I’m not mostly because it’s ridiculously difficult for me to finish a typical product (outside of basics, like foundation), and what I have learned about the industry and myself is that no matter how much I love a particular shade, there are enough options and other products I love that I can just move on when I need to.
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YES!!! This is something from my past, though. Nowadays, I have so much makeup that I wish I could use something up!
On second thought, I am currently doing this with a limited edition mini matte version of MAC’s Flat Out Fabulous, which is so much nicer than the permanent Retro Matte version. It was part of the 2017 holiday set, and I never use it because I can’t replace it if it runs out.
A things, yes….the last of MAC Jardin Aires pigment (I’ve only a bitty bit left), Lise Watier Sortilege eyeshadow (I’m sure there are dupes but as it’s not something here on Temptalia, I’m a bit adrift trying to find them though it’s the sort of eyeshadow I buy all the time – that green/bronze/brown shade), an Hourglass e/s duo (long discontinued), ditto Nars Kalahari (Sephora no longer stocks it and it’s among my more used eyeshadows), 2 MAC lippies (Red Dwarf and Red Necessity) and, finally, Guerlain Cruel Gardenia highlighter/luminizer. I’m sure that in terms of “effect” it’s not unique but it’s SO pretty in the pan! I could probably go on and on but that would really betray my makeup “sickness”.
Ooops, that first line should have read “A few things….” (though in reality and looking even at my abbreviated list, it probably should say “A LOT of things…”
The Lise Waier Sortilege eyeshadow looks very much like the Clarins Cream eyeshadows in Silver Plum or Silver Ivory. The brand also has a mattish one in Silver grey too. They are fairly similar to the Lise Watier one you treasure.
I’m actually thrilled when I use something up! I spend so much on makeup that it’s nice to see when I’m getting my moneys worth instead of just letting things sit and collect dust.
Yes, but I’m trying to break the habit. I just have to keep reminding myself that I bought these products to use them, and they’re doing no good to me just sitting on my vanity if they’re not being used.
Although sometimes I’m more afraid to use LE/discontinued makeup items, or skincare products that are hard to get in Canada (I’m looking at you, Dr. Jart) because I’m afraid that if I use them up then I won’t be able to repurchase for a while.
LE/discontinued products I’m afraid of using up: Becca x Chrissy palette (specifically beach nectar), bare minerals be beautiful palette, tarte park ave princess lipstick, tarte celebrate blush
Hard to get products I’m afraid of using up: Dr Jart cicapair balm and serum
I definitely used to, and I’m still a little cautious with my absolute favourite limited edition products but mostly I’ll just use something. I hardly ever actually use something up, so there is no real reason to worry anyway. I would much rather something run out than go bad.
I have quite a few discontinued Chanel nail polishes that I use sparingly, but I do use them. Same with my Rescue Beauty Lounge polishes. I mostly wear them for special occasions and I’ll miss them when they’re gone but I do intend to wear them.
Chanel polishes are truly unique. There was an olive green I never was able to locate and I still long for Vendetta. But by the time I realize a color is HG for me, it usually is gone.
I used to be, but then I realized how long it really took for me to finish a product and I became less afraid.
Same by me, Celesta. Products seem to last forever by me (even deluxe samples). I also find that by the time I am done using a certain product I have either gotten over that product and am excited to use other products, or I am hardcore in love with the finished product and will re-purchase.
Yep, guilty. Just one thing — a blush that’s been discontinued that had been perfect for me for which I haven’t yet found a replacement. So I use it for ‘special occasions’ — a day I know will be hard so I want to have the confidence boost of best looks; a night out or other occasion; etc.
Otherwise, no, not really.
I used to be like that. But then I realized ,with help of your dupe lists, that I can always find something close. And I’m pretty sure I’ve never used anything up aside from setting powder, foundation, and concealer.
I currently have 5 back-ups of the lipstick “Broken” by Urban Decay…would appreciate some legitimate dupes! (specifically, love the sheer texture). It’s the shade of my bottom lip and my top lip is pigmented (top lip is the color of like MAC’s Creme in Your Coffee), so I’m sad UD discontinued my holy grail!
Any great dupes anyone?
Not really. I don’t believe in buying makeup I’m never going to use. If I bought I use it and makeup takes so long to use anyway. However I dropped my MAC Vex and there was a sliver of it left. I went and repurchased it right away bc I was afraid it would be one of those shades MAC would discontinue without notice!
Yes – my MAC Guo Pei Red Water Lily blush, because I don’t want to ruin the design on the blush, even though the water lily design is on the packaging too! I use the Clinique dupe (Berry Pop) for it instead.
