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Have you ever gone on a no-buy?
Have you ever gone on a no-buy?
A no-buy is when you cease buying all beauty products (some exceptions might be stipulated, e.g. replacing your moisturizer if you finish it, etc.) or something more conditional–like “no-buy on pink lipsticks” until you’ve finished X of them. If so, were you successful? What helped you stay on the right path? What did you do when temptation struck?
I, obviously, have not done one, and this blog would be pretty boring if I ever did go on one, but here are my tips:
- Mix and match to create something new: if you see a new shade that is driving you mad, try using existing products to custom mix the shade. If it’s a pretty pink with a hint of plum, try mixing a pink lipstick and layering a plum gloss or pat of plum eyeshadow on top.
- Avoid temptation: Nordstrom’s shoe section always gets me, so I try to avoid walking by it when I know I shouldn’t be looking at them. This might mean avoiding your favorite haunts, be them counters, stores, or even blogs and the like.
- Make a wish list for the future: consider tracking items that have caught your eye by creating a wish list for whenever your no-buy ends–you might find you’re totally over them by that time!
- Be clear and realistic: when you start your no-buy, try to give yourself some clear rules but make it realistic. Don’t forget that there are basics/staples–see how low you’re running–because it’ll feel better knowing you didn’t have to break any rules at the end, which is why it can make more sense to make it a conditional no-buy sometimes.
- Pull out products you haven’t used in awhile: we all have our favorites, go-tos, and often push new products to the forefront, but there are a lot of old favorites we forget about that are easy to fall in love with all over again.
I actually just finished Project 20 Pan and I did Project 10 Pan last year.
It was hard at first, especially since all the best collects seem to launch when you’re trying to avoid temptation. I found that when you actually take a look at things (and how much you already have), it’s nothing more than overcoming a mindset.
Felt kind of liberating actually. :]
I’ve never gone on a no-buy, but I have severely cut back what I do buy. I just always try to be aware of how much I’m spending and how much money I have to spend. I would probably go crazy if I couldn’t buy ANYTHING.
I have like no self control, I’ve tried no-buys before and failed. Now I just try to pace myself and use my wishlist app on my phone to keep track of what I want. I am trying to only go into “need it mode” if it’s LE or something.
I don’t think I’ve ever done a strict no buy. But I’ve found myself thinking I have way too much stuff and I need to cut it out. It ends up motivating me not to purchase. But I haven’t created a no buying law, since this way has been working for me thus far.
I am currently on a no-buy right now. I was starting to become a makeup hoarder, and there’s really no point of buying if I never finish any of my products.
I am currently on a no-buy, while I try to store away some of my savings from the beginning of summer payment. I do make some exceptions (ie., purchasing a long wished for item when in an area to purchase it), but have stuck to it mostly. I use wishlists, as well as extensive product research, and comparison to currently owned items, to cut down that list as well.
So far so good!
And by summer payment, I mean summer employment, Hahah!
I am on a no buy body washes and lotions!! How many can one person have?! Seriously… lol:)
Same here! I think everyone and their mother decided that they would be a good gift for me.. lol Christmas, birthday, etc. It’ll take me 2 years to finish them all. 😛
I’m on a no buy right now! I set realistic goals, like I can only buy 5 nail polishes until 2012, no bronzers until I finish one, no hair procuts until I finish three etc!
I like the idea of finishing a certain number of products before buying new ones.
I’m on a no buy right now because I feel like I’ve got plenty of stuff and I better start using some of it before it goes bad! Plus, I’m trying to save for a vacation and for clothes because somehow when MAC brings out those limited edition collections, I forget all about that bra I need. I’m making an exception for the Blogger’s Obsession collection but other than that I am not letting myself buy makeup (except for mascara/foundation/concealer/staples) or nail polish (except for remover/base/top coat) until the end of the summer.
Your bra comment really hit home for me. I’ve allowed parts of my wardrobe to get ratty and avoided buying things I really need (undergarments, hosiery, even shoes!) in order to get more palettes, e/s, lipsticks, etc., than any person could conceivably need. I’ve been addressing this lately; I realize that I was looking less professional at work than I want to, and short changing my overall self-esteem too.
I’ve done that too. This and last month I have not bought any makeup and instead put that money into some clothes, shoes & bras that I really needed. I’m also getting my hair done. I started realizing that having perfect eye makeup but an ill-fitting bra and scrappy clothes or hair doesn’t make sense.
This exact thing! Oh my gosh! And I am built like the front of a ship..
I’ve been on a no buy for a while. I’m an artist and with people scaling back I’m feeling the bite. I do what I can and spend frugally when I do need something. I do have a wish list. I will say I need to break it for the eyeshadow you created because it is AMAZING!
I try to be careful now with what I buy, considering if I have anything similar already, if i’m really going to use it, etc.
My biggest vice is the CCO. I use a few Lauder and Origins skincare items so I have to go every 2 months or so. I don’t like buying skincare backups because my skin is always changing and what works today might not work tomorrow and those product are still expensive, even there. I always end up with some Mac when I go, it’s such a bargain and they always have great stuff. I really cannot resist discounted cosmetics.
I tried a project 10 pan in January and failed. I’m on a no-buy for eyeliners right now, been going on since March so I think I’m in good shape, I am going to try to keep this up until the end of the year at least, let’s all cross our fingers 🙂
I have a current “Do-Not-Buy” list that consists of items (even types of clothing) that I have far too many of! My current limitations for makeup and beauty products are: no more eyeshadows/palettes apart from the 6 pots remaining in my MAC 15-shadow palette, no more eyeliner, no more lip products, and no more body stuff (lotions, soaps/body washes, or sprays). I go so far as to keep the list on my Blackberry under notes, and I make sure to read over it before I go anywhere near a shopping center!
