New York Haul

Hey guys!

As promised, here's my haul for NYC. It took me a while to get this up because after New York, I was sick for a good ten days. Then I went to France and I've been working ridiculous hours since I've been home!

I know this haul doesn't look like much but to be honest, I was surprised with the restraint I had while I was in NYC! I knew I didn't need to buy any makeup as I have SO MUCH to get through so I only picked up a few bits I have wanted for ages!

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

A cult favourite in America, this cream isn't too widely available in Ireland and after seeing so many people gush about the Bum Bum Cream online, I knew I had to pick it up this time!

I went for the largest tub because I felt like treating myself and I cannot wait to use it. Sol de Janeiro claims that this all over body cream smoothens your skin while leaving it soft and hydrated. My skin can get so dry in the summer months, even though I moisturise and drink lots of water!

I haven't opened the tub yet but I will be sure to let everyone know how I get on with the Bum Bum Cream!

I picked mine up in Sephora for $45.

Urban Decay Born to Run Palette

I know I said I didn't need anymore palettes a while back but I've had UD's Born to Run on my list for a few months now! I love the neutrals in this palette and the shades on the more adventurous side (the jewel shades) really do compliment any neutral look with a gorgeous pop of colour.

Urban Decay's quality never disappoints and these really do last all day! I couldn't say no to purchasing the palette when it was only $29 over Memorial Day Weekend in Sephora!

While it's not on sale anymore, you can pick up the Born to Run palette in Sephora for $49.

Hawaiian Pink Hibiscus PocketBac Hand Sanitiser 

I picked up a small hand sanitiser in Bath & Body Works when I got some candles as well because, lets face it, the NYC Subway is not clean! You need to sanitise your hands after each ride and it is 100% necessary to do so before eating as well!

I chose this one because it's pink and also smells fantastic. I definitely wish I had picked up a few more because they're so handy and smell great!

You can get single sanitisers or a packet from Bath & Body Works.

Sephora Collection Pro Domed Foundation Brush #78

I'll admit that I completely splurged on this brush! I have heard so many people rave about Sephora's brushes and after talking to one of the lovely girls that works there, she suggested the Pro Domed Foundation Brush, having described it as a blending sponge in a brush. 

I swear by the Real Techniques Sponge and having tried this brush a few times now, I definitely agree with the employee's description! My foundation just glides on and it is beyond easy to blend and nothing becomes cakey and there are never any spots on my face that aren't covered!

If you're looking for a new foundation brush, I would definitely recommend this one!

You can get the Sephora Pro Domed Founation Brush in stores and online for $36.

Colourpop Cosmetics Yes, Please! Palette

 I love Colourpop and have used their single pressed shadows for years now. I didn't see any palettes in stock in the Ulta I went to last year so couldn't resist buying one when I saw the stand was fully stocked this year!

For $16 this palette is a steal and it just screams gorgeous, sunkissed glowing looks to me. The warm neutrals paired with the metallic shades are the perfect combination for any evening or summer session looks!

If you're in NYC, the Ulta nearest to The MET has a Colourpop stand and it is well worth the visit.

Otherwise, the palette is available from Ulta's website for $16.

Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder

This powder is hands down my favourite purchase from the whole trip! A lot of you won't know this but I was super close to my granny, Kitty, before she passed away when I was younger. We both loved pink and I was literally called Mini Kitty but a lot of people who knew the two of us. I chose Kitty as my confirmation name when I was 12 and always use it now, hence CiaraKittyK!

If I was to describe what Kitty smelt like, it would literally be this powder so I knew I had to purchase it on this trip to New York. I haven't opened it yet and don't plan on doing so anytime soon but I love being able to just take it off my shelf and smell it.

The CVS website is not available outside of the US so I can't access the page or how much it was but this loose powder is available from CVS Pharmacy!

Sephora Insider Kat Von D Birthday Gift 2019

I have a Sephora Insider card and the staff in one of the stores was kind enough to give me my birthday gift for this year when I said I was visiting from Ireland and I chose the Kat Von D birthday gift.

The gift includes a mini Tattoo Liner, a mini Lock It powder and small samples of the Studded Kiss line. I have wanted to try the liner and powder for a while now so it was a no-brainer when I was asked which gift I would like.

