Resolution "LOW-BUY" 2015

Maris Crane

Well-known member
No new purchases yet. I think this has to do with my weight loss. I have to get all new clothes so all my money that's left over is being eaten up by clothing. I did almost spend some money on NARS products but I decided to wait till my birthday to buy new beauty items. I've never done huge haul before so I want to do one this year if I can.
Congrats on the weight loss; especially just after and with the holidays!

Anyone else stocking up on half-price candy today?
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AND... still shopping my stash. I did an all French brand FOTD today in honour of my recent purchase, apart from a few things I really couldn't :p:

Bioderma Sensibio AR cream & Maybelline Baby Skin on my nose
Armani Master Corrector No. 1
Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, 10 Beige
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage SC-1
NARS Penny Lane cream blush
Guerlain 01 Blondes Terracotta Bronzer & Laura Mercier Baked Highlight mini in 01 Highlight
Essence I<3Stage eye base
MAC Blanc Type for a base, Malt to start out in crease, & Moleskin to blend out Fez
NARS Nepal on lid; Abyssinia on brow and in tear duct; Fez in outer corners (I saw some FOTDs with the NARS Pleasures of Paris and I have the Singles)
Physician's Formula liquid liner in Black winged
Hard Candy Lite Brite concealer under the eyes with ELF Tone Correcting Powder in Cool under eyes
Makeup Forever AquaEyes #23L in lower waterline
Bourjois Loose Powder in Rose to set foundation
Benefit Brow-Zings! in 01 Light
Chanel RCS lipstick in Secret
 

Lipstickwh0re

Well-known member
Congrats on the weight loss; especially just after and with the holidays!

Anyone else stocking up on half-price candy today?
clapping.gif


AND... still shopping my stash. I did an all French brand FOTD today in honour of my recent purchase, apart from a few things I really couldn't :p:

Bioderma Sensibio AR cream & Maybelline Baby Skin on my nose
Armani Master Corrector No. 1
Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, 10 Beige
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage SC-1
NARS Penny Lane cream blush
Guerlain 01 Blondes Terracotta Bronzer & Laura Mercier Baked Highlight mini in 01 Highlight
Essence I<3Stage eye base
MAC Blanc Type for a base, Malt to start out in crease, & Moleskin to blend out Fez
NARS Nepal on lid; Abyssinia on brow and in tear duct; Fez in outer corners (I saw some FOTDs with the NARS Pleasures of Paris and I have the Singles)
Physician's Formula liquid liner in Black winged
Hard Candy Lite Brite concealer under the eyes with ELF Tone Correcting Powder in Cool under eyes
Makeup Forever AquaEyes #23L in lower waterline
Bourjois Loose Powder in Rose to set foundation
Benefit Brow-Zings! in 01 Light
Chanel RCS lipstick in Secret
Thank you! I do have something to report though. I pre-ordered Benefit's Roller Lash mascara. It's not a huge purchase but it counts for something. I've seen a lot of good reviews on it. They're Real is my HG mascara too so I know I'm going to love it.
 

mel33t

Well-known member
@veronikawithak great post! As @Buffy89 said you really hit the nail on the head! I'm doing well. Taking small victories as they come. The last time I bought from Sephora was right after the holidays for gift cards. Since then I've purchased some skin care and hair care items. I ran out of moisturizer, shampoo, and conditioner... Everything at the same time :sigh: Makeup wise I've purchased Charlotte Tilbury sculpt and glow palette and made an order for the ColorPop blushes. Both of those things I had thought about for a long time before actually committing. I'd really like March to be a no buy, but I'm going to run out of my face wash and I buy it from Sephora, I'm nervous of the temptation. I'm going to see if a trusted friend will come in with me and make sure I don't go crazy. For April I am going to IMATS so I'm taking "x" amount of cash and once its gone, its gone. I'm hoping to invest in some Hakuhodo brushes there. Hope you all are doing well!!! :hug:
 

