Do you keep track of what you own?
To a degree, yes, since I have a digital record of everything I review and so I do periodic inventory to have a general idea of the total value.
— Christine
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HA – I do but not very well! Finding it is another story, however! Two days ago, while cleaning out a desk drawer, I found a MUFE mini lipstick that I thought I’d lost. I bought a full size when when I couldn’t find it because sort of liked the shade but had I not misplaced my mini, I’d have been happy with that because it’s not a colour I’m crazy about. I find that using the “Vanity” feature here at Temptalia and also using my own reviews at Makeupalley really helps me remember if I have a certain product or not.
From a money standpoint, no. I’m afraid to know how much money I’ve spent on makeup! From an organizational standpoint, I have a spreadsheet of lipsticks, so I can sort them different ways, color range being the most useful. The rest of my makeup is arranged in lucite organizers and glass jars so I can see everything easily. I have a drawer where I put makeup and brushes that have disappointed me, and that’s the only part that I really lose track of.
Oh, I wasn’t even thinking of the money standpoint. I don’t think I want to know, to be honest (and I know that sounds silly but I really don’t spend more than I can afford but still…I spend a lot).
Yes, though it’s not a complete record — I don’t keep track of base products (powder, foundation, concealer) because I have so few that the entirety of my stash is obvious. Color products, though … I created a spreadsheet to track those. I started with lipsticks; I listed every colored lip product I own in it, and I’m wearing each one and entering my impressions of color, texture, finish, etc. I wear each only once, put it in a storage area with other tested lippies, and keep moving forward. I’m not going to repeat a lip product until I’ve tried each one I own once and made comments about them.
Eventually (sooner rather than later) I’ll be doing the same thing with blushes, eyeshadows, etc., and I’ll switch to multiple products per day of testing (e.g. a blush and an eyeliner, or a highlighter and eyeshadow) and continue until I’ve tested every color product in my stash. Ultimately, I want to compare products to each other based on my notes and possibly destash the ones that don’t makes sense to keep based on my thoughts about them, and as compared to other very similar items.
It’s a slow process, but one I’ve been working at fairly consistently since February. I like it, actually. It’s reminding me of things I bought and liked but haven’t really used. When my notes are complete, I can search by “red” or “purple” in the morning based on my mood and find just the product I’m in the mood for. Looking forward to it!
I have all of my makeup in two units of lucite drawers on top of my vanity. My objective with makeup is to use everything I have. If I don’t like something, it gets passed on to my sister or my nieces. I also pass on products that get replaced by products I prefer more. Any liquids or creams that are outdated get tossed. The only tracking method I use is the vanity here. I keeps me from purchasing dupes which I consider a waste of money.
Not perfectly, but I do. Mostly a mental inventory due to having a photographic memory. This is then helped a great deal by using the “My Vanity” feature on Temptalia to record my purchases in a far more concrete fashion. However, I do not have any written list that I keep, ie; Excel spreadsheet. I really *should*.
I collect nail polish more than makeup, but yes I have an app on my phone where I can catalog what I have along with photo swatches. It’s helped me more than once to avoid buying duplicates by accident! I also track what I wear because I’m really at the point where I’m not buying anything new so I want to use what I’ve got. And now I feel weird about admitting all of this, LOL!
What app do you use on your phone?
I do! I have too much stuff and I keep track of expire date and also I plan a rotartion to use up every thing
In addition to My Vanity feature, I also have a pretty 3 x 4 inch booklet that I keep. The booklet started when I couldn’t get a good signal on my cell phone while shopping and was unable to access My Vanity. The booklet is by brand, then product type such as eyeshadow or lipstick. It just helps to keep me from repurchasing something I already have. I like the idea of keeping an Excel spreadsheet with my own impressions. I may work on that when I have more time. Right now my husband is recovering from his motorcycle accident with multiple broken bones and my mother who has advanced dementia is in hospital and will move into a nursing home soon…..
Also, I agree with others, I don’t what to know how much money I’ve spent. I cringe to think.
I’m sorry about your husband and mom. Wishing your hubby a speedy recover. I hope the move to nursing home goes well for your mom.
Thanks Rachel. August has been a rough month.
Same here, may the Holy Spirit comfort you and your family during this very difficult time.
As for the amount, I just close my eyes and pray to bless others with free makeup or makeovers (though I know that doesn’t justify the amount I’ve invested in my collection.) See, doesn’t it sound better to say “invested” and “collection”. ROFL
In a word, no – not really. I have a fair idea of palettes and lipsticks, which are the products I have in multiples.
While I don’t keep an inventory of ALL of my makeup, I DO have a spreadsheet where I list all of my lipsticks, lip stains and glosses. It’s a great way to keep track of anything that goes missing and because I also include a column for the color of the lippie, I can more easily spot dupes when I’m looking to buy something new.
You inspire me on the lip tracking!
Yes, although it is stressful.,,
Not necessarily really but I’m also at a point where I’m blessed with all the shades I’d want! Mostly drugstore but I’m thrilled with them do like all I have pretty much. Love that idea of having a preadsheet as a seriously need to think of the next ‘unnecessary but curiosity killed this cat purchase!’ Lol!
Yes. I keep most of it in my head, plus I have my stash organized to easily see what I own. If I buy or already owned something you reviewed, I mark it on my Temptalia vanity feature, too.
I don’t have a list or spread sheet written out, but I do know all of the makeup i own and where it is. When you spend and own as much as I do its wise to keep track lol
Not really “track”, more like I know (visually) what I have and thankfully to you vanity feature, I’ve a better tracking of my eye palettes at the very least. Lipstick, nope, but again, I have a photographic-type memory, so I tend to know colors that I have or rather, what I don’t have.
Yes! I am using a Sortly database. It has saved me so many times from buying things I already have. I use the “warranty expiration” field to put in expiration dates for my skincare and set reminders so that I can use it up before it goes bad. It was originally set up for IT lifecycle, but it works well for beauty products.