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

[lilinah]

Here are some of the quotes about using makeup...

LIPSTICK
"After hours of researching and over 1000 swipes of 50mm each, we found that the average number of swipes in a tube of lipstick was 293.
That means, if you applied your lipstick three times per day, every day, you would run out just past the three month mark." [end quote]

BLUSH
"Rimmel has 0.15oz/4g of product. Thus, at, 0.014g per application, this blush has approximately 286 applications. Because this blush retails for about $3.99, that means that each use is worth just shy of one and a half cents.

The generalizability of this result is pretty unclear. I speculate that women with darker skin will probably need to have a slightly heavier hand on blush application than women with lighter skin, and the variability in blush pigmentation will almost certainly affect how much use you get out of any given product.

However, assuming that this mass remains relatively consistent across blushes and humans, you can use these findings to calculate an estimated number of uses for any blush you love. For example, at 0.25oz/7.08g for $28, Benefit's Dandelion should last about 506 applications, costing you five and a half cents per use. NARS Orgasm, at 0.16oz/4.5g for $29, might last 321 applications, ringing it at over nine cents per use." [end quote]

One single lipstick could last most (over 80%) of one year.
Blushes are more variable, but could last most of one year or even a year and 2/3!

 

[awickedshape]

Here are some of the quotes about using makeup... LIPSTICK "After hours of researching and over 1000 swipes of 50mm each, we found that the average number of swipes in a tube of lipstick was 293. That means, if you applied your lipstick three times per day, every day, you would run out just past the three month mark." [end quote] BLUSH "Rimmel has 0.15oz/4g of product. Thus, at, 0.014g per application, this blush has approximately 286 applications. Because this blush retails for about $3.99, that means that each use is worth just shy of one and a half cents. The generalizability of this result is pretty unclear. I speculate that women with darker skin will probably need to have a slightly heavier hand on blush application than women with lighter skin, and the variability in blush pigmentation will almost certainly affect how much use you get out of any given product. However, assuming that this mass remains relatively consistent across blushes and humans, you can use these findings to calculate an estimated number of uses for any blush you love. For example, at 0.25oz/7.08g for $28, Benefit's Dandelion should last about 506 applications, costing you five and a half cents per use. NARS Orgasm, at 0.16oz/4.5g for $29, might last 321 applications, ringing it at over nine cents per use." [end quote] One single lipstick could last most (over 80%) of one year. Blushes are more variable, but could last most of one year or even a year and 2/3!

Wow, and that's just a single item

 

[lilinah]

After my big blow out on Alluring Aquatic i'm back to being moderate.
Only ONE lipstick from The Osbournes.
Just the two "mirror" glosses from Pedro Lourenço.

Moody Blooms i want to get a bit more (Fluidlines and eye shadows), but i've decided not to get some other things that were attracting me, and i'll stand firm.

I bought the two blushes from Proenza Schouler, so no more blushes for me this year or maybe no more blushes ever! And i've been weeding out my blush/highlight/bronzer inventory and gotten rid of a few and put several others "on notice".

Since i'll be away much of July and August, no make up purchases those two months. Whew!

I want to do a 30-day eye shadow challenge, but that will have to wait until September.

I highly recommend organizing, inventorying, and photographing one's makeup stash.

Having done those things is a reason i'm not getting any more blushes, not getting some lipsticks (too similar to what i already have), and not getting any lip liners (since i rarely use the ones i have).

Hang in there, everyone!

 

[Paint&Ink Chick]

Here are some of the quotes about using makeup...

LIPSTICK
"After hours of researching and over 1000 swipes of 50mm each, we found that the average number of swipes in a tube of lipstick was 293.
That means, if you applied your lipstick three times per day, every day, you would run out just past the three month mark." [end quote]

BLUSH
"Rimmel has 0.15oz/4g of product. Thus, at, 0.014g per application, this blush has approximately 286 applications. Because this blush retails for about $3.99, that means that each use is worth just shy of one and a half cents.

