Sunday 10 June 2012

Saturation Point?

I'm having one of my periodic inner wrangles at the moment. I decided I would brave sharing my anxieties on this occasion rather than ignore them, as I'm pretty sure from other comments and conversations, that I am not alone in this. I realise I also risk being shunned for such open heresy!

Although I love buying makeup and having shiny new things to play with, at times I do feel a bit overwhelmed by my ever expanding collection. I also feel guilty about this gluttony and the number of near duplications in my collection. I wouldn't allow this kind of material excess in any other area of my life so why do I do this with makeup? I do wonder if I would continue to buy at this rate if it wasn't for blogging.

I have so much makeup that I already love that I do question whether I really need to buy any more. I could probably manage with what I have for a couple of decades several years, with the exception of mascara and foundation, but at the same time, I know I'd desperately miss the thrill of 'new things'. Could I really cope with a complete no-buy apart from essentials? Have I actually gone insane?!

I suspect that if I was good at culling my collection, this wouldn't be an issue at all. However, I am a bit of a closet Gollum when it comes to parting with my precious things. I am fine at decluttering in general but I visibly pale at the mere thought of parting with neglected but pretty things. What if I suddenly needed them for swatch comparisons? Could I really give away all of my unused MAC lipsticks without realising it was a horrible mistake? Feel the fear and do it anyway? Of course, at this level of navel gazing, I realise I have gone mad and remember it is only makeup we're talking about here.



Anyway, to prevent further inward reflection, I thought I'd ask what you think. Do you think it is possible to reach a point where you're completely satisfied with your collection and don't need more or does curiosity always get the better of you? Do you have a special system to keep your collection in check? I'd be really interested to hear your thoughts.

81 comments:

  1. No, I don't think it's possible. Especially for a make up blogger! I try and do a one in one out system to keep mine under control. Muji boxes to separate everything and try to 'file', but it's very tough.

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    1. I have wondered about one in one out but it could take a very long time! I haven't hit pan on anything for such a long time.

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  2. hm I'm almost satisfied with my stash actually. I'm eyeing certain colours to round it out but honestly, I'm very happy with it. I can't stand having even near dupes though. and definitely no dupes. I edit and cull all the time. it definitely leads me to a point where I am happy with my stash. I'd say edit :) don't let the blog be a reason to hoard! I think you'll feel liberated once you get rid of the stuff you don't use (blogsale, swap, w/e). you can always keep some of the more unusual, museum-like pieces!

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    1. I know I would feel so much better if I cut it down. I might force myself to sell the few bits I have in a holding box for blog sale. I love the liberating feeling of getting rid of things normally but I definitely panic when it comes to makeup. Do you ever regret getting rid of things?

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    2. yes there's definitely some remorse. but for the most part, they are replaceable or dupeable :) and there are always new pretties! you can always experiment with lip products first. or e/s :) and you can always have a maybe pile. if you don't touch it before a certain date, it goes into the purge pile?

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    3. Yes, that's true. I'm sure new would distract from any regrets! I have moved somethings around in order to be less cluttered and they in a sense provide a maybe pile. I suspect I could add to them too.

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  3. I'm posting a 'What I'd keep' post tomorrow. I'm not brave enough to actually chuck out/give away everything else, but it did make me realise how much excess there is in my makeup collection.

    I'm buying a lot less these days. I've completely lost interest in most of the mainstream lines, and I'm much more focussed on the cleaner lines, which tend to be more moderate with new releases!

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    1. I really look forward to seeing what you would keep. I'm glad it's not just me that doesn't like letting go! I might force myself to do a similar mental edit, I will be seeing friends in a couple of weeks and it would be a good opportunity to pass a few things on.

      I feel I'm buying less these days, not just because of my no-buy. Something struck a chord with me the other days when I was reading your comments too. You mentioned about saying no to samples of things you wouldn't buy yourself. This is an area I feel I need to re-evaluate also.

