2024 - THE NO-BUY, LOW-BUY, BUDGET-BUY ACCOUNTABILITY AND SUPPORT THREAD

[ElleElleG]

New Year,  New Thread, cheers to Year 10 of the  of the No/Low Buy Thread 🥂🥂

This thread was initially created by the amazing @lnum and this is how she described the purpose of this challenge: 

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.

Some 2016 insights from lnum:

Spoiler

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!

Interested in Past Threads? Check here:

Spoiler

2015 https://community.sephora.com/t5/VIB-ROUGE/2015-The-No-Buy-Low-Buy-Budget-Buy-Accountability-and-Sup...

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

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

2018 https://community.sephora.com/t5/Beauty-Confidential/2018-THE-NO-BUY-LOW-BUY-BUDGET-BUY-ACCOUNTABILI...

2019 https://community.sephora.com/t5/Beauty-Confidential/2019-THE-NO-BUY-LOW-BUY-BUDGET-BUY-ACCOUNTABILI...

2020 https://community.sephora.com/t5/Beauty-Confidential/2020-THE-NO-BUY-LOW-BUY-BUDGET-BUY-ACCOUNTABILI...

2021 https://community.sephora.com/t5/Beauty-Confidential/2021-THE-NO-BUY-LOW-BUY-BUDGET-BUY-ACCOUNTABILI...

2022/2023 https://community.sephora.com/t5/Beauty-Confidential/2022-amp-2023-THE-NO-BUY-LOW-BUY-BUDGET-BUY-ACC...

Other Challenges/Threads that May Help You/Your Spending Goals

Spoiler

Pan It! - 2024 Challenge
Capsule Makeup Collection Challenge
What are you wearing today Pt2
Love At First Sample!!! 🥰
Makeup Challenge of the Week 2021/2022/2023/2024

*Feel free to PM me if there are additional challenges that should be added*

[ather]

@jaaayp  Ummm I think you need to teach me your ways. How do you only just use a carry on?? My carry on is full and a huge suitcase is full! 

[jaaayp]

LOL @ather I'm kind of a minimalist in general minus beauty stuff (I think we all know by now that I have a problem in that depth 😅) but my carryon is usually pretty empty. For 1 or 2 week trip, I pack 5 tops, 2 jeans, 1 sweats, (2 shorts if im going somewhere hot), 2 rompers, 2 workout outfits, a lot of intimates (can never have too many of these), 1 pair of shoes (I wear the other but usually both are vans 😂), 1 pair of slippers/sandals, 2 PJs/lounge and my beauty stuff. If I'm going somewhere cold, I try to actually wear my jackets on me vs packing it (the volume takes up so much room). Because I wear a lot of neutrals, I find that I can always create new outfits and mix and match quite easily. I'm also very much a tank and jeans or a jumper girl so I just throw on and go.

I roll all my clothes into tight little rolls, they end up being like hand towel sizes (I'm like a S/M, Size 4). All my clothes usually fit into one side of the carryon... the other side is for my 1 pair of shoes and a makeup bag (it fits all products + brushes) and instead of a curling iron, I bring my heatless headband.

In the little flap between the 2 sides, I shove my intimates and sample packets of skincare and sheet masks and voila, I'm all set 😸 tbf, my guys friends have commented many times to me that I pack lighter than them 🤣🤣🤣

I would love to know what your carryon/suitcase looks like! 

[ather]

@jaaayp  Wow! That’s impressive! Depends where I am going and who I’m going with. Before I had my little man, my husband and I would share one suitcase. Each have half. I have done a solo trip alone where I only had my small carry on but I prefer to have more options. If we are going south I usually pack enough evening dresses for every night I am there. For day time I have a few throw on dresses I throw over my bathing suit. So those dresses and my bathing suits. Skincare. I use my heartless curler for my hair usually when I’m away! Usually 2 pairs of pjs and some lounge wear. Enough intimates for the whole trip. And that’s it usually. Now we have my little man. My husband shares one suitcase with him and I get my own. Luckily in Canada most airlines give free checked luggage for military members so we don’t have to pay! If I’m going home to visit I usually pack more depending on the time of year. If it’s fall I pack both dresses, shorts and jeans. Lots of shirts. Pjs. Skincare! But I would take my own luggage and my little and big man would share. We haven’t all gone back home together yet so I guess I will see when that happens! If we are going to the city for a weekend we take one big suitcase and I usually pre plan my outfits and only bring what I need! But I really need to get more items that I can mix and match better. 

