Resolution "LOW-BUY" 2014! Who wants to play?

[veronikawithak]

I finally finished a much needed update of my inventory and numbers.. my stash almost doubled in size in 6 months from 83 items to 147.. that's 64 things I've added this year (so far). If they were minis in sets I counted each item as one item so actual purchases are around 50. The total amount all of this is worth is $3200.. This is also not including everything I've downsized that didn't work for me or had expired.

I'm not sure what my monthly goals for after my July No Buy will be.. but I need to make sure I don't lose sight of the big picture again.

Goal 1: Update inventory EVERY time, within a week of the purchase.
Goal 2: Focus on using up items. I'll be doing a Project Pan for the rest of the year. I'll still allow myself to use all of my other things though.. I just want to move some stuff out and make sure I've used it.
Goal 3: Purchase 25 items MAX from July-December 2014. That's half of what I purchased from January-June so I should be able to stick to it! Since July was a No Buy month, I have 5 items per month that I can purchase.

If anyone sees me flying off the handle again.. please please give me a reality check. I won't be offended by a little tough love from you ladies and I could definitely use it.

 

[mel33t]

I finally finished a much needed update of my inventory and numbers.. my stash almost doubled in size in 6 months from 83 items to 147.. that's 64 things I've added this year (so far). If they were minis in sets I counted each item as one item so actual purchases are around 50. The total amount all of this is worth is $3200.. This is also not including everything I've downsized that didn't work for me or had expired. I'm not sure what my monthly goals for after my July No Buy will be.. but I need to make sure I don't lose sight of the big picture again. Goal 1: Update inventory EVERY time, within a week of the purchase. Goal 2: Focus on using up items. I'll be doing a Project Pan for the rest of the year. I'll still allow myself to use all of my other things though.. I just want to move some stuff out and make sure I've used it. Goal 3: Purchase 25 items MAX from July-December 2014. That's half of what I purchased from January-June so I should be able to stick to it! Since July was a No Buy month, I have 5 items per month that I can purchase. If anyone sees me flying off the handle again.. please please give me a reality check. I won't be offended by a little tough love from you ladies and I could definitely use it.

I think the allowing yourself a maximum is a good amount. Especially now that you're more aware of what's going on. You have to remember that this past month and June you really did an amazing job at this, you can't loom backwards. The fact that you made it through a no-buy or practically are through with it, is an amazing accomplishment in and of itself. You should be proud of yourself. Just be careful with the wish list. I have one constantly and I find that I take more stuff off the list than I actually buy. Either because there's a dupe or its just hyped. And that's what a lot of this is, its being able to say no to the hype. I falter (clearly) but I think the first step is being aware and trying to fix it, and you're well on your way lady Keep up the amazing work!! We're here for you!! :nanas:

 

[veronikawithak]

Thank you!

I actually think part of the problem is that I wasn't harsh enough with myself. If I slipped up, I'd just kind of reassess and keep going.. which is great to a point but not if it allows me to continue to make excuses for myself! The bottom line is I have an idea of what kind of consumer I want to be and I haven't been living up to it. I need to find the right balance of being aware of my habits and working to change them but not feeling guilty about them. July has been a great start to all of that and I'm looking forward to keeping the momentum going! Thanks for the support!

 

[shellygrrl]

I finally finished a much needed update of my inventory and numbers.. my stash almost doubled in size in 6 months from 83 items to 147.. that's 64 things I've added this year (so far). If they were minis in sets I counted each item as one item so actual purchases are around 50. The total amount all of this is worth is $3200.. This is also not including everything I've downsized that didn't work for me or had expired. I'm not sure what my monthly goals for after my July No Buy will be.. but I need to make sure I don't lose sight of the big picture again. Goal 1: Update inventory EVERY time, within a week of the purchase. Goal 2: Focus on using up items. I'll be doing a Project Pan for the rest of the year. I'll still allow myself to use all of my other things though.. I just want to move some stuff out and make sure I've used it. Goal 3: Purchase 25 items MAX from July-December 2014. That's half of what I purchased from January-June so I should be able to stick to it! Since July was a No Buy month, I have 5 items per month that I can purchase. If anyone sees me flying off the handle again.. please please give me a reality check. I won't be offended by a little tough love from you ladies and I could definitely use it.

