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

[SleepingBeauty]

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.

Thank you for your advice, Rainbunny!

Yes, I'm pretty sure it's just boredom. I closed the online shop and it's okay now.

 

[User38]

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.

I have done that, but it happens late late at night (I sometimes work thru the night due to time differences with Europe), and I start to think of things I want.. not need. I try at that point to go into my own mind or into some research to take my mind off anything new. I always try to figure out also what a good strategy is for my new looks, clothes etc.. and that takes my mind off mu per se.

it might help if you stopped looking at new collections -- and concentrate on what you already have. I am forced to look at new collections but they are SO NEW that they are 2 years or more away from going into production -- so not buyable at all.

 

[Rainbunny]

Thank you for your advice, Rainbunny! Yes, I'm pretty sure it's just boredom. I closed the online shop and it's okay now.

Good! I think I'm going to take my own advice now-- some fresh air sounds good to me and I need to take a break, anyway.

 

[User38]

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.

A good place to start might be with a group-- if you have an inner fear that you will lose or have something damaged, that is an emotional response to your inner fears. Talk to people in your age/area and see if they can get you some group to share your feelings with.

I have had this a few times in my life and usually when I travel on business I will wear minimum jewelry and am always careful with clothes selections -- it's not out of fear but is a reality that a woman travelling alone might be mugged more easily and get her watch, diamond ring etc lifted from her. Not to mention being physically hurt.

best of luck.

 

[SleepingBeauty]

I have done that, but it happens late late at night (I sometimes work thru the night due to time differences with Europe), and I start to think of things I want.. not need. I try at that point to go into my own mind or into some research to take my mind off anything new. I always try to figure out also what a good strategy is for my new looks, clothes etc.. and that takes my mind off mu per se.

it might help if you stopped looking at new collections -- and concentrate on what you already have. I am forced to look at new collections but they are SO NEW that they are 2 years or more away from going into production -- so not buyable at all.

Oh wow, that sounds interesting, HerGreyness. You'll probably have forgotton half of the things when they are being released, so not much of a temptation there, I guess.

Quote: Originally Posted by Rainbunny


Good! I think I'm going to take my own advice now-- some fresh air sounds good to me and I need to take a break, anyway.

Enjoy the break! It's good to clear your head sometimes.


(I apologise for mistakes - I really need to go to bed - it's nearly 11pm over here.)

 

[User38]

Oh wow, that sounds interesting, HerGreyness. You'll probably have forgotton half of the things when they are being released, so not much of a temptation there, I guess.

Enjoy the break! It's good to clear your head sometimes.

sadly, yes.. many things I work on do not go into production due to price/ seasonality/ changes in management (lol) or economic factors not accounted for in advance.. so, I sometimes buy things that I have worked on in when they are in the prototype stage. No wonder I have a lust for buying beautiful packaging.. lol

 

[ma146rina]

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.

I know what you're mean, i have shoes that i wear rarely because i don't want to damage them.
I suppose is the fear of losing things (in general) that stop us ,we have to accept the fact that there's actually a possibility for them to get damaged but our lives will go on nonetheless.
No matter how beautiful they are they're just things, we should be able to enjoy them now. Also, there's always going to be new things to love

 

[liba]

Hello all!

'Finally had a chance to peek in on this thread and although there's probably no chance I'll catch up from beginning to end, I'll have to say it feels really lively in here! Extra stimulating discussions about many different things.

As to whether I'm ready for low-buying or not, well….on one hand, I've always been good about deciding on a brand or two and sticking with it, rather than flitting between many brands all the time. On the other hand, where I used to hold back based on some tight ideas about what worked and what didn't work for me, I'm more open to trying a lot of different colors and looks and that opens me up for more stuff (hello, vampy lips - I used to avoid those like the plague and now I've figured out ways to make them work for me, so voila - suddenly more vampy lipsticks in the 'ole stash). I try to be a voice of reason when it comes to things that just don't work for me, but then again, I get really enthusiastic about what I love.

I am definitely at the point where I've got older products (mostly powders and lipsticks, I'd say) that just aren't as good as the newest ones down the pike. I could keep them for a rainy day, but why bother? So here I am, to get inspired and to do a little inspiring too, in full anti-enabling mode!

 

[liba]

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.

Here's one simple solution: Find great repair shops you will trust with your things - talented shoe repair, tailor, china repair, jeweler, furniture refinishers, etc. Or learn how to do basic repairs yourself, so that you can do a perfect job with love on that fraying hem or water stain on the coffee table. Then, you can use your things without fear, because you've got great people on your team to be there to fix the wear and tear. It feels good to know you have a support system on this!

 

[veronikawithak]

Hello all!

'Finally had a chance to peek in on this thread and although there's probably no chance I'll catch up from beginning to end, I'll have to say it feels really lively in here! Extra stimulating discussions about many different things.