The generalizability of this result is pretty unclear. I speculate that women with darker skin will probably need to have a slightly heavier hand on blush application than women with lighter skin, and the variability in blush pigmentation will almost certainly affect how much use you get out of any given product.

However, assuming that this mass remains relatively consistent across blushes and humans, you can use these findings to calculate an estimated number of uses for any blush you love. For example, at 0.25oz/7.08g for $28, Benefit's Dandelion should last about 506 applications, costing you five and a half cents per use. NARS Orgasm, at 0.16oz/4.5g for $29, might last 321 applications, ringing it at over nine cents per use." [end quote]

One single lipstick could last most (over 80%) of one year.
Blushes are more variable, but could last most of one year or even a year and 2/3!

Wow, that's interesting. But not bad on the Nars blushes per use

But I'm glad to say atleast I have hit pan and used up a few items.

 

[awickedshape]

Nars Rotonde looks like it would last forever lol

 

[Paint&Ink Chick]

Aww thank you!

And ya'll know I'm a gloss girl, but Sweetie was like my 2nd B2M lippie(since that's the only thing you can get at the counter

) But I told the mua I wanted something purple or pink, neutral looking and after I picked Sweetie up she agreed it would be a good choice. It's one of my faves and I'll prob get it again lol

 

[Starlight77]

Loving them this way... The other lipsticks are in the perm packaging all fine and dandy as well. This is addicting!!! I don't have many perm colors I think just 3 more. Pure zen is from Marilyn and plumful is the year of the snake so I'll leave those be lol

Hey Gal!

Just wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU! for this wonderful idea! I have a Hello Kitty lippie case that I just adore and wasn't sure what to do with as the lippie is all gone! I put MAC Heroine in it and it looks fantastic! Thanks for the inspiration! Love it!

Now I can B2M my plain Heroine case and save my HK case!

Question - how did you clean the lippie after? I got my finger prints all over it because I was touching it! Alcohol and water? I don't have beauty so clean

oh YAY!! so fun and addicting.

I didn't have any fingerprints or marks on either of mine or the ones I swapped into the old tubes. Did you leave them in freezer for long? maybe you used too much force... if you slide your fingers gently it slides out easy. I barely put any pressure at all and my BNIB syrup looks like I bought it in that tube. next time don't squeeze them or put pressure it doesn't look like it's pulling out but it is. HTH!! (giggling at the wording in here

)

i don't have beauty cleaner either. if i mix colors i just use fix + and a tissue and wipe it off. it won't sanitize but it should remove what you're looking for.

 

[Starlight77]

Here are some of the quotes about using makeup...

LIPSTICK
"After hours of researching and over 1000 swipes of 50mm each, we found that the average number of swipes in a tube of lipstick was 293.
That means, if you applied your lipstick three times per day, every day, you would run out just past the three month mark." [end quote]

BLUSH
"Rimmel has 0.15oz/4g of product. Thus, at, 0.014g per application, this blush has approximately 286 applications. Because this blush retails for about $3.99, that means that each use is worth just shy of one and a half cents.

The generalizability of this result is pretty unclear. I speculate that women with darker skin will probably need to have a slightly heavier hand on blush application than women with lighter skin, and the variability in blush pigmentation will almost certainly affect how much use you get out of any given product.

However, assuming that this mass remains relatively consistent across blushes and humans, you can use these findings to calculate an estimated number of uses for any blush you love. For example, at 0.25oz/7.08g for $28, Benefit's Dandelion should last about 506 applications, costing you five and a half cents per use. NARS Orgasm, at 0.16oz/4.5g for $29, might last 321 applications, ringing it at over nine cents per use." [end quote]

One single lipstick could last most (over 80%) of one year.
Blushes are more variable, but could last most of one year or even a year and 2/3!

oh wow sooo interesting!! I almost want to take a drugstore lippy i don't wear and try it haha

 

[Maris Crane]

I'll confess/join in.

I've been on a supposed no-buy since January of this year. I actually managed a good three months until I fell off the wagon for the Sephora VIB sale. I had always known that I would be allowed to break a no-buy when I went on vacation (it's cruel to tease someone with a full Tom Ford beauty counter and expect them not to buy!) but the VIB sale turned into several MAC hauls, an embarrasing amount in Boston, an UO Beauty haul right before leaving, and has continued for the last 2 months.

