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

[CrimsonQuill157]

:wtf2: Moving on.. I want to make a pretty spreadsheet inventory that some of you guys have made. Did you do that on excel? I am spread-sheet illiterate so any tips on making one would be appreciated. thanks!

Same here! I made one for my books a long time ago and got bored because it looked so blah... I need color and prettiness to keep up with something... My ADHD group mentor bought us all a planner - expensive one too - and I barely touched it because it was too boring. I felt bad but what can ya do?

 

[Jaymuhlee]

:wtf2: Moving on.. I want to make a pretty spreadsheet inventory that some of you guys have made. Did you do that on excel? I am spread-sheet illiterate so any tips on making one would be appreciated. thanks!

I just use Google Docs! I don't have any formulas set up or anything. I just divide everything by brand and enter details like where I got it, the date, the price, it's use, shade name, collection name, etc. Then I colorized things so I feel less guilty whenever I see yellow rows (gift cards (lol)). To get totals I just select the cells and the sum will show up in the lower right hand corner. I don't know how to jazz it up beyond that but it works for me!

 

[mosha010]

Well. It takes me longer to catch up on these these days. So many things going on. If I go Back and read like I've tried to the last couple Of days, my initial inspiration goes away. So I'll just put it out there: only one thing from Osbournes. No lorde. And a very short (and ongoing axing) at moody. However : 3 pairs of shoes for the wedding : ceremony, daytime comfort and nighttime glam. I'm prob going to reuse the last two tho. I think I'm more in control. And whereas I'm not posting as much, i AM reading this like a newspaper every day. I'm aware of the struggles, the arguments, the happy news etc. But again. When I'm done quoting everyone my phone wonks out and I end up w nothing. And no time to go back and post. I'll go back to normalcy on a few days tho, til then: please ladies play nice. No accusing, no name calling, were all grown ups here. I

 

[veronikawithak]

I use Excel and have a new sheet for each category: face, eyes, lips, cheeks, nails. On the left side I list brand and product name. Then I have spaces where I write each date I used something and on the right side I put a totals column for each month. Was helpful for seeing how many times I used things when I was doing those kind of challenges. Try putting one together and see what works for you. You can change it up as you go!

 

[Jaymuhlee]

I totally posted my purchases spreadsheet! Whoops. My inventory one is still in the works but I have that one broken up into three sheets: eyes, lips, face. That's a really good idea, [@]veronikawithak[/@], to track use but I don't know how well I'd keep up with it!

 

[veronikawithak]

I totally posted my purchases spreadsheet! Whoops. My inventory one is still in the works but I have that one broken up into three sheets: eyes, lips, face. That's a really good idea, [@]veronikawithak[/@], to track use but I don't know how well I'd keep up with it!

I kept up with it for probably 6 months while I was in the purging stage.. it was great to see what I used and what could go! I haven't been using it lately since I've been using a smaller stash and rotating though.

 

[CrimsonQuill157]

Ohhh I don't think I could handle totaling prices. I think I would cry when I realize just how much I have spent in the last few months. I dont know what happened to me, I used to be great with money and suddenly just went in a craze. Started with the Punk Couture collection and I was gone. I've hesitated to set strict guidelines for myself because I know I would break them, and when I don't keep my goals, I start thinking negatively and it becomes a downward spiral. So I'm just trying to think about my purchases. At least so far I have not regretted a purchase.

 

[veronikawithak]

Ohhh I don't think I could handle totaling prices. I think I would cry when I realize just how much I have spent in the last few months. I dont know what happened to me, I used to be great with money and suddenly just went in a craze. Started with the Punk Couture collection and I was gone. I've hesitated to set strict guidelines for myself because I know I would break them, and when I don't keep my goals, I start thinking negatively and it becomes a downward spiral. So I'm just trying to think about my purchases. At least so far I have not regretted a purchase.

It can be a real struggle! Think about your recent victories (skipping Ozzy's) and use them as a stepping stone. Maybe you could start with # of items and work your way up to price totals? Small steps. As with any addictive behavior there will be relapses but there will also be successes. Hold onto them and keep your goals in sight!

