Resolution "LOW-BUY" 2015

Maris Crane

Well-known member
Finishing foundation is the best! I finished my NARS Sheer Glow this month. I won't repurchase. I'm finding that I like really sheer coverage 98% of the time. On my skin it looks 100x better than any medium or full coverage foundation.
Agree completely!
I will miss the TF! But VERY satisfying
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Twas a gorgeous foundation. Back during college I wore MAC Studio Fix Powder applied with the sponge and I have no idea what I was thinking!
 

Glitteryvegas

Well-known member
@shellygrrl I guess my habits changed last year when I joined IG and started following beauty gurus, trends and makeup aficionados. The anticipation of a release (especially LE) made it that much more difficult to restrain myself. But I need to keep reminding myself that these vloggers have companies that send them massive amounts of free makeup for reviews whereas I purchase all my items. Wanting to keep up with "trends" and new products has definitely made it more difficult.


My triggers are hard to pinpoint because I genuinely love and enjoy buying and using makeup regardless of my mood. I find myself in a happier place when I play with makeup because its a form of artistic expression that I closely relate to painting. I also paint as a hobby and find that the two give me the same sense of joy.
I do find that my spending increases when I notice that a collection is LE (thanks MAC) and I read about all the hype regarding an item and that I'll NEVER be able to buy once its sold out (unless I want to pay a fortune on ebay) (which makes no sense because most items can be duped)

@veronikawithak thank you for your inspirational and thoughtful reply. I really appreciate you taking the time to put together these amazing suggestions which I will definitely refer to in the coming weeks.
You're absolutely right about product usage and the length of time it would take to use an item. I cant remember the last time I finished an entire tube of lipstick let alone an eyeshadow palette. The worst part is I have so much that if I lost a few items its not noticeable (unless its a favorite of mine) because I cant keep up with my supply. Ive now started to use a 2nd drawer for my makeup and need to start selling items because its too much and borders on excess. (To be fair I give a lot of items away to my sisters and friends but its still too much for my needs...)
Thanks for also pointing out that an experience is worth so much more than a material possession. I just got back from a week long hiking/backpacking trip and only wore makeup 2 times (flying to and from my destination to make sure my face matched my passport)...it was refreshing to not worry about it on the days I didn't wear makeup and to enjoy the outdoors and being surrounded by the mountains. :)
YES! To me makeup and painting are closely related too. I feel very artistic when I can create a beautiful and intriguing look. The hype created by marketing is a real thing that needs to be combated by checking in regularly with ourselves and our needs. Experience is the ultimate goal of our low buys I would say (as a blanket statement) - whether that experience is getting debt paid off, going on a trip, buying a house, or learning a new skill or hobby, we all want to gain something more by checking our spending and accumulation habits! And yes, sometimes I find it refreshing too to not wear any makeup!




*SIGH* I've been sick the last few days and feeling very out of sorts (you know when you can't leave your house and you feel crazy? lol). My no buy is still intact and going well - I saw swatches from Cinderella and honestly I would've probably bought a lip glass or two and that's it. I love sheer lipglasses with sparkles, so those were right up my alley. Alas, nothing for me though! Glad we could all stick to our low-buy/no-buy goals - I'm proud of us ladies!!!
 
B

Buffy89

Guest
cheerleader.gif
I'm trying to catch up on all those great posts here. Since I need to study for a really important exam (and I mean FRIGHTINGLY important), I shouldn't really lurk around on Specktra, but I must say again that this thread is so motivational!
Feeling quite stressed because of my exam, I can clearly see what triggers formerly made me buy makeup. So at the moment, I'm really taking part in a challenge, but I'm sure I'll make it. Can't promise I'll stay away from stress eating, but I guess in extreme situations, that's okay :)
I've had some skipper's remorse because of all the Mac stuff being released (stress shopping alert!), but I did not buy any more items and put thirty euros (kind of the price of a blush) into the savings I've collected to purchase another quality handbag.
 

veronikawithak

Well-known member
Quote: Originally Posted by Glitteryvegas
I can't believe your pics! Amazing! What an inspiration you are!!! Curious- did you keep your water drop eyeshadows (from the MAC Collection...Alluring Aquatic? I think)? I don't see them in your after photos. Good for you girl, that's awesome. You've really narrowed it down to the favourites!

