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

[mel33t]

I've read everyone's posts and it looks like everyone did amazing. I did buy a good amount from the VIB sale but I spent within my budget and I'm very content with my collection. I think after Thanksgiving I'll be doing another purge. Get rid of fall colors or shadows that were just not used. For the rest of the year, I don't think I'll purchase anything. If color pop cosmetics come out with blushes I'll go for those, but other than that I think I'm finished for the year.

 

[Ajigglin]

Glad to see everyone else did well; I failed miserably. I bought more Audacious lippies when I could have waited until next year's sale. I think I'll cancel the order.

 

[kait0]

<-------- Me looking at my visa statement for the month.

 

[charlotte366]

<-------- Me looking at my visa statement for the month.

Its ok, the sale was going to be a major trigger for alot of people!

When it all arrives access what you really want and return anything that doesn't seem like it will fit or get good use.

 

[Anaphora]

<-------- Me looking at my visa statement for the month.

Ditto. I'm on a no buy until 2015 unless it's a gift.

 

[Buffy89]

To the ones who feel guilty because of having bought "senseless" stuff: Don't feel bad about yourselves. The fact that you're reflecting your behavior tells that you're doing fine!
I'm running out of powder so I'll have to go to the Mac counter in the next few days. I really hope I won't be tempted to buy another Heirloom item because the last weeks have been really stressful and horrible and I kinda want to pamper myself a little. Of course, I know that I should not do that...but I'm really intrigued, though.

edit: just found out about the availability of those OPI polishes I planned to get (Gwen Stefani's collection). Seemingly, there will be a different range of shades in comparision to those available in the US, and the colors I wanted to get will only be available as a set of minis. Since I don't like those tiny brushes, I'll totally skip. Problem solved
As it seems now, I can go no-buy for the rest of the year (except for staples). I'm really motivated to skip that extra Heirloom thing!

 

[Jennifae]

Since I haven't been buying as much makeup as I used to, I finally decided to invest in some decent skincare products. I had tons of skincare samples from Sephora and Nordstrom, but I always opted for more affordable ones in the drugstore. I think I'm ready to try the "latest in technology" though, so I figured I'd start with MAC (since I can B2M the empty containers) then maybe other brands (but only after I've used up the products I just bought).

Here's what I just ordered from Nordstrom:

M·A·C 'Lightful' Foaming Cleanser
M·A·C 'Lightful' Softening Lotion
M·A·C 'Lightful' Essence Serum
M·A·C 'Lightful' Moisture Crème

 

[2browneyes]

Havent been here in a while but I was encouraged by some of what I read in this thread. Ive been sticking to my no buy but with all the holiday sets lately its been more difficult. Staying strong though. If anything I will probably buy the viva glam palette.

 

[CrimsonQuill157]

The last time I bought makeup was last week, and it was a necessity - Revlon Colorstay in Ivory. It's almost a perfect match. Little too runny for me, though, but I'm going to see if there is a way I can thicken it. The lady at the MAC counter gave me a sample of NW10 - perfect match. I'm going to check out some other foundations first and use the Colorstay in the meantime, but I have a feeling I'll end up buying the Studio Fix Fluid.

I did a half ass lipstick purge. Only purging two MAC lipsticks, considering three, but I did rediscover some lipsticks that, while I wasn't a fan of them in the summer, are really nice now (New York Apple, Fire Sign, Taupe). I also rediscovered Ruby Woo - I never liked the formula before I worked on my lipstick application technique, but when I looked in the mirror, I fell in love with the shade.

Definite Purges:
MAC Watch Me Simmer
MAC Chatterbox
Revlon Snow Peach
WNW Purty Persimmon
WNW Coral-line
WNW 24 Carrot Gold
WNW Pink Suga (why did I think this would be a good idea... hot hotmess)
Milani Sweet Nectar

At least most were drugstore. I'll probably pass the drugstore ones to a friend and sell the MAC on here.

Possible Purge
MAC VG Nicki 1. I love the shade on everyone else, but I feel like I've got a highlighter on my lips every time I wear it.

 

[veronikawithak]

Started to feel like I was slipping back into too much impulse spending this month, mostly with buying lunch at school etc. Small amounts here and there, but they add up. I took some time to get my planner up to date today so I can keep track of things better. I've been writing in the amounts and what it was every time I buy something.. it works really well (if I keep up with it). No makeup or other beauty spending, the only thing I've really been buying for myself lately is BPAL oils - but keeping it under control. I passed on a lot of the samples that didn't work for me to a friend so I'm just left with the ones I'm still testing out and the ones I really like. I've kind of got an idea of how the notes work on me now so I'll be able to cut down on the range I order. I did place one order for some limited edition scents because the deadline was today.. but I've been thinking about it for the past couple of weeks and I worked some extra hours to cover the cost of the order. Plus they're my first full size bottles so I've been relatively patient about testing before jumping in.

