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

[liba]

I admit I made a *small* purchase last night from Fyrinnae...I was having a bad day/week and just kind of caved, and the rumors they might be closing for a while made me jump on buying a couple things. But still...sigh. I am still tempted by the HG blushes and the new OCC lip tars that came out but I am doing my best to wait for a sale. And in the meanwhile return the MAC PT MSF I bought to balance out my last purchase. For the most part I am still doing well....I really want to try the MELT lippies too but I told myself not until you de-stash more, so that's my goal now.

Here's some anti-enabling.

Hourglass: I bought a few of their products years ago when they were a pretty new brand. I felt the quality was nice enough, but not really worth the very high price. It seems like they've rebalanced their range and somewhat improved their prices but I still think you can stay sane with all these new blushes. Just ask yourself if they look very different on your face - it could be that one particular shade is best and then there are a few that are so close to that one, but just a little less fabulous. Get the best one and skip the less amazing ones! They're not going to be going away for a good while, so you have time on your side!!!

As for Melt - do you want to buy lipsticks you can't try out in person first? This is what holds me back from buying them, plus all the availability hassles. I figure one day I may break down and put in an order, but I'd only buy ONE to see if I like the texture, smell, etc. and be very judicious from there….I bet I will dawdle so long on that brand that I'll be able to find them for sale in a brick and mortar store by then, hehe.

Good luck!

 

[Naynadine]

I bought something today too... Talking about Shiseido blushes in another thread made me check the websites for High Beam White again, which is my favorite highlighter (yes, even more than Lightscapade, lol) and it's sold out everywhere. I'm assuming they're just discontinuing it in Germany/Europe (for now). So since I waited too long to back it up I panicked and took the ebay route... I bought one from the US, including shipping I had to pay a little more than if I would have bought it here, but I know I love it and it will get used. Still, it wasn't really in the budget for this month anymore :/
I've bought a perfume sample on evilbay as well. I feel a little stupid for spending a couple of Euro on just a sample, but I really want to try that scent.

Maybe I can make March a makeup no-buy month? I did plan on getting a lipstick, partly paying with a gift card, but I have to be honest with myself, I really don't need another lipstick at the moment. So I'm hoping the Chanel one I have my eyes on isn't LE, so I can get it at a later time. Besides that, I think I should save the gift card for the Chanel Les Beiges striped powder, it will be pricey and I know I want it.
I'm still thinking about the Hourglass blushes and Hakuhodo brushes, but my finances aren't looking too good lately, so expensive items like those where I can't use gift cards or discounts either will have to wait a while.


Has anyone tried the makeup by & Other Stories? I have been fighting the temptation to order something since they first launched the website, then I forgot about it, now out of nowhere I'm interested again, lol. There aren't that many swatches/reviews and they don't allow returns on cosmetics, so that's why I was always hesitant to order.

All beauty | & Other Stories

edit: I'm just seeing this now, they have a freckle pencil.

 

[novocainedreams]

Getting a good organization system for your makeup is a crucial step in knowing what you have and actually USING it all! I'd love to have a different set-up where I could pull out drawer after drawer. I have to settle for some smaller individual containers, but that's OK. I cycle through stuff and grabbing a small bag with a few looks all ready to go is handy.

I wish I was here earlier to talk down all the Hourglass fienders - I would have sincerely tried! One blush doesn't ruin a low buy though, sweetie - you're way ahead of the game just getting everything nice and organized!

Here's some anti-enabling.

Hourglass: I bought a few of their products years ago when they were a pretty new brand. I felt the quality was nice enough, but not really worth the very high price. It seems like they've rebalanced their range and somewhat improved their prices but I still think you can stay sane with all these new blushes. Just ask yourself if they look very different on your face - it could be that one particular shade is best and then there are a few that are so close to that one, but just a little less fabulous. Get the best one and skip the less amazing ones! They're not going to be going away for a good while, so you have time on your side!!!

As for Melt - do you want to buy lipsticks you can't try out in person first? This is what holds me back from buying them, plus all the availability hassles. I figure one day I may break down and put in an order, but I'd only buy ONE to see if I like the texture, smell, etc. and be very judicious from there….I bet I will dawdle so long on that brand that I'll be able to find them for sale in a brick and mortar store by then, hehe.

