Resolution Low-Buy 2021

[shellygrrl]

2021 will be the eighth year of Low-Buy on Specktra!

Whether you've been low-buying for a long time, or if after the strange year that was 2020 you think this is something that you'd like to do even if it's only for part of the year, or if you just want to be more mindful of what you want to bring into your makeup stash, you will find lots of support in here and zero judgment.

(Past threads: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)

 

[shellygrrl]

Happy New Year, Team Low-Buy!

Unlike last year where I used a mix of Notion and Google Docs for tracking, I'm using solely Notion this time around. I have a page for this year's makeup purchases, a page for a wishlist where I've attached photos or animated GIFs (the latter in the case of some EM Cosmetics stuff I'm eying) of the products, and instead of doing a fresh makeup stash page, I'm doing just one and adding to or taking away from it when necessary.

On my main Beauty page I've got a column for the types of products I want to purchase this year. Two of these have carried over from 2020:

• Neutral-leaning-warm brown eyeshadows (powder and cream), generally matte or satin finish

My rationale is still the same as it was last year: expand this portion of my stash.

• New brow product(s)

I'd still like to get a brow pen, and I've got my eyes on the EM Cosmetics brow cream. (Still waiting for my shade to come back in stock...)

• Finish off makeup brush section of wish list?

With my big Zoeva purchase last summer and after some culling of my wishlist over the past year, I'm down to six brushes I want (three Sonia G, one Smith Cosmetics, one Chikuhodo, and another Zoeva). I could very likely clear this category.

• Replace old eyeshadows (where possible)

I still have several eyeshadows in my stash that are very old, most of which are discontinued (and most of those are old Makeup Geek eyeshadows).

 

[shellygrrl]

FOTD...
Kosas Revealer Concealer - 01
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
Bobbi Brown Downtown Cool Palette - Brunette (brows)
MAC Paint Pot - Camel Coat
Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

 

[fur4elise]

Face The Day ~ I
Taking a spin on shellygrrl 's FOTD, this is my first full face of beauty of the year and the first since Christmas weekend. I have been working from home since November 18 and then had nearly 3 weeks off combined vacation days and winter break. So, I had a nice long break from painting the face. Literally this morning, I though to self...ugh...gotta face the day.

This tends to be the base face I wear on the daily for work. I change up my eyes, cheeks and lips:

• NARS Pore & Shine
• ELDW Foundations 4W2 + 5W1- 2 drops each combined - Medium coverage
• Tarte Shape Tape - Tan Deep Sand
• MAC Mineralize Powder - Dark Tan
• CT Airbrush Bronzer # Tan Dore

Eyes & Cheeks

• MAC Star Dipped - Sippin' On Stars + CoverFX Warm Honey (matte shade)
• CT Eyes To Mesmerise - Sunset Rose
• ND Morgana (from Sunset palette)
• UD 24/7 Pencil - Whiskey
• UD Brow Beater - Neutral Brown
• Fenty Full Frontal Mascara

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm - Grapefruit

So, I have been missing in action for a couple months. It has been a strange time, a busy time...And now we are into the new year. Hence getting a new post up in the new thread for Low Buy...my 7th year participating. In fact I am coloring my hair right now, another fresh start for the year and making me sit still long enough to get my post done

I have missed you!

I promise I will go back and close out 2020. I know I came in under budget and beauty purchases dropped off from early summer, through fall and into the holidays.

Then I'll pop back over here and decide where I sit with beauty now. One thing I do know is that I am not pressed in any way to spend and I have no need beyond a new brow pencil

Hope you all have a great week!

 

[shellygrrl]

Yesterday's FOTD...

• Kosas Tinted Face Oil - 02
• Kosas Revealer Concealer - 01
• Bobbi Brown Downtown Cool Palette - Brunette (brows)
• ABH Eyeshadow - Stone
• MAC Eyeshadow - Typographic
• Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

 

[fur4elise]

Yesterday's FOTD...

• Kosas Tinted Face Oil - 02
• Kosas Revealer Concealer - 01
• Bobbi Brown Downtown Cool Palette - Brunette (brows)
• ABH Eyeshadow - Stone
• MAC Eyeshadow - Typographic
• Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

I love your simplicity...it is something I aspire too.

