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

[charlotte366]

I was overwhelmed by all my make up as well but depotting has really helped me use more of what I have. Today I'm starting on blushes.

I know what you mean I loved the too faced naked palette, but it got ignored alot because the packaging was so bulky, the same for my sugarbomb benefit blush in the old packaging, i found i wanted to take these shades with me but the packing takes up too much space, so last weekend I took my sissors to both and put them in the unii palette, I have already been reaching for them more!

 

[charlotte366]

Glad it's working for you! I have most of my eyeshadows in pans and I like to switch up my empty quads, but I found I never reached for my blush palettes or my larger eyeshadow palettes. I think I prefer just grabbing a pre-made eyeshadow "look" and a single blush. It's interesting how different we all are.

This is a good point, I have one mac blush palette and my newly depotted sugarbomb, the rest of my blushes I prefer as singles for travelling purposes.

I keep took the divider out of my mac palette so i can keep more in there but have 2 quads, one with matte highlight (Brule), crease blending colour (Wedge), eyebrow colour (Omega) and a dark brown (Charcoal brown) Which get a lot of use and is easy to find, my other mac quad gets changed up every month or so and is more seasonal, so right now is has a red brown (sable), and shimmer highlight, a khaki and a bronze shade for fall.

 

[Audrey C]

Thanks!!

I kind of feel like I cheated since it was so easy to do.. I just took everything out of the closet, set myself a number limit for each category, and only put back my favorites until I reached that number. I didn't even purge anything, just stored it away. I will have to go through everything eventually but for now it's so nice to pretend that this is all I have!

Glad you're enjoying your challenge; I couldn't go down this much in clothing (I need suits/tops for work, casual clothing for home and workout wear, and I have a thing about not wearing the same thing twice in a week) but I think it's great that you've found something that works for you. It will certainly make things easier when you're getting ready in the morning.

I did recently go through my closet as well as all my drawers. I'm embarrassed to admit how many garbage bags of clothing I donated to charity. I love not having a crammed closet and being able to easily pull items out of non-stuffed drawers. I have more now that I will end up with (because I have a range of sizes that I will give away as soon as the larger items get too big) but I also know I'll treat myself to some new things when I get back to the size I've been for most of my adult life. I give my suits to a local charity that gives them to women trying to enter/re-enter the workplace.

I'm surprised that your makeup stash isn't bigger; good job. I know you were buying 5 items a month for most of the year so I just expected more, but I know you did a lot of purging.

I've realized that there's nothing left in my stash that I want to get rid of. I definitely have more than I need, but it makes no sense to get rid of items I really like. I just won't keep buying.

 

[Alysse011]

Glad you're enjoying your challenge; I couldn't go down this much in clothing (I need suits/tops for work, casual clothing for home and workout wear, and I have a thing about not wearing the same thing twice in a week) but I think it's great that you've found something that works for you. It will certainly make things easier when you're getting ready in the morning. I did recently go through my closet as well as all my drawers. I'm embarrassed to admit how many garbage bags of clothing I donated to charity. I love not having a crammed closet and being able to easily pull items out of non-stuffed drawers. I have more now that I will end up with (because I have a range of sizes that I will give away as soon as the larger items get too big) but I also know I'll treat myself to some new things when I get back to the size I've been for most of my adult life. I give my suits to a local charity that gives them to women trying to enter/re-enter the workplace.  I'm surprised that your makeup stash isn't bigger; good job. I know you were buying 5 items a month for most of the year so I just expected more, but I know you did a lot of purging. I've realized that there's nothing left in my stash that I want to get rid of. I definitely have more than I need, but it makes no sense to get rid of items I really like. I just won't keep buying. 

I'm with you on that last part. I have more than necessary, but I am almost done purging. I will probably get rid of a couple more things and then make sure I rotate the stuff I keep. I can fit almost everything in the acrylic containers on my countertop now. This has been so helpful! I've been rotating through blushes much better and also using cream shadows (which I love, but previously never reached for when they lived in my closet). I definitely need to get rid of some bronzers, but I just don't know which to toss.

 

[jennyap]

Quote:Originally Posted by charlotte366

i am pleased to here that you're cat is now starting to eat. Makeup is unimportant and its a good way to stop purchasing if you have to focus on paying off the vet bills and have a bigger goal of moving. Everytime you get tempted transfer half the money that you would have spent into a savings account towards the move. if you can still afford the make up you can treat yourself but you will have also put money aside for the move!