Isn't it nice to buy one thing that you really covet instead of like 5 things that you are like "meh" about after a few weeks? The necklace sounds awesome!



Thanks! I didn't think I had made that much progress.. I'm pretty excited about it!

It's funny about the AA shadows actually.. I used them so much in the first few months that I had dips in all 3 of them. Then after that I just haven't used them much since. I put them in my B2M bag. If I happen to change my mind in the summer I can pull them out again, but I don't expect to. I've just been preferring a way more subtle look, even for going out. That's if I wear eyeshadow at all.

And YES, it is such a great feeling to buy only one special thing. In the past month I've only purchased 2 things: a necklace and a dress. Both were perfect additions to my jewelery and clothing stashes, and since I've been paring down anyway I actually have less of those than when I started anyway. It's even been 30 days since I've purchased any fragrances, which is something I've been working on cutting back on also.
 

Glitteryvegas

Well-known member
Thanks! I didn't think I had made that much progress.. I'm pretty excited about it!

It's funny about the AA shadows actually.. I used them so much in the first few months that I had dips in all 3 of them. Then after that I just haven't used them much since. I put them in my B2M bag. If I happen to change my mind in the summer I can pull them out again, but I don't expect to. I've just been preferring a way more subtle look, even for going out. That's if I wear eyeshadow at all.

And YES, it is such a great feeling to buy only one special thing. In the past month I've only purchased 2 things: a necklace and a dress. Both were perfect additions to my jewelery and clothing stashes, and since I've been paring down anyway I actually have less of those than when I started anyway. It's even been 30 days since I've purchased any fragrances, which is something I've been working on cutting back on also.

That is funny about the AA Shadows! I lemminged for them so much and I have like five of them and I don't use the greens very much. Ughhh I need to make an effort this summer with them. I love my Loreil one and the purple is pretty good but I could've done without as many greens. *SIGH* oh well. I told hubs the other day now that I've stemmed the flow I can focus on using up and giving away/throwing out. It's getting easier as I weed things out that I've put away for 'one day' etc once I realize that one day is probably far away and I need to either use it or lose it! lol. I've also been using up a lot of bath products lately, like random soaps and body butters. My SIL is hairstylist, so I've got hair product covered and it's awesome. She always gets me the nicest products for Xmas and my birthday. She got me a mini OPI Hawaii set for my birthday last month and the colours are awesome. The lasting power is great!

I don't even bother checking any threads to see what I'm missing - although I did look into this BBW thread to see the green polish. Yes it's gorgeous, but easy to recreate with another brand if people are interested. I'm sure there's a million dupes.

I just counted the products that I've used up or sold or given away since July 2014 and my total is 144! (leaving like a million products in my stash...but....lol). For me that's pretty amazing because I never thought I would be able to give away or use up that many products. I'm wondering if I should set a goal this year to use up a certain amount of products or specific ones? What do ya'll think works best?
 

DMcG9

Well-known member
That is funny about the AA Shadows! I lemminged for them so much and I have like five of them and I don't use the greens very much. Ughhh I need to make an effort this summer with them. I love my Loreil one and the purple is pretty good but I could've done without as many greens. *SIGH* oh well. I told hubs the other day now that I've stemmed the flow I can focus on using up and giving away/throwing out. It's getting easier as I weed things out that I've put away for 'one day' etc once I realize that one day is probably far away and I need to either use it or lose it! lol. I've also been using up a lot of bath products lately, like random soaps and body butters. My SIL is hairstylist, so I've got hair product covered and it's awesome. She always gets me the nicest products for Xmas and my birthday. She got me a mini OPI Hawaii set for my birthday last month and the colours are awesome. The lasting power is great!

I don't even bother checking any threads to see what I'm missing - although I did look into this BBW thread to see the green polish. Yes it's gorgeous, but easy to recreate with another brand if people are interested. I'm sure there's a million dupes.

I just counted the products that I've used up or sold or given away since July 2014 and my total is 144! (leaving like a million products in my stash...but....lol). For me that's pretty amazing because I never thought I would be able to give away or use up that many products. I'm wondering if I should set a goal this year to use up a certain amount of products or specific ones? What do ya'll think works best?
I agree on duping the green BBW polish. I just won't pay $16 for a nail polish that I know will chip easily. I've only bought MAC polishes at the warehouse sale when they were $5 each.
 