 

[shellygrrl]

• Kosas Tinted Face Oil - 02
• Kosas Revealer Concealer - 01
• Bobbi Brown Downtown Cool Palette - Brunette and a little bit of Cool Brown (brows)
• MAC Prep and Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base
• Makeup Geek Eyeshadow - Hipster
• ABH Eyeshadow - Birkin (layered over the top of the above)
• Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

 

[shellygrrl]

• Kosas Tinted Face Oil - 02
• Kosas Revealer Concealer - 02 (to colour correct) and 01
• Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
• Bobbi Brown Downtown Cool Palette - Brunette (brows)
• MAC Prep and Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base
• MAC Eyeshadow - Omega
• Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

 

[lenchen]

In 2021 my focus is to use what I have in my stash, and continue with FOTDs. 2020 was a year in which I worked from home, so I made the best of it , and wore make-up at home. Everyday, I am even more aware in my eyeshadow preferences that I was able to part with my fantasy eyeshadow palettes. I didn’t spend very much at all in 2020 in the way of make-up 2 eye shadow palettes 2 bronzers, and gifts for friends and family.

All other categories, I’m using my favourites, ( listed below) and I will replace once items run out.





Foundation: Using what I currently have MUFE waterblend, and Laura tinted moisturizer.



Concealer: I have my NARS creamy concealer, and my cover fx cover corrector/concealer stick.

Setting Powder: Chanel setting powder and the cover fx setting powder, will continue to use up in 2021.

Setting spray: Cover fx matt/hourglass , will replenish as I use it up.

Brow Products: MAC brow gel, will repurchase once used up.


Eyeshadow Primer: NARS eyeshadow primer. i bought 2 during last month's Ulta coupon

Eyeshadows: At this point I’m good I’m not looking for anything.


Mascara: I love the Chanel le volume waterproof and the Chanel inimitable waterproof- will repurchase as I run out.


Blush: I have 5 Nars blushes all which i use in monthly rotation

Bronzer: Charlotte Tilbury bronzer, I love it and I doubt

Highlighter: my stance from 2020 has not changed. I have 1 liquid highlighter, and 4 powder highlighters 1 ofra and 2 makeupgeek.

Lip Products: i'm content with what i have. my mac ones once finished i will use my back to mac to replace them. i only own 2 glosses which are nudes, once I run out, i will replace.

Brushes –In 2020, I went brush crazy, and purchased all the remaining face brushes on my brush wishlist. At this point, I’m content, and I will only add eye brushes for my hooded eyes as needed.

Skincare: I'm happy with my simplified skincare routine. From 2020, and will continue into 2021.
I did not make Rouge at Sephora for 2021 which is great!

 

[Adelamgarceo]

I spent more last year on makeup than I ever have over the years I have a list of things I still want to get. This is difficult for me. I have enough makeup to last me til I’m 80, that’s for sure currently 30 btw.

 

[shellygrrl]

Look at your wishlist, shop your stash to see if you already have anything similar to what you want.

 

[shellygrrl]

Today's face...

• Kosas Tinted Face Oil - 02
• Kosas Revealer Concealer - 01
• Fenty Beauty powder bronzer - Inda Sun
• Bobbi Brown Downtown Cool Palette - Brunette (brows)
• surratt beauty Expressioniste Brow Pomade
• MAC Prep and Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base
• MAC Eyeshadow - Sumptuous Olive
• ABH Eyeshadow - Warm Taupe
• Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

 

[LadyBug13]

January update:

Purchases: $0

Number of products used up: 6 (sunscreen, facial wash, lip gloss, concealer, retinol, and hand balm)

Number of items decluttered: 3 (facial tomorrow, facial serum, concealer)

January observances: I have a standard makeup look I go for (corrector for the under eye, under eye concealer, setting powder for the under eye, brow pencil/powder, lip gloss). But in January I did revisit my Pat McGrath foundation and my MAC Face and Body. I may have to try the PMG in a shade that’s more neutral (I currently have shade 23). My go-to makeup look suffices on most days, but on days where I have to be on video with a client or partner, I add mascara.

February focus: Continue shopping my stash. I also want to play around with more eyeshadow looks and lipstick shades. Even with wearing a mask covering my mouth, it would be fun to try on the lipstick shades I have as no one will see them, and I can always play of my eye space.

