14 days into the new year...

14 days.

Two weeks.

It seems like so much longer!

I just made a Sephora purchase using a giftcard. I bought a face primer and an eye primer (it was $5 on sale, Sephora brand).For $50 total.

I've definitely been feeling a mild desire for new products. But it's strange because I definitely do not want to add to my current "stash" if you will. I wish I could alter it. I wish I could swap some products out for others.

But alas, I will have to make do with what I have.

My makeup style has been very low key lately.

And I find myself going light on the base products (foundation, concealer) because I have so little compared to what I'm used to having.

I know I won't run out anytime soon, but there's that little bit of fear.

Money is tight. I'd rather not have to buy anything if I don't need to. But making products last... Stretching their use... That goes completely against the panning I've done in the past.

And those habits are still hard to break!

I've been trying to distract myself by coming up with new YouTube content, but even that can sometimes be a struggle. I don't know where I belong within the "beauty community" world, or if I even belong at all.

Is there room for somebody on a perpetual no buy?

Wanting New Products

Today I've found myself struggling with wanting new products.

Specifically, new base products. I'm sick of my primer. My foundation. My concealer.

But truthfully, I think what I want is better skin. Or to have my skin return to what I usually consider to be its "normal" state.

Lately I've been dealing with acne. Some spots are so aggressive and difficult to cover up even with green corrector, fuller coverage foundation, AND concealer. I'm not accustomed to dealing with this sort of skin issue. My skin has always, more or less, been clear.

My skin also seems to be wrestling with being combination again. I went through a fairly long period of having dry skin, after having classic combo skin (normal with an oily t-zone). And now I'm noticing some oiliness in my t-zone again, and even around my chin where I am dealing with breakouts. But it's inconsistent.

So it's not about wanting the new makeup. It's about my skin.

What's interesting is that I don't find myself drawn to new skincare items. Perhaps because skincare wouldn't camouflage these issues immediately like makeup would.

So what I'm going to do is look at the skincare items I already have and try and find some new combination of products to help my skin woes.

And in the meantime, dig out the concealer and do my best. And try and de-stress as much as possible. I'm sure the amount of stress is tied to my recent accumulation of breakouts.

I'm dealing with my financial issues (the number one reason why new products are a no-no), the holiday season, my upcoming move, issues at work, and family illness. A little bit of everything!

This evening, I'm going to shop my stash and see what I can come up with- and check out my samples too!

Beauty Budget: First Steps

These are the questions I asked myself before starting to create my beauty budget:

>How much do I actually need? What are the things I might need to repurchase and how often? Am I missing anything right now?

MAX PRICE! Not guaranteed price. What will I actually end up spending?  

The numbers in brackets are what I came up with first. Outside of the brackets is the revised number. 

Confession: I Used the Sephora Coupon

Every year, Sephora has offered a coupon around the holiday season.

This year, for those who hold a VIB Rouge status (something I'm hoping to lose this year) it was $25 off a purchase of $75 or more.

I wasn't going to use it.

But then- I ran out of my MAC Strobe Cream.

Something I hadn't factored into my budget. Something I didn't realize I would be so desperate to have on hand.

And, as it turns out, Sephora does carry some MAC products including the classic Pink Lite Strobe Cream.

So I added it to my cart.

HOWEVER. That product retails for $40CAD. A bit away from that $75 mark.

So I added the conditioner from OLAPLEX. Something on my wishlist. Something I've been hoping to try to see if it would improve my hair.

That brought my total to $78 CAD. With $25 off it's still $53. Add tax at $7.95 and we're at $60.95.

So I used a gift card.

I had been sitting on a ($50) gift card for a while and now was the time. I might regret this at some point during my journey.

But that brought my total down to $10.95. $3 without the tax. But I'm going to include it with tax for the sake of my budget.

I'm working with a budget of approximately $50 a month or $600 for the year.

I am going to go from December 2019 to December 2020 for my yearly budget this time around.

So looks like I'm down to $589.05

I'm not factoring in gift cards, coupons, or anything like that. I'm purely counting money out of MY pocket!

A Long and Winding Road...

December is a difficult month when it comes to consumption- or rather, over consumption.

I find that I need to constantly remind myself that new purchases aren't necessary.

A lot of people take advantage of the holiday sales to make new purchases. Sometimes, these are long sought-after items. It's easy to compare your journey to somebody else's. DON'T.

The choices other people make are not your choices.

Just because it's right for somebody else doesn't mean it's right for you.

It's easier said than done, I know.

I see other people buying all the new releases and I'm jealous. I see some content creators I love receiving PR and I'm jealous. I admit that openly. It's not that I'm not happy for other people, but it's wanting what they have. And why?

I'll also admit to struggling recently with my definition of success as it comes to social media. I was absent for a good portion of the year (2019) and now that I've been making an effort to post regularly again I see a decrease in numbers each time. It's disheartening because I don't know what I did wrong, if anything.

Perhaps people are just growing in different ways.

I'm trying to focus less on the numbers in all areas of my life. But unfortunately with a no buy and a beauty budget, that's simply not possible.

