My First Pay Day Haul

I'm really sorry because I feel like I've been going on about this for ages, but in case you missed it, I recently started my first 'proper' job since graduating university last summer.

I'm actually working in digital marketing, learning about SEO and advertising for websites that sell hair and beauty products, so it's just right for me at the moment! Of course the other great thing is I now have real money to spend so I can finally buy all those things I don't need I've been lusting after for ages. So when my first pay packet arrived at the end of last month I dashed straight off to the Trafford Centre... let's just say I took full advantage of the 3 for 2 offer at Superdrug!

Nail Polish

Unsurprisingly, the first thing on my mind was polish! I'd been very strict with myself up til now, trying to stretch out a Boots gift card I got for Christmas for as long as possible, which is tricky given all the new polishes that launched recently. My local Superdrug had sneakily hidden all the Models Own polishes behind a clearance stand but when I uncovered them I found the new Polish For Tans II collection. The original PFT colours that came out last year are some of my absolute favourites so I had to get all the new ones. The orange and coral shades are crazy bright! Plus I also picked up a few from Lottie London. I'd seen this brand a lot on Twitter and Instagram but never 'in real life'. Superdrug had their entire range and it looks gorgeous; there must be about 60 polishes and there's so many different shades, plus the square bottles are lovely and the cheeky shade names are very cute. I'm so excited to try these.

Makeup

Getting into a new morning routine and wearing makeup everyday, I quickly realised I was in need of a new blush brush. However since I was in a frivolous mood, I didn't buy one, I bought three! I wanted to try the Lottie London brushes so I got the Tan Time Brush to use with my bronzer and the Make Me Blush Brush for my blushers. I love the colourful handles and the slightly contoured shape but to be on the safe side I also picked up a Real Techniques Blush Brush. I'm guessing you can't really go wrong with RT.

I also stocked up on a fresh tube of Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, and thought I'd branch out with my eye makeup by trying the Eyes Uncovered Palette in Nude Bronze. The shadows seemed lovely and pigmented when I swatched them in the shop but at £3.99 it's not too much of a loss if I don't get on with them.

I also treated myself to one of the new Rimmel Kate lipsticks (shade 35) which is a light bright pink shade, a Palmers Cocoa Butter Lip Balm (to replace one I'd used up) , a mini Sure deodorant to keep in my work bag and a big bottle of my trusty Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo.

Skincare has been on my mind a lot at the moment, partly because we're always talking about it at work but also because I feel like all the products I've been using for years have suddenly turned against me and nothing seems to be working any more. Finding a good eye makeup remover that won't leave tears streaming and my eyes bloodshot is not easy and I feel like I'm hoping for a miracle with this £1.50 bottle of Eye Makeup Remover Lotion from Boots Essentials. Also, since both my day moisturiser and night cream have run out, I decided to try the new No7 Early Defence range. They were on a 3 for 2 offer but even so, spending £40 on face cream is not something I've done before and I did walk away afterwards feeling a bit guilty. Still, maybe I'll wake up looking 18 again in 4 weeks time!

Shoes

Completely broke my general rule of 'I hate all shoes' by buying three pairs in one weekend! The first were these amazing iridescent Nike Air trainers. I was told by the sales assistant that they were the last pair in the shop and they were my size (well only half a size too big) so it was basically fate that I had to buy them. I plan to wear them to work but they'll probably stay in the box for a while yet because I'm too scared to dirty them!

Next I got some new Birkenstock sandals, they're holographic and I love them! I'm a big fan of Birkenstocks, I've had my white Gizeh pair for about 8 years now and I still wear them every summer. I'm so glad the brand has branched out from their normally sober colour range to this amazing metallic effect. The third pair aren't pictured but they're here, and yes they're also holographic - I'm very consistent! They're simply slider sandals to wear by the pool but at £15 I think they're a bargain. I just need to actually book a holiday now.

Ring

Here's the big one. I really wanted to treat myself to something special to celebrate my first 'proper' job and I was fairly certain I wanted that to be a ring. After hours wandering around the jewellery stands in Selfridges and not being sufficiently 'wowed' I took shelter in the much more peaceful Thomas Sabo shop nearby. The lovely lady there was very patient while I tried on so many rings, I was looking for something small and dainty that I could wear everyday... but instead I bought this! As soon as I tried it I knew I had to have it, it was a little pricey but I'm so happy with it. It's very comfortable to wear and I love the rose gold colour. I know some people would think this is far too big and jazzy for everyday but on my big hands it feels just right.

So there we go, it was a very fun weekend! I'm not planning a shopping spree like this every month but it was nice to do it on this occasion. Did you treat yourself to anything 'big' with your first pay-check? Also any tips on how to keep those Nike trainers looking clean would be greatly appreciated!

Amy

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