Another thing that helped me discover which products I should hold off buying was compiling a makeup collection list! It was 4 pages long in size 12 font…It really made me realize how much I already have and that, in all honesty, I don’t need to buy any more at all!
WOW! This post is VERY appropriate to my current situation!
Some days ago I stopped buying ANY beauty products (only I’ve replaced the moisturizer, the cleanser and the mattifying powder).
I do some of the “rules” you mentioned: I avoid temptations (no MAC counter visiting…), recover “abandoned” products, make a future-wishlist and BE REALISTIC(I tell myself I have everything I need -so true, so there’s no point on buying anything new).
So encouraging this post! Thank you =) =)
No, but Im still trying to! lol. Every time I try to, I look on your website and find something I have to have, Its your fault Christine! 😉 lol jk
I recently finished a two month no buy and it was good for the soul. It made me rethink how I buy my beauty stuff and what I review.
No I’ve never been on a no buy will power to if I like it I buy it
I’ve been on a lip gloss no-buy for about 8 months now (balm is still a staple for moisture of course). I’m working on eyeshadow next, with the exception of your lovely upcoming green one. Nail polish is my major weakness. I throw one into the basket last minute almost every time I go shopping.
I’m on a no-buy for the next 3 months, with the exception that if I run out of a staple skin care product I can repurchase (cleanser, toner, and moisturizer).
I really don’t need a no-buy because I don’t buy a lot of makeup. It’s more like I end up collecting shades I really like over the years. I probably purchase higher end eyeshadows once or twice a year, and I’ve never spent over $80 at once on high end makeup (and that $80 included a $50 gift card I got at christmas). I’m kind of cheap actually 😛 And I have like NO impulse; I think about everything forever before I buy.
Good for you! I’ve also tried to find what works for me (golds, greens, purples, etc.) and it help a lot when I can’t justify splurging on a trendy palette for funsies. I feel like once you understand a few different combinations for day and evening, you can use variations of darker or lighter colors in that range regardless of the season. I never pay attention to “seasonal” makeup. I mean, I’m the lily-palest person I’ve ever known (except for one albino kid I was friends with, and our skin was literally the same shade. Proud to be Irish! lol), and I refuse to tan because I don’t find it more attractive and I hate the feel of it and the worry of all that, so why would I buy bronzer just because it’s Summer? I never got that, ever. It would just make my natural skin look dirty, really, if I changed makeup seasonally.
Hey, thumbs up for not frying yourself in the sun! I’m from Finland where people are pretty pale most of the year, and I personally like the pale-white porcelain skin very much. It’s so nice to hear someone appreciating their own skin colour and not frying or self-tanning themselves! 🙂
My old boss told me i was pale one day and I told him, “I’m not pale, I’m Porcelain!!”
Ha Ha! Porcelain girls unite!
I’m doing it right now 🙂 So far it’s going fine, i’m excited! i usually have no self control lol
I just started a ‘no buy’ for the month of June. I’m also going to log my eyeshadows (my weakness) so I’ll know how many of each color I have.
Nope. I don’t think I buy enough to necessitate a no-buy. (If I had enough money for that, I might, though…)
I’m like that right now with Bath & Body Works. I have WAY too much stuff from there. However, I just found out today that they’re discontinuing Butterfly Flower, one of my favorites, so I snatched some up. 🙁
I have been on a no-buy for makeup for a year now, except for when I need to replace my foundation or concealer. I went crazy in the last few years and wanted all the eyeshadows and blushes from MAC. I completed the e/s and realized that I would never use all of them! So I’ve been slowly getting rid of my pigments, shadows, blushes, and pencils…
I’m on a no-buy right now. I’m keeping a list of rules and a wish list (mostly brushes or lipsticks) for the future. I’m allowed to replace skin care, foundation, and mascara once I have used them up. But under no circumstances do I need anymore blushes or eyeshadows or lip glosses! I have plenty for one person and haven’t hit pan on anything.
I’m going to try to be strict with myself until the Chanel Fall 2011 collection comes out! LOL.
I definitely don’t have enough products to do a no-buy thing. I can literally list my entire collection here: Read if you’re interested haha!
2 liquid foundations, 1 tinted moisturizer
1 powder foundation, 1 loose setting powder
1 liquid concealer, 1 cream concealer
2 powder bronzers
1 contour powder
1 cream eyeshadow (for eyebrows)
1 eyebrow pencil
1 powder highlighter
1 giant NYX Palette (that I never use), 1 UD Naked Palette (which I just love looking at. I know, I’m crazy right?)
And that’s it!! Hahaha, as a guy I don’t require any lipsticks, lipglosses, eyeshadows, blushes, eyeliners, mascaras… all the stuff that most of you girls have a ton of different shades and varieties, since you can really change up any look with products in these categories. Anytime I run out of a product, I just get a replacement.
I’ve never officially gone on a no-buy. However, I do try to swap for things that I want to try out and I do try to keep my stash at a ‘reasonable’ (lol) size. If I go out and ‘accidentally’ splurge on a major haul, then I always try to go through my stash soon after and weed out the products that I haven’t been using and put them up for sale or swap. Sometimes it can be hard to let things go, but thats the price I make myself pay for aquiring more 🙂
I am doing this right now! Thank you for the tips.
“What did you do when temptation struck?” Don’t you mean “What did you do when TEMPTALIA struck?” LOL! You and your swatches can knock me off any no buy. What can I say? I am weak. 🙂
I don’t really need to be on a no-buy exactly, but I work in the industry and am actually on a no gratis plan. Honestly I have too much stuff just sitting around. It makes me feel a little hoarderish so Im trying to give away/donate things where ever I can.
I would go on a complete no-buy if companies like MAC would stop coming out with so many pretty limited edition products. It’s so much easier to put off buying something if you know it’s part of the permanent collection. I have stopped myself from buying things that I think I already have too much of. I have way too many coral glosses, lipsticks & blushes, plum lipsticks and neutral eye shadows.
