letting go of makeup boxes

Well this is rather embarrassing to admit. I like to keep makeup packaging. Just high end packaging, not all, not that that makes it any better.I have no idea why I have difficulty letting go of packaging and bags but I do.

If you do the same then please let me know in the comments below so I know I'm not the only one!

As part of my buy nothing new for a year challenge I also want to do a bit of de-cluttering. So I've decided that its time to let go of these cardboard boxes that are creating clutter and taking up space in my room. Not only are they taking up space I have no actual plans to do anything with them.

To the recycling they go!

Sita xx

august empties

With the month coming to an end, it can only mean two things...payday and empties time!

1. Nivea Daily Essentials Light Moisturising Cream 
This is one product I'm going to miss because its great. Absorbs into the skin well it's not greasy, moisturised my skin and did not break me. If that's not enough it's really cheap! I usually bought it for £2 when it was on promotion.  I have done a full review if you are interested.
Cruelty-Free: No
Repurchase: No 

2. Philosophy Holly Berry Bubble Bath 
This bubble bath was okay. It's a rather large bottle so takes an absolute age to finish. It bubbled up well but the formula is not at all moisturising. It's a limited edition Christmas scent so don't think I could get it any more even if I wanted to...which I don't.
Cruelty-Free: No
Repurchase: No 

3. Elizabeth Arden Matte Moisture Lotion
This cream wasn't particularly moisturising. It would probably work better on someone with oily skin. It is also rather expensive for what it is so wouldn't get it again.
Cruelty-Free: No
Repurchase: No 

4. No7 So Strong Nail Polish 
Hoorah I have been working on this product since I started the project so I'm glad to finally have it out of my life. There's still a little bit left at the bottom but its rather difficult to get out with the brush so I'm calling it a day. The actual product was just like a clear nail polish. I felt it din't make my nails and stronger.
Cruelty-Free: No
Repurchase: No 

5. Clarins Wonder Perfect Mascara
I enjoyed using this mascara. The mascara made a noticeable difference in the length and the volume of my lashes. However I won't be purchasing a full size as I am moving towards cruelty-free and natural products.
Cruelty-Free: No
Repurchase: No

6/7. D&G Perfume samples in 1 and 18
I have numerous perfume samples to get through and I am glad to have one less. These I believe smelt quite pleasant, although I can't quite recall what either of them smelt like...guess I won't be running out to repurchase.
Cruelty-Free: No
Repurchase: No 

8. Organic Surge Kiss and Makeup Cleansing Wipes
I'm sure you are getting tired of hearing about these cleansing wipes but they are past the expiry date so I'm using them as cleaning wipes! I bought them in June online as they had been reduced to 88p but when they arrived I noticed that the expiry date was July 2013! Making it clear why they were only 88p!
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Repurchase: No 

New Counts! (Combined count for myself and Radha) 

Previous Skincare Total: 106

New Skincare Total:  100

Previous Makeup Total: 162

New Makeup Total: 160

What products did you get through this month? If you did an empties post this month share it in the comments below :) 

Sita xoxo

resisting a pre-project shopping binge

Choosing a bank holiday weekend at the end of the summer with an inbox full of emails with bank holiday deals and summer sales was probably not the best time to start my buy nothing new for a year project.

Although I got a bit carried away on the feel unique website and initially ended up with about 10 items in my shopping basket, I managed to whittle it down to the necessities.

I ended up with three items, deodorant, body lotion and something to use as shampoo, all items that need replacing shortly as I'm down towards the end on my current ones.

I'm proud of myself for avoiding a pre-project binge, especially with the sales going on!

I promptly set about unsubscribing from email newsletters from shops and websites.

Sita xx 

buy nothing new for a year challenge

I'm steadily making progress on my project to downsize my cosmetics collection. It feels good to be using products up or passing them along to someone else who will use them. I love the extra space in my room that's been created. I have been able to get rid of one of those small plastic storage drawer things from my room.

I initially thought that I would struggle with the process, however the creation of space has me craving for more space and less clutter.

