josephine90
Well-known member
Guys, I want to get tom ford lip sheer in paradisco but I feel like that's $50 I can put in my disney fund! What should I do?
Resolution "LOW-BUY" 2014! Who wants to play?
- Thread starter PixieDancer
- Start date
Hm... I've never tried TF lipsticks so I can't say if they're worth the $$. But that is a LOT of money for any lip product. I googled the shade and it doesn't look unique to me. If you don't have a shade like that yet, maybe you can find a similar one from a cheaper brand?
kerry-jane88
Well-known member
I agree with naynadine, skip: and enjoy Disney!
Calla88
Well-known member
TF is truly a luxury item something to be bought only if you can afford it. 50 dollars is steep and if you are saving for something that 50 dollars would be better spent at Disney, ,holidays , memories and traveling are worth it. Only buy it if it won't set you back from your trip or anything else important. I have two of the sheers in my cart but I keeping thinking I could use that 100 when head out to Paris in a couple of months, Still debating the purchase. I keep telling myself that TF will have something similar soon enough that I can get in the future. I usually get TF items as treat like my birthday and/or with Gift cards, flash sales or reward points from my Credit cards to assuage the guilt of spending that much on makeup.
singer82
Well-known member
Heygreyness. Your story is truely inspiring. I have been extreamly depressed lately and your story just gives me hope. I spend so much time looking back and regretting the things I have not done instead of living in the now. I should embrace my age. Im slowly starting to realize, with my 20s behind me I can turn into the woman I was meant to be. I just have to be patient and live my life the best I can. You are a vibrant beautiful extrodonary woman, thank you so much :hug: Naynadine we can freak out together! Hehe :cheers: And thank everyone for your words. Your stories make me feel not so alone. I hope things get better for all of you. We can all get through this together 
Audrey C
Well-known member
You know, I haven't really set goals by items but it's an interesting thought. Blushes could not only be under 20 for me - I think they could be under 10. Having said that, they're clearly a weakness since I have 21 powder (with about six or seven on my swap list) and two cream. I'd be happy to get the number down to about 15 powder; I've come to realize that I generally don't like fussing with uber-pigmented blush that needs to be carefully applied with a fan brush. Given that I like a more subtle blush, it makes sense to just buy those in the first place. I also have discovered that I really like the BB Pot Rouge; they're barely there and are great layered under powder products. I think they'll be great in the summer when nothing wants to stay on me. I have two and wouldn't want to go above 2-3 because then I can actually finish them up in a reasonable time frame.
Twenty for lipstick would be about right, I think. I'm at 27 now, but I have a few shades I once liked but now never reach for. I like the colour of some a lot (Twig, Brave) but I no longer like the finish. In the days before I had as much, I'd have used them up by putting a bit of gloss over them. Now I just buy a version in a finish I like better. It's not hard when I easily BTM for 5 lippies a year and then buy a few (Huggables, etc) that I like. I gave my 12 year-old Caliente last night because that kind of glitter just looks silly on me now and it looks great on her. I have five BTM empties again although I just turned 12 in (I didn't realize that I could BTM twist up liners and I had a few) and 2-3 gloss that I'll put effort towards using up in the next month or so. I have my eye on one Playland lippie and I'll get it free that way.
I like swapping out products like lipstick and gloss within 2 years. I've had a few l/g go off on me and I have three CSGs coming up on the two year mark. I can get 3-4 years out of MAC lipsticks typically, but I'm usually over the colour by then. If it's one I like and use, I've finished it long before that. If it's one I liked for a bit but am over, I BTM it. I'm liking creamier finishes now (Huggables, Creamsheens) and they get used up more quickly since I reapply all through the day so I actually finish at least six a year.
I have nine highlighters and that's a bit more than I need. I don't know that I'd add any others but I've swapped out most of my MSF this year. I do like my EDSF a lot, but I'm going through them so slowly that I can't see needing a replacement for years. I'll probably stick to what I have and simply not add any more here. I'm happy to have found better homes for the ones I let go of.