kerry-jane88

Well-known member
Yo peeps! Been back from my Paris jaunt nearly a week, I thought about doing a blogpost on my purchases but I don't think 'haul' type posts are all that healthy a projection for me right now, so I'll probably just put up reviews and such on my new things if I eventually feel like doing so. As for my holiday pics, theres some on my Instagram kerryjane88 if you can sift through pictures of my cats and half of my face haha :) give me an add if you wana be insta pals! In terms of processing what stuff I did bring back from Paris, I haven't done that yet, so I've got to break out the inventory and sort it out. I know I'm still doing well as I have a lot to cross off as I did a big purge before I left for my holiday. I only let a few low cost products (under ten euros) come home with me that were purely impulse buys, the rest were iconic things I'd wanted specifically like a diptyque candle and chanel coco mademoiselle from the original stores. Makeup wise I got two chanel rouge cocos, one nude and one red, with a nude lip liner that I sorely needed! I barely took any skincare or makeup away with me as I figured I'd be buying a few bits, but I ended up not being all that fussed with most of the French beauty stuff. A lot of it is hype right, and I'm still liking more organic skincare stuff anyway. Well being away made my skin act up, my eczema act up, it made me realise that my beauty focus is to take care of myself and be happy in my body and mind :) I took my Marc Jacobs Lolita palette away as my only eyeshadows (was so hard to leave Mac kid and wedge at home!) and I hadn't noticed before, but every single colour creased on me - so that's getting purged! I destroyed my hair by having to dry it over a wall heater for a few days as I didn't have the right travel adapter for my hairdryer :/ going to get a good trim on Wednesday so hopefully it hangs a bit healthier after that. My filling fell out on Friday and I luckily was able to get a replacement filling this morning so I'm sat in bed feeling all numb in the face! Stuff like that reminds me to be kind to myself you know? And I'll be keeping that and my low buy goals in mind as all the spring collections will launch!
 

DMcG9

Well-known member
And I'll be keeping that and my low buy goals in mind as all the spring collections will launch!

I think being kind to oneself is a really good reflection to have and one that has been impressed upon me for the past couple years. In October of last year I completed 2.5 years of treatment for leukaemia and my health care team and in particular the psychiatrists who helped me work through the trauma and anxiety of it all kept reminding me that in this next year before I fully reintegrate myself back into the world (job, school, etc.) I need to take time for myself to overcome the exhaustion of the entire ordeal. I need to take care of personal health and set realistic goals and bench marks. I am trying to get fit again (lose the weight the steroid treatment helped me gain, regain the muscle and stamina I lost, etc.) and not put too much pressure on myself when it comes to thinking I should be at a certain stage of recovery or start a new project like going back to work too soon (if I can hold off financially). It's good to push myself but not to the point of exhaustion or in a way that I neglect my regained health. One of the best experiences of the entire situation was a chance to take a mindful meditation course and learn to let a lot of the unimportant crap in life just fall away. In general, I need to be mindful of what I have, need and don't need. More specifically I want to keep in mind what I fought for and what I longed for when cancer took it away from me -- i.e. the chance to be healthy and present in the world. When I was isolated from the world for the bulk of my treatment, my love for make-up really expanded. I have always loved make up since I was a teenager but being trapped in my sick body made me desperate for something that could boost my esteem (I lost over 60 lbs at one point and my hair and just didn't even recognize myself in the mirror). When I went grasping for something to make me not look so ill and more like myself, it was makeup that I latched onto. I tossed a bunch of old crap and then bought a lot of newer stuff; better skincare items, lipstick colours I had never worn before etc. It was probably way too much but it was my coping mechanism.
In the past year I have really fallen back to the basics again and now need to focus on diet, exercise, and the other external activities I love. Yes, I love reading the Specktra boards (a habit I picked up while ill) but now its easy to just enjoy the images (most of the time) and know I don't want to buy a lot of things anymore. It's a lot easier to control my impulses regarding what I want vs what I need. An occasional treat is ok, but so much has changed for me. I can't even be tempted by perfumes as my sense of smell and taste has completely changed. If I can't sample something (a scent, colour, clothing size, etc.) in person, there is no point in letting it occupy my mind. Even seeing, smelling, and trying something on in real life doesn't work out most of the time for me now.
I think mindfulness really taught me to overcome a majority of the frivolity I was personally engaging in. Also, being in a much better state of health and mental wellness is a contributing factor.
But back to what you said, Kerry, yes, be kind to yourself, especially when you have other needs to maintain. I just want to say that this thread is so positive in helping everyone effect personal change and while I may not say much in here, I do get a lot of good reminders and reflections from reading what you all say.
 
