Resolution "LOW-BUY" 2015

[nt234]

hey happy new year low buyers!
I always enjoy reading the low buy thread, even thought I post only occasionally. I think no matter what the details of your personal low buy are - you should feel good that you are paying attention and being mindful about your purchases. To me it's way more fun to buy fewer, well-thought out, really desired items vs. buying everything that is talked about on youtube.


My plan for now is to have a $100 monthly beauty budget. This doesn't include skin care or essentials, which I don't think I'll be needing for a good while anyways. I'm keeping track of all my money spent this month, and have some goals for spending on groceries and miscellaneous items. I will re-evaluate after the month has ended, to see if I want to make some more specific or stringent goals. My vanity is full - so I am not in the position to be acquiring many more make-up items. So at some point I will re-do my sale thread, continue to gives things away or throw-out when needed.

The beauty budget is a great idea! Going to start doing that as well.

 

[Addict4MAC]

The beauty budget is a great idea! Going to start doing that as well.

+1

 

[Maris Crane]

Quote: Originally Posted by Addict4MAC +1



+2.

I definitely want to do a no-buy until the next Sephora sale in Spring, but I think the beauty budget with a set amount each month could work for me, too.

 

[Buffy89]

I think I'm in as well. Since I mostly buy Mac stuff, my beauty budget is usually spent right at the beginning of the month. I'm planning to get about two items per collection, sometimes more, sometimes less. I don't care for drugstore makeup and don't buy several inexpensive items which might add up to a certain sum of money, so I needn't really set up a financial budget. Two Mac items are around fifty euros.

 

[Naynadine]

I just got an email from ebay, that they removed my auction for a MAC eyeshadow, because they got a complaint from Estee Lauder that it was fake. WTF. I bought it on the MAC website, of course all the products from my stash are authentic. Meanwhile, all those sellers with their fake MAC brush sets and fake Viva Glam lipsticks in all colours of the rainbow are still making money.
I will definitely buy even less MAC in the future, since I can't even sell my unloved items on ebay.

I'm glad I already downsized my collection as much as I did.

 

[Anaphora]

I just got an email from ebay, that they removed my auction for a MAC eyeshadow, because they got a complaint from Estee Lauder that it was fake. WTF. I bought it on the MAC website, of course all the products from my stash are authentic. Meanwhile, all those sellers with their fake MAC brush sets and fake Viva Glam lipsticks in all colours of the rainbow are still making money. I will definitely buy even less MAC in the future, since I can't even sell my unloved items on ebay.   I'm glad I already downsized my collection as much as I did.

Ridiculous. I'm getting more and more annoyed with MAC.

 

[SleepingBeauty]

I just got an email from ebay, that they removed my auction for a MAC eyeshadow, because they got a complaint from Estee Lauder that it was fake. WTF. I bought it on the MAC website, of course all the products from my stash are authentic. Meanwhile, all those sellers with their fake MAC brush sets and fake Viva Glam lipsticks in all colours of the rainbow are still making money.
I will definitely buy even less MAC in the future, since I can't even sell my unloved items on ebay.

I'm glad I already downsized my collection as much as I did.

I heard from someone else that their original MAC blush was removed from ebay as well for the same reasons. She assumed it was because Estee Lauder doesn't want someone else to sell MAC products but their own and official sellers. Seems legit.

 

[Naynadine]

I heard from someone else that their original MAC blush was removed from ebay as well for the same reasons. She assumed it was because Estee Lauder doesn't want someone else to sell MAC products but their own and official sellers. Seems legit.

Yes, I think that's why. I wrote a complaint to ebay, but they said Estee Lauder has proof it's fake. Which is obviously not true and a joke, because how can they know just from a pic of the packaging. I can happily send them close up pics of the batchcode and all if they would be interested in seeing those, which I'm sure they're not. I'm going to send a big complaint to EL. I doubt it's going to change anything, but I'm pretty p*ssed being a loyal MAC customer for years and spending that much money on their products and then being accused of something like that.