I'm absolutely ashamed and overwhelmed. I buy all this stuff and then it takes me a good month to actually use it the first time because I have so much other stuff. I managed to keep my actual makeup purchases at Shoppers today (20x the points, what I can say) down to under $30 not including like, skincare and shampoo/conditioner, so I'm telling myself no more.

 

[mel33t]

I'll confess/join in.

I've been on a supposed no-buy since January of this year. I actually managed a good three months until I fell off the wagon for the Sephora VIB sale. I had always known that I would be allowed to break a no-buy when I went on vacation (it's cruel to tease someone with a full Tom Ford beauty counter and expect them not to buy!) but the VIB sale turned into several MAC hauls, an embarrasing amount in Boston, an UO Beauty haul right before leaving, and has continued for the last 2 months.

I'm absolutely ashamed and overwhelmed. I buy all this stuff and then it takes me a good month to actually use it the first time because I have so much other stuff. I managed to keep my actual makeup purchases at Shoppers today (20x the points, what I can say) down to under $30 not including like, skincare and shampoo/conditioner, so I'm telling myself no more.

Welcome to the forum!

And you're not alone. I had a birthday haul in April that turned into a monster to say the least. I'm just getting around to loving some of the new stuff now. We can get there. I'm learning to really love what I have right now and before I purchase I'm really thinking of if I have it or do I want it because it's hyped up.

Good luck!!

 

[awickedshape]

I'll confess/join in. I've been on a supposed no-buy since January of this year. I actually managed a good three months until I fell off the wagon for the Sephora VIB sale. I had always known that I would be allowed to break a no-buy when I went on vacation (it's cruel to tease someone with a full Tom Ford beauty counter and expect them not to buy!) but the VIB sale turned into several MAC hauls, an embarrasing amount in Boston, an UO Beauty haul right before leaving, and has continued for the last 2 months.  I'm absolutely ashamed and overwhelmed. I buy all this stuff and then it takes me a good month to actually use it the first time because I have so much other stuff. I managed to keep my actual makeup purchases at Shoppers today (20x the points, what I can say) down to under $30 not including like, skincare and shampoo/conditioner, so I'm telling myself no more.

I understand. It happens! I was supposed to be on a low-buy much earlier than now. But I started it now because I knew I was going to splurge at this particular time of year. And might end up with something else next week which means I might need to be more no-buy than low-buy. I have been very careful in choosing what I buy but still I need to better for my own peace of mind. Form your plan and just do what's best for you

 

[CrimsonQuill157]

I'll confess/join in.

I've been on a supposed no-buy since January of this year. I actually managed a good three months until I fell off the wagon for the Sephora VIB sale. I had always known that I would be allowed to break a no-buy when I went on vacation (it's cruel to tease someone with a full Tom Ford beauty counter and expect them not to buy!) but the VIB sale turned into several MAC hauls, an embarrasing amount in Boston, an UO Beauty haul right before leaving, and has continued for the last 2 months.

I'm absolutely ashamed and overwhelmed. I buy all this stuff and then it takes me a good month to actually use it the first time because I have so much other stuff. I managed to keep my actual makeup purchases at Shoppers today (20x the points, what I can say) down to under $30 not including like, skincare and shampoo/conditioner, so I'm telling myself no more.

Maybe it would help to go on a low buy instead of a no buy. I've heard a lot of people say that, when they end the no-buy, they go crazy and buy a LOT which sometimes ends up canceling out the no buy in the first place. With a low buy, you're still getting a few things but not spending as much.

 

[Glitteryvegas]

oh YAY!! so fun and addicting.

