5 Ways to De-Stress

For today's post I thought I would share my top 5 tips for de-stressing! Now I have a very bad habit of getting myself ridiculously stressed out and worked up over the tiniest of things. Stress has been known to trigger migraines and my IBS, increase my anxiety and god knows what else. Recently I have been doing a lot of soul searching and have finally figured out ways to be more at peace with myself and to de-stress efficiently. These tips have all been tried and tested, and for me personally they really do work!

1) Switch off

Now don't get me wrong, I absolutely love social media but at times I feel I just need a break from it. It can also add to my stress levels when in reality, that could easily be avoided. I do the majority of my uni work on my computer so of course it's difficult for me to switch off completely. However instead of checking instagram and facebook when I'm in bed, I'll read a book or magazine instead. Sometimes a social media detox is just what is needed!

2) Meditate/Breathe

I recently ordered Emma Mildon's 'The Soul Searcher's Handbook' and my goodness it has changed my life! I meditate before I go to bed every night now and if I feel particularly stressed, I'll spend 10 minutes just sitting down with my eyes closed, focusing on my breathing. Meditation has so many health benefits and practicing mindfulness can really change your outlook on life.

3) Get shit done!

Hands up if you're a serial procrastinator? Yup same. I tend to have so much work to do that I sit there scrolling through Instagram instead. Not exactly productive. I now have a weekly desk planner where I write down what I want to achieve each day and any deadlines. I also plan my blog posts and create to do lists, so I can see everything that I need to do. It is so rewarding ticking everything off my lists!

4) Go for a walk

It probably sounds cliche but simply going for a walk can really clear your mind and reduce your stress levels. I'm lucky that I live near fields, but even if you live in a city, going for a stroll around your local park will be equally as beneficial! I'm personally not big on exercising, but I do go on a lot of walks. Find what works best for you!

5) The power of positivity

Ah yes, the ultimate cliche, 'think positive and it'll all be fine'. Whilst it won't fix all of your problems, it may help you solve them in the best way possible and reduce your stress levels in the process. Also thinking positive thoughts about yourself and looking after yourself can help you deal with stress. Personally, my positive motivation is to think back to how I felt when I was suffering from depression. I am determined to never get into such a dark place ever again. At the end of the day, stressing or worrying about something is never going to solve or prevent it. 

May Empties

For months I have been hoarding beauty products in my cupboard and never actually using them. They've just sat there looking pretty. 

I have now pretty much used up all of my non cruelty free products which I'm super happy about! Below I have divided my empties into cruelty free but not repurchasing, cruelty free and repurchasing and non cruelty free and obvs not repurchasing! 

Cruelty Free But Not Repurchasing 

My main reason for not repurchasing these products is simply because I want to switch to products that are more natural, vegan and do not contain nasty ingredients. Plus I'm kind of over the whole Zoella beauty thing (sorry). Soap and Glory are a wonderful brand but again they're not approved by Logical Harmony and I'm unsure whether these products are vegan. 

Cruelty Free and Would Repurchase 

All of the above products (unsure about the NYX brow pencil) are cruelty free and vegan! I loved all of these products and would potentially repurchase them in the future if I felt the need to. That being said the Simply Pure toner and Facial Wipes have already been repurchased!

Not Cruelty Free 

Most of these products were sent to me before I went cruelty free, but even if I had purchased them myself, I definitely would not buy them again. 

NYX Single Eyeshadows | Swatches

Some of you may know that NYX used to be one of my all time favourite make up brands. I still love them but their lack of information regarding which products are vegan has kind of put me off. Putting that aside, if you're perhaps new to cruelty free brands then they're a great company to start with! 

The NYX single eyeshadows are only £3.50 each and are available in Boots and online. They can easily be depotted as well if you want to save space which is always handy! They are super pigmented as you can see from the swatches below and blend beautifully. 

Left to right: LOL, Heat, Wild Orchid and Bad Seed. 

Left to right: LOL, Heat, Wild Orchid and Bad Seed. 

Left to right: Zen, Damage Control and Taupe 

Left to right: Zen, Damage Control and Taupe 

If anyone has any information regarding which products are vegan from NYX then please let me know! 

Make Up Declutter & Using Products Up

Over the past few months I've been trying to declutter my life as much as possible. My first step has been to donate a lot of 'stuff' that I never use to charity and to also give a lot of make up away to family. This really all started when I transitioned to cruelty free back in February and recently I've realised that I simply do not need such a large make up collection. Crazy right?! 

Anyway, so today's post is a quick overview of the products I'm giving away and trying to use up. 

Please note some of the products shown are NOT cruelty free, hence why I'm either getting rid of or using them up. 

Giving Away/Bin Pile

Some of these products such as the mascara and the lipstick I'm going to bin because they're really old and blurgh now. The others are products that I simply never use or they didn't work for me, so I'm going to give them away. 

I'm not 100% what to do with these brushes to be honest. They are all made from animal hair such as goat and badger, plus they shed really bad. Either way I definitely won't be using them again that's for sure!

Using Up Pile

As you can see the majority of these products are from brands that test or are either from brands that I'm not 100% convinced that they are cruelty free. 

The Maybelline and Clinique mascaras are very close to being used up, along with the Sleek eyebrow gel. The Maybelline eyeliner and eyeshadows are about half empty so not too far off! The MAC foundation is also half empty and the LA Girl concealer is practically empty. As for the S&G One Heck of a Blot primer, it's okay but not amazing so I want to use it up. 

I own waaaay too many body sprays and perfumes so I'm using the top three at the moment with the view to finishing them up. They are also not cruelty free or I'm unsure about their policies. 

I'm trying to switch over to more natural skincare products so the S&G face mask is being used up, along with the Body Shop day cream. I also own soooo many body butters so I'm slowly working my way through them! 

May Favourites

It's that time of the month again to round up my monthly favourites! 

A lot happened in May and as a result my life has changed in more ways than one. Whilst some of those events are private, the biggest one is my transition to a vegetarian diet and then to a vegan diet. I've also become more aware of chemicals in every day beauty products and decided to only purchase 100% vegan products. I've also just realised I've bought hardly any make up in May as well, so a big change! 

Make Up Favourites

At the beginning of May the Too Faced Sweet Peach palette was released online in the UK, along with the Sweet Tea bronzer and the Sparkling Bellini blush. I have been obsessed with these three products all month, especially the bronzer! 

Another make up favourite has been the Saturated Colour lipstick in the shade 1st Base. This is the perfect dark nude shade and can be worn day or night!

Random Favourites

As I mentioned earlier I transitioned over to a vegan diet recently which of course meant doing a lot of research. I found Vegan Life magazine in WHsmith and it has been my go to read recently. If you lead or want to lead a vegan lifestyle, then I would 100% recommend picking up a copy! 

A skincare favourite has been the Superdrug Simply Pure toner. It's fragrance free and contains no nasty ingredients, plus it's ridiculously affordable! 

Lastly, my two favourite make up brushes have been the Blush Brush from Tere Mere and the powder brush from Eco Tools. Both are incredibly soft and have replaced my Morphe brushes.