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

[myfavoritePA]

I started using Johnson's baby shampoo recently and I like it much better than any other cleansers I've tried. My brushes have been great so far, actually seems like they're in better condition than the designated brush cleansers.. Can't comment on the long term effects, but I'm going to keep at it unless I hear otherwise.

Do you use it for spot cleaning too (eg between washes), or just deep cleaning?

 

[lyseD]

Yeah, mixing own lipstick would cost much more than it costs the company and it would never be the same >.< I tried some of the organic lipsticks and ugh, completely different texture, too much of a clay taste etc lol But at least mixing own lip balms is cheap and easy!! Do you have any good recipe for DIY shaving cream and moisturizer? *-*
Yeah I haven't had much luck with the "natural/organic" products either. I also am hesitant to purchase them since they expire much faster.

For shaving I'm just using straight up jojoba oil right now! Works like a dream and keeps the skin soft. If I want my legs really soft I'll shave, then exfoliate with a sugar/sweet almond oil scrub that I mix, then shave again. Or use an epilator, exfoliate, shave. If you want a super basic/cheap moisturizer try pure shea or cocoa butter or even a light oil like grapeseed or sweet almond for summer! I read an article about a hand model who said her secret to perfect hands is applying sweet almond oil 30 times a day.. lol. Oh and her husband does the dishes of course.

I like the idea of the oil. Does it wear out your blade faster than using regular foam?

 

[elkaknits]

In an attempt to save money, I am trying to get by with a DIY brush cleaner for spot cleaning. I am currently using isopropyl alcohol + a few drops of dish soap, but I'm worried that this is going to dry out my brushes (especially those with natural hair). I have seen other DIY recipes that include a leave-in conditioner, but I'm really concerned about that potentially causing breakouts from the residue left on the brushes (I have very acne-prone skin and hair products seem to exacerbate breakouts for me). Can anyone steer me in the right direction here? Should I continue on the DIY route, or should I shell out the money for a store-bought spot cleanser? I don't want to ruin my brushes.

FYI I am using Dr. Bronner's to deep clean, if that makes a difference.

there was a link a long while ago somewhere on specktra to these little brush nets for drying. I am not going to remember the you tuber or tutorial or even the product name. The take-away for me was that the vlogger put a bit of olive oil and an equal bit of dawn type of dish detergent {thro bronners would be much gentler imo} and swirled her brushes in those then rinsed. She then, of course, put on the brush sleeves so that the bristles dried just so and could be standing brush down in a cup. I am cheap and didn't buy the brush sleeves and just put my brushes with bristles hanging over the edge of my vanity. Anyway I like the method. Alcohol seems kinda drying to my mind and if we can cleanse our faces with oil ~ its the chi-chi thing to do these days~ we can certainly clean our brushes with it. Yes?

 

[veronikawithak]

Where do you buy your argan oil? Is there a big difference in price between what you buy and Josie Maran? Any difference in purity? I've heard that cheaper oils are often less refined or pure, which makes me reticent to put them on my face, but maybe I am worrying for nothing?

I really want to try jojoba oil for shaving now! Great idea!

Do it! Jojoba oil is awesome and such a multi-purpose product.

I bought the Aura Cacia.. it's 100% pure argan oil, organic.. I haven't noticed any difference really except that I think it smells better lol! It's in a dark glass bottle, feels pretty silky.. seems legit. Bonus for me is it has a pump and not a dropper. It's like $15/oz rather than $30-36/oz for JM. My skin has continued to be great since I switched, so I'm going to keep using it! Hope that helps!

Edit: I buy mine in the "natural" section of my grocery store, but you can also get it online at Vitacost, Iherb, and I'm sure a bunch of other places.

Here's a post you might want to read: http://saadiaorganics.com/7-warning-signs-that-your-argan-oil-is-impure

 

[Kaori]

In an attempt to save money, I am trying to get by with a DIY brush cleaner for spot cleaning. I am currently using isopropyl alcohol + a few drops of dish soap, but I'm worried that this is going to dry out my brushes (especially those with natural hair). I have seen other DIY recipes that include a leave-in conditioner, but I'm really concerned about that potentially causing breakouts from the residue left on the brushes (I have very acne-prone skin and hair products seem to exacerbate breakouts for me). Can anyone steer me in the right direction here? Should I continue on the DIY route, or should I shell out the money for a store-bought spot cleanser? I don't want to ruin my brushes.