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    2. Grace, what are some of the "cleaner" lines you are referring to?

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    3. Hi Anon - lines like RMS Beauty, Ilia Beauty, W3LL People. I've eliminated mineral oil etc from my skin care, and now I'm trying to do the same for colour cosmetics.

      It's a bit harder, but there are some really great brands coming to market so you don't have to compromise between finish and colour and 'cleanness' (I don't like to use the term 'natural' - because there are lots of natural things I wouldn't want on my face or body!)

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    4. Hey MB - yes, I've always had the general rule about samples, and it makes life a lot easier! I can't blog about every new collection, but I don't need to worry about 'owing' lots of posts as a result of PR samples. I don't like to chop and change skincare too much either.

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  4. I have the very same issue with my collection and it bothers me deeply. I give away items on a pretty regular basis, but not enough to stop the growth. I'm also a bit of a neat freak OCD person and clutter drives me mad, so I spend time and money on storage and tidying up, but that's just one part of the problem.
    I love new shiny things, fashion trends, and looking as best as my middle aged self can, but does it mean I need all this stuff? 20 something red lipsticks and 30 something plummy ones? It's not that I was ever a minimalist, and I had a large and varied collection way before blogging. But I do buy a lot for the sake of reviewing and providing my readers with fun stuff to see, and I know I'd be nowhere near this amount if it weren't for the blog, which makes me feel guilty and also a little stupid.
    Then I get an email or a comment demanding to know why I haven't reviewed this item or that, and all I want to do is go hide under a pile of palettes....

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    1. Your comment makes me feel so much better about having come out about my inner wrangles Gaia! I do think it's really hard to strike the perfect balance. Blogging does give me such pleasure and I think it's hard to write without an element of needing to buy new things to talk about, but the guilt does rear its head now and again.

      I need to give more away to friends in order to banish the guilt for a while!

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  5. I am the same, and thats usually when you'll see me doing a blog sale. I give away to my family and friends also. I know I can always buy more and I have to confess on more than once occasion I've rebought something I've sold!

    What I really wanted to say though was that I now only one Mac lipstick, I've got rid of them all, and I've never missed one of them. xx

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    1. That's really interesting that you have re-purchased some of the items you've sold Charlie. I could imagine ending up doing the same!

      That's good to know you don't miss the MAC lipsticks. I don't use mine anymore and much prefer other formulas. I don't know why I cling on to them. Nostalgia maybe? x

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    2. Yes, some sales or things I've given away have definitely been a mistake, mostly not though! And yes it's nostalgia definitely. I sold my last four this weekend, except for Hot Tahiti which I still love. I am having big pangs over a couple of them, but I don't wear them so I just keep telling myself I'm being stupid!

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  6. Hmmm. What I find interesting is when one micro examines one's stash, for me it is cleansers (of the balm type) and face powders (not as bizarre as I first thought given that I have an oilier skin) - and I am attracted to these products far more than anything else - haircare? any old brand, cheaper the better. But then I spend nothing on my clothes prefering the bag lady look, and ditto hair. However what I do do is buy and coo over and not use and that is a waste.

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    1. I can really identify with this Jan. I've resolved to spend more on clothes like I do on makeup but I'm struggling to get my head around it. I wear certain things constantly, so it would make sense to have fewer, more expensive items. Old habits die-hard though, don't they?!

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    2. Oh Jane if you can sort out clothes please let me know - I am struggling beyond struggling, and having a 16yr old daughter who is half my width and double my height (well slight exaggeration ;) just shoves me into a deeper depression xx

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  7. It's something I'm struggling with too... in my early blogging days I wrote a post on how I've always been a one of everything girl - 1 blush, 1 perfume, etc. I knew this would change when I started blogging & it's actually driving me nuts lately - eg this week I literally couldn't find any lipstick to wear, because it was buried somewhere under God knows what! It actually makes me a bit panicky. I've given away a lot, but have realised there are certain things I use just because I have them and I'd much rather just use the things I love - regularly.