I didn't have any fingerprints or marks on either of mine or the ones I swapped into the old tubes. Did you leave them in freezer for long? maybe you used too much force... if you slide your fingers gently it slides out easy. I barely put any pressure at all and my BNIB syrup looks like I bought it in that tube. next time don't squeeze them or put pressure it doesn't look like it's pulling out but it is. HTH!! (giggling at the wording in here

)

i don't have beauty cleaner either. if i mix colors i just use fix + and a tissue and wipe it off. it won't sanitize but it should remove what you're looking for.

LOL such sexual imagery!!! I think I was scared as it was my first time (HAHAHA) and I didn't want to put too much pressure or too little pressure on it. It was actually very easy, as you said. Oh well, next time I'll know It still looks great and so cute, I'm so happy that I get to keep my HK case!

I will use your suggestions Exciting!

 

[mel33t]

Maybe it would help to go on a low buy instead of a no buy. I've heard a lot of people say that, when they end the no-buy, they go crazy and buy a LOT which sometimes ends up canceling out the no buy in the first place. With a low buy, you're still getting a few things but not spending as much.

I'm thinking of going on a no buy for the rest of the summer - most likely until September. I've never successfully completed one before and I'm doing so-so on my low buy currently. But I'd like to challenge myself to see if I can do it.

Have any of you successfully completed a no-buy? What was the hardest thing? What's your best tip? Thanks in advance for your advice

 

[PeachTwist]

Maybe it would help to go on a low buy instead of a no buy. I've heard a lot of people say that, when they end the no-buy, they go crazy and buy a LOT which sometimes ends up canceling out the no buy in the first place. With a low buy, you're still getting a few things but not spending as much.

I'm thinking of going on a no buy for the rest of the summer - most likely until September. I've never successfully completed one before and I'm doing so-so on my low buy currently. But I'd like to challenge myself to see if I can do it.

Have any of you successfully completed a no-buy? What was the hardest thing? What's your best tip? Thanks in advance for your advice

I've never set myself a no-buy. Simply because it's always been a case of if I don't have the money, I don't try to find a way to get it. I don't sell things to make up the money, etc. If I know I'll want something, I save for it. I have found the biggest way for me to not purchase things though is to avoid Specktra, which sounds bad as a mod - but the enabling on here and the hype of so many things makes me remember things and then I start browsing websites which is when I end up purchasing. I completely missed the release of the Osbourne collection. By the time I remembered, everything was sold out. I felt a little left out, but not enough to look on other websites to see if they had anything in stock. The other big thing - unsubscribe from newsletters. % off and "big summer savings" etc will reel you in to buy because you'll think to yourself "oh I'm saving money because it's % off." when in reality, you're still spending it and likely will buy double the amount just because of said % off. I hope that makes sense.

 

[martiangurll]

  Maybe it would help to go on a low buy instead of a no buy. I've heard a lot of people say that, when they end the no-buy, they go crazy and buy a LOT which sometimes ends up canceling out the no buy in the first place. With a low buy, you're still getting a few things but not spending as much.

I'm thinking of going on a no buy for the rest of the summer - most likely until September. I've never successfully completed one before and I'm doing so-so on my low buy currently. But I'd like to challenge myself to see if I can do it. Have any of you successfully completed a no-buy? What was the hardest thing? What's your best tip? Thanks in advance for your advice 

My no buys have been out of necessity as well. Usually due to unanticipated bills to fix the car. They say necessity is the mother of invention but personally I think it's just a mother, period. I had to avoid the Color Collection threads because of the enabling that happens plus I would be tempted too much just by seeing the swatches. I would have to talk myself down frequently and my main counter argument to myself is to remind myself that nothing will be gone forever if I miss it. For one thing, there is almost always a dupe, a repro mote or a chance someone will graciously help me out. If not, I can get it from another website at an inflated price. Better to do that for an occasional item than to feed into limited availability thought process which leads to buy backups I don't need or items I won't have use for, just sit in my stash, eventually go bad, and/or would be better worn by someone else. Often I find an urge will pass as I get distracted by the feeding frenzy of the next coveted products. I have waited up to a year and finally got what I wanted when someone clears their back ups. Also I believe in the pay it forward karma. AS I give away and release items I do not use, others do the same and we all end up sharing the love. I have simply been blown away by the grace and generosity here. It literally brings tears to my eyes. When i think on all those things, my thinking of poverty goes away. I can let go of the need and have faith that if my desire for an item persists through my no buy, I will be able to get the item I *need*.