FYI I am using Dr. Bronner's to deep clean, if that makes a difference.

I always just use regular bar soap to deep clean my brushes and it works fine

 

[aradhana]

I got it from somebody else on this thread and bookmarked it. I have been going through all my things with it. Some stuff like MAC cosmetics purchases I can date by release or online order status things and others by when I started wearing it.

I distinctly recall my husband's ex-wife making a comment on my smash box make-up right after I started wearing it and I haven't repurchased since.... that was in the Oct '07. Yes I was friends with his wife. In the TMI column she encouraged me to go out with him since she was stepping out and I refused to do so until they were separated. But I always respected him and @ a year after they separated we became a couple instead of just good friends. But either way because of the whole drama I clearly remember when I got them.

Anyway link:

http://checkcosmetic.net

thanks for the link! i must have missed it the first time around!

 

[aradhana]

In an attempt to save money, I am trying to get by with a DIY brush cleaner for spot cleaning. I am currently using isopropyl alcohol + a few drops of dish soap, but I'm worried that this is going to dry out my brushes (especially those with natural hair). I have seen other DIY recipes that include a leave-in conditioner, but I'm really concerned about that potentially causing breakouts from the residue left on the brushes (I have very acne-prone skin and hair products seem to exacerbate breakouts for me). Can anyone steer me in the right direction here? Should I continue on the DIY route, or should I shell out the money for a store-bought spot cleanser? I don't want to ruin my brushes.

FYI I am using Dr. Bronner's to deep clean, if that makes a difference.

i use a bar of olive oil soap to clean my brushes. one of the mac artists at the pro store in my city recommended that for cleaning all brushes. it's great because the olive oil conditions it, but also cuts the grease in the cream products very well. the bristles are never left oily or with residue however. and of course, those bars last forever, especially if all you're using them for is cleaning makeup brushes!

 

[Naynadine]

i use a bar of olive oil soap to clean my brushes. one of the mac artists at the pro store in my city recommended that for cleaning all brushes. it's great because the olive oil conditions it, but also cuts the grease in the cream products very well. the bristles are never left oily or with residue however. and of course, those bars last forever, especially if all you're using them for is cleaning makeup brushes!

I sometimes use Allepo soap too, it works great, I feel like it's gentle and it's better at getting stained bristles white again than brush cleanser. And I agree, those soap bars last forever.

 

[User38]

I use an olive oil soap too! it works perfectly and since I am germ phobic, I clean them every day -- that's why I have so many brushes in rotation. I have not found the soap to do any damage at all... in fact, traditional brush cleaners which contain alcohol do dry out the hairs.

 

[veronikawithak]

This thread reminded me it was time to give my brushes a cleaning! They're laying out to dry now. ompom: I'll have to try the olive oil soap when I run out of baby shampoo.. probably won't be for a long time though, hopefully I remember lol. #teamlowbuy .. saving the beauty world, one problem at a time.

 

[Naynadine]

I use an olive oil soap too! it works perfectly and since I am germ phobic, I clean them every day -- that's why I have so many brushes in rotation. I have not found the soap to do any damage at all... in fact, traditional brush cleaners which contain alcohol do dry out the hairs.

Ha, I do that too, well after every use not everyday. Never do spot cleaning. It's nice to have enough brushes to rotate so I don't have to wash them everyday. I'm lazy like that, lol.

Quote: Originally Posted by veronikawithak

This thread reminded me it was time to give my brushes a cleaning! They're laying out to dry now.

I'll have to try the olive oil soap when I run out of baby shampoo.. probably won't be for a long time though, hopefully I remember lol.

#teamlowbuy .. saving the beauty world, one problem at a time.

 

[Audrey C]

Thanks to all this swapping (three new blush), exchanging (N2 for two Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge) and finally purchasing (two Hourglass Ambient Blush), I can't decide what I want to wear today.

THIS is a low-buy?!

 

[veronikawithak]

Thanks to all this swapping (three new blush), exchanging (N2 for two Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge) and finally purchasing (two Hourglass Ambient Blush), I can't decide what I want to wear today.

THIS is a low-buy?!

I hear ya! I ran out of my vibrancy eye primer and I decided to get another one now since they're being DC'd.. then I got a new P+P lip too cause I got thinking about it.. lol. I don't think I'll count those since they're more primers/skincare.. And one of the duo palettes. I just filled it with my favorite blushes and eyeshadows (already had the inserts from the 2 pro palettes separately). But now I have 4 empty palettes that I don't know what to do with.. 2 are new style without insert and 2 are old style with insert.

