Some of you may know that Gummy challenged me to a no buy this past February, to extend to the end of the year. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by my stash, and really wanted to save money too, so I agreed!
I set certain category limits and went about it with mixed expectations. In these past five months, I've learned that I'm a product hoarder and that I really just like the thrill of buying and checking things off a list. I managed to stay generally within my rules but as Gummy so appropriately reminded me, it was still quite a lot of stuff I had gathered.
She's right of course, groan! I just like stuff! Ok, but in all seriousness, I really don't need any more stuff, unless I actually need it for real for the health of my skin or hair. Good thing Gummy is around to knock some sense into me, huh? And she's given me a challenge too, to spend the rest of the year doing a real beauty no buy unless I run out of necessities.
It just doesn't seem possible, but I really ought to try… I think even if I fail, it is worth a try, and I'll be sure to let you guys know how it goes in monthly recaps!
Read on for the list of items I've gotten my hands on! What do you think? Don't hate me pleeeeease. :) (Also, please help me stop being a hoarder/shopaholic/crazy lady. LOL)
Italicized = Acceptable products/categories
(fiance) = he got them for me as gifts!
May/June purchases = birthday
* = uh oh!
Other notes included, such as "GC" for gift cards, "credit" for store credit from returns
Month 1: March
Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Cleanser
Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Holy Smokes - credit
Clinique Redness Relief Cream - gifted away
Marcelle BB Cream - (fiance)
Maybelline Vivid Rose lipstick - credit
Maybelline Cherry on Top lipstick - credit
Real Techniques Travel Collection - credit + $8, bought before realizing brushes counted!
--> I thought this was a decent start!
Month 2: April
Shiseido Facial Cottons
Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water (travel size)
Living Proof Amp2 Instant Hair Texturizer
Dior Diorshow Maximizer
Fairydrops Scandal Queen Mascara
Lancome Bienfait UV SPF 50
Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil
Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Luxembourg - credit
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color in Khaki - credit
Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Healthy Glow for Face & Cheeks - credit
Laura Mercier Luxe Color Portfolio - credit
Koh Gen Do Moisture Concealer - GC
Stila Smudge Stick - returned
Clinique Chubby Stick for Eyes - Came broken, returned
Wet n Wild Eyeshadow Trio in Silent Treatment - (fiancé) gifted away
Wet n Wild Eyeshadow Trio in Walking on Eggshells - (fiancé)
Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner in Deep Blue & Black (fiancé)
Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Stick in Guilty Grey (fiancé)
*Tom Ford Cream Color for Eyes in Escapade
*Lancome Baume in Love
*Lancome Kohl in Love
Wakaya Ginger Powder
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
Nars Light Optimizing Primer - returned
--> I started off the month strong, until the Sephora VIB sale got me. I restocked some basics, got a few things, and then got a bit splurgy when shopping with Gummy. OOPS!
Month 3: May
Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Cleanser
Chanel Glossimer in Crushed Cherry- GC
Le Metier de Beaute Cream Tint in Coral Nymph - GC
Burberry Eyeshadow in Mulberry - (fiance)
Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer - (20% off) (fiancé)
REN The Fab 4 Kit - returned (fiancé)
Clinique CC Cream - returned
Sephora Pastel Pop Cheek Stick
Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial
Elemental Herbology Detox Oil
Chantecaille Radiance Gel Bronzer
Oribe Fiber Groom
African Botanics Intensive Repair Balm
Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight Kit (30% off)
Estee Lauder Stay On Shadow Paint in Chained
Hourglas N28 Lip Oil
2 Sally Hansen blue polishes - coupon for 1
Sally Hansen Top Coat
Wet n Wild LE palette - sold
Revlon Baby Stick
2 Maybelline summer Color Tattoos
Capri Blue Peeled Navel Orange candle
--> The few weeks leading up to my birthday were SUPER spendy. I did not adhere to the beauty budget I had in mind for my allowed birthday presents. :(
Month 4: June
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Armani Waterproof Smooth Silk Eyeliner
Armani Flash Lacquer
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind - coupon
Clarins Tanning set - ($25 GC)
Sephora OPI Nail Polish Remover
Sephora OPI Metro Too Chic Set
--> Same as above, except then my birthday was over and I was horrified. Except not really because I had PRETTIES!
Month 5: July
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis - (fiance), for us to share
Origins Zero Oil Cleanser - (for fiance)
Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Primer - returned
*Sephora Contour 12-HR Liner
Origins Ginzing Moisturizer
*2 Essie summer shades
Hourglass Illume Blush/Bronzer Duo - credit
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Plum - credit
Dior Addict Lipstick in Diorkiss - credit
--> Not bad, not bad. EXCEPT WHY DID I BUY EYELINER?
Did you make it to the end of this? I was both relieved and horrified when I got to the end of this list. It could have been MUCH MUCH WORSE. (As it has been in previous years...)
What do you think? I had a splurgy birthday, and otherwise only messed up a little. I blame the pretty Tom Ford, how much I love shopping, and the whole being in California for work thing making me shop more! Please don't hate me. Come play with my pretty things! :)