It’s not MAC for me but I have the same problem. It’s easy for me to put things on a wishlist and get maybe 1 or 2 a week. The problem is when it’s LE and I have to rush out and get it that makes it hard to control myself. Especially if there are a few LE things I want.
Hey there! Wasn’t sure where to put this, but I think I noticed a mistake on your dupe list. I entered in Lovejoy (by NARS) and the dupe is supposed to be NYX Pinky. I went to the store, and noticed the colors were completely different. I double checked on Karla Sugar and her swatches also look completely different. Just thought I’d let you know. 🙂 If it was a mistake, could you let me know what would be a good dupe of Lovejoy? Thank you!
Hi Michou,
The Dupe List is based on user-submissions, so any changes need to be sent to shaun@temptalia.com. Thanks!
I’ve tried the no buy thing and it didn’t work. My weakness is eyeshadows especially palettes. So I keep a list of non limited edition items that I would like to buy and when I have extra cash I buy them. Then I keep up with blogs to find out if my favorite brands are coming out with something I want. If so, then I plan a budget for the products I want and I don’t buy anything else. So far this has worked. I resisted buying a items at Walgreens and MAC while waiting for Surf Baby. Now I’m waiting for the Bloggers Collection and I will only buy staples and I limit myself to $50 a month.
Lord knows how I’ve tried… but never succeeded… it’s simply too hard for me, I can’t go anywhere without wanting to look at the makeup.
I do all of the above to and I list in my head why I can’t get them lol
I am on an indefinite no-buy since January of this year. Haven’t purchased any makeup from any line for six months. It is INSANE the amount of money I’ve saved.
My collection has become fairly unwieldy, so I decided to stop acquiring the newest launch (read, fix) and start using what I have and enjoying it.
I will not, of course, skip my skin care. When that runs out, I will repurchase, but as far as adding to the ridiculous amount of e/s, blush, lipglosses, lipsticks, eyeliners, highlighters, pigments, perfume, nail products, etc. I am set for a loooong time.
I’ve learnt that there is no “ultimate ahhh” when it comes to makeup.
Wanted to add that many times it feels like Christmas digging through my stash, getting acquainted (or reacquainted) with the collections I’ve hauled over the past two years.
All I have to do is look at my bank balance and how it’s grown since I stopped purchasing, and that is plenty of incentive to continue on this path.
i’m very much in agreement with your ‘no ultimate ahhh’ statement.
i was in that state of mind for a long time, where i would only repurchase mascara or eyeliner if it finished…i think i really need to go back to that mode…
I’ve been on a ban since October 2010, and I always try to use something new everyday. I find I have way more than enough products to use everyday for a year!
You forgot the most important rule of all on a no-buy. Stay off forums where you know there will be hype, esp. regarding up and coming collections!
I mentioned to stay away from your usual haunts – not just stores but blogs and the like 🙂
I’ve been doing that, but it feels lonely . . . :'(
I’m not really on a no-buy, but I’ve been more restrained about what I buy in the last few months. I keep a wish list, I try to think carefully about what I want from collections, and so on. I’m still not great, though, and I’ve been really considering going on a no-buy or low-buy (with the exception of IMATS, but I have a pre-assigned budget for that!). The hard part for me is definitely LE items. I’m not an I-must-own-it-because-it-is-LE type, but I do tend to be seduced by LE items if I don’t have something similar already. Fortunately I often do have something similar, but I’m trying to get to the point where my criteria isn’t “do I have something like it?”, but instead based on whether I actually want it and will use it. I was proud of myself for resisting the Surf Baby cheek powder – I think a few months ago I would have jumped on it, but I was actually able to go “ack that would look awful on me” and pass it by!
I tried to go on a total no-buy several times and FAILED miserably, because i would crave the products even more if i couldn’t buy them and ended up spending more when caving in. so i realised i had to do a conditional no-buy: i decided to not buy lipsticks and lipglosses for the whole year of 2011 and so far i’ve been successful.
I have! just because sometimes i feel super guilty of spending over $100 on makeup stuff… but I can say it worked out fine for me (: and whenever i do decide to buy stuff, i ALWAYS make a list of the things i’m going to buy, this prevents me from overspending on things i don’t really need!
Not to be off-topic but… what makeup is that in the picture? Is it just a stock pic or could I buy that eyeshadow kit somewhere?
It’s one of my MAC eyeshadow palettes!
actually i was kind of wondering what the bottom left eyeshadow is?
Never.
I am thinking about going on one. I have way too many nail polishes. I realized during busy season at work I would buy nail polishes because of the pretty color but now I have over 70 which is a lot for me since I am not a collector. I have a lot of eyeshadows too but I usually go crazy during warehouse sales, so that’s ok.
I tried to put myself on a no-buy and had NO-SUCCESS, lol. What I decided to do was to limit myself in a different way: only to buy if there’s a great coupon or sale. MAC limited edition collections and nail polish collections aside, I’ve compiled a list of permanent offerings from brands that I really want to try, and only splurge when I have a great coupon and can rationalize the savings. 🙂 So far, it’s worked! I don’t spend nearly as much money as when I was ravenous about beauty purchases. I also really research limited edition products to find swatches and dupes and develop a taste before the actual launch so that I’m not overwhelmed with the “buy it or it will be gone if you wait to get it” mentality.
I’m currently on a no-buy. I’m trying make myself EXTREMELY cheap to save up for my wedding. My rules are absolutely NO purchases that I don’t absolutely need. The only beauty purchases I’m allowing myself to make are to replace things that I’ve run out of. I’m almost excited to hit pan on a few items! I’m not buying any clothes or shoes either. I have plenty and there is no need to buy more! When I looked over my shoe and makeup collections I almost felt sick, thinking how many mouths that could feed in another country. It really put into perspective how excessive we live. Since that thought I really have no desire to spend money on things I don’t need, so I think this will be a pretty easy no-buy.
