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

[veronikawithak]

That sounds like a very reasonable and #teamlowbuy approved haul.

I'm also happy with my Hourglass powder and Nars concealer. I have bought so little MAC in the last months that I completely forgot the feeling of having to stalk the websites and hunt down items. I'm dreading the FoF and Proenza releases.

I'm so relieved you approve!! I was a little nervous.

Usually the word "haul" doesn't fit well with #teamlowbuy but I really did think it all through. I also can't believe how good my face looks with the three new products I got today.. all of them are now HG status already!!

I hear ya about MAC, I love not having to stalk and having a ton of swatches/reviews/tutorials to check out before purchase!

I'll still check out some of the lippies from FoF and maybe a couple other pieces, but I no longer feel out of control like I did when the color story first came out.

 

[veronikawithak]

I also got to check out the OPI Gwen Stefani and Brazil collections. Initially wanted both mini sets and 2-3 of the neutrals from Brazil before I got to see them. Skipped all of it!

 

[Spikesmom]

This is so silly but I am bummed about losing my Sephora VIB status on this low buy.

 

[PixieDancer]

So far this week I have rediscovered how much I love my Tarte Amazonian clay blush in Blushing Bride, Diamonds CCB, Midnight Mambo MSL and Rebel l/s.

I love rediscovering things I love in many stash! Its so easy to forget them w all the new items coming in... That's why I need less coming in! I rediscovered Cream Soda blush last week!! I should not stop using things I love just because new stuff comes along.

hi ladies, i need some encouragement as all the new collections have launched, ive wrote my interest lists, which are always about 6 or so items but i think the most items ive ever bought from a collection is 3. it seems as if there wont be an new MAC launches in the UK until march, i remember it last year there were about 3 collections launched on the same day when baking beauties was out and it was madness! so it looks as if it will be the same this year too. im not worried that i'll buy too much, as it's kind of good they all come out at once because then i can only get what i TRULY feel confident that i will use. obviously, the downside is that i will have to save up quite a bit of money for such a big haul. and so... im thinking i should do a no buy for all of february! and i could put away the money i would usually spend ready for all the march and april collections? is it a bit too drastic? anyone got a more gentler suggestion for me? like 1 purchase a week or a cash limit?

I think a no buy in February is a good plan for you. And February is a short month, so I don't think it will feel as long as it seems! Good luck!

Guess who went to MAC/Sephora today! This girllll. I know what you're all thinking.. but stay with me! At MAC my favorite MUA was all "I haven't seen you in a while!" = Sign #1 that you're doing well on your low-buy. I only bought 1 item.. a backup of my MSFN since I'm almost out. At Sephora I got a NARS foundation, NARS concealer, and an Hourglass powder. I had a good reason for these too, I promise. I didn't have any liquid foundation or concealer and I'm thrilled I finally found shades light/neutral enough. I also wanted to try one of the ambient powders so I would know if I still wanted Perfect Topping or not. And guess what? I DON'T. I want like 3 more of the hourglass powders though..  but I will wait for the VIB sale since they're perm. I also got the new Bumble & Bumble dry shampoo (not counted under my limit). So that's 4 items of 12 used up.. but they were all ones on my preliminary list and now I know I can skip PT. I feel much better researching and planning for products rather than scrambling to find swatches and having regrets for missing out AND regrets for things I did purchase (sometimes in the same collection).

Definitely an approved haul! Everything was on your list, and it even helped you clear up a slot on your list at the same time! You thought it all through and did a great job!

 

[PixieDancer]

This is so silly but I am bummed about losing my Sephora VIB status on this low buy.

Silly girl! I'll lose mine too within the next 6 months. It feels like getting kicked out of the popular kids group! BUT now you are part of a new group... TeamLowBuy!! And we truly care about you... Not your money!

 

[Spikesmom]

Silly girl! I'll lose mine too within the next 6 months. It feels like getting kicked out of the popular kids group! BUT now you are part of a new group... TeamLowBuy!! And we truly care about you... Not your money!