B

Buffy89

Guest
I think being kind to oneself is a really good reflection to have and one that has been impressed upon me for the past couple years. In October of last year I completed 2.5 years of treatment for leukaemia and my health care team and in particular the psychiatrists who helped me work through the trauma and anxiety of it all kept reminding me that in this next year before I fully reintegrate myself back into the world (job, school, etc.) I need to take time for myself to overcome the exhaustion of the entire ordeal. I need to take care of personal health and set realistic goals and bench marks. I am trying to get fit again (lose the weight the steroid treatment helped me gain, regain the muscle and stamina I lost, etc.) and not put too much pressure on myself when it comes to thinking I should be at a certain stage of recovery or start a new project like going back to work too soon (if I can hold off financially). It's good to push myself but not to the point of exhaustion or in a way that I neglect my regained health. One of the best experiences of the entire situation was a chance to take a mindful meditation course and learn to let a lot of the unimportant crap in life just fall away. In general, I need to be mindful of what I have, need and don't need. More specifically I want to keep in mind what I fought for and what I longed for when cancer took it away from me -- i.e. the chance to be healthy and present in the world. When I was isolated from the world for the bulk of my treatment, my love for make-up really expanded. I have always loved make up since I was a teenager but being trapped in my sick body made me desperate for something that could boost my esteem (I lost over 60 lbs at one point and my hair and just didn't even recognize myself in the mirror). When I went grasping for something to make me not look so ill and more like myself, it was makeup that I latched onto. I tossed a bunch of old crap and then bought a lot of newer stuff; better skincare items, lipstick colours I had never worn before etc. It was probably way too much but it was my coping mechanism.
In the past year I have really fallen back to the basics again and now need to focus on diet, exercise, and the other external activities I love. Yes, I love reading the Specktra boards (a habit I picked up while ill) but now its easy to just enjoy the images (most of the time) and know I don't want to buy a lot of things anymore. It's a lot easier to control my impulses regarding what I want vs what I need. An occasional treat is ok, but so much has changed for me. I can't even be tempted by perfumes as my sense of smell and taste has completely changed. If I can't sample something (a scent, colour, clothing size, etc.) in person, there is no point in letting it occupy my mind. Even seeing, smelling, and trying something on in real life doesn't work out most of the time for me now.
I think mindfulness really taught me to overcome a majority of the frivolity I was personally engaging in. Also, being in a much better state of health and mental wellness is a contributing factor.
But back to what you said, Kerry, yes, be kind to yourself, especially when you have other needs to maintain. I just want to say that this thread is so positive in helping everyone effect personal change and while I may not say much in here, I do get a lot of good reminders and reflections from reading what you all say.
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I'm always impressed reading how strong people can be. I hope you'll fully recover (both physically and mentally) as quick as possible.
It's great you found something to cheer you up sometimes (makeup), and I also agree with you that it's time to slow down makeup wise, now that your treatments are all done and you can start a new life again.
 

ramarose

Well-known member
I have off from work this week (Winter break) so I'm trying to use up some items as well as just getting out of my rut. I've sort of become stuck doing neutral eyeshadow looks with bold or just everyday lips, but this leaves a lot of my stash untouched. I did sort of an over the top (think NYE) smokey eye & nude lip with falsies just because. While I wouldn't do this for just any day, it does make me want to amp up my eyeshadow a little more. Also MAC A Perfect Day lipstick is still my perfect nude :eyelove: & I feel good for finally using my most dramatic pair of falsies that I would never have anywhere to wear them too
 

