No Beauty Buy Year... 3 months in!

So, I’m officially three months in and to be very honest, I’m really surprised I’ve managed to make it this far. I definitely thought I’d have given in and bought something by now but I haven’t!! I have managed to get through three months and not buy any makeup, tan or skincare. This may seem like an easy task to some but I’m a makeup/beauty addict and this is probably the longest I’ve gone without buying makeup in literally about 10 years.

So here I am three months in, what have I learned? will I continue? how’s it going so far?

January

Well it’s certainly more difficult than I thought. The first month was probably the worst because all the new year sales came out and I found it hard to watch Instagram stories and YouTube videos of bloggers/influencers reviewing products. Towards the end of the month, my personal life got very busy and distracted me a lot so it started to get a bit easier. My housemates moved out and I took over the lease. This was super exciting because it meant I could throw myself into the world of interiors and redecorate the house a little bit. Beauty and makeup were the last thing on my mind to be honest.

February

I was still distracted by the house for the first week or so but then some fabulous launches came out and I was straight back to wanting to buy all the makeup! I decided to remind myself why I was doing the no beauty buy year, which was to mainly stop adding to my overwhelming beauty collection, used up what I have and appreciate all the beautiful products that I currently own. I saw LJ from @anythingbutmarizpan doing a #shopmystash challenge over on her Instagram and decided to jump on the bandwagon. Basically, shop my stash is where I pick out products at the beginning of the week and then I can only use those products for the entirety of that week. It has really REALLY helped me enjoy my own makeup collection again.

March

I spent most of the month on holiday which was amazing! I thought that this would be my biggest test of the year. I usually buy loads of stuff just before holiday, the first reason is because I like to give myself some pre-holiday treats like a new face mask or tan lol. The second reason is because I like to buy small travel sized bits and pieces and may “need” something. This time though I was well prepped, I did my #shopmystash holiday edition and realised that actually I have loads of makeup and definitely don’t “need” anything new. I’d about 10 tans to use up, loads of skincare that I could depot into travel bottles and plenty of makeup to see me through the holiday. I was also expecting the holiday itself to throw me off course because I was stopping in America and we all know how much I love a trip to Sephora. But I managed to ignore the cravings and keep my blinkers on. The rest of the month was actually easy as I threw myself into my #shopmystash challenge!

So that’s how’s it been thus far, a quarter way through the year. I’m actually thrilled with myself that I’ve managed to stick with it. I’ve learned that I had become the type of consumer to just buy everything and anything, I was literally like a magpie anything shiny and it HAD to be mine.

One interesting thing that I did notice is that my trips to Penneys/Primark are very different now. I hadn’t really noticed but every time I went in, I went immediately to the beauty section. I’m a big fan of the P.S beauty range (Penneys own brand of makeup) and they have new releases and products all the time. My local Penneys also stocks Essence (one of my favourite brands of all time) Catrice and a few other big brands. So, it was strange going in and trying to ignore the beauty section altogether. Now though I don’t mind too much going over and having a look but I think that’s also because I’m three months in know that I can definitely go a bit longer so I feel a bit stronger (I sound like a proper addict 😂). This all sounds so stupid because its only makeup at the end of the day but any fellow beauty addicts will understand me (I hope).

I’m definitely going to stick with the #nobeautybuy for as long as I possibly can and I’m excited to see how far I can get with it. If you’re interested in my rules for the challenge and how it all began you can read this post HERE. 

I’ll check in again in about 3 months’ time, until then you can follow me on Instagram for daily/weekly updates!

Erin x

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No Beauty Buy 2020

I have been a beauty lover all my life, but I became some what of a beauty addict over the last 5 years! It's now gotten to the stage where I've forgotten the majority of my collection because there's just so much of it and ultimately it's such a waste. I'm spending a fortune and not even getting the use out of the products!

