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How do you decide what to purchase from your wish list?
I look at what time I have available and whether it is reasonable that I would be able to review/use it in a timely fashion!
— Christine
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I try to look by need so I don´t end up with too many unopened pots and tubes.
Impulse usually! Sometimes it’s just a combination of the right mood, right place and right time.
It’s interesting to read Christine’s response to this question and I am super curious to see how other consumers go about this. I personally do not keep my loves/favorites/wish list particularly long, it bugs me to have a ton on there. So I am constantly adding stuff and reasoning products out. I also plan my shopping for makeup out….a ton!! So when I add something I have a goal date/time for buying it. When it comes time to actually make a purchase I have my list perfectly narrowed down.
First what products I can’t stop thinking about, and then the remaining products – do I remember them and are they too similar to other products on the list?
Depends what I truly want, what I’m currently am panning or have panned and in need of, if I have money for it and does it add to my collection or is it something I have already. Ideally that is what I go for. Not saying there aren’t impulse purchases here and there!
There’s always so much I want, even if it’s just because there’s buzz and it’s a brand I haven’t tried. One thing that has helped me is once I’ve really looked a list over, not looking and trying to recall the items on it. I figure the ones I want the most I will always remember to write down hahaha.
I have very little willpower when it comes to makeup and perfume, so buying something from my wish list is quite often more out of an obsession than from a smart decision. (I really need to work on this problem!)
I keep a handwritten list in a small notebook, which I’m editing every time I buy something from the list or find something to add. Sometimes a product I hear about replaces a listed item, or if I’ve had something lurking for a while, I will rethink said item.
Every month, I set a limit for what I want to/can frivolously spend on myself, and unless there is something LE that comes along, I pull from the list. From there. If there isn’t something I’m really craving to get my hands on, I’ll check if I can find any deals, and tick off the most items as possible. Also, if there are several items from one retailer, particularly if I have to order online (NARS, Illamasqua), I’ll prioritize those items into one larger haul.
If something is on my list for a long time, I tend to be less inclined to buy it, unless it’s something I’m also wanting to “collect”.
It’s taken a good 3-4 years, but I do have pretty much everything I’ve wanted. The only things I have are some base/complexion products, but I’m in no hurry to get them, and have actually placed myself on a no-buy from these products until I finish/discard at least 3 from each category. There are also a few DC’d items I’d love to eventually find, but I doubt I ever will,
I think it’s awesome.
I do something similar. I have a scrapbook about things I’d love to buy as well at pinned images on my Printerest board. I edit it all the time because sometime I find an alternative or decide I didn’t really needed it (I’m looking at you ColourPop Golden State of Mind)
I put myself through a rather rigorous personal questionaire; Does this particular product fill a gap or a need in my stash? Do I love it enough to really make major use of it, including my being patient enough to work through any potential minor shortcomings? How does this product fit in with my existing stash? Is it feasible to buy it right now, or wait for a coupon or sale, even in some cases, clearance?
If I have some extra money or if there’s a sale, then I might buy some things on my list. That goes for everything, not just make up.
I stalk my wish list items on multiple retailers’ websites and jump on the opportunity when there’s a good deal.
E.g.
I got a handful of Omorovicza products I wanted to try for a little over $100, which are worth 430+ bucks (Value sets + British retailer + 20% off promo code + full-size GwP).
I also got a Molton Brown advent calendar when Saks was giving a $35 gift card with $250 purchase, and I used up my AmEx points to get $150 Saks gift card for 12k points instead of 15k, and I got 2 more 100 ml shower gels as a GwP.
Oh, and 8% ebates cashback on the full Saks purchase, which is another $20 that will come back to me.
I don’t generally have a beauty wish list as such, if I see an item online or instore that I like and would use, especially if it’s on sale, I will purchase it.
I tend not to buy expensive makeup anyway.
Uhhh, I just buy everything that I want.
I mean, I don’t get EVERYTHING because sometimes I go intending to buy something and then I’m like ehhhh… or I see something better and then I’m like oooooh!
I work at Ulta, so I keep a wish list and wait for a gift with purchase, 5x points offer or one of our secret extra employee discounts on certain brands– usually an additional 20-25% on top of our regular 25% discount. I’ve gotten ABH Prism and my holy grail UD all nighter foundation for about $20 this way! I don’t get a lot of gratis but we’re lenient on GWPs for employees so I’ve been able to cross out stuff on my wish list by getting those deluxe samples. Tried Troublemaker mascara and took it off the list because I hated it, tried Laura Geller Diamond Dust and took it off the list because my mini will last forever, tried Estée Lauder ANR serum and put it ON the list because it’s amazing!
By need/hole to fill or LE I can’t live without. I can live without a lot!