This is the biggest reason I don’t use some products. I love a good embossing and really, really hate messing it up. I have a couple of Chantacaille products that I love the embossing but also want to use so I find myself using product from the areas where the embossing is not damaged by the brush or around the outside ring. A lot of work just to preserve the embossing. I usually manage to force myself but it is really hard. I think if I was independently wealthy I would buy two of the embossed products and keep pristine while using the other!! Stupid reason for not using a product, I am sure, but I am unapologetic!
I was that way when I first got into makeup, but then I realized how long it takes to use up product, so now I actively try to pan items rather than keep buying new stuff.
No. It’s rare any more for me to finish a color product. As you said, there are so many dupes on the market now, it’s usually easy to find something similar or better.
If there are truly no dupes, I still use it. What is the point in having something you love and not using it? What a waste.
Only very rarely. Case in point; having only found out a week or so ago that MAC got rid of their Ultimate lipstick line, I’m tempted to now keep my tube of Marque in the fridge in a baggie, because I cannot get a new tube to replace it. Also, I’m nervous about using up my Chanel Empriente du Desert quad, too.
For the rest of my stash, no, I’m not. There’s probably a few lifetimes worth of stuff to use up, TBH. I worry much more about stuff turning, especially lipsticks and glosses.
Oh gosh, yes, Empreinte du desert is one I also dread finishing (or losing) but in all honesty, I’m much closer to hitting pan on the shades from Tisse Rivoli and even though that one is permanent (or was – hope it’s still around), there is no longer a Chanel counter anywhere near me so replacing it will be a challenge (though my Shoppers sales lady said I can order it in-store and it will be delivered to me no charge AND I’d get my bonus points as well….she should have also emitted an evil, cackling laugh as this has opened up a whole new window of makeup insanity for me)
Oh nooo Marque has been on my wishlist forever, but I never got around to picking it up
I just looked at the dupes for it, and it looks like the closest ones are all limited edition or expensive ugh lol
No, I go through things very slowly and I am trying to reduce my collection. Any time I finish a product I am very pleased with myself! One less thing I own!
I gave a rather detailed rationalization of why I try not to use my embossed products, down below but there are a couple of lipsticks that I avoid using except for special occasions because I can’t replace them. Overall, given the amount of makeup I have and that many of the products are LE, I think I pretty much use everything. I think a factor in holding products that I know I can’t replace was one incident in particular and that was using the last of a beloved Chanel lipstick, Midnight Rose. I remember it in my minds eye and have never found a shade that dupes it even closely but I am pretty sure it has been duped and I am just remembering it better and more unique than it was. I have to fight the panic of a similar fate whenever I fall madly in love with a colour or product.
When I decided to switch to cruelty free products, I did start to hoard my Chanel mascara and Benefit PoreFessional primer because I knew I would not be replacing them. It did give me time to experiment with new products, though.
I’ve kept one lipstick forever (don’t ask or I’ll be reported to the health dept) but I haven’t worn it since it became a quarter inch nub. I use it now to guide color mixes in a vain attempt at replicating it’s beautiful, never again seen lavender/pink/gold shimmer of slightly sheer perfection. … which was even better with a tan and summer hair….. oh yeah, and being 30 years younger…..:)
Quick answer, no.
However, I remember being chintzy with certain perfumes when I was in my 20s.
No. Use it and enjoy it—that’s my motto. You know the expression “There are plenty of fish in the sea”? Although the fish refers to people, it could just as easily refer to cosmetics. There are so many wonderful products out there and there are new ones constantly coming out. So, go ahead and use them up! There are plenty of other loves waiting for you to discover them.
Not afraid at all, cause I know that this product steered my to the right direction and now I have an exuse to srart looking for a replacement.
The only thing that bothers me is that if I like the packaging a lot, I get anxious at the prospect of having it empty. That said, it does not happen often and I have enough time to get over any packaging and move on to newer things.
Have to add this, however. There is one thing that I stopped using altogether for the keepsake, which is MAC Jolly Good Duo from the Ozbournes collection years ago. This one serves to remind me of the perferct conturing shade and…. of how obsessed I was about this collection and how badly I was afraid to miss it in our store :)))))
No, I am never afraid to use anything out of fear I will finish it because, thanks to this blog, there are always lots and lots of dupes. And besides, I have enough makeup to last several lifetimes!
No … I’m not a collector by nature. And I’ve honestly never fallen so in thrall with a product that I couldn’t bear to use it up. I’d be sad to waste anything I have by accidentally losing or breaking it, but if I made an honest effort and used it up, I’d consider that a cause for celebration.
CHANEL Malice nail polish, Tom Ford Fleur de Chine parfum and I wish I had used more Victoria Beckham’s Eye Foil Blonde Gold pot, because it dried out within 5 months, even tightly closed, protected in a wooden box, away from air, humidity and heat