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

[veronikawithak]

Just realised i'm 12 days into October and I haven't bought any makeup this month, which seems so bizarre to me!
I have bought a face mask, shampoo bar, shower gel, 2 bubble bars and 5 bath bombs from lush though, but at least its not makeup!
I thought it'd be cool if i could try and go the month without any makeup purchases but im pretty sure christmas will launch the last week of october, plus i'm using up my face powders and brow stuff but theyre very close to running out!
I got two lipsticks from back2mac the other day, i actually had one of the muas assist me and she was very nice, I must have tried on about ten lippies when i settled on - VERVE and CAPTIVE - so dark in the tube but wow they're awesome on me! if the mua hadn't helped i'd have never picked them, she said it just shows you get so used to what you like or think you like!

That's so exciting! I was trying to go the whole month without buying makeup but I slipped up and ordered those samples last week.. It's tough! Keep it up though.. you're doing so good! YAY! Captive was one of my last B2M as well! I love it.. dark without being overly bold.. it's one I've overlooked so many times too and I just happened to pick it up. I was thinking of getting another Anastasia brow pencil during the Sephora sale but when I wound mine all the way up there was a ton of product left! So glad I did that. I still have my MAC one to finish before I can use that one exclusively too. And I have too many face powders again.. I just got excited about the Hourglass ones at the beginning of the year and so I have two of those and my MSFN to work on. Things just take so long to use.. even staples. I guess my point is be proud of finishing yours and not having backups!

 

[lyseD]

I am really enjoying having all my shadows in palettes and am thinking of doing my powder blushes next.

Does anyone have any experience doing these? Is it just as easy as the shadows?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Audrey C]

Heading to the US overnight for a quick anniversary trip. We're heading to Ulta to pick up shampoo/conditioner (we buy 12L at a time - about a year's worth - when we're south of the border because it's about 1/3 of the Canadian price); my challenge will be to not pick up any Ulta exclusives.les.

I'm getting my about to be teen daughter Naked 3 as part of her Christmas gift; I may get that this trip or I may just wait for the Sephora VIB sale. I also have my eye on some Philosophy items for my eldest daughter at Ulta, and a duo of UD Primer Potion that's a good deal. I'm ok with the Primer Potion and picking up a replacement P&P Lip and Mineralize Concealer for myself. Those are staples that I'm almost out of and they aren't the kind of thing I have too much of; I have one on the go of each.

My goal is to not buy any makeup for myself (I don't mean the concealer); no lippies, no cute eyeshadow palettes I categorically don't need, etc. I'm already getting the Guerlain Perles I was eyeing as a gift from my husband and there are absolutely NO holes in my makeup stash to fill.

I must be strong and avoid at all costs even looking at LORAC palettes that aren't available in Canada!

Well, I'm back and I suppose I did ok. I bought the planned for hair products plus Devacurl One Conditioner (for colour-treated hair) and DevaCurl styling cream. No regrets there. I picked up the UDPP duo (one for each daughter's stocking - I like the anti-aging for myself) and we got Vice 3 for our youngest. I'd planned to get her Naked 3 but we thought she'd probably enjoy the bold colours. I'll have to watch her like a hawk on her way out to school. This year (Grade 7) she's allowed to wear non-bright lipstick or gloss and mascara; I've agreed that she can wear eyeshadow after her 13th birthday (coming up fast) but that she can only wear a subtle nude shade to school.

On the weekend she usually wears 2 or 3 shades (surprisingly skillfully applied, but always subtle) because I couldn't actually think of what harm there was in that. Liner and bold lippies are reserved for performing, although I guess they'll will make their way into her everyday look within the next couple of years.

I did swatch all the palettes (including the LORAC and Anastasia) and even got a UD makeover by the artists at Ulta since they were having an event. The MUA did a great look with Naked on me; it's the first time I've worn black eyeliner in oh…I'm guessing a decade. My husband (who was being no help because we were away celebrating our anniversary and he was clearly in an indulgent mood) asked me which palette I wanted and was all ready to buy it. I told him that I can't get anymore, but men just don't get that kind of reasoning."'The girls are both getting one for Christmas, Sweetheart; why exactly can't you have one?" I told him that I have enough already and that I want to be responsible. He reminded me that I wear makeup everyday in my corporate incarnation, obviously love it, asked if it wasn't cheaper than in Canada, asked if I already had Naked because it looks good, etc.