Congrats on your wedding! You’re right we do live excessively, it’s crazy
I haven’t bought any makeup since January of this year and the only ‘beauty’ products i have bought are because I ran completely out of it, eg, hair treatments, exfoliator, hair removal cream, teeth whitener. I did notice that I went on a nail polish rampage but considering prior to that i owned like 5 nail polishes i think thats ok. I’ve actually really enjoyed using what i have and finding products that i really love. i’m really content with my “stash” the way it is so i dont really miss buying makeup.
I’ve done that with the past 5 MAC Collections. I have wanted quite a few of the products that they had, but I felt guilty wanting to buy all that makeup. What I did was instead of spending that money on makeup I put it aside in my lil piggy bank and saved it. I currently have close to $2,000. Once I hit the $3,000 mark I plan to donate it to a local pet shelter.
This is a great idea!
“Once I hit the $3,000 mark I plan to donate it to a local pet shelter.”
I LOVE this. Good luck and thank you for helping the pets. 🙂
That is awesome. As an animal lover, I want to thank you.
Whenever I want to go crazy on ACW, I find a hard luck puppy story and give. The minute I start reading the details of the
story I lose any interest in purchasing *more* make-up. One time I went a little stupid and accidentally donated to a same named shelter, states away. Not that the donation wasn’t appreciated or that in any way regret it but my pendulum can swing far out sometimes. It’s all about the shelters and your plan and goal make me really happy and more convinced then ever that this is where my “extra” cash is needed.
I’m not on a no buy, but I am definitely on a limited purchase phase because I have lots of new products, lots of things I have not even used, so I will shop my stash and pick up the occasional item that has some kind of unique quality to it that would make it usable and a standout item in my makeup collection!
Bloggers like you make it hard for folks like me to go on a “no buy”, Christine…seeing all these new releases and fabulous new products just when I decide I really don’t need another thing (and then I learn about Jealousy Wakes and also those new BE cream eyeshadows!). Really, all my good intentions fall by the wayside. BUT at least I make informed purchases! I have made a point of trying to go for a month without buying any cosmetic or skin care products (unless it’s replacing something I’ve used up). In some ways, I do think I should buy less but I enjoy cosmetics so part of me thinks “If I enjoy it, why not?” I mean, my husband loves electronics….and golf…and I don’t see him saying “I won’t golf this month” (he golfed 3 times last week, for heaven’s sake!)
I agree, when my husband started giving me a hard time for all the make up I had, I kindly “remembered” him about all the video games he has and that was the end of that conversation.
Now, husband or no husband I need to take care of my wallet, which put me in a no-boy since my last trip to vegas (we live in Canada), where I spent $500+ on make up and beauty related items. I know, shame on me 🙁
and by “remembered” him I meant “reminded” 😛
I’m on a no-buy until I get a new job. I still “shop” but I’m putting everything on a wishlist until I can shop again. SOOOO hard because I got my Mac PRO card three days after my no-buy started!!
im on somewhat a no-buy eyeshadows for the whole year of 2011. i let myself get one palette (naked. couldnt wait!) and 5 eye shadows but all had to be limited edition. so far only have one single e/s! it gets easier after a while.. lol
Last month I did what I called a “makeup fast” (no new makeup purchases for the month). I ended up breaking it by buying a new mascara, but it was coming to a point where I needed a new one anyway, and it was the only makeup item I purchased.
I’ll likely do another “makeup fast” in the fall, I think.
Oh gosh – for me, Fall would be the hardest time to try a “no buy”, I think. I love the fall releases and even the less than great ones (like MAC’s A Tartan Tale) sort of woo me with their autumnal images in the print ads.
Makeup is fun but I’m trying to keep my collection at a controlled level where I have variety but also truly use everything I own. I normally plan out budgeting and purchases far in advance, so I know that I really want something by the time I get it!
I have never gone on a no-buy. However, when it comes to purchasing cosmetics I have been more aware of whether I actually needed what I was about to buy. I love make-up and don’t know if I would ever go on a no-buy but I will try to not splurge as much. I’m going to try some of Christine’s tips too!!
I was on a no-buy…for all of 10 minutes. 😛 Seriously, I have never been on one, but I have been on low-buys, where I limit myself to just a few products. If I want to try out some new eyeliners, I get one instead of four. And I make sure not to buy any new polishes that are red or burgundy. I have too many in those colors, so I only get to buy shades that are unique or don’t have a dupe in my collection.
I’ve never tried a no-buy, I don’t do well with limitations. However, I am trying to limit my purchases for the next few months.
I totally agree with the using products you haven’t looked at in a while method. Every time I think to myself, I could really go for that $60 eyeshadow palette!!! I make myself go to my vanity, look at all my eyeshadow, and then a just sigh and say, wow, dodged a budgeting bullet there, since I feel like at this point I have every color imaginable lol. (Except, of course, your gorgeous new MAC emerald green… 😉 )
Hah. I tried to go on a low-buy, with exceptions for things I couldn’t get at home (while on holiday), sale items, and types of makeup I didn’t already own (for example I didn’t own any cream eyeshadows or liquid highlighters so those were OK to buy even if not on sale)… and I actually ended up buying more than usual, because suddenly I felt like I could justify all sorts of things I probably wouldn’t even have looked at before! Fail! DX
I’ve never necessarily done a “No Buy”. However, since my palettes are pretty much full (with the slots removed), and my lipstick holders running out of space, I’ve really cut back on what I buy. I buy my essentials, and then for anything else, I have to REALLY love it, not just want it, and it has to be something unique to my collection.
This has been so much better for my peace of mind, and my budget!
