Resolution LOW-BUY 2017

[lenchen]

OOOh Fur4elise so you bought some Chikuhodo brushes eh? I'd love to see them! how exciting!

 

[fur4elise]

OOOh Fur4elise so you bought some Chikuhodo brushes eh? I'd love to see them! how exciting!

LOL! I did, I did! See over HERE! I posted pics when they arrived.

 

[LadyBug13]

I haven't done any FOTDs lately, but I want to attempt one for Valentine's Day.

So far, I've purchased 3 beauty items:

OPI's Got the Blues for Red (I threw out OPI's A-Taupe the Space Needle because it looked odd against my skin tone)
Two ELF brushes (My Lash and Brow Wand broke so I bought a replacement, and I also got the Smudge Eye Sponge to help me smudge lower lash eye pencil for smokey eyes)

The polish and the Lash/Brow Wand were planned purchases and the Smudge Eye Sponge was a random purchase.

Other than that, I don't have any desire to buy anything else. At least for this month. I don't even want to pick up my MAC Select anniversary gift, though I have a wish list for MAC items.

 

[veronikawithak]

Looks like your 2016 was more spendy than you would have preferred? But at least you're getting yourself back on track. *thumbs up*

I didn't really have a spending goal for cosmetics last year since I was working on other goals. I think I was just surprised at how much I thought I spent compared to how much I actually spent! This year I think I'll keep more detailed notes throughout the year and do monthly rather than quarterly and annual updates. A lot can happen in a few months!

@veronikawithak ~I would say my spending total for 2016 was similar...probably a bit more...sigh, I so did not keep track.
But this year I am keeping an expense tracker...so I have a deliberate close eye on what I am spending. So far I do think it is keeping me on track and it is quelling my need for impulse purchasing.
I would say I am pretty brand loyal too. Simply because if I find something that works great, I do not need to keep looking for the next lastest, greatest thing.
Congrats on tackling the student loans...speaking to fiscal responsibility there is one thing that I was definitely successful with in 2016, no additional credit card debt! So while I spent my cold hard cash...that is exactly what I spent...money in hand. Same goal stands for this year too! If I do not have the cash, I am not making the purchase. Hard line, but why should I be paying interest rates fees for the privilege of spending money I do not have?!? Does not compute anymore with me!

Using an expense tracker is key for me too. I spent a lot more than I thought I did last year. I switched from Mint to YNAB in 2016 and that has been really helpful. I've also been trying to lower my spending on meals out (only $21.72 so far this year!) and groceries ($75/month less than last year so far). Right now the timeline to pay off my student loans is 5 more years (7 years after graduation).. I'm hoping if I lower my spending enough I can cut off another year or maybe two.. It would be a miracle to get down to 5 years total but we'll see.

Congratulations on no additional credit card debt!!! That is HUGE. I paid off all of mine last year only to go back in credit card debt again (and had to pay it all back, again!). I'm giving myself one more chance this year to use them responsibly and if not I'm getting plastic surgery! (Cutting them up.)

 

[VAL4M]

FOTD
Using my cream product mission!
- Guerlain Meteorite Ors primer (FINISHED!!!)
- Chanel VitaLumiere aqua 02 beige
-Guerlain powder fondation Parure Or 02
- Guerlain eye primer
- Shiseido cream eyeshadow in BR709 (shiseido does the best cream eyeshadow in my book)
- ColourPop 8 track all over the lid
- TheBalm NudeTude eyeshadow palette for the remaining eyeshadow and Lancome safari palette
-Bobby Brown Shimmer ink gel liner
- StudioMakeup eyeliner Forest green
- PUPA eyeliner in #17
- MAC Firebrush bronzer
- MAC Immortal flower blush
- Colourpop Supermodel eyeshadow used as a highlighter
- TheBalm Louminizer highlight
- Maybelline Mascara
- Rouge Bunny Rouge Word of Mouth Lipstick
- Guerlain lipgloss
-Maybelline Concealer

Mission for me for this month is keep using cream makeup product, which i'm pretty successful since the beginning of the month, but also start using my blue eyeshadows, I want to do at least 3 looks per week with a blue eyeshadow. I do not know why I have so many blue eyeshadows, it blows my mind for someone that love warm colour and have a really warm skin tone I have so many blue eyeshadows! I have several palettes that have blue eyeshadows in them (i'm looking at you 3x MUFE LE palette that ALWAYS have Peacock and Lagoon Blue!) I have 2 TheBalm Shady Lady palette that have a blue eyeshadow and I have 2 colour pop that came in a set, a burberry eyeshadow in Stone Blue and Guerlain Terra indigo eyeshadow quad that have a blue, and last but not least my Lancome plalette Indigo Royal 02 that have 2 royal blue in it (I tried to pan that palette last year but could only do real damage in the 2 gold eyeshadows)

So on my list of what not to buy anymore I will now include BLUE EYESHADOW! LOL

Also on my list cream eyeshadow and lipgloss
this week I need to declutter a Dior lipgloss because it went bad... the first one but more should follow i'm so bad with lipgloss never use them.