Good luck!

Thank you I definitely am not planning on purchasing a ton of the blushes, there are primarily two that I was looking at. Mostly because the Hourglass ambient powders are seriously my holy grail powders, Diffused is my every day powder, and their primer is my holy grail primer. I find their products just work very well for me, but I don't plan on buying all of them, unless I really like them, and then I'd only get more if I got rid of other stuff.

That's honestly the reason I haven't bought the Melt lipsticks yet, they're very new, not lots of reviews just yet and you can't see them in person, however, I have made tons of purchases online without seeing the product first, I buy a lot of indie's you can't test out. But the price isn't something I'm going to take lightly, which is why I only plan on trying them if I de-stash a lot first.

 

[charlotte366]

Minor slip up today, I got paid and I got a tax refund on the same day.... Sucess in that I walked around the drugstore and th only thing I bought was 1 real techniques silcone tip liner brush to try. Failure in that I purchased Love Beam Huggable:-( They didn't have many left (good thing!) but love beam has been calling to me :-( and it was the last one :-( My biggest splurge was however a Babyliss Curl Secret, ekk! I have been wanting one since they came out, I finally used a portion of my tax refund to buy one, If it doesn't work I should be able to return, If it doesn't work i will take it back as it is too expensive to keep and have sitting there doing nothing. On a more positive note I went online banking this morning and transferred money into my saving etc and paid all my bills before allowing myself a small shopping budget - (huggables). Really pleased I dodn't buy any drugstore stuff and none of the barry m nail polishes. I am not perfect, I am a work in progress, in some respects I think I may always be a work in progress, but the steps I have taken in the first 8 weeks have already had a massive impact on my life. Very happy today

 

[veronikawithak]

Happy to report I went shopping with a girlfriend all afternoon yesterday and didn't buy a single piece of makeup! My only purchases were an apothecary jar to store my nail polishes in, 3 scarves for spring since all of mine are heavier winter ones, and a vase with fake flowers. Pretty things to look at that are actually meant to sit there and look pretty.. It helped that the friend I went with isn't really into makeup and mostly wanted to check out clothing stores.. but I'm proud of myself nonetheless!

My last makeup purchase was Feb 11th.. hit the 10 day mark! I'm really really trying hard to stick to my no-buy February & March (minus the goodies I got with my pass for birthday money). I have purchased a few nail polishes since then but they were all either full size neutrals I will get a lot of use of or minis of fun colors I want to try but know I won't finish a whole bottle. One of the salons opened up an OPI 4 pack to sell me an individual color! I don't know if they're technically supposed to do that.. but I'm happy! My jar is also almost full and I refuse to have overflow so I think that will help in the future.

I got an email yesterday about the HG blushes.. deleted it right away so I wouldn't be tempted. I'm going to be happy with the one I have for now and keep trying to use up some of the blushes I have. I really want to finish a blush this year.. Maybe I'll get another HG during the next Sephora sale. Maybe..

 

[lyseD]

I took my daughter to get matched for MAC foundation and picked up Bloom On for myself. I know I didn't need it but I really want to finish up my Prolongwear collection. And I did sell eleven items.

 

[kerry-jane88]

I

Minor slip up today, I got paid and I got a tax refund on the same day.... Sucess in that I walked around the drugstore and th only thing I bought was 1 real techniques silcone tip liner brush to try. Failure in that I purchased Love Beam Huggable:-( They didn't have many left (good thing!) but love beam has been calling to me :-( and it was the last one :-( My biggest splurge was however a Babyliss Curl Secret, ekk! I have been wanting one since they came out, I finally used a portion of my tax refund to buy one, If it doesn't work I should be able to return, If it doesn't work i will take it back as it is too expensive to keep and have sitting there doing nothing. On a more positive note I went online banking this morning and transferred money into my saving etc and paid all my bills before allowing myself a small shopping budget - (huggables). Really pleased I dodn't buy any drugstore stuff and none of the barry m nail polishes. I am not perfect, I am a work in progress, in some respects I think I may always be a work in progress, but the steps I have taken in the first 8 weeks have already had a massive impact on my life. Very happy today

That's brilliant! It's a journey and not all habits or outlooks can be fixed at once, but I think your example shows what a realistic change looks like. Well done on the banking too!

