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

[kanne]

I'm using a list for my low-buy (eg., place things I really want on a list, buy them when I can afford them which means I don't get caught up in the LE nonsense). I bought the Shiseido foundation brush today, so I can cross that off. I also ran out of my Lancome Teint Idole yesterday. I didn't realise how little I had left. I had been planning to try out something else when it ran out, but I wasn't planning for that this week. Anyway, I got colour matched for Chanel Mat Lumiere, then it turned out they had run out of stock of my colour, and I ended up with a bag of samples! So I can save my $$ for another couple of days!

 

[Eye_ronic]

I must do better in 2014!

 

[honey b]

Ok. In order to curb my spending I've decided, like many others here, to make a list of all my makeup purchases from 2013 and then do the math and see how much I've spent. I'm pretty sure that it's over 1000 bucks at Mac alone and I've made VIB status at Sephora which is insane for me! I've spent the most this year on makeup than I think I've spent total in my 32 years! While I know that it is MY fault for the overspending, I partially blame being on maternity leave instead of at work. I get bored at nap times and I've had a lot of extra time to spend on the internet and online shopping. I also need to stay away from CCOs. I get in the habit of buying things I don't need just because I can get them at a discount. Sites like this one, Temptalia and some of my YouTube subscriptions have also contributed to over spending. Anyway seeing the actual total and reminding myself of it when I feel the urge to spend should help me realize how ridiculous I've been about spending my money.

Soooo, I did the inventory and the math. Let's just say I'm a bit ashamed of myself. My total is about 2200 dollars before taxes in 2013!

That may not be high for some of you but for me that's ridiculously high. That is a definite incentive to do a low buy and really evaluate my purchases for this coming year.
P.S. I debated about giving the total because it's embarrassing to me but if I'm going to really commit here I have to be honest with myself and you guys. I strongly encourage you guys to total up your 2013 purchases if you can. You might be amazed at what you've spent. I know I was.

 

[novocainedreams]

This isn't 100% low-buy related, but it is money-related so I thought I might share something I know a lot of people doing this year. http://savingabuck.com/2013/01/try-the-52-week-money-challenge-for-2013/

Basically each week you put that weeks number(52 weeks in a year) in cash in to a savings(use a jar, an account, an envelope, whatever works for you) So you start with $1 for the first week of January, then $2 the second week, then $3 and so on, so by the end of 2014 you should have $1378.00 you can spend on Christmas gifts, put towards a trip, who knows! Kind of an interesting experiment if anything!

 

[novocainedreams]

Soooo, I did the inventory and the math. Let's just say I'm a bit ashamed of myself. My total is about 2200 dollars before taxes in 2013!

That may not be high for some of you but for me that's ridiculously high. That is a definite incentive to do a low buy and really evaluate my purchases for this coming year.
P.S. I debated about giving the total because it's embarrassing to me but if I'm going to really commit here I have to be honest with myself and you guys. I strongly encourage you guys to total up your 2013 purchases if you can. You might be amazed at what you've spent. I know I was.

I have a feeling I am close to this too and it truly embarrassed and shocked me.

I have never spent that much on makeup in one year. Definitely know the feeling. But don't let yourself feel too bad, we're all in a similar boat! I'm certainly not going to stop buying altogether, I like makeup! But I am going to be MUCH more picky and not be convinced I need the newest or latest LE item. Here's to a more economical and conscious new year!

 

[kimanhtruong]

I just got access to the clearance bin too! Noooooo! Must fight the urge.

 

[LinenWhite7]

I really appreciate everyone who has participated in taking inventory of your stash, totaling your 2013 spending, and committing to writing down every beauty purchase of 2014! It helps me a lot to know in not alone and that I don't need to be ashamed. The support and honesty here has been amazing already! So far, my 2014 purchase list: Nivea lip butter $1.99 I've got my paper list sitting on top of my makeup storage drawers so it is right there whenever anything new comes into my collection! I used to have a bunch of Notes on my phone with lists of products I want to try. Today I started a new list, way way narrowed down, of my top things. I haven't had the courage to delete all the other lists yet, but it will happen. This all comes almost at the same time as my husband and I switching to an all-cash budget. It is helping me because there's no way I can sneak something by on the credit card now. I am already amazed at my ability to wait instead of have instant gratification - there are a few staples I need (makeup remover wipes, top coat) but I don't have any reason to go to Target, so those things are just waiting. I almost don't recognize myself.