 

[LadyBug13]

After seeing the new MAC Next to Nothing foundation and powder on Instagram, I want it!

I have two foundations (Face and Body and the Studio Waterweight) and two pressed powers (Careblend Pressed and MSFN). I've hit major pan on the Careblend Pressed and there's about 1/4 left of the Face and Body.

I should be done with both by the time the Next to Nothing duo launches in April, so I won't feel bad about buying them since I'll be replacing two finished products.

 

[mango13]

I've done pretty well with my low-buy I just bought a Lush moisturizer face bar in January for my mom and she didn't like it, so I'm stuck with it and MAC clear brow gel this month.

I have a $60+- in Macy's gift cards and I can't decide whether I should get My Mimi or four shadescents lipsticks to complete my collection. Everytime My Mimi comes back instock I just can't decide to buy it. I'm trying to avoid feeling FOMO later.

 

[LadyBug13]

Looks like I'm going on a MAC haul in April!

I was in the All Eyes on MAC spring collection thread and my eyes gravitated to the Tropic Cool and Red Hot 9-shadow palettes. I've been debating on whether I should sell my UD Electric palette since I spend more time looking at it than actually using it. If I get Tropic Cool and Red Hot I might just sell off the Electric Palette as they appear to be more wearable.

Now I have my sights on the Next to Nothing foundation and power, and the Tropic Cool and Red Hot palettes. I also need a new Fix+, and I should be done with my MUFE Mist & Fix by April.

 

[LadyBug13]

Today's FOTD

* MAC Skin Base Visage (Got it as a sample in one of my MAC orders a few months ago. I like the texture haven't experienced any adverse reactions)
* MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter- Peach Lustre (under eye and dark spot corrector)
* MAC Face & Body- C7
* MAC Pro Longwear Concealer- NW35 (under eye)
* Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder (under eye and under contour)
* Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette (used the contour shade)
* MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder- Dark
* Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid- Topaz (as highlight)
* MAC Brow Pencil - Spiked
* Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion- Original (sample)
* MAC Eyeshadow- Saddle (crease)
* MAC Eyeshadow - Humid (lid)
* Urban Decay Naked 3- Nooner (outer V)
* MUFE Excessive Lash Mascara - Black
* MAC lipliner- Cork
* Milani Color Statement Lipstick- Teddy Bare
* MUFE Mist & Fix Setting Spray
* Nails for the week: OPI Berlin There, Done That

 

[fur4elise]

@LadyBug13 ~ Tell me about the Peach Lustre Highlighter! I am looking for a replacement of my YSL Touch Eclat that ran out a while ago. I found that even though the Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector does a great job brightening the formula is too thick and tacky! AND I also noticed my teeny sample went sour, meaning it developed a chemical smell.

 

[shellygrrl]

FOTD...

* MUFE Step 1 - Smoothing Primer (across nose) + Hydrating Primer (in between brows)
* ABH Stick Foundation - Porcelain
* MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer - NW15 (just started my last pot)
* Kevyn Aucoin SSE - SX01
* Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
* Cinema Secrets Ultralucent Setting Powder - Colorless
* Inglot AMC Brow Liner Gel - 18
* surratt Expressionist Brow Pomade
* MAC Prep and Prime 24-Hour Extend Eyeshadow Base
* MAC Eyeshadow - Satin Taupe
* Sephora 12hr Contour Eyeliner Pencil - Black Lace (tightline)
* Smashbox Indecent Exposure Mascara
* MAC Blush - Taupe (bronzer placement)
* NARS Velvet Lip Glide - Unlaced

Edited to add: There'll be a new MAC lippie in my life in the not-too-distant future, as I Back 2 MAC'ed some stuff. My three choices this time were Fanfare, Modesty, and Snob.

 

[LadyBug13]

@LadyBug13 ~ Tell me about the Peach Lustre Highlighter! I am looking for a replacement of my YSL Touch Eclat that ran out a while ago. I found that even though the Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector does a great job brightening the formula is too thick and tacky! AND I also noticed my teeny sample went sour, meaning it developed a chemical smell.

