Resolution LOW-BUY 2019

[Alysse011]

Creating an inventory was eye opening for me too. I'm so happy that I did it though! I took inventory of every category of makeup that I own. I put mine in an Excel sheet and included the date I purchased the product (if I could remember approximate date or if I could look it up on the retailer's website), cost, color (and have the cell filled in with the color as well so it's easier to see at a glance), and included a column for a mini review/my thoughts.


Face of the day:

- Foundation: Ellis Faas Skin Veil
- Concealer: CdP Radiant Corrector for Eyes and CdP The Concealer for marks
- Blush: Charlotte Tilbury Ecstasy
- Bronzer: Edward Bess Daydream
- Highlighter: Becca SSP Pearl liquid with ABH Amrezy layered on top
- Eyebrows: Soap and Surratt brow pencil in blonde
- Eyes: I used the CdP Radiant Corrector to even out my lids. I've noticed that, with my dry winter skin, dedicated eyeshadow primer has been making my lids look kind of flaky. Gross. I used MAC shadows in Mythology and Swiss Chocolate. I used Pat McGrath Blk Coffee to line my eyes.
- Mascara: Lancome Mr. Big
- Lips: Pat McGrath lip pencil in bare rose and Tom Ford Pink Dusk lipstick

- Perfume: Molecule 01

I currently have 4 bronzers - Chanel Soleil Tan, Edward Bess Daydream, Hourglass Luminous Light, and Tom Ford Gold Dust (the small size). I'd like to get to two bronzers - 1 cream (the Chanel) and 1 powder. I'm considering decluttering the Hourglass and Tom Ford, but I just don't know.... I may just declutter the Hourglass. I do really enjoy both the Edward Bess and Tom Ford quite a bit.

I also am thinking of decluttering my ABH eyeshadow singles. I prefer MAC for some reason that I can't really explain. The ABH are more pigmented, but I think I may be one of the few people who doesn't love a heavily pigmented eyeshadow. I pulled out my ABH shadows this morning because I've been trying to make myself use them. I've actually pulled them out every day for the past week, but I end up putting them back and using MAC or the Dior quint I'm trying to use up instead.

 

[r0mini0n]

[MENTION=94524]Alysse011[/MENTION] that's similar to how I'm doing mine (not finished though). I will admit I am too lazy to do colours or comments though! I admire your dedication! I've now put the name, date of purchase (or a guess based on memory or release date), and then the actual price I paid for it (or a guess based on internet reviews or current prices). I put the price I paid for the item instead of the actual value as it's more important to me to know the actual money I spent. I guess that's an advantage of buying online so much, I can find everything back in my e-mails!

I don't like heavily pigmented eyeshadows either! I'm not that good with make up (just buying it haha) so I prefer something you can build up!

 

[lenchen]

BINGO!

Doing an inventory, while hard to do if you look at it fiscally, is a great thing. You will know what you have in your stash. For me it has been easier to:

• Let things go that I am not using
• Dispose of things definitely past date
• Know what is not performing up to par
• Get things I love into rotation
• Know what basics are getting low and need to be replaced

​Above all else, I am finding happiness and joy in my makeup.

Same here! it's good to keep inventory of your stash. I was recently looking at the new colourpop purple palette, but in my eyeshadow rotation I got the Pat McGrath rose en vie palette, ND mini Lila palette, my own custom made berry palette using single shadows, and a recently gifted ND 5 palette with purples in it. Suddenly that colourpop purple palette was as exciting anymore.

 

[shellygrrl]

Belated FOTD from Sunday...

* wet’n’wild Photofocus Foundation - Porcelain
* NARS RCC - Chantilly
* Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
* Bobbi Brown Downtown Cool Palette - Cool Grey (brows)
* MAC Prep and Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base
* MAC Eyeshadow - Omega
* Makeup Geek Eyeshadow - Friend Zone (or was it Faux Fur?)
* Covergirl Nourish by Lashblast Mascara
* Makeup Geek Blush - Main Squeeze
* MAC Lipstick - Fanfare

 

[fur4elise]

Low / No Buy Journal 2019

January Check-In ~ Woot Woot! First entry for 2019!

Purchases ~ Total for month = $116.90
Neiman Marcus – Guelain Rouge G LE Crystal Case and #214 lipstick…Love the case. Accidentally duped the lip color
This was on my lust list from the moment is was sneak peeked in early December. I was able to take advantage of 10% Ebates. And I was able to take it with me on vacation.
Such a pretty little piece of art!