Background
I think the addiction actually stems from most brands nowadays dropping new releases every two weeks! It can't just be me that's overwhelmed by the sheer volume of makeup launches the beauty industry has seen over the past few years. It used to be a big deal when a band was bring out a new collection, now it's just another Tuesday.

Recently I was going through my makeup, reorganising everything and I was kinda surprised by how much I've actually accumulated. I did a quick stock take and was shocked by the numbers. I have over 60 foundations for example...why??? I ONLY HAVE ONE FACE!!! That's more than a new foundation every week for a year. SO this has spurred me on to do the no beauty buy challenge this year. A few other people are doing it too, @anythingbutmarzipan being one of the biggest inspirations to me, she is going to do it for the whole year.

Reasons I'm Doing #NoBeautyBuy

• To test myself and see if I can resist and learn some self control again when it comes to makeup and beauty.
• To save some €€€.
• To use up/ significantly reduce my current collection.
• To properly use my makeup and start doing full reviews again.
• I am quite impulsive when buying makeup and I want to become more critical of new releases, deals etc.
• Learn to enjoy what I have currently.

Rules & Exceptions

• If I run out of a product, I must use up any backups or samples before buying.
• I cannot buy any new products unless I genuinely need them eg. if I run out cleanser or another essential item.
• I am only focusing on makeup and skincare as I am already quite good for using up shampoos, body washes etc. 
• If I do need to replace anything, I will do my best to find a product that is very good value and do research on the product before buying (something I haven't really been doing recently).

Being totally honest, I don't know if I can do this for a whole year, I certainly have enough makeup but I think I'll run out of skincare quickly enough. I think if I was to do this #NoBeuatyBuy every second month I'd still see a big reduction in the products I own and still make a decent saving. I know I'm going to America this year and I just can't imagine limiting myself on that trip as I'm not planning any American holidays after this one for quite a while. SO while I am going to be very strict on myself, there are a few cases where I will allow myself to spend and enjoy new products. I'll do my best to give an update at the end of each month I do this and if I post about it on Instagram I'll be using #NoBeautyBuy and #Chasingrubychat so it'll be easy to follow. 

Have you ever attempted a #NoBeautyBuy challenge? Would you ever consider it?

Erin X 

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The Foundation Files #2 | Elf Flawless Finish Foundation Review

I started a new series over on Instagram called the Foundation Files! Each week I take a foundation and review it, some are new to me, some I've had in my collection for a while! This week I reviewed the Elf Flawless Finish foundation. I try to make my reviews, relatively quick and straight to the point while still giving you as much information about the product as possible! Let's get started...

It claims to : be lightweight, oil-free, have a semi-matte finish, to last all day long and to restore uneven skin textures and tones for visibly brighter skin. 

Packaging : The foundation is in a frosted glass bottle with a pump! It's quite sturdy and sleek.

How does it apply : I apply it with a brush first to get the best coverage possible, then go over it with a beauty blender. I think it would be too chalky on my skin ti not go over it with a beauty blender.

Coverage : I've seen a lot of reviews online saying it's a medium coverage foundation that you can build to be full coverage. I definitely disagree, after three layers I still can't get it to be full coverage. However it does give nice coverage and for me it's the perfect amount of coverage for everyday wear, but if I was going on a night out, I wouldn't reach for it!

Long lasting : This claim I can get on board with, it certainly does wear very well throughout the day!

Who does it suit : I have dehydrated skin with some dry patches and I found it suited me perfectly.

Shade Range: The shade range is impressive at 40 different shades however there are only 5 shades available on Superdrug and only 9 available on boots, which is a shame!

Value for money : The foundation comes in at €9 which I think is a good price for what you get. The packaging is sturdy, you get 30ml of product and it's a decent formula!

Positives : It's affordable, easily available throughout the country, long lasting and gives decent coverage.

Negatives : It claims to be lightweight and while it's not a heavy foundation by any means, it can feel kind of chalky and I can definitely feel it on my skin!


Overall : I think the foundation is nice but I don't reach for it too often, probably wouldn't travel with it and ultimately don't think I'd repurchase it!

