Resolution "LOW-BUY" 2015

[veronikawithak]

@burghchick - so sorry to hear about kitty! Hope things look up for you soon, I can relate to how difficult that is and the stress that you feel. Sending you hugs!

@kerry-jane88 - good for you girl! Destashing in full effect! People are so strange - "Let's hang on to something I hate just so I can say I hung on to it, even though I never use it and loathe it every time I look at it!" Fantastic, air tight logic, eh? I can relate to the 'weird' feeling you are speaking about I think - I did a big destash a few weeks ago and when I saw everyone rummaging through things it made me feel strange. Almost like I was possessive over my things - like seeing people touch them, etc. made me feel uncomfortable. It was so, so strange. Recognizing that I felt that way and acknowledging it made me feel even weirder, if that makes sense. But honestly, I felt so free after and now I don't have to deal with all of those things that I knew were expired and I just couldn't let go of, or things that I didn't like at all, or wouldn't wear. Good for you, keep up the progress!

I have Trax MAC shadow and honestly, it just looks like a brown mess on me. I should probably just get rid of it. I swatched it the other day and it kind of works if you layer it, but HONESTLY who has time for that shit? Like if it doesn't work in a swipe (max 3 layers for me), then let's just give it up.

@veronikawithak - WOW! Love the brush pouch, very functional and easy to use. I have my brushes in a tin jar thing and sometimes it's like "WHERE IS IT???" to find a particular brush. That probably means I have too many brushes lol. Good for you for having a number in mind and going for it. I have a few powder shadows from the Hello Kitty collection and I'm trying to decide what to do...the powder is a bit tough on them, so maybe it's time....*SAD FACE*. I would keep the packaging though because I truly love it and could use it again by popping in other shadows that I use all the time.

@Buffy89 - I totally agree - we overemphasize the importance of material things in an effort to distract us from the difficult things (because often those are the great things, too). I hope that makes sense. I will watch that video that you linked - she looks adorable! And I love when a girl has a collection that I can relate to (brand wise) because then I feel like I can do what she's doing (destashing).

I'm honestly so proud of all of us and our little community. We are progressing and getting to where we want to be. For me, it's slowly and surely. Obviously due to my no buy I haven't bought any makeup or fun things this year. I'm maximizing product use and being conscious of that. I have more makeup that I'll ever need I think. It's crazy and I can't believe how out of hand it's gotten. I honestly don't miss anything that I've given away, so there's a big lesson there. One day this makeup hoarding will be a distant memory!

I'm looking for alternatives for my 'activities' - for example, each year I go to a writer's/reader's festival and buy tix - this year I'm looking at volunteer opportunities at the festival so I don't have to pay to see the events. Slowly I'm getting somewhere! And I'm still working out constantly and I love it. YAY for ALL OF US!!

Yes, it's the perfect size! All of my brushes fit snugly but comfortably. I could probably even fit a few more eye brushes if I wanted (the ones in the pic aren't mine) but that's about the max that would fit which is perfect. I think having a huge pile of brushes to watch would make me too lazy to wash them all. If the Hello Kitty compact is a nostalgic item, I say clean it out and keep it to use for other things! Other eyeshadows would be great. Maybe you could even use it as a case for dainty necklaces or small stud earrings or something? I don't think there's anything wrong with that. It's just when it gets to the point that you're keeping something from every collection and it starts to stress you out, then things tend to lose their value. Having one or two things you really love makes them actually special to you and not just a generic collection that anyone could have if they spent enough time and money on it.

I also don't miss a single thing I've downsized, and you're right, that's a huge lesson! I'm hoping that this year will be my year where I finally feel like I'm over my makeup hoarding phase.

 

[veronikawithak]

there's some really good vibes on here, i think us lot that tried to low buy last year are being very considered after what we have learned from last years highs and lows, and on recently reflecting on that has got us determined to do what's right by our standards now.

go team and welcome all newbies!

So true! Last year was great for learning and this year will be even better I think!

