Resolution "LOW-BUY" 2014! Who wants to play?

[Audrey C]

Ladies, do your limits include staples? Like mascara, concealer, etc.?

Yes...and no. I never buy mascara - I use the samples I get from Sephora (either in bonuses or for 100 points). I toss those away quickly, so I can't bring myself to actually shell out for those. I think I have five samples ahead of me. My eldest daughter raids those too.

I have an extra foundation, concealer, a couple of setting powders, blot papers and UDPP ahead of me that I bought for 20% off. I know they'll all get used over the coming year. I bought them because they're regular staples and I've already gone through multiples of them. So if I buy a DIFFERENT foundation or setting powder (when I have backups ahead of me) then I'd count it because it would be buying something I don't really need just because I want it. But if I finish my backups and need to restock, I probably won't count it.

Not sure that makes a lot of sense, but for me it's about limiting the products I buy that aren't really 'justified'. I can buy ten this year 'just because'. If I really go through things and need to restock, I think I'll play that by ear.

BTW, hope I didn't come across as enabling earlier with Watt's Up. I know many many of us have the sample free from Sephora so I felt ok about gushing. Apologies if it seemed inappropriate! The last thing I want to do is contribute to the problem most of us are trying to control.

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[PixieDancer]

Ok. After my Magnetic Nude debacle I need to be accountable so my low-buy goal is to purchase no more than 3 items for any new collection that Mac comes out with and do my best to skip entire collections whenever possible. I'm only allowing myself one exception and that is the Maleficent collection (but hopefullyI won't find much that I like). I will go through my stash first before any new collection purchase to make sure that the things I do buy are unique to what I have and will skip any products that are even remotely close to something I have already.
Hopefully I'll be successful.

Good job at setting that goal! And great pointers for keeping yourself on track!!

 

[Glitteryvegas]

Yes...and no. I never buy mascara - I use the samples I get from Sephora (either in bonuses or for 100 points). I toss those away quickly, so I can't bring myself to actually shell out for those. I think I have five samples ahead of me. My eldest daughter raids those too.

I have an extra foundation, concealer, a couple of setting powders, blot papers and UDPP ahead of me that I bought for 20% off. I know they'll all get used over the coming year. I bought them because they're regular staples and I've already gone through multiples of them. So if I buy a DIFFERENT foundation or setting powder (when I have backups ahead of me) then I'd count it because it would be buying something I don't really need just because I want it. But if I finish my backups and need to restock, I probably won't count it.

Not sure that makes a lot of sense, but for me it's about limiting the products I buy that aren't really 'justified'. I can buy ten this year 'just because'. If I really go through things and need to restock, I think I'll play that by ear.

BTW, hope I didn't come across as enabling earlier with Watt's Up. I know many many of us have the sample free from Sephora so I felt ok about gushing. Apologies if it seemed inappropriate! The last thing I want to do is contribute to the problem most of us are trying to control.

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Me too - but for Lit cosmetics & Watt's up!! Sorry ladies - I will keep this in mind for the future & find the appropriate threads for advice, etc.

 

[novocainedreams]

Ladies, do your limits include staples? Like mascara, concealer, etc.?

I generally don't include staples UNLESS I have another of the same category. Meaning, I can buy another primer and it's not included as part of my low-buy if I finish one AND don't have another one(regardless of brand) in my stash I can use. So if I finish my UD primer and have a tube of too faced shadow insurance in my stash, I can't go buy another UD primer or it will count towards my purchases. Hope that makes sense.

 

[PixieDancer]

Yes...and no. I never buy mascara - I use the samples I get from Sephora (either in bonuses or for 100 points). I toss those away quickly, so I can't bring myself to actually shell out for those. I think I have five samples ahead of me. My eldest daughter raids those too.

I have an extra foundation, concealer, a couple of setting powders, blot papers and UDPP ahead of me that I bought for 20% off. I know they'll all get used over the coming year. I bought them because they're regular staples and I've already gone through multiples of them. So if I buy a DIFFERENT foundation or setting powder (when I have backups ahead of me) then I'd count it because it would be buying something I don't really need just because I want it. But if I finish my backups and need to restock, I probably won't count it.

Not sure that makes a lot of sense, but for me it's about limiting the products I buy that aren't really 'justified'. I can buy ten this year 'just because'. If I really go through things and need to restock, I think I'll play that by ear.

BTW, hope I didn't come across as enabling earlier with Watt's Up. I know many many of us have the sample free from Sephora so I felt ok about gushing. Apologies if it seemed inappropriate! The last thing I want to do is contribute to the problem most of us are trying to control.

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Not inappropriate at all. We are all sort of pre-programmed to squeal about good products and great deals here on Specktra! I realize trying NOT to do that on this ONE thread will be a challenge for all of us. And saying how one item is a staple and explaining why goes along with anti-enabling too. "I don't need "x" because I already have "x" and it's the perfect "x" for me!" I know I will also have to make a HUGE conscious effort to try and NOT go gaga over something, rather put it into context of what would be a worthy purchase over the "we need everything!" that often goes on in the collection threads. I think we all know why we're here on this particular thread, so obviously there has to be a lot of personal accountability to achieve the success we'd all love to see. You have been an awesome contributor already! I'm so glad you're here!