LOL @ getting kicked out of the popular kids group, heaven forbid!! Another thing that makes me sad is that I really love trying new things, textures, colors, trends, etc... One thing I love most about my part-time freelancing is talking to people about products. Obviously I don't have experience with every product out there, but I usually try out enough new things to be able to speak intelligently and recommend things to women of various ages and skin types. I know I can get in, do the makeup, and get out without too much conversation, but I seem to end up with clients that have lots of questions and are looking to try new things. I don't get this too much at weddings, but during a one on one application it always happens. I guess I'll have to find some kind of middle ground. Shopping my stash isn't going to keep me up on experiencing new things. Am I over thinking this lol?

 

[PixieDancer]

OMG I love Cream Soda blush.  I have been using it pretty regularly since it came out.  If I purge blushes that one will not be going anywhere.  Actually I was thinking of making a palette with that.  I've been meaning to ask you girls for an opinion on that.  I'll do that in a separate post. LOL @ getting kicked out of the popular kids group, heaven forbid!!  Another thing that makes me sad is that I really love trying new things, textures, colors, trends, etc...  One thing I love most about my part-time freelancing is talking to people about products.  Obviously I don't have experience with every product out there, but I usually try out enough new things to be able to speak intelligently and recommend things to women of various ages and skin types.  I know I can get in, do the makeup, and get out without too much conversation, but I seem to end up with clients that have lots of questions and are looking to try new things.  I don't get this too much at weddings, but during a one on one application it always happens.  I guess I'll have to find some kind of middle ground.  Shopping my stash isn't going to keep me up on experiencing new things.  Am I over thinking this lol?

Yay for CS love! I'm guessing your questioning whether or not to depot because of the special packaging? I'm kind of having the same struggle. I'm not crazy about the packaging at all... But having it in different packaging helps it pop easier in my stash, which reminds me to use it. So I'm debating... As far as keeping up w new things for your clients... Don't take this the wrong way, but you may be focusing on that point to justify buying more things you don't need. The average client isn't going to have the massive amount of makeup you have... They are probably more interested in colors and such that would work for them. If it is truly a desire to keep up on trends, you could always limit your purchases to 1 item of a new formula to test it. And then refer to online swatches, blogs, and reviews to get helpful info to share w your clients... HTH a little...

 

[Naynadine]

I just realized the Proenza collection won't come out before April, no idea why I thought it was Feb/March. Whew, gives me some more time to save.

 

[Spikesmom]

As far as keeping up w new things for your clients... Don't take this the wrong way, but you may be focusing on that point to justify buying more things you don't need. The average client isn't going to have the massive amount of makeup you have... They are probably more interested in colors and such that would work for them. If it is truly a desire to keep up on trends, you could always limit your purchases to 1 item of a new formula to test it. And then refer to online swatches, blogs, and reviews to get helpful info to share w your clients... HTH a little...

LOL I didn't take that the wrong way, but I'm not sure how the size of their collections comes into play. I think I understand the questions I'm being asked. You are absolutely right, they always want to know what colors work for them, but during a one on one, a lesson or a "makeup bag rehab", part of the service is discussing formulas that will work for them. Sometimes I go into groups like the Junior Leage and teach a class. I get clients that way. It's always a barrage of have you tried this, that and the other??? Gah. I actually got a text a few days ago asking me if there was anything new and fun at the drugstore. I have no idea lol!!! I don't want to buy more stuff but it was hard not to be able to answer that question.

I honestly don't have an interest in expanding my stash, I'm disgusted by the size of it right now. I've already gotten rid of the three new Maybelline items that I bought earlier this year.

I just really like the first hand knowledge that I have. It has helped while marketing myself. I can and have planned to rely on samples, blogs, reviews, etc... As I said before, clearly I haven't been trying everything, but it's been enough kwim? It's just going to be a game changer when it comes to the job if that makes sense lol!!

Hopefully this makes some sense to someone. It makes sense in my head.