 

[smileyt06]

If someone is not using their online Ulta coupon code from their postcard I would love it if you could pm me please. I'm on a lowbuy but getting all I want now since I won't for a while lol

 

[shellygrrl]

FOTD... * It Cosmetics YSBB CC Cream - Fair * OCC Skin Conceal - mix of Y0 and Y1 * Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - Transparent * Anastasia Brow Powder Duo - Ash Brown * NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base * Makeup Geek Eyeshadows - mix of Razzleberry and Corrupt (outer half of lid + halfway across lower lashline. I was attempting to get a blackened red a la MAC Beauty Marked or UD Blackheart from Naked 3, neither of which I own, but the mixture looked a bit too much like MUG's Drama Queen in the end. Hrm.) * Makeup Geek Eyeshadow - Moondust (inner half) * Makeup Geek Eyeshadow - Rockstar (inner corner) * Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Mascara - Black * MAC Blush - Next to Skin (contour) * MAC MSF - Light Year (blush) * MAC Lipstick - Feed the Senses

 

[Glitteryvegas]

I almost can't believe it myself! It's amazing how much better it feels though.. I don't have that "paradox of choice" feeling every time I open my drawer (I forget if I posted this before, but if you haven't seen it it's worth a watch!: http://www.ted.com/talks/barry_schwartz_on_the_paradox_of_choice?language=en ). I know and love everything I have and I just reach in and get it. No spending 5 minutes deciding which blush to wear. That story about your grandmother is so perfect, I love it. That's exactly what I want for myself some day (maybe a few more than twenty.. but you know.. close haha). We'll get there eventually!


That's so right.. and collection mode is exactly the opposite of what I want to do lol! We're on the same page about expiration.. eventually the preservatives break down. I don't want to be slathering bacterial colonies all over my face.


Yes, it's the perfect size! All of my brushes fit snugly but comfortably. I could probably even fit a few more eye brushes if I wanted (the ones in the pic aren't mine) but that's about the max that would fit which is perfect. I think having a huge pile of brushes to watch would make me too lazy to wash them all. If the Hello Kitty compact is a nostalgic item, I say clean it out and keep it to use for other things! Other eyeshadows would be great. Maybe you could even use it as a case for dainty necklaces or small stud earrings or something? I don't think there's anything wrong with that. It's just when it gets to the point that you're keeping something from every collection and it starts to stress you out, then things tend to lose their value. Having one or two things you really love makes them actually special to you and not just a generic collection that anyone could have if they spent enough time and money on it.

I also don't miss a single thing I've downsized, and you're right, that's a huge lesson! I'm hoping that this year will be my year where I finally feel like I'm over my makeup hoarding phase.

You're so right, keeping all of the packaging is so pointless. I have both of the compacts, so I might just keep one and B2M the other or sell it on ebay/craigslist for a collector. My packaging is in mint condition and tidy, so it might actually sell to someone.

I'm going to go through again and do another cull. I'm going to swatch by colour groups I think this time, to decide how many shadows of each colour I need or want. I must have over 200 individual shadows (including within palettes - so not individual, but you get my drift). Like the other day I was looking thru things and I have many sparkly blacks. Like, how many sparkly blacks does a girl need? Esp. when your day job is not makeup heavy? Probably just one then lol.

It's crazy how easy it is to accumulate and how hard it is to get rid of. I think in 2013 I was just buying and buying like crazy...and now I feel so overwhelmed going through it. That's why I do a bit at a time and because I'm not buying anything new, I'll get there! I love our little community of makeup 'minimalists'!

 

[mel33t]

I'm loving all of the positive vibes in here :stars: This is going to be a great year for all of us! I admit I'm a little tempted by the two MAC collections coming out. I keep telling myself that the Toledo blushes look exactly like the Proenza ones (which I own). I don't really wear nudes, so I don't need to get Oxblood. The lip pencils are a little more difficult to say no to, but I've narrowed it down to two, both of which will be unique to my collection and pair with many of my lipsticks. I am going to IMATS this year in NY. But its more so to look and experience rather than purchase. I love seeing all of the special effects makeup. Hope you guys have a great Monday and if you're on the East Coast and dealing with Juno, be safe.

 

[MissTania]

I'm glad I had a look at this thread, as I have been buying a few things lately. I received a gift card during Christmas and it reignited my cosmetics spending big time.