[jaaayp]

Ooooh GURL dress for everyday?!??!? You're fancy @ather 😂😂😂 but I mean it makes sense to me that you take up half a suitcase = 1 carry on? But that's really nice that you get to check bags for free!! Honestly, there was a trip that I tried to just bring a BAG/BACKPACK for my trip and I just couldn't do it (some people do tho, from what I've seen.....HOW IDK) I keep forgetting you're in Canada! Where's "south" in Canada or are you referring to US LOL Mexico? It's funny because I'll be in "north" 😂😂😂 where did you go on your solo trip? I'm actually getting ready for a solo trip next year. I'm always a little paranoid about traveling alone, esp internationally but I decided it's time. Any tips? 

[ather]

@jaaayp  South to me can really be US but normally I mean Mexico!! Where north are you going? Canada north? I did a slow trip to my home town. I’ve done a few to the US too. Ooo International solo trip that sounds fun! Is it for work? Are you meeting anyone there? Are you going to Europe? My husband does a lot of solo trips when he’s working away. Good for you to go!!! I’m a nervous traveller so I’m not sure if I can give any good tips! I’m also the traveller who just follows my husband who does all the planning and all the things. Which is funny since my friend loves travelling and she’s the one who does all the planning. She laughs at me when I say I just follow along. As long as there will be coffee I’m good! 🙂 I’ve been trying to plan a girls trip but no one has really been sold. Darn. I’d love to go to Aspen in the winter it’s so pretty there! 

[jaaayp]

I'll be going on an Alaska cruise (Def my bucket list, may sound silly because I'm an American LOL) Mexico is nice!! Warm, sunny, tequilas @ather !

I'm heading to taiwan and singapore, top 5 safest countries to travel to (per my research). I'm definitely a nervous traveler and I'm most definitely the go with the flow, never planned a trip until this year and now I'm thinking it's time to do it solo (yes, after planning 1 trip by myself).

I must be having a quarter life crisis because I've been trying a lot of new things lately. The latest kick has been bouldering, just showed up, got a 30 min safety talk and off I went. It's tough af but I did it and I felt really proud of myself afterwards.

So I think the same logic applies with solo travel... im doing it mostly for like empowerment and almost like.. trying to be in the moment? I usually can go out alone anywhere and even have a meal by myself but the thought of traveling alone has always scared me. Why? I mean, kidnapping, murder, etc.... but I think it's time. I am really looking forward to it 😊 

[Loretta55]

Pack clothes for cooler weather @jaaayp. I took an Alaska cruise and I packed summer clothing. I only brought a rain slicker and I was so uncomfortable during my cruise. I also couldn’t eat salmon for an entire year. At least I had a pair of jeans.

[jaaayp]

Eeep! @Loretta55 sorry to hear that! Yes! I definitely planning on warm clothes since September is basically fall anywhere except where I live 😂 also I generally pack layers no matter where I go. But thanks for the tip!!!! 🥰

[ather]

@jaaayp  Ooooo Alaskan cruise!! Jealous! I want to go! That sounds wonderful! My husband was in Alaska in January this year. The pictures he sent are beautiful! I bet it will be a wonderful time!!

I also have Singapore and Taiwan on my places to go! That’s good they are safe! One of the daycare workers is from Singapore and she always talks how nice it is there! She’s literally the sweetest person ever too! I’m sure you will have the best time!!! I can’t wait to hear all about it!!! 

[jaaayp]

Yay! I will definitely report back  @ather !

Alaska will be this year but the international will have ti be next year because I haven't been managing my personal time off so I'm a little short 😭 sigh.

Regardless, I am very excited for alaska 🥰 do you guys plan on visiting any time soon? Was he there for work?

[ather]

@jaaayp  Yes he gets to travel lots for work! Umm I would love to go but I haven’t been home in 2 years so I think I better go home first. I was looking at flights today to go home in the summer. Since a closer destination was a little crazy for hotels I thought well I can go home for just a little more. But the little more was adding up fast. We will see. We splurged a lot on our Mexico vacay this December so we may just do a cheaper December vacay next year and go home. We shall see!! 

