Hello, and welcome to the two-month mark of my makeup no-buy! I very nearly bought a lot of items, but I resisted. Mostly.
It’s not that hard if you don’t look at makeup on the regular and window-shop, online or offline. While I still do read blogs and watch beauty videos, there aren’t a lot of items that I feel like I need to have now, omg, so it’s not so hard anymore.
Some lessons I learned, though:
— Do not go to a beauty event if you can’t really buy anything.
— Do not go into beauty counters “just to look”
That’s pretty much it. I went to a shu uemura event, which was apparently a launch for their 30th anniversary collection and I had like a mother. When the Karl Lagerfeld Collection came out, I bought so many items that I earned myself a loyalty card upon check-out.
I was very, very tempted, but then I swatched some of the eyeshadows and the ones I was able to check out were powdery as hale. So I bolted before I rationalized and convinced myself of committing a grave error. Phew!
I also said no to the Le Métier de Beauté VIP subscription thing, which is basically a special LMdB Subscription Box. Ah, my brokered heart. </3 I still have half a month to decide whether I want to or not, but it is logistically going to make me a very, very poor person because of shipping charges and whatnot.
I looked into third-party shipping places and I would have to spend at least Php 9,600 or $200, at least, on shipping charges alone. I emailed the LMdB PR and was informed that shipping from UPS each month would cost $72. So that was a deal breaker for me. Which is so sad because I am such a huge fan!
But anyway. Something happened.
Items I did end up purchasing. I have to explain some purchases I caved and bought, and it’s up to you to think if that’s cheating or not.
Ordinarily, I would say that this is cheating, but the circumstances of these purchases are as follows:
— I asked my sister’s friend to purchase the items for me when they were released on May 10. She wasn’t able to get them.
— Another friend was on her way to Japan for a holiday, so I asked her.
— These are limited edition items that can only be purchased in Japan or through retailers who mark up the stuff quite a bit.
— It’s Jean-Michel Basquiat and eyeshadow. I didn’t stand a chance.
Like I said, it’s really up to you to call me a cheetah, but I don’t really feel bad because a) I bought no cosmetics this month, and b) it was an opportunity that I grabbed, because no one I know who I feel comfortable asking to be my mule really ever goes to Japan.
I think one of my biggest lessons here is to really think about purchases before buying them on a whim. Sometimes, I go into NARS and buy shit on impulse. I mean, it’s been known to happen more than once. And I don’t want to be that kind of consumer, really.
So there, I’m back on my ban, though. I would argue that I didn’t really go off on it, because of technicalities and my own stupid logic. Of course, I would argue that, but I hope you guys understand. 🙂
And then, these are tools and non-makeup things but are also somewhat makeup-related.
— Make Up Store Brush Soap
— Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
I had a big list of things I want to buy when I reach my freedom date the end of this ban, but I don’t really feel like buying them anymore. Is it maturity or guilt from these items? You decide!
I have four months to figure out if I want them anyway, so I’ll be mulling over them a little. I’m leaning towards “I don’t need them” right now, but who knows if that will change. Thanks for reading! Four months to go. 🙂
Softly Sometimes 
Reblogged this on Ultimate Skincare & Beaute Report, LLC.
Hi, Carina! I really need to be serious about doing a makeup ban, but whenever I try, I just end up buying cheap stuff thinking they don’t count (they do). Anyway, I find that listing down the stuff i want and reading reviews, re-reading the list, checking them out at the stores from time to time lessen the urge of actually buying them (i feel sawa with them at some point). Hey if it makes you feel any better (or less poorer): if you need to unload anything..I’m buying! 😐 And Basquiat? Pardoned.
Haha actually, ako rin! At the start of my ban, I was REALLY itching to get stuff from NARS, then I just got tired of always thinking about them. Bahaha I always mean to put up my blog sale post, but some things I put there find their way back to my collection. 😐 But I’ll keep you in mind! 🙂
This is so true! My problem with makeup purchases is that I often get something just because it’s fun to try new things and it just all looks so nice and pretty. But if I (with tremendous will efforts) convince myself to think about it for 2-3 days, I usually lose interest and starting wanting something else (also on impulse though). It’s no longer “need”, it’s “why not, for the fun of it?”.