 

[SleepingBeauty]

I applaud everyone who is successful on a no-buy. That just doesn't work for me. I'd rather do a low-buy and I'm really successful with it. The last time I bought something 'unnescessary' was during the Alluring Aquatic launch at the beginning of May. Now I just couldn't take it anymore and ordered the new Benefit eyeliner (gonna give it a try; maybe I can pull it off) and Rebel, which I've wanted for a long, long time.

 

[Glitteryvegas]

Ladies!

I need your advice!

I really, really am digging Mystical Lippie from AA. Like, it's perfect for my skintone and I keep getting compliments on it.

Do I pickup a backup now, or wait until Specktra gets more for sale from people who are tired of it/it didn't work for them?

TIA You guys are the best. Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

 

[PixieDancer]

Want to ask this here instead of the collection thread. Is Deep Fixation from Moody Blooms a must have? I'm only planning on getting Black Ivy and maybe a shadow. I think it looks dupable but people are saying it's a must have for brown eyes. Lol why did it make you giggle? The boxes on the right are all single shadows and the left is all my shadow palettes. Maybe I should try the monthly bags for right now. Then stop when I finally get an organized stash.

I think it was just the way you explained the photo... like then there's THIS... That "all over the place" counter looks all too familiar to me and made me laugh. We all know the feeling of things coming in quicker than we can organize or find places to store it all! I literally had boxes everywhere. Several train cases. Even a tackle box which I used for makeup storage! It felt overwhelming and I'm glad that's behind me. Low-buying has given me the time to redirect my attention away from every new collection and more towards organizing and using the stuff I already have. As for DF... I have it and like it a lot. If I didn't have it, and I was only allowing myself 1 shadow from MB's, it would be the one I would get. However, if I never had it, I wouldn't be at a loss of neutrals to use in its place. If that makes any sense. If you feel you are already overwhelmed by the stuff you have, I think you're fine to skip it. If you "need" it later I'm sure it will be easy to find at a decent price, seeing as this is a repromotion of the color. And we will probably even see it again especially if it sells well with MB's. And seeing as it's a staple color, I'm sure it will sell well. Hope that didn't just confuse you more.

30 Day Lip Challenge Day 1: MAC Big Bow Glaze Lipstick Day 2: Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain in Tropical Frenzy- Love these twist and shine balms! They do leave a gorgeous stain and they're like $3 each so a total bargain! Day 3: MAC Pink Popcorn Lustre lipstick- AMAZING lippie! The color is a gorgeous pinky purple that brightens up my face. Wish I had gotten several b/u's lol Day 4: Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain in Sweet Pink- Again love these balm stain! This color is a gorgeous true pink. Love it! Day 5: No makeup Day 6: MAC Morning Rose Cremesheen Lipstick- A nice everyday-MLBB color. Day 7: MAC Viva Glam Cindy- love this lippie and I am almost finished with my tube This color needs to be repromoted! Day 8: MAC Flamingo lipstick- its a nice color and I really like it but tbh I don't understand the hype around it lol. Day 9: MAC Haute Altitude lipstick- Really like this lipstick! Its a very pretty everyday pink. I should use it more often Day 10: MAC Sweetie lipstick- love this lippie! Gorgeous pink with a touch of mauve. A MLBB color. Day 11: MAC Venus lipstick- one of my all time favorites! Wish I had gotten more b/u's cause I am down to my last one

VENUS!! Oh how I love it... On my 2nd BU with only 1 more left. It's just the perfect face brightening pink!

