Resolution "LOW-BUY" 2015

[DarylandCarole]

I plan to get my overall stash down to 200 items and want to spend the next 3 months focusing on lipsticks and eyeshadows, I was thinking of doing a 30 day lipsick challenge focusing on my 2 largest lip categories which are red and bright pink lipsticks ? Any suggestions on what to do with the eyeshadows, I already tossed the oldest and worst performing drugstore stuff in the last year.....I am finding it tough to part with the naked palettes even thought I never seem to reach for them anymore ?

Wow! You're doing great! You've really cut a lot out. Are you enjoying your stash more? The only way I manage to get rid of things is expirations. I made myself get rid of some lip glosses that I love but they were more than 6 years old in some cases. I find that if I get rid of them quickly its best. If I just set them aside and don't B2M or whatever, I end up keeping them (because I like them and they're not empty and don't semm bad...")

 

[Sandalskt]

I got rid of about 15 items today ranging from deluxe sample sized to full size. Out of sight out of mind. It hurts a bit for a second, but it feels so good after.

 

[Maris Crane]

I gave in and made a Colourpop order. All the videos got to me.








... That feels good to get it out.

 

[DMcG9]

I gave in and made a Colourpop order. All the videos got to me.








... That feels good to get it out.

LOL. You make it sound like you were holding your breath.

 

[Maris Crane]

LOL. You make it sound like you were holding your breath.

the struggle is real!

 

[DMcG9]

the struggle is real!

I understand.

It just gave me a giggle, like finally you could just let it all hang out there.

 

[Audrey C]

I got rid of about 15 items today ranging from deluxe sample sized to full size. Out of sight out of mind. It hurts a bit for a second, but it feels so good after.

I have never missed anything I got rid of. There are a couple of things that I gave my daughter that I still liked but just didn't need (like the NARS blush palette) that I could not have just binned, but I'm fine with it being used by someone else. If I really wanted to use one of the shades I could, but I never have.

 

[veronikawithak]

That's a really great approach! I've kinda experienced this myself at the counter (and I'm proud of myself!) when I was trying on some of the Mac lippies from MIB. I had been intrigued by the swatches, but the color either was something I did like once, but not now (because I broke some habits) or I did like the color indeed, but the formula was unforgiving on chapped lips. So I went home with ZERO lippies, yay! I a still unsure about one of them, but I'll wait some days and then I'll have to see whether it's still available at all. I did buy both beauty powders though. I know these were superfluous because I do own so many blushes, but I really, really, really liked them from the first preview on. This is a weird "sorry I'm not sorry" moment now...but I got no bad conscience because I definitely did not go crazy like my former self used to. Well I also bought that mint green eyeshadow. I don't own any shadows in that color so I think I'm adding a reasonable item to my stash (in contrast to buying more and more shimmery neutrals while I own Naked 2+3 and several single shadows in that color). So all in all, I purchased three items (my limit was four). The other Specktrettes from Germany surprisingly told me that the collection releases today while I had scheduled it for April, so there won't be another collection to take a look at next week and there's nothing on my "wish list" for April, so my little haul is okay, I guess.

I've been the same at the counter lately.. nothing is better than anything I already have. I'll have 4 B2M to use this summer and I probably will just get backups of all of my favorites. I'd wait and just replace them as I use them but I don't want to waste space in my suitcases with empty containers. It's okay to be a little superfluous.. it's pretty much impossible to love makeup and not be. As long as you can recognize the difference between the superfluous but fun and the plainly unnecessary!

I got rid of about 15 items today ranging from deluxe sample sized to full size. Out of sight out of mind. It hurts a bit for a second, but it feels so good after.

I have the same feelings when I declutter. The little pang of guilt as you get rid of something that is still "useful" followed by the relief of never having to look at it again. It's so important to clear your visual and mental space from things that give you negative feelings.. I feel so much lighter after having let go of so much makeup, too-small clothing, supplies for hobbies I feel guilty that I don't do anymore, photos and notes from friends I haven't kept in touch with. I've even gotten into the habit of taking a picture on my cell of postcards and letters as they come in and then shredding the letter right away. I read in Marie Kondo's book that a gift or message has served its purpose when it has been received or read and I really resonated with that. Since I started thinking about it that way and incorporating it into my actions I've felt a lot more free.

 

[Sandalskt]

I will have to read that book. What is the name?

 

[veronikawithak]

I will have to read that book. What is the name?

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. It's a great book with lots of helpful tips, just approach it with an open mind and don't take the process too seriously.

 

[Glitteryvegas]

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. It's a great book with lots of helpful tips, just approach it with an open mind and don't take the process too seriously.

