More empties! Including some actual makeup! Yay!

During my long absence and shopping trips I did actual use up some products.  I also tossed some that just were not working (Physician's Formula Organic Tinted Moisturizer that was too dark and smelled weird).

Here we go!

Empty #9:  Vanilla Bean Noel Body Lotion by Bath & Body Works

This was a freebie from when I went in December.  I used it a lot and really liked the scent, but after a while it started to smell like onions on me.  Kinda off putting, but I finished it up.  

Empty #10:  Goldwell Light Kiss Hairspray

This was a holiday gift from my hairdresser probably 3 years ago.  I really enjoyed this flexible hold hairspray.  I don't really like many hairsprays and this was very flexible with a fine mist.  A possible purchase, if I use up all the hairspray I have (unlikely) and need more.  

Empty #11:  Laura Mercier Full Blown Mascara Mini

This was old, and was pretty dried out when I started using it.  It worked ok, but it eventually was just doing nothing for my lashes, so I tossed it.  Lisasz09 on YouTube said that she knows a mascara is done when no color comes off and that's using a mascara up! I couldn't keep using this mascara it just wasn't working for me.  

Empty #12:  Clinique Moisture Surge

I got this maybe 2 years ago in the summer when I ran out of my Redness Relief cream.  I originally went to the Clinique counter to look at their Comfort Cream because I needed something richer than the Redness Relief.  Of course, the SA looked at me and my age and suggested this instead.  It was definitely not strong enough for me.  My mom than said that I was supposed to put this over the Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion, which I never heard before, but whatever.  This felt very nice because it was a gel constistency and absorbed quickly, but not stronger enough for me.  

Empty #13:  Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion Travel Size

This is ok, I had several of the little sizes.  I usually smear this on enough that it takes a while to sink in.  Ehh.  (Please excuse the chipped polish thumb.)

Empty #14:  Epielle Cleansing Tissues 30 Count

I got these from my dad at Christmas, he likes to shop at Big Lots and try to find stocking stuffers.  This were actually really good, they smelled nice, and they got off my makeup.  There could have been more liquid in the package because they seem dry towards the end.  

Empty #15:  Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover

Standard eye makeup remover.  Nothing special or terrible.  

Empty #15:  Philosophy Miracle Worker Eye Cream

This was a trial size that was super old.  It smelled bad and I didn't like it, so I had to force myself to use it.  

Empty #16:  Bliss Body Butter Lite in Lemon + Sage

This was super old too.  I don't like the Body Butter Lite, I prefer the regular.  I also prefer the unscented Naked to the Lemon + Sage scent.  Used it up though!

Empty #17:  Philosophy Cinnamon Buns Shower Gel Mini

Teeny 2 oz. bottle, cult classic scent.  I like Philosophy's shower gels and I liked this one.  Great scent, but not special enough for me to repurchase.  

Empty #18:  Olay Quench Active Hydration body lotion

This was probably one of the oldest things I had.  I think it was 4 years old, I got it whenever Olay Quench first came out.  I really liked Quench lotion, it definitely gave lasting moisture to my skin.  I remembered why I stopped using this one though, it leaves millions of sparkles wherever you put the lotion.  Not the best look for me.  Otherwise, this was a great body lotion, good scent, not sticky, inexpensive.  Possible repurchase of a different kind of Quench lotion.  

Empty #19:  Nars Eye Makeup Remover Trial Size

Very small 7 mL freebie when I ordered something from the Nars website.  Basic biphase eye makeup remover.  Nothing special in my opinion.  

Empty #20:  Maybelline Define a Brow

I had this in the blonde shade (or taupe), I got this for around 3 dollars marked down at Rite Aid this summer, and I LOVED it!  I am definitely repurchasing this when all my brow products are gone!  This was an excellent product, and the shade was perfect, not too dark, not too warm, just right for this blonde!  I'm really kinda sad it's gone, but this was my first actual makeup item used it!  So exciting!

Empty #21:  Urban Decay Brow Beater

I got this forever ago from HauteLook, in Blonde.  One side was a pencil and the other is wax.  I liked the wax side, but the pencil side was hard and crumbly and had sparkle in it.  Very strange.  I used it up down to a nub, but the pencil kept crumbling off.  

Wow, that was a lot of empties! 13 in fact, and yes some were really small, but I am so excited that I used up an actual makeup item and not skincare/body/hair stuff!  

I've also been doing the Shop the Stash/Face of the Week as inspired by TheRaerae1971 and TeresaNC1 from YouTube and I think that's been helping my concentrate on using certain items, and just using my makeup more in general.  It's already in the bathroom in view and I just have to slap it on and go.  