 

[PixieDancer]

This isn't 100% low-buy related, but it is money-related so I thought I might share something I know a lot of people doing this year. http://savingabuck.com/2013/01/try-the-52-week-money-challenge-for-2013/

Basically each week you put that weeks number(52 weeks in a year) in cash in to a savings(use a jar, an account, an envelope, whatever works for you) So you start with $1 for the first week of January, then $2 the second week, then $3 and so on, so by the end of 2014 you should have $1378.00 you can spend on Christmas gifts, put towards a trip, who knows! Kind of an interesting experiment if anything!
What a fantastic idea!

Quote: Originally Posted by LinenWhite7

I really appreciate everyone who has participated in taking inventory of your stash, totaling your 2013 spending, and committing to writing down every beauty purchase of 2014!

It helps me a lot to know in not alone and that I don't need to be ashamed. The support and honesty here has been amazing already!

So far, my 2014 purchase list:
Nivea lip butter $1.99

I've got my paper list sitting on top of my makeup storage drawers so it is right there whenever anything new comes into my collection!

I used to have a bunch of Notes on my phone with lists of products I want to try. Today I started a new list, way way narrowed down, of my top things. I haven't had the courage to delete all the other lists yet, but it will happen.

This all comes almost at the same time as my husband and I switching to an all-cash budget. It is helping me because there's no way I can sneak something by on the credit card now. I am already amazed at my ability to wait instead of have instant gratification - there are a few staples I need (makeup remover wipes, top coat) but I don't have any reason to go to Target, so those things are just waiting. I almost don't recognize myself.

My inventory is now on my desktop so I can reference it before making any online purchases... which will be VERY helpful for me!

My $ totals are insane.... and even more so than the average makeup lover since I do get PRO discounts at many makeup retailers... so that means if I've spent way more than you, I probably have at least 1/3 more products accumulated. And, my biggest issue is I use my work as an excuse! Because I MUST have it to do my job, I justify unrealistic amounts of it... NOT COOL! This thread has helped me tremendously already!

Good job staying away from Target for now! Hopefully, we will all start recognizing a newer, better, disciplined version of ourselves!!

 

[Glitteryvegas]

This isn't 100% low-buy related, but it is money-related so I thought I might share something I know a lot of people doing this year. http://savingabuck.com/2013/01/try-the-52-week-money-challenge-for-2013/

Basically each week you put that weeks number(52 weeks in a year) in cash in to a savings(use a jar, an account, an envelope, whatever works for you) So you start with $1 for the first week of January, then $2 the second week, then $3 and so on, so by the end of 2014 you should have $1378.00 you can spend on Christmas gifts, put towards a trip, who knows! Kind of an interesting experiment if anything!

I like this idea. I saw a girl doing it and she was going to reverse it so the highest total per week was now, to avoid having to save that at Xmas. makes sense to me (either way, win/win!)!

 

[novocainedreams]

I like this idea. I saw a girl doing it and she was going to reverse it so the highest total per week was now, to avoid having to save that at Xmas. makes sense to me (either way, win/win!)!

Yes I saw that too! I wasn't sure how I was going to do it, but I stuck with starting low, hoping that I will be learning how to save better so I will still have more money as the year goes on. And since I am trying to pay off bills now, hopefully won't have much to pay towards the end. *crosses fingers* haha

 

[Glitteryvegas]

Yes I saw that too! I wasn't sure how I was going to do it, but I stuck with starting low, hoping that I will be learning how to save better so I will still have more money as the year goes on. And since I am trying to pay off bills now, hopefully won't have much to pay towards the end. *crosses fingers* haha

Well, I guess either way you end up with a nice little payday!

 

[Glitteryvegas]

Ok Ladies -

I walked away from a UD Revolution Lipstick that was $13 (in Canada, these are $26). I was at a local discount store (Winners) and they had it there....Ohhhh boy. That was a little hard. But then hubby reminded me that I was luck enough to get the 6 for $50 from the UD Black Friday sale, so I put down the lipstick carefully and ran away. Lol! Also spotted a Color Club set of like 8 colours for $10....and ran away from that too!

 

[Prettypackages]

Team low buy, cuz I want to take a trip to SAfrica to my friends wedding... *counting pennies*

 

[IHughes]

Ok Ladies - I walked away from a UD Revolution Lipstick that was $13 (in Canada, these are $26). I was at a local discount store (Winners) and they had it there....Ohhhh boy. That was a little hard. But then hubby reminded me that I was luck enough to get the 6 for $50 from the UD Black Friday sale, so I put down the lipstick carefully and ran away. Lol!  Also spotted a Color Club set of like 8 colours for $10....and ran away from that too! :yahoo:

Well done!!! You must be feeling very proud!! That would have been a hard thing for most of us!!