I second this recommendation! I'm about halfway through it and I am loving this book. Approaching it with an open mind is absolutely key!!!

 

[Buffy89]

I'm really interested in reading that book, too. I guess one definitely needs to be open minded while reading, since I've read some reviews making fun of the author's approach. But probably one needn't agree with 100% of the things she says and one can simply adapt what fits one's attitude and habits, so no need for mean reviews IMO.
Ugh I'm really struggling about buying one more item from Mac is Beauty. I haven't reached my limit of four items yet (bought three on Monday) and I got some serious skipper's remorse because of several items. I know they aren't MUSTs for me, but they'd be really nice to have...skipping/refraining from purchasing more items from a collection has never been as hard as it is now. By the way, I've used the three products I got on Monday and they are great for me! Texture and application are really good, and the colors are lovely and versatile for everyday! So I guess I've made some good picks instead of reaching for those bright, fun lippie colors from the collection which I'd wear every few months (they look great, but I've accepted that them and me aren't meant to be ).

 

[veronikawithak]

I'm really interested in reading that book, too. I guess one definitely needs to be open minded while reading, since I've read some reviews making fun of the author's approach. But probably one needn't agree with 100% of the things she says and one can simply adapt what fits one's attitude and habits, so no need for mean reviews IMO. Ugh I'm really struggling about buying one more item from Mac is Beauty. I haven't reached my limit of four items yet (bought three on Monday) and I got some serious skipper's remorse because of several items. I know they aren't MUSTs for me, but they'd be really nice to have...skipping/refraining from purchasing more items from a collection has never been as hard as it is now. By the way, I've used the three products I got on Monday and they are great for me! Texture and application are really good, and the colors are lovely and versatile for everyday! So I guess I've made some good picks instead of reaching for those bright, fun lippie colors from the collection which I'd wear every few months (they look great, but I've accepted that them and me aren't meant to be ).

Yes, that's exactly what I did. Take what inspires you and ignore the rest. I don't get people's aggressive responses either.. I think we need more people with unconventional ideas in the world.

 

[Glitteryvegas]

@SleepingBeauty - Wow girl, awesome news that you've reached such a great point in your low-guy goals and are feeling great! We will miss having you around here but I'm really happy for you.

@burghchick - Sounds like you got new some favourites mixed in with some products that you're questioning. That happens to me a lot lol. I think a beauty powder is just a combined pressed powder w/a skinfinish/highlighter? So like @mel33t suggested, I think you could use this in many ways. Maybe just have a play and if you're still unsatisfied in a week or two take it back for a refund or sell it in the CB? Sometimes I have found if I wait to sell a LE item that's used the hype dies down and it's harder to sell later, so I would consider returning one (you bought two different ones, yes?) if you aren't digging it 100%.

@mel33t- I love your avi pic, so beautiful! and have fun at IMATS! Lots to learn and see and do!!

@charlotte336 - WOW!!! So impressive Any secrets of success that you can share? Your decluttering efforts are so admirable! I agree w/others who suggested a 30 day Naked palette challenge. That way you can see what works and if you are really smiten with it. If there's shades you wouldn't want to part with, maybe you can depot some if that's your thing and get rid of the rest. You've really come a long way! Please keep us updated on your progress!


I think a lot of makeup decluttering is like ripping off a bandaid. Just get it over with (toss it or give it away immediately). Out of sight really is out of mind. I haven't missed anything I've let go of, honestly. I still have so much to keep me occupied and happy and I'm loving what I'm using, so it's all good. There's still some that I can get rid of, but like @veronikawithak suggested, sometimes I take decluttering breaks just to regrounp. By the next round I'm usually amped to get rid of more stuff, so it really works. The more I let go, the more I want to let go. I just don't want to let go so much that I'm feeling like "WHERE DID IT ALL GO?" and freak out and want to re-stash. I try to keep that in mind. Most of the things though - and this goes for everything in my house - if I'm even considering getting rid of it, I probably can get rid of it guilt free. I mean, why am I even thinking about getting rid of it if I loved it so much? For example, I'm digging Vice 2, so if someone was to force me to get rid of a palette, if wouldn't be that one. Does that make sense?

@Buffy89 - that book is really great! I read some reviews on GoodReads and they made me LOL literally. I think if you don't have strong connections to the objects you own, you might not get the point of the book or miss what she's really saying. She seems to really GET IT. I was very skeptical at first about her approach (mentioned it in this thread even!) and now I'm converted. I think some things are a little extreme for me (sock folding for example? But I'm willing to try it), but it's like everything - take what you can get out of the experience of her book and run with it. I have a hard time letting things go so I get what she's saying and I'm keeping her voice in mind when I go through things. Books I haven't read in like ten years are going out now...don't know why I thought I would re-read them? They were good at the time but I have a zillion books to read that interest me. Interests wane and things change rapidly, so it's important to clear out old interests to make room for new ones!