 

[veronikawithak]

I wanted to share a story of great customer service since I know we've had some terrible ones on here lately! My beloved waterproof Hushpuppies boots I got in the fall started leaking the other day so I emailed customer service to see what they'd say.. they e-mailed me back within 24 hours with all the information I had asked for and offered to inspect them and send me a replacement! Before they had replied I also went to the store I got them from (fortunately I have an account there because I lost my receipt).. but they called the company and rush ordered a replacement pair for me. This way I also get to keep mine until the new ones come in the next day or two. Granted, they do have a 1 year warranty and the boots were over $200..so you would expect them to honor that. BUT they were fast, efficient, willing to admit a lapse in quality of their product, and extremely helpful. Very pleased with them!

 

[Naynadine]

Happy to report I went shopping with a girlfriend all afternoon yesterday and didn't buy a single piece of makeup! My only purchases were an apothecary jar to store my nail polishes in, 3 scarves for spring since all of mine are heavier winter ones, and a vase with fake flowers. Pretty things to look at that are actually meant to sit there and look pretty.. It helped that the friend I went with isn't really into makeup and mostly wanted to check out clothing stores.. but I'm proud of myself nonetheless!

My last makeup purchase was Feb 11th.. hit the 10 day mark! I'm really really trying hard to stick to my no-buy February & March (minus the goodies I got with my pass for birthday money). I have purchased a few nail polishes since then but they were all either full size neutrals I will get a lot of use of or minis of fun colors I want to try but know I won't finish a whole bottle. One of the salons opened up an OPI 4 pack to sell me an individual color! I don't know if they're technically supposed to do that.. but I'm happy! My jar is also almost full and I refuse to have overflow so I think that will help in the future.

I got an email yesterday about the HG blushes.. deleted it right away so I wouldn't be tempted. I'm going to be happy with the one I have for now and keep trying to use up some of the blushes I have. I really want to finish a blush this year.. Maybe I'll get another HG during the next Sephora sale. Maybe..

I want a Paschmina one so bad, but geez, they're so pricey, I don't know where to find a reasonable priced one with decent quality :/
And a trench coat for spring would be nice too, as well as a knit sweater... sigh.

I got an email from Net-a-Porter today too, they now have the HG blushes. They have free shipping as well, I got tempted for a second. But for some reason there are additional taxes to the prices, no idea why, maybe they're shipping from the US, I always thought it was a european website.

Great job sticking to your low-buy!

I used my HG powder today and realized I need more of those, lol. Also I broke out Moisturecover concealer for the first time in ages, it used to be my favorite, I don't really recall why I stopped using it. I think because it is a little too yellow. Now I'm liking it a lot again, better than the Nars. Still, pretty much every concealer I have and have tried is a bit too yellow for my liking.

 

[veronikawithak]

I want a Paschmina one so bad, but geez, they're so pricey, I don't know where to find a reasonable priced one with decent quality :/
And a trench coat for spring would be nice too, as well as a knit sweater... sigh.

I got an email from Net-a-Porter today too, they now have the HG blushes. They have free shipping as well, I got tempted for a second. But for some reason there are additional taxes to the prices, no idea why, maybe they're shipping from the US, I always thought it was a european website.
Great job sticking to your low-buy!

I used my HG powder today and realized I need more of hose, lol. Also I broke out Moisturecover concealer for the first time in ages, it used to be my favorite, I don't really recall why I stopped using it. I think because it is a little too yellow. Now I'm liking it a lot again, better than the Nars. Still, pretty much every concealer I have and have tried is a bit too yellow for my liking.

Thanks! If I let myself I'd have all of the HG blushes and 5/6 of the powders.. lol. But I'm trying to be reasonable. The scarves were from H&M so they were only $10-15 each. I tend to be hard on clothes.. so I don't really buy really expensive things unless it's like a LBD or a coat or something. Maybe when I make more $.. haha.