[MENTION=51593]fur4elise[/MENTION]: It's pretty lightweight and easy to blend. Before Peach Lustre, I was using the Bobbi Brown corrector in Peach. It got the job done in terms of covering hyper pigmentation and darkness under my eyes, but I found that it also creased on me and was pretty think! I use Peach Lustre lightly before applying my under eye concealer. It blends nicely, doesn't show under my foundation or concealer, and I tend to set it with either my setting powder or my pressed power. I was trying to decide between Bright Forecast and Peach Lustre and ended up choosing Peach Lustre. I might try Bright Forecast when I'm done with Peach Lustre.

 

[LadyBug13]

[MENTION=65477]shellygrrl[/MENTION]: How does the Prep and Prime 24-Hour Extend Eyeshadow Base compared to other eyeshadow primers? I'm currently working through my UD Primer Potion and have the Extend Eyeshadow Base and one of the MAC Paint Pots on my wish list.

 

[LadyBug13]

Today's FOTD

MAC Strobe Cream (sample) (as a primer...??? I got a sample of this but I'm still trying to figure out how to use it)
MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter- Peach Lustre (under eye and dark spot corrector)
MAC Face & Body- C7
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer- NW35 (under eye)
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder (under eye and under contour)
Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette (used the contour shade)
MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder- Dark
MAC Blush- Sweet as Cocoa
MAC Brow Pencil - Spiked
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion- Original (sample)
Urban Decay Ultimate Naked Basics- Faith (crease and outer lid)
Urban Decay Naked 2- Chopper (lid)
MUFE Excessive Lash Mascara - Black
MAC lipliner- Ruby Woo
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil- Cruella
MUFE Mist & Fix Setting Spray
Nails for the week: OPI Berlin There, Done That

 

[shellygrrl]

[MENTION=65477]shellygrrl[/MENTION]: How does the Prep and Prime 24-Hour Extend Eyeshadow Base compared to other eyeshadow primers? I'm currently working through my UD Primer Potion and have the Extend Eyeshadow Base and one of the MAC Paint Pots on my wish list.

So far I prefer it over UDPP and it holds up just as well as NARS' eyeshadow primer, if not better. (MAC's also gives you more for the money, in terms of product size.)

 

[JerseyGirl]

@LadyBug13 ~ Tell me about the Peach Lustre Highlighter! I am looking for a replacement of my YSL Touch Eclat that ran out a while ago. I found that even though the Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector does a great job brightening the formula is too thick and tacky! AND I also noticed my teeny sample went sour, meaning it developed a chemical smell.

Clinique also makes a similar to touché eclat highlighting pen. It's a thin formula that seems similar. Not sure about the color range.

 

[LadyBug13]

So far I prefer it over UDPP and it holds up just as well as NARS' eyeshadow primer, if not better. (MAC's also gives you more for the money, in terms of product size.)

Nice! I think UD PP is the only eyeshadow primer I've ever used. Looking forward to trying something different!

 

[LadyBug13]

Today's FOTD...my base tends to stay the same, but I try to be more creative with my eyeshadow looks and lip colors)

MAC Skin Base Visage
MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter- Peach Lustre (under eye)
MAC Face & Body- C7
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer- NW35 (under eye)
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder (under eye setting)
Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette- Contour shade
MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder- Dark
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid- Opal
MAC Brow Pencil - Spiked
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion- Original (sample)
Urban Decay Naked 3- Strange (to set the Primer Potion), Nooner (transition)
Urban Decay Naked Smoky- Dirty Sweet (lid)
ELF Expert Liquid Liner (for my winged liner attempt)
MUFE Excessive Lash Mascara - Black
MAC lipliner- Cork
Milani Color Statement Lipstick- Teddy Bare
MUFE Mist & Fix Setting Spray
Nails for the week: OPI Berlin There, Done That

 

[LadyBug13]

Today was more of a chill day, so I decided to try this eyeshadow look I saw on YouTube a while back. She paired the UD Electric palette with the UD Naked palette to make a wearable look. I've been contemplating on selling my Electric palette, but seeing the palette paired with a more neutral palette inspires me to test out this palette with the other Naked palettes I have.

Eyeshadow look:
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion- Original (sample)
Virgin (Naked) (to set the UD PP primer, though in the video she uses it as a brow highlight)
Buck (Naked) as transition shade
Thrash (Electric) on lid
Fringe (Electric) in the crease
Hustle (Naked) above Fringe to deepen the crease

I tried to focus on blending as much as possible so that there weren't any harsh lines, but in doing so I kept having to apply Thrash as it seemed like it was being washed out. In any event, I liked it!