Meijer (local superstore) – L’oreal Voluminous Paradise Primer & Voluminous Paradise Waterproof Mascara - I usually don’t do waterproof mascara, but this was for wearing during my beach vacation . Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum, Fragrance-Free (travel size) – I ran out of my ELANR serum and used to use this formula a few years ago. I am considering sticking with this and CeraVE Skin Renewing Serum in lieu of the pricey EL.

Ulta - CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (for hubs) & CeraVe Renewing Serum

Marshall’s - Real Techniques 306 Kabuki Brush - $6.99 on clearance! This was a fun purchase specifically for my vacation as well. I really like the giant size, shape and it is very soft for a synthetic.

Gave Away /Disposed Of/Used Up:

Gave Away: 2 brand new Back2Mac lipsticks to a student worker

Disposed of: Nothing

Used Up: Nothing

Mascara Round Up – Lancome Definicils

Will Dispose Of / Give Away: Eyeing my ABH Modern Renaissance palette. I am not reaching for it…

Favorites of the Month / In Heavy Rotation:

For my vacation, I took my long neglected ABH Sundipped Palette and the new RT kabuki brush I purchased. I confess, I went full on “twilight” with my sunscreen application during the day and in the evenings to enhance my tan Nothing like shimmering sparkling skin. It was a happy thing!

Drugstore Discover – Burt’s Bees Honey Moisturizing Balm ~ Somewhere traveling between Punta Cana and Michigan I lost Bite Agave balm. Not good! My budget for the month would not allow me to simply run out and replace it full price…so I purchased my first BB product. Love it!

Mindfulness:
I spent some serious time this month dekrappifying my emails…meaning I diligently unsubscribed from all of the various brands and retailers I have never purchased from and/or have not purchased from recently. All these emails have just led to clutter in my inbox and me feeling annoyed more than tempted. If I am really wanting something, I will be forced to go look for it!

Fitness Stuffs:
Still kicking it on the daily! My goal was to keep it tight for our vacation and I was successful. I came into the new year with no gain from the holidays and have been able to maintain the 10# drop. I say drop versus lost…coz’ I do not want to find that 10#s! For the first time ever on vacation, I felt 100% comfortable in my skin, in my clothes, walking around in my swimwear…My husband said numerous times that he was very proud of me and that I looked great.
I think when you are feeling good is shines through

I got back from vacation up half a pound and promptly lost it two days later…I think it was water weight from flying and not getting enough fluids during travel. Then I got a nasty cold and my monthly cycle and had to take it easy for many days. Rest is as important as activity! I am on the mend and feeling better as of writing this. I did not set any new fitness goal(s) for the new year. I think where I am at now is not about losing more weight, but rather continuing to keep the promise I made to take good care of myself on all levels.

I promise to post the rest of my 2019 beauty plan and budget next...

Happy Weekend!

 

[r0mini0n]

Low buy / No buy January 2019 (sorry for the novel in advance)

First year participating, I will log everything to hold myself accountable. My goal was to only buy something special or replacements of HGs.
I only counted the amount spent on make-up, and not on skincare or setting sprays. I can't return make-up in my country so all buys are final.

January Make-up spending: 221,77€ (fail)

Thoughts and overview
1) Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel (didn't need this, regret. Fell for the promotional code on jan 1st lol.)

2) Chanel Volume Révolution mascara (haven't opened this yet but I have used samples of it and enjoy it a lot. I just hope the big version is as good as the samples, sometimes I prefer samples. Bought with same discount as above)

3) Nars Skin Deep Eye Palette (I actually really like this. I never bought their Loaded/Wanted/new one they just launched so it's not really a repeat for me. I don't regret it but I did not need it... however, it's the word Limited edition that did me in + the fact that my last purchase on the website on Nars was around October 2017.... Obviously this is not a good reason but to me it was oh... I'm allowed something Nars. I honestly forgot I now have two other sites where I ordered Nars the past year without having to pay shipping...)