Great idea. I've been doing something very similar lately. We're lucky enough to be in a pretty good financial situation, so DH and I have a decent amount of play money each month - we split it in three so a third is 'joint' money for things we do together/buy for the house and the rest is our own to do what we want with. It's for any personal discretionary spending, from buying lunch if we can't be bothered to pack it, drinks with work friends, his stamp collection, my makeup, etc. Since July I've been transferring half of what is left of my portion at the end of the month into a savings account. That leaves some flexibility for high/low months. In the four months I've done that I've managed to save almost enough for a new camera lens I've got my eye on - one more month and I'll be there. I think that as I buy even less going into 2015 I could end up with a sizeable chunk of extra savings by doing this.

 

[veronikawithak]

Glad you're enjoying your challenge; I couldn't go down this much in clothing (I need suits/tops for work, casual clothing for home and workout wear, and I have a thing about not wearing the same thing twice in a week) but I think it's great that you've found something that works for you. It will certainly make things easier when you're getting ready in the morning. I did recently go through my closet as well as all my drawers. I'm embarrassed to admit how many garbage bags of clothing I donated to charity. I love not having a crammed closet and being able to easily pull items out of non-stuffed drawers. I have more now that I will end up with (because I have a range of sizes that I will give away as soon as the larger items get too big) but I also know I'll treat myself to some new things when I get back to the size I've been for most of my adult life. I give my suits to a local charity that gives them to women trying to enter/re-enter the workplace.  I'm surprised that your makeup stash isn't bigger; good job. I know you were buying 5 items a month for most of the year so I just expected more, but I know you did a lot of purging. I've realized that there's nothing left in my stash that I want to get rid of. I definitely have more than I need, but it makes no sense to get rid of items I really like. I just won't keep buying. 

I store my more dressy professional clothes in the hall closet that we mostly use for storage. But since my life is pretty casual right now I won't be using anything there often enough to include it. I hope to have a capsule wardrobe for work eventually too. Right now I have enough clothes for about 12 days without repeating, except jeans which I plan to wear each twice. For my makeup stash, a lot of it is new as of this year (purged most of my older items) and some were staples that I've repurchased. I've already used up a couple of things and sold/B2M a few as well. Plus some of my purchases were single eyeshadows in pans which are stored in my Z palette, and about 10 were eyeliners/lipliners which don't take up a lot of space! I've gotten rid of a few bags of things as well.. it's amazing how things accumulate. Glad you're feeling better about your wardrobe. I'm planning on doing a clearout once I get back to my usual weight as well. I think we're on the same page in terms of not purchasing more. At this point pretty much everything is what I love and use. There are a few things here and there that I might get rid of still, but not much. I really don't want to do purging anymore in general.. I did some last year and a lot this year and now I just want to finally use up and replace as needed!

 

[DarylandCarole]

@burghchick  so sorry to hear that Scully has been ill and not doing well. I really hope that your kitty is able to pull through and get back to her old self soon. Please keep us informed as to her well being. :hug:

Thanks, Naomi! I'm so far behind in reading posts that I just saw this. She's having a bad day today. Hasn't wanted to eat again. It seems the antibiotics have upset her tummy and there's a mess that I had to clean. Ugh, yuck. It's like having a baby without a diaper, with kitty litter stuck on its bum along with the "other". The poor thing! And now I have to stick her with a needle, too.

 

[charlotte366]

Thanks, Naomi! I'm so far behind in reading posts that I just saw this. She's having a bad day today. Hasn't wanted to eat again. It seems the antibiotics have upset her tummy and there's a mess that I had to clean. Ugh, yuck. It's like having a baby without a diaper, with kitty litter stuck on its bum along with the "other". The poor thing! And now I have to stick her with a needle, too.

bless poor little kitty....I hoep she improves soon, big hugs x

 

[Buffy89]

Thanks, Naomi! I'm so far behind in reading posts that I just saw this. She's having a bad day today. Hasn't wanted to eat again. It seems the antibiotics have upset her tummy and there's a mess that I had to clean. Ugh, yuck. It's like having a baby without a diaper, with kitty litter stuck on its bum along with the "other". The poor thing! And now I have to stick her with a needle, too.

Hope your kitty gets well soon! At least you've found a good vet now, and you've gotten a right diagnosis. Although it must be really hard to see her suffer. Once the antibiotics/injections start working, she'll get better I think.