 

[shellygrrl]

• Kosas Tinted Face Oil - 02
• Kosas Revealer Concealer - 01
• Fenty Beauty powder bronzer - Inda Sun
• Bobbi Brown Downtown Cool Palette - Brunette (brows)
• surratt beauty Expressioniste Brow Pomade
• ABH Eyeshadow - Birkin
• Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

 

[fur4elise]

Low/No Buy 2021 ~ January 2021

Hello lovely Specktra peeps!
Yeah...it’s been a while. Let’s be real. For me the new year did not start until Feb 1st! January was a sh*tshow and I finally had my dance with COVID. I was more than happy to see January out the door and see February as a fresh start. Also, I have not posted in so long; I feel like I am way behind on all kinds of updates. Then again, the whole fresh start thing, does not make me want to rehash the past.

So now some updates. I think I will spread out stuff over a few posts...so I don’t have one long novel you have to scroll through.

Low Buy “Strategery”
I made no beauty or skincare purchases in January. Already ahead of the game budget wise! Speaking of...I have not set a budget for the year. Rather, when it comes to beauty purchases. I have a set of rules I have been following for the past few years. These really work for me.

• I keep a must/lust list – text & images
• I wait for good swatch images and authentic reviews
• I wait for sales, coupons, Rakuten, etc.
• I wait for a need more than a want.
• “Shop” my wardrobe – I cannot tell you the number of times, a new product prompted me to review what I have. I end up pulling out and putting things back in rotation. I also have continued to edit down and remove unloved, unused and old products.

The same rules apply to my clothing and shoe wardrobes as well!

It’s my face and I love it! - I would say 2020 became the year of committed consistent skin care. The bulk of purchases I did make were primarily for skincare. Product brands I have in rotation include: the Ordinary, ELANR serum, Good Molecules, Peter Thomas Roth, Kate Somerville and Farmacy. This blend of drugstore to high end products works for me. I consider the cost sustainable and not over the top. No! You will not catch me buying a $200 eye cream or any skin care product at that cost. I apply the same rules above for skincare purchases.

Curlsmith Convert! - a.k.a.- Haircare that makes me love my curly hair!
I dumped the DevaCurl more than a year ago. Maybe even longer...hard to place in the pandemic timeline. It took me some time to select a new line to try. I was able to get trial kit of Curlsmith products early in 2020 and it was immediate love.

Homestuffs – Office/Studio/Closet:
I donated, gave away and tossed quite a bit over 2020. This in turn led me to invest in some new storage and organization shelves & drawers from IKEA for my office/studio and closet. The rule with new organization is weeding and dekraapifying first. I still have a few more file drawers I would like for my office, but I am waiting for new Ikea releases coming in April 21.

Of Interest:
The new Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation – I have one foundation formula I have used for years. - Estee Lauder Double Wear. I would like to get a sample of this new formula.

The new BECCA Light Shifter Finishing Veil Setting Powder – I really like the couple BECCA powders I have and use. I like finishes that are not matte flat but with some satin/sheen.

Okay...this is a good start to my 2021 journal. More to come. x0x0x

 

[shellygrrl]

I hope you're feeling better now!

 

[shellygrrl]

• Kosas Tinted Face Oil - 02
• Kosas Revealer Concealer - 01
• Fenty Beauty powder bronzer - Inda Sun
• Hourglass Veil Translucent Loose Setting Powder
• Bobbi Brown Downtown Cool Palette - Brunette + Cool Grey (brows), Grey (lids), Cool Brown (outer corner)
• surratt beauty Expressioniste Brow Pomade
• Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

 

[shellygrrl]

• Kosas Tinted Face Oil - 02
• Kosas Revealer Concealer - 01
• Fenty Beauty powder bronzer - Inda Sun
• Hourglass Veil Translucent Loose Setting Powder
• MAC Prep & Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base
• Makeup Geek Eyeshadow - Faux Fur (brows)
• mix of Makeup Geek Eyeshadow - Sand Dollar + ABH Eyeshadow - Buon Fresco
• Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

 

[shellygrrl]

• Kosas Tinted Face Oil - 02
• Kosas Revealer Concealer - 01
• Fenty Beauty powder bronzer - Inda Sun
• Makeup Geek Eyeshadow - Faux Fur (brows)
• ABH Eyeshadow - Warm Taupe
• Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

 

[fur4elise]

Low/No Buy 2021 Journal ~ February


Purchases:
PTR - Lunar New Year special on the Un-Wrinkle Eye cream that is a favorite of mine.