4+5) Mac Soft Teddy & Dear Teddy eyeshadows (I was so hyped for this collection but it fell kind of flat. They're ok, will try to use them. I prefer the matte one)

6) Mac Sur blush: Regret, didn't need this, I have a million of blushes like this and it's not even my preferred shade. I fell for the monochrome look)

7) Mac Best Teddy lipgloss: regret, fell for the hype + the color was much darker than I expected after online images. Also my first Mac gloss, wasn't blown away by the formula. I already gave this away to my mother who I hope will use it

8) Chanel Baume Essentiel Transparant : Fail because a) I know I will not use it and I held out, but in the end I picked it up with a good discount and after I saw it being used on lips. B) I finished my make up collection inventory numbers at this point and still bought it. Am hoping to make use of it, going to make myself use it

Overall thoughts / ramblings:
This was not a good month, I already excused myself on January first with the discount code (19% for 2019) because when else will I receive a discount?? Turns out I received 4 other ones in January..

Apart from spending this much on make-up I also spent a bit under 200$ on skincare, setting pray, tan (I hardly ever fake tan) and hairbrushes (one a gift for my grandma). Fell for the discount codes a lot. Am hoping to really get smarter this year.

I also made a full make up inventory in January, with all the items I have and the price it cost me. I was gentle and looked up the actual price when I could as I bought a lot with discount codes over the years. Here are the full numbers as to hold myself accountable: 424 products for around 12500 €..... Gathered over five years. Does not include all the items already decluttered over the years, and it was a lot... I buy a lot and was excited when a lot of popular youtube or high end brands became available to me online, so wanted to try everything over the years. Sadly as mentioned I can not return opened product, and I'm not a smart buyer so I ended up not liking/using a lot of it. I thought the sticker shock would stop me from purchasing a while... I purchased the Chanel stick four days after finishing, I couldn't contain myself.. Absolute fail.

My goal for February is :

1/ try to detach myself from the sentimental value of the make up, and declutter everything that I don't like / like but will not use (anymore) / is old and smells and should be tossed regardless if I like it or not. My only issue is I have a lot of high end powder products of around 3 years old / going on 4, which I think is a waste to throw away. However I only have my mother to declutter too and she's a hoarder as well and she never says no. I don't want to burden her with products she won't use. On the other hand I have nobody to declutter these too, plus it doesn't feel right to declutter these older products on someone that is not my mother lol.

2/ finally make use of that webspace I registered summer 2017 and make a blog and keep up with my make-up thoughts and rambles there. I'm always stuck looking at templates but not acting (I want things to be perfect from the start which obviously doesn't work like that, but when something isn't the way I want I procrastinate and just never end up doing it... Instead of just starting somewhere and improving along the way)

Goal for make-up purchases this year and hopefully the coming years: Be honest with myself and don't buy it what I will not use + only stick to my 2 brands chosen in the beginning of the year, apart from repurchases for HG like foundation & setting powder.

I am determined to make February a no buy. In saying that today (the 1st...) I already ordered underwear on the last day of sales + renewed a domain name that I'm not ready to let go off for a total of 42€. I don't know if this should count toward my no buy (fail) or not. Underwear I'm ok, I mean I'll use it and it was a deal. Domain name I thought I was giving up but it's just too sentimental for me..

I am so sorry to always post so much in here + post about random things. I just hope writing it online will help me because everyone does so well in these threads and I don't want to let people down. I will try to do better and hopefully have to report less purchases in the future! If you made it to the bottom please have a cookie on my behalf!

 

[JerseyGirl]

r0min0n,

I read your entire post, and I want to encourage you to keep at it. Don’t beat yourself up for January, every day is a new day. Try to enjoy and love the items you have and slowly you’ll be able to rid yourself of those that you don’t like or work for you. Even if you just put those items away in a separate place that you don’t see, after a few months when you look at them again you’ll see they are easier to part with. At least that has been the way it works for me. Also I find if I don’t watch any reviews about products, I don’t go crazy trying to buy them... so I have been staying away from temptation by not watching or reading reviews about products. Those influencers have really influenced me to part with my money!!

Hang in there!!

Now to have a cookie...

 

[fur4elise]

I really like what @JerseyGirl says "every day is a new day..." It really is! It is also how I stay on top of my fitness...everyday I get a choice and a chance to do something healthy for myself. So it can be a new day for you too.