Audrey C

Well-known member
I agree on duping the green BBW polish. I just won't pay $16 for a nail polish that I know will chip easily. I've only bought MAC polishes at the warehouse sale when they were $5 each.
My favourite green - bar none - is A England Saint George. It's breathtaking - the most beautiful holo I've ever seen and it was less than the MAC green. Butter London's Thames (bought at 20% off) is closer and I like that one a lot too. I only own one MAC polish and only because it's unusual (Mean and Green). I can't imagine paying MAC prices for a routine polish that's not particularly of great quality. We already have near dupes of so many shades that new launches rarely tempt me.
 

Glitteryvegas

Well-known member
My favourite green - bar none - is A England Saint George. It's breathtaking - the most beautiful holo I've ever seen and it was less than the MAC green. Butter London's Thames (bought at 20% off) is closer and I like that one a lot too. I only own one MAC polish and only because it's unusual (Mean and Green). I can't imagine paying MAC prices for a routine polish that's not particularly of great quality. We already have near dupes of so many shades that new launches rarely tempt me.
I've heard good things about the A England brand - they sell them on Nailpolishcanada.com and I've wanted to take the leap but never have. I will look into that polish and keep it on the radar for next year if I'm still feeling it! I'm loving the OPI My Gecko Does Tricks green - it's more of a neon green shimmer but it's great for summer. I think OPI's polishes are way, way over priced for what they are. I think they need to come back down to reality as their formula isn't that great and prices are too high for one bottle. I guess they won't because people will continue to pay whatever for them, but seriously - their polish has never been contenders in the polish world. Lol.

I have so many polishes that I literally have one of every colour of the rainbow (and varying shades of each colour). I need to implement a one in and one out rule for makeup and polish, but I haven't gotten my collect whittled down enough. Any ladies have more suggestions for decluttering? Like a system to see how much usage you have within a time period, or??? *SIGH*
 

veronikawithak

Well-known member
That is funny about the AA Shadows! I lemminged for them so much and I have like five of them and I don't use the greens very much. Ughhh I need to make an effort this summer with them. I love my Loreil one and the purple is pretty good but I could've done without as many greens. *SIGH* oh well. I told hubs the other day now that I've stemmed the flow I can focus on using up and giving away/throwing out. It's getting easier as I weed things out that I've put away for 'one day' etc once I realize that one day is probably far away and I need to either use it or lose it! lol. I've also been using up a lot of bath products lately, like random soaps and body butters. My SIL is hairstylist, so I've got hair product covered and it's awesome. She always gets me the nicest products for Xmas and my birthday. She got me a mini OPI Hawaii set for my birthday last month and the colours are awesome. The lasting power is great!

I don't even bother checking any threads to see what I'm missing - although I did look into this BBW thread to see the green polish. Yes it's gorgeous, but easy to recreate with another brand if people are interested. I'm sure there's a million dupes.

I just counted the products that I've used up or sold or given away since July 2014 and my total is 144! (leaving like a million products in my stash...but....lol). For me that's pretty amazing because I never thought I would be able to give away or use up that many products. I'm wondering if I should set a goal this year to use up a certain amount of products or specific ones? What do ya'll think works best?
I've had the exact same experience with stemming the flow of incoming products. When there isn't a pile of things to constantly test out I can focus on what I have and see what I actually use. I've definitely noticed an increase in the amount of product I'm using up as well. Since my last photo I've used up two lipsticks and downsized one. I also downsized two more blushes. Plus I used up my brow pencil and gel and I won't be replacing those. Right now for lipsticks and blushes I'm at:

lipsticks: 10 + 2 backups (8 nudes, 2 medium pinks, 2 pinkish-plums) - I'm still working on these. I have 2 that are LE with a backup of each and I'd like to use up those backups first. I'll have to re-evaluate my nudes at that point, but I think I'm pretty satisfied with them - there's a lilac nude, a peach nude, a MLBB nude, a champagne beige, and 2 pink nudes (I think I'll be able to narrow the pink nudes down to 1 at some point). Both of my pinkish-plums I'm on the fence about, they might be too dark for me.. but I'll have to keep playing around. Both medium pinks I love so those are staying. I have a few B2M to use, but I might just end up getting backups of favorites.

blushes: 5 (1 nude pink, 1 rose, 1 champagne rose, 1 peach, 1 plum) - This is the perfect amount for me right now. I use Tarte Exposed for everyday and then I have a range for different looks. I haven't felt the need to buy a blush for a few months now.