Before that, I was very restrained for about 2 months or so - which would be because nothing interested me much during that time and I didn't go out of my way to browse...but the gift card got me looking to spend again.

All the talk about expiration dates inspired me to purge about a dozen lip products, and add some of those which are MAC items to my B2M Pile.

Eg. Saint Germain lipstick is just horrific on me and it was from a 2009 batch, it's time to say goodbye! I have other newer more flattering barbie pinks which I would rather use than trying to make an old product work at the expense of newer ones I like better.

I want to say goodbye to all MAC lip products made before 2010...and the 2010 ones need to go soon too - clearly they are not getting used for a reason. I figure I had that many years to use them, they aren't worth keeping to get used twice a year..or not at all. I'll only keep ones which I can use regularly.

Toledo is tempting me...Victoriana, Opera and Oxblood! I hope to get just one red though.

 

[awickedshape]

I'm loving all of the positive vibes in here :stars: This is going to be a great year for all of us! I admit I'm a little tempted by the two MAC collections coming out. I keep telling myself that the Toledo blushes look exactly like the Proenza ones (which I own). I don't really wear nudes, so I don't need to get Oxblood. The lip pencils are a little more difficult to say no to, but I've narrowed it down to two, both of which will be unique to my collection and pair with many of my lipsticks. I am going to IMATS this year in NY. But its more so to look and experience rather than purchase. I love seeing all of the special effects makeup. Hope you guys have a great Monday and if you're on the East Coast and dealing with Juno, be safe.

There is a part of me going "Ripe Peach! Ripe Peach!" but I have Ocean City so I'm trying to be strong.

 

[mel33t]

There is a part of me going "Ripe Peach! Ripe Peach!" but I have Ocean City so I'm trying to be strong.

And the packaging is cheap, and no mirror. And its more expensive All those things :haha:

 

[awickedshape]

All those things

I'm trying lol that helps!

 

[Audrey C]

All those things

And once applied, it probably doesn't look any different than the other 6 peach blush you probably own. Honestly, if there's one area I could happily cull more than half from and not even miss them, it's blush. I got rid of everything I didn't really like last year, but I still have about 20. It's ridiculous. Honestly, I can't see why I'd need more than 4-6. I'll keep plowing through them, but a product has to be dazzling (like the new Guerlain blush pearls I used Shoppers Drug Mart points to pay for) for me to add a blush at this point.

My husband and I just finished doing our year-end financial wrap up where we track all of our joint expenditures. I know exactly how my food bill has changed over time, what percentage we're saving towards joint goals, etc. It occurred to me that I have a less clear picture of my own discretionary spending. We do a version of yours, mine and ours. We jointly pay for all main costs (housing, food, all kid expenses, transportation, retirement and college savings, shorter term vacation and next car savings, etc). We split the remainder and both do whatever we want with it.

We have three children; two in university and one who competes in an expensive sport. We have a few more years of heavy spending ahead of us. My husband will likely retire within the next 5-7 years. I'll probably carry on at least 5 years after that point, although we would both like to retire early.

I've just finished my own personal budget. I've decided that while I can technically afford to spend reasonably freely, that I no longer think it's appropriate to. I've decided to shift half of my discretionary money to personal savings and then let myself have some fun with the rest; saving more over the next decade may let me retire a bit earlier or take more trips. My 'fun money' categories are clothing, beauty and fitness so have set a budget for all three together. That will be a lot more helpful for me. The reality is that I don't need any makeup (and won't for a long time) and I'm more interested in updated clothing as I continue to lose weight and doing some races with my daughters. I think forcing myself to be accountable (to myself, no one else is watching) will help me make more balanced decisions (i.e. Do I REALLY need yet another pair of Lulu Wunder Unders? Do I want them more than a new spring running jacket? No, so I'll pass).

 

[awickedshape]

And once applied, it probably doesn't look any different than the other 6 peach blush you probably own. Honestly, if there's one area I could happily cull more than half from and not even miss them, it's blush. I got rid of everything I didn't really like last year, but I still have about 20. It's ridiculous. Honestly, I can't see why I'd need more than 4-6. I'll keep plowing through them, but a product has to be dazzling (like the new Guerlain blush pearls I used Shoppers Drug Mart points to pay for) for me to add a blush at this point.