My Face of the Week right now is:  primer (one of the bazillion samples I have), Nars Sheer Glow in Siberia (yes, I'm really pale), Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer in Neutralizer (very dark circles), Mac Emote for contour, Nars Orgasm cream blush, Benefit High Beam highlighter, Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Zero for tightline, Hourglass mascara, Mac Shadestick in Penny (super old and practically new), Milani eyeshadow in Flare (dupe for Mac Coppering), MAC eyeshadows in Mythology and Blanc Type, and Mac Slimshine in Bare (also super old and I'm trying desperately to finish).  I'm also trying to use up my Mac Studio Fix Powder for touchups.  

Lastly, I realized that I have way too many primer samples.  Here is a picture to prove it:  

I have 7 sample packets and 3 deluxe size samples.  One Benefit the Porefessional, two Hourglass Cosmetics primer, MUFE HD primer, Fusion Beauty primer, Clarins, and Amazing Cosmetics.  And two deluxe sample size Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potions, and a Nars Pro Prime deluxe Sample.  Not to mention that I have a full size Palladio primer too.  I used the Benefit one today, so one down, 43897 to go!

Sorry for the super long post, but I wanted to update on my empties, my face of the week, and my plethora of primers!

I didn't drown in a sea of eyeshadow and blush! I'm back!

Hello everyone (anyone?),

I'm sorry for not posting anything.  I ended up buying makeup/bath/hair products and I was hiding in shame.  I've really just been super upset at myself, it seems like I can't go a week without buying any makeup.  Anyway, my last purchase was Feb. 3, so officially I have conquered the one week no buy! Woohoo!  My goal of no purchases in 2012 was unrealistic, which is obvious to me now.

So on Feb. 3 I ended up at Ulta because I was looking for the China Glaze Magnetix collection.  "Why was I looking for the Magnetix collection?" you ask, since I was on a no buy.  Well, I am weak.  And addicted.  Really, the more I watch TheRaerae1971 and her videos I really do think I have a problem.  (By the way, she's fabulous and honest, and I truly enjoy watching her videos.)  Ulta didn't have the magnetix collection, but they did have the Nicki Minaj minis!  So I got the mini opi polishes mainly for Fly and Pink Friday, Sally Hansen Crushed Gems in Big Money, and a Joico special deal with hairspray and K-pak reconstructor for $10.  Which wouldn't have been that bad because there wasn't makeup, but they had a Tarte special a mini blush in Dollface and mini bronzer in Park Ave Princess for $12, which is a steal, and that's how I rationalized it.

And before that I had placed an Ulta order, because they had their curling irons 20% off and there was a 20% off coupon and I wanted a curling iron (I got the purple Hot Tools one with 1 1/4 in. barrel).  But to qualify for free shipping I got a NYX slide on pencil in Purple Blaze (which I am totally disappointed in), and a mini Tarte lash primer and lights, camera, lashes mascara.  I love the Tarte primer and mascara which is great especially because I lost my full size Tarte mascara that I was using :(.

And before that I went to Sephora.  It was a my birthday and I had a gift card and I, again, am very weak.  I ended up getting travel size Bumble & Bumble Thick hair shampoo and conditioner, a Pacifica body butter and lip butter in coconut vanilla, Soap & Glory travel size Hand Food lotion, and I cashed in 500 points for a Lancome bonus.  The bonus included Genifique eye cream, mini eye Kohl in Black, mini Faux Cils lash primer, mini Hypnose Drama mascara, and good size Bi Facils eye makeup remover.

So there is my confession, I'm trying to remove my shame with makeup wipes

Day 12-4 more empties!

Hi everyone!

School is back in session (fun, fun) and I have finished a few more items.  I still have not bought anything, which is very exciting for me.  I've also been changing my nail polish everyday, which is good because I have so many nail polishes that I haven't even tried.  I recently downloaded a new app for my iPhone called ListMaster after seeing it recommended on the nail board on MUA.  It was $6.99, which made me hesitate because I typically only get the free apps or the 99 cents ones.  BUT, it's pretty amazing, you can customize your list and how it displays the information, which I find really helpful.  For nail polish it's great, because I could color code the polishes and add an image.  I just found swatches online and took a screenshot because I don't have pictures of all my polishes on my hands.  I highly recommend at least checking out the app, I've always used it for groceries and I'm in the process of putting my lip products on it.  Nail polish is easier because the qualities for each polish are more discrete and there are more accurate swatches online.

On to the empties!

Naked body butter.  I adore this.  I have two big back ups and a lemon sage body butter lite.  It is the best body lotion I have ever used, period.

And a mini body butter.

