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

[Debbs]

I have recently sold, gifted most of my beloved back-ups, listed a lot of BNIB MAC stuff for swap. My willingness to part with Mac items is telling the inner me something. If I choose to listen is a whole 'nother story!

 

[PixieDancer]

Ahhh I'm so split on the situation! Mac baited us but if the product really works for me should I really send it back? Liba is amazing with words! Like when I read her reviews I feel like a wide-eyed little girl reading a fairy tale LOL. She really got me wanting one of those blushes....shh...

I'm going to say this... Liba has NEVER steered me wrong. When she something is great, it IS great! Nothing like a MUA/SA just trying to make a sale. However, I don't think that any makeup item is the end all and be all of all makeup! There will always be new collections, repeated shades, new formulas. You just need to decide when the latest and greatest "version"isn't necessary for you personally. We all get there at different times. But we wouldn't be in this thread if we didn't realize there is a need for insight in this area! As for PT... I agree w Audrey, Naynadine, and everyone that feels its more about the principal than the product. However, I also bought PT before knowing we had been deceived. I would NOT have bought it after the fact just like I won't buy new version SR based on principal alone. BUT I will at least TRY PT since its coming anyways, and if I like it on its own merit, I will keep it to avoid the hassle of returning it. But I will NOT buy another repromote again without reviews and swatches FIRST! I feel there's a direct connection w macs lack of swatches for FoF and these deceitful repromotes. They knew full well what they were up to. So not again. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on ME! So I'm looking at this as a lesson learned. If you want to keep your PT, you shouldn't feel guilty doing that. Just be more cautious moving forward w repromoted items. Don't be duped again. Let's all try to make smarter buying choices in that regard. HTH hun!!! (PS please remind me I said this if they ever bring back Metal Rock!! Heehee)

I am able to get the ONE item I wanted from FoF without breaking my no-buy for that collection. Getting to know members via the swap thread is priceless. We have some very awesome members on Specktra. Sometimes I get a wave of depression and may come across as a bit negativist and bitter (IMO) but I am working on that. Pixie you understand what I mean. These exchanges do improve my mood which is good.

I love you Debbs!!! Xoxo

 

[Audrey C]

I love liba... And I would buy everything if it was up to her and her amazing descriptions.. And lord knows I have! Heehee I just personally need to get much more discriminating. I hate throwing all my disposable income at makeup!!

No kidding! Really...it's blush. It's not a life-changing event. Maybe it's nice blush, but it's just freaking powder. I'm not picking on Liba at all because I really do think she's lovely and she's just sharing her excitement and pleasure in the products.

Really though, I shake my head every time I see ads/hear chatter about the 'new technology' of this or that product. Really? We're not talking about the steam engines, the first iPod or a MRI - we're talking about a slightly different formulation of blush.

I've spent twenty years in marketing/product management/development. Trust me - all of these tactics are simply ploys to attempt to make us think we need something we don't. It's the standard sales message: This new collection is just an orgasm in a box and you'll never know how you lived without it and the old stuff that was also to die for just last season is just outdated and garbage. This new one is fresh and modern (implying that if you just finish up the old one that you're clearly not fashion forward or au courant) and if you just buy buy buy then you too can be beautiful, popular, relevant, etc.

We all know better, but marketing is designed to appeal to our emotional side and not our logical one. It's pure unadulterated BULLSHIT.

If you want a product because you think it would work well for you and add to your collection and YOU CAN AFFORD IT WITHOUT SACRIFICING OTHER OBJECTIVES, then by all means buy it. But don't do so just because you think it's LE or it has a celebrity's name on it (O.M.G.!) or someone describes it in an appealing way. Most of us have acknowledged that we already have too much. We don't need more just because it's 'new and improved'. It's only going to be that way until the next collection launches.

Never underestimate the power that (even relative) financial security brings. The day we paid off our house and realized that we didn't owe a penny to anyone on the planet was hugely liberating. No matter what happens, no one can take our home away. It's been said that we are spending money we haven't earned yet to buy things we don't need to impress people we don't even like, and it's true.

