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

[veronikawithak]

Awesome post on Into Mind about shopping fallacies!

http://into-mind.com/2014/09/25/4-common-shopping-fallacies-and-how-to-avoid-them/

 

[kerry-jane88]

Awesome post on Into Mind about shopping fallacies! http://into-mind.com/2014/09/25/4-common-shopping-fallacies-and-how-to-avoid-them/

Woo thanks for this! Expensive = high quality: I made the realisation that expensive products aren't necessarily what I need to be chasing after. Social proof: this is an occurring problem, trying to be strong in separating the advertising from what the actual experience I would have with the product, but I am getting better at avoiding the lemmings Scarcity: this is my big block! Being lured into buying things I wasn't intending to because of lower price points or upping my purchase to avoid shipping costs or to get a free gift etc. I'm doing better on the great limited edition lure across most brands at least Sunk costs: easy one for me now I'm in the mentality thats the money's already spent no use being a slave to something that you don't like. I'd be interested to see where everyone else feels their strengths and weaknesses are with this!

 

[veronikawithak]

@kerry-jane88 such a great idea to post strengths/weaknesses.. I was thinking about them as I read it but never thought to share.

Expensive = high quality: I'm on the fence with this one. I've purchased some expensive things and have been really impressed with the quality difference, and other times I look at something from an expensive brand and pass because it feels cheap. I think I'm fairly balanced here.

Social proof: I don't have as big of a problem with who is marketing things as I do with how the overall campaign looks. I see an image and don't think as often as I should about what that product will actually translate to in my life. I need to do better with stripping things of their context, but it's not too bad.

Scarcity: This is my major problem! Gift with purchase, promo codes, free shipping, LE.. Yeah. They use these techniques because they work! I've been getting better, but this is probably the biggest thing I need to work in. If I didn't want the product in the first place, I'm not getting a deal on it.

Sunk costs: I'm good here. Once I know something isn't working I can't get it out of my life fast enough.

 

[shellygrrl]

Lessee... Expensive = High Quality: I've definitely experienced this, makeup-wise. I think I do alright here. Social Proof: Marketing and celebrity endorsement doesn't affect me too much. On the other hand, opinions of others have influenced me. Not always, though. It's something I try to be mindful of. Scarcity: Yeah, I've succombed to this, particularly free shipping with minimum purchase! Sometimes limited edition and promo codes, too, but nothing like free shipping with minimum purchase. I've been working on this. Sunk Costs: Been there, done that. Sometimes I don't admit to myself that something isn't working for me until much later, for whatever reason. And yeah, I've used the "I don't want to be wasteful" justification before, too. This may be my biggest problem area. * * * And now for a FOTD double bill! Friday's was fairly subtle. * It Cosmetics YSBB CC Cream - Fair * MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer - NW15 * MAC Eyeshadow - Smut (brows) * Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - Transparent * Prestige Total Intensity Mascara - Jet Black * NARS Blush - Sex Appeal * Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter - Sweet Tart Today I went to a wedding and wore this... * Benefit The POREfessional * MAC Paint Pot - Painterly (as an undereye corrector before applying foundation) * NARS Sheer Glow Foundation - Siberia * MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer - NW15 * MAC Eyeshadow - Smut (brows) * Sonia Kashuk Brow Gel - Clear * Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - Transparent * NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base * MAC Eyeshadow - Copperplate * MAC Eyeshadow - Electra (it's been ages since I've used this colour in any capacity. I patted this over the top of Copperplate to give it a bit of a sheen; I really liked it!) * Makeup Geek Eyeshadow - Unexpected * Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Liner - Black Ink * Physicians Formula 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner and Serum - Ultra Black * BareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara - Black * MAC Blush - Pink Cult * MAC Lipstick - Feed the Senses

 

[PixieDancer]

It might have been an impulse, but I wouldn't have succumbed if I didn't know beyond a doubt that the palette would get very heavy use. There, that must count for some points. No? Having trouble caring. LOL

Hahahaa WERD!

 

[PixieDancer]

Palette Challenge:

Used my Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette again, but did a completely different look. Used all new shadows. New combo I've never done. Really liked the result.
Feeling good about this challenge.
Feeling a little overwhelmed with the reality of my palette stash. It's a problem area for me, clearly. At least I'm recognizing it now. The "I could use this new palette for work travel" excuse has got to stop! Going to keep working this challenge, hoping this will curb future palette lemmings or at the very least help me evaluate them a little more carefully.