It's weird in a way, it seems like the less I have.. the less I want. I guess you just really get to know and love what you have and you're not tempted by other things.

As for decluttering, one thing that really works for me is to pick a number per category and tell myself I'll cut everything in excess of that. That way, I end up with my Top X Favorite items. Sometimes I find it easier to pick what to keep than what to get rid of. If I know I have 20 other lipsticks I love more and I'm more likely to wear, it's easier for me to let go of the 21st one. If you love every single thing you have and you use them all regularly, then I think it's okay to stop there and revisit at a later date. Chances are that with time you'll gradually be able to let go of more. A more extreme method would be to take everything out of your storage and only put something back once you've used it.. then after a month or so, see what's left. A caveat would be to make sure you notice when you're just using things to make sure they get back in the storage.. really think about whether you love it or not. Try lots of methods out too, everyone's different. :) I just read a book called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo and it has some really interesting tips for decluttering. It's a fun, fast read too.
 

Audrey C

Well-known member
I keep thinking I'll cull more blush as I use them, but I've already gotten rid of the colours I didn't like. I pulled out Marine LIfe today and thought, this could probably go. The seahorse is long gone and it's just a pink and coral. I have heaps of both. I put it on and was reminded that I really like it. So it's staying. Unfortunately, that's true of ALL the blush I still have, even if there are similarities between many shades.
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I have zero problem getting rid of something I bought and don't ultimately care for; I'll toss it in the garbage without blinking if I don't have someone to give it to. I pulled some lippies out today that I just don't love anymore. But I don't see anything helpful (to me) in throwing out something I do like. I certainly don't want to grow my stash, but I'm ok with slowly using up the products I do like. When I no longer enjoy having something around to use, I'm pretty ruthless about disposing of it.

Oh, and A English are the only polish I'm still buying. I don't need anymore than I have, but they're so freaking flawless (seriously the best polish I've ever tried - many deep colours could easily be one coaters) that's it's rare for me to not get at least one (plus maybe another for one of my girls) when a new collection is launched. Since that means I only buy 2 or 3 a year, I'm ok with that level of purchasing. I often end up tossing a lesser variant of the colour, although she has some unusual shades that I had nothing like.
 

Glitteryvegas

Well-known member
I keep thinking I'll cull more blush as I use them, but I've already gotten rid of the colours I didn't like. I pulled out Marine LIfe today and thought, this could probably go. The seahorse is long gone and it's just a pink and coral. I have heaps of both. I put it on and was reminded that I really like it. So it's staying. Unfortunately, that's true of ALL the blush I still have, even if there are similarities between many shades.
th_crazy2.gif


I have zero problem getting rid of something I bought and don't ultimately care for; I'll toss it in the garbage without blinking if I don't have someone to give it to. I pulled some lippies out today that I just don't love anymore. But I don't see anything helpful (to me) in throwing out something I do like. I certainly don't want to grow my stash, but I'm ok with slowly using up the products I do like. When I no longer enjoy having something around to use, I'm pretty ruthless about disposing of it.

Oh, and A English are the only polish I'm still buying. I don't need anymore than I have, but they're so freaking flawless (seriously the best polish I've ever tried - many deep colours could easily be one coaters) that's it's rare for me to not get at least one (plus maybe another for one of my girls) when a new collection is launched. Since that means I only buy 2 or 3 a year, I'm ok with that level of purchasing. I often end up tossing a lesser variant of the colour, although she has some unusual shades that I had nothing like.
Hehehe I think it's okay to have one area where you really let go with - like if you're a blush woman and you've got tonnes of blush but every other aspect is under control in your opinion, then I think that's good! And I'm with you on the getting rid of it just for the sake of it - I struggle with that too. I've given away things that I really like and given enough time I would use, but the time frame would probably be years and I'm realizing it's just not healthy for me to have so much makeup around for that long (bacteria and mental clutter combined....). That green is GORGEOUS that you posted before...I'll have to check into A England, I LOVE LOVE LOVE HALOS. Anyone who can do a decent or fabulous halo is a winner in my opinion....I don't think that's OPIs strong point, so I've looked at Colour Club for halos before (I have three of theirs) and I love them. Great staying power too!
 