How I didn't snatch it on the spot is beyond me, but it was a very near thing. It shouldn't even have been TEMPTING given my stash, but it was. I also said NO to a visit to Macy's, to the CCO we were going to pass, etc. I could feel my resolve wavering and KNEW I'd come out with something. Or several somethings.

I'm irritated with myself for being so tempted when I don't need ANYTHING. It's just ridiculous, really. Ugh.

 

[Alysse011]

Well, I'm back and I suppose I did ok. I bought the planned for hair products plus Devacurl One Conditioner (for colour-treated hair) and DevaCurl styling cream. No regrets there. I picked up the UDPP duo (one for each daughter's stocking - I like the anti-aging for myself) and we got Vice 3 for our youngest. I'd planned to get her Naked 3 but we thought she'd probably enjoy the bold colours. I'll have to watch her like a hawk on her way out to school. This year (Grade 7) she's allowed to wear non-bright lipstick or gloss and mascara; I've agreed that she can wear eyeshadow after her 13th birthday (coming up fast) but that she can only wear a subtle nude shade to school.  On the weekend she usually wears 2 or 3 shades (surprisingly skillfully applied, but always subtle) because I couldn't actually think of what harm there was in that. Liner and bold lippies are reserved for performing, although I guess they'll will make their way into her everyday look within the next couple of years. I did swatch all the palettes (including the LORAC and Anastasia) and even got a UD makeover by the artists at Ulta since they were having an event. The MUA did a great look with Naked on me; it's the first time I've worn black eyeliner in oh…I'm guessing a decade. My husband (who was being no help because we were away celebrating our anniversary and he was clearly in an indulgent mood) asked me which palette I wanted and was all ready to buy it. I told him that I can't get anymore, but men just don't get that kind of reasoning."'The girls are both getting one for Christmas, Sweetheart; why exactly can't you have one?" I told him that I have enough already and that I want to be responsible. He reminded me that I wear makeup everyday in my corporate incarnation, obviously love it, asked if it wasn't cheaper than in Canada, asked if I already had Naked because it looks good, etc. How I didn't snatch it on the spot is beyond me, but it was a very near thing. It shouldn't even have been TEMPTING given my stash, but it was. I also said NO to a visit to Macy's, to the CCO we were going to pass, etc. I could feel my resolve wavering and KNEW I'd come out with something. Or several somethings.  I'm irritated with myself for being so tempted when I don't need ANYTHING. It's just ridiculous, really. Ugh.

You did a great job! Do NOT be irritated with yourself for being tempted! Heck, I'm tempted everyday to eat ice cream even though I seriously do not need it, but I don't feel guilty about it haha. You shouldn't be annoyed that you didn't go to Macy's because you were wavering. Be proud you didn't go in! I would definitely call that a more than successful trip; good job lady!

 

[Maris Crane]

I gotta tip my hat to you @AudreyC: again, totally normal to be tempted but you didn't crack!

 

[PixieDancer]

I am really enjoying having all my shadows in palettes and am thinking of doing my powder blushes next.

Does anyone have any experience doing these? Is it just as easy as the shadows?

Thanks for your help.

Yep... just as easy! Happy it worked out for you! When I first depotted, it seemed I reached for those shadows less, but as time went on, I realized it was a much easier solution to digging through a ton of singles. I'm so glad I depotted.

 

[veronikawithak]