 

[PixieDancer]

I do want to add... Anastasia Beverly Hills Palettes have been a problem for me since the Lavish palette. But I did stop myself from getting the last 2 she's put out. So I AM making some progress.
Pre Low-Buy me would have had them both on launch day! AND they're LE which makes it an even bigger accomplishment for me! So I do want to recognize my accomplishments in the "palette collecting" area, even if they are only baby steps at this point.

 

[Yazmin]

Gradually going through my collection bit by bit and finding more things to part with. I have two items pending and have added nine more to my sales thread. I've completely skipped Brooke Shields and will also skip RHPS - it feels really good. I have picked up an Audacious addiction, but I'm sure I will find
Not makeup-related, but I went clothes-shopping today. I don't buy clothes very often, but it was a little overdue. I still don't know how it happened, but I'm battling with clothes moths. It took a few months, and damage to several of my favorite tops to put 2+2 together. They always struck near the bottom of my tops, so it I never caught on until recently - to little too late to try and salvage most of them. I'm planning to go to the container store this afternoon to buy some more repellant and look into some protective storage - I'll be pissed off if my new buys (which I love) get ruined, too!

As a side note, only a few minutes after entering the store, listening to Beyonce's latest and in my own world, when I feel a tap on my shoulder. At first I thought it was going to be a sales associate, but it was a young man who said he had first seen me outside and wanted to come in an introduce himself. He thought I was attractive and liked the way I carried myself and was interested in getting to know me. I was a little taken aback because it's few and far between when a man steps to me in the way I believe I deserve. Instead, most of the guys I encounter in my day-to-day think they can holler at me from across the street, throw out some line, or even get into my personal space, and I'll just fall at their feet. As a result, I keep my guard up when I'm out, especially when alone. So it was refreshing to have someone actually say 'hello' and speak to me respectfully. I'm curious to see if he's actually the gentleman he presented himself to be.

 

[DarylandCarole]

Gradually going through my collection bit by bit and finding more things to part with.  I have two items pending and have added nine more to my sales thread.  I've completely skipped Brooke Shields and will also skip RHPS - it feels really good.  I have picked up an Audacious addiction, but I'm sure I will find  Not makeup-related, but I went clothes-shopping today.  I don't buy clothes very often, but it was a little overdue.  I still don't know how it happened, but I'm battling with clothes moths.  It took a few months, and damage to several of my favorite tops to put 2+2 together.  They always struck near the bottom of my tops, so it I never caught on until recently - to little too late to try and salvage most of them.  I'm planning to go to the container store this afternoon to buy some more repellant and look into some protective storage - I'll be pissed off if my new buys (which I love) get ruined, too! As a side note, only a few minutes after entering the store, listening to Beyonce's latest and in my own world, when I feel a tap on my shoulder.  At first I thought it was going to be a sales associate, but it was a young man who said he had first seen me outside and wanted to come in an introduce himself.  He thought I was attractive and liked the way I carried myself and was interested in getting to know me.  I was a little taken aback because it's few and far between when a man steps to me in the way I believe I deserve.  Instead, most of the guys I encounter in my day-to-day think they can holler at me from across the street, throw out some line, or even get into my personal space, and I'll just fall at their feet.  As a result, I keep my guard up when I'm out, especially when alone.  So it was refreshing to have someone actually say 'hello' and speak to me respectfully.  I'm curious to see if he's actually the gentleman he presented himself to be.  

Ooh, you'll have to let us know about the guy! I haven't had a guy come up to me since I moved back to my hometown. A) there are none here that aren't married or teenagers, and b) I've gained too much weight to even feel attractive, so I doubt I look attractive to men. But I can live vicariously through others! I also skipped Brooke and will skip RHPS. I picked up a few things from Artificially Wild and ANR recently, and the VGR 2. That's been it. Oh, except I got the red eye gloss. If anyone is thinking of it, DON'T! It's not easy to wear, since it's extremely tacky, and the red doesn't look that shiny or sparkly. I think the white or Taupe would look better, if you can deal with the sticky feeling. I am going to get a few lippies from the Matte lipstick collex, and I'd like some from The Ultimate one, too. That's it for now, though. I need to spend money on so many other (not fun) things.

 

[DarylandCarole]

I do want to add... Anastasia Beverly Hills Palettes have been a problem for me since the Lavish palette. But I did stop myself from getting the last 2 she's put out. So I AM making some progress. Pre Low-Buy me would have had them both on launch day! AND they're LE which makes it an even bigger accomplishment for me! So I do want to recognize my accomplishments in the "palette collecting" area, even if they are only baby steps at this point.