Only buy what you want and need - not what others say you do.

 

[PixieDancer]

Oh I absolutely agree and have expressed that several times.. The general opinion of the thread was swaying that way in the beginning too! ..until glowing reviews came in and eyes glazed over like krispy kreme doughnuts.. lol! I think sometimes people just want permission to overspend and that's fine with me! I just won't be a part of that. I'm walking that line between hater and fangirl - I love a lot of their products and the majority of my stash is MAC but their business practices are terrible sometimes!

I feel the same way! When I expressed my disappointment early on I think I was called "angry." Like it's a bad thing to have standards for the products you buy!? I left it at that after again explaining my "side" which I don't feel I should have to do. If you want to buy, buy. But if I'm disappointed in deceitful business practices, I'm also allowed to express my dissatisfaction wo being made to feel I have to keep accepting a company's crap. I mean, its not like this is the first time they've done this! I agree that people will use any excuse and rav review to buy more... Just because a product is amazing doesnt mean I need to buy it. If makeup wasn't amazing, we wouldn't all be here on this website in the first place, right!?

 

[Naynadine]

Oh I absolutely agree and have expressed that several times.. The general opinion of the thread was swaying that way in the beginning too!

..until glowing reviews came in and eyes glazed over like krispy kreme doughnuts.. lol! I think sometimes people just want permission to overspend and that's fine with me! I just won't be a part of that.

I'm walking that line between hater and fangirl - I love a lot of their products and the majority of my stash is MAC but their business practices are terrible sometimes!

Same here.

 

[PixieDancer]

Wow AudreyC PREACH! Sometimes I feel buying all this stuff is the adult version of fitting in when we were all in school. That somehow if I have the new, it item... I will be able to hang w the popular kids. Well most of the time, those kids were assholes! I would rather be friends w people who like me for me... Not what blush or jean brand I'm wearing! F the popular kids... I'm going to buy a bond! Heehee You fired me up AudreyC! I just LOVED your post! YOU are the desirable one girl!!!

 

[veronikawithak]

No kidding! Really...it's blush. It's not a life-changing event. Maybe it's nice blush, but it's just freaking powder. I'm not picking on Liba at all because I really do think she's lovely and she's just sharing her excitement and pleasure in the products.

Really though, I shake my head every time I see ads/hear chatter about the 'new technology' of this or that product. Really? We're not talking about the steam engines, the first iPod or a MRI - we're talking about a slightly different formulation of blush.

I've spent twenty years in marketing/product management/development. Trust me - all of these tactics are simply ploys to attempt to make us think we need something we don't. It's the standard sales message: This new collection is just an orgasm in a box and you'll never know how you lived without it and the old stuff that was also to die for just last season is just outdated and garbage. This new one is fresh and modern (implying that if you just finish up the old one that you're clearly not fashion forward or au courant) and if you just buy buy buy then you too can be beautiful, popular, relevant, etc.

We all know better, but marketing is designed to appeal to our emotional side and not our logical one. It's pure unadulterated BULLSHIT.

If you want a product because you think it would work well for you and add to your collection and YOU CAN AFFORD IT WITHOUT SACRIFICING OTHER OBJECTIVES, then by all means buy it. But don't do so just because you think it's LE or it has a celebrity's name on it (O.M.G.!) or someone describes it in an appealing way. Most of us have acknowledged that we already have too much. We don't need more just because it's 'new and improved'. It's only going to be that way until the next collection launches.

Never underestimate the power that (even relative) financial security brings. The day we paid off our house and realized that we didn't owe a penny to anyone on the planet was hugely liberating. No matter what happens, no one can take our home away. It's been said that we are spending money we haven't earned yet to buy things we don't need to impress people we don't even like, and it's true.

Only buy what you want and need - not what others say you do.

Audrey you're FIRING us UP! Where's my picket sign at?