Well, I'm back and I suppose I did ok. I bought the planned for hair products plus Devacurl One Conditioner (for colour-treated hair) and DevaCurl styling cream. No regrets there. I picked up the UDPP duo (one for each daughter's stocking - I like the anti-aging for myself) and we got Vice 3 for our youngest. I'd planned to get her Naked 3 but we thought she'd probably enjoy the bold colours. I'll have to watch her like a hawk on her way out to school. This year (Grade 7) she's allowed to wear non-bright lipstick or gloss and mascara; I've agreed that she can wear eyeshadow after her 13th birthday (coming up fast) but that she can only wear a subtle nude shade to school.  On the weekend she usually wears 2 or 3 shades (surprisingly skillfully applied, but always subtle) because I couldn't actually think of what harm there was in that. Liner and bold lippies are reserved for performing, although I guess they'll will make their way into her everyday look within the next couple of years. I did swatch all the palettes (including the LORAC and Anastasia) and even got a UD makeover by the artists at Ulta since they were having an event. The MUA did a great look with Naked on me; it's the first time I've worn black eyeliner in oh…I'm guessing a decade. My husband (who was being no help because we were away celebrating our anniversary and he was clearly in an indulgent mood) asked me which palette I wanted and was all ready to buy it. I told him that I can't get anymore, but men just don't get that kind of reasoning."'The girls are both getting one for Christmas, Sweetheart; why exactly can't you have one?" I told him that I have enough already and that I want to be responsible. He reminded me that I wear makeup everyday in my corporate incarnation, obviously love it, asked if it wasn't cheaper than in Canada, asked if I already had Naked because it looks good, etc. How I didn't snatch it on the spot is beyond me, but it was a very near thing. It shouldn't even have been TEMPTING given my stash, but it was. I also said NO to a visit to Macy's, to the CCO we were going to pass, etc. I could feel my resolve wavering and KNEW I'd come out with something. Or several somethings.  I'm irritated with myself for being so tempted when I don't need ANYTHING. It's just ridiculous, really. Ugh.

Glad to hear your trip went well! There's lots of support for the theory of the depletion of resolve over repeated exposure to temptation so you were smart to avoid going into other stores when you felt yourself losing grip. Part of this journey is realizing our limitations. You were already buying cosmetics for others and getting your makeup done so that is a dangerous situation already, plus with an enabling husband.. I'm impressed you got out of there without buying yourself a palette to be honest. But now you know that you need to be on your guard and not rely on logic and willpower to guide you, because they run out!

 

[PixieDancer]

Well, I'm back and I suppose I did ok. I bought the planned for hair products plus Devacurl One Conditioner (for colour-treated hair) and DevaCurl styling cream. No regrets there. I picked up the UDPP duo (one for each daughter's stocking - I like the anti-aging for myself) and we got Vice 3 for our youngest. I'd planned to get her Naked 3 but we thought she'd probably enjoy the bold colours. I'll have to watch her like a hawk on her way out to school. This year (Grade 7) she's allowed to wear non-bright lipstick or gloss and mascara; I've agreed that she can wear eyeshadow after her 13th birthday (coming up fast) but that she can only wear a subtle nude shade to school.

On the weekend she usually wears 2 or 3 shades (surprisingly skillfully applied, but always subtle) because I couldn't actually think of what harm there was in that. Liner and bold lippies are reserved for performing, although I guess they'll will make their way into her everyday look within the next couple of years.

I did swatch all the palettes (including the LORAC and Anastasia) and even got a UD makeover by the artists at Ulta since they were having an event. The MUA did a great look with Naked on me; it's the first time I've worn black eyeliner in oh…I'm guessing a decade. My husband (who was being no help because we were away celebrating our anniversary and he was clearly in an indulgent mood) asked me which palette I wanted and was all ready to buy it. I told him that I can't get anymore, but men just don't get that kind of reasoning."'The girls are both getting one for Christmas, Sweetheart; why exactly can't you have one?" I told him that I have enough already and that I want to be responsible. He reminded me that I wear makeup everyday in my corporate incarnation, obviously love it, asked if it wasn't cheaper than in Canada, asked if I already had Naked because it looks good, etc.

How I didn't snatch it on the spot is beyond me, but it was a very near thing. It shouldn't even have been TEMPTING given my stash, but it was. I also said NO to a visit to Macy's, to the CCO we were going to pass, etc. I could feel my resolve wavering and KNEW I'd come out with something. Or several somethings.

I'm irritated with myself for being so tempted when I don't need ANYTHING. It's just ridiculous, really. Ugh.

I agree with the other ladies... you should not feel irritated for being tempted! At ALL! Hell, I would have justified that as a gift and stopped putting up a fight fairly quickly, had I been in your shoes! You had an open door to fold, and you didn't. I call that a MAJOR VICTORY!! I'm honestly in awe and beaming with pride for you girl! BRAVO!!