Maris Crane

Well-known member
I broke my Guerlain Terracotta bronzer - this normally wouldn't bother me so much, but I've had a terrible week - last weekend was a blowout, I don't want to go out at all this weekend (but made an appearance at my friends' dinner tonight) and I was really working on my finishing up the bronzer especially since I had hit pan on it. I guess it's one last thing in my Stash but... still annoyed.

There was a part of me that almost told myself I could just go buy another at Shoppers tomorrow and get extra points, which also bothered me that I was already planning on replacing it when I have at least 3 or 4 other bronzers in my stash. I used my Rimmel Mineral Bronze in it's place tonight with a sample size of Benefit Hoola, and I doubt anyone around me noticed or cared which bronzer I used.

I'm rambling, but I have to go to Shoppers anyway and get Bioderma, skin stuff, essentials. I'm going to my local instead of some Level 3 monstrosity, but we'll see if I manage not to go hog-wild on random drugstore stuff.

I think I need a Low Buy But Just Transferring Extra Cash to Hauling Clothes. Way too much spent on hautelook, Urban Outfitters, and JCrew Factory recently.
 

shellygrrl

Moderator
Staff member
Tossed a couple of things -- one blush (MAC Dame) and one eyeshadow (MAC Electra). Both were fairly old and didn't get much use. (Well, I did use Electra six months ago, but I ended up being a bit underwhelmed by it. Heh.)
 

xkurwamacx

Well-known member
lipsticks: 10 + 2 backups (8 nudes, 2 medium pinks, 2 pinkish-plums) - I'm still working on these. I have 2 that are LE with a backup of each and I'd like to use up those backups first. I'll have to re-evaluate my nudes at that point, but I think I'm pretty satisfied with them - there's a lilac nude, a peach nude, a MLBB nude, a champagne beige, and 2 pink nudes (I think I'll be able to narrow the pink nudes down to 1 at some point). Both of my pinkish-plums I'm on the fence about, they might be too dark for me.. but I'll have to keep playing around. Both medium pinks I love so those are staying. I have a few B2M to use, but I might just end up getting backups of favorites.
Now I'm curious, which lipsticks do you have you kept as favorites for each color category..?
 

veronikawithak

Well-known member
I keep thinking I'll cull more blush as I use them, but I've already gotten rid of the colours I didn't like. I pulled out Marine LIfe today and thought, this could probably go. The seahorse is long gone and it's just a pink and coral. I have heaps of both. I put it on and was reminded that I really like it. So it's staying. Unfortunately, that's true of ALL the blush I still have, even if there are similarities between many shades.
th_crazy2.gif


I have zero problem getting rid of something I bought and don't ultimately care for; I'll toss it in the garbage without blinking if I don't have someone to give it to. I pulled some lippies out today that I just don't love anymore. But I don't see anything helpful (to me) in throwing out something I do like. I certainly don't want to grow my stash, but I'm ok with slowly using up the products I do like. When I no longer enjoy having something around to use, I'm pretty ruthless about disposing of it.

Oh, and A English are the only polish I'm still buying. I don't need anymore than I have, but they're so freaking flawless (seriously the best polish I've ever tried - many deep colours could easily be one coaters) that's it's rare for me to not get at least one (plus maybe another for one of my girls) when a new collection is launched. Since that means I only buy 2 or 3 a year, I'm ok with that level of purchasing. I often end up tossing a lesser variant of the colour, although she has some unusual shades that I had nothing like.

I like your strategy! I think it's all about knowing yourself and knowing when it's time to let go of something, which you've obviously got figured out. I have to say too that I really enjoy that all of us are so different. It just shows you that you can be on a No/Low Buy and still use and enjoy makeup no matter how often you purchase or what size of a stash you have.

Quote: Originally Posted by Glitteryvegas
Ohhhh YASSSSSS! That is such a great strategy. Like picking your top X amounts and everything else can go. I love that.