Everything you said is right on.. I think too often people forget that it's a JOB to market these products!! Lots of $, time, and research has gone into finding the easiest and most effective ways to convince us we want something that's not a "need" in the strictest sense. Nobody's doing us a favor by making new fabulous products just for our benefit.. it's to sell them for profit!

 

[allthingsglam]

I agree with lots that have been saided here. pixie dancer those who called u angry can add me to the list because im angry disappointed all that. I'm not one to jump on the bandwagon of all products.I like what I think will look good on me.I did my resreach of pt 2009 thinking okay this will work for me maybe. I feel mac did deceive people with changing it had I known would I had of order no I would have wait for swatches. lesson learned the hard way who to say I will not like pt2014.but its not the product in my mind I ordered. and Audrey I agree with u mac and all theses gimmick to get us to buy the new this and new that. when really half the time its something old package up in new shiny pretty packaging. I'm getting sooooooo over it really fast and this is coming from me who is a sucker for packaging.that why I joined this thread I have over a 130 lipsticks I'm sure somewhere in all of those I have dupes for fof ls and blushes maybe the fuildlines may be the best thing in the collection.something pretty and different and have not brought a msf since adorned I'm picky so when I say I was excited about pt is saying alot I will wait and wear it but I'm still sending mac along email about my disappointment

 

[Audrey C]

You fired me up AudreyC! I just LOVED your post! YOU are the desirable one girl!!!

You caught me in a feeling feisty moment.

Seriously though, I am passionate about people's financial security. I've done the paycheque to paycheque thing (haven't we all?) with nothing set aside for emergencies, much less the future, and it takes a toll. There is no blush that's going to do more for your looks than the good night's sleep you get knowing that the wolf isn't at the door.

Start an emergency fund, even if you can only put $20 a month away. When you can make it $50, do. It might sound boring, but knowing that you'll be ok when life inevitably happens is a great feeling. You don't have to start with much - just start.

Skip one beauty purchase a month if you have to - just one - and put it in a separate account. In a year, you'll have little cushion.

BTW, I wasn't trying to make anyone feel bad for wanting to buy or keep PT or SR; if you want them, wear them with pleasure. I just meant that others shouldn't make you feel 'negative' for being offended by MAC's nonsense and planning to return them.

 

[veronikawithak]

I agree that people will use any excuse and rav review to buy more... Just because a product is amazing doesnt mean I need to buy it. If makeup wasn't amazing, we wouldn't all be here on this website in the first place, right!?

I know! I can't believe people were getting up in arms about US saying it was worth skipping on account of the shadiness.. lol! I don't feel like there's any explanation necessary whatsoever! But if you are okay with that.. it's not my call. I think if Chanel or Dior were dredging up the names of old favorites to cash in on the hype people might not be so forgiving!! Why is it any different with a less expensive product like MAC?

 

[Audrey C]

I know! I can't believe people were getting up in arms about US saying it was worth skipping on account of the shadiness.. lol! I don't feel like there's any explanation necessary whatsoever! But if you are okay with that.. it's not my call. I think if Chanel or Dior were dredging up the names of old favorites to cash in on the hype people might not be so forgiving!! Why is it any different with a less expensive product like MAC?

Because MAC can do no wrong with some people. They're entitled to their opinion, but some of us are a little more objective.

 

[veronikawithak]

Because MAC can do no wrong with some people. They're entitled to their opinion, but some of us are a little more objective.

Just a little.. lol.

Ps. They raised the Canadian lippie price to $19. More fuel for the low-buy fire!! And ladies, it is burning HOT HOT HOT!

