make up line!

Ice Crush is available in Topshop or online.

Do you like glitter polishes? Any recommendations for what I should buy next?

Haul | H&M and Primark

Hey Everyone!

I've not done a haul in a while so I thought I would show you what I've bought recently! Its safe to say that since my exams finished I went on a bit of a blow out spendathon and now I can't set foot in a shop for weeks as I've spent all my money :( But oh well I am really pleased with my purchases and I can see me getting lots of use out of them- particularly in the coming summer months!

First up is H&M and this is without doubt my favourite shop at the moment. I've always thought of H&M as quite Hit and Miss (aha see what I did there?) but right now it has an amazing collection. 

£12.99

 I am in love with this floral playsuit because it is so versatile and wearable. I wore it to a party with heels but it will also be ideal to wear on holiday with sandals. A definite staple in my summer wardrobe. 

£4.99

I plan to wear this oversized heart top tucked into denim shorts on a summers day or over leggings when its cooler.

£12.99

Another really versatile piece perfect for summer and I love the colour of this against my skin tone, especially with a red lip and red nails!

£14.99

I have been looking for the perfect pair of denim shorts for ages and I've finally found them. These are an all year round piece- can be worn with tights when its cooler or with a tan on holiday. They are one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe and I'm so excited so put different outfits together with them. 

I was put off similar shorts in the likes of Primark because of the cheap looking buttons whereas I love the rosy copper buttons on these and I also like the green stitching as its pretty unusual.

And Primark- which, in sprite of my current love affair with H&M, remains one of my favourite shops.

£6

I am still  amazed at the price of this dress. This is the perfect holiday dress- ideal for wearing to the beach over a bikini yet also perfectly acceptable for dinner. Its available in a variety of colours including navy, mustard, white, pink and bright blue. 

£6

I'm not sure if its weird to show you my bikini but ah well I thought I'd share since it was such a bargain! Also available in purple and pink. This year I want to have a variety of swimwear as I think on holiday I'll be at the pool or beach everyday! (Yay I'm so excited!)

So that's my most recent purchases! Have you found any bargains lately? Do you love H&M as much as me?