Audrey C
Well-known member
My collection photos - everything I have (other than a handful of backups - staples plus two l/s) is kept in my bathroom vanity. I have one full drawer that's dedicated to makeup and then the five eyeshadow palettes that don't fit are stored standing in a plastic holder in the drawer below with my hair tools (brushes, blow dryer/straightening iron), two makeup bags full of samples (one fragrance, one skincare) and Clarisonic adapter/extra brush heads. All very organized because it would make me crazy otherwise. I have my brushes and lip/eye pencils standing on the counter in round containers for easy access. I didn't bother taking a pic of those but can if anyone would like to see them (after my weekend brush wash).
Main makeup collection:
Closed eyeshadow palettes (I also have two MAC 15-pan in the drawer above):
Shot of the palettes open:
As I use up my fluidlines I don't think I'll replace most of them since I'm really loving the UD 24/7 liners. I have a few e/s duo/singles for sale/swap as well. I'd like to be able to move more of my palettes up into my main drawer and will as soon as there's space cleared.
Forgot:
I have NARS Light Reflecting Loose Powder and MAC Loose Blot Powder on the counter and I keep my MAC foundations in the fridge - I have a small screw top container in my drawer that I keep filled with F&B. I don't have much F&B left (it's the larger 4.0 oz size but I'll have had it two years this summer) and I don't expect to replace it once it's gone. I'll get a darker shade of Bobbi Brown BB cream for summer instead. I also have Matchmaster 1.5 in the fridge; I should give that a try with my Beauty Blender. If I still find it too formal looking, I'm going to BTM it.
Main makeup collection:
Closed eyeshadow palettes (I also have two MAC 15-pan in the drawer above):
Shot of the palettes open:
As I use up my fluidlines I don't think I'll replace most of them since I'm really loving the UD 24/7 liners. I have a few e/s duo/singles for sale/swap as well. I'd like to be able to move more of my palettes up into my main drawer and will as soon as there's space cleared.
Forgot:
I have NARS Light Reflecting Loose Powder and MAC Loose Blot Powder on the counter and I keep my MAC foundations in the fridge - I have a small screw top container in my drawer that I keep filled with F&B. I don't have much F&B left (it's the larger 4.0 oz size but I'll have had it two years this summer) and I don't expect to replace it once it's gone. I'll get a darker shade of Bobbi Brown BB cream for summer instead. I also have Matchmaster 1.5 in the fridge; I should give that a try with my Beauty Blender. If I still find it too formal looking, I'm going to BTM it.
veronikawithak
Well-known member
Ladies, confession time.........
I went to get a new primer and lip gloss since I'm almost finished the only ones I have. I also picked up an Anastasia Brow Wiz as a backup for the MAC pencil I'm currently using (I like to have an extra on hand because you can never tell when they're done).
All was well and good until I started looking at the HG section. And came home with another powder and blush.. Bad bad bad. The whole time I was seriously yelling at myself in my head.. All the way to the checkout counter. They're both unlike anything else I have and they will get lots of use, but I didn't "need" them.. clearly! Lol. About the last thing I need is another blush right now! I felt so out of control and that's what I'm upset about the most. And I didn't even wait until the sale.. I pretty much forgot I was even planning to until later.
So there it is. No excuses, not sure what to say for myself except that I didn't have as much of a handle on things as I thought I did and my shopping habits are gradually becoming a concern for me now that I've been writing down all my hair/nails/makeup/misc beauty purchases.. I'm fine if I avoid shopping altogether, but if I need to repurchase things I use everyday that's when I get into trouble by adding things on. Anyone have any tips on how to deal with this? #thestruggleisreal
***BUT if you can't make it work or you'd have to buy other products to make it work (I loved them so much it was worth it to me to get the 159, and it's been great for other pigmented blushes I had trouble with), return it!! So not worth keeping it if it's only pretty in the pan. Also, RM is the only blush I don't really want as I think it would probably be too bright for me.. Haven't tried it though. Maybe you could exchange for a different one? Hope that helps. You can check out the HG thread for more info, I don't want to post anything too enabling here.