Glitteryvegas

Well-known member
Welcome @treasuremymac! We are a great support system for what it sounds like you're looking for! @veronikawithak has, as usual, written an amazing and articulate post on how to achieve a low buy/no buy. I am currently on the no buy wagon for a year, and I can attest to the strides this group has made. @veronikawithak has made so many valid points that I won't repeat anything....I think I would only add that you really need to know yourself in terms of what limits to set up. For example, last year I wanted to do a 30 piece low buy; however I failed pretty miserably. This year I am doing a no buy and it seems to be going really good so far! I'm not tempted by anything and I don't even bother checking threads or going into Sephora/MAC because I can't have anything. I managed to go to Sephora to get my free bday present and left straight away. I wasn't even tempted to look around or notice anything because I literally can't have it. Things are going really, really well and I've stemmed the lemmingness quite a bit. lol. I guess my message to you is to really know what will work for you in terms of a low or no buy. We see many girls who try to do low buys but it gets out of hand...it really depends on if you are a 'black and white person' (all or nothing, I mean), or if you can hold you own feet to the fire. Like V said, you need to be accountable to you, so you need to decide what will work. For me, I'm a all or nothing person, so knowing I can't have it at all (rather than by one piece from a collection, for example), really helps me.

I've also found shopping my own stash and downsizing it is helping cure my desire for anything new. I look at what I have and know I've pretty much got everything covered. I am enjoying seeing my bank balance rise and I'm paying off debt faster, which is my new priority.

There's victory waiting for us all ladies!
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Glitteryvegas

Well-known member
@DMcG9 - HOLY MOLY what a story girl! Thanks so much for sharing, I had no idea you have been through so much! So great to hear that you are on the road to recovery, we love having you here and you bring a lot of spirit to our dynamic group. I'm sure makeup was, to some extent, an outlet for the pain and loss that you were mourning - it's wonderful that you recognize what you were and still are to some extent experiencing and can articulate it. That's truly half the battle to getting to the next level! xoxo
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DarylandCarole

Well-known member
I haven't posted anything in here about my goals for quite awhile, so I decided to do some thinking about it. I've been working on getting rid of old clothes that don't fit anymore, and maybe that's making me think about how much make-up I have. I have a hard time getting rid of perfectly good things, so I try to sell things vs. Throwing out stuff. Today I'm looking at my pigments, and I have to admit that I rarely use them. I almost always reach for e/s singles or one of my custom palettes. So I'm trying to make myself sell the ones that I haven't used. It is hard because for years I didn't have enough money to buy make-up, so I hesitate to get rid of what I bought once I finally had some money. How do you all deal with these kind of struggles? I feel like I deserve to have the make-up because I went so long w/out buying ANYTHING. But I doubt I'll ever use all of it. And I'm short on money so I could use it more than the pigments.
 

ramarose

Well-known member
I haven't posted anything in here about my goals for quite awhile, so I decided to do some thinking about it. I've been working on getting rid of old clothes that don't fit anymore, and maybe that's making me think about how much make-up I have. I have a hard time getting rid of perfectly good things, so I try to sell things vs. Throwing out stuff. Today I'm looking at my pigments, and I have to admit that I rarely use them. I almost always reach for e/s singles or one of my custom palettes. So I'm trying to make myself sell the ones that I haven't used. It is hard because for years I didn't have enough money to buy make-up, so I hesitate to get rid of what I bought once I finally had some money. How do you all deal with these kind of struggles? I feel like I deserve to have the make-up because I went so long w/out buying ANYTHING. But I doubt I'll ever use all of it. And I'm short on money so I could use it more than the pigments.
I feel the same way, but I've been improving slowly. I feel like if you remind yourself it will just go bad or already has its easier. If you're up for the extra work you could always break up your pigments and sell them in sample sizes or just keep a sample size for yourself. For me getting rid of makeup is hard because I feel like I grew up stalking collections. It sounds really lame but I feel emotionally attached to a lot of it. I recently cleared out a ton and it was very hard! I back to mac'd a lot of my first products that I didn't even use because they were so old, but at the same time I didn't want to part with. Basically I feel like you need to force yourself to face the fact that you aren't going to use certain items, and that they're just going to waste.
 