Low buy / No buy January 2019 (sorry for the novel in advance)
First year participating, I will log everything to hold myself accountable...
Overall thoughts / ramblings:
This was not a good month...My goal for February is :
1/ try to detach myself from the sentimental value of the make up, and declutter everything that I don't like / like but will not use (anymore) / is old and smells and should be tossed regardless if I like it or not...
2/ finally make use of that webspace I registered summer 2017 and make a blog and keep up with my make-up thoughts and rambles there. I'm always stuck looking at templates but not acting (I want things to be perfect from the start which obviously doesn't work like that, but when something isn't the way I want I procrastinate and just never end up doing it... Instead of just starting somewhere and improving along the way)
Goal for make-up purchases this year and hopefully the coming years: Be honest with myself and don't buy it... what I will not use + only stick to my 2 brands chosen in the beginning of the year, apart from repurchases for HG like foundation & setting powder.
I am so sorry to always post so much in here + post about random things. I just hope writing it online will help me because everyone does so well in these threads and I don't want to let people down. I will try to do better and hopefully have to report less purchases in the future! If you made it to the bottom please have a cookie on my behalf!

Welcome welcome! You are not allowed to beat yourself up! We all have made slip ups.

I will be honest and tell you it was hard at first to keep my expense log. It makes you be accountable and honest to yourself first. Boy oh boy, the first year I tallied up what I spent (2017), I was shocked. The second year of keeping an expense log, really really helped me be mindful and make better choices. I also spent 50% less!!! I was still over the budget I set. But I believe I set it too low, as I included my hair care and skincare products.

Other things that have helped me make better choices:

• Keeping a must/lust list. I keep a written one in addition to the list at Sephora and favorites list at Ulta.
• I wait for really good swatch images and honest reviews. It helps me add and remove items from the lists above.
• I bank my Ulta points. Using points combined with a coupon cuts my out of pocket cost.
• I choose gift cards for Ulta and/or Sephora for my Ebates payouts. Again, I save them until there is a coupon for additional savings.

So happy you are posting here! And I made it to the end...so I see 1/2 a cookie for dessert tonight!

 

[shellygrrl]

No makeup purchases for me in January.

 

[LadyBug13]

My January recap!

Purchases
Blemish extractor- $16.99

Used Up
None

Decluttered
None

Reflections
I didn't think much about buying, decluttering, or using up any items in January. No rhyme or reason for it. I didn't wear much makeup this month. In fact, my go-to face consists of peach corrector (undereye and to cover minor dark spots on my face), undereye concealer, a skintone concealer to cover the corrector, either a brow pencil or pomade, gloss or lip balm, translucent setting power to set the undereye concealer, maybe my MAC MSF, and a little bronzer. I'm self employed and work from home almost exclusively, so this works for me and makes me look presentable when I video conference with my clients. When I do decide to get out of the house and go to a nearby cafe, library, or co-working spot, I wear foundation.

I don't watch many product reviews or first impressions on YouTube as much as I used to. These days (and over the past year or so), I've been drawn more to project planning, low-buy, declutter, and shopping your stash videos.

I also reflected on various makeup items and whether they serve a purpose for me. For example, face primer. Before I knew that face primers existed, I didn't have any issues with my foundation staying on, so I'm wondering if it's really necessary for me outside of serving as a protective barrier between my skin and the makeup. I have two full sized primers and a few deluxe samples that I will use up, then I'll reevaluate. Same goes for eyeshadow primer. Sometimes using a concealer suffices.

Goals for February
I want to play more with my single eyeshadows. I bought several single eyeshadows in December but haven't played around with them much. I also want to have a stronger focus on using up some of my skincare products (namely my serums and face oils).

 

[jennyap]

@fur4elise sounds like a great start to the year!

@r0mini0n glad to have you with us, I think the start is the hardest part, and even though you refer to several 'fails' those experiences are helping you understand your triggers and your weak spots. The fact that you are able to honestly reflect on why you made those purchases means you are off to a really great start.

I also have an inventory, and it is very enlightening (I do it for all makeup, skincare, bath body and haircare products, but my low buy focus is purely on makeup). My peak spending year was 2013 - 167 items at a total cost of about £1900. Crazy stuff. I've been here on the low-buy thread ever since, but it took a while to really cut that down. The following year was much better in that I spent about half as much, but I realised that that was still a lot. Last year was my best yet - I spent only about £180, so less than 10% of my worst.
That said, I also struggle with letting things go, both sentimentally and because 'one day' I'll use them up/more. Yeah right. Even though I know intellectually that it is totally unrealistic to use everything I've got - even if I did a full-on glam face every day, which I definitely don't - it's hard to let go, and that's my biggest challenge now. I do still get tempted by new things, but I'm much much better at resisting temptation. I keep a wishlist, but it's very short and things can sit on there for a long time - and eventually drop off.