I'll confess/join in. I've been on a supposed no-buy since January of this year. I actually managed a good three months until I fell off the wagon for the Sephora VIB sale. I had always known that I would be allowed to break a no-buy when I went on vacation (it's cruel to tease someone with a full Tom Ford beauty counter and expect them not to buy!) but the VIB sale turned into several MAC hauls, an embarrasing amount in Boston, an UO Beauty haul right before leaving, and has continued for the last 2 months.  I'm absolutely ashamed and overwhelmed. I buy all this stuff and then it takes me a good month to actually use it the first time because I have so much other stuff. I managed to keep my actual makeup purchases at Shoppers today (20x the points, what I can say) down to under $30 not including like, skincare and shampoo/conditioner, so I'm telling myself no more.

Glad you're here hun! Don't feel ashamed... that won't help with anything. Oftentimes when we get in a rut and start letting ourselves feel beat up and defeated we can't see the point in changing. It just feels hopeless... But we are all seeing that we CAN readjust our thinking and spending habits and make progress. And you can too. Just set your goals and allow room for some failure. This is a "project" that won't happen overnight. But if you stick with it, you'll be happy that you did. We are all here to help! Good Luck!

I'm thinking of going on a no buy for the rest of the summer - most likely until September. I've never successfully completed one before and I'm doing so-so on my low buy currently. But I'd like to challenge myself to see if I can do it. Have any of you successfully completed a no-buy? What was the hardest thing? What's your best tip? Thanks in advance for your advice 

Oooo a NO-BUY. Well, I think it's very doable, but I obviously didn't want to set my goals too high and fail. So, it was easier for me to do/set a low-buy. Knowing I could get a few things here and there made it less intimidating. But you have been low-buying for awhile and I think a no-buy is realistic. You know your habits a little better now and know what you're up against. I think your chances for success are better than if you went straight from buying to no-buying. So know that you have the tools you need to succeed! I would stay away from the color collection threads entirely. If you aren't buying, there's no need to tempt yourself. Don't allow a no-buy to be a free pass to go crazy once it's over because of "all the money you saved!" When you come back out of it, keep your goals reasonable and goal-oriented. Also, stear clear of cosmetic counters to help resist the urge to impulse buy. GOOD LUCK! Let us know how you're doing! You can always come here for support. And your no-buy would serve as an inspiration to us on our low-buys!

My no buys have been out of necessity as well. Usually due to unanticipated bills to fix the car. They say necessity is the mother of invention but personally I think it's just a mother, period. I had to avoid the Color Collection threads because of the enabling that happens plus I would be tempted too much just by seeing the swatches. I would have to talk myself down frequently and my main counter argument to myself is to remind myself that nothing will be gone forever if I miss it. For one thing, there is almost always a dupe, a repro mote or a chance someone will graciously help me out. If not, I can get it from another website at an inflated price. Better to do that for an occasional item than to feed into limited availability thought process which leads to buy backups I don't need or items I won't have use for, just sit in my stash, eventually go bad, and/or would be better worn by someone else. Often I find an urge will pass as I get distracted by the feeding frenzy of the next coveted products. I have waited up to a year and finally got what I wanted when someone clears their back ups. Also I believe in the pay it forward karma. AS I give away and release items I do not use, others do the same and we all end up sharing the love. I have simply been blown away by the grace and generosity here. It literally brings tears to my eyes. When i think on all those things, my thinking of poverty goes away. I can let go of the need and have faith that if my desire for an item persists through my no buy, I will be able to get the item I *need*.

Great thoughts here Martiangurll! Thanks!

 

[PixieDancer]

Ladies! I need your advice! I really, really am digging Mystical Lippie from AA.  Like, it's perfect for my skintone and I keep getting compliments on it.   Do I pickup a backup now, or wait until Specktra gets more for sale from people who are tired of it/it didn't work for them?  TIA You guys are the best.  Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

That's tough... if you are finding it's a staple for you, I'd get it now. You can still find it at retail cost. Even if you find it in the clearance bin later, the sellers may want a little more (to a lot more) for it once it's not attainable. It's LE and nice packaging. There will always be someone willing to take it off your hands if you find you don't need it once your first tube is gone. I ended up with 3 Venus lipsticks. And I probably wouldn't have done that now, but I AM on my 2nd tube already and happy that I had a BU. Lustres go quickly. You'll get a little more wear out of Mystical with it being a Cremesheen.