I can’t tell you how hard it’s been to not buy the Naked palette every time it comes in stock. However, I rarely wear neutrals, and I already have a couple of the shades, as well as a couple of dupes. The only reason I’ve been lemming it, is because it’s still pretty coveted.
Also, it was so hard to pass over Surf USA! I may still get it if I see it at a counter..
I’m on a conditional one right now: no eyeshadow palettes until I hit pan on like, half the shades I have. Might take a few more months. Everything else, I’ll still buy when I get the money, because eyeshadow is the only thing I have a real surplus of, and there are some I never use at all.
Another conditional thing I’m doing is I’m going to try to buy only drugstore makeup for a few months, mostly to save money, and because there are some cool new things happening there.
I try to cut down rather than strictly stopping. I have finally almost finished my blacktrack and I fell soo proud! And almost done with me blot powder! It’s a first for me having had started using make up 3 years ago…
I am on one right now. I am saving up all my beauty money because I am going to IMATS at the end of the month. It is so hard!!!! The last thing I bought was the Beauty Blender 2 weeks ago. I am craving MAC and MUFE.
I’m currently on a ‘no-buy’ right now. I’m taking my family for a week vacation to Disney and I need every cent…
I’m currently on a no-buy except for certain face & body things. It’s going pretty well so far. I’m only 2 products in, but it helping me use products and figure out which ones I really want to repurchase 🙂
good post!!! I tried to only do one big purchase a month and so far i failed miserably! But a year ago I decide to stop purchasing drugstore (low-end) makeup and save the money to only by high-end makeup. The reason: I was buying a lot of low-end makeup base on price and never used them! So even if it was a “deal” I was still wasting my money. So by only buying high-end makeup not only I buy less but I used EVERYTHING!!!
I did a “30-Day Detox”, from mid-April to mid-May. I did do some swaps on Makeup Alley during that time, but no purchases. Didn’t even buy as much as a hair tie. It was extremely satisfying, actually… I got to clear out old stuff I never used, and put more focus into other things I already had (and, thanks to the MUA swaps, build my love for doing my nails!)
I’m currently on a no-buy deal for perfume. In like a year and a half in late HS, I went from maybe 2 bottles to 67! And none of them were cheap drugstore varieties, I haunted the Nordstrom fragrance counter. I always have 2-3 bottles in rotation that I keep using. I’m currently down to 40! Some were given away but, I’ve accomplished using up quite a few. It’s currently been a little over a year doing this. The only time I caved in was 2 weeks ago when I was in the Norway area of Disney’s Epcot, I bought Laila. It’s such a gorgeous scent! I’m hoping to get rid of 5-7 bottles this summer. Wish me luck.
Oh, I did want to mention that the prettiest/cutest bottles get sent to my 10 year old sister back home. She likes to collect and display them on a shelf. Lol!
I’m on a perfume no-buy this year! I’ve given in to temptation once so far (I used a 20% Sephora discount to get a small bottle of Balenciaga Paris) but that’s all. I have between 25-30 bottles and loads of samples. I want to get that down to 3-5 and no more samples. Good luck with your no-buy!
not on make up but on skincare and haicare right now i am on a use up the old and buy no luxuries. im also on a clothing ban till i reach halfway on my diet, and then again till the end, its vwey motivating, im running out of clothes without holes!
Im on a no buy right now…no more plum mauve lipsticks..:) i have like 6 coz they re the safest shade for me, and ive decided till i find other colors i will not buy plum shades:).
No-buys… what a great idea! Why didn’t I think of that before? Thanks to this post, I JUST started one.
I have been on a no-buy since 2008. I have only bought foundation and mascara when I run out. It was really hard at first, I avoided make-up forms and blogs for a few months, then I felt so out of the loop and not as interested. I also made a picture list of my items and felt there was no way I needed any more and felt a little bad about the money spent (mostly HE stuff). I just started buying some drugstore make up if I can get it for a $1 or less. I use a coupon and wait for a sale, it helps that “I gotta buy something” feeling.
Right now I’m on a no-buy for eyeliner (despite how awesome the new MUFE/Stila liquidliners look) and eyeshadow it has to be something really different for me to buy – the crushed metal pigments from Surf, Baby were the first I’ve bought in months and I’d planned on buying them well, for months.
I’m with the other commenter – it seems silly to hoard when I won’t ever use it up.
im on a no buy for eyeliners, lipstick and gloss, and lotion. i have waaaay too many and dont use them as much as i should. im on a low buy for polish and eyeshadow. i will only buy an e/s if its reaaaaally good texture, and a amazing color that i dont have in my stash yet. same goes for polish. if its a good formula and i dont have it in my stash, then maybe i will make an exception…
I have done this I did the project 10 pan I was able to do up to 7 empty containers but it kind of worked backwards for me when I was done I went crazy shopping because I had contained my self so much 🙁 so I just think if I do it again it would be in a smaller scale !!!
I always fail on this one but sometimes I do get by, for like 1-2 months or until withdrawal comes in. Its really an addiction, makeup that is:) I do not have a job but luckily my Dad pays for everything. Haha!:)
I’ve pretty much been on a no-buy all year. Except for the UD3 pallet and a lipgloss, I have been trying appreciate everything I have, since I have a ton! Not sure how long it will last, but my wallet is loving it!!!
Since April, I’ve been sort of on a no-buy. After I hauled a lot from the Sephora 15% off sale, I realized that I didn’t really need any more makeup. I should use what I’ve got! So far, I’ve been really good! In the high-end department, I’ve only purchased a new Diorshow Waterproof because I needed one for summer, and I’ve just purchased a few nail polishes from the drugstore. Honestly, even though I love my stash, I do have too much (more than I’ll ever need), so I just am going to focus my money on fashion pieces and saving up money for upcoming trips.