Another area of weakness for me is fashion...clothes, shoes, bags you name it! Recently I have been trying to declutter this area, I have been making progress and more is going out than coming in. But to put it metaphorically I want to stop the stuff coming onto the conveyor belt.

However why stop at clothes why not reject consumerism all together. Recently I have been reading material on simple living and reasons include saving money, leading a less stressful life, leading a life full of joy and satisfaction, reducing waste and preserving resources. I want to discover whether this is true for myself.

Therefore in order to kickstart a journey to simplify my life, I have decided to challenge my self to stop buying anything new for the next year.

However there are a few exceptions to the rules. The following items I will allow myself to buy when needed:

1) Food
2) Underwear
3) Replacement cosmetics - The rules to downsize my cosmetic collection will remain exactly the same
4) Petrol ( I have a 20 mile commute to work so unfortunately can't go without petrol!)
5) Holidays/Experiences

It may seem odd starting at this point in the year rather than at the beginning, however now that I have made the decision I want to start right away. I will continue to document my journey and keep my self accountable.

What are your thoughts on this challenge? Would you consider embarking on something similar? Are you already doing something similar?

Thanks for reading!

Sita xx

july empties

In this post I'm sharing with you the products I've used up during the second half of July. I can't quite believe that we're in August already! This year seems to be whizzing by! Anyway let's get into the empties...

1. No7 Total Renewal Microdermabrasion Body Exfoliator 
This is an okay exfoliator, however I'm not a fan of the texture. I prefer exfoliators that are more moisturising and leave that thin oily residue behind. If however you don't like that then this exfoliator may be for you!
Cruelty-Free: No 
Repurchase: No 

2. The Body Shop Cucumber Freshening Water 
This toner worked okay. It did not break me out or irritate my skin, however it did not perform any miracles. Sometimes I feel like toners don't really do much and if I left it out of my skincare routine there would be no difference.
Cruelty-Free: Yes (Owned by Loreal who do test on animals) 
Repurchase: No 

3. The Body Shop Pomegranate Hydrating Body Spray 
I really enjoyed using this pomegranate spray, I loved the scent and I liked using this as an alternative to body lotion on hot sticky days! This product is also cooling and refreshing perfect to spray over yourself after a day out in the sun. I have reused the bottle and made my own natural version of the body spray.
Cruelty-Free: Yes (Owned by Loreal who do test on animals) 
Repurchase: No 

4. Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy 
I enjoyed using this hand cream. The cream is a lovely consistently and absorbs into the skin well without leaving it greasy. It feels rich and luxurious to use. Although I have to say I'm not a big fan of the packaging as it gets rather disfigured as you use the product up.
Cruelty-Free: Yes 
Repurchase: No 

5. D&G 6 Perfume Sample 
I have numerous perfume samples to get through and I am glad to have one less. This one smelt quite pleasant and did it's job although I'm in no hurry to rush out and purchase it.
Cruelty-Free: No
Repurchase: No 

6. Aveeno Positively Luminous Eye Cream 
This eye cream kept my under eye area hydrated, however I did not notice it make any different on my dark circles. I won't be repurchasing.
Cruelty-Free: No
Repurchase: No 

7. BareVitamins Skin Rev-er Upper 
I have had this product sitting around for ages, it came in my Bare Minerals foundation started kit. So I am glad to have used it up. It did not break me out but I don't think it made much difference to my skin either.
Cruelty-Free: Yes (Owned by Shiseido who do test on animals) 
Repurchase: No 

8. Cowshed Baby Organics Milky Body Lotion 
This baby lotion kept my skin moisturised my skin although I was not a fan of the scent. I am however interested to try other cowshed products. I like that the products are free from parabens, petrochemicals, sulphates and artificial colours. I also like that the product is suitable for vegetarians.
Cruelty-Free: Yes 
Repurchase: No 

New Counts! (Combined count for myself and Radha) 

Previous Skincare Total: 114

New Skincare Total:  106

Previous Makeup Total: 162

New Makeup Total: 162

What products did you get through this month? If you did an empties post this month share it in the comments below :) 

Sita xoxo