I went to get a new primer and lip gloss since I'm almost finished the only ones I have. I also picked up an Anastasia Brow Wiz as a backup for the MAC pencil I'm currently using (I like to have an extra on hand because you can never tell when they're done).
All was well and good until I started looking at the HG section. And came home with another powder and blush.. Bad bad bad. The whole time I was seriously yelling at myself in my head.. All the way to the checkout counter. They're both unlike anything else I have and they will get lots of use, but I didn't "need" them.. clearly! Lol. About the last thing I need is another blush right now! I felt so out of control and that's what I'm upset about the most. And I didn't even wait until the sale.. I pretty much forgot I was even planning to until later.
So there it is. No excuses, not sure what to say for myself except that I didn't have as much of a handle on things as I thought I did and my shopping habits are gradually becoming a concern for me now that I've been writing down all my hair/nails/makeup/misc beauty purchases.. I'm fine if I avoid shopping altogether, but if I need to repurchase things I use everyday that's when I get into trouble by adding things on. Anyone have any tips on how to deal with this? #thestruggleisreal
@Glitteryvegas, yes I love them. Brush is very important for me. I use the 159 (elegant's recommendation) and swirl around the whole compact a few times to get an even distribution of blush/powder. Tap off excess and use one side per cheek to deposit color, then blend the edges with what is left. I have ME (and DH now, ugh lol) and they work on my extremely light skin. You could also try brushing a little of the corresponding powder over the top to tone it down (either using the veins from your blush if they're big enough or if you have the powder separately). Some people like the 187 or 129 but they didn't really work for me since I like to apply mine more precisely.@veronikawithak - are you digging the HG Blushes? I can't seem to make my Radiant Magenta work for me - maybe it's too bright pink I think (I have a super light skin tone). I've tried it about three times and each time I feel like it's hard for me to put on (like maybe it's overwhelming my face or too bright, etc). I think I'm returning itwhich sucks because it's so pretty in the pan and very finely milled......but I can't wear the pan on my face I guess lol.
***BUT if you can't make it work or you'd have to buy other products to make it work (I loved them so much it was worth it to me to get the 159, and it's been great for other pigmented blushes I had trouble with), return it!! So not worth keeping it if it's only pretty in the pan. Also, RM is the only blush I don't really want as I think it would probably be too bright for me.. Haven't tried it though. Maybe you could exchange for a different one? Hope that helps. You can check out the HG thread for more info, I don't want to post anything too enabling here.
Audrey C
Well-known member
Warning: Financial professional response coming - non-judgmental but boring.
My advice would be to keep a spending journal. It's not fun or flashy, but it works for the same reason WW makes you track eating/count points.
Write down every penny you spend every day and where you were when you did it. You can do it in paper format or on your phone. It really doesn't take more than a few seconds each time. Over time, patterns emerge. It can be a real eye-opener to realize that you're dropping $1500 a year on coffee drinks or that you never go downstairs to take a break at the office without buying something. When you go to buy staples at the drugstore or Sephora, make a list and just bring enough cash to pay for what you've budgeted. Leave your debit and credit cards at home.
I had to do this years ago when I got into the habit of treating my credit card limits as if they were cash in my wallet. Easily done, not so easy to dig out of. I switched to only spending cash (divided it up into envelopes on payday) and paid everything off within a year. It wasn't a fun year, but it was immensely satisfying. I promised myself that I would never carry a balance again and I haven't.
You can get this under control and you will not have to deprive yourself of the things you need and really want to do so. You just need to stop the mindless spending that in the end really doesn't bring nearly as much pleasure when it's over.
Calla88
Well-known member
Great response and advice! A spending journal is really the best way to track purchases. I usually only carry a balance for travel or a big ticket item that I've budgeted for and want the rewards points! Then I pay it off with 1-3 months but I have the money saved first! Another way is to order your staples online as you can't swatch anything new and you will be less tempted to try something sight unseen.Warning: Financial professional response coming - non-judgmental but boring.
My advice would be to keep a spending journal. It's not fun or flashy, but it works for the same reason WW makes you track eating/count points.