January update for me: Purchases - none. Used up - none. Disposed of - none.

Speaking of inventories though, here is where I confess that I currently own 134 lipsticks. They are and always have been my biggest weakness, but about 2/3rds of those are over 3 years old (not that surprising, with so many it's hard to use anything up), so I really want to be intentional about which I keep and use so that I can enjoy my favourites before they expire and pass on any others whilst they still have some life.

With that in mind I wore a different lipstick each day of January. In reality that mostly means each work day - I rarely wear more than a tinted balm at the weekend. The aim was to decide which are 'loves', which are 'likes', and which are 'meh'. The 'meh' category can be disposed of immediately, and the 'loves' I will keep. The 'likes' are in a holding pattern, only to be kept if they fill a gap in my collection that the 'loves' don't currently meet.

The result was that, of 24 lippies worn in Jan, there were 11 loves, 11 likes, and just 2 meh. Seems like I'm too easily pleased! My sort of realistic aim for this year is to halve my collection, so I'm broadly on track for that, but there may have to be a second round of testing lol. I will have to work through a bunch over a few weekends too, as it would take me 6 months of Mon-Fri to wear everything in my collection, which is crazy town! I don't think I can handle six months straight of something different each day, so I'm easing off in Feb - can wear what I like, although still trying to do mostly 'new'.

 

[shellygrrl]

Yesterday's face...

* MUFE Step 1 - mix of Mattifying and Smoothing Primers
* wet'n'wild Photofocus Foundation - Porcelain
* NARS RCC - Chantilly
* Kevyn Aucoin SSE - SX01
* Inglot AMC Brow Liner Gel - 18
* MAC Prep and Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base
* Makeup Geek Eyeshadow - Moondust (lid)
* MAC Eyeshadow - Omega (crease)
* MAC Eyeshadow - Typographic (lashlines)
* Covergirl Bloom by Lashblast Mascara
* MAC Blush - Next to Skin (contour)
* NARS Blush - Sex Appeal
* mix of MAC Blankety + MAC Personal Pick (mattene) lipsticks, with a bit of Blankety on its down dotted over the top

 

[r0mini0n]

@r0mini0n glad to have you with us, I think the start is the hardest part, and even though you refer to several 'fails' those experiences are helping you understand your triggers and your weak spots. The fact that you are able to honestly reflect on why you made those purchases means you are off to a really great start.

I also have an inventory, and it is very enlightening (I do it for all makeup, skincare, bath body and haircare products, but my low buy focus is purely on makeup). My peak spending year was 2013 - 167 items at a total cost of about £1900. Crazy stuff. I've been here on the low-buy thread ever since, but it took a while to really cut that down. The following year was much better in that I spent about half as much, but I realised that that was still a lot. Last year was my best yet - I spent only about £180, so less than 10% of my worst.
That said, I also struggle with letting things go, both sentimentally and because 'one day' I'll use them up/more. Yeah right. Even though I know intellectually that it is totally unrealistic to use everything I've got - even if I did a full-on glam face every day, which I definitely don't - it's hard to let go, and that's my biggest challenge now. I do still get tempted by new things, but I'm much much better at resisting temptation. I keep a wishlist, but it's very short and things can sit on there for a long time - and eventually drop off.

Thank you for the encouraging feedback! That is a huge change, amazing. Here's hoping to have a similar outcome (and keep it that way) in the next years. Success on your lipstick venture, sounds like you are already off to an amazing start! Do keep us updated!

 

[fur4elise]

Happy Chinese New Year!
Year of the (Dog)(Earth) Pig
Which I totally love because the cute images that keep popping up remind me of my very own “piglet!” Of course that would be my Frenchie Abby

2019 Budget/Beauty
This is the rest of my 2019 plan, just a little late.

In 2018, I spent $2721.92 on all beauty, skincare, hair care and fragrance. My original budget was for $1200. I set it very low, not really knowing where I would land. I was determined that if I spent money, I would be mindful about it.

I also want to note here, all of my beauty purchases, along with my clothing, shoes, etc. were all made with money I had in hand. Meaning, if I used a credit card to pay for it, the balance was paid off in full before the billing cycle. No interest and no debt. I am strict on this and it can be tough at times. With effort and discipline though, I have been able to dig myself out of grad school / divorce / life debt. I have about 1 year left until the rest of the balance is paid off! Woot woot! I never want to see myself in that kind of debt again.