 

[kanne]

I managed to not buy anything for the entire month of May - I didn't even notice! My streak was over today when I picked up an MSFN and a mascara to take overseas next week, but I did avoid the Alluring Aquatic display which came out here yesterday. I swatched Sea Worship and Lorelei, both of which I wanted, but they are so sparkly! It's an unusual finish (I have used the EDES before), because there is no glitter, but it is way too shimmery to be a satin finish either. It was an easy skip then, because I would only use them for going out, and as I am typing this, I realised that Lorelei is probably similar enough Chanel's Illusion D'Ombre in Initiation which I haven't used since I bought it!

I've been obsessed with watching beauty packing for travel videos on youtube lately. I said a few pages back when everyone was talking about it I'm going to try and only take a few items with me on my trip next week, so I might post pictures of what I am taking when I've packed. I'm going to try and use some things that sit unloved in my drawers, like my Bobbi Brown Smokey Cool palette. I never seem to reach for my palettes very often, I alway tend to grab the singles for some reason.

 

[aradhana]

I managed to not buy anything for the entire month of May - I didn't even notice! My streak was over today when I picked up an MSFN and a mascara to take overseas next week, but I did avoid the Alluring Aquatic display which came out here yesterday. I swatched Sea Worship and Lorelei, both of which I wanted, but they are so sparkly! It's an unusual finish (I have used the EDES before), because there is no glitter, but it is way too shimmery to be a satin finish either. It was an easy skip then, because I would only use them for going out, and as I am typing this, I realised that Lorelei is probably similar enough Chanel's Illusion D'Ombre in Initiation which I haven't used since I bought it!  I've been obsessed with watching beauty packing for travel videos on youtube lately. I said a few pages back when everyone was talking about it I'm going to try and only take a few items with me on my trip next week, so I might post pictures of what I am taking when I've packed. I'm going to try and use some things that sit unloved in my drawers, like my Bobbi Brown Smokey Cool palette. I never seem to reach for my palettes very often, I alway tend to grab the singles for some reason. 

there's a lisa eldridge video I linked to in the theme makeup thread where she uses only three/four products. It's inspiring for how to make a look with few products...could be useful for packing strategy!

 

[DarylandCarole]

Totally OT (what's new lately hehe) but has anyone else been having problems with not getting notifications? I'm set up to be notified of likes/mentions/quotes/replies but only seem to get them sporadically, grr.

Same here. I'll get a notice that someone replied to a post, but never see the original post. That isn't the worst because if I got notifications on EVERY post I'd probably never be able to catch up. But I do wish that I'd get one every time I'm quoted in a post.

 

[DarylandCarole]

No worries.. you should see my original goals (lol) vs. the massive list of things I've bought this year.. eek! In fact, at the end of June I might post them as a 6 month review and an intervention of my own. The main goal of this thread is mindfulness and the elusive smart buy. If you can recognize your buying patterns and start to evaluate them more.. the low buy part will come a lot easier. A stash inventory with hard numbers might help you a lot too! When you can see your collection - all of it - you're much more likely to find dupes and use things you already have rather than buy something new just to forget about it in a drawer. Keep at it! It's low buy, not no buy, for a reason. :frenz:

Very well put! It's all about being aware of why you're buying and being honest With yourself. I am noticing now what makes me want to buy, and if it's not because I've been planning on it, I wait until I decide if I really should spend money. Sometimes there are emotional triggers that I need to deal with.

 

[LinenWhite7]

Shoot, I've been crazy busy at work and haven't had time to drop in on #teamlowbuy and it looks as though I have missed a lot. Group hugs to all. I love and appreciate everyone in this thread for their individual contributions. I had an AA haul, got my vanity unpacked and reset after some serious purging and I've just been absolutely loving my stuff. Yesterday I wore Riri Woo to work and Flat Out Fabulous our for drinks, so I've apparently gotten a jump-start on theme month! I'll hop over there and introduce myself. I've been sticking to my low-buy quite well. No random drugstore purchases, one Bite lipstick when I stopped in Sephora for eye makeup remover and nail polish remover. That's been my only sin to confess, and it was completely within my monthly budget. I'm eyeing the blushes from Osbournes but we will see what staples I need this month. I'm really in love with reading carolinehirons.com for skincare tips and I want to pick up an acid exfoliator, so I might skip a blush.