But, if you say that you can’t do a no-buy, you can! It’s totally possible, and I’ve really been liking the change. Basically, like Christine said, you need to avoid the temptations. For instance, I’ve been to the mall several times since my no-buy, and each time, I avoid Sephora locations, makeup counters, and more. What you need to do is put your focus on what you actually need, and only go to Sephora or counters when you truly feel like you need something. I promise you that this tactic works! 🙂
when a new collection launches (especially a big one) I make sure that I dont make a list in advance of what i want
i find that no matter how many things i love and NEED online, when i actually go look at the stuff i realize i dont need it
i haven’t actually but i probably should lol
Yes I did it a few years back and I’m doing it this year. Last year I made VIP status at Sephora and really went overboard. I decided to do a no buy this year. I had to replace a UD primer potion, a face cream and I had a gift card from MAC. But I really need to use up my eye shadows, MAC foundations (will not buy again) and blushes. I also give or throw any items I’m not going to use.
I’m currently on a no-buy since my mum has been complaining about my makeup stash that I brought home with me for the summer (if only she knew how much more makeup I left behind in the US… she’d flip). I cope by finding dupes of whatever I want in my current stash, and putting off my beauty wants till the next Sephora FF sale 🙂
This post came at the perfect time for me as I’m about to embark on a Project 10 Pan. It’s more because I need to save money by not buying new products. My birthday is next week so I’m going to start after that as I know there are a few things I’ve been wanting for a while that I want to get with my birthday money. After that I shall not be purchasing any new products (unless I run out of something that I only have one of and need like moisturiser etc) until I have finished up 10 products. Wish me luck!! And good luck to anyone else doing this =)
I went on a three month no-buy two years ago and when the three months were up, I ended up buying enough stuff to make up for the three months I didn’t buy anything. I was started a two month no-buy at the beginning of June, and so far I’ve been doing fine. However, I’ve recently fallen in love with Butter London nail polishes and I’m dying to pick up a couple of bottles…
Yes, I actually make it point to go on at least a 3 or 6 month NO BUY every year because it gives me a chance to really use and appreciate all the makeup I own.
Ive successfully finished a project 10, it wasnt that bad (Even though the “avoid temptation” thing doesnt really work for me, i work in the beautydepartment lol). I continue my project 10 for my website even though im not on a no-buy anymore, think its interesting to see what people use up so im doing it myself aswell 🙂
the last beauty purchase i made was when mac came out with the disney villain collection.since then i haven’t even looked at beauty products.after religiously buying most new products that came out ,i can not justify buying some of the newer products because if i look close enough in my stash i will probably find something that could be considered a dupe. i built up such a huge collection that i didn’t even remember some of the things i had so i started giving away some of the products and i have vowed not to buy any eyeshadows until i have made a dent in in some of them at least.having said that the only product that i will eventually need to buy and can never be put on a no-buy list is foundation!!
yeah. I have 250 or so eyeshadows, so my mom sort off made me stop buying them. I agreed with her, so from now on no more eyeshadows. Of course that has now changed my buying to lipsticks, blushes and nail polishes. So i pretty much replaced one addiction with another. But i buy drugstore brands cause i have a limited budget so i guess i’m doing ok. Sometimes i find it hard, cause i will see an eyeshadow and think ‘ooh pretty’ 😀
i’m on a no buy, i tell myself now that “do i really need another neutral eyeshadow or another eyeliner?” esp when i have so many at home that haven’t even been used but i heard from other makeup guru/bloggers that they were good.. i will only buy now if i’m on the last leg of that particular type of item eg. i’ve used up all my eyeliner or foundationS or blushes.. otherwise i can’t justify it anymore.. i must simplify my makeup draw^^
I am trying to avoid buying anythng until TOM Ford’s first make up collection comes out. I think it’s Sep.
But now I really want chanel rouge allure santal+phoenix and Mac girlie eyeshadow!:(
I am actually on a no-buy right now. At first I said no cosmetic product what so ever! Then, I went to my local walgreens and saw the new Sally Hansen crackle polishes as well as Milani’s Mandarina lipstick. Now I’ve changed my no-buy to just high-end items. ESPECIALLY MAC items. My first PRO card is in the mail and I won’t be able to use it until around the time the semi-precious comes out. So my no-buy is this: no non-drug store cosmetic purchases until after the semi-precious collection comes out in July at MAC
I go on no-buys circumstantially. Back in the day I went amok in MAC shades and I rarely buy new shadows unless I’m replacing or it’s a LE I can’t live without
Yes, for Lent. It wasn’t easy and I missed all kinds of deals and sales, but it was worth it!
Indeed I have. I’ve been on a no-buy since January 1st. No beauty products at all (I only buy body wash, shampoo and conditioner) and no clothes, accessoires, shoes et cetera. I am keeping the beauty product ban until July 1st (will be 6 months then) and then see if I want to go for a whole year and I’m keeping the clothes ban for a year (so until January 1st 2012) 🙂 I’m getting closer and closer to running out of makeup and while I thought it would be hard I’ve actually got quite used to it and don’t mind as much now!
I did a no-buy for a month and it was actually pretty easy. Since then I’ve seriously cut down on what I buy and set myself a monthly budget. One thing I did and would recommend is to gather together a pile of about 5-10 items that I’d had for a while and didn’t use (could be make-up, skincare, haircare etc.). I put these out on my desk and made an effort to use at least 2 things from the pile everyday. Its a good way to rediscover stuff or just to get rid of it if you don’t like throwing it out!
I save my money and take a shopping list, then allow myself a certain amount for those undeniable impulses. I talk and schmooz with the counter reps, then they give more samples! The Bobbi counters at Saks, Nordstrom and Sephora know me by name, LOL!
I went on a couple of no-buys last year for nail polish, makeup and basic beauty products (body lotion, bath products etc.). I rely on willpower more than anything else and just look forward to the satisfaction of seeing all those empty tubes and boxes.
