Originally Posted by
princess2010 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Quote: Originally Posted by
jrenee /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I think I need to start posting on no-buy.
Here's my story. Last November, my beauty collection consisted of: one MAC foundation (half used from high school, 10 years ago), a dozen black eyeliners (collected from all the times I ran to the drugstore to buy eyeliner b/c I didn't carry one in my purse), mascara that was a year old, three random eyeshadow/blush compacts from L'Oreal and Lancome, and 2 bottles of nail polish.
Then, for some reason, I became obsessed with makeup and beauty box subscriptions. It started with becoming VIB on Sephora and their free samples, getting limited edition Josie Maran and Tarte sets. Then I discovered Julep, Birchbox, and Glossybox.
Instead of taking photos of my makeup stash, I thought I'd share my google spreadsheet of my haul (note, it does not include nail polish or fragrances). It may not be much compared to others, but I've spent so much $$$$ since November, it's crazy for me since I used to be a beauty minimalist. AND it's becoming a problem- since June, I've spent anywhere between $50-100 a week on beauty products (seriously, WHO NEEDS NINE FACE CLEANSERS or 30 COLORS OF NAIL POLISH?!)
The good news is that I tend to have two crazy 'Jenna goes wild" makeup buying binges every year. November-December, and now June-July. I just get really screwed with how I spend money in those timeframes.
And thank goodness for MUT. I actually feel normal to go through a product obsessions, and to splurge once in a while. But MUT also has space to encourage folks to share the moment when they 'hit the pan' or their goals for no-buys.
Here are my goals:
- Since I have a pre-paid sub, no more splurging on Glossybox Limited Edition boxes (except, of course, the Martha Stewart box that I already bought).
- No more face palettes unless I finish the two Lancome palettes from 2008. (And I really want to try Urban Decay palettes, so I gotta make this happen!)
- Unless I find some alternative use for them, no more facial cleansers. PERIOD.
- When I have an urge to buy, trade on MUT first.
- If you don't like it, RETURN IT - don't hoard it. And don't be afraid to.
- There's only room in your life for 1 nail box sub. Either Bondi or Julep - choose one.
- Think about how much you'd rather enjoy going out to dinner with friends instead of spurging $50 on Sephora for more things that you probably don't need.
- Get another job to support my beauty box addiction. ;-D
I'm jumping in because I have way too much as well. I think you set some good and realistic goals!
I've always loved beauty products but lately my hoard is out of control! I have many, many, many backups for every makeup item so I need to stop buying. I'm already no buy for lipcolor for the rest of the year which hasn't been too hard. I'm sure I'll slip up but it's better than the current path I'm on!
I will keep my subs which are Starbox and GB. Other than that I'm going to try to be low-buy no buy for makeup. I probably should with skincare as well, but baby steps!
Aww, thanks! This list and goals came out of some very real intervention from my friends (most of them who started me down this crazy product-path). I was in denial for a while- I justified splurging all this time because I the last time I did this was in 2008 for a Lancome set that I'm still apparently having problems finishing!
Some things that has helped me set myself on a better path:
- It's gotten to the point where checking Sephora, Beauty.com, and MUT are part of my regular daily routines. I can only check Sephora once a week to limit temptation.
- Joining the MUT trading community helps get rid of some of the stash that may become hoarding for products you actually need (I actually need more hair care products, masks, and body wash, which I'm totes getting from the trades). I have a hatred for foil products, so I am happy to include my foil samples in any trade I send out so I can get rid of more things I won't use immediately.
- Create an inventory of what you already have, and when you got it. I put dates of when I purchased/opened the products because every product has a shelf life and are only good until 18-24 months after opened (except the face palettes - I am determined to finish this my 2008 Lancome set).
- I look at my inventory anytime I'm tempted to buy something new. It helps me say to myself, "oh wow, I have 9 facial cleansers, maybe I don't need that skin care set!"
- I think I make my goals reasonable because it comes from a place where it's okay for me to buy things, as long as I don't own something similar already.