 

[Prettypackages]

Ummmmmmm what just happened?

I also get tired of the MAC threads around launch time. or period. All the speculation, then swatches, then stalking (which can be fun), but then all the belly aching "where's my tracking number", Where's my notice, where's this, to the bitching and moaning. i go in to hear certain view points, but I'm been feeling this way since Betty and Veronica...


Now what just happened and why is Her Greyness taking a break? I always miss you when you are gone miss lady, so don't stay away too long.

 

[Prettypackages]

I lost my quote, but I was going to say, you can still participate in this Month's theme, even if you don't have brights. You can do the colors of the week, but not brights. OR you can flip it. Do a bright shadow with a neutral lip. AND just using your products is the main point of that thread. So you're still in the theme if you are using your products.

 

[charlotte366]

Wow, lots appears to have gone down in the last 5 days, just read the 200 odd posts that I was behind on. Moving swifty on an updated on: 30 days 30 lippies round 2! Progress Summary : 4 OUT : 6 KEEP Day 1 25/05: Revlon Romantic Kissable Balm Stain - umm its going i like the color but have other pencil formulas I prefer, this one is gone - OUT Day 2 26/05: L'Oreal Glossy Balm Sin on Peach - love the colour but made my lips sore, this one is gone - OUT Day 3 27/05: Revlon Honey Kissable Balm Stain - I think this is going to go to, its not the best on me. - OUT Day 4 28/05: Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in 20 - its a better colour,it looks good now my hair is back to its natural cool dark brown shade, the perfect clash. - KEEP Day 5 29/05: Rimmel Moisture Renew 130 Oxford Street Fushia, its not fushisa, but an amped up version of mac creme cup, me likely so it stays - KEEP Day 6 30/05: Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector in 02 - basic light tint in a moisturising formula - KEEP Day 7 31/05: Lancome Rouge in Love in Rouge in Love, red perfection - KEEP Day 8 01/06: No lipstick today just Nivea Balm in Honey & Milk - hangover day from the previous night Day 9 02/06: Nivea Soft Rose Lip Balm - not sure I like this, I don't think it sits very naturally on my lips - OUT Day 10 03/06: Topshop Gloss Ink in Sugar Rush - its a keeper I love this formula a lot and this is a great everyday colour - KEEP Day 11 04/06: Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in 55 Romantic - This is love an nearly finished, in fact its would be finished if not for these challenges, so leaving it on my desk to top up during the day - KEEP I am aiming to cull a third of the lipsticks i trial this month, I do however need to focus on ones I am not sure about rather than doing what I did this weekend, which was wear tried and tested favorites! I am going to pre-select 9 lippies for the next 9 days which are questionable and wear those! I nearly got tempted by Osbornes, I am not subscribed to the threads but looked on Temptalia at the weekend and listed KYY, cheeky bugger and Peaches and Cream blushes and the Pedro Quad. So this morning I gave myself a talking too: I have bright pink lippies they are my favourite shade to wear but I have enough and don't need KYY! Cheeky bugger reminds me of immortal flower, they are nowhere near dupes but the finishes/effects look similar enough for me to skip As Liba said Peaches & Cream is like lovecloud which I have and love, so I don't need P&C! Lemmings be gone! Instead I realised I have enough empties for 3 B2M lippies and a voucher for £10 off, so I think I may now research some perm lippies for my B2M and treat myself to something with the voucher once I have recategorised my stash at the end of the month against my ideal stash. But I must research and swatch the B2M's before committing I am working hard to reduce my lipstick stash down so only those truely deserving products are allowed in!

 

[jennyap]

Quote:Originally Posted by charlotte366

I am aiming to cull a third of the lipsticks i trial this month, I do however need to focus on ones I am not sure about rather than doing what I did this weekend, which was wear tried and tested favorites!

I am going to pre-select 9 lippies for the next 9 days which are questionable and wear those!