 

[LinenWhite7]

No kidding! Really...it's blush. It's not a life-changing event. Maybe it's nice blush, but it's just freaking powder. I'm not picking on Liba at all because I really do think she's lovely and she's just sharing her excitement and pleasure in the products. Really though, I shake my head every time I see ads/hear chatter about the 'new technology' of this or that product. Really? We're not talking about the steam engines, the first iPod or a MRI - we're talking about a slightly different formulation of blush. I've spent twenty years in marketing/product management/development. Trust me - all of these tactics are simply ploys to attempt to make us think we need something we don't. It's the standard sales message: This new collection is just an orgasm in a box and you'll never know how you lived without it and the old stuff that was also to die for just last season is just outdated and garbage. This new one is fresh and modern (implying that if you just finish up the old one that you're clearly not fashion forward or au courant) and if you just buy buy buy then you too can be beautiful, popular, relevant, etc. We all know better, but marketing is designed to appeal to our emotional side and not our logical one. It's pure unadulterated BULLSHIT. If you want a product because you think it would work well for you and add to your collection and YOU CAN AFFORD IT WITHOUT SACRIFICING OTHER OBJECTIVES, then by all means buy it. But don't do so just because you think it's LE or it has a celebrity's name on it (O.M.G.!) or someone describes it in an appealing way. Most of us have acknowledged that we already have too much. We don't need more just because it's 'new and improved'. It's only going to be that way until the next collection launches. Never underestimate the power that (even relative) financial security brings. The day we paid off our house and realized that we didn't owe a penny to anyone on the planet was hugely liberating. No matter what happens, no one can take our home away. It's been said that we are spending money we haven't earned yet to buy things we don't need to impress people we don't even like, and it's true.  Only buy what you want and need - not what others say you do.

PREACH!!!!!

 

[kerry-jane88]

IT'S GETTING HOT IN HERRRR!

 

[veronikawithak]

IT'S GETTING HOT IN HERRRR!

So cut up all your cards!!

 

[Ajigglin]

I've been saying that MAC needs to give Liba a cut of their profits. Nobody was checking for those Huggables until she came along. Now she's about to save MAC again with this FoF scandalito (Spanglish for little scandal. LOL!) A breakup with MAC is on the horizon. I hate paying more, even if it's a dollar, for something that was cheaper yesterday. We had a good run, and I have the makeup to prove it. I will say ahead of time that I'm breaking my low-buy now that Melt has finally restocked. I normally would wait, but since Melt restocks every leap year, I can't afford to miss out.

 

[kerry-jane88]

2 days into my no buy, there were a few things i was bidding on ebay today, but its funny, when im out doing stuff i always bid really low, way lower than i would if i was sat at home waiting for the item to end,
so i didnt win anything and wasnt bothered taht i didnt win because i was out having a nice time anyway
im always less bothered when im distracted, busy, out doing stuff.

 

[novocainedreams]

Wow, it's really disappointing the one product I really wanted was PT and now it's basically a different product, I liked the pinkyness about the original....I'm on the fence if I want it at all anymore, I am glad I didn't rush out to buy everything when it was firs released, as I prefer buying from Nordstrom, but such a bummer, I suppose it saved me money! I can put it towards something else. I admit one of the blushes looked gorgeous and Dreaming Dahlia(I love corals) but I'm still going to say no, I'm sure I have something similar or can get something similar in the future. MAC's really been more and more of a letdown lately.

 

[princessjest]

I completly agree ... These MSF repromotes are beyond shadyshady it's freeloading on previous hype ... I was only planning on picking up PT from FOF and now I think I will skip the collection completely, I quite like the look of new Stereo Rose so will swatch it in store but am under no illusion it will be a BU for my "real thing" stereo rose. I agree that the most hyped products seem to be the ones that you hear there is a better version of in the latest for exampleI was hearing that Instigator is everything TTT should have been but TTT was released it was everything that Fixed On Drama should have been etc etc etc!

 

[User38]

I happen to agree with Audrey C. ... wait till the S.S. system goes kaput when you hit 60, God forbid you lose your job, or have a health emergency..

start saving even if it's a tiny amount per day -- week, and then learn to invest. take charge of your finances. I would rather be the attractive old lady with a Hermes handbag, a Rolex watch, and a big stash of cash for rainy days.. even if I still use my same old Red signature lipstick, old jeans and a great Chanel T shirt.

it's an investment in oneself and one's future.