I have made a plan for the rest of 2014. Since there never is a new Mac collection in December (in Germany at least), I won't "have to" include any LE stuff into my plan, that feels really good. I might repurchase my foundation or powder but no other Mac stuff. The Gwen Stefani by Opi collection is really intriguing, but first of all I need to see when and whether it'll be available in my regular store (no internet shopping allowed; I need to have a look at the polishes in person and personally, I think that "real" shopping and paying cash makes me more focused on what I'm buying. Placing orders online just doesn't feel like hurting my wallet and my stash/inner peace, because neither my wallet gets emptier immediately, nor do I get the produsts immediately...shopping in stores just feels more "real" to me if you know what I mean). For example, the Mustang or Mariah Carey collections weren't available there, so maybe the Gwen collection will be out of reach for me. I might get two polishes if they were available, but I won't go crazy although I've been a huge No Doubt fan since I was little.
I still totally want the UD Vice 3 palette, and I simply hope I can kinda wait it out. I hope it won't be sold out so soon, maybe I can let it be my "allowed" item in December (but not in November since I've reached my limit and still need to recover from my crazy September/October splurging). I need to do a lot of stuff for university, so this might be a nice reward/motivation for being studious.

 

[dodotheextinct]

@veronikawithak I love your capsule wardrobe and makeup drawer! So inspiring! I'm no where near that but that is something to strive for.

In regard to the VIB sale I think I did okay considering that holiday sets are my weakness every year. I picked up a lot of skincare, gifts for others and only two makeup products for myself which I'm really proud of. The only holiday set I picked up was the Bite Lip set and I am extremely excited to try it out.

It's amazing how fast this year has gone by I have to start thinking of what sort of goals I would like to have for my collection for next year not only for makeup but in other aspects of my life as well.

I'm really thankful for @PixieDancer for starting this thread and for all the support from y'all here. \(^o^)/ Let's finish this year strong!

 

[tararachel]

Save some money ladies! Mr. Rebates is 12% cash back today.

Here's the link and my ref. code if anyone wants to use it.

edit by mod: please do not post affiliate links / referral links. Thank you!

 

[janette9687]

So I broke my low buy no buy yesterday buying the new melt dark lippies, I have colors similar to these but I hate the glossy amplified finish in them so I told myself I would get rid of them if I like these if not to the clearance bin they go, especially since melt restock once a year I know I can he my money back Update on my benefit palette ima give it away like the previous quad they made I didn't like the finish and I still don't the problem was the blush not the brush so that's solved As far as the vin sale I think I will stick to staples if I'm out or skincare or hair tools not hauling more makeup besides a eye primer and liner pot that I am in need of

 

[veronikawithak]

I have made a plan for the rest of 2014. Since there never is a new Mac collection in December (in Germany at least), I won't "have to" include any LE stuff into my plan, that feels really good. I might repurchase my foundation or powder but no other Mac stuff. The Gwen Stefani by Opi collection is really intriguing, but first of all I need to see when and whether it'll be available in my regular store (no internet shopping allowed; I need to have a look at the polishes in person and personally, I think that "real" shopping and paying cash makes me more focused on what I'm buying. Placing orders online just doesn't feel like hurting my wallet and my stash/inner peace, because neither my wallet gets emptier immediately, nor do I get the produsts immediately...shopping in stores just feels more "real" to me if you know what I mean). For example, the Mustang or Mariah Carey collections weren't available there, so maybe the Gwen collection will be out of reach for me. I might get two polishes if they were available, but I won't go crazy although I've been a huge No Doubt fan since I was little.
I still totally want the UD Vice 3 palette, and I simply hope I can kinda wait it out. I hope it won't be sold out so soon, maybe I can let it be my "allowed" item in December (but not in November since I've reached my limit and still need to recover from my crazy September/October splurging). I need to do a lot of stuff for university, so this might be a nice reward/motivation for being studious.

A great point about the differences buying things in a physical store! Another thing that gets me with nail polish (and anything really) is how great the colors look together as a set. Something I try to do now is pull out the individual colors I like and walk around with them for a bit, looking at them individually and not next to all of the other ones in a collection. I also try to stick to OPI as my one brand because I have a thing for wanting them all to match, and that sets an artificial limit. Plus I like the OPI wand the best. I skipped the Fall and will skip the Winter OPI collections though.. so proud of myself! I almost bought 2 of the Fall essie colors but I resisted. OPI Spring has 2 I need to look at.. one I really want and one is a nude that I should not want but still do. I need to take my 2 other nudes to the store with me to compare.