 

[PixieDancer]

I am doing staples included, but I don't wear concealer, foundation, etc. I only wear pressed powder. I think if you include staples like foundation you might want to consider upping your product limit by one or two items just to account for the fact that you'll probably go through some during the year? But I like Audrey C's response - if you have many, many of your staples then consider using up those before purchasing?


Me too - but for Lit cosmetics & Watt's up!! Sorry ladies - I will keep this in mind for the future & find the appropriate threads for advice, etc.

It's going to take us all a lot of adjusting on here... no harm hun!
I just wanted to give a little reminder. No one specific was in mind. I know it's just really easy to talk about things we love. We all understand that position for sure!

 

[charlotte366]

I kind of have to admit that I haven't done too well so far the sales have got me. I picked up dome bits I wanted pre Xmas but wouldn't pay full price for in the sales and I just went a little mad at a discount website following a tweet from a blogger, it's becca stuff I think I will live and it was mega cheap but I am not sure I needed it, feel very guilty now! I am going to do a specktra sale tomorrow and list some bits on eBay. As a mini punishment I am not going to allow myself anything in January. I really don't need anything, even staples! Anyone have any suggestion for avoiding blatant bargins as it appears sales are my weakness!

 

[ma146rina]

Anyone have any suggestion for avoiding blatant bargins as it appears sales are my weakness!

Make a list and stick with it. This is the only thing that seems to help me not going crazy during sales. If things that you have on your list go on sale then go for it,otherwise you'll end up with stuff you didn't want in the first place!!You have to convince yourself that you only need what's on your list.And remember that there's always going to be sales and new exciting makeup products so don't feel that you missed something because you skipped some bargains

 

[User38]

There are no bargains in makeup. The actual cost of products is about 1/100 of the half the sale price

it's a hell of a business to sell to us addicted fiends.

check out how the Lauder's live -- the Perlemans and all the families who own the companies that sell to us.. it's scary

 

[lyseD]

Anyone have any suggestion for avoiding blatant bargins as it appears sales are my weakness!

If your going to post a Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector let me know.

 

[KiKi Kontour]

the sales got me too but i muuuust say i did good wit sephora's. i only spent $50!! im tryin to get it out my system this month cuz come jan its lights out

 

[aradhana]

Thank you, I'll have a look. I was wanting synthetic because I've heard that the 242's bristles help provide the most color payoff for powder shadows. I have the 239 but it's kinda meh to me, nothing spectacular. I think I'm at the point where I only want to keep the items I truly love in my collection. After I got my Real Techniques brushes, I have yet to touch my mac face brushes.

My fave mua at my Mac store told me the other day she only ever uses the 242 for shadow...even powder shadows. she finds it more precise than the 239. Ladies I am struggling to defeat my lemmings for the extra dimension products I swatches in store yesterday. I was hoping not to want any of the blushes but I think they're all beautiful. And I was trying to avoid carnal instinct lipstick and sweet heat shadow but i'm worried I'm gonna cave....

 

[lyseD]

Thank you, I'll have a look. I was wanting synthetic because I've heard that the 242's bristles help provide the most color payoff for powder shadows. I have the 239 but it's kinda meh to me, nothing spectacular. I think I'm at the point where I only want to keep the items I truly love in my collection. After I got my Real Techniques brushes, I have yet to touch my mac face brushes.

My fave mua at my Mac store told me the other day she only ever uses the 242 for shadow...even powder shadows. she finds it more precise than the 239.

Ladies I am struggling to defeat my lemmings for the extra dimension products I swatches in store yesterday. I was hoping not to want any of the blushes but I think they're all beautiful. And I was trying to avoid carnal instinct lipstick and sweet heat shadow but i'm worried I'm gonna cave....

I used to buy a lot of blushes. Then I started noticing that the slight differences in the pan didn't translate to my cheeks. Easier to pass up when you realize they are not that different.

 

[KiKi Kontour]

I used to buy a lot of blushes. Then I started noticing that the slight differences in the pan didn't translate to my cheeks. Easier to pass up when you realize they are not that different.

that is sooooooooooooo true!!! i got like 3-4 blushes from last summer i have yet to even glide across my face. those msf's i can pretty much skip during upcoming collections becuz i have plenty now that will NEVER get finished to be honest. As far as lippies i think i got every shade from nude to bold, reds n etc that will be easy for me to pass on becuz im not gettin shyt becuz of a "slight" difference which basically means it all looks the same on my lips!!

THANK GAWD for this thread cuz i can also vent n re-read myself to keep myself from buying more stuff. it'll be easy to just shop my stash!!

 

[thejwlife]

Took inventory of my collection today. I won't purchase another mascara, eye liner, or eye shadow this year. I will be looking for lip pencils to match lipsticks/glosses that I already have. A YouTuber that I watch does a weekly makeup basket. She makes it her goal to use new/forgotten products from her collection each week. I'm going to start that next week.

