Project Use It Up #1

There is nothing more inspiring for a beauty blogger than a great beauty 'project' (except maybe a great makeup collection video, amiright?) They often spur me on to use up products, but as I lamented in my recent empties post the amount of actual makeup that left my stash wasn't very impressive in 2014 so I aim to rectify that this year. Using the wonderful Monika from Rocaille Writes as a direct inspiration (particularly these 'make a dent' posts) I've taken it upon myself  to set up a simple challenge...

I will use up these products in 2015 (preferably in the first half of the year!)

Project Use It Up Products as of January 2015

As you can see I'm not silly - I've chosen the products that need to leave my stash, the previous pan hits and the lip products that I really like and can wear often enough to make this challenge a success. Easy to wear lip colours in a mixture of formulas, a great foundation that I know I'll end up repurchasing and powders that aren't as impressive now that I have the likes of Chanel and Hourglass in my life.

The Products:
-Sportsgirl Get Cheeky Shimmer Powder
-Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation
-Smashbox Sheer Gloss in Overexposed*
-Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Sweetheart
-NYX Powder Blush in Peach
-Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy
-Clinique Chubby Stick in Whole Lotta Honey*

NYX Powder Blush in Peach

Clinique Whole Lotta Honey & Chanel Boy wound all the way up

Sportsgirl Get Cheeky

I know in theory I could easily toss these products, but the temptation of the thrill I'd get once they are completely used up is far too strong for me to do that. I actually really enjoy using all of these products and would probably repurchase some of them down the line (hence why they have been used so frequently already, I suppose) 

I actually forgot to include my mini Nars Laguna and some pans from my Urban Decay Naked palette so I'll have to exclude them from the challenge despite their pans showing. I will be checking in with you as I burn through these to let you know how I go, though I'm not placing stringent rules on myself in regards to not purchasing any other makeup etc. My general plan is to stop buying so many drugstore products that just go to waste and make deliberate and considered choices when it comes to new products entering my collection. A seemingly simple task that I often fail at (though I'm doing well for 2015 thus far!)

My 'Project Use It Up' products on the beautiful tray I received for my birthday

Do you have any tips for my first project?
Wish me luck!
Emma x

*The Smashbox gloss was a PR sample and I won the Clinique Chubby Stick in a Facebook competition on my personal page. Honesty, always.

September Favourites

 

September was a pretty good month for me, and despite the load of assignments due in October I think it is going to be a pretty great month as well. I’ve still not unpacked all of my beauty loot (busting to get my Ikea Alex for that!) so my picks for this month were from quite a small selection.

Original Source Chocolate and Mint Shower Gel

Had hunted this for months to no avail and ended up spotting it on the shelf at Coles during our weekly grocery run. This is too good; I think Original Source is crazy for making this limited edition!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser

I succumbed to the rave reviews of this during the half off sale at Chemist Warehouse, and I now get what the hype is about! Blends like a dream, I enjoy the (unsanitary but cushy!) sponge applicator and the colour is a good match for me (lightest shade, natch)

Clarins Instant Concealer*

Yup, two concealer favourites for me this month. I’m outrageous! Love how much you get in this adorable tube, and again it blends well and brightens up my under eye area nicely. Thanks Clarins!

 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

A constant favourite, my beloved skin saviour. Buy it, and rid yourself of crappy skin for good.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

Mister Bovary and I have been slathering this on weekly to rid ourselves of flaky patches and to generally give our mugs a good juice boost. Highly recommend this, well worth the $34 in my opinion.

Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Sweetheart

The colour isn’t as exciting as I’d like it to be (it came with the Signature Colour Essentials) but the formula of these is top notch and I’m looking at adding a creamy pale pink to my stash for the upcoming warm months. They really do give a glace-gloss to the lips which I adore.

Smashbox Sheer Colour Gloss in Overexposed*

Popped this back into my daily makeup bag and I don’t know why I ever took it out. I am a big fan of the Smashbox glosses I’ve tried (this one, and the raspberry Tease shade) and think they are definitely underrated. Original post is here.

 

What did you love during September?

Emma @ emmabovarybeauty

*Products provided for consideration.