Have you tried this foundation? What are your thoughts?

Erin X

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Sleek Ultra Matte V2 Eyeshadow Palette Review and Swatches

Sleek are fast becoming one of my favourite affordable/drugstore brands. This is the Ultra Matte V2 palette. I actually had this in my collection for quite a while and only recently reached for it as I wanted to use the green shade for a St.Patrick's Day makeup look. I was pleasantly surprised by this palette and have been reaching for it quite a lot over the past month. 

The packaging is nice, it could definitely do with being a little more sturdy. I have four of these palettes (all different but the packaging is the same) and two of them don't close probably. It's very slim which is handy for storing and travelling. It has a big mirror on the inside. It came with a brush that I never used (does anyone ever use the brushes that come in half these palettes? I wish companies wouldn't bother). The palette itself has 12 matte eyeshadows and they are swatched below.

Above are some swatches and to be honest the camera doesn't do them justice. They are so incredibly pigmented, bar one of two of the skin toned shades, which are really good as transition shades. They blend really easily and aren't patchy which is quite rare for budget makeup brands I find. This palette isn't for everyone, I personally love the colours that are in it. I think they're actually really unique shades and I've loves creating some more colourful looks. here's just two looks I created using this palette...

This palette is a winner in my eyes. It costs €11.49 and can be bought in boots and in pharmacies nationwide! 

Erin X

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Seventeen Define N Conquer Contour Kit

If you've followed me for a while, you'll know that my skin is super duper pale! As a result I find it really difficult to find a contour shade that's not too warm and not too cool. When I seen that Seventeen (one of my favourite brands) had a contour kit, I picked it up straight away. I bought mine in Boots and it cost €8.49!

So as you can see from the pictures, there's two pans in the kit, one for contouring and one for brightening. Both are powders. The packaging is nice, it's slim so it's easy to store and travel with, it's quite sturdy and it also has a large mirror on the inside. The pans themselves are also quite big which is great. I hate when companies make the pans a little bit smaller in order to fit in a brush (that no one ever uses anyway), so I'm glad Seventeen didn't go down that route. It also came with a little guide that shows you where to apply the contour shade and where to apply the brightening shade. Handy!

Above is swatches of the two powders. The contour shade works really well with my skin tone, both when I'm tanned and also when I'm pale (which is 99% of the time). It looks quite contrasting against my skin in the picture but when it blends out, it really is beautiful. The pigmentation is really good, it works well if you're looking for a natural look or you want to build it up for a night out. Whichever you prefer, it easily achieved with this powder. The brightening shade is quite nice too. I usually use it as a setting powder. I like applying it under my eyes as it's not a very heavy powder so it doesn't give that cakey look.

All in all I really like it, since buying it, I haven't used anything else! The standout is the contour shade but the brightening shade is good to have in the kit as well. For €8.49 you can't go wrong with this little contour kit. It's a great size and performs really well. Seventeen also do offers quite regularly in Boots so it's no harm keeping an eye out for those 3 for 2 offers! 

Erin X

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Shiseido Ibuki Cleanser Review

I had never tried anything from Shiseido before trying this cleanser and it certainly made a great first impression of the brand. I received this as part of goody bag at an event and I was delighted with it. It was a big decent size and lasted me ages.

This cleanser is from the IBUKI range. It's a cream cleanser that foams up when you add a little water. It is fragranced but doesn't make my sensitive skin react in any way. It smells beautiful, fresh and somewhat floral. I'm not big on skincare that has an overpowering scent to it but this is actually beautiful.

The Pros

• It gives you a really squeaky clean feeling
• It doesn't leave a greasy residue
• A little goes a very long way, a pea sized amount will do your entire face
• It feels super rich and luxurious
• It suits all skin types
• You can use it both morning and night
• It does it's job!