My husband and I just finished doing our year-end financial wrap up where we track all of our joint expenditures. I know exactly how my food bill has changed over time, what percentage we're saving towards joint goals, etc. It occurred to me that I have a less clear picture of my own discretionary spending. We do a version of yours, mine and ours. We jointly pay for all main costs (housing, food, all kid expenses, transportation, retirement and college savings, shorter term vacation and next car savings, etc). We split the remainder and both do whatever we want with it.

We have three children; two in university and one who competes in an expensive sport. We have a few more years of heavy spending ahead of us. My husband will likely retire within the next 5-7 years. I'll probably carry on at least 5 years after that point, although we would both like to retire early.

I've just finished my own personal budget. I've decided that while I can technically afford to spend reasonably freely, that I no longer think it's appropriate to. I've decided to shift half of my discretionary money to personal savings and then let myself have some fun with the rest; saving more over the next decade may let me retire a bit earlier or take more trips. My 'fun money' categories are clothing, beauty and fitness so have set a budget for all three together. That will be a lot more helpful for me. The reality is that I don't need any makeup (and won't for a long time) and I'm more interested in updated clothing as I continue to lose weight and doing some races with my daughters. I think forcing myself to be accountable (to myself, no one else is watching) will help me make more balanced decisions (i.e. Do I REALLY need yet another pair of Lulu Wunder Unders? Do I want them more than a new spring running jacket? No, so I'll pass).

I'm (almost) certain I'll skip it. "Ripe Peach!" aside (I'm drawn to certain shades), I won't be spending that money on a MAC blush.

 

[Buffy89]

Yeah I'm really happy to be with such inspiring and lovely ladies!

I'm feeling kind of revolutionary in this huge internet beauty world with all those hauls and collection videos.

I must admit I'm quite tempted because of all those Mac collections coming soon. Nothing but Viva Glam will be released in February over here, so I'm not in the danger zone temporarily. If I do well (=being studious and not procrastinating) writing my MA thesis, I might take a second look at the Chanel spring stuff in February. The Toledo collection and the lip pencils will hit shops in March, well I've already talked myself out of the pencils. I own exactly one lip pencil and I never use it, and I guess I won't use those new ones. Toledo doesn't really impress me because the colors aren't my favorite ones. I guess Oxblood is gonna look weird on me. The other lip stuff doesn't interest me, neither the palettes or the mascaras. I'd like to get Azalea Blossom because I don't own any purplish/really cool-toned blushes. Kindergarten Red seems super cute to me just for the name's sake, but I guess it's just another average pink.
Well, the temptation is rather caused by Cinderella and Mac is Beauty and that fancy summer packaging, I think.

P.S. I've just heard what the weather is like in parts of North America, so take care and be safe!

 

[veronikawithak]

I forgot to tell you!  You look so pretty in the pics you posted!  :eyelove:   Like gorgeous!   And I agree, great vibes on here!  Very motivating.  After reading about V's success w/perfumes, I threw away three old bottles.  Still could probably throw out one or two more that were made in 2008/9, but I'm still attached a bit to them.....the struggle continues, but day by day it gets easier.  You're so right, keeping all of the packaging is so pointless.  I have both of the compacts, so I might just keep one and B2M the other or sell it on ebay/craigslist for a collector.  My packaging is in mint condition and tidy, so it might actually sell to someone.   I'm going to go through again and do another cull.  I'm going to swatch by colour groups I think this time, to decide how many shadows of each colour I need or want.  I must have over 200 individual shadows (including within palettes - so not individual, but you get my drift).  Like the other day I was looking thru things and I have many sparkly blacks.  Like, how many sparkly blacks does a  girl need? Esp. when your day job is not makeup heavy?  Probably just one then lol.   It's crazy how easy it is to accumulate and how hard it is to get rid of.  I think in 2013 I was just buying and buying like crazy...and now I feel so overwhelmed going through it.  That's why I do a bit at a time and because I'm not buying anything new, I'll get there!  I love our little community of makeup 'minimalists'!  :flower:

Awesome job on letting go of some of the perfumes!! I've been really on a perfume train since September. I always used to only have 2 max but I never really fell in love with them or any of the other alcohol-based ones. Then I found indie perfume oils and it was love.. aaand I bought 11 in 5 months. Plus accumulated a bunch of samples. And got my SO hooked, who has 3 of his own now. Fortunately they're small 5mL glass bottles so they fit nicely in a little wooden box which holds 18. And I don't feel as bad about hoarding them, they have a better shelf life and resale value and they also don't go on your face so I'm not too worried about expiration. Still, I am trying to pace myself and only get bottles of ones I absolutely love. No sense in trading one obsession for another! You're so right, it is harder to let go than to accumulate! You'll definitely get there though! Since you're not bringing as much in, every piece out will make a difference.

I'm loving all of the positive vibes in here :stars: This is going to be a great year for all of us! I admit I'm a little tempted by the two MAC collections coming out. I keep telling myself that the Toledo blushes look exactly like the Proenza ones (which I own). I don't really wear nudes, so I don't need to get Oxblood. The lip pencils are a little more difficult to say no to, but I've narrowed it down to two, both of which will be unique to my collection and pair with many of my lipsticks. I am going to IMATS this year in NY. But its more so to look and experience rather than purchase. I love seeing all of the special effects makeup. Hope you guys have a great Monday and if you're on the East Coast and dealing with Juno, be safe.

Fight those temptations! You've got this. Those blushes are pretty much PS repackaged. You deserve better.

 

[Glitteryvegas]

@mel33t - IMATS is so much fun! I'm sure the NY one is incredible. I loved seeing the demos and I made sure I brought a list and didn't really stray from that. I bought Ben Nye powder and so far I'm loving it - same with MUFE products. The year before I went crazy and bought all sorts of pigments and cream products, etc. and I didn't end up using it and I just gave stuff away. IMATS is great for the vibes and I'm sure in the US they have a tonne more products to choose from (more temptations but also more deals!).


To everyone re: the new blushes. I can see why ya'll are tempted - but to me from the promo pics, they look the same as the Prozena ones, which was the same as Ripe Peach, which was the same as some other thing that we've forgotten about

haha. I have a zillion peachy blushes (maybe 5?) and I figure I'd just be buying for a pretty-in-the-pan situation. I also agree re: no mirror and packaging - if you're buying it for a quality/luxury item, if it feels cheap, etc. then there's more reasons to give it a miss.

I've been using NARS Orgasm since I got it late last year (maybe Oct?) and to be honest, I use it every day and there's still tonnes. I hate changing blushes during the week cycle because I only really have one blush brush and I don't clean it in between uses (deep clean them about once a week). So I basically use the same blush every day for the week. So there alone is a reason to only have a few blushes! haha.

I'm debating not looking at any more promo pics for the year, or if I should and test temptation to learn how to resist (does this make any sense?). By saying No to myself repeatedly, I get into a pattern, which will extend my resolve into the future.

Gonna work on my swatchy project today! Going to lay out all of my eye products and just have a swatch party and see how we go. Feeling pretty motivated to slash my stash!

 

[Buffy89]

  To everyone re: the new blushes.  I can see why ya'll are tempted - but to me from the promo pics, they look the same as the Prozena ones, which was the same as Ripe Peach, which was the same as some other thing that we've forgotten about:haha:   haha.  I have a zillion peachy blushes (maybe 5?) and I figure I'd just be buying for a pretty-in-the-pan situation.  I also agree re: no mirror and packaging - if you're buying it for a quality/luxury item, if it feels cheap, etc. then there's more reasons to give it a miss.   I'm debating not looking at any more promo pics for the year, or if I should and test temptation to learn how to resist (does this make any sense?).  By saying No to myself repeatedly, I get into a pattern, which will extend my resolve into the future.   Gonna work on my swatchy project today!  Going to lay out all of my eye products and just have a swatch party and see how we go.  Feeling pretty motivated to slash my stash!   arty2:

