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The Archive Check: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Wow, looking back at this post from May 2015 is a massive blast from the past. At the time, I was completely overwhelmed with college coursework, which was absolutely killing me, but I managed to carve out some time to share my monthly favourites.
Reading through this list now is such a fun look at nostalgic makeup and lifestyle trends from over a decade ago. Let’s look back at my original thoughts, followed by a quick “Where Are They Now?” update for each item.
Urban Decay | Original Naked Palette
Discontinued
My 2015 Thoughts: I finally got my hands on the Naked Palette, and I am very excited about it. This palette has been on my wish list for as long as I can remember, and it’s great to have it in my collection. I love the neutral shades and it has quickly become my go to palette. The shades apply really well and blend easily. Sidecar is a total standout, as I have been using that shade the most.
The 2026 Retro Review: The ultimate piece of nostalgic makeup. To be completely honest, I am still absolutely gutted that it’s gone. I loved this palette so much. It truly became my ultimate daily go to. Sidecar was my absolute favourite, even with the notorious glitter fallout. It gave the most perfect, beautiful taupe shimmer on the lids.
Barry M | Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Blood Orange
Discontinued
My 2015 Thoughts: Unlike the name suggests, this shade is pretty much a true red, which I love. It’s been a nice change from my usual choice of pastel pink, but it’s such a beautiful colour. It applies easily, and best of all, I can get away with only doing one coat so application doesn’t take long at all.
The 2026 Retro Review: This is another heartbreaking addition to the nostalgic makeup graveyard. Barry M sadly discontinued this specific shade. The gelly paints gave a high shine finish without needing a UV lamp. Blood Orange was such a stunning, effortless one coat red, and it is a massive shame you can’t readily grab it anymore.
Dove | Summer Glow + Soft Shimmer Gradual Tan
My 2015 Thoughts: I have wanted to get into fake tanning for a while now, but had no idea where to start. After talking to my cousin, she very kindly gave me this to try. As it is a gradual tan, I applied it a few days before I knew I was going out and boy did it work. It did make me go a little bit patchy, but that could completely be down to my application skills… or lack of them.
The 2026 Retro Review: Surviving the gradual tanning learning curve of the 2010s was a rite of passage. The classic Dove lotion was the ultimate beginner friendly stepping stone. While it definitely had that distinct, unmistakable fake-tan biscuit scent and left me looking a bit patchy at first, it gave me the confidence to keep experimenting. Since writing this, I eventually moved onto using proper fake tan in my routine, but I’ll always look back fondly on this bottle as the one that started it all.
Soft and Gentle | 48 Hour Protection Deodorant
My 2015 Thoughts: I never talk about deodorant on my blog, but after trying this I had to include it here. I’ve always used the same brand of deodorant for as long as I can remember, but when I tried this I knew I wouldn’t be going back. They have plenty of good scents to pick from, they work really well, and it never leaves any white marks.
The 2026 Retro Review: It’s funny looking back at the basic products that made us completely switch up our habits. I did end up loving and sticking with Soft & Gentle for a really long time after this post. Eventually, my routine shifted and I switched over to using Dove for a few years, but right now, I’m actually trying out the new brand Gem.
The Daily Candle Burning
My 2015 Thoughts: I’m pretty sure that I’ve had a candle burning every single day throughout May. I’ve actually been reaching for an old Christmas scent from Yankee Candle. Season of Peace is one of my all time favourites, but I must admit that the Summer scents have been creeping in.
The 2026 Retro Review: A cosy room aesthetic has always been high up on my list of essentials, and some things never change. Over a decade later, I’ve always got a candle on the go in my house. These days I tend to do most of my candle shopping in Next and Marks & Spencers. Festive Spice from Next is one of my all time favourite Christmas scents, it’s stunning.
New Look Dainty Flower Necklace
My 2015 Thoughts: I wanted 2015 to be the year I got into jewellery and I have fallen in love with this necklace. It’s from New Look and came in a pack of three, but I must admit that I don’t really wear the other two. I love how dainty this is, as it’s on a small silver chain with a little flower as the charm. The only downside is that it’s already starting to rust, so it isn’t going to last much longer.
The 2026 Retro Review: Looking back, it’s funny to see that I wanted 2015 to be my jewellery year, because truth be told, I still don’t wear it very much. The desire is definitely still there and I still want to get into it more, but I’m still very much a minimalist at heart when it comes to accessorising.
The Final Reflection
Revisiting this post really reminds me of a simpler time in the beauty community. When a single neutral eyeshadow palette and a budget nail polish were enough to completely make your month. While some of these pieces have faded into nostalgic makeup history, the memory of sitting at my desk with a candle burning, taking a break from college work, stays exactly the same.
Let’s chat in the comments!
Did you own the original Naked Palette back in 2015? What was your ultimate go to beauty or fashion favourite from a decade ago?
Thank you for reading!
I love the Naked 1 palette but buying it has just made me want the others! Not sure how I feel about the new smoky palette yet x