I think I might pick one category that I can 'go crazy' in to keep things a bit easier for a while until I keep getting used to the feeling of decluttering. It's still hard for me to do, but I have like 50 pencil eyeliners....so yeah...not going to use up all of those in the next 2 years I'm sure ;) it's so overwhelming but I'm getting somewhere which is closer than I've been before. Letting go of my Hello Kitty stuff was easier than I thought...I just kept telling myself that it was so old and it was time...and I only ended up keeping one of the quad compacts (I am going to put a magnet backing in for a travel sized quad a la Z palette). I hear what you're saying about using stuff just so you can justify keeping it...when in reality you probably wouldn't even reach for it.

That's funny that you mentioned that book - I put a hold on it weeks ago at my library and I'm still waiting for my shot at it. I've heard good things and not so good things, but I ca't wait to check it out for myself!

Lots of good strategies @veronikawithak as usual. Thanks lady, we are in sync (N'Sync?) hehe



Yeah I find the Top X strategy works really well for me! It also makes it easy to go gradually because you can always start with a higher number and work your way down. With time, your list will settle and that feeling of being able to randomly pick out anything from your stash and know that you LOVE (yes, "love" in capitals is important) it will take over. That's what keeps me motivated more than anything. When I'm out shopping now, I look at something and think "Do I LOVE this dress more than my X other dresses?" If I love it more than my least favorite dress, I know I can follow the 1 in 1 out method and replace it. If I have like 20 dresses and I love them all equally, and I also love this new one equally then that's fine too! I'll get the dress at that point, if I know I'll love it and wear it often enough. That rarely happens to me though. Usually something will look or fit noticeably better, or something that I've had for years will be starting to wear out. Plus I've gotten to know how I interact with my possessions. I'm one of those people that gets overwhelmed by choice and I find that it drains me to use so much decision-making energy on things like clothing and makeup and accessories. On the other side of that, I know people who love those kind of decisions and who could have an infinite closet and still be able to get dressed quickly and efficiently and still look great - this is not me. I would stare at everything for half an hour and then throw on a paper bag. :haha: I think it's all about getting to know yourself and your habits really well!

I know a few people didn't like the Marie Kondo book.. for some it's too.. spiritual? Eccentric? One of the things she mentions is coming home and putting away her things and thanking them all for their service to her that day. She treats her things like they have a life of their own and that they deserve to rest after being put to use all day. Things like that are a little quirky for some people.. but I loved the concept of really appreciating everything we have and taking good care of our things.. which I think was the real message there. Basically my advice for reading it would be to take what is useful from it and don't take it too seriously! I found quite a few things helpful: organizing by type, not by location - we often have things like clothes stored in multiple places and in order to see what you have, you have to get it all in the same place; asking yourself whether your possessions bring you joy; and folding things vertically so that you can see everything.

We are totally N'Sync!
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Quote: Originally Posted by xkurwamacx

Now I'm curious, which lipsticks do you have you kept as favorites for each color category..?
Here they are!

Nudes: Bite Cava (lilac nude), MAC Peach Blossom (peach nude), MAC Myself x2 (MLBB nude - but sadly LE..), Siren Song x2 (champagne beige - also sadly LE), Bite Retsina (pink nude), Red Apple Lipstick Oh My Guava (pink nude). I prefer Oh My Guava over Retsina. All of the other ones are perfect and I love them all.
Pinks: MAC Faux & Brave - LOVE both of these.
Pinkish-Plums: MAC Captive - I like this but I think I've only worn it out of the house a few times.. Alima Pure Emma - This has sort of a duochrome finish which I'm not crazy about, and the formula is a little off. I'm on the fence about it. I find it hard to pull off darker colors, but since I only have 2 of them I'm going to keep them until they expire or I'm otherwise ready to let them go.

Now, as I use things up I may or may not repurchase so this list will definitely change. I may not be able to get either of the LEs in the future so that's 4 gone right there. I probably won't repurchase Retsina, Captive, or Emma. Cava, Peach Blossom, Oh My Guava, Faux, and Brave I would probably repurchase. Another consideration is that I like the Red Apple Lipstick formula and would like to try out some more from their line. I'm planning on using up as many lipsticks as I can this year and then placing an RAL order near the end of the year. I think I'd like to keep my lipsticks to around 10 so I'll see how many I have room for!
 

Glitteryvegas

Well-known member
I like your strategy! I think it's all about knowing yourself and knowing when it's time to let go of something, which you've obviously got figured out. I have to say too that I really enjoy that all of us are so different. It just shows you that you can be on a No/Low Buy and still use and enjoy makeup no matter how often you purchase or what size of a stash you have.