 

[Naynadine]

Thanks! If I let myself I'd have all of the HG blushes and 5/6 of the powders.. lol. But I'm trying to be reasonable. The scarves were from H&M so they were only $10-15 each. I tend to be hard on clothes.. so I don't really buy really expensive things unless it's like a LBD or a coat or something. Maybe when I make more $.. haha.

Lol, HG is addicting. Great quality. I'm trying to use the powder sparingly and not everyday.
My wardrobe used to be 99% H&M, but for the most part I wasn't satisfied with their quality. I don't like spending a lot on clothes either, but I hope if I invest in better quality and classic timeless pieces they will last longer and it will cost me less in the long run. I still buy my undies there though.

And I'm really liking their home decorating stuff, I bought these for my vanity to put random things like hair bands etc in them.

Product Detail | H&M DE

 

[charlotte366]

Quote:Originally Posted by Naynadine

 
Lol, HG is addicting. Great quality. I'm trying to use the powder sparingly and not everyday.
My wardrobe used to be 99% H&M, but for the most part I wasn't satisfied with their quality. I don't like spending a lot on clothes either, but I hope if I invest in better quality and classic timeless pieces they will last longer and it will cost me less in the long run. I still buy my undies there though.

 And I'm really liking their home decorating stuff, I bought these for my vanity to put random things like hair bands etc in them.
 
Product Detail | H&M DE



I think you should explain the "Have" and let us see if we can convince you otherwise......hehe! It may confirm a real need or a lemming we can reduce before the collection is released, we may even find a subsitute in your stash for it already, i am trying to remember that we are buying to use our make up not to just collect pretty things that won't look so pretty once we have used them a couple of times (PS I like pretty things...so not googling this bronzer as I will only start lemming it myself!) I am finding if I make myself justify why I want or need something I am better at making an informed descision and I don't regret things as much.

 

[Naynadine]

Lol, HG is addicting. Great quality. I'm trying to use the powder sparingly and not everyday.
My wardrobe used to be 99% H&M, but for the most part I wasn't satisfied with their quality. I don't like spending a lot on clothes either, but I hope if I invest in better quality and classic timeless pieces they will last longer and it will cost me less in the long run. I still buy my undies there though.

I am finding if I make myself justify why I want or need something I am better at making an informed descision and I don't regret things as much.

(Not sure where your quote went?)

I could really use some help talking me out of getting most of the things before the summer collections release.
I don't know what it is... I'm feeling this itch again today to buy pretty things just for the sake of treating myself. I was doing so good the last months, even seeing info and pics of most new collections didn't excite me much. But I knew the summer collections would be a big temptation and seeing the pics today only proofed that. The Givenchy bronzer just looks so gorgeous in the pan! Here's hoping it swatches horribly, lol. I still have some MAC ones, one even an untouched bakup (that I just bought for the packaging last year *sigh*). Maybe I could try to sell them to justify getting the Givenchy one.
Now that I think about it, I haven't even worn much bronzer last year...

 

[Ajigglin]

I wish I could afford the wagon to fall off of. LOL!

 

[charlotte366]

Quote:Originally Posted by Naynadine

 
(Not sure where your quote went?)
 
I could really use some help talking me out of getting most of the things before the summer collections release.
I don't know what it is... I'm feeling this itch again today to buy pretty things just for the sake of treating myself. I was doing so good the last months, even seeing info and pics of most new collections didn't excite me much. But I knew the summer collections would be a big temptation and seeing the pics today only proofed that. The Givenchy bronzer just looks so gorgeous in the pan! Here's hoping it swatches horribly, lol. I still have some MAC ones, one even an untouched bakup (that I just bought for the packaging last year *sigh*). Maybe I could try to sell them to justify getting the Givenchy one.
Now that I think about it, I haven't even worn much bronzer last year... 