 

[Audrey C]

I agree with the other ladies... you should not feel irritated for being tempted! At ALL! Hell, I would have justified that as a gift and stopped putting up a fight fairly quickly, had I been in your shoes! You had an open door to fold, and you didn't. I call that a MAJOR VICTORY!! I'm honestly in awe and beaming with pride for you girl! BRAVO!!

Thanks; it was ridiculously hard not to stop at Macy's or the CCO (and he asked me a few times if I was sure which was almost the end of me). I get his thought process; he wants to get me something that I'll really enjoy, particularly if I won't buy it for myself. I like doing that for him too; that's the best kind of gift. The one someone really wants but won't spring for on their own. It's just that this is my Achilles Heel, you know? He sees is as something harmless I enjoy and just another part of my Corporate ExecutiveTM look anyway. No different than colouring my hair or buying fine wool suits. Just the cost of my business wardrobe.

It didn't help that the UD MUA (there were four or five of them there) was ridiculously talented. He heard 'anniversary', 'going out for dinner' and managed to pull off a complete f**k me look that was vampier than my usual look but didn't look like it was designed for my 20 year-old daughter. I think he's the best artist that's ever done my makeup.

 

[FuuHouhouji]

I did swatch all the palettes (including the LORAC and Anastasia) and even got a UD makeover by the artists at Ulta since they were having an event. The MUA did a great look with Naked on me; it's the first time I've worn black eyeliner in oh…I'm guessing a decade. My husband (who was being no help because we were away celebrating our anniversary and he was clearly in an indulgent mood) asked me which palette I wanted and was all ready to buy it. I told him that I can't get anymore, but men just don't get that kind of reasoning."'The girls are both getting one for Christmas, Sweetheart; why exactly can't you have one?" I told him that I have enough already and that I want to be responsible. He reminded me that I wear makeup everyday in my corporate incarnation, obviously love it, asked if it wasn't cheaper than in Canada, asked if I already had Naked because it looks good, etc. How I didn't snatch it on the spot is beyond me, but it was a very near thing. It shouldn't even have been TEMPTING given my stash, but it was. I also said NO to a visit to Macy's, to the CCO we were going to pass, etc. I could feel my resolve wavering and KNEW I'd come out with something. Or several somethings.  I'm irritated with myself for being so tempted when I don't need ANYTHING. It's just ridiculous, really. Ugh.

Girl you are my new heroe!! I know I would have let my husband bought that palette (only because he has never done that) Having temptation is nothing to be ashamed of, is normal. You resisted it and for that you must be proud.

 

[veronikawithak]

Thought I'd mention that I'm having an awful time with trying to sell a couple things on Kijiji.. someone just offered to trade me a *used* liquid liner from the Osborne collection for a BNIB item worth more than double the price. Are people insane? I think I'll keep it thanks. Lesson learned.. don't buy too much stuff.

 

[Audrey C]

Thought I'd mention that I'm having an awful time with trying to sell a couple things on Kijiji.. someone just offered to trade me a *used* liquid liner from the Osborne collection for a BNIB item worth more than double the price. Are people insane? I think I'll keep it thanks. Lesson learned.. don't buy too much stuff.

Other lessons:

1) Items are only worth what the market is willing to pay for it - what we paid is irrelevant.
2) Used makeup is pretty much worthless, whether 95% is left or not.
3) Buying backups is usually a mistake, since there's often an alternate you want to try by the time you finish the first one (if you ever do)

 

[janette9687]

yaaay!!! i can offically skip the holiday collection, so for now i am done shopping for makeup for the rest of the year and am focused on decluttering, i dont have any interest in these pigment sets anymore and i have decided that the rest of the year i will be in a no buy, for the sephora 20% sale i will allow myself only tools, like har dryer but thats it. im so proud of myself!

Another great makeup inventory/ideal makeup inventory video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNxIVAtjN4Y

i wathced these two and it motivated me to do the same also I suggest watching Lightbycoco where she goes in her blog and youtube about hte minimalist approach in her lifestyle its quite refreshing!

