2019 - THE NO-BUY, LOW-BUY, BUDGET-BUY ACCOUNTABILITY AND SUPPORT THREAD

[ElleElleG]

updated 12/31/19* The 2020 Thread is here 2020 - THE NO-BUY, LOW-BUY, BUDGET-BUY ACCOUNTABILITY AND SUPPORT THREAD

Hey all!  Welcome to Year 5 of the No/Low Buy thread 😲. 

Since 2019 is LITERALLY around the corner so I figured it was time to get this thread started.  The 2018 thread can be located here: https://community.sephora.com/t5/Beauty-Confidential/2018-THE-NO-BUY-LOW-BUY-BUDGET-BUY-ACCOUNTABILI...

For reference here's the purpose of this thread (from lnum):

This thread is a support system for all of us who are trying to maintain a budget and keep our beauty spending limited. Post here when you have a weak moment, post here to hold yourself accountable, post here when you just need someone to talk to, post here when you have advice for all of us, and post here when you make mistakes but also make gains! Many of us post here to keep track of our monthly purchases. Anything you need to say, we are all here for each other. There's no judgement here.

Feel free to share your goals, items that tempt you, missteps (we don't believe in failures), and any successes.  Above all else, encourage and support one another.

The 2017 OP and link:

Spoiler

lnum wrote:

Welcome to Year 3!

My motto for this thread is that I strongly believe, even on a budget, you can have the things you want that make you happy without feeling like you're limiting yourself. 

This thread is a support system for all of us who are trying to maintain a budget and keep our beauty spending limited. Post here when you have a weak moment, post here to hold yourself accountable, post here when you just need someone to talk to, post here when you have advice for all of us, and post here when you make mistakes but also make gains! Many of us post here to keep track of our monthly purchases. Anything you need to say, we are all here for each other. There's no judgement here.

I am so excited to spend another year with you all. If it wasn't for the first two years of this thread, I would never have been able to cut down my beauty spending. My goal for this year is to maintain low spending on beauty, and cut down my clothing purchases. I will be funneling that money into traveling, which is what I have done in the past and it's a great goal that truly motivates me. 

I'm still so proud of everyone for making it through 2015 and 2016, limiting ourselves in the beauty product area in order to improve our lives in other areas. We all did great and here's to another year of learning and saving!

Here is a link to the 2015 thread: http://community.sephora.com/t5/VIB-ROUGE/2015-The-No-Buy-Low-Buy-Budget-Buy-Accountability-and-Supp...

2016 thread: 

http://community.sephora.com/t5/VIB/2016-The-NO-BUY-LOW-BUY-BUDGET-BUY-ACCOUNTABILITY-AND-SUPPORT/td...

 2017 thread: https://community.sephora.com/t5/VIB/2017-THE-NO-BUY-LOW-BUY-BUDGET-BUY-ACCOUNTABILITY-AND-SUPPORT/m...

Challenges to Help You Use Your Stash:

Spoiler

Pan It! 2018 Challenge: https://community.sephora.com/t5/Beauty-Confidential/Pan-It-2018-Challenge/m-p/3604337#M317498

Use Your Foil Samples Challenge: https://community.sephora.com/t5/Beauty-Confidential/Use-Your-Foil-Samples-Challenge-January-2018/m-...

The Perfume Challenge: https://community.sephora.com/t5/Perfume-Posse/The-Perfume-Challenge/m-p/2633976#M18939

Mask of the Week Challenge: https://community.sephora.com/t5/Skincare-Aware/Mask-of-the-Week-Challenge/m-p/3615125#M44343

**are you participating in a challenge that I failed to mention?  if so please let me know I can link it here**

[sonnydee]

My February results on my lower buy. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Did really well last month! I spent 69% less than what I did in 2018. And 71% less than what I spent in 2017. Promos are still tempting me & letting stuff sit in my loves list is helping-waiting on a good enough promo for me to purchase. I did have to restock my igk shampoo (which I've decided I'm not going to count restocks towards my month) & I was getting nervous but finally a good one dropped! I did end up paying for flash, it was just ridiculous not to. I waited a full week until I got my shampoo-not good if you are already waiting to place a order anyways. The 750 point redemption was a better value esp since they've been adding full size products now! I still get the itch of finding a box at my door step 🤣😔 so hopefully with time that will fade too. Also been finding alot of treasures at Tjmaxx/marshalls but still got to limit those trips because those can add up quickly too!. Happy Spring Y'all! Good luck to everyone!

[sephoraaddict918]

Congratulations on your more mindful spending for 2 years in a row @sonnydee!!!!! 

[sonnydee]

I wish I could take credit for 2 years in a row! last year my spending was mindful on completing my Pat McGrath collection so I gave up tracking it after March 2018. I did go back before the new year and pulled the disgusting figures I spent at Sephora last year. 🤯🤯🤯🤯 So lower buy for Sephora in 2019 was activated again. 🤑

[divaknits]

Lipsticks are my weakness too @byme4u. I’m in that challenge and it’s hard not buying more lipsticks to show in the challenge. I have enough to go more than 100 days. It’s quite sad. I’m giving a hard no to buying anymore makeup for now. I’m even trying to stay out of TJ Maxx because they have lower cost prestige brands. I have to stop feeding my habit. 

[ShortErica]

Oh no @byme4u! 100 days of lipstick should encourage you to use what you have...though I can understand the temptation of seeing others wearing an awesome lipstick you don't own. You'll do better this month!