If you're in the US on a J1 or just a visit, it's totally worth getting an Insider card and asking for your birthday gift before you come home!

Well, there you guys have it! A rundown of all of the makeup related products I bought this time around in New York! There were definitely a lot of products I wanted but knew I didn't need at all so this haul isn't huge but I am definitely happy with everything I bought!

Have you just returned from America?
What kind of products did you buy?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

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Shopping My Stash - January 2019

Hey guys!

So I know my January post on shopping my stash is a little late, but with all the work in my final semester, as well as trying to figure out what I'll be doing next year, I honestly couldn't find the time to sit down and write this.

I was so good in January, I didn't buy any new makeup or skincare at home but when I went to Portugal, I couldn't resist buying an egg themed, three-step skincare routine. I haven't used them yet but I will soon and I'll keep you updated with how I'm getting on with them!

Skincare

I have a whole shelf dedicated to skincare in my room, along with a box on my desk with everything I'm currently using. I 100% panic-purchased a lot of The Ordinary products when they temporary shut down so I have quite a few things to get through.

My skin wasn't too bad in January so I stuck to a simple routine of face wash, cleansing pads and a moisturiser. 

I bought a new face wash going to Portugal, along with the current one I was using when I left and the new one came home, unopened. Since then it was just sitting on my shelf because I had some at home that I felt the need to use first. For January, I decided to use and am still using, L'Oréal's Fine Flowers Gel-Cream Face Wash.

My skin can get pretty sensitive so the fact that this doesn't have a scent is a bonus for me! I am that lazy person who washes their face when they're in the shower so I use this every second day and it leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed.

I am a self-proclaimed Nip+Fab lover but when I saw Superdrug brought out their own version of the glycolic pads, I had to buy them! Seen as they were always out of stock when I tried to order them, I ordered a few when I could finally get my hands on them.

I started using them after taking a week's break from the Nip+Fab pads and to be honest, I really don't see a difference between the two brands. The Superdrug pads are more affordable and leave my skin feeling just as good as the higher-end pads. 

The only way I'll be reverting back to the Nip+Fab pads now is if they have their fabulous €6 sale on again soon!

I don't even want to admit how long this has been on my shelf...  that's how old it is! However I never actually opened it so it was totally fine to use and I completely forgot why I loved it so much in the first place.

As you guys know, my face can get seriously dry and it's hard to find a moisturiser that actually works for me. I used this daily in 5th and 6th year but completely forgot I had bought more of it before it was discontinued. 

I cannot fault this product at all. It dries into your skin and doesn't flake off as all of the goodness is absorbed by my dry, tired forehead and if you need extra moisture, leaving a thick layer on your skin will mean it's been absorbed by the time morning comes!

Makeup 

With makeup, it is beyond obvious I own too much. While I have stopped buying eyeshadow palettes, there are things like powder, foundation (maybe not so much..) and concealer that I will always need to buy more of, as I use them all  the time.

Last month, I used up powders I had stocked up on (don't ask me why I decided to stock up on powder, I couldn't tell you why), a new mascara because mine ran out, as well as using concealers that I could only use when tanned. Other than that, I continued using everything I would normally use in my routine as I had enough product to last me the month and hate unnecessarily opening new makeup when you have an unfinished open product that is similar if not the same.

I am a Stay Matte fanatic. I have used this powder since I started doing makeup and no other product has convinced me to leave it behind. I normally use the powder in translucent but when I saw a Clear Complexion Translucent on a trip to London, I bought four or five of them.

Again, I don't know why I thought stockpiling was a good idea, but this isn't the only occasion I've done it either.

I crushed the powder and put it into an old loose powder container because I find it the best way to apply the product and have been doing this for almost a year now. For me, this product is the exact same as the regular translucent powder and while it does say it can clear your skin, I haven't seen any difference in my skin as a result of this powder.

This mascara came out in 2017 and I'm fairly sure I bought it in early 2018. I am so bad at buying mini mascaras and I always forget I have about five or six full-size products just sitting in a drawer, waiting to be used.

I started January using a mini Nars Audacious mascara but I hated it! I had heard so many great things about the mascara but I found flakes all over my face and under my eyes an hour or two after application. I used it a few more times to see if my application was the issue but I kept on getting horrible flakes everywhere. I tossed the product and moved straight onto L'Oréal's Miss Baby Roll and I am in love!