The Cons

• I actually don't have anything negative to say about this cleanser except maybe the price is a bit steep. It's €38.50 for 125ml. However I do think it's worth it and it will last you absolutely ages.
• It's difficult to find online, your best bet is to go into a store and find it, I've seen it in Debenhams and Shaws. The only place I seen it online was on feel unique! 

Overall
I personally love using it with my electronic cleansing brush as it lathers up really well and leaves my skin super soft and smooth. This is definitely a cleanser that I think is worth the money and lives up to the hype. I definitely will be repurchasing it as some stage.

SO have you tried this cleanser? Or anything else from Shiseido's skincare range? Tell me your thoughts in the comments! 

Erin X 

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Dr Paw Paw Original Balm Review

I have heard so much hype about this lip balm over the last year or so that when it was in a goody bag from an event  was eager to try it. Before I jump into the review here's a little background on the company. Dr Paw Paw is a British company, that was created after the owner was on holiday and used a lip cream that had a fruit extract in it. When he came home he couldn't find anything like it so he created one himself. Pretty cool huh!

Anyway onto the review, the lip balm contains Carica Papaya ( helps in aiding skin repair), Aloe Barbadensis leaf Juice (Helps retain moisture) and Olea Europaea fruit oil ( anti inflammatory) and basically all the good things that is needed. What I found particularly interesting is the fact that it's a multitasking balm, it can be used on skin, hair, nails and lips and more.

Uses:

• Cracked lips/heels/elbows/skin
• nappy rash
• Cuticle balm
• Shape untamed hair
• Condition hair

I personally have only used it on my lips. There is so much hype about this balm that I was expecting it to work wonders. Did it? Kind of. What I mean is that I had unrealistic expectations, as I always do with hyped products. It did really help my cracked lips overnight which I was very pleased with. I like the fact that it's solid until you apply it onto lips. It doesn't feel overly greasy. It's not fragranced and overall it does it's job. I still do prefer my intensive lip balm from Blistex but only just.

You can pick up the Original Balm from Dr Paw Paw in Boots, Superdrug and most pharmacies. It costs €8.99 for a 25ml tube. Have you tried this out before? What did you think? 

Erin X 

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Blank canvas Cosmetics Master Series Palette Review

This palette has gotten so much hype that I was very skeptical about buying it. I always feel that products that receive as much hype as this palette did, are actually quite often a bit disappointing. However I was very pleasantly surprised by this palette and I'm really quite impressed.

This palette costs €34.99 but I bought mine on Black Friday and used an additional code so it cost me somewhere around the €20 mark (what a bargain). The palette consist of 12 eye shadows, 11 mattes and one shimmer. There is a mix of both warm and cool toned eyeshadows, however the warm and cool tones actually work together really well. In terms of pigmentation, all shadows bar one cannot be faulted. The colour payoff is phenomenal, all except 'GODDESS' unfortunately. It's a pity too because it's the one shimmer shade and if it was more pigmented, this palette would be perfect in my opinion.

I find the shadows really easy to blend and they all compliment each other so well. I've created quite a few looks over on my Instagram (@chasingrubychat) with this palette and since opening it, I've honestly used at most days I wear makeup. It's just perfect for everyday and so easily built up for a night time look. My favourite shades are 'Carmin' 'Cocoa' 'Hickory' and 'Corruption'.

The palette also comes with a double ended brush. As Blank Canvas Cosmetics are mainly a makeup brush brand, you can be sure that the brush included with the palette isn't a flimsy one. In fact it's really rather brilliant. On one end is the E40 and on the other end is E41, both can be both separately too.  The E40 is a flat ended brush, perfect for putting the eyshadow in place.The E41is a fluffy blending brush, ideal for blending the eyeshadows together in the crease. I think this was a brilliant brush to compliment the palette. The packaging itself is really good too, not only does it look pretty, it has a decent sized mirror in it and while it's made of cardboard, the palette feels very sturdy.

Overall I really REALLY love this palette, it's become my everyday palette and one of my all time favourites. I really can't say enough good things about it! Have you tried this palette? What did you think?

Erin X 

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