[divaknits]

Why oh why do I have to step into JCPenney? I don’t buy clothes there, but I can’t help but step into Sephora. I mean, I have to check on the welfare of one of my pregnant cast members, get makeup tips from the one who graduated from cosmetology school, meet those who don’t know me by name yet (maybe two :D), check on my guy’s plantar fasciitis (He hugs me too.), talk to the one who’s about to graduate from cosmetology school. It’s a never ending cycle. And I always vow that I’m not going to buy anything and then I find something that catches my eye and it just jumps in my purse and goes home with me. I have a train case of lipsticks, lipliners, mini mascaras, and brushes, and another with eyeshadow palettes, foundations, and concealers. I know some of you may not think that’s a lot, but at my budget it is. Plus I can’t fit another thing in either case now after my latest purchases. I don’t want to start another new area. Please! Somebody help me!

[sonnydee]

Dont take your wallet/cash or cards with you. That'll force you to either a. walk back to your car & get it, if you want it that bad b. sample it instead c. order online later after giving yourself to think about it @divaknits

[divaknits]

So true @byme4u! I’m in a few challenges in different groups so I can use up the stuff I have now. I’m also about to close my JCPenney card so I won’t use it at my SJCP. That’s my main place to buy things. I rarely order online. I’m going to try to do a low-buy and work myself down to a no-buy. 

[sephoraaddict918]

I totally understand the desire to leave with something after a Sephora visit @divaknits !! In order to curb my unnecessary spending, I have been requesting a sample or redeeming a 100 point item. It makes me feel like I got something, but I am not spending money on items I don't need.

[divaknits]

I never thought of doing that @sephoraaddict918! I can’t really buy anymore makeup since I have no more room. I know I’d be heading toward skincare next and it’s easier for me to get samples of those. 

[JenniferOhJenny]

I think I'm doing well, although when there is literally *no* money to spend on treats for myself it's pretty easy to stay on a no-buy :). 

I haven't bought anything since the end of December except a facial cleanser (I legitimately needed it), and 3 mascaras for $17 today (they are mine and my daughter's favorite and they are normally $15 each). I'm not counting the Wet n Wild highlighter I bought at Target in a moment of weakness the other day since I'm returning it, unopened.

I hope everyone has a great March!

[ShortErica]

I thought my DevaCurl stock-up would be my only February purchase. But then I added on some Mediheal masks and Biore pore strips to an Amazon order. I’ll use everything so no worries.

Totals for February 2019:

   Makeup (no buy) - $0

   Skincare (low buy) - $21.13

• Mediheal Mask Pack (10 sheet masks)
• Biore Pore Strips

   Haircare (low buy) - $70.29

• No Poo 32 oz
• One Condition 32 oz
• One Condition 12 oz
• Coconut Supercream Deluxe Sample
• Decadence Shampoo/Conditioner Sample Packets

Totals for my year (November 2018-October 2019) to date including February totals:

   Makeup (no buy) - $0

   Skincare (low buy) - $100.18

Spoiler

Prior purchases

• CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
• CeraVe PM (2 pack)
• CeraVe Baby Lotion
• Nivea Sunprotect Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++
• Dr. Teal's Epsom Salt - Soothe & Sleep - Lavender
• Dr. Teal's Epsom Salt - Restore & Replenish - Pink Himalayan
• Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Jelly

   Haircare (low buy/smart buy) - $182.04

Spoiler

Prior purchases

• John Frieda Leave-In Conditioner Spray
• John Frieda Curl Styling Spray
• DevaCurl Wave Maker
• DevaCurl Light Defining Gel
• DevaCurl SuperCream
• DevaCurl B'Leave-In

Did the shorter month help you stay on track?

[virgo87]

@ShortErica  Good for you.

[ShortErica]

Thanks @virgo87!

[eshoe]

No, @ShortErica, no it did not😂 OT but there is a new Matcha Dr. Teal’s. I’ve found so far that the Coconut scent is the least invasive when you are feeling scent-adverse.

[ShortErica]

Interesting @eshoe though I'm not sure matcha is calling my name. Now that I've finished my opened lavender, I ready to try the pink himalayan one!

[eshoe]

Love that one @ShortErica, I always have some of that on hand!

[Guessgal]

So I’m a bit conflicted... I bought the ABH Sultry palette in store on Friday when it went on sale, but when I opened it, it was swatched. I went to exchange it yesterday. I also received the red pocket in the mail yesterday (it came late bc of a long story). The store manager said they could only exchange the palette and couldn’t apply the $8 off bc no combined discounts or smth. Bc I’m on a low buy, I don’t want to spend another $30 to get the $8 off (that would total at least $60 including Sultry)... and I’m going to Beautycon in April which means I’ll already be buying makeup there and don’t need to purchase stuff now... I’m wondering if I should just return the ABH palette altogether and purchase smth else with $8 off. Thoughts? 🤔 

[newcarlee]

Hi @Guessgal, one way to think of it isn’t saving $8 but spending at least $22.  Unless you really need something, then save the $22+.  

[missjeanie]

I can see why the manager wouldn't be able to apply a coupon/promo code to a purchase that was already made.  I'd say you need to decide if the sultry palette is something you really want and would really use.  One way to think of it is that you already saved more than 8$ on it.  Another way to look at it is that just because you have a coupon for 8$ off, doesn't mean you need to use the coupon?

[Guessgal]

Thanks for the advice @missjeanie @newcarlee  You guys are right; I don’t have to use the $8 off and should look at it as money saved!