 

[Spikesmom]

These are the blushes that I'm wanting to make into a palette. All of them are favorites but four of them are in LE packaging. Will I regret depotting them?

I love all of these and plan to keep them all, but when I look at them all together like this I realize that I could probably get by with just two of these. I just can't pick which two so they are all staying. I wear them all so I'm not going to beat myself up over this one. Just whether or not to depot.

 

[PixieDancer]

LOL I didn't take that the wrong way, but I'm not sure how the size of their collections comes into play.  I think I understand the questions I'm being asked.  You are absolutely right, they always want to know what colors work for them, but during a one on one, a lesson or a "makeup bag rehab", part of the service is discussing formulas that will work for them.  Sometimes I go into groups like the Junior Leage and teach a class.  I get clients that way.  It's always a barrage of have you tried this, that and the other???  Gah.  I actually got a text a few days ago asking me if there was anything new and fun at the drugstore.  I have no idea lol!!!  I don't want to buy more stuff but it was hard not to be able to answer that question. I honestly don't have an interest in expanding my stash, I'm disgusted by the size of it right now.  I've already gotten rid of the three new Maybelline items that I bought earlier this year.  I just really like the first hand knowledge that I have.  It has helped while marketing myself.  I can and have planned to rely on samples, blogs, reviews, etc...  As I said before, clearly I haven't been trying everything, but it's been enough kwim?  It's just going to be a game changer when it comes to the job if that makes sense lol!! Hopefully this makes some sense to someone.  It makes sense in my head.  :anyone:

Oh it absolutely makes sense... And I think its great that you provide a more personal service to your customers. We all have our personal struggles. My modeling and entertainment career caused me to justify lots of unnecessary purchases because "its for work." Its hard to find that middle ground of what you need, to stay current in an industry that helps you make a living, and what is actually excessive and not useful. I know what you're going through from a different viewpoint. I know its hard to find a reasonable compromise.

 

[PixieDancer]

These are the blushes that I'm wanting to make into a palette.  All of them are favorites but four of them are in LE packaging.  Will I regret depotting them?  I love all of these and plan to keep them all, but when I look at them all together like this I realize that I could probably get by with just two of these.  I just can't pick which two so they are all staying.  I wear them all so I'm not going to beat myself up over this one.  Just whether or not to depot.

If you use all those blushes on a regular basis, all of them in one palette might make it more convenient for you. But if there's any chance you might want to get rid of any of them in the future, it will probably be easier for you if they're still in their single pots. BTW that's some nice makeup porn!! Heehee

 

[Spikesmom]

Oh it absolutely makes sense... And I think its great that you provide a more personal service to your customers. We all have our personal struggles. My modeling and entertainment career caused me to justify lots of unnecessary purchases because "its for work." Its hard to find that middle ground of what you need, to stay current in an industry that helps you make a living, and what is actually excessive and not useful. I know what you're going through from a different viewpoint. I know its hard to find a reasonable compromise.

Yes, a reasonable compromise seems like a far, far away land lol!! I didn't have this issue when I stopped buying scrapbook or jewelry making supplies. I wasn't teaching people about that!

I'm so glad the internet and all of this social media wasn't around during my dancing/acting days. I would have started on this train long, long ago!!! I managed to put my face on with relatively few choices. How did I manage?

 

[LinenWhite7]

I was starting to fall into a hole of lemming. This morning I woke up with a different mindset and I'm so glad. I was thinking - what did I do before I knew about MAC collections? I certainly didn't die because I missed out on another pink lipstick. Will I die if I actually skip FoF or Proenza or Playland? No. I won't die. Backing away slowing from the lemming. Back to my original plan of B2Ming for 1-2 (now thinking 1) lipstick from FoF. Will definitely be B2Ming for one or two from Playland. I have a dollar amount budget for all beauty items each month. So every time I fall into another MAC collection, it means I can't replace my favorite cleanser or mask when I run out. We are going to take the kids on a road trip soon, and wouldn't I rather have the money for that than another pink lipstick?