I have to track everything- every single cent.

And I'm trying not to be overwhelmed. But sometimes it feels like I'm a browser with too many tabs open. And where is that music coming from?

 If you have any advice please share!

XOXO

ELLE

Returning to the Blog-o-sphere!

Hello everyone!

I don't know if anyone will find their way to my blog after the long period of inactivity, but I thought I would start updating again.

My intentions right now are to treat this more like a diary (or a LiveJournal) and just keep track of my thoughts about spending.

I've tried and failed to budget in the past. And now I have no choice. I have to be firm with my money because I don't have anywhere close to the income that I did in the past.

Right now, the biggest struggle is passing the time.

So much of my entertainment was shopping or making lists of what I would purchase next. I was never happy with what I had.

I know part of that is because of my personal life problems. I was shopping to feel better, even temporarily.

But I am in a better place now. I am happier. And because of that I feel like I can handle having less.

For some people, admitting their financial woes can feel shameful. And I do wrestle with that at times because I feel like I should feel bad or like a failure. But this is life. Hopefully someday I will be more secure. But until then I have to try and save money wherever possible.

And little new makeup is a big part of that.

So here's hoping 2020 will be a successful year!

XOXO

ELLE

Thoughts on Purchasing and Panning

Hello friends!

I feel terrible that I don't use this blog as much as I should.

I've been posting more on my Instagram recently, and it's been an enlightening way to look at my makeup stash. I don't like calling it a collection, because then it sounds like something I'm building upon when in reality I'm trying to get rid of or use products up.

Showcasing products new and old has helped me feel inspired.

I'm not an expert photographer, but I'm learning. And I'm learning to be okay with not having all the newest things.

Don't get me wrong, I love makeup. Right now, at this point in my life, if I could have any job in the world it would be in the beauty industry. Something that allowed me to play with makeup.

But that's not the case. And I don't have the financial ability to keep buying. I'm the mother of a 15-month old boy, for one. A homeowner, for two. Life is expensive. And luxuries are not always something I can indulge in. Although, I have been. And I know it needs to stop. Seeing the bills add up is quite the reality check.

So I'm making due. I'm working with what I have. And I'm more motivated than ever to pan. I want to finish things up that I don't love so I can move them out. Too much clutter weighs me down. It's hard to find inspiration when you're staring at a box full of more than 200 lipsticks. And many that look vaguely the same.

I want to work on improving my skills- from makeup application, to photography, to video editing. And I don't need the newest products to do that.

So my Instagram and my YouTube channel, and yes, this blog, won't showcase the newest shiny things it will showcase my hard work and determination. The newest highlighter won't be seen on my feed, but I will shine a light on my focus. You won't see new eyeliners or blushes. No new creams, powders, or liquids. But maybe you will find some inspiration. Maybe you will find the desire to shop your own stash instead of shopping the shelves at Sephora or Wal*Mart. And maybe, just maybe, you will start your own makeup rehabilitation journey.

So what do you say? Are you with me?

XOXO

Elle

Elle's On A No Buy

 It's only been two days since I officially started my no buy.

I have been on the Sephora website three times. Watched about 10 makeup hauls. And read countless reviews on products I have no interest in purchasing.

WHY?

I have enough makeup. No amount of makeup is going to make me feel better about myself.
I'm not going to look like a Supermodel because I buy a new foundation. A new eyeshadow palette is not going to make my eyes larger. A new lipstick isn't going to make my teeth straight.

So why do I want to believe it will? That I will find the perfect products and my life will be forever changed?

There is no hair product that will give me thicker hair.

                                            Have you seen my Influenster unboxing? 

There is no skin product that will thin my face. No brow product to give me flawless eyebrows.

So many of us search for these 'unicorn' products to change our world. No product can do that. But we can change ourselves. We can change our attitudes and behaviors and begin to believe in ourselves.

So that's it for now. I'm beginning to believe.

Attempting a No Buy (for real this time!)

I need to do a no buy.

A real no buy. Not one where I keep making excuses and find reasons to buy new items. But a financially motivated no buy with real, firm goals in place.

Financially, I need to take a purchasing hiatus. I am still on maternity leave, which means my pay is currently less than half of what it normally is, and will be until I return to work in September.

I have a large furniture payment due in September.

And...Wait for it... I'm going to IMATS in Toronto, which is October 1-2.

So buying things I don't REALLY need, like the Sweet Peach palette above, has to stop.

And I am prepared to do so.

So starting now, the month of my birthday, and after a few 'treat yo self' treats from Sephora. I vow to begin my Beauty No Buy.

Wish me luck!

Project 100 Pan: ALL MAKEUP (INTRO)

I've finally done it.










I've gone mad.

No, not quite. But I am taking on a massive Project Pan challenge- a Project 100 Pan. That's no typo! 100 makeup items.

Now, they are not all full-size items. That would be a whole different kind of madness. In fact, most of the items in this Project Pan are "deluxe size" items.. But as anyone who has used these sized items before can tell you, it can take weeks (if not months) to finish something of that size!