Okay, back to the spending…Despite spending +double my set budget in 2018, it was still 40% less than the year before. I will take that as a Win!

For 2019, I am going to set my budget to $120 per month ($1500 for the year). I have decided to leave my hair products and skincare products in the same budget. This will force me to prioritize purchasing my “essentials” over more beauty products. It will also encourage me to wring every last drop/bit out of what I am using on the daily.

I have one exclusion from the 2019 budget, a February fragrance purchase. I set aside part of a bonus in 2018 to purchase a couple Tom Ford parfums. However, I waited until after the holidays, when I could find them on eBay, at a price point palatable for my coupon, discount, sale loving self!

The No-Buy List – Alphabetical by Category

Blush – Going to try to make some dents in what I have. I reach for my MAC ED and Mineral Skin Finish formulas the most.

Bronzer – I have hit pan on one of my d/c Guerlain 4 Seasons and the darker of my BECCA Gradient. I use them as contour and to bring back warmth to my foundation. I have several other BECCA, Clarins, MAC, NARS, etc in my stash. I will continue to rotate what I have.

Brows - I just recently replaced all of my brow products with a Benefit Brow collection box, so I am in great shape. The one thing that I will probably need to replenish is setting gel.

Eyeliner – I was able to restock a couple of my daily use Urban Decay 24/7 shades last year, so I am in good shape.

Eye Shadow (singles) – No need for singles. It is so hard for me to get them out and use them. Also, I am not in need of any single pans for my custom palettes.

Pre-made Eye Shadow Palettes – No buy! Nuff’ said on this!

Highlighters – No buy! In an effort to rotate use of what I have, I purchased a multi-compartment organizer, that I put out on my makeup bureau ($8). I was able to stand up several palettes vertically. Many of my palettes are combination highlighters, blushes and bronzers. Now, I can clearly see what I have and easily reach for things rather than dig through drawers.


Pigments – Not even a concern as I won’t buy. I just don't use them. I still have a couple MAC crushed pigments in my stash. Hard to let them go, because they are OG.

Low Buy List - Alphabetical by Category

Concealer - I scored my Tarte Shape Tape 50% last fall. A tube lasts me a full year.

Foundation - Estee Lauder Double Wear is my HG. I will need to replenish sometime in the near future.

Lipstick – I have no need…LOL! But I know I will end up purchasing some LE releases. Givenchy comes to mind. I love their formula and the beautiful packaging. I will wait for the sales, coupons, etc.
I love my little LE lipstick collection! It sits on my bureau and brings me joy.

Lip Liner – I was able to purchase a couple Bite liners when on sale last year. I’ll work through those. I may invest in a couple of the new BECCA. Not a high priority.

Liquid / Cream Eye Shadows - I recently became a fan of Marc Jacobs See-Quins. I have one shade on my list, Topaz Flash. I am also a fan of the Stila Glimmer/Glitter & Glow formulas. The Stila have a shelf life as they dry out. So, if I do replace any shades, I am going to try to get the mini size. The new Stila All Fired Up Glitter & Glow Eye Shadow Mini Set is on my list. They will coordinate with the eye shadow palettes I am currently using the most. I’ll wait for a sale/coupon.

Makeup Brushes – My current collection had really been edited down to tools I really love. I do not have a need or any glaring holes. I have a couple Wayne Goss and Sonia G brushes on my wish list. If I am good elsewhere with my budget, I may splurge on those.

Mascara – I have a couple brand new tubes of my favorites on backup. I will wait until a decent sale to re-stock. I am trying to rotate only 2 or 3 tubes at a time. I also use a mascara primer. Right now I have a tube of L'oreal open. Marc Jacobs just announced a new mascara primer. That is most likely something I will purchase as the Velvet Noir is currently my HG.

Powders (Setting, Finishing) – I would have put this category on the no buy list but my MUFE Ultra HD loose is getting low, so I will replenish that. As for the rest of my stash, I plan to continue to make a dent in what I have and not purchase anything new.

Setting Spray – I use Skindinavia / UD All Nighter (same formula). I currently have ½ bottle left in use and a full bottle backup. I will restock this when a decent sale comes along later in the year.

I think that is it...