 

[Rainbunny]

Yes, a reasonable compromise seems like a far, far away land lol!!  I didn't have this issue when I stopped buying scrapbook or jewelry making supplies.  I wasn't teaching people about that! I'm so glad the internet and all of this social media wasn't around during my dancing/acting days.  I would have started on this train long, long ago!!!  I managed to put my face on with relatively few choices.  How did I manage?  :shrugs:

In terms of keeping up with products for your clients, couldn't you just use testers at the counter to try out formulae and colours on behalf of your clients and then just buy the very, very best ones to use on them?

 

[kanne]

These are the blushes that I'm wanting to make into a palette. All of them are favorites but four of them are in LE packaging. Will I regret depotting them?

I love all of these and plan to keep them all, but when I look at them all together like this I realize that I could probably get by with just two of these. I just can't pick which two so they are all staying. I wear them all so I'm not going to beat myself up over this one. Just whether or not to depot.

I wouldn't (Disclaimer: I am all about packaging!). Get one of those nice containers from The Container Store like all the youtubers have to put them in so you can flick through and see the colours easily...it's cheaper than a pro palette anyway!

 

[LinenWhite7]

These are the blushes that I'm wanting to make into a palette.  All of them are favorites but four of them are in LE packaging.  Will I regret depotting them?  I love all of these and plan to keep them all, but when I look at them all together like this I realize that I could probably get by with just two of these.  I just can't pick which two so they are all staying.  I wear them all so I'm not going to beat myself up over this one.  Just whether or not to depot.

Those are all beautiful! I am a fan of depotting eyeshadows, but since you only wear one blush a day (usually), are you trying to save space? Would you use them more if they were in a palette? What if they were in their own little organizer basket? If you are trying to cut down on clutter and save space, a palette is nice. How much value do you place on packaging? Are you a lover of LE packaging or does it not really matter to you?

 

[Spikesmom]

In terms of keeping up with products for your clients, couldn't you just use testers at the counter to try out formulae and colours on behalf of your clients and then just buy the very, very best ones to use on them?

Trying out the formulas and colors at the counter will work nicely. If I buy something new to try it doesn't go on the clients anyway. I'm just able to discuss and recommend.

I do this thing called "makeup bag rehab". I will go to someone's house and we go through their mu drawers or bags. Normal people folks, not obsessed collectors like us lol!! We go through it, talk about what to toss, what to keep, and what to add. I LOVE doing this. If I could make it my full time job I would. Sadly, being single it doesn't pay the bills and I can't afford to quit this job. My salary and benefits are too darn good!!!

 

[LinenWhite7]

I also got to check out the OPI Gwen Stefani and Brazil collections. Initially wanted both mini sets and 2-3 of the neutrals from Brazil before I got to see them. Skipped all of it! :cheer:

Same! I definitely have dupes of the ones I initially wanted! Glad to skip!

 

[novocainedreams]

THATS AWESOME! Great to hear!! Bravo!

Thank you I just did some more organizing and it helped remind me a bit! haha. My problem isn't necessarily big companies like MAC and such, mine is pigments from small Indies..I just LOVE them and have a billion, I'm sure don't need more, but I keep getting them. I really like my indie's and the more unique items I find. I'm still going through and de-stashing though. And as I am looking through future collections I am *really* paring down and going for what I don't have or is most unique. As far as MAC's new stuff, I only want Perfect Topping(been wanting it forever) and the two fluidlines. I just know I'll have dupes for the lipsticks and blushes. Same for Playland, I love Lustre's but I am sure I'll have a dupe for all the colors and almost half of the collection is perm. items or I have them(pencils and pigments) and I am not interested in lip/cheek type products. So I think I am going to do well with low-buying MAC from now on. So that makes me feel a bit better. :-D A little at a time. I also am thinking of going to PHAMExpo in June since I missed IMATS, so I am going to save up and try to remember if I want something enough, I'll wait until then. I do find if I wait a while, the "need" goes away and I don't miss buying the product!