Hey guys!
I've slowly been making my way through my makeup stash since January and have been making some dents in products I never used before. While I haven't hit pan on anything yet, I also have tried not to buy anything new and think I've been pretty successful for a self-confessed makeup addict!
If you didn't see my initial post about "shopping my stash", be sure to check it out!
Benefit Real Cheeky Party Set
I'm not even going to lie, this set was 100% an impulse buy and I did not need it when I bought it. I was sucked in by the value in the set and the fact that I was getting Hoola Bronzer (which I love as a contour shade) and a They're Real Mascara, two products which used to be staples in my routine.
I have since started using the blushers in the set as well (yes, they were just sitting in the pan unused...) and absolutely love Sugarbomb! The pan is too small to target one of the four shades in the blush but when swirled together, it gives a gorgeous pinky-peach colour to your cheeks with a hint of gold sheen as well.
Sugarbomb is such a natural-looking blush and I love it for daytime or work makeup because it is not overly obvious, just a dash of colour on your cheeks!
I still use Hoola all the time and the mascara has been used up and I've since decided to branch out into the many, many different mascaras I had sitting in my makeup drawer.
Nars Audacious Mascara
I had this mascara sitting on my shelf for quite a few months because I didn't want to use it. The packaging is matte black and I was ridiculously under the impression that it was too pretty to use.
I want to make it very clear now, before I get into why I didn't like the Nars Audacious Mascara that while it was sitting on my shelf, the tube had never been open and it was still well within it's shelf life before I opened it and really did not like it at all.
I had such high hopes for the first Nars mascara I tried and within an hour or two of applying it, I was left severely disappointed. Luckily, I hadn't left the house yet because the mascara had flaked all the way down my face and was just a mess if I'm being honest.
I haven't tried any other Nars mascara since the Audacious Mascara and because of my experience with it, I don't think I will be trying any other one from the brand anytime soon.
Tarte Tartelette Toasted Palette
I bought the Tartelette Toasted Palette in Ulta during my first trip to New York last year and seldom used it until recently. I used to just dip into it for the odd colour here and there (Warmth is my favourite transition shade!) but never actively used it or had it in my most-used makeup box.
I tried to pack lightly when I went down to West Cork in July and this was the only palette I brought with me. I cannot believe I didn't use this everyday because I have fallen in love with the palette.
It is the perfect mix of matte and metallic and so easy to go from day to night with. The shades are long wearing and stay vibrant throughout the night if you use a primer beforehand.
Flame is my current go-to shimmer shade because it is perfect for summer nights watching the sun go down.
Patisserie de Bain Strawberry Cupcake Shower Creme
I got the Glossybox Advent Calendar for my birthday last year and while the products in the calendar were fantastic, I really didn't need any of them!
I have slowly been making my way through the box and found the fact that a lot of the products were travel size or travel-friendly in general which was great when I went to New York in May because I didn't want to trek a full bottle of anything over with me (We stayed in an AirBnB not a hotel!).
The calendar came with a 50ml bottle of Patisserie de Bain's Strawberry Cupcake Shower Creme which smells fantastic. It felt fabulous on my skin and the great thing about a small bottle was that I used it all up during the trip!
Nip+Fab Dragon's Blood Fix Plumping Serum
Another product I have started to use from the Glossybox Advent Calendar is Nip+Fab's Dragon's Blood Fix Plumping Serum.
A little really does go a long way with this serum and a pea-sized amount on your fingertip is enough for your whole face! I have noticed my skin is not getting as dehydrated as it usually does and I will definitely consider purchasing a full-size serum after this is gone!
While I don't have any fine lines and wrinkles yet (Hopefully not for a good while!), this serum also aims to reduce the appearance of both.
Kaleido Cosmetics Astrolight Highlight
Another Glossybox product (I have since cancelled my subscription as I don't even need any of the products I was receiving even though I did love getting the boxes!) I attempted to use was the Astrolight Highlight from Kaleido Cosmetics. I say attempted because the product was far too dark for my skin but with tan gave a gorgeous glow to my face and it does stay put all day, without fading.
However, I'm not always tanned and have started to use the highlight as a shadow topper and let me tell you, your eyes will be seen from space! It reflects the light and just gives a gorgeous colour to any neutral or warm eye look!
I loved shopping my stash so far and have pleasantly surprised at my restraint since I committed to *trying* to stop buying makeup!
Have you been shopping your stash like me?
What products have you come across?
If not, did this give you any inspiration to save some money and use what you already own?
Let me know in the comments below!
Ciara,
xoxo.
Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk
Instagram: instagram.com/ciarakittyk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sparkleofpink
Snapchat: Ciarakxo