Yeah I find the Top X strategy works really well for me! It also makes it easy to go gradually because you can always start with a higher number and work your way down. With time, your list will settle and that feeling of being able to randomly pick out anything from your stash and know that you LOVE (yes, "love" in capitals is important) it will take over. That's what keeps me motivated more than anything. When I'm out shopping now, I look at something and think "Do I LOVE this dress more than my X other dresses?" If I love it more than my least favorite dress, I know I can follow the 1 in 1 out method and replace it. If I have like 20 dresses and I love them all equally, and I also love this new one equally then that's fine too! I'll get the dress at that point, if I know I'll love it and wear it often enough. That rarely happens to me though. Usually something will look or fit noticeably better, or something that I've had for years will be starting to wear out. Plus I've gotten to know how I interact with my possessions. I'm one of those people that gets overwhelmed by choice and I find that it drains me to use so much decision-making energy on things like clothing and makeup and accessories. On the other side of that, I know people who love those kind of decisions and who could have an infinite closet and still be able to get dressed quickly and efficiently and still look great - this is not me. I would stare at everything for half an hour and then throw on a paper bag. :haha: I think it's all about getting to know yourself and your habits really well!

I know a few people didn't like the Marie Kondo book.. for some it's too.. spiritual? Eccentric? One of the things she mentions is coming home and putting away her things and thanking them all for their service to her that day. She treats her things like they have a life of their own and that they deserve to rest after being put to use all day. Things like that are a little quirky for some people.. but I loved the concept of really appreciating everything we have and taking good care of our things.. which I think was the real message there. Basically my advice for reading it would be to take what is useful from it and don't take it too seriously! I found quite a few things helpful: organizing by type, not by location - we often have things like clothes stored in multiple places and in order to see what you have, you have to get it all in the same place; asking yourself whether your possessions bring you joy; and folding things vertically so that you can see everything.

We are totally N'Sync!
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I have found that downsizing my collection has made it easier to use too! Now that I can see what's available for me to use and finding things is faster and more efficient! Haha I LOLd at your paper bag comment - I feel the same way about clothing. I wear the same like 10 things over and over but I have tonnes of clothing. I really need to add to my professional wardrobe but I can't now until next year sooo.....I guess I can go through my clothes and make a list of items that would be useful, like a black skirt or a suit or certain types of tops (neutral colours that work with accessories that have colour), Hubs bought me boots for Xmas and they arrive next week so I can't wait to try them on and see if they work. I've been wanting dressy boots for some time for work so I'm happy about that. I'm going to consign some 'furry' type boots that I bought at a DC outlet a few years ago for like $25. They are in perfect shape but maybe a little too young for the look I want. I have sparkly uggs for my wilder, younger side when I want to indulge that
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haha

And YASSSS!! That whole part about treating objects like they're alive is what is troubling to me....if my objects are alive and work out and have feelings (I know that's not what she's saying...but you know the idea), I might find it harder to get rid of things? Or maybe it's better because it frees you up from caring for items that you don't like because they can have a live somewhere else? I dunno, interesting. I will have to give it a go and see how I feel!
 

shellygrrl

Moderator
Staff member
HAHA I gave away Dame too.  I found it too blue pink, ya know?  Like not a good pink for me.  Good job on getting rid of stuff that you didn't need or like that much!
:cheer: Yeah, too blue-pink and, with the exception of Light Year, I've found I'm not a fan of shimmery blushes anymore. As for Electra, there are better silvers out there. :nods:
 