 

[kait0]

Other lessons:

1) Items are only worth what the market is willing to pay for it - what we paid is irrelevant.
2) Used makeup is pretty much worthless, whether 95% is left or not.
3) Buying backups is usually a mistake, since there's often an alternate you want to try by the time you finish the first one (if you ever do)

Seriously these are so true.

 

[shellygrrl]

Hold onto that Stud pencil and B2M it.  

I threw it out after it broke; it's long gone now. Not to mention the only way I can do B2M is online, since I don't live near a counter or store, and brow pencils aren't listed in the dropdown boxes for return items. (A lot of things that are eligible -- paint pot jars, empty concealers, brush cleanser bottles, skincare stuff -- aren't listed, either, which is very annoying to me.) Actually, I don't think mechanical brow pencils are eligible for B2M anyway? (I can't remember.) http://www.maccosmetics.com/giving_back/back_to_mac.tmpl Anyhoo! FOTD... * Benefit The POREfessional (only across the nose) * MAC Paint Pot - Painterly (under the eyes, applied before foundation) * NARS Sheer Glow Foundation - Siberia * MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer - NW15 * OCC Skin Conceal - Y0 * NARS Brow Perfector - Caucase (I'd forgotten how hard the formula is!) * MAC Eyeshadow - Copperplate (to set & deepen the brow colour slightly) * NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base * Smashbox Eyeshadow - Vanilla (all over the lid) * Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner Pencil - Zero/Whiskey (I used the Zero side) * Makeup Geek Eyeshadow - Razzleberry (over the top of the liner and slightly above it so it peeked out) * Prestige Total Intensity Mascara - Jet Black * MAC Blush - Next to Skin (contour) * Buxom Lipgloss - Dolly And a big :cheer: to Audrey for resisting temptation!

 

[veronikawithak]

Other lessons: 1) Items are only worth what the market is willing to pay for it - what we paid is irrelevant. 2) Used makeup is pretty much worthless, whether 95% is left or not.  3) Buying backups is usually a mistake, since there's often an alternate you want to try by the time you finish the first one (if you ever do)

Yes, definitely. I've come to terms with all of that over the past couple of years. I was mostly just disgusted that someone would try to pass on a used liquid liner! Sooo unsanitary and disturbing. And that they would think someone would accept a trade for a new item that's double the price.. I'm open to reasonable offers but that one was just off the wall for me.

yaaay!!! i can offically skip the holiday collection, so for now i am done shopping for makeup for the rest of the year and am focused on decluttering, i dont have any interest in these pigment sets anymore and i have decided that the rest of the year i will be in a no buy, for the sephora 20% sale i will allow myself only tools, like har dryer but thats it. im so proud of myself!  i wathced these two and it motivated me to do the same also I suggest  watching Lightbycoco where she goes in her blog and youtube about hte minimalist approach in her lifestyle its quite refreshing! 

Lightbycoco is one of my favorites! She's my motivation right now. So simply and classic and she always looks gorgeous!

 

[Alysse011]

@veronika I am chuckling reading about the used eyeliner offer. It's just off the wall! Here is my FOTD: -Chantecaille Just Skin TM (love this and haven't used it since summer) -YSL Touché Éclat under eyes -Anastasia brow powder duo - Laura Mercier caviar stick on lid, MAC Swiss chocolate in crease -NARS Douceur blush -KA Candlelight highlighter -Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy in Desirable on lips The eye makeup is the most minimal I've done in a while haha. I haven't used just two shades for some time. I love doing my eyes the most, so that explains it. But I have to say, it's kind of refreshing.

 

[tirurit]

Personally, today I overslept so my eyes got only one eyeshadow and they should consider themselves lucky!

Tinted moisturizer, apricot blush, nude lipstick, soft ochre paintpot, pewter eyeshadow, mascara and running to the door! XD

 

[FuuHouhouji]

[@]Alysse011[/@] how is Douceur like? I only have three Nars blushes (Amour, Luster, and a deluxe sample of Orgasm) I hate Amour (that remembers me that I should find it another owner) but LOVE luster.

 

[Alysse011]

I really like Douceur a lot. It's a nice pink-ish brown that looks like nothing special in the pan or swatched, but is so natural on my cheeks. It's a great every day blush and it goes with any lip/eye combo. I don't like obvious blush, so this is really perfect for me.