New Home Additions

Clear outs and re-arranging have been in full force this lockdown. With tidying and clearing out, comes room for new things. I wanted to add some new touches to certain corners and I found some lovely pieces that I cannot wait to make the most out of. 

Starting with these gorgeous tea light holders. I can remember having seen some floating around on Instagram before Christmas and not thinking too much about them. We visited a garden centre in the run up to Christmas and I saw some there and have never regretted not picking them up so much. Since then, I have searched high and low on the internet to try and track some down. When I finally found some that I liked, they were sold out. A couple of months on, and I have finally got some. The >small< houses were £2.50!!! What a bargain. The >larger< being only £4, I just couldn't say no. Thank you Wilko for fulfilling my need for ceramic house tea light holders. 

Another addition have been these cute little bunny tails. I seem to have a love for dried flowers and pampas grass after having seen pretty vases filled with the most beautiful arrangements. But until I have my own house and space for such vases, I opted for something slightly smaller. The wine bottle vase is only temporary, until I find a vase that I like, or, I was thinking of potentially purchasing some spray paint that has a pebble or stone effect and covering the bottle. I am yet to decide. Don't you worry - the glue on the bottle annoys me as much as it does you. I found >these< beauties on Etsy. They came super quickly and were packaged beautifully. I was a little worried that they may have turned up bent or broken, but I was very happy that they arrived just as I had imagined. 

The frame with the dried flowers in, I created myself last year. I thought it made a lovely addition next to the two new pieces. I'm sure I'll forever be switching up how this looks, but I am happy with it for now.

Have you brought any new decorative pieces for your home? Are you a pampas grass lover too?

Amber X

Streamlining Your Makeup Collection

Personally, my choice in makeup products to use on the daily and for an extra glam night out look, change completely depending on what look I am going for, or purely what I am feeling in that moment in time before putting makeup on my face. I do tend to gravitate to the same products the majority of the time, meaning that I am not usually, trying out new products, or incorporating them into my routine. And I'm ok with that. When I first started getting into makeup, I couldn't wait to have a makeup collection like the ones you see the YouTube beauty gurus videoing. But truth be told, I'm quite happy with the small collection that I do have. Things get loved and used, regularly. I don't feel like it's going to get out of hand, and I definitely don't feel like I need to do a HUGE clear out any time soon. Here are some of my tips for you, if like me, you like to keep a small, but enjoyed, makeup collection.

Do You REALLY Use It?
So many product launches excite me, so many products have packaging that looks so enticing, or I get lost in the 'hype' of a new product, that sometimes that can sway your decision on purchasing new products. If it is something that I don't see myself getting the use out of, something that is going to collect dust on my dresser, or just sit pretty in my drawers, I think it's a product that I can live without.

Look For Items That Are Multiuse
I love me some items that can be used for many things. For example, highlighters - can be used as eyeshadows, amazing. They can be used as blusher, amazing. They can also be used as, highlighters.. Amazing! Not only does this keep your collection to a minimum, but also can save so much space in a makeup bag if you're travelling or popping some products into your handbag for a night out.

Don't I Already Have That Shade?
I am forever going to the Mac counter, gravitating towards the lipsticks, picking one up, swatching it and then realising I liked it so much because it is one that I already have.. Surely it can't just be me? Brands will always have very similar colours for any kind of makeup item, and I can definitely a sucker for picking the same colours, especially in lipsticks. If there is a shade that I'm thinking of purchasing, I'll always compare it to shades I already own. Is it going to be a stand alone shade in my collection? If the answer is no, then it is a no to the purchase.

What do you do to keep your makeup collection to a minimum?

Amber X