I don’t do no-buys. The way I see it, we have enough money for me to spend some on make up, so if I like something, I will buy it. I should cut down because I have way too much stuff, but I have no self control, lol.
Yes, i have and i failed.
After watching Lollipop26 doing Project 10 Pan I thought it would be a good idea, but I tried to do it my way. I started Project 3 Lips, because I own lots of lip products and I don’t want them to expire. I never finished 3 lip products before buying another one, but I bought less and with controll.
Last week I went on vacation and visited a MAC Counter to buy another refill. I looked at the permanent shades and it was hard to find a color I don’t already own or a color that I would use a lot. I picked the colors I already had and I thought, well maybe I could finish collecting MAC shadows.
Over the last month I planed what products I want to buy and need, so I spend less money. I also developed a feeling, that I don’t have to purchase a limited product. I feel proud about that chance of thinking.
I tried this type of thing for Lent. I gave myself a spending limit because I knew that I’d never make it cold turkey. I did pretty well; if I goofed up and spent too much one week, it came out of the next week’s budget. I didn’t count staples like moisturizer or kit supplies. I didn’t stay off of the blogs and I feel that this was a mistake because I found myself lemming pink lipstick when I read about it online.
I actually just went off a no-buy. I didn’t buy any makeup the entire month of May :). So proud, but it was hard. So since then…in the last four days…I bought 2 things from Mac, made an online Sephora purchase, and ordered my first Inglot palette :). I’ll probably do another no-buy in a few months. I did feel pretty accomplished.
i’m currently on a no-buy, as i’m saving up for a macbook pro.
What’s helping me stay on the right track is thinking that it will be worth it in the end.
Also, i’ve made a wishlist of all the MAC things that i want to buy after i’ve got my macbook pro & i can’t wait to buy all these things!
I’ve got my basic makeup that i use everyday, which is kinda helping me a bit because i don’t feel that i need to buy makeup as much.
Also, i look at a photo of a macbook pro every once in a while, so it reminds me of my goal! 🙂
I decided to go on a project like that a few months ago. I haven’t done it successfully yet, the spring-summer collections didn’t help me, but I am on a no-buy project right now. I’m only waiting for the MAC Semi Precious and I’m done. (Thank God we don’t get every collection in my country). I have so many things I never use, I just buy them, especially e/s just in case I need the color, but I never do. eg I rarely wear blue and if I do it is one or two in particular but I have a whole palette like the one you’ve posted. I knew I wouldn’t use them but I bought them… That’s what I’m trying to stop doing. Oh, and stop buying bronzers. They will last me for ever, I’ve never hit the pan..
I am on a makeup no buy for the whole year 🙂 and a project-pan, trying to hit pan or use up certian things I’ve had for a while. It’s hard at first, but what helps me is thinking about how long it will take to use up one item. If it takes 6 months of straight use to use up a lipstick and I have 4 lipsticks, that’s going to take forever! Haha keeps me from buying things I don’t need 🙂
I tried a “no buy” when I realized I had so much makeup, I was giving some of it to my friends. I told myself, “You have too much!” This also worked with my hair products and body lotions. I have so much of it, I started to feel like a hoarder. That is when I waited until I finished all my lotions and hair products before buying more. This helped saved room in my house too!
I haven’t, and I probably never will! I like having variety… and yeah, I may have a slight shopping addiction, but as long as I’m not going into debt, I don’t see a problem 😛
These posts inspired me to start a project 20 pan myself… It’s mostly old products that I’m afraid will start to go bad, or products that are closer to being done (I’m chicken!). I think it will inspire me to dig really deep into my current collection to make newer looks! I take what I have for granted every time I see something new, and I really do have some beautiful stuff.
My 3 exceptions will be:
1. if there is a Milani lipstick sale (I have been wanting to snag Mandarina for awhile now)
2. any insane hautelook sales (ie 2$ urban decay), as I have a $10 coupon code. I’ve gotten good at controlling myself from buying products I won’t use but let’s be realistic here…. haha.
3. My mom works at Macy’s and sometimes she gets 30-50% off cosmetics… I will be allowed to cheat for the beauty blogger collection!
I don’t buy a lot of makeup, so I never need to be on a no-buy.
I done a no buy during 2 periods on this last 3 years, one with 180 days & one with 200 days but since few months I can’t start again, I read too much blog !!!
Pull out products you haven’t used in a while! Yes, that is a good idea. I just pulled out 30 blushes/cheek products from my stash and use them one each day and reviewed them too. 🙂 Felt quite an achievement!
i’m on a very strict no-buy right now. mainly because i’m broke and looking for a job. guh
I wish I could. The most I’ve been able to do is try to only buy things that I think I need…or that are limited edition (MAC doesn’t help with this). Other than that I try to avoid shopping as much as I can…it’s helped, but not as much as I’d like it to.
Many times.
It always works like this:
At some point I decide I don’t have enough [body lotion, lipstick, blushes, whatever] and then I’ll start buying every** [scent, texture, shade, whatever — usually not the item per se, but the item from a certain brand] because ohmygod how can I breathe one more day without whatever?
And then, of course, I’ll just have too many bottles of body lotion and adding up to the ones I had prior to the crazy shopping, I know I won’t use them all. So I put myself on a no-buy and also give away the ones I know I’m not using anymore because of the new ones I got.
It works, because I will be buying other things (lipsticks while not buying lotions, for example) instead of not buying at all, which I don’t think I’d be able to do. And by the time I’m done with all the lotions from that brand I so desperately needed to survive, I won’t even care so much about it anymore.
Ugh, I would have to stop reading this website if I wanted to go on a no-buy (which would suck… I read it everyday!!). The majority of the makeup I buy I’ve either seen reviewed on here or Youtube, or see it reviewed elsewhere and look up YOUR review to solidify my purchase. I don’t go too crazy, although I know I should cut back on what I spend on makeup.