I'm excited to hear about your swatch party's results! You're so right about Ripe Peach; but I still need some reasons to skip Azalea Blossom because the color is more unique (several dupes like Marc Jacobs aren't available here). But of course, it would feel great to skip the whole collection! Personally, I don't avoid the Scoop thread and similar threads because it would probably make me want everything even more. Like being on a diet. Instead, I wanna make clever decisions (actively), not being not allowed to do something (passively). So your question totally makes sense to me

 

[awickedshape]

Thanks for helping me say "No" to Ripe Peach, guys lol

 

[kerry-jane88]

I'm excited to hear about your swatch party's results! You're so right about Ripe Peach; but I still need some reasons to skip Azalea Blossom because the color is more unique (several dupes like Marc Jacobs aren't available here). But of course, it would feel great to skip the whole collection! Personally, I don't avoid the Scoop thread and similar threads because it would probably make me want everything even more. Like being on a diet. Instead, I wanna make clever decisions (actively), not being not allowed to do something (passively). So your question totally makes sense to me

Is azalea blossom the purpley one? Personally I feel like they look pretty in the pan but I've rarely seen someone wear that kind of colour and think it looks better over more traditional cheek colours you know? I have star wonder msf which is kind of plummy but the sparkle lifts it and nars sin which is a deep purpley brown. I purged all other purples to my friend who likes to cosplay!

 

[Glitteryvegas]

You're so right about Ripe Peach; but I still need some reasons to skip Azalea Blossom because the color is more unique (several dupes like Marc Jacobs aren't available here). But of course, it would feel great to skip the whole collection! Personally, I don't avoid the Scoop thread and similar threads because it would probably make me want everything even more. Like being on a diet. Instead, I wanna make clever decisions (actively), not being not allowed to do something (passively). So your question totally makes sense to me

I feel like the AB would be very plummy....I think it could look really beautiful with the right skin tone (not sure what you are) or it could look 'bruisy' lol. I only have one purple MSF because it makes me look bruise-ish if I overuse it. I rarely use it because it makes me nervous (probably a sign that I should sell it....). For me AB an easy no (and the fact that I'm doing a no buy for a year). I think if it's unique to your collection then maybe really consider it.

Maybe I'll try to post up some pics of my swatch party once I start hehe. I counted my shadows in pan and I have like 170....not including pigments, pressed pigments, etc. Just shadows in the pan.....

*SIGH*

 

[DMcG9]

NOTHING was on clearance. Except a few maternity tops from Liz Lange, random sweaters and a couple of pairs of combat boots. However, even with the lack of sales, it looked REALLY picked over - lots of swimsuits though in a good range of sizes and I thought the Boys and Girls kids stuff didn't look as picked over as the Women`s stuff.

Very little on sale in jewellrey and scarves. I did get two necklaces that look kind of JCrew-ish, but I can see why the store was pretty dead. I mean, with coupon codes and all you can find JCrew necklaces for the price Target Canada was selling there necklaces at. I still found stuff to buy (mostly basic v-neck tees and tanks) but pretty picked over.

As for makeup:
ELF has either been taken out or everything sold out as soon as they announced they were closing.
They were putting out L'Oreal stuff in it's place - all at full price. Might as well go to Shoppers next door and get points for them.
The new CG lipsticks and the Full Bloom mascara (bought the mascara) were on sale.
Some brushes were sold out in Sonia Kashuk. No blending sponges on the shelves, unfortunately.
Pixi was picked over. Sold out of some shades of everything but still full price.
No Beaver Canoe whatsoever, for my co-worker who asked.
And... the Starbucks was set to close by the weekend even if the store will be open.

I may go back closer to liquidation to see if It's a 10! leave in gets put out drastically reduced, but I wouldn't recommend anyone RUN to Target. This was the Danforth & Vic Park location for anyone wondering too

I was at the Centerpoint Mall Target last week and it's definitely starting to empty out. My boyfriend lives in Milton and we went last weekend and it was ok but we went again yesterday and the Starbucks had already vacated sometime this past week. Sales haven't even started yet but we did notice the store was starting to get picked over but then there was some new stock out in the Movies section?? Odd.