I nearly got tempted by Osbornes, I am not subscribed to the threads but looked on Temptalia at the weekend and listed KYY, cheeky bugger and Peaches and Cream blushes and the Pedro Quad.
So this morning I gave myself a talking too:
I have bright pink lippies they are my favourite shade to wear but I have enough and don't need KYY!
Cheeky bugger reminds me of immortal flower, they are nowhere near dupes but the finishes/effects look similar enough for me to skip
As Liba said Peaches & Cream is like lovecloud which I have and love, so I don't need P&C!

Lemmings be gone! Instead I realised I have enough empties for 3 B2M lippies and a voucher for £10 off, so I think I may now research some perm lippies for my B2M and treat myself to something with the voucher once I have recategorised my stash at the end of the month against my ideal stash. But I must research and swatch the B2M's before committing I am working hard to reduce my lipstick stash down so only those truely deserving products are allowed in!


You're doing really well! My list for Osbournes was much the same as yours, plus DG, and I've reached broadly the same conclusions. I just got HGL which is very similar to KYY but in a finish I prefer. DG is matte - not my favourite, and I think might be too white-based for me, so I'll stick with Lavender Whip which is same colour family but much more wearable for me. Cheeky Bugger - I have IF, as you say close enough to skip. P&C - I don't have Lovecloud, but I'd far rather get that in pan than pay for P&C in special packaging, plus LC is perm so no rush to do that. So at the moment I am holding firm for a total Osbournes skip.

 

[Ajigglin]

I get kind of shocked at how some people egg each other on to buy in the collection threads. It's not rational, since none of them have actually seen or tried out the products first and often there aren't even any photos, or when there are, they're horribly inaccurate. I get particularly weirded out by people who DO have access to a store or counter buy who say they hate going into one and would rather just buy online. That is NO way to buy makeup, that you put on your face. If I can't at least see a product in person first, I'm not buying and I don't get one pang of regret about it. Those Melt lipsticks are a great example - the colors look so cool, but I instantly think about how some fragrances used in cosmetics are too strong (I can't bring myself to wear my EL Gunmetal illuminizer, even though the color is beautiful, because I can't handle that fragrance it uses at all through the day) and it stops me from buying every time. When they start selling in a store, THEN it'll be like the product actually is real for me and until then, it doesn't exist.  I actually saw the whole Osbourne collection on Sat. but just didn't have the time to write anything up and in the interim, I guess some of it went on sale, and the thread blew up. I can't even read through a fraction of the posts and feel like anything I say at this point will just get ignored in the frenzy. The collection was a lot better quality than I expected, overall, but if you're on a low buy, or even if you're not, there are things that have to be considered, rather than just dropping cash irresponsibly. I'll talk about it here in this thread, because at least here I feel like I'm dealing with rational people who recognize that tons of dupes and products that you have to "work" at, to make them look nice isn't the way to go. The MSFs are not that great this time. On me, NC15, Sharon's works like a pretty bog-standard bronzer…it looks more orange in the pan than it does on the skin but it's got the sort of warmth that'd be better on skin tones that are more overtly olive than mine. The highlight part is very nice - barely sheeny, slightly champagne, but overall, it's not a universal product and majorly try before buy. Kelly's MSF is even more specialized - it looked bad on me. It's all matte, and is like an MSFN for NW18 or NW20 skin. It'd be somewhat of a perfect bronzer for someone that skin tone, but it's sheer, so anyone darker than that, it might act as a bit of a perfecter and that's about it. I was lucky to try both of them and the Pedro compact all back to back and the Pedro one looked so much better on me and could be used all over, unlike either of these on me, so it was a total no-brainer to see which was The One. It's actually harder to make up your mind between two products when neither are that great, than between three products when 2 are so-so and one is perfect. For anyone, out of the 3, only one will be the best and you would never in a million years know which one (IF ANY) will be the one unless you try them on your face. Also, I have to point out that most people here don't wear bronzer on a daily basis anyways, so if you already bought a bronzer or two this year, do you need any more at all? There is a collection of CC Bronzers I got to see too, that come in both compact and tube and are in Golden, Refined Golden and a new, red toned shade called Amber, that's like a cooler, slightly deeper Lush Light Bronze. The tube ones are slightly different in color than the compact ones, but they're all much less orange than the powder versions, by far. The compacts, in particular, are very very nice, with a great smooth dewey finish. If you really seriously need a bronzer, these are waaaaay better than the Osbourne MSFs, although obviously, in person, there will always be one particular product that will jump out at you as being the best. This is how to shop for makeup.