The formula does not flake, which was a nice turnaround from my previous mascara and I got curl, length and volume, all from the one mascara! For added volume, I apple two to three coats and with this mascara, there's no clumping. My lashes stay curled all day and I am so happy I decided to try this mascara out!

I was gifted the Physician's Formula Super BB Concealer a while ago and never used it because it was far too dark for my skin. I used fake tan a few times in January because of birthdays and my trip to Portugal so I decided to put this product to the test.

I was completely unimpressed. While the shade was fine for when I had tan on, the coverage this concealer has it shocking. I found myself putting a layer on before and after foundation and still having to use a different concealer afterwards if I had a blemish because this just wouldn't cover it up!

The formula is creamy and if you're looking for a lightweight concealer and you only need a little coverage, this is for you. However, if like me, you enjoy high coverage from any concealer you use then I'd give this one a skip!

Haircare

My mum usually buys my shampoo and conditioner for me and I always forget that I have some in the hot press and usually end up buying some myself without thinking there's some at home. I actually put a note up in my room this month reminding me that there was some in the hot press so I wouldn't go out and buy more!

So, when my shampoo ran out I started using a Head and Shoulders shampoo as well as using up the remainder of a hair mask I had bought in Portugal and just left and the end of the bath for months!

I love Head and Shoulders as my scalp can get dry sometimes and their formula really helps get rid of any dryness in a few washes. The full and strong version that I started using has also really helped any breakages I was having before Christmas (this always seems to happen when I get stressed) and left my hair feeling strong and nourished.

If you're looking for a good shampoo, it is so important to note that Head and Shoulders isn't just for people with dandruff and their range is expanding all the time, they definitely have a shampoo that suits every hair issue!

Another product I picked up and forgot about was this mask from L'Oréal's Dream Lengths. I have bought and do intend on using the shampoo and conditioner but I have been using the no cut cream since June and it has really helped the condition of the ends of my hair!

I bought the mask while I was in Portugal because I noticed the heat was having an effect on my hair health and thought this would help. For one, it smells fantastic and secondly, it left my hair feeling soft and smooth until the next wash.

When I came home, I left it on the end of my bath and pretty much forgot it existed so when I was doing a clear out in January, I started to use it again. At the moment, I'm using it on a weekly basis because it is an intense treatment but if you leave it in the lengths of your hair for up to five minutes, your hair will feel absolutely fantastic until the next wash!

I loved shopping my stash this month and was pleasantly surprised that I didn't buy that much makeup or skincare over the few weeks. 

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

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Let's Talk Makeup - Shopping My Stash

Hey guys!

So I don't know if you guys have seen it on Instagram but a lot of bloggers are talking about 'Shopping their Stash' in the new year rather than continuously buying new makeup.

Between unpacking from Christmas (I didn't get any new makeup, I made a point of saying I had enough but thank you, to everyone who suggested it as a present) and thinking about what to pack for my January getaway, I realised just how much makeup and skincare I own.

So I am 100% jumping on the bandwagon and placing a spending ban on makeup and skincare (except whatever I just so happen to fall in love with in Sephora during my trip..) until I've diminished what I own somewhat.

I also won't be buying ANY new palettes for a while because I literally have a drawer of them and it's ridiculous because I don't think I've hit pan on a single one of them.

I also have five or six different foundations in virtually the same shade, just sitting on a shelf waiting to be used. While I do receive some products as part of press packs, the majority of my makeup collection is products I have bought myself (or received as presents). So my stash is all of my own making and it needs to be stopped.

Keep up with how I get on, 'shopping my stash' on Instagram over the next few weeks!

Have you guys compiled a stash of makeup over the last while?

Has it gotten out of control like mine?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

Instagram: instagram.com/ciarakittyk

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Snapchat: Ciarakxo

Summer Empties

Hey guys!

So over the summer I really didn't wear much makeup but I did get to the end of some products, albeit mainly skincare.

My empties posts seem to be some of the most popular posts so here are the products I finished over the summer!

Ardell Demi Wispies 

I tended to lean towards using lashes rather than go for a full eye look and these lashes were perfect for creating a dramatic look. I went through a whole multipack along with half of this one during the summer because these are my go-to lashes. 