veronikawithak

Well-known member
UGHHHH I hate dropping and breaking things!! SO absolutely annoying!  I have broken a LE item and it made me crazy.  But I did realize that I didn't use that thing very often, so it wasn't so bad that it broke.  I think you're realizing the same thing w/the bronzer.  You have something that you can replace it with right away, albeit a cheaper version or maybe not one that you prefer, but one that needs using up nonetheless.  Good idea on going to the smaller Shoppers to avoid temptation.  I've never seen a huge one - is that popular back East?  We only have one level ones as far as I know.  Interesting!   HAHA I gave away Dame too.  I found it too blue pink, ya know?  Like not a good pink for me.  Good job on getting rid of stuff that you didn't need or like that much!   I have found that downsizing my collection has made it easier to use too!  Now that I can see what's available for me to use and finding things is faster and more efficient!  Haha I LOLd at your paper bag comment - I feel the same way about clothing.  I wear the same like 10 things over and over but I have tonnes of clothing.  I really need to add to my professional wardrobe but I can't now until next year sooo.....I guess I can go through my clothes and make a list of items that would be useful, like a black skirt or a suit or certain types of tops (neutral colours that work with accessories that have colour),  Hubs bought me boots for Xmas and they arrive next week so I can't wait to try them on and see if they work.  I've been wanting dressy boots for some time for work so I'm happy about that.  I'm going to consign some 'furry' type boots that I bought at a DC outlet a few years ago for like $25.  They are in perfect shape but maybe a little too young for the look I want.  I have sparkly uggs for my wilder, younger side when I want to indulge that :eyelove:  haha And YASSSS!! That whole part about treating objects like they're alive is what is troubling to me....if my objects are alive and work out and have feelings (I know that's not what she's saying...but you know the idea), I might find it harder to get rid of things?  Or maybe it's better because it frees you up from caring for items that you don't like because they can have a live somewhere else?  I dunno, interesting.  I will have to give it a go and see how I feel!  
Actually I feel like it's easier! You basically acknowledge what the item has done for you, appreciate its past value to you, and let it go. Even if you didn't use it at all, you can appreciate it for what it taught you about your purchasing habits. If you think about it in the sense that if items are personified they would want to be used and enjoyed thoroughly, it's easier to let go if they aren't fulfilling their purpose. Plus, you don't have to think about it that way at all if it's not helpful!
 

Maris Crane

Well-known member
UGHHHH I hate dropping and breaking things!! SO absolutely annoying! I have broken a LE item and it made me crazy. But I did realize that I didn't use that thing very often, so it wasn't so bad that it broke. I think you're realizing the same thing w/the bronzer. You have something that you can replace it with right away, albeit a cheaper version or maybe not one that you prefer, but one that needs using up nonetheless. Good idea on going to the smaller Shoppers to avoid temptation. I've never seen a huge one - is that popular back East? We only have one level ones as far as I know. Interesting!
Oh, it's getting pretty whacky how big they are getting. The one at the Eaton Centre carries Chanel, and YSL; and the one at Bayview has UD, YSL, Chanel and Dior. I mean, they're extreme but it's NBD now for the local Shoppers to carry a selection of Benefit and Smashbox. Luckily, neither of those make me shake in my boots
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I didn't even, TBH, love the Guerlain all that much. I mean it's okay, but I only really bought it because Guerlain is supposed to be king in bronzers. I still prefer NARS Irresistiblement (I actually legit finished it up, but I don't feel like ordering direct from the NARS websites), Dior Honey for a high-end option with some shimma, and the Bourjois Cream. I like the Rimmel too but it is super-light; I think my tastes have changed in the last few years.

I'm hoping maybe Murale or Shoppers in Edmonton will have a big bonus when I'm out there - then I can say my Haul is a mini-vacation haul when I'm out there next month. But I have a couple of handbags on my list (though I don't need a or any new bags!) and I think I'd rather have one of those than a new bronzer.
 

shellygrrl

Moderator
Staff member
Had to toss a brush this week: my Sigma F40. I went to wash it yesterday, and I saw some weird green stuff on the bristles near the ferrule. Not sure if it was mold or the glue, but it was gross, so it had to go. Just as well, I think; it'd been shedding for the last while, and I'd like a better blush brush anyway. (That's what I'd been using it for.) FOTD... * NARS Sheer Glow - Siberia (as I started applying this I realized I'd wanted to prime first; oops!) * MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer - NW15 * OCC Skin Conceal Y0 * OCC Creme Colour Concentrate - John Doe (base contour) * Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - Transparent * Anastasia Brow Powder Duo - Ash Brown * Maybelline Brow Drama Brow Mascara - Clear * NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base * Urban Decay Smoked Palette - Kinky (base colour), Rockstar (lid colour), Asphalt (lash lines) * Prestige Total Intensity Eye Pencil - Deepest Black (lower waterline) * Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Mascara - Black * MAC Blush - Next to Skin (additional contour) * NYX Megashine Lip Gloss - Nude Pink
 
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