Re. Fresh.

In a bid to stick to my new year's resolution of saving the planet (every little counts right?) by recycling more, re-using and not buying new if at all possible I searched through the many beauty products gathering dust in my bath room cabinet.

Here's what I found...an array of items that were recommended by glossy magazines that lured me in like a good'un. Were they in date? Who knows... they smelt ok so I introduced them back in to my ad-hoc beauty routine.

I love Aēsop, everything about the brand makes me feel renewed and comforted. Their minimal shop fit allows you to almost float around the store taking in all the different aromas. Do I have a clue what each product does? Absolutely not. I chose this Geranium Leaf Hydrating Body Treatment because I was pregnant at the time and I thought that anything I could rub into my belly might soothe my stretching skin. It smells divine and it left my skin soft(ish). I'm now smothering my whole body in it after showering and its delightful (also nice to evoke those memories of child free days).

I thought I'd lost this and was super happy to rediscover it. Bobbi Brown lip balm, plain and simple and it has an SPF of 15. Winner, winner.

I've neglected my skin - I've used the Nivea range for too long. Is it good for your skin? Does buying cheaper brands mean I will age quicker? I doubt it. So, every once in a while when I'm feeling flush I'll indulge in a trip to Neal's Yard, my go-to brand when I'm feeling a little down. I mainly buy loose leaf tea and oils for my diffuser (both things I forget to use a few days after purchasing). This toner is fab, it removes my sixteen layers of foundation and leaves my skin feeling clean and fresh. 

This was thrown into the back of the airing cupboard in a fit of sleep deprived rage. I was assured this worked on babies who don't sleep, the Lush shop assistant promised me (looking back I realise she blatantly never looked after a screaming baby in her life). I felt cheated and £13.95 out of pocket. It did not work on my baby. To be honest if anyone promised me sleep at that time I would have paid with body parts. So, now I'm giving this a go, me. I'm putting it on before bedtime and hoping that my baby sleeps through the night so I can enjoy the lavender haze radiating from my warm skin. 

This Marc Jacobs perfume was bought in a hurry at the airport before boarding a flight. It was used for a week and forgotten. It smells delightfully like summer so it's a welcome scent on a grey January day. 

So, I haven't bought anything new this year and I refuse to be persuaded to buy something that I don't need. Now I just need to overhaul my wardrobe, kitchen, living room, garage, the list goes on.... there's so much excess in my house alone it's shameful.

What's in your house? Can you re-fresh without buying new? Go on, you know you should and you'll be helping me save the planet so my conscious is a little clearer.