The rest of my look:
MAC Skin Base Visage
MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter- Peach Lustre (under eye)
MAC Face & Body- C7
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer- NW35 (under eye)
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder (to set the under eye concealer and to set my entire face...I wanted to try something different. I thought I would look ghostly, but the setting spray took away the white cast)
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid- Opal
MAC Brow Pencil - Spiked
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer- NC45 (to sculpt my brows)
MUFE Excessive Lash Mascara-Black
MAC Lipliner- Cork
Milani Color Statement Lipstick -Teddy Bare
Milani Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss- Bare Secret (over the lipstick)

 

[fur4elise]

Just coz she is too stinkin cute! I love my Abby!

Happy Friday Ladies!
Well, it's a few days early but I thought I would do my low-buy check-in for February...in hopes it will dissuade me from spending anything in the next 4 days…lol! Uh yeah...Belk has a $20/$100 Beauty coupon right now...trying.to.be.strong.



Well, I can say this…I cleared out a whole lotta makeup brushes getting no love or use. I was able to sell quite a few and in turn make a few pennies to purchase some things I have been wanting.

I got some nice Chikuhodo brushes and I love them! I see adding a couple more.

I know some find eBay to be evil, but for me I have been able sell (I have been on eBay since 2000) as well as try out some higher end products at a serious discount…making for no regret purchases. Essentially I am using my PayPal balance, so it kind of becomes an exchange game.

I bought a couple Hourglass blushes. The jury is out on these. They are a bit powdery and seem to work best for me in combination with more pigmented matte colors.

I was also able to purchase the Kate Somerville EradiKate Cleanser. I love it! I use it for my evening face routine as it gets every speck of the day off. I genuinely feel like my skin has shown marked improvement with both the cleanser and exfoliating treatment.

I made two full on retail purchases…I could not resist the Neiman Marcus gift tote event and splurged on the Chanel Coco Codes Blush I have been lusting after, as well as the Rouge Crayon lippie in Carmin.

The same purchase included a Givenchy Interdit in #14 Redlight…you know me and my #datenightreds!
I have worn the blush a few times and it is such a nice formula. The lippies have not been worn yet. I had a nasty cold with chapped lips a couple weeks ago. Then hubby and I had our date night “in” last weekend, so it was a no makeup night. This weekend we have a sushi date, so red lips will be worn!

The second splurge was on the MAC LE Mariah Carey “I’m That Chick” quad. I found it on Belk, a couple days ago and snagged the last one in stock. Still waiting for it to arrive. But I am sure I will have no regrets. I love the colors in the quad and know they will go perfectly with my current e/s collection.

Random Stuffs:

Taking a cue from @VAL4M I pulled out some of my MAC cream products to use (Metal X). I find combining a cream product with some of my glittery mineralized or pressed pigment eye shadows produces a great result, almost like using it like a paint pot/primer. No fall out and it created a long lasting, slick almost glossy looking finish.

And @shellygrrl ~ You will be proud of me! I actually created a date night look using what is left of my MAC crushed pigments!

By the by, hubby loved the cut out shoulder look of my sweater...lol

I continue to dekraapify and reorganize my closet/studio space stuffs. Recently I discovered the effective use of space by rolling clothing. So below is an image of some of my work-out clothing. blush: Yes...I have a thing for VS workout clothing...) With things rolled up, the drawers are not stuffed and I can see what I have. Kind of a cool storage solution.


And yay! My Mexico tan finally faded so I am back in my EL Doublewear…oh how I missed my tried and true foundation! I am working with the DW Concealer too. I purchased that back in December and then promptly got tan! Jury is still out. I am jonsing for the Tarte Shape Tape, but I want to give the DW fair play.

I am on the hunt for an under eye corrector/brightener though. I do not have serious discoloration, but just enough that a little peach/orange could minimize. A few years ago, when it first came out, I used the YSL Touch Eclat but when it ran out, I never replaced it. I would say that was one of, if not my very first high end purchases. I tried the Becca Undereye stuff but as I was saying to @LadyBug13 I found it to be too thick, tacky and tricky to work with…plus I am not a fan of anything cream in a pot.

Can I just say…March is looking dangerous for new beauty releases! I can count 4 serious highlighter releases that caught my eye…Hello NARS and ABH x Nicole Guerriero!!! I am looking at you! And I think Sephora will have its spring VIB sale soon. trying.to.be.strong.

I do hope y'all have a great weekend! Besos xxx ~ pictures of sushi next post!