And those makeup companies, boy, do they know it! Hens, all those limited editions 😀
That’s good that you can stop yourself and think about the purchase. There was a time when I couldn’t even do that and it was awful. But yes, argh, the limited editions just suck me right in!
Congrats on reaching the 2 month mark! I’ve not been on an official ban, but I’ve been keeping purchases to a minimum, and I actually have found it really liberating haha… sounds dramatic but it’s true, it’s nice to feel less “omg must have” craving new stuff all the time and just be content with what I own
Same here, I just went a bit crazy for this little brand since I’ve been wanting these for so long and they are so hard to get a hold of! I get what you mean, though. I no longer have to HAVE EVERYTHING, and that feels pretty damn nice. 🙂
Oooh! Review the all-nighter spray please 😀 I was planning to order it, but I’ll wait for your review 🙂
Congratulations on making it so far!!! 🙂 and I totally understand the logic of the Basquiat purchase. 😉
Sure, once I’ve used it! Hahaha thanks for understanding. 😉 btw I emailed you!
Is it bad of me that I found it hilarious that your purchase so far during the ban is Addiction? 😛 Congrats though for holding on to it. For me I’m avoiding spending too much on stuff by reminding myself that I’m doing subscription boxes and that I have a wish list. If it’s not on either, it’s not getting bought! 😀
Lol not at all, that’s what I thought of also. That’s actually a great method!
Good job, Carina! 🙂 Love how you’ve been doing things like Mineral Madness so that you go through what you already have as well! I really don’t think that I could ever go on such a long ban myself… but I do feel better when I exercise more self-control and REALLY think about it before I buy something. 🙂 I still think that you are a brave soul for doing this! haha
Thanks! Haha even though I totally failed, lol. Yeah, it’s so much more fun to do those things than writing review, too. So yay 😀
I also caved on this collection! SWATCHES and REVIEW please! 🙂
Ok, Kelly! What did you end up getting? I’m so curious!
I do not have discipline at all, and I feel ashamed that I failed on my makeup ban. What I put in mind is this, I am doing project hit pan. I have to finish up or at least hit pan on existing makeup, and it is actually helping me stop purchasing (or splurging!) hahaha!
Keep us updated! 😀
That’s great, Juvy! If I’m not mistaken, you are just starting out with makeup, correct? Don’t beat yourself up too much about it and just enjoy what you’ve gotten yourself so far. 🙂
Those Addiction palettes are definitely worth it. I’m so glad you got them from Japan since it’s impossible to buy on line now. 😀 Yay!
Makes me insane to be so close to all these flagship stores with incredible makeup departments. I try not to go in at all because the temptation is so strong.
I know, I inquired with Ichibankao in a fit of desperation and was informed that they could no longer send them. That’s a good strategy, though. I can imagine being in the center of it all and just trying not to spend. Must be tough!
I completely broke my ban recently. It’s because I started working at The Body Shop, at the mall!! Too many temptations. I think the fever has subsided now, so I’m back to my no-buy and redoubling my efforts to use up or give away things I don’t use anymore.
That’s great to hear! I’m on vacation right now so I will undoubtedly spend on stuff, but I’m hoping to halt the outflow of cash (lol) when I get back!
Congratulations on making it this far on your ban! Dontcha worry, we won’t judge. 🙂 I think everyone goes through these phases of bans and such only to give in to their hearts desires. I, myself, included.*gulp* The most important thing is to enjoy life in moderation. I love your blog! I’m ADDICTED to it 🙂 I wish I discovered your blog before my Japan trip so I could’ve checked out the brands you recommend like Addiction. But I shall live vicariously through your posts.:)
Thanks, Mej! 🙂 what did you end up buying in Japan?
The only Japanese brands I bought from were Anna Sui, Heroine Kiss, Majolica Majorca, Can-do (99-yen store), and Daiso. lol 🙂 Still regret not thoroughly checking out Addiction and Suqqu as I haven’t discovered your blog yet.. 🙂
No worries, just calls for another trip to Japan in the future, yes? 🙂
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