 

[Glitteryvegas]

Well done!!! You must be feeling very proud!! That would have been a hard thing for most of us!!

Thank You! It was a bit hard, because last year I just would've put the $$ down whether I had it or not and walked away with those items. I'm going to have to chase this feeling this year and keep walking away!

 

[allthingsglam]

Thank You!  It was a bit hard, because last year I just would've put the $$ down whether I had it or not and walked away with those items.  I'm going to have to chase this feeling this year and keep walking away!  :cheer:

I know the feeling that's how I am to but then the next day I feel great because the urge has lefted then I realize I have something similar

 

[SleepingBeauty]

Congrats to anyone who has successfully avoided to spend money on unnecessary things!

You go, girls!

I'm being tempted as well at the moment. I had thought I really wouldn't need the Naked 3 (used to have the Naked 2 but sold it, then got Naked 1, which I really like, and bought Naked Basics, one of my go to palettes) but I totally fell in love with it today! I've always been tempted by the pictures and swatches but - I don't know what happened - my brain now cannot think of anything else. So I made a deal with myself that I will order the Naked 3 as soon as it's in stock again but I will not buy anything else makeup-y in a while.
Oh well, but I just came across the L'Oréal Priveé Collection with all those fabolous nudes! They all look gorgeous! I. Must. Resist. If there's one thing I really don't need it's another lipstick.

 

[Audrey C]

I managed to do two Sephora purchases this week without buying any new makeup. I ordered some Bumble and Bumble straightening products (my staples) to get the sample bonus but didn't even glance at the makeup tab. Today, I took the birthday giftcard I got from my hubby in; my backup foundation was Clinique Redness Solutions and I got a sample of Bobbi Brown BB cream lately that I like even better, so I exchanged the Clinique one for the BB. I also got some Living Proof Style Extender. No new makeup (I don't count an exchanged product as a new purchase - I swapped one for one of the same product type).

Best part, I'm out of Sephora cards!

That might seem like an odd thing to be happy about, but it's easy to splurge over the holiday season because Christmas and my birthday are a week apart and it doesn't feel like I'm spending since it's other people's money. I used my other gift cards towards my espresso machine and used my Pottery Barn card at Williams Sonoma for beautiful but overpriced espresso and latte cups and saucers.

Woot!

 

[charlotte366]

Good jobs ladies!! I went to the drugstore today I managed to not buy any make up but I did buy some skincare basics as my eczema on my cheek is really acting up and I didn't have any of my barrier repair cream which helps soo much. I really can't face battling with sore skin so I felt I was justified. As for my earlier sales haul I listed the laura mercier tarte au citron quartet on eBay, I paid £15 for it, I sold it this evening for full retail of £30 plus postage, result! Loving my becca stuff that I ordered before Christmas, but as I kept most of it I listed loads of stuff on eBay today as well as some shoes. Thought I would try to have a proper clear out in January and maybe I will go through my wardrobe next weekend. I decided that all the proceeds from my clear out will be put straight into my savings account forming a rainy day fund. I also really like the idea of that savings plan, I might try that as I would only have a week or do to catch up with! My only issue is I am craving done thing from the nars final cut collection, I want sell the blushers but thought I might allow myself one as I have a £10 discount card for space nk. For the moment I am holding off to see if the lemming goes away!

 

[Kaori]

Congrats to anyone who has successfully avoided to spend money on unnecessary things!

You go, girls!

I'm being tempted as well at the moment. I had thought I really wouldn't need the Naked 3 (used to have the Naked 2 but sold it, then got Naked 1, which I really like, and bought Naked Basics, one of my go to palettes) but I totally fell in love with it today! I've always been tempted by the pictures and swatches but - I don't know what happened - my brain now cannot think of anything else. So I made a deal with myself that I will order the Naked 3 as soon as it's in stock again but I will not buy anything else makeup-y in a while.
Oh well, but I just came across the L'Oréal Priveé Collection with all those fabolous nudes! They all look gorgeous! I. Must. Resist. If there's one thing I really don't need it's another lipstick.

Urban decay should have 20% friends and family sale in february like they did last year and they have it in stock =) Or sephora has 15% off in april if you want to wait.