As to whether I'm ready for low-buying or not, well….on one hand, I've always been good about deciding on a brand or two and sticking with it, rather than flitting between many brands all the time. On the other hand, where I used to hold back based on some tight ideas about what worked and what didn't work for me, I'm more open to trying a lot of different colors and looks and that opens me up for more stuff (hello, vampy lips - I used to avoid those like the plague and now I've figured out ways to make them work for me, so voila - suddenly more vampy lipsticks in the 'ole stash). I try to be a voice of reason when it comes to things that just don't work for me, but then again, I get really enthusiastic about what I love.

I am definitely at the point where I've got older products (mostly powders and lipsticks, I'd say) that just aren't as good as the newest ones down the pike. I could keep them for a rainy day, but why bother? So here I am, to get inspired and to do a little inspiring too, in full anti-enabling mode!

So glad to see you're peeking in. I always love reading your comments on other threads! I think we're so lively here because we all have different goals and motivation! You can be on #teamlowbuy in a sense that you'd like to cut down your stash to just things that you love rather than keep things that you're done with. I've been mainly working on buying and using makeup that works for me rather than hoarding it away.

 

[veronikawithak]

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.

I don't think there's anything wrong with saving some beautiful things for special occasions, but if it gets to the point where you hardly or never use them.. are you still getting any pleasure out of owning them? Or are you causing yourself more stress maintaining them and worrying about damaging them? IMO, if they're truly beautiful things you should be immersing yourself in their beauty as much as possible while you have them. My fiance received some beautiful china from his grandparents for his birthday and we use it to eat dinner every night.. It doesn't make it any less special, and of course I would be upset if I broke a piece.. But at the end of the day, it's an inanimate object meant to be used for a specific purpose and it is well loved.

I bookmarked this page a while back when I was first starting to be interested in minimalism (https://radian.org/~krstic/stuff.html) and it has some pretty great quotes.. I know quotes don't equal behavior change, but it's nice to remind yourself of certain ideas sometimes. I hope they help.

"Beautiful things are important. If they're truly beautiful, they should be so beautiful that you are showing them to people. They should be on display: you should be sharing their beauty with others. Your pride in these things should enhance your life, your sense of taste and perhaps your social standing. ... Is your home a museum? Do you have curatorial skills? If not, then entropy is attacking everything in there. Stuff breaks, ages, rusts, wears out, decays. Entropy is an inherent property of time and space. Understand this fact. Expect this. The laws of physics are all right, they should not provoke anguished spasms of denial."

 

[princessjest]

Hello all! 'Finally had a chance to peek in on this thread and although there's probably no chance I'll catch up from beginning to end, I'll have to say it feels really lively in here! Extra stimulating discussions about many different things. As to whether I'm ready for low-buying or not, well….on one hand, I've always been good about deciding on a brand or two and sticking with it, rather than flitting between many brands all the time. On the other hand, where I used to hold back based on some tight ideas about what worked and what didn't work for me, I'm more open to trying a lot of different colors and looks and that opens me up for more stuff (hello, vampy lips - I used to avoid those like the plague and now I've figured out ways to make them work for me, so voila - suddenly more vampy lipsticks in the 'ole stash). I try to be a voice of reason when it comes to things that just don't work for me, but then again, I get really enthusiastic about what I love. I am definitely at the point where I've got older products (mostly powders and lipsticks, I'd say) that just aren't as good as the newest ones down the pike. I could keep them for a rainy day, but why bother? So here I am, to get inspired and to do a little inspiring too, in full anti-enabling mode! :hello:

Super glad to see you in here Liba, you always give such wonderful and detailed information in the colour story threads and I think that you will be enormously helpful in helping people edit down their wish lists - plus its fun in here too, as you say plenty of interesting conversation ( It keeps us out of trouble!) I am on the verge of a big purchase, I have been dying to try hourglass products but with a lighting powder setting me back 55 euro I just couldn't justify it, an American friend has kindly offered to forward them on to me if I buy them. In keeping with my low buy I am allowing myself 3 items. I am dead set on light, and contemplating Dim or Luminous light and then one of the blushes. I am having a hard time choosing! I worry because warm pinks and reds can make me look more weathered and ruddy than fresh and glowy!

 

[liba]

I am on the verge of a big purchase, I have been dying to try hourglass products but with a lighting powder setting me back 55 euro I just couldn't justify it, an American friend has kindly offered to forward them on to me if I buy them. In keeping with my low buy I am allowing myself 3 items. I am dead set on light, and contemplating Dim or Luminous light and then one of the blushes. I am having a hard time choosing! I worry because warm pinks and reds can make me look more weathered and ruddy than fresh and glowy!

Thanks for the kind words!

Can you get to a store to test the Hourglass powders before you place your order with your American friend? I don't think you would ever see me buy face products without seeing them in person first. Hourglass is quite expensive, too. I tried a couple of lip products from them years ago and felt like they were overpriced for what they were. I know everyone has spoken so highly of the HD powders and blushes, though, so I can understand your interest - try before buy, though - they're expensive even at US prices.

 

[myfavoritePA]

Hello all!

'Finally had a chance to peek in on this thread and although there's probably no chance I'll catch up from beginning to end, I'll have to say it feels really lively in here! Extra stimulating discussions about many different things.

