I rarely buy things because I need them. Especially makeup. I have more than I need, donate frequently, & yet I still find myself in the “New” section of a long list of shopping websites. I have a noted weakness for eyeshadow palettes. Which is absurd because I learned very early on that my readers generally don’t have any interest in limited edition releases a few months after they are available. They sit in my collection & I rarely use them myself since I’ve already moved onto something new.
No-buys & low-buys are big right now. The reverse of consumer obsession & an introspective look at personal spending. People are fed up with being constantly “sold” to & I agree. It’s exhausting & there’s no way to keep up. If it is isn’t makeup it is hair products or innovative skincare releases or the newest, shiniest bath product. I’ve gone into debt trying to stay up to date & stay informed. That’s incredibly unhealthy & I’m not the only one feeling it.
Look to the beauty community & you’ll find more like me. Brooke of Blushing Noir who is incredibly creative but feeling drained. Jen Luvs Reviews who keeps us up-to-date on beauty news but also acknowledges the tidal wave of releases. Phyrra who has shaped the cruelty-free community but is constantly researching & trying to decipher new ingredients, brands, & releases. Then there’s countless YouTube videos with the same idea & blog posts floating around with the same sentiment. We’re all feeling the strain.
I’m tired of “limited edition” threats & brands pumping out so many releases that we can’t keep up. It makes me sad to see so many standout core items going unnoticed because NEW NEW NEW is being thrown around all the time. New doesn’t mean better necessarily but the ads don’t tell you that. Look into marketing & consumerism sometime & you’ll be hooked if you’re anything like me. Which colors make you spend? How do brands target a certain age bracket? Why aren’t products performing the same on you as they are in ads? Who actually is supposed to disclose advertisements, sponsorships, & mascara ads with 4 layers of falsies photoshopped in?
So what’s my plan? I’m going to shop my stash. I’m going to rediscover some items. I’m going to continue checking out new releases but I’m not going to immediately purchase. & I’m going to need to accept that I won’t be the first to review… if I review it at all. I’m not counting press samples as my low-buy items so I’ll still be showing what’s new but I’ll be able to focus again. Clear the calendar & start new. & get my head above water.
I’m also purging. I’ve been organizing & purging a lot behind the scenes. But I need to go harder to meet my life goals. Downsize & get my OCD & anxiety on a plan. & I need to get my head together. So that’s why I’m putting this out there into the universe while I’m making a plan. I recognize I have a problem & this is the start of my journey. Things don’t make me feel better long term. For those unfamiliar or if you don’t follow me on Home in High Heels I have (often debilitating) anxiety so this is also a mental health journey for me as well. On Home in High Heels (especially my instagram which you can see here!) I’ve been covering my INTENSE clothing collection & downsize as well.
Don’t think that I’m going to quit though! Although I have been feeling a bit burnt- I’m still here & working behind the scenes as a new mom to get things in order. This is still my passion & one of my favorite parts of my life. I think I just need some strategy & refocusing. & I’m really excited to share it with you. I’m going on a 6 month low-buy with a monthly budget in place so that I can rediscover & revive. But 6 months is a random number…who knows how long it will last! I am giving myself a splash more money in April…it is my birthday after all & who knows!
Are you feeling purchasing pressure? Have you ever done a no-buy or a low-buy? I’d love to hear tips, what you’d like to see from me, & what you have been passionate about lately!
Disclaimer- I adore Jess of Love for Lacquer. We’ve been blogging friends for ages so you can bet I was super excited about her collab. But honestly- I’m probably even harder on my friends. Because I know they’re awesome. & can make the absolute best products with the knowledge, integrity, & sheer obsession with beauty they contain. So just because I know her- don’t think this is going to be a soft review! Today I’m sharing my thoughts on the Ittse X Love for Lacquer : The Glambition Collection & I’ve included swatches, thoughts on each shade, & even a video! Keep reading for alllll the details! [Read more…]
Spring is the time of year when I actually go outside. This might sound strange to you but I’m actually being serious. Winter is cold. Summer is hot. Spring is that sweet season in between where I actually like to go out & enjoy the sunshine. During spring I really like to reach for products that look naturally beautiful but also some multi-tasking. Check out my look & ideas using Glo Minerals here!
Want a reason Monday is actually awesome? You’ve got it!!! Today marks the launch of a seriously amazing giveaway brought to you by the members of The Beauty Council! We put together a collection of the best tools to create the perfect makeup application valued at nearly $500!!! & it is open worldwide too! [Read more…]
Are you ready for party season? All of the awards shows are here & ready to rumble so it is time to get your skin looking its best! You can have the perfect foundation & still feel a bit sensitive if your skin just isn’t where you’d like it to be. I’m a big fan of masks because you can treat your skin without doing anything too harsh & they are perfect to prep for big evens to really get your skin in top-notch condition. Today I get to share the Skin Inc. New Year New You Glam Like A Star Prep & Mask 2-Step Set & why it is perfection! [Read more…]
So first off- I’m totally a fantasy nerd. When all the other kids wanted a pony I was pretty positive my parents could get me a unicorn. #theydoexist & I’m showing you my version of one today! I’ve said many times Valentine’s Day was a big deal in my household- my parents were married on Valentine’s Day! It was always a big deal in our house & my mom always got my something too. Valentine’s Day gifts really should still be a thing- don’t you love yourself? Well LUSH has made all my sparklicious unicorn dreams come true- check out the reveal below!
Do you have any beauty resolutions this year? I try to keep some in mind each year- just to keep me on my toes! Keep reading to check out some of my goals for 2015 relating to beauty! [Read more…]
What are you up to this year for New Year’s Eve? Normally we celebrate in a pretty laid back way- but of course I like my makeup to look FIERCE!
When I think of NYE, I always want to bring out my best features. You’re probably thinking, “Stephanie, shouldn’t that be all the time?” & okay you might have a point. What I mean is that NYE tends to be the closest I get to “clubbing” since we’re such lame 20-somethings. I love the lighting & the glitz- much of which tends to reflect highlighter like the best spotlight ever. Using some items from the Mirabella Beauty Faerie Holiday Collection, I’m going to demo how to really get your glow on & especially make blue eyes pop- because that’s what I love to do.
PR Sample. I bought it. Affiliate links.
Orange is the New Black is one of my favorite shows currently…so we quickly flew through the 2nd season. I’ll make sure not to reveal any major spoilers but this season was intense (which was expected) but also full of awesome twists. One of my favorite characters on the series (which is on Netflix for those who haven’t indulged yet!) is Nicky aka Nichols who is just a seriously awesome character. She’s rough one minute & understanding the next but always speaks her mind. In collaboration a few other vloggers & bloggers (linked below!) we sought to cover some of our favorite characters- keep reading to check out my look! [Read more…]
PR Sample. I Bought it. Affiliate links.
Laura from My Newest Addiction have been blogging friends a really long time so it only makes sense we decided to do our first video collab together! We wanted to both use the It Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Palette because she is so stunning & versatile. When we came up with the Alter Ego Palette idea we thought it would make a great tag too!
How does it work? Pick one of your favorite palettes & zero in on shades you use the least then create a look!
Keep reading to check out my results! [Read more…]