Also still gradually selling unused things.. everything that goes out makes me feel a little happier.

Project 333 is going really well. I've found my results so far are kind of similar to what others have said.. I feel like I'm better dressed, and I'm definitely less overwhelmed. Also it's much easier to keep my place clean now that the laundry is so much more streamlined. I'm definitely going to continue this experiment and keep trying to simplify.

 

[PixieDancer]

Since I haven't been buying as much makeup as I used to, I finally decided to invest in some decent skincare products. I had tons of skincare samples from Sephora and Nordstrom, but I always opted for more affordable ones in the drugstore. I think I'm ready to try the "latest in technology" though, so I figured I'd start with MAC (since I can B2M the empty containers) then maybe other brands (but only after I've used up the products I just bought).

Here's what I just ordered from Nordstrom:

M·A·C 'Lightful' Foaming Cleanser
M·A·C 'Lightful' Softening Lotion
M·A·C 'Lightful' Essence Serum
M·A·C 'Lightful' Moisture Crème

Would love to know what you think about the products after you've tried them out! Thanks!

 

[tirurit]

Would love to know what you think about the products after you've tried them out! Thanks!

I've only been using the serum and the lotion but I like them ^.^ In fact I am about to finish the serum so I need to buy a replacement soon!
I didn't get the creme because it comes in jar packaging and didn't get the cleanser... I think it had alcohol¿!?

 

[Jennifae]

Would love to know what you think about the products after you've tried them out! Thanks!

I've only received the Moisture Crème so far because Nordstrom divided my order into 3 shipments. I'll post an update in about a month or so, but I'm loving the creme so far! I had some dry, flaky patches on my forehead and cheeks, and the creme instantly relieved that mess. It made my skin feel softer, smoother and look more plump. I'm looking forward to trying to rest of the products.

 

[kerry-jane88]

Would love to know what you think about the products after you've tried them out! Thanks!

Ohhh I've tried some! The foaming cleanser was very clarifying, in fact I only needed a tiny amount as if I used to much it would make my face tight. It's nice to use as it's more of a creme wash I'm actually thinking about repurchasing soon after I've used a few more things up. The softening lotion was really softening, in a word! It made my skin brighter and had more clarity. I would say if my acne had flared up this product became unusable as it would irritate it too much but for anyone else I'd say this is a hidden gem in mac skincare! The serum did absolutely nothing for me, i couldn't see any difference in my skin, it didn't even feel particularly softer or even more moisturised, nothing! :/ so I gave it to my mum and I don't think she had any noticeable results either. I didn't use the moisture creme but I used the spf 35 moisturiser version of it and it was very very good, it was fresh and never let me down!

 

[shellygrrl]

FOTD... * MAC Paint Pot - Painterly (as an undereye corrector) * OCC Creme Colour Concentrate - John Doe (contour underneath foundation) * Maybelline Fit Me Foundation - #110 + MAC Face and Body - White * MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer - NW15 * OCC Skin Conceal - Y0 * Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - Transparent * NARS Brow Perfector - Caucase * MAC Eyeshadow - Brun * NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base * Makeup Geek Eyeshadow - Prom Night * Prestige Total Intensity Eye Pencil - Blackest Black (tightline) * MAC Blush - Next to Skin (added contour) * NARS Blush - Sex Fantasy * NYX Megashine Lip Gloss - Nude Pink (Forgot mascara. Heh.)

 

[mel33t]

So without revealing too much of my troubles recently...

When I stress, I shop. That's my trigger.

I purged a little bit of my collection today, and plan to do a purge the day after Thanksgiving as well. I got rid of mainly lip glosses that were old that weren't touched since the summer time. If I'm not wearing them, I'm not going to wear them. These past few weeks I've shopped a little more than I wanted to. I knew the Sephora sale was going to be big for me, and I almost spent within my budget, until last week.

I can feel myself starting to get back on track and starting to regain some control in my life (and not just about makeup purchases or lack there of). I'm hoping the stress dies down and I'm able to take a breather and control it and get what I need to get done, done so I don't spiral out of control.

Just needed to share that somewhere! Plus who else appreciates the feeling of dwindling down the numbers in their stash!?!

 

[PixieDancer]

So without revealing too much of my troubles recently...

When I stress, I shop. That's my trigger.

I purged a little bit of my collection today, and plan to do a purge the day after Thanksgiving as well. I got rid of mainly lip glosses that were old that weren't touched since the summer time. If I'm not wearing them, I'm not going to wear them. These past few weeks I've shopped a little more than I wanted to. I knew the Sephora sale was going to be big for me, and I almost spent within my budget, until last week.