Write down every penny you spend every day and where you were when you did it. You can do it in paper format or on your phone. It really doesn't take more than a few seconds each time. Over time, patterns emerge. It can be a real eye-opener to realize that you're dropping $1500 a year on coffee drinks or that you never go downstairs to take a break at the office without buying something. When you go to buy staples at the drugstore or Sephora, make a list and just bring enough cash to pay for what you've budgeted. Leave your debit and credit cards at home.
I had to do this years ago when I got into the habit of treating my credit card limits as if they were cash in my wallet. Easily done, not so easy to dig out of. I switched to only spending cash (divided it up into envelopes on payday) and paid everything off within a year. It wasn't a fun year, but it was immensely satisfying. I promised myself that I would never carry a balance again and I haven't.
You can get this under control and you will not have to deprive yourself of the things you need and really want to do so. You just need to stop the mindless spending that in the end really doesn't bring nearly as much pleasure when it's over.
kerry-jane88
Well-known member
dude the struggle is real!
it's hard to do it, as when you're in buying mode it's very easy to add things on and or continue with a purchase you're not even sure about.
the best advice i have is if you have even a slight niggling feeling, put it down and leave it.
see how you feel in a few hours, days, weeks, heck even months!
can you pinpoint the specific bad feelings you had about it?
writing down buzzwords surrounding how you felt might make you understand.
ultimately it turns something that should be a pleasure - buying yourself a luxury of makeup - into a tarnished experience, so we want to avoid that for you
if you can skip, chances are you'll be able to get your hands on it at a later date if you really do have skippers remorse (i just got veronica's blush off ebay a year after it came out!)
and think about your triggers or situations where you feel out of control.
personally, i dont buy much makeup in store, though i usually get a better experience that way.
my main problem is ebay - i do get a lot of really good bargains on there but i do also buy stuff i really could do without.
i sell a lot of stuff on there, and with the last month i've seen that most of my purchases are blocked together in one day, usually a sunday when my listings end and when a lot of other listings end.
because i've got my 'watch items ending soon' head on, im poised and ready to spend away without thinking!
but now i've seen that i'll definately be reigning it in a bit more
when in doubt, just breathe, remember you have plenty and see where you are then
kerry-jane88
Well-known member
Further to what i said above, i'm shocked to see that i'm pretty much at the same point i was last month with my beauty spends and purchases.
i bought a LOAD of kora products, a really big investment but im really loving them so no regrets there at all.
looking back at my feb goal - i wanted just 4 beauty purchases, that was stupidly ambitious for me!
BUT im glad to say i've bought just 4 items of makeup in feb, with 2 makeup brushes also.
so that's a number i think i can stick to with ease from now on and im certainly enjoying the makeup i have already a lot more and rediscovering colours etc.
my area of concern is body care - lotions, face stuff, shower and bath things.
i really dont need anymore!
hopefully i can stick to the odd lush purchase and bring that area of beauty spending down considerably.
i didnt have many empties this month so im thinking i can make march a use up month.
honestly im noweher near finishing any of my colour cosmetics so its kind of pointless me setting myself a challenge to finish any of those up.
the stash decreases every week though as i pull things out for sale/giving away
i would quite like a challenge for march though, hmmm?
i bought a LOAD of kora products, a really big investment but im really loving them so no regrets there at all.
looking back at my feb goal - i wanted just 4 beauty purchases, that was stupidly ambitious for me!
BUT im glad to say i've bought just 4 items of makeup in feb, with 2 makeup brushes also.
so that's a number i think i can stick to with ease from now on
and im certainly enjoying the makeup i have already a lot more and rediscovering colours etc.my area of concern is body care - lotions, face stuff, shower and bath things.
i really dont need anymore!
hopefully i can stick to the odd lush purchase and bring that area of beauty spending down considerably.
i didnt have many empties this month so im thinking i can make march a use up month.
honestly im noweher near finishing any of my colour cosmetics so its kind of pointless me setting myself a challenge to finish any of those up.
the stash decreases every week though as i pull things out for sale/giving away
i would quite like a challenge for march though, hmmm?