    How about swatching all the things you have before selling/giving away? Then you always have swatches on file to refer back to & can easily post pics alongside newer products?

    Nic x

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    1. I remember your post Nic. I think it's hard to blog about beauty products and still maintain a well edited collection. I think I do need to consider if there are things that I could live without, maybe I should set aside some time one evening with a glass of wine to try and muffle my inner Gollum? :D x

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  8. My rule is 'no dupes' and I'm very good with that. There are a couple of Chanel Coco Shines I want, a few eyeshadows and I am still searching for the perfect coral lipstick but that's it and I only let myself buy new stuff once a month (sometimes I don't always stick to this but I try!). Storage is an issue, that bothers me a lot. I need a new bedroom mirror it's too small so I go into another room with better light so I need something I can carry around too. So then accesibility becomes an issue and I forget about stuff. Using Glossy Boxes now, but I only have one and it's not enough even using the lid as well. I need a clear out, inspired to do that right now!

    How about more technique, experiments & faces of the day stuff?

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    1. It sounds like you're good at being strict with yourself. I struggle not to instantly gravitate towards the same few colours time and time again. I have a couple of bits I'd really like to get that have been on my wishlist for more than a year, then I think I'll have to go back to restricting my purchases.

      I really appreciate the ideas for post alternatives, I worry about boring people when I don't have 'new item' posts.

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    2. personally while I do like reviews I also like seeing the other things listed :) seeing what others do and getting ideas :)

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  9. At Christmas i received so much body stuff and make-up, i came to the conclusion that enough was enough. I cracked down and used all the body care and shower stuff up. But make-up is another story, i haven't bought any make-up since january (well apart from 2 revlon lip butters, LM tinted moisturiser and an eyebrow pencil - nail varnishes dont count) - just looking at my collection, in my plastic muji towers gives me the heebie jeebies.

    Most of it think, why did i bloody buy this? I have fifty thousand pencil eyeliners that i don't use and lipsticks that don't even suit me? I'm on a one woman mission to use everything, switching stuff in and out every week. Sometimes i do want to have a little weep at knowing i'll never get through these bloody eyeshadows, but hell will freeze over before i give them away ;-)

    WE CAN DO IT! xxxx

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    1. I'm impressed by your mission to use everything up. I've reflected a lot today, reading everyone's response and I'm definitely going to give some of the less loved items to friends. Even with editing it down, I'll still be faced with a major mission to try and use it up! xx

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  10. I took voluntary redundancy when I was pg, and as I wasn't earning something had to give and make-up was a biggie. It was quite tempting to splurge or try things out but I've never gone back to buying in the same way that I used to. I won't lie & say I've not bought anything - I have treated myself to a few bits and pieces but not high end stuff and certainly not in any volume. I replace things as I need them - mascara for example. In the last 5 yrs I've had a few weekends away etc and on a couple of occasions left my make-up bag at home - EEK! And on those sad days LOL I have not felt able to do without so have made a mad dash round the make-up counters to buy some basics so I've picked up a fews bits that way. But...yes I have made do with using up my huge stash and to be honest I've hardly dented it at all in 5 yrs!

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    1. I seem to have started my major collecting just as you finished J! I think I really do need to cut back as there are so many other things I ought to buy other than makeup. No good having nice makeup if I'm dressed like a bag lady!! Oops.