One of my goals with my makeup collection is to have a majority of full-size items. This is mostly for aesthetic reasons. I just like the way full-size products look. But deluxe products have their benefits. They are frequently available as samples, gift-with-purchases, gift sets, and more. A great way to try a product (or two or ten!) for a fraction of the cost of the retail item.


I'm also counting individual pans as separate items. So for example, I have a contour palette in this challenge. That is 6 different pans of face powder. So each pan counts as one item, as opposed to counting the palette as a whole as one item. 

I've also decided to give myself little "prizes" at the end of finishing certain categories. I will have all of those listed with my full product list.

Interested in knowing what I've chosen?

Makeup Inventory 2016

Tallying up all the products in your makeup stash can be terrifying- truly.

It can be easy to deny the amount you have ("it's not that much!") when you are an addict. And there are always excuses.

But when you sit down and surround yourself with nearly 200 lipsticks, over 20 liquid foundations, almost 50 powder blushes...Well, things become a lot more clear.

My name is Elle, and I'm a Makeup Addict.

Here are my numbers...

Decluttering: The Struggle Is Real

Some of my lipsticks...Pre-decluttering

I do not like decluttering. There, I said it.

I love watching other people do it- have you ever fallen down that YouTube rabbit hole? There are many videos of people decluttering their makeup stashes. From the reasonable amounts to the massive collections... Most are ruthless with their choices too.

There is something about that I can't do myself- be ruthless, that is. I may very well have thirty various shades of nude lipsticks (actually, I'm pretty sure out of my now 173 lipstick stash, I have much more than that), but there's no way you can convince me they're not different! I haven't reached that point yet. Some are matte, some are satin, some are glossy! Some have sparkles and some shimmer. Some lean peachy, or brown, or pink.

Yes, I can admit it now, I am a makeup addict. I have a lipstick junkie. An honest-to-goodness lip product hoarder. Somewhere between my first MAC lipstick (Lady Gaga's first Viva Glam) and the dangers of drugstore sales, I collected almost 200 coloured lip products. That does not included glosses or balms either!

YIKES. 

Project 20 Pan ROULETTE: intro

I was a little crazy when I thought of this project!

This project involves writing categories down on little slips of paper, and then drawing them at random. The category chosen is how you will make the choice of which item to pan.

One of my panning mottos for 2016 is definitely GO BIG OR GO HOME!

The full list of all 60 categories can be found below. Have fun if you decide to try this too!

Pan That Palette FINALE + 2016 INTRO

I have conquered the Naked palette from Urban Decay. It feels pretty good to say that!

In 2016 I am going to be taking on another Urban Decay- this time the VICE LTD palette. A gorgeous limited edition palette with neutrals and colorful shades.

Project 10 Pan: FINALE

I have made the decision to end this Project 10 Pan.

While I did not finish every item, I did make some excellent progress.

Check out my previous update above, or keep reading for the finale!

Finish Six by Christmas | Update #2

It is hard to believe that one month from now is Christmas! Where does the time go?

I have made some great progress over the last couple of months with my Finish 6 by Xmas challenge.

Check out my video HERE or continue reading for more details on this challenge!

Sample Roulette!

To kick off #365daysofsamples I have decided to do a mini-challenge. This is a Sample Roulette.

What that means is that I chose 10 sample items at random to use up. The samples I have in my stash range from your classic foils to perfume vials to deluxe sized items (more than one or two uses!).

So check out the video here or read on to discover the items I randomly chose...

Plans for 2016!

While it may only be November, my heart is already with 2016!

I have been dreaming and scheming about what Projects, Challenges, and Goals I hope to accomplish during 2016.

So what am I planning on doing?

1) A Project 20 Pan (ROULETTE!) with all make-up items. A Project Pan Roulette is when you choose items at random. I will have a number of different categories (which I will share on this blog closer to my intro video) written on pieces of paper. I will draw 20 different slips of paper, and choose corresponding items. For example: "A drugstore foundation" or "Something from your favorite brand"

2) Pan That Palette! I am going to continue to pan my Naked Basics.

 I am also going to attempt to pan another full-size palette. Currently, I am intending to pan Stila's In The Light palette. However, if the majority of Panners decide to go with a different palette, I am going to challenge myself with my Vice 2 from Urban Decay!

There's still more! So read on...

Project 10 Pan UPDATE!

Missed my INTRO to this Project Pan? Check out the video!

One month into this Project, and I've finished one product and made some decent progress on the rest!

Keep reading for more info on the products in this Project, as well as the video update!

Advice for Project Panning!

Project Panning is oh so rewarding.

For those that are brand new to the concept- Project Panning can mean different things to different people. Essentially, Project Panning is a challenge using makeup (or other beauty products) in an attempt to finish them.

You may have already stumbled across a Project 10 Pan, a Project 20 Pan, or even seasonal challenges like Finish 6 by Christmas.

If you are interested in joining in- DO IT! If you are unsure how to start, I have some questions to help guide you.

If you are already doing a Project Pan, but need a little help going further, I hope my questions and advice can be of some assistance!

I have been participating in Project Pans and other various "use it up" challenges since 2013.

For the list of questions, read on...