Hope ya'll are having a great week! It's rainy here and just blah. Could be snowing I guess? Haha.

 

[lipstickpd23]

Hi everyone! I thought I'd join this thread now before my makeup addiction gets out of control. I have used up and reduced my collection in the last few months and want to continue making smarter purchases. My main concern is lipsticks/liners. I have 45 Mac matte/retro matte lipsticks and I can't stop splurging on the new matte releases in their LE collections, as I have most of the permanent ones. I've promised myself not to give into other formulas, even if the colours are tempting or hyped up. I have promised myself not to check out any other brands of lipsticks, cheap or not, until I cut my Mac stash into half. I'm doing very well but I can't help the matte/retro matte obsession. I want them all! I also want to purchase a couple liquid lipstick colours from ABH and similar brands which is going to be more trouble, but I'm waiting until Mac releases theirs to compare and make a decision. I have a stash of Illamasqua matte lipsticks and a few depotted Mac lipsticks of random finishes. I want to sell them below retail, which will help clear out some space and make me feel better about this lipstick obsession. For eyes, I have Naked 1 and Naked 2 plus an older UD Holiday pallete with many bright colours. I also have 6 Mac neutral shadows in a palette (which I plan to fill up very slowly with Mac staples for my ultimate palette). I'm not into eyeshadows and wear them on occasion, so I plan to finish Naked 1 and 2 and ideally pick up a smaller, compact matte shadow palette from UD or something similar for travel since my needs are so basic in this department. I don't hoard or spend too much money on mascaras or eyeliners. I would like to buy better quality water liners in white, black and nude once I've used up my existing ones. That's going to take a long while and I'm not in a rush. I tend to stick to drug store liquid liners and mascaras in black and usually finish them, so that's not really an issue. I have a 6 pan palette of my essential blushes including Melba, Harmony, Prism, Coppertone, Mocha and Desert Rose. I would like to finish Desert Rose (so tired of it) and replace it with a purple toned blush. Other than that, I don't want/need any other blushes and don't plan on buying any. I also own Torrid from Nars and love the formula, so once I am done with these Mac blushes, I may consider building a 4-6 matte blush collection by Nars instead. But not in the next couple of years. I have Soft and Gentle and Whisper of Gilt, which are the only highlighters I own and use. I would like to find something deeper to add to my collection, but I'm waiting for that holy grail product, like Whisper of Gilt, to be released. Until then, these are more than enough. I have Nars Casino as a bronzer and would like to add another one, but more golden as opposed to warm and red to my collection. If I find it, great! If I don't, I'll live. I have ABH Brow Wiz in Ebony and a clear mascara for my eyebrows. I have resisted the urge to buy any other eyebrow products (so hard because of Instagram) but I would like to invest in a brow gel when my clear mascara runs out. It is to slippery and liquidy for me. I have used up most of my face makeup products (so proud) and will only buy one at a time. I need a new primer, foundation, setting powder and concealer. I currently have my last bottle of Mac Face and Body, Mac Skin Finish Natural, Nars Creamy Concealer and a pot of Studio Finish Concealer. I would like to sample a few different primers, concealers and foundations that I've used in the past (Nars, Armani and Dior) and find a good setting powder, ideally translucent. I would like to invest in a final product for each category. I would also like to purchase a tinted moisturizer in the event that the foundation I purchase is on the heavier side. I resisted the urge to purchase a contour kit so I would like to find a darker cream product to add to my collection. I currently use Harmony powder blush by Mac when necessary. I am searching for a lip balm and product similar to lustre drops for the summer, but I'm limiting myself to one of each until it runs out. I'm down to one current lip balm and I don't have any lustre drop type products. I would like to use up my products this year and buy what I really need and like. I don't want my collection to grow unnecessarily and I don't want to drastically reduce it for the most part. I will be happy if I can settle on products that I really need/like and really work for me. I do need to work on my lipstick/liner obsession and control it before it consumes me though lol. SOS!

 

[Glitteryvegas]

I would like to use up my products this year and buy what I really need and like. I don't want my collection to grow unnecessarily and I don't want to drastically reduce it for the most part. I will be happy if I can settle on products that I really need/like and really work for me. I do need to work on my lipstick/liner obsession and control it before it consumes me though lol. SOS!

Welcome to our community of low/no buyers! We are happy to have you!