A maximum amount is a good idea, especially now that you've gained self-awareness of your habits. And you've been doing so well with your no-buy this month! :cheer: If you're someone who needs this sort of thing in plain sight, you can write these long-term goals down and stick them up near where you do your makeup. Then you're reminded of this often.

 

[veronikawithak]

If you're someone who needs this sort of thing in plain sight, you can write these long-term goals down and stick them up near where you do your makeup. Then you're reminded of this often.

Thanks Shelly.

I should write out my goals somewhere I'd see them every day. Yesterday I pulled out my muji drawers to put back on my desk so I could see everything again. I have a 5 drawer and a 2 drawer and they're both pretty packed so that's a great visual reminder too!

 

[Yazmin]

My no buy completely backfired. So I have to think of a new plan on how to do this and get this makeup habit under control. I think I'm going to stay out of Enabler-ville for a while, lol

No buys usually don't work for me - I low buy. That way I don't go nuts. Or maybe have something in mind you're waiting for - I started to buy Flat Out Fabulous the other day and said wait, all these collections coming out, would I rather get this or one of those lipsticks? That helped me walk away.

No-buys are like dieting for me, except with makeup. If I deny myself for too long, eventually I end up bingeing in a major way. Low-buys are definitely the way to go for me.

 

[mel33t]

Every time it comes to the toast, and his brother says "...the richest man in town", I instantly tear up.  Without fail.  Because the meaning of that always hits home for me and touches my heart so deeply.  I'm tearing up right now having typed that.   Hope it went well so it's behind you and best wishes for the remaining exams.  I spent my college years studying towards a B.S. in Accounting.  My first day in an accounting firm, I knew I didn't want to be an accountant.   I don't think I've ever seen it from start to finish - only snippets.  If I ever do sit through it from the beginning it'll jog my memory.  I do remember having a crush on Cary Elwes.   No-buys are like dieting for me, except with makeup.  If I deny myself for too long, eventually I end up bingeing in a major way.  Low-buys are definitely the way to go for me.

I tear up at that point too! Its such a great movie and has really helped me through tough times in my life. Yeah, the no buy thing was like the no carb diet for me. I lasted a day. " Is butter a carb?" "Yes!"

 

[lyseD]

Off topic but does anyone have Antique Diamond paint pot?

Some swatches on line look green others grey. Temptalia grouped it with shades she called pewter.

I could really use a grey-ish paint pot but wouldn't use a green all that often.

Thanks for your help.

 

[veronikawithak]

Today I wore my Hourglass Mineral Veil primer, NARS Sheer Matte foundation, Hourglass Ethereal to set and Luminous to highlight. On my cheeks I wore Mood Exposure by Hourglass. Eyes I did a three toned look with the gold color from the NARS Kauai duo on the inner third and the purple on the outer corner, with MAC Silver Sun in the middle.. I used them wet so they were super metallic! Plus lots of mascara and just a lavender lipgloss. Loved how it came out! All things I've purchased this year and all holy grail status now. So as much as I can be critical of my spending, you'd have to pry these items out of my cold dead hands.

 

[Maris Crane]

I keep falling off the low-buy wagon. I guess I'm happy I found stuff from Milani at Wally World I couldn't find last time I was in the States (Bella Rosa blush, Sweet Grapefruit gloss, and one of those rose highlighting blush things - I got the Amber one) and the three Maybelline Color Tattoos, but I always find these places always convince me to spend as much on cheap drugstore stuff when I could've just put it towards one TF$ Quad for instance. I'm not a label-whore or anything, but I always feel disgusted with myself after checking out at Target, Wal Mart or Shoppers.


I had a great day - Consult went well; and the gourmet burger with the fried egg was GOOD!, I scored a Butter London & Julep polish at Winners! - all that convinced me to splurge on a bunch of things at the store was cold, hard, unadulterated greed. And probably the stress of shopping and checking out in Wal Mart. I hate. hate, hate Wal Mart and always resolve afterwards never to return. Today was no different.