I was trying to ask you what made you want it and get you to explain it so we could try to talk you out of it! I would say this, any back ups or bronzers you haven't touched should be sold, there is no point having it sitting there if you are not using it, someone said make up isn't a collectible. The only was past this would be to display something in a display cabinet! Once you have seperated out all those you haven't touched, get the rest out and look at them honestly, how similar are all the colours/formulas ? Are there any that are not very good ? How many do you have ? How often do you wear them / slash use them ? etc Could you photograph them and post it? Sounds like summer collections are your weak point (Blush is mine!) now we need to establish why so we can prescribe an appropriate medicine, i.e a number of items or 1 in 1 out etc that enables to enjoy without feeling deprived! For me this means, I am only trying to keep what gets worn, therefore as pretty as bronzer is too me I now only have 2 which get worn in summer and not in winter when I don't like them. Blush I am only allowed when it is unique to my collection and I will use it!

 

[Naynadine]

(Not sure where your quote went?)

I could really use some help talking me out of getting most of the things before the summer collections release.
I don't know what it is... I'm feeling this itch again today to buy pretty things just for the sake of treating myself. I was doing so good the last months, even seeing info and pics of most new collections didn't excite me much. But I knew the summer collections would be a big temptation and seeing the pics today only proofed that. The Givenchy bronzer just looks so gorgeous in the pan! Here's hoping it swatches horribly, lol. I still have some MAC ones, one even an untouched bakup (that I just bought for the packaging last year *sigh*). Maybe I could try to sell them to justify getting the Givenchy one.
Now that I think about it, I haven't even worn much bronzer last year...

I was trying to ask you what made you want it and get you to explain it so we could try to talk you out of it!

I would say this, any back ups or bronzers you haven't touched should be sold, there is no point having it sitting there if you are not using it, someone said make up isn't a collectible. The only was past this would be to display something in a display cabinet!

Once you have seperated out all those you haven't touched, get the rest out and look at them honestly, how similar are all the colours/formulas ? Are there any that are not very good ? How many do you have ? How often do you wear them / slash use them ? etc Could you photograph them and post it?

Sounds like summer collections are your weak point (Blush is mine!) now we need to establish why so we can prescribe an appropriate medicine, i.e a number of items or 1 in 1 out etc that enables to enjoy without feeling deprived!

For me this means, I am only trying to keep what gets worn, therefore as pretty as bronzer is too me I now only have 2 which get worn in summer and not in winter when I don't like them. Blush I am only allowed when it is unique to my collection and I will use it!

It's bad, I spend all my savings on makeup. And then clothes. I had put aside some money, but I basically used that to fund my makeup in the last 1-2 years to be perfectly honest. I'm aware I haven't been realistic about what I can afford.

Blush and all kinds of pretty powders/ highlighters/ bronzers are my weakness as well. I think I have avoided photographing them and seprating which ones I actually use from the ones I should get rid off because of that. I took out 1 or 2 that I wanted to sell, but I don't think that's enough, lol. I will have to take a closer look at them.
I guess I'm just having a weak moment, but after taking a realistic look at my lip products and slowing down those purchases I think I could do the same with cheek products. It's just a lot harder since I love those the most, but I think I will get there eventually.
Will look at my bronzers this weekend. I don't really need more than one I guess.

 

[SleepingBeauty]

Mhh, I got tempted by all those sales in the drugstore at the moment and bought two blushes and a matte lipstick and some other things - I can't even remember what exactly.

It wasn't much, though. I was stressing about an exam I had to take again because I failed it once and didn't wanna fail it twice, so I put myself under a lot of pressure. However, I passed it and thought I could reward myself - I know it's the wrong way but it won't happen again any time soon because I've got a few weeks off now and I also want to start losing weight and do sports, so next week I'll visit a fitness centre and hope it won't be too expensive, so that I can start exercising, get out of the house and keep my thoughts off the makeup.
Among the things I bought was coconut oil which I bought for my hair - I couldn't resist after reading Erine's comments in another thread about how coconut oil can perform miracles.