I love you. That's all I got.

Ok girlies.... It's JUNE! It's official! Summer's almost here! We've made it through a good chunk of 2014! Over in the Theme Makeup for a Purpose thread, @Medgal07  has posted the new Theme for the month of June, and I love it! It's a "bright lipstick color of the week" theme! I think a lot of use could get on board for a new challenge! So I thought I'd post her schedule here too. This is just the guideline they are following, but feel free to modify however you'd like. She also gives example colors to give you ideas. These are not required, obviously! If you participate, maybe swing by her thread and let them know what look you're doing! They are so fun and sweet over there! Copied and Pasted from @Medgal07 : [COLOR=800080]June 1 - 7      Bright Pinks       (i.e., MAC CYY, Embrace Me, Impassioned, Silly, Pink Pigeon, Quick Sizzle, Show Orchid, VGN / NARS Full Frontal, Schiap)[/COLOR]
[COLOR=181818] [/COLOR]
[COLOR=800080]June 8 - 14    Bright Corals     (i.e., MAC Reel Sexy, Razzledazzler, Ablaze, Lady Danger, Vegas Volt, Ravishing, Party Parrot, Force of Love, Toxic Tale, Flamingo)[/COLOR]
[COLOR=181818] [/COLOR]
[COLOR=800080]June 15 - 21  Bright Reds       (i.e., MAC Absolute Power, Charmed I'm Sure, Deeply Adored, Just A Bite, MAC Redd, RiRi Woo, Ronnie Red, VGG I,)[/COLOR]
[COLOR=181818] [/COLOR]
[COLOR=800080]June 22 - 28   Bright Oranges  (i.e., MAC WTC, SLN, Goes & Goes, Fashion Nomad, Sail La Vie, Eden Rouge, Morange, Neon Orange, T & T, Deeply Adored)[/COLOR]
[COLOR=181818] [/COLOR]
[COLOR=800080]June 29 - 30   Bright Purples*  ( i.e.,[/COLOR][COLOR=181818] [/COLOR][COLOR=800080]MAC[/COLOR][COLOR=800080] [/COLOR][COLOR=800080]Heroine, Feel My Pulse, Dish It Up, Flat Out Fabulous, Goes & Goes, Outrageously Fun)[/COLOR]

I was rocking Eden Rouge yesterday while at jury duty! I'm down with brights.

Welcome new members & welcome back to not-so-new members. I'm so happy this thread is more active again. Loving the challenges people are posting. @PixieDancer another vote for you to keep posting your challenge! I really enjoyed seeing what you used. @jennyap I like your challenge too! Reminds me of those closet challenges where you turn the hangers backwards. When I did a "use all the things" couple months ago it really opened my eyes to how much I had and how many days I could go without repetition. Good luck! I've been working on unsubscribing from as many threads as possible.. Finally got down to 6!: Moody Blooms (for Black Ivy fluidline), Simpsons (curiosity), Collections Calendar (fear of missing out), Early Buzz (curiosity), TEAMLOWBUY (OBVIOUSLY ), and just added Theme Makeup (inspiration). I've always believed in reducing the elements in your life that affect you in a negative way, but I've been failing to apply that to this forum. I love talking to people who have the same interests, but the roller coaster of threads is becoming too much for me and outweighing the fun. From the rush of it being up, to the lists and "double dipping" that goes on when people see what everyone else bought, to not-so-secret pms, to the items selling out, to people getting upset that they missed out, to people starting unnecessary drama.. and just the sheer repetitiveness of it all. It's not my style and I don't really fit in with that cycle. Thought about it a lot before bed last night and I'm over it - or at the very least I need an extended break. Subscribing until the collection releases and then unsubscribing before all the madness starts will have to be my compromise I think. I'll miss the awesome looks people do with their new items but I can always check out FOTD posts or the theme makeup thread right?  I'm so glad that we're all feeling similar about needing to take a step back. It's been kind of an overwhelming couple of weeks here.. I know I've been swept up in it as well.. I'm partly thrilled because I've discovered some things I never thought I'd enjoy (metallic glosses & bronzer). BUT, now that I have them I want to make sure I give them as much love as I thought I would when I bought them.