[jaaayp]

Canada is not home?!??! I mean I guess Canada is huge @ather so you might have to fly... ya, balance is always good! Other than safety, I chose my next international trip after alaska to be Asia because the dollars go far there. I'm also trying to buy another house rn and in the US, esp where I am, it's like a war zone (people be cray) and also it's tough being a single lady trying to afford a house within reasonable price range... they really should build single income homes LOL so your logic totally makes sense to me. I just told @itsfi that I'm gonna be with her on this "no buy June". Of course I consider my beauty hauls as "treat for myself" but I don't think I need any more than I have now and I really gotta save them coins 😂😂😂

[ather]

@jaaayp  Yes! Canada is both of my homes! I live more in the west and my home where I grew up is in the east! My husband is in the military so we move around a lot! It’s just super expensive to fly east!! Oooo buying another home, good for you! That’s an amazing accomplishment!! Are housing prices crazy there? I feel like they are crazy all over! It’s pretty crazy here too and I’m in a small town! Like super small! I’m on a no buy June and maybe July and August lol 😂 I need literally nothing tho. No more treats for me!

[jaaayp]

@ather I'm with you. I told my friend today that I will buy nothing until the next sephora sale or black Friday. I need to fund my vacations!!! I told her "if you ever hear me in the next few months saying 'oh I'm thinking about buying xyz', then just remind me that I'm poor". 

She laughed but I did not.

House prices are crazy here. I live in like prime town, central everything so a house will come on market and get sold in like 5 days. Sigh*

Oooh. I see. I didn't realize Canada military is similar to US military (moving around a lot..) or is that just all military? 😂 

East.... Montreal, west... Vancouver 🫡 that's all I know LOLOL

[ather]

@jaaayp  Ahhhh that’s so funny! 😂 I did buy some shoes for my son today and I cringed a little but if not now later. And his shoes are wrecked! I saw a pretty shirt but I’m using my willpower and not buying it! I wanted to go to the city for the weekend but I also reminded myself I need to save. So we might just go for breakfast tomorrow morning! I think all military move around but I could be wrong. I’m not up on my military move plans lol 😂 

Oooo central is a great spot to be. But I get how expensive it gets to be so central. Wow 5 days and sold that’s crazy! I am not sure how fast houses move here. I know a girl had her house on the market last year and it finally sold this year. We bought our house 6 years ago. We came to look for a place and we only had 2 that were in our price range. So I guess they must have sold faster back then!!! 

I’m from more east New Brunswick and live more mid west Alberta!! Have you been to Canada????? 

[sydneylof23]

@ather you mentioned you use hair curlers do you curl your hair often? Do you have fave hair curler or one you find work best? Which is the easiest to use 

[ather]

@sydneylof23  I have the kitsch heartless curling rod that you put in before you go to bed and you wake up with perfect curls! I love using it. I use to use a curling iron but it takes so much time to do and they would fall out and not last. But I find the heartless curling one works so good and takes no time to do!! I have the regular and the XL version. The XL is to big for my hair since I cut it tho. So if you have shoulder length hair it wouldn’t be the best choice! 

[sydneylof23]

@ather Sorry for confusion didn’t read the whole message how long before bed would you use the curling rod? Also do you like bristle or paddle brush best? Sorry for confusion and hope don’t mind helping out 

[ather]

@sydneylof23  I do it right before bed. When I’m in a more humid area I find I can even have it in my hair for. Few hours before I need to leave and that helps too. If I am doing it before bed I just use them on my dry hair. I found wet or damp just left it a mess. I don’t normally use anything else it just take it out and my hair is curly in the morning!! 

[sydneylof23]

@ather do you have straight or curly hair naturally have also cut my hair recently like yours? How long does it take to use that curler you find can I use it before going to work? And do you find sometimes throw hair up? Are you bun or pony girl more what style find cuter and more fun? Do you use volume spray or texture spray too by chance any faves you have for brands

[ather]

@sydneylof23  I have straight to wavy naturally hair. It’s past my shoulders. Right now. I’m getting a cut on Tuesday. Maybe just a trim! I do put my hair in a bun but I just do a messy one. I just pull it up and throw it all up. But I have super thin hair and not a ton so it’s a small bun. My pony tails are pretty small. I don’t use hair spray but I like OUAI Volumizing Hair Spray 4.8 oz/ 137 g  to add texture! I usually use the hair rod before I go to bed!