 

[PixieDancer]

Ladies I am struggling to defeat my lemmings for the extra dimension products I swatches in store yesterday. I was hoping not to want any of the blushes but I think they're all beautiful. And I was trying to avoid carnal instinct lipstick and sweet heat shadow but i'm worried I'm gonna cave....

I recommend allowing yourself 1 item from MN so you don't have that "I missed out on everything" feeling. The goal should be to limit purchases not completely deprive yourself. THAT will only lead to failure, in my opinion. Since you seem to love the blushes, maybe allow yourself 1 only. Lipsticks are easy skips, they always redo shades and CI isn't super unique IMO. And the eyeshadows are very pricey for the little amount of products you actually get. Hope that helps a little.

Also, I second your MUA's love for the 242. I use it WAY more often than the 239.

 

[aradhana]

I used to buy a lot of blushes. Then I started noticing that the slight differences in the pan didn't translate to my cheeks. Easier to pass up when you realize they are not that different.

Good point!

I recommend allowing yourself 1 item from MN so you don't have that "I missed out on everything" feeling. The goal should be to limit purchases not completely deprive yourself. THAT will only lead to failure, in my opinion. Since you seem to love the blushes, maybe allow yourself 1 only. Lipsticks are easy skips, they always redo shades and CI isn't super unique IMO. And the eyeshadows are very pricey for the little amount of products you actually get. Hope that helps a little. Also, I second your MUA's love for the 242. I use it WAY more often than the 239.

I've actually already purchased two MN items. (One eyeshadow and one fluidline) Thanks for reminding me about the size:cost ratio of the eye shadows. I'm gonna fight that one. And the lipstick too. If I really want/need that shade later there's a good chance if finding it with another brand if Mac doesn't make another one. I think with the blushes, probably at dusk is the only one I don't have a dupe of, but it also is very subtle on me. Also the extra dimension seems to be a very successful formula, so maybe I'll wait for a future collection?!

 

[MsKb]

Anyone have any suggestion for avoiding blatant bargins as it appears sales are my weakness!

Since you don't really need anything maybe you can try to avoid even clicking on the links/going to the websites...you won't buy if you aren't on the site will you...or when you are on the site just scroll through the pages without adding anything to your cart...if something catches your eye that you need or is a good bargain and it remains in your head after you've run through the site you can then check out the item and really think about it...i've found this helps me sometimes...just avoiding the 'sales' or browsing through without adding to the cart..

 

[SweetDreams]

I'm joining this! I originally said I was doing 2-3 items per collection. LIES I TELL!!!! Riri Holiday prime example. I only wanted 2 lippies and the bronzer. I got 3 lippies, bronzer, lacquer, eye liner, and a brush. Magnetic Nude: set out for 1 item and left with a lip glass, 2 lippies, and skin finish. Punk Couture: was going to skip it and bought studded kiss anyway. would have gotten instigator but it's sold out......smh


I'M IN!

 

[kanne]

This is one of my New Years Resolutions, and I've been doing it since the end of October anyway. I have honestly been out of control with my spending this year, especially on MAC. Honestly, I don't even like a lot of MAC products - particularly their lipsticks, but somehow I have brought about 10 in the last year. 10 lipsticks, and I don't even like the formula. Sheer madness. I realised in October however, that I had actually lost my mind when I was considering buying Lavish Living blush for FIFTY TWO FREAKING DOLLARS. MAC was charging me literally TWICE the price that they charge in the USA and I was going to pay it. I didn't end up buying it and I haven't been back to the counter since. The only makeup I have bought since is 2 products from the NARS Final Cut collection a couple of days ago (and I got a few Guy Bourdin products for Christmas).

I need to stay in this thread and out of others. Whenever swatches start coming out, I start picking things I want - more recently with MN, I was going to pick up Morning Rose and Oh My Darling and Hell Bound after seeing swatches. Well, as I've said, I hate MAC lipsticks, and I can certainly get a pink in a better formula. Nobody needs a $36 sheer shimmery lipgloss, so I've crossed off OMD and I am still undecided on Hell Bound - it's quite unique, but I do not often wear red lipsticks, and even less often do I wear gloss. On the other hand I only own two reds - Ruby Woo and Chanel Flamboyante, and I only own 2 glosses in total as well (a sheer shimmer, much like OMD and Narcissus).

I used to be quite good at saving money and buying makeup with much more sense. I have had a lot more disposable income this year than in the past, and am closer to counters than I ever used to be. I have gone back to my old way of making a list of must have products. I also will not be buying any MAC this year apart from brushes, paint pots and eyeliners. Inglot is finally accessible to me so I am working on 2 10-pan palettes (which I can add to gradually when I can actually afford it), and Inglot is extremely affordable in Australia. Apart from my Inglot palette, this is my current list:

Nars Charade Duo
MAC Constructivist PP (only own Painterly otherwise - base for oranges/pinks like Cranberry as they pull too pink on me to be wearable otherwise)
217 brush
Benefit The Rockateur blush
Shisheido foundation brush