veronikawithak
Well-known member
Thanks so much Audrey! I really need the financial professional influence in my life.. I am keeping a list of all of my beauty purchases and their cost/totals (not a reasonable amount for 2 months I have to say). You're right, I do need to keep doing it for EVERYTHING though. One of my goals for this year was to spend less and so I was keeping track of every penny and it did help for several weeks. But then I got a scholarship so I wasn't as concerned about $ and it kind of went out the window.. I've been working through my entire education and I've received funding through scholarships and bursaries so I'm not as much in debt as others in my program. I think that tends to make me more lenient with myself and that's really not right. The reality is I do still have some debt and any amount is a negative thing.Warning: Financial professional response coming - non-judgmental but boring.
My advice would be to keep a spending journal. It's not fun or flashy, but it works for the same reason WW makes you track eating/count points.
Write down every penny you spend every day and where you were when you did it. You can do it in paper format or on your phone. It really doesn't take more than a few seconds each time. Over time, patterns emerge. It can be a real eye-opener to realize that you're dropping $1500 a year on coffee drinks or that you never go downstairs to take a break at the office without buying something. When you go to buy staples at the drugstore or Sephora, make a list and just bring enough cash to pay for what you've budgeted. Leave your debit and credit cards at home.
I had to do this years ago when I got into the habit of treating my credit card limits as if they were cash in my wallet. Easily done, not so easy to dig out of. I switched to only spending cash (divided it up into envelopes on payday) and paid everything off within a year. It wasn't a fun year, but it was immensely satisfying. I promised myself that I would never carry a balance again and I haven't.
You can get this under control and you will not have to deprive yourself of the things you need and really want to do so. You just need to stop the mindless spending that in the end really doesn't bring nearly as much pleasure when it's over.
@Calla88 & @kerry-jane88, thanks for your comments! Totally on point. I think one of my biggest problems is coping mechanisms.. I never learned any healthy emotional habits from my parents.. at all. My mother is a huuuge emotional eater and I feel like a lot of that rubbed off on me. I'm terrified of ending up obese and unhealthy and so I try my best to not deal with things through eating. But that tends to translate to shopping or other unhealthy habits. I'm working on trying things like meditation, exercise, etc. The thing that gets me is I know all of the behavioral techniques I should be using on myself and I happily give my friends and loved ones advice but I give myself a free pass.. It makes no sense..
I'm happy that I've been rotating through my stash, trying to use things up, no longer buying things that don't work for me. But I'm still struggling with the shopping and probably will be for a very long time. I'm going to take it one day/week/month at a time, be more thorough with tracking all of my purchases, and keep working at it.
Alysse011
Well-known member
I think you've gotten some really good advice. A spending journal would be frightening but I imagine super effective. I agree with another response that said to recognize your triggers. I always spend more if I am at the actual store because I am prone to browsing around and swatching...we all know how that ends. So when possible I order the items online. I am much less likely to browse around the website and also not likely to buy when I can't see it in person. My final advice is to not impulse buy. If you see those HG products you should note the ones you like but leave without them. If you still want them in X amount of time and it is within your budget, then maybe grab them. Everyone has setbacks! I had a few of my own recently but we're all here to support each other!
veronikawithak
Well-known member
Thank you!! It is frightening.. haha. I need to keep my total written on my wallet so everytime I go to take it out it will hopefully make me stop there.Further to what i said above, i'm shocked to see that i'm pretty much at the same point i was last month with my beauty spends and purchases.
i bought a LOAD of kora products, a really big investment but im really loving them so no regrets there at all.
looking back at my feb goal - i wanted just 4 beauty purchases, that was stupidly ambitious for me!
BUT im glad to say i've bought just 4 items of makeup in feb, with 2 makeup brushes also.
so that's a number i think i can stick to with ease from now on
my area of concern is body care - lotions, face stuff, shower and bath things.
i really dont need anymore!
hopefully i can stick to the odd lush purchase and bring that area of beauty spending down considerably.
i didnt have many empties this month so im thinking i can make march a use up month.
honestly im noweher near finishing any of my colour cosmetics so its kind of pointless me setting myself a challenge to finish any of those up.
the stash decreases every week though as i pull things out for sale/giving away
i would quite like a challenge for march though, hmmm?
