oh dear! this is one thread where I belong -- at least my heart and soul do.
There was a time I was buying more makeup as a dose of happiness for my soul. In 3 years I have lost my husband, my only sister, my two dogs and many friends. It seemed like makeup was my solution to easing that pain. I don't drink, do drugs, or many other vices -- but if I had, I would have the same regrets.
In the 3 years I have lived on 3 continents.. lost and seeking home. A few months ago, I hit bottom and realized that my home was where my heart was and that was back home with my mother who is aging and who needs my love and attention. This is not to say I have not traveled extensively for work -- I try to stay away from DF shops. lol.
as for my stash -- I realized that what I had left behind in Miami was still in great condition, some things were damaged (watch out for too many lipglosses/lipsticks). I threw these away with a happy heart because I realized that I was getting to that point in my life where happiness is not comprised of me looking any particular way, but how happy my heart was. I gave much away to young MUAs who need to build up their stash. I have kept some which is still considerable. My work put me in the epicenter of this hurricane of buying for all my looks -- real or imagined.
I have always been an investor and now I am just buying what I see I really need. I know first hand how much profit is made by the big cosmetic companies and have decided that if I make money from them, I will not give it back to them. I no longer purchase anything for the packaging or any kind of hype. We creeate our needs, we let others create our wants.
I set aside money for future real estate ventures as well as my future 6 month sabatical -- but that will be awhile. I cannot leave my mother alone for that long.
Some purchases were made: Chanel Accent, Emotion recently -- some lippies to replace some of my existing or damaged items. Some highliters -- still my achilles heel!
I refuse to buy MAC for now --I cannot handle the stress of "missing out" -- on what I do not know. But still, that's the merchandising pill we all take. I myself have been responsible for much of it and it pains me to know this. Cheerleading ourselves into financial or emotional stress/ happines is one sure way to die young but with painted lips in the latest shades! oh yea
there are so many issues with this low buy, or no buy for a while -- in my case I did a cold turkey and now have eased back into a more comfortable pace.
I no longer feel I have to "treat" myself, and prefer to treat others to other things - books, trips, necessary things.
Cosmetics is still my world.. my metier and my bette noir.. but will I let that rule my life. Not anymore.
will hang in and hang tough.. and one of these days post pics of my still ginormous stash.
meawhile.. thanks Pixidancer and all the lovely ladies who are participating. It is a great way to get our lives and spending under control.
xoxox
HG