And oh boy - it did perform a miracle on my hair! I'm totally in love with it after using the oil twice.
I also bought the Viva Glam lipstick and lipglass - I know it won't get that much use because I'd rather wear a smoky eye and a neutral lipstick but I'll probably put it on for going out some time or other.
I'm not sure if I will get anything from the FoF collection which launches on March 1st or 3rd. Either I'll only get Perfect Topping or nothing at all but I don't know if I won't get skipper's remorse afterwards.
Another product have to purchase is my foundation. I love the SFF in NW10 but it's about 29€ over here but it lasts quite a long time, even though I use foundation about 6 days a week. I also love Revlon's Colorstay in Ivory because it is still a bit lighter than SFF and lasts all day and it is only 13€ but it's a huge disadvantage that I use it up way too fast because it doesn't have a pump (I don't know this is how you say it - can't find an accurate translation for the German word), so I usually end up pouring way too much foundation onto my hand.

I'm a bit relieved to see that I'm not the only one falling off the wagon. I'm pretty sure we'll get back on it, though.

 

[charlotte366]

Quote:Originally Posted by Naynadine

 
It's bad, I spend all my savings on makeup. And then clothes. I had put aside some money, but I basically used that to fund my makeup in the last 1-2 years to be perfectly honest. I'm aware I haven't been realistic about what I can afford.
 
Blush and all kinds of pretty powders/ highlighters/ bronzers are my weakness as well. I think I have avoided photographing them and seprating which ones I actually use from the ones I should get rid off because of that. I took out 1 or 2 that I wanted to sell, but I don't think that's enough, lol. I will have to take a closer look at them.
I guess I'm just having a weak moment, but after taking a realistic look at my lip products and slowing down those purchases I think I could do the same with cheek products. It's just a lot harder since I love those the most, but I think I will get there eventually.



Don't beat yourself up, it doesn't help, i am speaking from experience! My advice would be set a budget each time you get paid including a treat if you can afford it and take that money out in cash on payday. I find paying on a debit card means I don't see or feel the pain in the same way I do cash! aLthough buying online doesn't help me either! Next draw up a list of the all the things you want to go through in your stash and do it stage by stage, you don't have to do it in one go. Maybe photograph just your bronzers this week ? Maybe take things out that you haven't used and put them in a shoe box for 4 weeks. If you don't think about them or get them out again to use in that time period, then put them up for sale or swap, slowing the process down may work better for you and help you emotionally disconnect from items before you get rid of them reducing the chance of regret. Keep posting and tell us how you feel, recognising why and when we haul is a big step forward, knowing what your weakness is helps to identify how to fix it. Maybe make the next goal to put some savings back by reducing purchases. You could sell unused unloved items and split the proceeds between spending money and a savings account to help redress the balance? Or is there something or somewhere you always wanted to do or go, reshifting and focusing on something else may make you happier and help control the urge to haul? Each month try something new, I think you mentioned in earlier thread that you were having problems with some of your friends, try doing somthing new to give you a new focus and maybe make some new friends? Last year I learnt to knit and started going to a knitting group, its a lovely evening out and I now have a new group of friends to talk to and share things with. most importantly - keep talking to us, the more you talk, the more we understand and can try to help big hugs

 

[lyseD]

I bought the Clarins bronzer last year and it is perfect for me.


Hopefully I can resist all of the new ones coming out this spring.

 

[Naynadine]

big hugs

I tried setting a budget, but didn't stick to it and reached for my savings... I'm very bad at sticking to lists, budgets, rules - that is a problem for me in general. I always seem to lack motivation and then find excuses to cheat.
It's much more tempting to shop online, it's a lot easier to just hit submit. I would be a lot more stingy if I had to pay cash in person. I know I would buy less that way. It just sucks that I can't check out most brands in person and have to rely on online shopping.

The shoe box idea is great, I think I will do that. I already have been reducing my stash slowly since last year by selling products, and I feel proud of being a big step closer to my goal of having a smaller and well edited collection. But I still have more makeup than I need.

Thanks for your advice, you made some excellent points there! I really appreciate it
I think I'm struggling with my shopping habbits and my stash organisation because I'm unbalanced in life in general and can't seem to get in control of that because I don't know where to start. Like I mentioned earlier I'm not much of an optimist and although I constantly try to kick my own butt I rarely have motivation to do things, and most importantly stick with something. I think I could really benefit from finding some new influences, like a new hobby as you mentioned. And if I had something else to focus on, I wouldn't spend as much time on makeup and shopping.