I did try out some of the SOSU lashes as well but I always find myself going back to these because they're dramatic without being over the top.

L'Oréal Pure Clay Purity Mask

I will always repurchase this mask! I love it so much and it is so handy to just apply at night, have a cup of tea and just rinse it off before bed. The purity mask helps to mattify skin and eliminate impurities, something that really works on my combination skin!

I found the jar had more than the ten applications advertised and all you need is a flat brush to apply it and a cloth to rinse off! For €11 and 10+ applications, you really can't go wrong with the L'Oréal Pure Clay mask range.

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara

For the first few weeks in work I actually bothered to wear minimal makeup and this mascara helped me to look alive in the mornings. It lengthens my lashes a lot when I use a curler beforehand and I love the formula, it doesn't clump and rarely flakes throughout the day.

It is also easily removed with some eye makeup remover which I love! I hate stubborn formulas that won't come off!

Garnier Summer Body - Light

I used this moisturiser before Portugal and have repurchased the bottle since I've come home, in hope of saving my tan!

I use a body moisturiser anyway so having one that has a hint of fake tan in it really helped me look sun-kissed before I went off and hopefully will help prolong my tan over the coming weeks. 

It also smells really good which is always a bonus.

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme

So there's like a teeny tiny bit of product left inside here but I can't get it out, I've decided it's never going to come out and it's time for the bin.

I did love it though! With a sweet vanilla scent, this lip gloss actively plumped your lips from application. It did tingle about five minutes after application each night but made my lips look fabulous and long-term application can result in permanent effects.

I always try minis before I buy a full-size product and I will definitely be purchasing the full-size soon!

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads

These pads have become a staple in my skincare routine and I have repurchased them so many times since I first tried them out a few months ago.

I use the pads every night before bed; the glycolic acid retextures and resurfaces the skin while the hyaluronic acid  moisturises and refreshes along with the blue daisy soothes and calms the skin.

Overall, the pads have helped my breakouts and I love how smooth my skin feels at the moment!

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

It's no surprise that this concealer features in my empty products from the summer. Whenever I wore any makeup, it was this concealer and I will always repurchase it because it is the best concealer I have ever used.

They have also recently expanded their shade range so the brand is getting even better!

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

Combined with the pads, the salicylic acid solution has really helped my skin improve over the past few months. This did give me chemical burn on some patches of my face so I discontinued use in those areas but overall it has helped my blemish-prone skin.

I'm not sure if I would repurchase this as I have so many Ordinary products to get through and my skin clearly had a reaction to this.

What products did you use up during the summer?

Did we finish any of the same products?

Do you have any recommendations for me?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

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New York Haul Part 2

Hey guys!

Wow, it's almost been three moths since my last post. I took a break from blogging this summer because I have been interning in Portugal and after a 40 hour week, on my days off I made the most of them and the crappy wifi in my house didn't help at all.

I'm home soon (August 31st) and have a lot of posts planned for before I go back to college and during the year. I will be heading into the final year of my degree so posts will be less frequent but I will aim for a new post every two weeks.

For now, I finally have part 2 of my New York haul which includes everything I bought in Sephora and the sweets I brought home with me!

Sephora

Tarteist™ Creamy Matte Lip Paint in TBT

I bought this matte lipstick in TBT because I am a sucker for nudes and while I was there, it was on offer for $12 so I couldn't say no.

I haven't used this yet because I tried (and failed) not to bring too much makeup over to Portugal and left this one at home! I cannot wait to wear in coming into autumn and you'll definitely see this shade on my feed in the coming weeks.

Tarte's matte lip paint is available here for $20

Tarte To Go Mini Sets

I picked up these two mini sets from the Sephora mini section before leaving NYC.

The first set is a mascara, blusher and bronzer, I haven't opened the set yet but it is no longer available on the Sephora or Tarte website. I also have not had the chance to try any of these out because I left so soon after I got home! This set cost $12.

The second set is the Wide Awake skincare mini which was such good value! Advertised as a "3-piece travel set to fake a full night's sleep" the set has a pair of 911 undereye rescue patches, their famous lights, camera, lashes™ 4-in1 mascara and a deluxe maracuja C-brighter™.

All three of these products have received stellar reviews and I cannot wait to use this set, which I got for a steal at $12.