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  11. Jane, this post really resonates with me. I'm spending a large amount of my time attempting to create 'empties' posts. I'm being really tough on myself not to buy new things, until I have cleared out some of my older products. With make up, that's not so easy. You don't go through things that quickly. Like you said, its mainly foundation and mascara. I have goodies that I bought from Sephora in Vegas (Nov) that I refuse to open until some of my make up products are used. This is killing me! But something has got to give! I guess for me, it's time to focus on what I actually use. The things I forget about/don't use, surely can't be that important to me? I'm debating a blog sale, like Charlie has just done, to re-focus my attention. Just know that you are certainly not alone in those feelings, Jane. x

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    1. Thank you for sharing Leanne. Using things up for empties posts is hard work! I still have a half written post from March having anticipated using up more products than I did. Makeup is especially hard and I think you do right not starting on your Vegas things yet. As hard as it is, you know as soon as you start using them the clock is ticking! x

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  12. When I get to that point, I definitely start giving away a lot of good products to family and friends. My Mom will take my used goods and my friends usually get the newbies that I do not even get to try. I am glad you brought this up, I drive myself crazy when I see there are too many products for one person to use. I have a four drawer vanity from IKEA and additional IKEA stackable drawers for the over flow inventory.

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    1. I think it's telling that I've given so much to my Mum and sister over the past couple of years, that they won't take anymore as they say they have enough now!! I've filled up a box that I'm going to take round with me to work, my in laws and my friends, what is left I will send to Give and Makeup. I have a 'maybe' pile that's going to be hard to part with but I hope it will deal with some of the guilt issues!

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    2. Good for you! Give and Makeup sounds like a great organization for women. I know how hard it is to part with certain items, especially the pricey ones.

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  13. I was thinking this about my own collection recently, and about how much faster I seem to pick up new things than ever before. I don't think that it's possible to ever be satisfied with any collection, really. Not to get overly philosophical, but one of the reasons we start to collect things is because we're in love with the idea of them, and every new iteration we find is a variant that relates to our "ideal" in a different way. (OK, that sounds totally pretentious, but hopefully it makes some sense.)

    I'm kind of proud of the fact that there aren't many really close dupes in my collection despite its size. I will say that there are things that I can tell apart but most others can't and a couple of things that don't work well on me but that I can't bear to let go. That said, I know that I still buy far more than I can ever use.

    Certainly, having an outlet like a blog that calls attention to these things puts some pressure on to buy the newest stuff and write about them. When I've worked as a DJ, live on on radio, I've bought far more music. When I write blog posts about beauty, it makes me buy the latest and greatest makeup.

    I figure as long as it's not interfering with enjoying the rest of my life, I'm not going to beat myself up over it. However I am planning on making myself get rid of some older things, just to make room...

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    1. It sounds like you have a good attitude Kate. I think that as my guilt and the focused spending is encroaching on my life a little, it's a sensible time to re-evaluate my hoarding. I'm hoping that I won't morn the loss of my pretty things too much!

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    2. Wow, Kate-- that doesn't sound pretentious at all. What a BRILLIANT observation-- I have never thought about the application of Platonic Idealism to the consumption of makeup. This model of consumerism-- where we repeatedly buy in search of the "ideal" lipstick, blush eye shadow etc. is what those companies bank on. However, things in actuality can never measure up to that pure Idea born of the mind. What a profound link you established between Platonic Philosophy and our makeup stashes!! I'm going to have to think about this before I contemplate buying another pile of makeup!!!

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  14. I'm going through the same thing as well. I keep thinking how ridiculous that I have so much stuff that I can't possibly use it all then 15 mins later I'm oohing and ahhing over some new product that I absolute "need". i am very good at culling my stash if I know I have a better version of something or it's just not being used but even with my high standards the number of items that do meet my criteria are starting to accumulate. I definitely need more storage but at the same time that scares me! Ahh the perils of a beauty addict, I mean blogger.

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    1. Oh, I know that feeling of switching rapidly between stressing about having too much to then lusting after something new. I need to decide whether I'm going to be a hoarder and stop buying so much or get better at letting go of what I don't use.