Spikesmom

Well-known member
I feel the same way, but I've been improving slowly. I feel like if you remind yourself it will just go bad or already has its easier.
This doesn't help me much. Powder products can last forever and I really haven't had too many cream products go bad in my life. I have some really old lipsticks and glosses that have the exact same texture and smell that they have always had. SSOOOOO hard for me to get rid of stuff!!!
 

ramarose

Well-known member
This doesn't help me much.  Powder products can last forever and I really haven't had too many cream products go bad in my life.  I have some really old lipsticks and glosses that have the exact same texture and smell that they have always had.  SSOOOOO hard for me to get rid of stuff!!!
Gloss is easiest for me. Lipsticks are harder and powder products the hardest. Especially because I feel like I could never use up some products.
 

itskathleeeen

Well-known member
This doesn't help me much. Powder products can last forever and I really haven't had too many cream products go bad in my life. I have some really old lipsticks and glosses that have the exact same texture and smell that they have always had. SSOOOOO hard for me to get rid of stuff!!!
Same here! I have way too many lipsticks and glosses that I doubt I'll ever finish one before it goes bad :( I tend to just chuck them out if I notice something wrong with them.
 

charlotte366

Well-known member
The approch I took for part of my purges last year was to put it in a seperate box out of the way, if I didn't miss it or reach for it after a period of time it went. I also found I purged a higher proportion of drugstore items which I wasn;t that crazy about. Planning my next purge and it will concentrate on lip products I think! I may do another 30 day challenge in March to see what I can get rid of!
 

veronikawithak

Well-known member
You are all so supportive and inspiring.
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I love catching up on the comments here and reading what everyone's up to! Keep up with all of your goals and remember that it will get easier.

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I still haven't purchased any makeup - it's been 38 days and going strong. It's also been 7 weeks since I purchased any clothing, and 2 weeks since I've purchased any other material items. The only thing I've bought lately is yarn for projects which I completed right away - I'm not including things like that in my low buy right now. I've been kind of itching to buy some new clothes, but I'm going to pull out my one bin of off-season items to see if I can mix some things in from there. I'm making a wishlist for April because I'm trying to get into the routine of shopping for a couple of wardrobe items once every 3-6 months rather than making random shopping trips. I'd like to get a grey top of some sort and a high waisted skirt. I might wait until we move though, since there will be more selection in a bigger city and it won't add to the list of things I have to move.

My project to use things up is going well. I'm focusing on two lipsticks and a gloss right now and I'm seeing some progress on all of them. I'm definitely noticing the benefits of not adding in new things all of the time, but then again I'm constantly being reminded how long it takes to use things up so that helps! I'm also kind of re-thinking whether a couple of products I have are actually essential for me and trying to simplify my routine. For example, once I use up the brow pencil and clear gel I have, I might try just using an eyeshadow from one of my palettes. Speaking of eyeshadow, I really need to focus more on mine.. I've only been doing eyeshadow looks a couple of times a week at most. It's good to remind myself of that regularly so I'm not tempted to buy more that I won't use..

For the next few months, here's everything on my wishlist:
- Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab: I got decants of some of their Lupercalia scents so I might get bottles of some if I really fall in love with anything.
- Bite Beauty: I just saw a photo of their new lipgloss set.. it's the first thing I've been drawn to in a while. I really enjoyed using the one I bought last April, but I did get kind of tired of it by the time I finished it at end of the year. I think part of the reason was that I was pushing myself to use things up because I had too many glosses on the go. It's not coming out until May, so I'm going to use this time to work through the 4 glosses I currently have. If I can use up 2 or 3 by then, I'll be wanting to replenish my stash anyway.
- Mascara: I don't have any backups so by April/May I'll need to purchase one.
- Grey top & high waisted skirt (maybe).

I think that's it! It feels nice not to be constantly lemming for a huge list of things like I used to!

This doesn't help me much. Powder products can last forever and I really haven't had too many cream products go bad in my life. I have some really old lipsticks and glosses that have the exact same texture and smell that they have always had. SSOOOOO hard for me to get rid of stuff!!!
Quote: Originally Posted by ramarose

Gloss is easiest for me. Lipsticks are harder and powder products the hardest. Especially because I feel like I could never use up some products.
On the expiration issue, I find that it helps me to remember that just because something looks and smells okay it doesn't necessarily mean it's not a risk to use. Preservatives break down eventually, making it easier for bacteria to multiply. If you don't use a totally clean brush each time you dip into the product, you can transfer moisture from any cream products you've used into the powder and make an area for bacteria to grow. You can get breakouts, eye infections, or other irritations from further using these items. I know a couple of people who have had issues with infections so I like to play it safe. Everyone has their own comfort level though.
 

fakecake

Member
I am late but want to join this (and hopefully, turn this into as close to a no-buy as I can).

