One thing I did in 2016 (and maybe even sometime before that) was take an "one in, one out" approach to my makeup and skincare. If I wanted to bring something in that wasn't a replacement for something I had already used up, I had to get rid of something else. I Backed to MAC some items, and since I chose a new lipstick, I destashed a Wet n Wild lipstick I bought several years back but hardly wore. This could be one way to approach temptation.
I agree, the one in one out is a really great approach. I'm also going to follow everyone and include my breakdown.
No Buy
Pre-made eyeshadow palettes - In general, I never use all the colours in them. Don't need or want any more.
Bronzers – I own one the guerlain works for me!
Eyeliner Pencils - I'm good I have a good bit to list me, same with lip pencils
Pigments – I had over 30 pigments when I started with my low buy journey in 2013, I now have 12 pigments, after selling the rest I used 2 colors once or twice year, I may get 5 gram jars and put some in them, and sell the rest or get rid of them completely if the trend very low use continues
Setting Powders - I'm all set (no pun intended)
Spot Concealer-still using my make up forever one. Also works great under the eyes, and I have my BECCA under eye concealer.
Foundation - I use Estee lauder double wear in the summer, and I alternate between Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer and black up tinted moisturizer in the winter
Face Primers – I have the Smashbox oil free I won’t need to replace
Eyeshadows- after creating my own 15 pro pan palettes with the MAC / Makeupgeek eyeshadows I own. I have 3 15 pro pan palettes total 2 neutrals (which is what I mainly wear these days ) and a 15 pro pan palette with blues can ypu tell I like blue? In addition, I have 4 MAC quads I made myself 1 neutral colors 1 smoky eye, and 2 color palette 1 blue and one green. So enough eye shadows! I also have a backup of mac smoke and diamonds eyeshadow, and I was gifted a Dior palette for Christmas. I also have some MAC mineralize eyeshadows as well about 6 of them so 60 eyeshadows+ 6 eyeshadows ifrom MAC Liquid metals collection and 2 MAC mineralize eyeshadows is enough.
Blusher-I have 16 NARS blushes and 1 backup of catus flower, 3 MAC mineralize eyeshadows 2 merrily and 1 love thing.
Highliters- I have 3 from colour pop purchased in late 2016, 1 from Guerlain, 2 from the german brand beauty is life, and 3 MAC mineralize skin finishes warm blend, earthshine, and a second from the same collection, can’t remember the name at the moment.
Lipstick- I currently have 16 MAC lipsticks in rotation, 2 chanel lipsticks, and 1 MUFE lipstick in #46.
Brushes-I always believe in buying the best makeup tools one can afford, I purchased the remaining few brushes from Japenese brands that was on my wishlist, last week, I also have 3 back-ups of my absolute faves, I truly do not need any more brushes. I’m content (I never thought I’d say that)
False lashes- I have a nice stash, i’m good.
Proceed with Caution
Eyeshadow Primer – NARS absolute favorite I will only replenish when I run out.
Lipgloss – MAC discontinued my favorite, it was a really great nude, so I’m on the hunt for a replacement, so far no luck.
Mascara – 1 tube per 3 months for me.
Lipliner - I need a red one to go with my chanel red liplaquer I purchased back in October may explore a drugstore option.
Brow Products – Once my brow gel runs out I’ll repurchase.
Points of Focus
Skincare-I’m really into Korean skincare products and I do a Korean skin care routine. This can be expensive as theres so many products on the market , but after getting into skincare finally found a routine that works for me and it’s a matter of replenishing items as I run out. Most of the products I use are not too expensive per say, but this year I gave myself a budget of $425.00 as my night cream after lasting me 2 years costs 220.00 normally my skincare budget is half of the amount I allotted this year.
Miscellaneous
nail polish- I have 13 bottles 6 Chanels I use often, 2 OPIs, this year I will get rid of 5 Chanel polishes I haven't used at all last year.