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  15. I've struggled with this & I don't even blog. I have dramatically reduced my beauty spending over the last couple of years. I join others in saying I have enough color products to last for the next decade or so! I don't get the joy from doing my makeup in the morning like I used to when I had fewer products to pick from.
    I do like the thrill of 'new pretties'. However, I've found that I can get some of that from just reading about new collections & fiddling around with wishlists online. And 8-9 times out of 10, if I take time to look through what I currently have I can find something similar to what is in the new collection. I am in the process of culling down to an easy-to-use sized collection. I want to have a well-edited capsule collection of products that I love & work well for me. I don't have a one-in-one-out policy or anything like that right now. I have given away a lot to my niece & sister. I don't have any real life friends that are into makeup like I am. I wish I had someone to go browsing with locally but it's maybe for the best that I don't!
    I can't even fathom how difficult it would be to maintain a well-edited collection & blog. Temptalia did a video a few months ago showing how she stores everything. My jaw was on the floor as she was showing how much she has. But I know she is an oft used source for comparison swatches & it would be almost impossible to do that if she got rid of things. I think she was the blogger that talked about keeping things just for reference/swatches long after their expiration. I'm sure you receive lots of requests for comparison swatches & that would be tough to do if you pare down your collection. Unless you swatched everything like someone above me suggested prior to culling products. But as I reader I know I prefer side by side swatches in one pic rather than comparing multiple pics side by side. Yes, I realize as I state my preferences I'm certainly not making it any easier for an active blogger to work on culling.
    Gaia mentioned that she has received emails & comments demanding to know when she is going to review "X" product. Unfortunately, I'm sure she is not the only blogger receiving those types of requests. I would just like to say I think that it is beyond the pale to 'demand' that a blogger do a review. I am so thankful for the service that bloggers provide - reviews on the quality of the product, swatches, heads up on promotions, etc. I am able to make better purchases because of the time, energy & effort that bloggers put into their reviews. I wouldn't dream of demanding a review from any blogger. Thank you, bloggers, for doing what you do so well!
    Thinking about types of posts that don't necessarily require a purchase of a new product - I would enjoy reading more techniques & face of the day posts. Or 1 product worn 5 different ways. Or even the occasional non-makeup related post.

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    1. Thank you so much for your comment. It is really useful to hear things from a non-blogging perspective. I do know exactly what you mean about seeing the swatches all in one picture rather than side by side. Comparison swatches are something I have tended to focus on as I think from a reader's point of view, these are really useful. Certainly google searches back this up too.

      As I mentioned to EJ, I do really appreciate thoughts on alternative post ideas. I know cutting back doesn't necessarily mean an end to blogging, it just requires a bit of thought to try and keep things interesting.

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  16. I like to edit. I can't stand clutter. And I like multi purpose products. So that's 4 basic powder eyeshadows (creme, caramel, taupe, black) and 2 cream eyeshadows, a concealer and highlighter, bb cream, 2 cream blushes, one black pencil (I don't wear and therefore need other colours). I'm into nude lips, so I have 3 shades, one berry stain for winter and a coral for summer. That's all I need and use. I would not want to own more and to me
    this seems a lot! Also I like natural brands (kjaer weis, ilia, rms etc) so they only last about a year once opened... You don't want to keep things too long and then they'll go off... Dont Mac lipsticks have a shelf life of 24 months? So out with them after that time!! I think thinking in these terms helps and stops me from buying duplicate things. And remember you can always mix things up and create new colours. Laura

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    1. My 'stuff I'd keep' is pretty much what Laura has listed here (right down to the same brands!) These are the things I reach for time and time again. I really should let some of the rest of it go.

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    2. Hi Laura, I'm rather envious of what sounds like a very well chosen and edited collection. I haven't tried rms yet but I really like KW, Ilia and W3LL People. You will be pleased to hear that a lot of the MAC lipsticks are being binned or possibly Back2MAC'd if I can think of a lipstick I would like and use!

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  17. I'm trying hard not to buy and so far I've resisted quite a few things that I was sure I needed to blog about. I wonder how long I can hold out like that though. Once the new fall collections come out with my favorite colors and all the blogs start showing them then it might be different.