 

[PixieDancer]

I'm really thankful for @PixieDancer for starting this thread and for all the support from y'all here. \(^o^)/ Let's finish this year strong!

Quote: Originally Posted by veronikawithak

Looks like you are right on track to end this year strong! Great job doll!



I really have been keeping up on everyone in here! I sometimes find I get really busy and by the time I catch up, lots of people have already supported one another and given great advice I can't seem to add too! That makes me feel so good knowing we all are looking out for each other and really staying committed to this cause, despite minor (and sometimes major) setbacks along the way! I know this would have been a near impossible task for me to embark on on my own, so I'm really am thrilled at how many of us really jumped into this conecpt and thread with an open mind and supportive views. I can't wait to see where this leads into 2015! I'm sure we'll all have new discoveries and revelations ahead of us to share! I can't wait to spend another year with some of my favorite ladies on Specktra!! #TeamLowBuyIsALifestyle!!!

 

[MissTania]

I've been doing some shopping my stash lately, and the funny thing is, colours which I didn't like before, I like now!!

Eg. Embrace Me - I thought it was too purple, and even sold some back ups (I have 2 bu's left still

), and I have been going through a purple appreciation phase lately ever since I bought Dodgy Girl and Lush Extract Sheen Supreme.

It's so important to keep going through your stash, because of these wonderful re-discoveries!

I am not backing up anywhere near as much these days, which is a plus. From Heirloom Mix, I only got one BU of NFP which is a big improvement for me as I love hot pinks.

However, I mentioned on the thread I don't know if I like the new formula of the lippies, and this could have consequences for my MAC buying next year.

My goal next year is no back ups at all, I have too much to justify any back ups period.

I am excited for VG Miley though, I just want the lipstick, and I feel good knowing it goes to charity.

Congrats to all who are making both big and small steps forward!

 

[Jennifae]

I went ahead and ordered the UD Naked2 Basics, UD Smoked Palette, and Give Me Some Lip from Sephora (VIB sale). I was going to get a few Anastasia brow products, but I'll just wait for my $20 VIB certificate next month. UD Naked2 Basics - I have and love the first Naked Basics, so I had to get Naked2 Basics. I know it will get a lot of use from me. UD Smoked Palette - I've had this in my wish list for a couple of years now, but I kept waiting for some reason. To be honest, I wasn't sure if I really needed it, but I went ahead and pulled the trigger because it was on sale for $29 plus 20% off. Give Me Some Lip - I already have Give Me More Lip, but these mini sets are my weakness because they allow me to try different brands and formulas without committing to a full-size... and since they are smaller, I can easily carry them around in my purse and use them up quicker. I'm gonna do a little more purging this weekend to make room for my small haul... but I think that's it for me this month. I think.

 

[NicoleL]

I had my eye on a few things for the Sephora VIB sale. Mostly backups I don't need and the smoked palette that I never wanted until the drastic price drop, but nothing that I am particularly dying to get right now, but kind of that feeling of well its a great sale so why not. But luckily the website issues have given me time to realize that the items in my cart are not really items that I truly want right now and also that I've made so much progress selling and donating so many items so that I could actually enjoy what I have that I don't want to add things in right now and derail that progress. Especially knowing that I intend to make a trip to my CCO soon in search of alluring aquatic collection items that I'm hoping will end up there. Dodged a bullet I think

 

[veronikawithak]

I had my eye on a few things for the Sephora VIB sale. Mostly backups I don't need and the smoked palette that I never wanted until the drastic price drop, but nothing that I am particularly dying to get right now, but kind of that feeling of well its a great sale so why not. But luckily the website issues have given me time to realize that the items in my cart are not really items that I truly want right now and also that I've made so much progress selling and donating so many items so that I could actually enjoy what I have that I don't want to add things in right now and derail that progress. Especially knowing that I intend to make a trip to my CCO soon in search of alluring aquatic collection items that I'm hoping will end up there. Dodged a bullet I think

You did dodge a bullet! How funny is it that we're so tempted to buy things we didn't need or want until we were offered a 20% discount.. Good for you for staying strong!! You're so right to not derail your progress.

 

[jennyap]

@veronikawithak I'd love to read a blog from you!

 

[NicoleL]

Thanks @veronikawithak , starting a written inventory of what I have really helped me put things in perspective, so I can definitely see what you are saying about writing things down being motivational