As to whether I'm ready for low-buying or not, well….on one hand, I've always been good about deciding on a brand or two and sticking with it, rather than flitting between many brands all the time. On the other hand, where I used to hold back based on some tight ideas about what worked and what didn't work for me, I'm more open to trying a lot of different colors and looks and that opens me up for more stuff (hello, vampy lips - I used to avoid those like the plague and now I've figured out ways to make them work for me, so voila - suddenly more vampy lipsticks in the 'ole stash). I try to be a voice of reason when it comes to things that just don't work for me, but then again, I get really enthusiastic about what I love.

I am definitely at the point where I've got older products (mostly powders and lipsticks, I'd say) that just aren't as good as the newest ones down the pike. I could keep them for a rainy day, but why bother? So here I am, to get inspired and to do a little inspiring too, in full anti-enabling mode!

Yay! Welcome to the low buy thread!

 

[PixieDancer]

LIBA!!! I'm so glad you finally listened and stopped by! You don't have to be on a low buy to join our thread! We all are sharing our trials & struggles... Free from guilt and shame. You are one of the people on this website that has always given me sound advice, and I'm honored you'd check in on us and let us profit from your knowledge & experience! Feel free to let some of your stuff go on our low buy swap thread if you are favoring newer things in your stash! Thanks for saying hello sweetie! Don't be a stranger!!

 

[lyseD]

Thank you Liba and Veronikawithak very helpful advice. I might just pull out one of my scarves for a dinner out this weekend.

 

[veronikawithak]

Thank you Liba and Veronikawithak very helpful advice. I might just pull out one of my scarves for a dinner out this weekend.

Yay! That's a great idea. If you take baby steps and sort of bust something out every once in a while you can ease yourself into it and maybe realize your beautiful things serve you much better on your beautiful self.

Make sure you let us know how it goes!

 

[User38]

I don't think there's anything wrong with saving some beautiful things for special occasions, but if it gets to the point where you hardly or never use them.. are you still getting any pleasure out of owning them? Or are you causing yourself more stress maintaining them and worrying about damaging them? IMO, if they're truly beautiful things you should be immersing yourself in their beauty as much as possible while you have them. My fiance received some beautiful china from his grandparents for his birthday and we use it to eat dinner every night.. It doesn't make it any less special, and of course I would be upset if I broke a piece.. But at the end of the day, it's an inanimate object meant to be used for a specific purpose and it is well loved.

I bookmarked this page a while back when I was first starting to be interested in minimalism (https://radian.org/~krstic/stuff.html) and it has some pretty great quotes.. I know quotes don't equal behavior change, but it's nice to remind yourself of certain ideas sometimes. I hope they help.

"Beautiful things are important. If they're truly beautiful, they should be so beautiful that you are showing them to people. They should be on display: you should be sharing their beauty with others. Your pride in these things should enhance your life, your sense of taste and perhaps your social standing. ... Is your home a museum? Do you have curatorial skills? If not, then entropy is attacking everything in there. Stuff breaks, ages, rusts, wears out, decays. Entropy is an inherent property of time and space. Understand this fact. Expect this. The laws of physics are all right, they should not provoke anguished spasms of denial."

Wonderful quote veronikawithak -- I agree that whatever beautiful things we have, should be used and shared. My work and my travel -- sometimes to complex and difficult places makes me a bit wary of using my personal things more frequently. When my late husband was alive, I never felt insecure - he was an ex marine, big tall man who made me feel protected. But alone, I still cringe on going into certain areas of the world.. and yet I have to. So, at these times I prefer to avoid conflict. My home is now in many places - but I try to mark each one with my personality and my mementos of life.

 

[veronikawithak]

Wonderful quote veronikawithak -- I agree that whatever beautiful things we have, should be used and shared. My work and my travel -- sometimes to complex and difficult places makes me a bit wary of using my personal things more frequently. When my late husband was alive, I never felt insecure - he was an ex marine, big tall man who made me feel protected. But alone, I still cringe on going into certain areas of the world.. and yet I have to. So, at these times I prefer to avoid conflict. My home is now in many places - but I try to mark each one with my personality and my mementos of life.

I love this so much HerGreyness. You have such a way with words.

I moved across the country almost 3 years ago with just my two very overweight suitcases and the clothes I was wearing.. When I got on the plane I wasn't thinking about all of the things I gave away or sold to prepare for the move, or even what I had brought with me. One of my dearest friends had made a video compilation of everyone saying their goodbyes to me that he surprised me with when he dropped me off at the airport and that was what was on my mind. Ultimately it's people and places we remember the most, not possessions.

I have some nice jewelry that I won't wear out downtown at night and I probably wouldn't bring my favorite things traveling if I wasn't able to easily replace them. But I'm working really hard at streamlining the things I own so that everything is everything is either useful or beautiful, preferably both!

 

[MadTheologian]

I am lurking and I want to use what I have already. I am normally picky, but now I want to save money for future plans. Hello all.