    I just sent a huge box of cosmetics to my nieces and their friends in another state. As soon as it was gone I thought "why did I include those Maybelline bouncy blushes"! It never ends. I'll live without them. And so will you my friend.

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    1. It's sounds like you're doing well Marcia. I know exactly what you mean about the pangs for the Maybelline bouncy blushes and that's what I dread happening. As you say, we'll live without and soon forget.

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  18. I'm pretty new to blogging as yet so it's somewhat troubling to read this post from you and the followups -- you guys are the pioneers in my books.
    Honestly I've been into makeup (and testing out every shiny new formula out there) for a decade before ever finding the beauty internets and since starting to blog my stash-size hasn't really changed. It's ALWAYS yoyo'd between "TOO MUCH STUFF drowning" (c. 100 lip products) and "too constrained, I don't own enough to put together the latest look I want to) (c.20).
    I like to think I'm unsentimental about this stuff, but the ancient Stila singles and dried-out Pout cream shadows probably say otherwise.... though I long-ago purged all my MAC lipsticks and NARS shadows and never looked back ;)

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    1. Kate, I think if you've been building up and cutting back for a decade or more, blogging isn't likely to change things to much for you. I started getting into makeup in a big way about 5 years ago and it's been in the last 3 years when I've seen a real explosion in my collection.

      The reason I actually started this blog was to write about and enjoy what I already had. Of course, I look back to those original posts and wonder I ever had such a compact collection! If I didn't blog about makeup and read other blogs, I'm sure I wouldn't buy as much. However, life would duller for it as blogging does give me a lot of pleasure.

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    2. Oh lord, I just realised how ungraciously my comment read. I am only able to blog the way I do and not feel so much pressure to keep up with all the new collections out there because YOU and your fellow vets do it already -- I jumped into the world you built.

      Thank you for writing this post and thinking out loud about process as well as products. I would love to read some 'time-travelling' posts from you revisiting some archived posts and old favourites. AND the wonderfully-written internal wrangles resulting :D

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  19. I can definitely relate to this. I have probably 100+ blushers, 10+ bottles of foundation and I dare-not-count number of lipsticks. It's got to the point where I know I need to condense. I realise I don't even need to wear this much makeup everyday anyway, and it bothers me that I have spent that much on makeup. Damn, I could have spent this money buying a nice car.

    I guess it's all about the project 10-pans and the blog sales that will slowly and surely return me back to sanity. And I wish all these brands will stop releasing limited edition.

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    1. Oh, it's never nice to think about the big purchases you could have made when you start adding it all up!

      I confess that moving my interests away from the brands with constant LE releases has helped a lot. The brands I buy from these days release very few new items which avoids that sense of urgency to buy before something has sold out. I think the constant pumping out of new collections can feel really relentless.

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  20. I recently got sick to death of scrabbling about in a big bag to find the 9 items of make up that I use day in day out, in amongst all the other stuff that I just had to have, but rarely use! I now have a small bag with ELDWL, still HG foundation & on 2nd tube, Clinique yellow powder, 2 revlon lip butter lipsticks, Bobbi brown lip pencil, Laura Mercier blush, Urban Decay stray dog - a single eye shadow, not even my much loved Naked palette but a solitary eye shadow; on a daily basis its all I need, L'Oreal million lashes mascara and Benefit Browzings brow powder. It has made getting ready so much quicker and has really really helped me stop buying stuff on the basis that I have everything that I need in those 9 items, although I have no idea how long that feeling might last!

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    1. Ooh, Debbie, your comment has given me and idea. I ought to pack myself a little makeup bag (like the sort that used to house ALL of my makeup) and make myself use it, without substitions, for a week. It would be interesting to see whether I felt it simplified my routine or make me yearn for variety.