Pond's Evening Soothe Towelettes, yes there were only 5 in there, but I'm counting them anyway.  I got them in a sample bag from Target that they send out.  I really enjoyed these, the scent was nice, the towelettes were really wet and very effective at removing makeup.  They didn't remove all of my waterproof mascara, but the only thing that works for that for me at least is Purity or baby oil.  I have 3 more packs for towelettes to use up, so on to those.  :)

Finally, Suave conditioner in tropical coconut.  This is my standard conditioner to have in my shower.  I use it on days that I'm not washing my hair, because I still need conditioner on my ends.  I can also it it prior to shampooing if my hair is feeling dry.  The nice thing about using this on my second day hair is that it's light and doesn't weigh my fine straight hair down.  This is the smaller size and I have 2 more full bottles and a partially used family size one.

I made the mistake of going on Sephora's website and I saw that they're offering a Fresh duo of Supernova mascara and their Soy Cleanser for $10 and I'm resisting.  I will be strong.  I love Fresh's Supernova, it's probably my HG mascara, one of the few that I have repurchased and I like the mini size because it doesn't go bad at all.  I must resist.  I'm also lemming the original Naked palette hard, but I have Naked 2 and ELF 100 palette (which I absolutely love by the way), so I know I can recreate any Naked palette looks, but it's so PRETTY!  But I will remain strong.

My birthday is soon and I know my mom got me a Laura Geller set from QVC that I'm excited to try.  I've never tried her brand, but hearing emilynoel83 talk about it sold me on it.  Emily (beautybroadcast.net) has talked about her baked products for a while, so I think I'll like them.  Also, my mom signed me up for the year of QVC Beauty Test Tube, which is like Birchbox, but is from QVC.  It's about $30 with shipping and it comes 4 times a year.  I don't count this as buying, because they are gifts from my mom for my birthday.  My mom will also probably try out the products as well.  I was really excited for the first one because it includes a full size Mally mascara, which is also recommended by EmilyNoel83.  It also included a First Aid lotion, which I am also excited to try.

I am HOPING that a can finish a real cosmetic, like foundation, powder, lip gloss, eyeshadow, mascara, anything!  This is taking forever!  I realize it's only been 12 days, but it feels like forever.  I need to do this, I need to succeed at this.  When I get frustrated or sad or angry, I turn to makeup and products to make me feel better.  In my opinion, I cannot allow myself to use this coping mechanism anymore, because I need to deal with my emotions and problems instead of covering them with lip gloss.  This got a little deep, but I wanted to tell you that makeup is a real problem for me, that's why I'm being so harsh with myself.  This also explains why 12 days (including a horrific holiday season and last semester grades coming out) were so hard for me.  I was so tempted to walk down to Sephora or MAC and soothe myself by looking at neat rows of tubes and bottles giving promises of a beautiful life.

Alright, I'm off my soapbox and off to bed, as I have class early tomorrow.

Day Six and 4 empty bottles!

Hi everyone!

It's day six of 2012 and I am still going strong on my no buy.  I may sound melodramatic, but six days without buying makeup when I have a Sephora gift card is pretty darn good for me.

I've used up two shower gels and two body creams in the past week or so.  I have a lot of half started shower gels, so don't think that I literally emptied both of these in a week.  I tend to have several open and in the shower, however, I always have a Philosophy Pure Grace Shower Cream on hand (I love the scent and it's very moisturizing).  The body creams were both almost empty.

First, an Avon shower gel in grapefruit and mint that I really liked.  I got this in the summer and the scent is definitely more a summer scent or post workout/sun exposure.  The scent was invigorating, the Avon shower gels are cheap, they aren't huge (which I like when trying new scents), and they don't irritate my skin.  Don't mind the unpolished thumbnail.

My second used up shower gel is Philosophy Happy Birthday one that was the Sephora birthday gift last year.  My birthday is in less than 2 weeks, so that's how long it took me to use up this one!  FYI, the birthday gift this year is a mini duo of Fresh rose lip treatment and the clear one, I believe.  I got my postcard, so I'm thinking I might stop by Sephora to pick it up, I don't believe that you have to purchase anything to get it if you go in store.  This doesn't count to me because I said that I would not purchase any makeup, and I'm not making a purchase (at least that's my theory).  Sorry for the shaky picture.  Again, don't mind the unpolished thumbnail.

That's what I've used up so far.  Both good products, I may repurchase the grapefruit and mint shower gel if I (ever) run out of other shower gel.

My philosophy melting marshmallow body cream is from one of their holiday gift sets from last year (again, it took me a year to use it).  It really smelled more like hot chocolate and not marshmallow.  I loved the lip shine from this set, but I misplaced it.