@veronikawithak fantastic posts. Very inspirational and you've hit on some terrific points.

Last weekend, I began my trek by sorting through my collection (which now feels rather like a burden). I found foundations that (according to the product batch codes) were over at 5 years old. Some were 10 years old.
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Thankfully, I hadn't used them since I had put them away in these closed fabric boxes that I purchased to sort and store my makeup. They really have served to hide and help with my denial with regard to how much makeup I have that I am not using.

I also have started to watch youtube videos about product expiration, no-buys, low-buys, project pans. It seems to help taming that part of me that wants the latest and greatest item. Today, after not posting in a very long time I came here to search for information on makeup expiration and how long can it take to use up a lipstick and lucked on this thread.

So it is very early days but wish me luck, it's going to be a bumpy (and yet it feels very important to me) ride.
 

Glitteryvegas

Well-known member
How do you all deal with these kind of struggles? I feel like I deserve to have the make-up because I went so long w/out buying ANYTHING. But I doubt I'll ever use all of it. And I'm short on money so I could use it more than the pigments.
Hey @burghchick! Good for you on the purging, remember - slow and steady 'wins the race'! haha. Sometimes it feels like it takes forever (I can relate as I'm in the middle of my own declutter project!), but as long as you've stemmed the incoming purchases pretty much, you'll get there! For me, I used to try and bring in new stuff and wondered why I couldn't get rid of anything fast enough.

I think in regards to your specific questions and point (about getting rid of things vs. selling them and why it's so difficult, even though you know you should).....it's difficult when you feel like you've spent good money on something and now you're asking yourself to give it away (or sell it, which can feel like giving it away if you sell it for a lot less than you paid). You feel like justifying it to yourself ("I'll make sure I use it this week! FOR SURE I WILL!!!" and things along those lines). I think another poster mentioned having a 'use it' box and putting your maybe items in there and seeing if you do in fact use them or not. Maybe pick a date in the near future that will be your 'decision date' and you will have to sell or give them away if you haven't made good progress on them. I'm thinking of trying to do this with clothes, as I have tonnes.

While you do 'deserve' makeup as you mentioned, maybe consider having a conversation with yourself about what else you deserve: peace of mind (clear of mental clutter of having products 'weighing' over you), new products that you love and use regularly so there's no chance of bacteria, etc. You deserve great things! So if you're having trouble parting with things because they remind you of a time of victory (when you were finally able to afford the things that you wanted!), recreate that victory in some other way. Set new goals that you can achieve. Too often we keep things because they remind us of something that we achieved or a place we've been. It's a tough road to go down. Especially if you have trudge up unhappy memories that are mixed in with the good ones. But it'll be worth it.

I have found that selling makeup is a waste of my time (no offense to ladies that do! Good on you!!!) simply because I've been accumulating for so long and that money is LONG GONE for me. I feel like I'm better off personally to start anew with a fresh attitude and give away my makeup to young ladies that will use and love it, before it expires or goes out of style. Now that I've stemmed the inflow to nothing, I'm truly able to reflect on how long it takes to use up anything. It takes FOREVER. I was saying to hubs the other day that I could literally do a no buy for like 2-3 years as long as I could purchase mascara and face powder. I have that much. I wear eye makeup every day, so I'm trying to go thru things as fast as I can, but it literally takes ages.

So, back to your question - I think you really need to consider if your time will be well spent selling, and if you do need the money and you're forced to sell, look at it this way: down the line when you have the cash available, you can probably repurchase the things that you sold, if you're so inclined. Chances are though - You may have long forgotten what you got rid of
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I only say this because that's the convo I have with myself every time I give away items ("I can rebuy it if I want!!) and so far, I've missed nothing. NOTHING.

I hope this was in any way helpful girl! The struggle is real. Just keep plodding along!

@veronikawithak - as usual, amazing. AHHHHHHMAZING.

@fakecake - Welcome to our little soiree! Thanks for your share. It's amazing how quickly the years go by and how little we reach for certain items, isn't it?