Good for you! I think any accomplishment should be acknowledged.

 

[Naynadine]

Gradually going through my collection bit by bit and finding more things to part with. I have two items pending and have added nine more to my sales thread. I've completely skipped Brooke Shields and will also skip RHPS - it feels really good. I have picked up an Audacious addiction, but I'm sure I will find
Not makeup-related, but I went clothes-shopping today. I don't buy clothes very often, but it was a little overdue. I still don't know how it happened, but I'm battling with clothes moths. It took a few months, and damage to several of my favorite tops to put 2+2 together. They always struck near the bottom of my tops, so it I never caught on until recently - to little too late to try and salvage most of them. I'm planning to go to the container store this afternoon to buy some more repellant and look into some protective storage - I'll be pissed off if my new buys (which I love) get ruined, too!

As a side note, only a few minutes after entering the store, listening to Beyonce's latest and in my own world, when I feel a tap on my shoulder. At first I thought it was going to be a sales associate, but it was a young man who said he had first seen me outside and wanted to come in an introduce himself. He thought I was attractive and liked the way I carried myself and was interested in getting to know me. I was a little taken aback because it's few and far between when a man steps to me in the way I believe I deserve. Instead, most of the guys I encounter in my day-to-day think they can holler at me from across the street, throw out some line, or even get into my personal space, and I'll just fall at their feet. As a result, I keep my guard up when I'm out, especially when alone. So it was refreshing to have someone actually say 'hello' and speak to me respectfully. I'm curious to see if he's actually the gentleman he presented himself to be.

That's what I'm doing as well. It takes some time for me, now I'm selling things that a few months ago I wouldn't have wanted to let go. I got rid of all my glosses except three. I also sold some highlighters, EDSF and also others that I liked but never wore, so now they had to go too.
I think I should downsize my eye product stash next. I wear minimal or often times even no eye makeup except mascara, but have so many shimmery neutral eye products, so it's time to part with some of them.

That guy sounds nice and polite. I wish someone would approach me that way too!

 

[veronikawithak]

Alright [@]PixieDancer[/@], you can go to the chair too. I thought you both sounded reasonable enough, but that may be my own skewed justification process talking. In fact, I'm sure that's what it is.

 

[Audrey C]

Alright @PixieDancer, you can go to the chair too.

I thought you both sounded reasonable enough, but that may be my own skewed justification process talking. In fact, I'm sure that's what it is.

That's exactly what it is. And since you allowed your own skewed rationalization process to in effect encourage more bad behaviour from the two of us, I think you'd better join us.

 

[veronikawithak]

That's exactly what it is. And since you allowed your own skewed rationalization process to in effect encourage more bad behaviour from the two of us, I think you'd better join us. 

Ugh you're right. We should get a time out couch instead. Next time I'll bring out the whip and not make excuses for anyone (myself included).

 

[Naynadine]

Anyone who feels bad for buying the Brooke Shields palette, just think of the fact that it's like three times the price in Europe, so you'll instantly feel better because you made such a good deal, lol.

 

[veronikawithak]

To bring back some balance in here for my earlier indiscretion, here's a video on "The Ghosts of Holiday Collections Past" which is a tag Ann Hatfield just started. Basically you go through your collection, pull out all of your holiday sets from past years and see how much they've been used (if at all!) - the goal being to talk some sense into yourself and persuade yourself to skip them! There's also some great comments she makes throughout, definitely worth watching.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFCsgoXd3z4

I'm not really a holiday set person I guess.. I can't think of any in the past that I've ever purchased.. except maybe a trio of Korres lip butters once. In any case, I don't have those anymore and I know I didn't get too much use out of them while I did.

BUT I did go through my other things and for example most of my eyeshadows look barely touched. Only one blush of mine has a visible dip because I bought most of the ones I have this year. All of my lipsticks except 1 are more than half full. Glosses I've been working on, but I still have too many.

For my wishlist of this year's holiday sets, I've already crossed out both the Tarte blush palette and blush set, as well as the MAC lipglass and pigment sets. The only ones I'm still lemming for are the Buxom lipgloss set, Naked 2 Basics, and if the rumors are true about a Nars dual intensity eyeshadow palette I might get that. That's still 4 holiday sets (counting the Hourglass blush palette that was already purchased) when I usually purchase 0-1, so I may try to cut down further.

 

[Audrey C]

Holiday sets can be a great value, but only if they're items you're going to use heavily in the next year and they replace individual purchases. If they sit there unused, then it's wasted money.