Im on a no buy. Its amazing going through everything I have. I have so many pigments Ill never finish, Im thinking of putting them in little sample jars and giving them to my friends. I like your suggestion to mix the makup you do have to the current trend. I do this a lot, and I also try to use my makeup thats the oldest or close to expiring first.
six months and counting on the no-buy. i have bought three bottles of nail polish, but i had stipulated that it didn’t precisely count to my total. aside from that, i’ve been really good
As I am currently looking at apartments and saving up for rent, I am going on a HUGE no-buy. It’s going to be really hard, but I have so many different makeup palettes and so many clothes…I think I will be fine for a while.
I am currently on a lip color no-buy, I want finish at least one tube before I buy any more.
Absolutely I have many times been on a no buy program. Over flow of available stock, lack of room for more until I make a major purge, not being able to find a product I have due to spillage of incidentals I have picked up and are not promising or knew never should have picked up, budget crisis – darn, thought I would get 4 more months out of those 4 tires, computer death, unplanned gotta have the new washer/dryer NOW, rent/mortgage/property tax changes, major purchase like new car – all those and more will shove me into a no buy mode. Also not wearing anything but one lipstick type/shade – why buy more – ditto on to other products in like situations. How I get through it? I am a strong willed person and am very good at sticking to my guns and budget. I have zero family left so it’s only me – no one to get a fast loan from. I am credit free and have been for 12 yrs – don’t ever want to go back there – so if not in the budget, there is no $ for product. And yes, I am always successful when I put my mind to it. I avoid makeup/skin care areas if I am in a retail area for same – don’t look at all. I ban looking at eBay or QVC or any retail web sites just to ‘keep up’ on what is new. I also play discover what I have if I feel the need for a fix – amazing what you do have in that tried once maybe. I must have 200 nail polishes never used. When you have to be strong, I am the lady that has the can do attitude and ability.
I’m on a no buy now because I have $1700 worth of car repairs to pay for. This goes for clothing as well.
Yes, I did no-buy for Lent. The purpose alone was motivation, but I had a few tempting moments. To get through, I pulled out products that I have never/hardly used. It was like having a new product.
it is so hard to go on a no buy, because there’s always something new and fun.. or sometime of limited edition. But i try to hold off…lol then i see your reviews and swatches.. hehehe… 🙂
Recently I have had to say no to some things that I decided I do NOT need for example MAC came out with a lavender lipstick that I wanted but I looked at it in a realistic point of view that I would probably never wear it.
LOL. I have not been on a no-buy, but I am currently attempting to be on one. I told myself that I will not buy any makeup for the entire summer because I have recently spent tons of money on so many products within the past few months. It will be hard, but we’ll see how it goes!
I always finish up all my skincare, bath and hair products and my staples such as lip balms, mascara… About a year ago I went on a no buy of makeup, I think I finished up a couple of glosses, a setting powder and one or two blushes, but I have become a shameless makeup hoarder,I can´t help it!! LOL Your blog Cristine is actually very helpful for informed purchases. I was drooling over the Quite cute collection, but thanks to your reviews I skipped it altogheter, without regrets!
I’ve succeeded and failed on a few no-buys. But like you said Christine it really is all in the prep work. If you know you are going to go on a no-buy and a collection you have had your eye on is coming out at the same your setting yourself up for disaster. But with blogs like Temptalia it can really make or break a sale for me. I have two types of no-buys 1) Nothing can be purchased, no exceptions. If you run out, check your stash for something else, make due. 2) You can make purchases but no cash can be spent. i.e. gifts cards, coupons, credits whatever it is that you use to prevent yourself from spending cash. I currently have $125 in Sephora giftcards,$100 in Macy’s and $25 in Target. It took me forever to spend a $50 Sephora giftcard and I must have swatched every color in that store to figured out something to buy only to then buy the hubby cologne. It was frustrating and somewhat liberating at the same time. I didn’t need anything and I was okay with walking out of the store with nothing new for myself (samples don’t count, lol). And the best way to save money on MAC items is to B2M everything you can. It forces you to really commit towards your purchase since you can’t do a return.
I’m not on a strict no-buy, but I recently decided to take stock of my makeup collection and to just be aware of what I actually do have. I realized that I very rarely hit pan on anything, so I haven’t bought anything in a while. I’m on a definite no-buy on eyeliners b/c my sister got me the UD 24/7 Jackpot set for Christmas (love it!) and then UD came out with their 15th Anniv. eyeliner set which I couldn’t pass up. I don’t think I’ll permit myself to buy another eyeliner until those are all stubs!
Also going to try laying off the Opi for Sephora nail polishes. At almost $10 a bottle it’s getting a little crazy. I looked at all the polishes I had in my drawer, multipled by 10 and almost had a heart attack!
I think the best thing to do is really go through your makeup collection and realize what you have. You’ll probably find you don’t need anything. I’m going to try to stay on the no-buy until I see what UD comes out with for Fall/Holiday!
No more buying handmade soaps!!!
thanks for the tips! I am on a no buy till august and its sooo hard. lol. thanks
Honestly, I went no-buy when I got divorced and moved from NY to FL. I just didn’t have the time to worry about makeup. But, over the past 6 months or so I’ve been going crazy again. So, seeing this post made me realize, I’m going NO-BUY now. Mainly because I will be working less in the Fall, going to school full-time, AND I just have WAY too much. I’m literally knocking things over all the time. Enough, is really enough. Most of my makeup collection was bought over the course of 7 years, and I used a lot of it for makeup jobs I did in years past. But, things have changed, I’m pursuing a new career, and I just don’t have the room for any more makeup. There, I admitted it! Now, lets see how long it lasts!