I already like the new palette setup way better than having them separate, and the others were repurchases of things I love so I'm not too disappointed. I need to work on doing way less shopping overall though, rather than displacing the habit from makeup to something else. I just need to stay away from the mall altogether.. haha. I find if I need to go to return something, I hate making the trip just to do a return so I'll end up with a list of things I think I need to get in case I don't get time to go later on..

 

[Kaori]

My mac playful petal finally came and I love it (snapdragon still on back order, hopefully it ships) It's a bit sticky though, but at least it will hold on fine. I love the shimmer and the fact that it's sheer, I wouldn't want that electric pink that bright on my lips lol It's nice cool tones (purple/blue,pink/silver) fine sparkles without the gritty feeling that my tarina tarantino gloss(bronze sparkle) has. Don't have anything like it so I'm happy X3 Not really sure if I like that I can taste vanilla-ish taste, but it's still better than the weird plastic smell/taste of the unscented nars lip glosses >.<

 

[lyseD]

Not sure if this is on topic but I think it is kind of related.

I have an issue with using some beautiful things I own (not make up). I try and talk myself into using/wearing them more but I am so worried they will get damaged they just sit in my cupboard collecting dust, which is silly, I know.

Anyone else overcome this problem? Where is a good place to start?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Kaori]

Not sure if this is on topic but I think it is kind of related.

I have an issue with using some beautiful things I own (not make up). I try and talk myself into using/wearing them more but I am so worried they will get damaged they just sit in my cupboard collecting dust, which is silly, I know.

Anyone else overcome this problem? Where is a good place to start?

Thanks for your help.

Think of it this way: in case of house fire or burglary you may lose them all so there is no 'safe' place for them anyway so may as well just wear them and love them
I have more of an issue of buying pretty things and letting them just collect dust because there is never occasion to wear them *cough* pretty 'prom' dress and that elegant corset top *cough*

 

[myfavoritePA]

I use an olive oil soap too! it works perfectly and since I am germ phobic, I clean them every day -- that's why I have so many brushes in rotation. I have not found the soap to do any damage at all... in fact, traditional brush cleaners which contain alcohol do dry out the hairs.
I was thinking alcohol probably isn't the best. Do you think there's any problem with using alcohol once in a while to spot clean as long as I am deep cleaning regularly with an oil-based cleanser?

Quote: Originally Posted by veronikawithak

This thread reminded me it was time to give my brushes a cleaning! They're laying out to dry now.

I'll have to try the olive oil soap when I run out of baby shampoo.. probably won't be for a long time though, hopefully I remember lol.

#teamlowbuy .. saving the beauty world, one problem at a time.

Ha! Love it!

 

[SleepingBeauty]

One of the signs you're addicted to makeup: You haven't bought anything from MAC in a while and feel the need to buy something right now just for the sake of buying.

I'm filling my cart right now (virtually, of course) but seeing the total always helps me not to submit the order.

I want to wait until Viva Glam will launch in three days because I want to order the lipglass.

 

[Rainbunny]

One of the signs you're addicted to makeup: You haven't bought anything from MAC in a while and feel the need to buy something right now just for the sake of buying. hboy: I'm filling my cart right now (virtually, of course) but seeing the total always helps me not to submit the order. :haha: I want to wait until Viva Glam will launch in three days because I want to order the lipglass.

Maybe distract yourself by going through your stash, rediscovering nice things you already have, and coming up with a look. Probably you are just bored. Or if you need some fresh air, maybe go run an errand and get outside for a quick walk, if possible. 90% of the time with me I think it's just boredom.

 

[User38]

I think you're referring to Michelle Phan's brush cleaning tutorial. Thanks for the suggestion!

Thanks!

It just goes to show that we don't have to buy the pricey stuff to get the job done!

That's a great idea!

I bet it would do a good job of getting the difficult-to-clean stuff out (like long-wearing foundations or lipstick).

I was thinking alcohol probably isn't the best. Do you think there's any problem with using alcohol once in a while to spot clean as long as I am deep cleaning regularly with an oil-based cleanser?

Ha! Love it!

I think it's always good to have an alcohol based brush cleaner on hand -- but use it rarely. I use mine about every 3-4 weeks and only on brushes like the 217 which can grab colour and oils. I use the cleanser before I do my regular soap cleansing and so far have had good luck with my brush stash.