Sephora Favourites Give Me Some Lip

This set was a complete impulse buy on my last night in NYC. I had seen it in every Sephora I had been to and finally caved on my last night. It came with one full size Anastasia Beverly Hills matte lipstick in Ruby, Grande Cosmetics HydraPlump Semi-Matte Liquid Lipstick in Smoked Sherry, Tarte Rainforest of the Sea H2O gloss Lip Gloss in Bora Bora, Urban Decay Hi-Fi Lip Gloss in SPL, Kat Von D Beauty Studded Kiss Crème in Lovecraft and Bite Beauty Prismatic Multistick in Pink Pearl.

I gave my mum the full-size lipstick because she loves red lipstick and has worn it a lot over the summer. I left the majority of the box at home but did take the Kat von D mini and I am in love with it! It lasts for quite a few drinks and doesn't dry out my lips at all!

The set cost $28 with a total value of $68. It is still available from Sephora.

Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet Foundation

This was a repurchase for my sister purely because it is cheaper to buy in America and she's so pale I'm fairly sure you can only buy this shade over there. Sadly I left it at home though so I have no idea what shade it is. All I know is that she loves the coverage and finish of the foundation.

Boscia Charcoal Pore Pudding Intensive Wash-Off Treatment

I spent a certain amount (I honestly can't remember how much) so with the Sephora VIB card I brought over with me (It's my sister's from when she was in San Diego last year), I got a free gift. I chose this Boscia wash-off treatment because I had heard so much about their skincare. The full-size of this product retails for $38 and while this is not full-size, it is a very generous sample.

I left it in Dublin when I moved over to Portugal but I cannot wait to go home and use it!

 Glamglow Hello Sexy Insider Birthday Gift

As it was my sister's card, I also got to redeem her birthday gift while I was in New York. I chose this GlamGlow set as it had the GlamGlow Supermud mask and the Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturiser in Nude Glow. I have never used GlamGlow products so this little gift made the most sense for me to choose.

Sephora Collection Eye Masks

I am a sucker for a good mask (eyes, hair, face, feet - the girls I've been living with will testify to that!) so I had to pick up some eye masks before I left. I find these so useful after flights or a long night out as they just reduce puffiness and feel fab after application.

I chose a selection of masks - algae mask for tonifying and detoxifying, green tea mask for relaxing and refreshing, lotus mask for reducing signs of fatique and the rose mask for a radiance boost.

 Sephora Collection Face Masks 

I always do a sheet mask at least once a week and seen as I cannot buy these masks at home, I stocked up on a few in NYC as well!

I chose a selection of masks I had never tried before including the pineapple mask for pore perfecting and smoothing, the grape mask as a shield for urban pollution, the avocado mask for nourishing and repairing and the algae mask for eliminating impurities.

I love these masks so much and will probably be picking some more up here before I leave!

Candy and Chocolate

Caramel M&Ms

I brought these home for my brother but now I wish I had gotten some for myself! I wouldn't quite call these caramel, they are more like a soft toffee and they are fabulous!

I bought these in Target but saw them in a lot of other stores too!

 Mint M&Ms

Also a Target purchase, I got these for my family (hence the large size) and we hadn't opened them before I left so they better still be there when I get home next week!

 Sour Patch Kids and Watermelon and Mike&Ike Intense Fruit

Anyone that knows me knows I am OBSESSED with Sour Patch Watermelon, I love them so much. I really did stock up on these before I left and also got a mix of other jellies and jelly beans for myself and my family to try.

 Swedish Fish

My brother really did well out of my trip. He asked me to bring home some Swedish Fish and I brought a very very very large bag home for him. They also disappeared very quickly!

 Trident Watermelon Twist Chewing Gum

I picked a multipack of this chewing gum when I went to Costco and I do not regret it at all! A pack of 15 cost $8 which was really good compared to the price in most stores. The flavour doesn't last as long as I would like it to but it's sugar free and tastes great!

Hot Fudge Sundae Pop Tarts

Another purchase for my very lucky brother and a very hard flavour to find! I went to at least 5 different stores looking for these and had almost given up hope until I saw these near to where I was staying.

I wasn't lucky enough to try these but my brother loved them so I'm sure they tasted good!

Have you ever visited America?

Did you bring back any of the same products/food as I did?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

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