I used to have an issue with body care as well. Especially buying it and not using it.. I'm pretty picky with formulas and scents AND I'm terrible about being consistent with using products. Now that I've narrowed down my favorite items and have a solid routine I'm working on using things up as well. I'm doing a lot better with that part! Hopefully I can continue to decrease my stash there too though.
A use it up March is a great idea!! I'm working on using up 2 lotions (I'm going to switch to an oil for summer), 1 half of a double ended rollerball perfume (I'm shocked at how long it's been taking to use this), and a couple of soaps and things. I'll be relieved when they're done!
My challenges for March are going to be:
1. Mouthy March - use up 5 lippies and 1 gloss that are on their way out.
2. MALL MORATORIUM MARCH - NO going to any mall for any reason whatsoever. NO exceptions. Fortunately I'm restocked with all my basics now for several months so I won't be able to use that as an excuse again!
I also unsubscribed from Sephora emails and will unsubscribe from MAC as soon as another email comes in. I was doing so well with avoiding makeup purchases last year and then I got swept up again.. reminds me of how vigilant you need to be to keep from slipping!
Quote: Originally Posted by Alysse011
I think you've gotten some really good advice. A spending journal would be frightening but I imagine super effective. I agree with another response that said to recognize your triggers. I always spend more if I am at the actual store because I am prone to browsing around and swatching...we all know how that ends. So when possible I order the items online. I am much less likely to browse around the website and also not likely to buy when I can't see it in person.
My final advice is to not impulse buy. If you see those HG products you should note the ones you like but leave without them. If you still want them in X amount of time and it is within your budget, then maybe grab them. Everyone has setbacks! I had a few of my own recently but we're all here to support each other!
I just unsubscribed from the Hourglass thread, and almost every other product and collection thread (except the Patentpolish). I loved the first couple of the HG products I got and so I just have been soo attracted to the others ever since. I even tried to delay.. and had been delaying for a few weeks.. but when they were right in front of me I couldn't do it. I need a serious break from thinking about new products. Spring is the worst time because everyone seems to be coming out with all these new things and you kind of feel that need to refresh. I will try to refresh my meal/exercise routine and other things instead..
kerry-jane88
Well-known member
veronikawithak
Well-known member
Great idea to keep them in a box by the door! I keep the stuff I'm trying to use up on my desk by my bed so I can put them on when I do my makeup or before bed. Hopefully finishing the GaGa perfume will refresh your motivation to keep going with the rest!!
charlotte366
Well-known member
I finished my inventory I now just need to add up the totals. Before I do that and post it I need to decide what my ideal stash would be so I can see where I need to work towards .... Excited and scared !
Calla88
Well-known member
@veronikawithak, The spending journal can be and is frightening, I was very lucky as I didn't have any student loans for undergraduate school and got a new car for graduation , So I truly didn't have any real debt when I got my first job. Which meant I didn't need to budget , because I knew my income more than covered my rent , had savings automatically taken out and essentials. So I spent freely and picked up some bad shopping habits. Basically I bought whatever I wanted and didn't pay much attention to it. Quite a few years later I switched my career path and the money wasn't the same so for the first time in my life I had to become aware of my spending , no more eating out practically every night and treating people to drinks , buying the latest fashion, make up and so on. The first thing I was told to do was the spending journal which really helped me to target my unnecessary spending like magazine , I often would buy 6+ fashion monthly at news stand prices and going out to lunch every day. Two budget killers. It's good that you recognize your emotional shopping so you can curb it now.
I'm doing well on my low buy , nothing for Feb, so we will see how March goes. I'm planning a trip overseas so I have been saving a little extra to shop when I'm there. I need to organize my collection but I'm not sure I'm ready to see it on display!
I'm doing well on my low buy , nothing for Feb, so we will see how March goes. I'm planning a trip overseas so I have been saving a little extra to shop when I'm there. I need to organize my collection but I'm not sure I'm ready to see it on display!