I can feel myself starting to get back on track and starting to regain some control in my life (and not just about makeup purchases or lack there of). I'm hoping the stress dies down and I'm able to take a breather and control it and get what I need to get done, done so I don't spiral out of control.

Just needed to share that somewhere! Plus who else appreciates the feeling of dwindling down the numbers in their stash!?!

Share away doll!

As for "dwindling down the numbers"... I wouldn't say I get particularly satisfied at just eliminating from my stash. I think I feel better at the thought that I can let go of something in and of itself. I used to hold onto things for those "what if" times. Now, if I'm not loving it or getting much use out of it, I'll pass it along. Although I have inventoried my collection and know all my numbers, those aren't AS important to me personally than the overall feel of progress. Even if my stash size stays the same, I'll be happy knowing that I moved other things out to bring better things in.
I do always enjoy my purges though! Considering last year the thought of purging would have made me stressed... BIG TIME!
Good Luck on your BLACK FRIDAY PURGE!! I like the sound of that! HeeHee

 

[CrimsonQuill157]

So without revealing too much of my troubles recently...

When I stress, I shop. That's my trigger.

I purged a little bit of my collection today, and plan to do a purge the day after Thanksgiving as well. I got rid of mainly lip glosses that were old that weren't touched since the summer time. If I'm not wearing them, I'm not going to wear them. These past few weeks I've shopped a little more than I wanted to. I knew the Sephora sale was going to be big for me, and I almost spent within my budget, until last week.

I can feel myself starting to get back on track and starting to regain some control in my life (and not just about makeup purchases or lack there of). I'm hoping the stress dies down and I'm able to take a breather and control it and get what I need to get done, done so I don't spiral out of control.

Just needed to share that somewhere! Plus who else appreciates the feeling of dwindling down the numbers in their stash!?!

You aren't alone in stress shopping. I've been super stressed lately and it's been all I can do not to shop, shop, shop.

Speaking of which, I went into Sephora and walked out empty handed (though that's partially because of not-so-great sales associates, which if you also frequent #teambuyitall I told that story there. I ended up buying Studio Fix Fluid in NW10 and I'm very happy with my purchase. With that and the Colorstay, I should be set for the winter.

 

[mel33t]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the MAC Skincare ladies! I have honestly never ventured into much of MAC's skincare aside from my beloved Vibrancy Eye. And one other time I tried an eye cream from them that didn't really do anything for me to make me repurchase. I'm pretty brand loyal to my Arbonne skincare, so if it's not broken, I guess I shouldn't try to fix it. But I will try a mask (Glamglow... LOVE) or Eye cream (current love = Algenist) from another brand on occassion. So maybe I'll give it a try one day. I always have my ears open for reviews from people I trust! Share away doll!   As for "dwindling down the numbers"... I wouldn't say I get particularly satisfied at just eliminating from my stash. I think I feel better at the thought that I can let go of something in and of itself. I used to hold onto things for those "what if" times. Now, if I'm not loving it or getting much use out of it, I'll pass it along. Although I have inventoried my collection and know all my numbers, those aren't AS important to me personally than the overall feel of progress. Even if my stash size stays the same, I'll be happy knowing that I moved other things out to bring better things in. I do always enjoy my purges though! Considering last year the thought of purging would have made me stressed... BIG TIME! Good Luck on your BLACK FRIDAY PURGE!! I like the sound of that! HeeHee

I love the sound of that "Black Friday Purge"! I really enjoy the feeling of just having what I enjoy and not keeping something that I don't necessarily love. With the shopping, especially for beauty products, I have been doing more research and thinking about the actual product, rather than just grabbing for everything. I'm also thinking of what I have. For example, I really have wanted to try some Bobbi Brown eye shadows for a while now. And initially I had picked up a transition shade, a brow bone highlight, and four other shades. But then I looked at them and thought, you have five other light browns you can use, put that back. I did it for all of them and walked out with two. Its helping me use my other products and learning to appreciate them.

You aren't alone in stress shopping. I've been super stressed lately and it's been all I can do not to shop, shop, shop. Speaking of which, I went into Sephora and walked out empty handed (though that's partially because of not-so-great sales associates, which if you also frequent #teambuyitall I told that story there. I ended up buying Studio Fix Fluid in NW10 and I'm very happy with my purchase. With that and the Colorstay, I should be set for the winter.

I'm heading over there now Sephora has been missing the mark lately. That's great that you're doing well with dealing with stress and shopping. What do you normally do when you're stressed to calm yourself?

 

[Anaphora]

Just wanted to chime in that you ladies are not alone. I'm a stress shopper too and am actually going to the doctor today to discuss trying medication again. I'm glad everyone is doing pretty well!