 

[thefbomb]

I REALLY need to get in on this low buy. Back in 2013 and before I didn't spend nearly as much now I just want want want and I have so much. I need to get it under control and stop falling into temptation...which I just did, I bought 3 of the ABH liquid lipsticks the other day. I need to save money and learn to control myself. I WAS going to buy Viva Glam Miley but since it's going to be around for a year it can certainly wait. I need to buckle down. I'm gonna "shop" my stash and start using more instead of buying so much. I want stuff from the Toledo collection, hopefully I can finish off some products before then

 

[Buffy89]

Yes, I think that's why. I wrote a complaint to ebay, but they said Estee Lauder has proof it's fake. Which is obviously not true and a joke, because how can they know just from a pic of the packaging. I can happily send them close up pics of the batchcode and all if they would be interested in seeing those, which I'm sure they're not. I'm going to send a big complaint to EL. I doubt it's going to change anything, but I'm pretty p*ssed being a loyal MAC customer for years and spending that much money on their products and then being accused of something like that.

This totally sucks, there are so many ridiculous fakes online and those never seem to get deleted. Like colors of lipsticks put into fake packacking that is literally screaming it's not auhentic. This way to treat you as a customer is quite appaling to me as a Mac "fan". Oh my.

 

[Winterwhite]

Yes, I think that's why. I wrote a complaint to ebay, but they said Estee Lauder has proof it's fake. Which is obviously not true and a joke, because how can they know just from a pic of the packaging. I can happily send them close up pics of the batchcode and all if they would be interested in seeing those, which I'm sure they're not. I'm going to send a big complaint to EL. I doubt it's going to change anything, but I'm pretty p*ssed being a loyal MAC customer for years and spending that much money on their products and then being accused of something like that.

This happened to me aswell, and I already always have pictures of the back of the items, the boxes, batch codes, pretty much photos from every angle so that people who know what to look for can check every aspect for authenticity. Still it was flagged and removed. I did not complain to Ebay because I thought already that they were notified by EL and would rather take their word than mine. It was on German Ebay, too. There were even exactly the same items still on auction as the one that was removed and they stayed on, similarly they were in the past auctions' list. For a while I also considered not to buy any MAC again (which actually would not be difficult because I have a lot to use up from the years before), because I was so offended. Clearly those who are at their desks flagging auctions have no real idea about how to spot fake items because all the fake items were still on and have been so for years.
Maybe it really is because EL does want to discourage people buying from Ebay, but I don't think this is the way to go about it. Plus if I can't sell things anymore, that might be even more an encouragement not_to_buy MAC products, so they are absolutely not doing themselves any favours.

As you, I was upset that now I could not even sell those colours that don't suit me :/ Not really into trading forums because I do find Ebay usually works well. I might melt the lipstick and mix it with another colour.

 

[shellygrrl]

I just got an email from ebay, that they removed my auction for a MAC eyeshadow, because they got a complaint from Estee Lauder that it was fake. WTF. I bought it on the MAC website, of course all the products from my stash are authentic. Meanwhile, all those sellers with their fake MAC brush sets and fake Viva Glam lipsticks in all colours of the rainbow are still making money. I will definitely buy even less MAC in the future, since I can't even sell my unloved items on ebay.   I'm glad I already downsized my collection as much as I did.

:support: They'll remove your (and others') legit MAC products but leave up those rubbish 88 palettes and brush sets passed off as MAC? I'm gonna need a moment. :lecture: Anyhoo. I was at a local Rite Aid and bought some brow gel (a need). I also looked at some foundations but didn't purchase any -- namely the new matte version of Maybelline Fit Me and the new L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte. (I also eye-balled L'Oreal True Match, which I used to use waaaaay back when.) Just weighing up drugstore foundation options for later.

 

[DarylandCarole]

I just got an email from ebay, that they removed my auction for a MAC eyeshadow, because they got a complaint from Estee Lauder that it was fake. WTF. I bought it on the MAC website, of course all the products from my stash are authentic. Meanwhile, all those sellers with their fake MAC brush sets and fake Viva Glam lipsticks in all colours of the rainbow are still making money. I will definitely buy even less MAC in the future, since I can't even sell my unloved items on ebay.   I'm glad I already downsized my collection as much as I did.

Wow! There are SO many people selling MAC on EBay, how can they look through all of those and decide something is "fake" by looking at photos? I'm sure some are easy to spot but it's rude of eBay to just pull it without giving you a chance to prove authenticity.

 

[DarylandCarole]

Yes it is! I told my hubby not to let me near a counter.

I would like to buy three eyeshadows, but they can wait awhile: Copperplate, Satin Taupe, and Omega.

I bought Satin Taupe just this year and I use it a lot. It's such a good "goes with anything" color.