 

[lenchen]

Low Buy Check-In ~ January 2019


Purchases:

No purchases in January

Total spent for January = $0.00
Gave Away /Disposed Of/Used UP:

Gave away:5 Hakuhodo eye brushes, I never used them, they’re duplicates as I have the wayne goss eye set, so I didn’t see the need to keep those. I also gave up my cover fx highlighter, Makeupgeek hightler that looks white in the pan but swatches a pale gold, and an ABH highlighter from one of her glow kits. I now own 6 highlighters.

Disposed of:

Nothing, except my make up empties from the last 8 months

Used Up:

Whamisa face oil-I have a back-up, which I opened up.

Will Dispose Of:

On The Horizon:


Beauty- I need to order my relaxer kit for the year, and I need a new primer I’m nearing the end of my samples. I want to try the hourglass primer so I think I’ll purchase the sample size to try once my last sample runs out.

Fitness- I’ve been walking my 5 miles a day, but the changes I’ve made over my diet, I’ve seen a huge difference!

monthly favourites-I’ve been really enjoying my makeup stash. My pat mcgrath eyeshadows have been fantastic!! I was gifted a natasha denona 5 pan palette #10 . My cousin passed it along to me after months of no use, I have to say, I love it!!! I’ve been using my marc Jacobs highlighter in the colour guilty, Sonia G brushes to include the pro eye set, my Hakuhodo face brushes, and surprise surprise, my Chanel Vita Lumiere aqua.

 

[LadyBug13]

For 2019, I am going to set my budget to $120 per month ($1500 for the year). I have decided to leave my hair products and skincare products in the same budget. This will force me to prioritize purchasing my “essentials” over more beauty products. It will also encourage me to wring every last drop/bit out of what I am using on the daily.

[MENTION=51593]fur4elise[/MENTION] (and everyone else that have placed themselves on a budget): If you don't spend your monthly budget, do you carry it over to the next month or do you adhere to the monthly budgeted amount? I've thought about placing myself on a monthly budget, but in the past I could go 3 months without spending only to go overboard in the 4th month.

 

[fur4elise]

@fur4elise (and everyone else that have placed themselves on a budget): If you don't spend your monthly budget, do you carry it over to the next month or do you adhere to the monthly budgeted amount? I've thought about placing myself on a monthly budget, but in the past I could go 3 months without spending only to go overboard in the 4th month.

Great question! For all my good intentions, (lol my auto correct actually put the word "intervention!" )
I was going to allow rollover...I think I only had one month where I did that... because I blew it...

I think, it makes sense to allow rollover. Then you can bank monies for the spring, fall, and sales in between...or if you have to stock up on essentials.


I have a question too. I bank Ebates and points for gift cards. When I use those, should they count against my monthly total? Lol! Already trying to spend more

 

[VAL4M]

Great question! For all my good intentions, (lol my auto correct actually put the word "intervention!" )
I was going to allow rollover...I think I only had one month where I did that... because I blew it...

I think, it makes sense to allow rollover. Then you can bank monies for the spring, fall, and sales in between...or if you have to stock up on essentials.


I have a question too. I bank Ebates and points for gift cards. When I use those, should they count against my monthly total? Lol! Already trying to spend more

Gift CARDS, Memberships Points (like Ulta or Shoppers for Canadian) and Ebates doesn't count in you monthly allowance it is EXTRA money to spend for SURE!!! LOL enabler that i am.
On another subject am i the only one having the hardest time to skip the colourpop sale??? I keep telling myself I have all the purple in the world in my collection. I have to say I haven't purchased makeup with my money since Jan and yes it is my loop hole of my no buy LOL

 

[shellygrrl]

I have a question too. I bank Ebates and points for gift cards. When I use those, should they count against my monthly total? Lol! Already trying to spend more

My instinct says no?

 

[r0mini0n]

I have a question too. I bank Ebates and points for gift cards. When I use those, should they count against my monthly total? Lol! Already trying to spend more

I don't think it should count, as it is something you can turn around for extra money to use without breaking your budget!

I also have a question related to gifts. How to deal with gifts that you specifically asked for, and got in a short time frame? I'm not talking about surprise gifts or gift cards or having something on a wishlist for a while and receiving it. More like mentioning how you want an item but don't want to break the low buy and give into temptation so fast; and then getting it gifted so it "doesn't count".
That is what I did this week and I feel bad about it, it doesn't feel like a real gift but more like someone finding a workaround to get their fix, it was manipulative. I'm hoping to just leave this as a one off. Thinking about setting up a budget but I'd probably use up the budget every time just because it's there.