It sounds like you have a great sized stash and have considered both your needs and your likes without it getting out of hand (for your personal taste!)! It also sounds like you are making really smart purchases and considering how quickly you use things up and resisting the urge to buy unnecessarily, which are tenants of the low buy system! (You can probably teach me a thing or two! hehe!). I have the Rimmel Nude eyeliner for my water line and it works pretty well on me - is that something you've tried before? I like it because it's a great price point (I don't feel bad about it getting 'icky' from my mascara rubbing on it, etc) and it stays pretty well on me!

I really wish I was into highlighters during the Whisper of Guilt thing....lol. I often feel like I missed the boat on that one and usually when they remake something they screw it up haha so I'm curious if they will re-release it anytime soon so I can scope reviews of it

 

[kerry-jane88]

Ok ladies so I just did one of my biggest Mac hauls ever! And a large haul is very out of character for me. From mia moretti I got: Who's the dj lip palette Maria moretti lipstick Summer wind ccb Desert roadtrip ccb Makeup bags Tote bag I've had to order blind on a few things, but I have no qualms about sending some things back if I honestly don't feel like I'm going to love them. The lip palette I said I wasn't allowed, but I'm going to cut myself a little slack, on the condition that that's it now: no more 'treats' elsewhere. I'm surprised I've bought so much limited edition Mac this year already, as I barely bought any Mac at all last year, but I guess sometimes the collections suit and sometimes they don't.

 

[treasuremymac]

I would like to use up my products this year and buy what I really need and like. I don't want my collection to grow unnecessarily and I don't want to drastically reduce it for the most part. I will be happy if I can settle on products that I really need/like and really work for me. I do need to work on my lipstick/liner obsession and control it before it consumes me though lol. SOS!

Welcome to the group @lipstickpd23

Ah the lipstick conundrum....I totally feel your pain. I cant tell you how many lipsticks I have sitting there on my vanity. They look pretty but I'm not getting enough use out of all of them. I'd say in about 100 years of continuous use Ill have used them all up

Its great you have an idea of what works for you (like whisper of gilt) what you need to part with (perhaps lipsticks) in order to de-stash. The hardest part is letting those things go but once you do, there is a sense of relief!

I don't feel "obligated" to use all the makeup I own now that Ive parted with a fair amount. And its a great feeling to let some of that go.

You've given me the motivation to take another stab at it and go through everything this weekend and pack up what I don't need and sell it or give it to my sisters/friends.
My sister just turned 28 so she'll be getting a practically new Naked palette along with a ton of of lipsticks/glosses and eyeliners.

I'm not sure if you have any friends that are in a rough spot but i have a couple and I found that giving them some makeup really brightens their day

 

[Audrey C]

I really wish I was into highlighters during the Whisper of Guilt thing....lol. I often feel like I missed the boat on that one and usually when they remake something they screw it up haha so I'm curious if they will re-release it anytime soon so I can scope reviews of it

Whisper of Gilt was the first highlighter I ever purchased. I ultimately returned it - it's just too metallic for my skin. I have Superb and am tempted to BTM it for the same reason; the only reason I still have it is because it was a gift from my husband. I consistently reach for my more natural highlighters (Shell Pearl, Dior Amber Diamond, Benefit Watt's Up).

I know many wax poetic about WOG but I wasn't a fan. I don't think you missed a thing.

 

[treasuremymac]

Welcome to our community of low/no buyers! We are happy to have you!

It sounds like you have a great sized stash and have considered both your needs and your likes without it getting out of hand (for your personal taste!)! It also sounds like you are making really smart purchases and considering how quickly you use things up and resisting the urge to buy unnecessarily, which are tenants of the low buy system! (You can probably teach me a thing or two! hehe!). I have the Rimmel Nude eyeliner for my water line and it works pretty well on me - is that something you've tried before? I like it because it's a great price point (I don't feel bad about it getting 'icky' from my mascara rubbing on it, etc) and it stays pretty well on me!

I really wish I was into highlighters during the Whisper of Guilt thing....lol. I often feel like I missed the boat on that one and usually when they remake something they screw it up haha so I'm curious if they will re-release it anytime soon so I can scope reviews of it

Whisper of Gilt is a tricky one. I finally caved and bought a used one from someone for a price I now shudder to think about but I did it purely for research purposes (or so I told myself that at the time) lol!

I did a lot of comparison swatches between WOG and other highlighters. I found that Kiko 208 eyeshadow and Estee Lauder Heatwave most closely resemble WOG. Another highlighter that is fairly new and a possible dupe is Wet N Wild's Hollywood Boulevard. I also purchased Makeup Forever Pro Scuplting Duo #2 Golden (currently sold out on sephora's site) which closely resembles WOG.