 

[shellygrrl]

I would like to buy three eyeshadows, but they can wait awhile: Copperplate, Satin Taupe, and Omega.

I have the first two; they're fantastic. Copperplate made me fall in love with the Matte2 formula.

 

[Naynadine]

I bought Satin Taupe just this year and I use it a lot. It's such a good "goes with anything" color.

I love Satin Taupe, I just wish there was a less shimmery and more satiny version of it.

 

[Glitteryvegas]

RE: MAC reporting their items as fakes....

WHATTTTTT?????

That is truly unbelievable. I would be livid. UGH. All they are going to do is alienate customers and make them think overtime about what they're buying (in an effort to prevent having to re-sell it). WHY OH WHY are they okay with upsetting their loyal customers over something so inconsequential? They love the mass purchasers from EBAY, the ones that buy everything and jack up the prices, because it helps create a buying frenzy when launch day arrives.

The psychology of this entire thing is too much for me.

In other news...@kerry-jane88 - HOLY MOLY that's an incredible inventory! Good work!!! I haven't listed my palette shadows (only my individuals) but I think you have the right idea. Makes it much more visible and has an impact. WTG Girl! I'm going to be taking a page out of your book (haha see what I did there?) and updating mine this weekend!

The no buying is good so far...only temptation was seeing the new UD Moondust shadows (I have the previous six...so I really don't need anymore). I love them - they create fascinating duo-chrome eye looks. But seriously. I HAVE SIX.

Because our No Buy year is done in stages (all year - no buying of non essentials such as makeup, clothing, books, etc; nine months of the year no eating out/coffees; six months of the year no tv; etc), the only thing I've bought is coffee (4 times this week) - still a lot, but before Xmas I was going gangbusters for coffee. It was nutso. Those damn starbucks Xmas coffees. Hubs is doing better me, with only two coffees this week. I have a feeling a little friendly competition might erupt. Haha. (Surprise ending: We both win because we live in the same house and share some of our income!).

Anyways - have a great weekend girlies! xo

 

[Buffy89]

@Glitteryvegas: oh my, I totally hear you concerning the coffee! I'm trying to save money by preparing snacks at home and cooking myself instead of buying takeaway meals several times a week, and then some Pumpkin Spice Latte crosses my way to destroy my achievements, lol. Also agreeing with your opinion about creating hypes on eBay. Surely Mac is happy that there's some platform where crazy amounts of money will be achieved for some of their products and this mechanism is benefiting Mac's image as a hip, "desirable" brand. but at the same time, they try to punish and stop all those (non-criminal) sellers creating the hype for them. I think Mac is harming itself doing so.

 

[Maris Crane]

I totally commiserate with those who've had their items removed from the bay. Especially as someone who found their beloved Moleskin backup on ebay and BE Snazzy shadow (Mall of America exclusive; I have no desire to go to Minnesota so sites like ebay are my only option!). As a consumer, I'm pretty pissed off the Powers That Be are crackin' down on (primarily) the honest sellers.

Either make the Best Sellers perm. at the end of the season or a collection, or make more stock during the LE blitz.

On the low-buy thing, I'm trying not to buy too many clothes. My last Intermix and Aritzia orders arrived yesterday, and I'm taking Joe Fresh's site crashing after signing in a sign from Yeezus I don't need any more clothes. Even pretty silk blouses...

As for makeup, there's nothing from the MAC collections I'm dying for. I have my barely used Perfect Topping MSF from the original Sugar Sweet launch way-back-when that I'm going to try to use this week. The NARS blush palette packaging looks crappy and teeny (not like the awesome 6 pans) so that I can skip. Even Chanel stuff I want to try (Le volume de Chanel) can wait until I'm in Duty Free next. Clothes and bags seem to be my main temptations right now, along with food.

 

[Winterwhite]

Because our No Buy year is done in stages (all year - no buying of non essentials such as makeup, clothing, books, etc; nine months of the year no eating out/coffees; six months of the year no tv; etc), the only thing I've bought is coffee (4 times this week) - still a lot, but before Xmas I was going gangbusters for coffee. It was nutso. Those damn starbucks Xmas coffees. Hubs is doing better me, with only two coffees this week. I have a feeling a little friendly competition might erupt. Haha. (Surprise ending: We both win because we live in the same house and share some of our income!).

Anyways - have a great weekend girlies! xo

Those are great ideas! Maybe I'll try some of that, too. I already save on lunch / coffee and try to bring my own