For my own update, I'm doing great! I'm lemming for a full size Better Than Sex mascara, but I can't buy it until next year...so I wait! haha. I have a few others to rotate through, so we good!
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CrimsonQuill157

Well-known member
I have noticed with the palettes that I have, I feel bad if I keep using one or two shades. I like almost all of the shades in the two Vice palettes I have, but with work, I have to play it safe a lot and use the neutrals. I hate feeling like I am unevenly using a palette. Is that strange? lol. I'm trying to fix that by playing down some of the crazier colors at work (it helps that I wear glasses, too).

I think I'm going to start posting my FOTD's here. Maybe it'll help me see what I'm using.

FOTD:
MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NW10 and NW13, mixed
Brow powder from Clinique holiday palette
NYX HD eye primer
NYC loose translucent powder
Maybelline Color Tattoo, can't remember the shade, will edit in later
UD Vice 1

  • Occupy in crease
  • Freebird on lid
Maybelline Colossal mascara
Hello Waffle blush in Belle
Maybelline matte lipstick in Touch of Spice

I tried using Hello Waffle's Mendelhossen as a highlight, but all that showed up was glitter, which I mostly brushed away with a powder brush.
 

CrimsonQuill157

Well-known member
Hey @burghchick! Good for you on the purging, remember - slow and steady 'wins the race'! haha. Sometimes it feels like it takes forever (I can relate as I'm in the middle of my own declutter project!), but as long as you've stemmed the incoming purchases pretty much, you'll get there! For me, I used to try and bring in new stuff and wondered why I couldn't get rid of anything fast enough.

I think in regards to your specific questions and point (about getting rid of things vs. selling them and why it's so difficult, even though you know you should).....it's difficult when you feel like you've spent good money on something and now you're asking yourself to give it away (or sell it, which can feel like giving it away if you sell it for a lot less than you paid). You feel like justifying it to yourself ("I'll make sure I use it this week! FOR SURE I WILL!!!" and things along those lines). I think another poster mentioned having a 'use it' box and putting your maybe items in there and seeing if you do in fact use them or not. Maybe pick a date in the near future that will be your 'decision date' and you will have to sell or give them away if you haven't made good progress on them. I'm thinking of trying to do this with clothes, as I have tonnes.

While you do 'deserve' makeup as you mentioned, maybe consider having a conversation with yourself about what else you deserve: peace of mind (clear of mental clutter of having products 'weighing' over you), new products that you love and use regularly so there's no chance of bacteria, etc. You deserve great things! So if you're having trouble parting with things because they remind you of a time of victory (when you were finally able to afford the things that you wanted!), recreate that victory in some other way. Set new goals that you can achieve. Too often we keep things because they remind us of something that we achieved or a place we've been. It's a tough road to go down. Especially if you have trudge up unhappy memories that are mixed in with the good ones. But it'll be worth it.

I have found that selling makeup is a waste of my time (no offense to ladies that do! Good on you!!!) simply because I've been accumulating for so long and that money is LONG GONE for me. I feel like I'm better off personally to start anew with a fresh attitude and give away my makeup to young ladies that will use and love it, before it expires or goes out of style. Now that I've stemmed the inflow to nothing, I'm truly able to reflect on how long it takes to use up anything. It takes FOREVER. I was saying to hubs the other day that I could literally do a no buy for like 2-3 years as long as I could purchase mascara and face powder. I have that much. I wear eye makeup every day, so I'm trying to go thru things as fast as I can, but it literally takes ages.

So, back to your question - I think you really need to consider if your time will be well spent selling, and if you do need the money and you're forced to sell, look at it this way: down the line when you have the cash available, you can probably repurchase the things that you sold, if you're so inclined. Chances are though - You may have long forgotten what you got rid of
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I only say this because that's the convo I have with myself every time I give away items ("I can rebuy it if I want!!) and so far, I've missed nothing. NOTHING.

I hope this was in any way helpful girl! The struggle is real. Just keep plodding along!

@veronikawithak - as usual, amazing. AHHHHHHMAZING.

@fakecake - Welcome to our little soiree! Thanks for your share. It's amazing how quickly the years go by and how little we reach for certain items, isn't it?

For my own update, I'm doing great! I'm lemming for a full size Better Than Sex mascara, but I can't buy it until next year...so I wait! haha. I have a few others to rotate through, so we good!
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I'm curious - if you run out of mascara or another staple, are you allowed to purchase a replacement?
 
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