 

[shellygrrl]

I keep falling off the low-buy wagon. I guess I'm happy I found stuff from Milani at Wally World I couldn't find last time I was in the States (Bella Rosa blush, Sweet Grapefruit gloss, and one of those rose highlighting blush things - I got the Amber one) and the three Maybelline Color Tattoos, but I always find these places always convince me to spend as much on cheap drugstore stuff when I could've just put it towards one TF$ Quad for instance. I'm not a label-whore or anything, but I always feel disgusted with myself after checking out at Target, Wal Mart or Shoppers. 

What would you use more, given the choice -- your drugstore finds, or any Tom Ford quad you've had your eye on? Are you sure you wouldn't feel the same disgust after plunking down the money for Tom Ford that you do when checking out at Target/Walmart/Shoppers?

I scored a Butter London & Julep polish at Winners! - all that convinced me to splurge on a bunch of things at the store was cold, hard, unadulterated greed. And probably the stress of shopping and checking out in Wal Mart. I hate. hate, hate Wal Mart and always resolve afterwards never to return. Today was no different.

I feel you regarding Walmart. My local one is often very, very busy. Gah. I avoid it as much as I can. Anyhoo, take a second, think about this experience and see what you need to do now, to get yourself back on track. Maybe you need a visual reminder that you're on a low-buy, and to enjoy your current products, in a place where you'll see it every day. Maybe you need to be ruthless and avoid certain stores altogether for a while.

 

[mel33t]

Today is declutter my stash day. Got my coffee and yogurt in me and now I'm ready. Let's do this!!

 

[mel33t]

I keep falling off the low-buy wagon. I guess I'm happy I found stuff from Milani at Wally World I couldn't find last time I was in the States (Bella Rosa blush, Sweet Grapefruit gloss, and one of those rose highlighting blush things - I got the Amber one) and the three Maybelline Color Tattoos, but I always find these places always convince me to spend as much on cheap drugstore stuff when I could've just put it towards one TF$ Quad for instance. I'm not a label-whore or anything, but I always feel disgusted with myself after checking out at Target, Wal Mart or Shoppers.  I had a great day - Consult went well; and the gourmet burger with the fried egg was GOOD!, I scored a Butter London & Julep polish at Winners! - all that convinced me to splurge on a bunch of things at the store was cold, hard, unadulterated greed. And probably the stress of shopping and checking out in Wal Mart. I hate. hate, hate Wal Mart and always resolve afterwards never to return. Today was no different. 

I think that's what gets people to buy the drugstore items, because they're cheaper so you can buy more (at least that's the reasoning) but it may not be better quality. Is there a way you can avoid going to those stores? I know I always seem to run out of something every week so the temptation is there, but I personally go to Target which by me is always poorly stocked in the makeup isle and the presentation looks bad so I just don't buy. Wal-Mart is the worst. I agree with you there. Don't be so hard on yourself and greed is a very ugly word to use IMO. Have you tried going through your makeup yet and seeing what you have and playing around with it? That's helped me to stop making impulse buys. I'm still shopping, but I'm not buying three Cover girl lipsticks that just it around.

 

[shellygrrl]

Some purging inspiration of sorts... http://allisonanderson.com/the-purge-lip-drawer-edition/ She's going to be going through her other stuff as well. :nod:

 

[mel33t]

I actually really like that blogger. But she also enables me when I watch her on YouTube!! Lol

 

[ma146rina]

Off topic but does anyone have Antique Diamond paint pot? Some swatches on line look green others grey. Temptalia grouped it with shades she called pewter. I could really use a grey-ish paint pot but wouldn't use a green all that often. Thanks for your help.

I would call it a greyish green.it's def a muted color.but keep in mind it's not fully opaque.

 

[PixieDancer]