That's why I was cracking up with the Lion King stuff. I had to bring a Rerun into the mix, but that joke died once I had to explain it. Womp womp.

I'm a freak who always reads every post, no matter how far behind I am (it's the completionist in me - and you wonder why I'm in lowbuy LOL) which often means reading all the drama in a very compressed space of time compared to how long it actually took place over. Can definitely get uncomfortable but also very enlightening when you see it all together like that, and there are a few people I've maybe revised my opinion of a bit lately because of it. Seems some forget that there's a difference between snarky and bitchy. 

I read every post like a nut, too! I'm behind literally 100 pages on the Osbournes thread. I don't know what to do! I need Cliff Notes. LOL

Is it me or the cattiness and nastiness seems to manifest in primarily the Mac threads? Can't afford to buy only high end stuff but in most cases there appear to be more class, decorum and civility. The Mac price points tend to bring out all kind of unsavory characters. Not everyone but its a observation that the high end threads seems a bit "different" in a good polished sophisticated way.

Lmao! The MAC threads do pop off. I'm mad you called us "unsavory." I snorted in my bed. [quote name="HerGreyness" url="/t/185789/resolution-low-buy-2014-who-wants-to-play/7080#post_2665335"] Debbs, as you know I am an equal opportunity buyer. I buy from MAC when I want a product in a nice casing, otherwise I don't really need to.  I do buy from Chanel, Armani, TF and others, and have noticed as you said that there is more class, more decorum and civility.. that said, there is SO MUCH decorum and civility that many times I post a question (since I don't work with Chanel or Armani, but do with TF sometimes) and  rarely do I get a response. No skin off my nose. I know where to look.   So, I feel more in my metier in MAC threads.  The chill in HE MU  is tangible sometimes.. and it's how I do not wish to treat any ladies on the MAC threads.  Nor do I ever treat anyone in a derrogatory manner, make fun or look for problems.  But I have been insulted in the MAC threads and that's not something I relish coming in here for.  I won't go into details but frankly it's tedious and boring. I do understand @jennyap   that the general  cycle of MAC is quite crazy.. but that's MAC. And that's how it's marketed and how it will be in future. I know I had a to try to get a Chanel Notorius Blush. which was LE last year.  I had to sell a boobie for that.. but I did it.  And I am still alive and not yet totally crazy. ' I think it's best for me at this point .. since my perception is that having been a person who has been here for a while, and that "secret pms" have been sent to me, or from me, that I not post for awhile. Other's who send or receive pms, are totally free to do so.  Again, if you have such thin skin, then the internet is not for you.  Frankly, it should be nobody's business what pms are sent to or from me.  I would not accept that kind of imposition on real life, or on the internet. For now, I will be out for awhile.. and many of you.. will be glad.  I need some real time off and don't need either low buy, no buy or any buy for anything.  I am essentially a fulfilled person, who calls a spade a spade. best of luck to all. [/quote] GIRL DON'T LEAVE ME!!! I LOVE YOU!! Come back, dammit!!! Oh, and let me raise my hand and apologize if anyone felt hurt by something I said. I just feel that some folks are about some bullshit these days, and I likes to call em on it. I will @ and quote somebody with no Fs given. But, I genuinely enjoy about 99% of Specktrettes. I block the 1%. The day I learned about that function, my life changed. Love you crazy chicks! I need to go beat my face because jury duty calls. Besos y abrazos!

 

[jennyap]

Quote:Originally Posted by Ajigglin

I read every post like a nut, too! I'm behind literally 100 pages on the Osbournes thread. I don't know what to do! I need Cliff Notes.


Girl, I just checked and I am 223 pages behind on that thread! :dead:

 

[Dominique33]

I try so hard to be a lurker but my impulsive personality just won't let me.

LOL Debbs I do the same I am addicted to the forum now and my addiction to makeup is getting worse I ought to resist !