Ulta - targeted 20% off. I replenished my Curlsmith Double Quench conditioner and TIGI Showdown hairspray.

Ulta - I love how Ulta targets with coupons! They are watching you! I recently looked at the new Clinique foundation formula and the 1.0 Clarifying Toner. I added them to my favorites list. Sure enough, I got a $10 coupon specific to Clinique. So, I purchased both. It was timed to also get a 26 piece sampler bag. I gave the sampler bag to my student assistant. She was delighted!

Used Up / Disposed Of / Gave Away / Donated:

See pictures above for most recent purges - Old, unused, used up...

Gave away:
Clothing, shoes, a Dior highlighter, BECCA face palette, brand new Miss Jessie hair products (now using Curlsmith), a couple makeup brushes = Happy student assistant.

Donated 8 pairs of really nice boots (earlier in January I also donated numerous pairs of heels, sandals and sport type shoes). I recently purchased two 3-tier shoe racks and can proudly report all of my footwear is finally out of storage bins. I purchased a third rack for my office. I wear boots to/from work and change into my cute shoes. This way they are stored nicely and I have options! I now have an edited down wardrobe with shoes and boots I wear!

Used Up:
Love me some Bum Bum! - Last year's Sephora bday gift was a mini Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum set and I also got a freebie Coco Cabana cream. The Bum Bum scent grew on me and hubs loves it. It smells like being on a tropical vacation. Really nice considering there has been no travel for a year plus and we won't consider a beach vacation until 2022! My DDIL gave me a really nice set for Christmas that also included the Crush spray and bodywash. I love the bodywash and will purchase a full size bottle.

Of Interest:
The BECCA Light Shifter Finishing Veil has dropped off my list. Apparently, the pan hardens quickly from transfer of liquid foundation & concealer. Funny thing is, I wrote this before I learned BECCA is shuttering by September. Bummer!

What did land on my list is the newest Hourglass Ambient Lighting Vol. II. The shades look really nice and I read nothing but solid reviews for the quality.

Favorites :
The Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation! This was a blind buy (not able to swatch or color match ahead) and I am not mad at it. I ended up with CN90 – while defined as cool/neutral, I find it warm enough for my skin tone. It is a thinner, lightweight formula compared to the ELDW. However, it is still pigmented enough for full coverage. These days though, I am preferring medium coverage. When applied with a damp sponge (I have succumbed to the Beauty Blender), the finish is lovely, not quite matte and skin like in appearance. It is longwearing. I also love the packaging and it comes with a built in pump! E.T.A: I forgot the biggest thing! This formula does NOT oxidize, turn orange! Wow! Every other Clinique foundation oxidized on me.

Homestuffs & Healthstuffs – Home Gym
I would say in 2020 hubs and I invested the most in this area of our home.
It is our lifestyle, so it was worth building it out. And truly, health is the number one investment one should make. I say this fully acknowledging that I am blessed and super fortunate that we were able to do this. The result:

• Quality time spent together
• Less time commuting to and from the gyms
• Being able to train safely while the gyms were closed for months
• Avoiding wait lines and limited access to gyms when they reopened (We cancelled our membership in July and won’t be rejoining anytime soon..)
• After investment, we are actually saving time and money!

For Christmas I was gifted a Schwinn IC4 spin bike. Think Peloton hack! 1/3 the cost, quick delivery vs. months on back order and no costly monthly membership fee ($39). I had the free two-month Peloton app trial. Not sure if I will subscribe. It is only $12.99 per month and has programming way beyond cycling. I thought the classes I did take were good...but I also love free spinning to my music. I’d say the app is good if one gets a lull in motivation and/or want a variety of programming. You will see in one picture a chart with exercises. I also have a small white board to track my workouts. These things motivate me, make my options visual and and super easy to change things up. Burpees are still not my friend...maybe I will come to like them...lol






That’s it for February. Spring is right around the corner! I already purchased some seeds for the 2021 veggie garden. There will be lots of clean up once things steadily warm up. As always, hoping each of you is happy, healthy and doing well.
x0x0x