I think I need to face a little reality when it comes to my MAC mineralized eye shadow singles... They are just so pretty to look at and I have several favorite looks with a couple of them, but overall I rarely reach for them. And I'm sure most of the looks I do use some of them for could easily be duplicated with normal eyeshadows. I just have the hardest time when I think of pulling 80% of them out of my collection and really letting them go. Maybe its because how pretty they are in their pans or remembering how much work I put into buying them (due to the LE hype)... I'm not really sure why it has me so nervous! All in all, I'm seriously considering rethinking my views on LE products in general. I think so many times I buy them, then even if they don't get used or live up to my expectations, the LIMITED EDITION status makes it THAT much harder to let it go. As a little experiment, I've started focusing more on my perm items stash, and I'm finding that I feel more calm about using these items and really enjoying them... Probably because I'm not worried about loving it and using it up and not being able to replace it, or obsessing over how I'll get a backup... All that silliness we go through with LE. I don't feel like I've been missing out on great looks just because I have been shelving my LE products. For example, Lady Danger has replaced my LE red-orange fav and I adore it! AND the added bonus... If I find I'm not LOVING a perm product, I have NO issue with purging it from my stash. No stress, no worry about regret... None of that drama. Drama I don't need over makeup! So all this rambling... I think I'm going to take a good hard look at all the new LE stuff on my wish list and chuck a large portion of it. I'm going to shift my thinking. Perm = Tried & True Staple Status... Not how my mind has viewed it in the past. And Limited Edition doesn't always = something I have to have or I'm missing out! I need to readjust my brain and appreciate a product for being a great product. Not because of its supposed limited status! Wow... Sorry for getting all caught up in that! Just needed to get it down so I could really be forced to deal with the reality of this for myself! If those MES's were perm... Most would already be gone! Or not even purchased in the first place. Huge reality check!

 

[DarylandCarole]

I think I need to face a little reality when it comes to my MAC mineralized eye shadow singles... They are just so pretty to look at and I have several favorite looks with a couple of them, but overall I rarely reach for them. And I'm sure most of the looks I do use some of them for could easily be duplicated with normal eyeshadows. I just have the hardest time when I think of pulling 80% of them out of my collection and really letting them go. Maybe its because how pretty they are in their pans or remembering how much work I put into buying them (due to the LE hype)... I'm not really sure why it has me so nervous! All in all, I'm seriously considering rethinking my views on LE products in general. I think so many times I buy them, then even if they don't get used or live up to my expectations, the LIMITED EDITION status makes it THAT much harder to let it go. As a little experiment, I've started focusing more on my perm items stash, and I'm finding that I feel more calm about using these items and really enjoying them... Probably because I'm not worried about loving it and using it up and not being able to replace it, or obsessing over how I'll get a backup... All that silliness we go through with LE. I don't feel like I've been missing out on great looks just because I have been shelving my LE products. For example, Lady Danger has replaced my LE red-orange fav and I adore it! AND the added bonus... If I find I'm not LOVING a perm product, I have NO issue with purging it from my stash. No stress, no worry about regret... None of that drama. Drama I don't need over makeup! So all this rambling... I think I'm going to take a good hard look at all the new LE stuff on my wish list and chuck a large portion of it. I'm going to shift my thinking. Perm = Tried & True Staple Status... Not how my mind has viewed it in the past. And Limited Edition doesn't always = something I have to have or I'm missing out! I need to readjust my brain and appreciate a product for being a great product. Not because of its supposed limited status! Wow... Sorry for getting all caught up in that! Just needed to get it down so I could really be forced to deal with the reality of this for myself! If those MES's were perm... Most would already be gone! Or not even purchased in the first place. Huge reality check!

I completely agree about the perm products. Most of what I own is perm, maybe that's why I never got into the whole back up thing. Plus I like to try new things, so I figure by the time I use something up, I'll be ready to try a new one. And honestly, how many different shades can exist? I'm pretty sure that most LE shades can be duped by something in the perm line. That said, I can't bring myself to use something that is really pretty. I only have a couple of Mineralize e/s because I know I won't use them.

 

[DarylandCarole]

Today is declutter my stash day. Got my coffee and yogurt in me and now I'm ready. Let's do this!!

I hope it's going well!

 

[mel33t]

I hope it's going well!

I finished!! I feel like I tossed a lot, at least 50 products. There were some things I was unsure of and I plan to do another purge at the end of fall to see what procuts I used. General question, what's the rule on back to MAC. Let's say I have a lipstick I used twice and is just ugly on me lol. Do I just cut off the product and take it back? I don't feel right posting lipsticks in the clearance bin even if they were only swatched. Powder products I'm okay with. I'm getting rid of 8 LE MSFs that I had to have. h boy: Pixie I feel your pain and I will be doing the same thing. I need to reevaluate my fall collection wish list. I'll poss my numbers soon for you guys