I bought two eyeliner sets this month (UD Ten 24/7 and last year's Tarte Stop & Stare from the Sephora sale); there's no question that they offer FAR better value than individual liners. I took the shades I wanted and let my daughters have the rest. No waste and enough eyeliner for a year. Last year's Ocho Loco set and Tarte Skinny Smoldereyes sets were the same; I only bought one individual liner all year as a result (and frankly, I could have passed on it). I feel like these sets were worthwhile.

My Brooke Shields palette will get used and I won't buy any other upcoming palettes. I bought three this year; KVD Monarch (skipped it at launch and then caved later in the year - no regrets because I love it), UD Electric (VERY different from anything else I have and I really enjoy this one) and now Gravitas. I don't regret any of those purchases; I returned both Naked 2 and a Clinique 8 pan because they weren't quite right and I don't have room in my stash for anything that isn't. I got rid of all my EDES, a NARS Duo, a MAC Duo and a few individual MAC shades that weren't quite right for me. I did replace some with individual MAC shadows (some purchased, but most BTM) that were a better shade or finish for me but have now filled the very few gaps I had. I actually bought Smoke & Diamonds off eBay because it's exactly the shade I wanted. I might buy the odd individual MAC LE shade over the coming year, but I really don't see myself indulging beyond that. I really feel like I've edited my eyeshadows over the past year and am left with a large variety of great shades. I'm not worried that I'll keep buying here.

My other holiday set was the Tarte Lipsurgence set. No regrets there either; I've really gotten away from most matte finishes (other than a few beloved reds) and now reach prefer creamier, less opaque shades. They just look better now that I'm in my late 40s. I know I'll use these up; a couple of shades are too pink for me but they'll be great for my daughter. These will get used up.

I also bought a BNNB Guerlain Crazy Terracotta off eBay for well below retail; no regrets there because I love it. I wear a Guerlain bronzer almost every day; they're very subtle and make my skin look amazing.

I really think that my purchasing will slow down further next year. I said the same at the beginning of 2014, but this year I started deliberately rotating through my products and tracking usage and that was a big eye opener for me. I purged a ton because I could see that I was forcing myself to use products that I either didn't really love or that were an inferior dupe for something else I liked better. It hurt a little to get rid of those (huge amount of wasted money) but I'm a believer in letting go of sunk costs so I pushed myself to. I haven't missed any of them. Ever. It was the right thing to do. I replaced some of what I got rid of with items that were a better choice for me (fewer but higher quality powders with sheen instead of glitter, a few very carefully selected individual eyeshadows to replace my purges, Huggables/Patentpolish to replace matte/satin lippies, etc). I have a few other items that I'm iffy about and may not make the cut, but there's now very little in my stash that I don't reach for very regularly. I could realistically part with a few more blushes; I like them all but some are pretty similar.

The only other purchase I have planned is the Guerlain holiday Meteorites; they're very warm-toned and look glorious. I have enough Shoppers Optimum points for them to be free for me, so I'm not even going to try to resist.

 

[veronikawithak]

@Audrey C I thought my purchasing would slow down this year too and I ended up buying more than last year I think. But I'm also expecting it to actually slow down next year now that I've made better choices and really love everything I have. Looking forward to doing an end of the year analysis and setting goals for next year! Sometimes I wish I had someone to split sets with.. but in a way I guess it's good for me that I don't because I tend to skip a lot of things I would have otherwise picked up, knowing that I won't get as much value from them. A prime example is the eyeliner sets.. they almost always have a black one and I never use black.

 

[Naynadine]

Adding a little confession... I had a weak moment today and ordered a Jo Malone fragrance. Haven't tried it in person so I'm really hoping I'll like it. I did use gift cards so its not that bad, but I could have saved those for future MAC purchases, so I feel slightly bad about it. I just felt like treating myself to something fancy today :-/

I'm still confident that I'll make it through holiday season with little or maybe even no makeup hauls. (Keeping in mind that MAC's December collections usually release in January over here, so those don't count, lol)

 

[Audrey C]

@Audrey C I thought my purchasing would slow down this year too and I ended up buying more than last year I think. But I'm also expecting it to actually slow down next year now that I've made better choices and really love everything I have. Looking forward to doing an end of the year analysis and setting goals for next year! Sometimes I wish I had someone to split sets with.. but in a way I guess it's good for me that I don't because I tend to skip a lot of things I would have otherwise picked up, knowing that I won't get as much value from them. A prime example is the eyeliner sets.. they almost always have a black one and I never use black.

I don't wear black either; too harsh on me now. They're fine for the younger eyes in the house though.