Other body cream that I used up was Cozy Autumn Vanilla from Bath & Body Works.  I love this body cream and scent which is amazing considering I bought it unsniffed from the website during the fall.  Great scent for the fall and the triple body cream keeps my super dry skin comfortable.

Random thought of the day:  I've been wearing Chanel Black Pearl that I got in a swap a while ago for the past three days and I'm underwhelmed.  It just looks charcoal on me and it chipped after a day (with base and top coat).  Bummer.

2012-A New Year

Happy New Year everyone!

It is 2012, which means that I officially am banned from buying ANY makeup, any skincare, any body products, or hair care.  No exceptions, until I run out of body lotion or face lotion.  This sucks.  Really, it does.  I almost broke this on the 1st.  Yea I almost didn't last a day.  I had a fight with my brother and I was angry and wanted to escape and think about eyeshadow.  But I held strong!

Today I had some extra time, so I went though my 2011 credit card bills and online accounts and totaled my makeup/beauty/hair costs for the year.  Yes, this was necessary.  I needed to show myself that this was unsustainable spending.  I will be honest with you guys it was over $6000.  Which is insane because I'm a student (I did have a part time job which recently ended).  Now, the actual costs may be lower because any CVS purchase I counted as makeup even though I may have gotten a soda and tylenol or something, but most of the time when I went to CVS I probably bought at least one item of makeup or nail polish.

Damn, $6000 on stuff that I smear on my face and it eventually goes down the drain.  I could have gone on an awesome vacation somewhere warm and beautiful.  This is a really crappy feeling.  I am very disappointed in myself, but I know that I will do better.  Hey, it's January 3rd and I haven't bought anything for 3 days!  Small victories I know.

I think the hardest part for me will be limited edition collections because of all the hype.  My new mantra will be "There will be another collection.  There will be another amazing lipstick.  There will be another magical foundation." Another step for me will be unsubscribing from MAC emails, tarte, sephora, philosophy, sigma, cherry culture, etc.

From those who have gone before me, I know that I need to organize my stash and I want to create a Google spreadsheet with everything listed.  Or perhaps using Listmaster on my iPhone, but it's $6.99.  I haven't decided if I want to pay for it or not.  Any thoughts on that?

I know Venessa (sp?) from venessaesquer29 on YouTube is doing a 2012 no buy and I would love to hear from others who are doing this or a project 10 pan, use it up, etc.  I also am following TheRaerae1971 and TeresaNC1 on YouTube.  I can use any support I can get :)

Quick Intro-A Year Without Buying Makeup

There are two reasons that I need to do this project.  The first one makes me sound like a good person, but the second one does all the heavy lifting.  I'm hoping the combination about a heady motivation with a grounded reason will help me persevere.

First, I am really 'over' consumerism.  Perhaps it was the insane Black Friday melding into Thanksgiving that did it this year.  I am amazed at how I spend my time.  I spend 70% of my recreational free time thinking about makeup currently and that's not ok with me.  In other words I'm disappointed in myself.  Not for being 'shallow' because I don't think that thinking about makeup makes me shallow, its because I have so many other interests that I completely ignore.  I also believe that I have a slightly addictive personality, which I would like to curb as much as possible.

Second (and real reason), I'm a student that is ending her part time job because I simply do not have enough time outside of school.  In losing that additional cash, I will have to stick to a 'real' budget.  I have an apartment, utilities, and some (comparatively minor) tuition fees.  I cannot keep buying makeup like I am currently.

I spent a boatload of money this holiday season, more than I care to admit to myself, let alone anyone else who is out there.  First there was Sephora's Friends & Family, then the VIB sale, then the VIB gift card sale.  And there were many other Friends & Family sales in addition to some MAC purchases.

Onto the challenge then!  My challenge to myself and to anyone who reads this is no makeup purchases for me in 2012.  (If the world does come to the end, I don't want my last thoughts to be about lip gloss.)

Rules:
1.  No makeup purchases for me.  That's really it, no exceptions, nothing for 'limited edition' magical eyeshadows or anything else.  I can purchase makeup for a gift (for someone else).
2.  No bath and body or skincare items or hair care items until a use up a significant portion of what I currently use.  Significant to me means about 70% of what I own, but I'm hoping to use up more.

I was searching for support through YouTube and MakeupAlley and found some support, but I wanted to be held accountable for my promises.  I am hoping that you, the reader, will help me do this.  Please leave comments, suggestions, constructive criticism, and thank you for reading.

Disclaimer:  I have several packages that are currently being mailed to me.  I also want to check out the CVS clearance at some point before January 1.  If I'm feeling weak, I may also place an ELF order before January 1.  I want to evaluate my collection before I do that, but that will have to wait until after finals.