      PS. There are many days when I only use one eyeshadow...just don't tell anyone ;)

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  21. I don't think a make up lover can ever be completely satisfied and say no this is all the make up I need. There is always more exciting and better things being released. I try and tell myself if I haven't used it in the last 6 months/a year, I am not going to. I find my taste in make up changes all the time so I have to de clutter. It took me a while to get the courage to actually part with some of it. If I am not sure about something, I leave it to the side to see if I use it and 9/10 times I don't & I have to tell myself that its time to part ways. lol.

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    1. That's really interesting that you find your tastes change with makeup. I have to admit that my tastes rarely waiver and I always gravitate to the same few colours. It's why I have so many near dupes!

      I have created my 'maybe' box of things I can't decide on. It's gone under my bed and time can decide the fate of the contents for me :D

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  22. I am fully with you on this. I haven't bought a single item of make up this year so far with the exception of one foundation, two mascaras and a new liquid liner (oh and clear mascara for my brows). I plan to keep it up for...well, until I run out of something and have a genuine need for it.

    I feel so much better already knowing that I'm getting use out of what I have and, let's be honest, we all have big enough collections that occasionally we forget what we have and so re-discovering something is kind of like shopping anyway!

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    1. You're doing so well PP! I'm coming up for the end of my 6 month no-buy and I think that's partly to blame for my agitation. I can't decide whether I need to extend it or try to go a 'healthy eating plan' approach rather than 'crash diet'. You can tell I'm thinking about chocolate right now, can't you?

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  23. Hi Modesty and all

    I am so glad its not just me that gets seduced by make up and the like. I mean how many cleansing balms do I need? I have 3 on the go! Ditto for moisturisers and skin toners. Plus a whole line of Tata harper waiting to be used! I make my own body oil most of the time then blow out on a shop one. The other day I sorted out my make up I have an everyday make up bag and one of those make up boxe chest things hubby got me. I have about 10 lipsticks, same amount of gloss, 3 make up pallettes ( mis of lip colours eye and blush), 5 mascaras, same amount og black eyeliners, 4 complexion products that include mineral powder and a foundation and a few blushers and eye shadows.

    Often times I think I have some kind of 'addiction' so I am pleased to read Modesty's, London Make up Girl and Beauty Mouth's blog and realise its not just me! I too seem to be drawn mostly to lippies, mineral powders and skincare products. And seem to spend more on cosmetics than I do on clothes, although I do but clothes.

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    1. It's good to know we're not alone! You've reminded me that I was keen to try the Tata Harper line at one time. You're doing better than me if you do still manage to spend on clothes. I've diverted practically all of my spending money to cosmetics purchases for so long that my wardrobe is in a bit of a sorry state! I'm working on correcting that at the moment.

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  24. sorry type error i meant i do buy clothes!

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  25. When I took my (extended) break from blogging, I did re-evaluate my attitude towards spending and in particular new releases. Before I stopped blogging I also had several large blog sales to get rid of things that I had impulse bought and didn't love. I looked at my collection and asked myself which items could I absolutely not live without and which items would I repurchase if I ran out. It left me with a fairly streamlined collection of make up.

    I must say, I bought a lot less when I wasn't blogging and this has carried over now I have started the new blog. Partly because I didn't feel the pressure to be up to date with every new release and partly due to financial restraints.
    As a SAHM I just don't have the budget to frivolously fritter away money on every new collection anymore and would rather save my funds for one 'special' purchase here and there.
    My collection probably still leans towards the large side compared to the majority, but I enjoy it much more. There are less new shiny pretty things on the whole, but I can honestly say that the new things are more well thought out and really wanted rather than impulse bought.
    I generally avoid new collections (yes, even the TF ones!) and prefer to keep a running list of non season-dictated, classic items that I want to purchase. Shiny pretty things are added to the list and taken away on an almost daily basis. If the item has been on my 'want' list for longer than a few months then I will purchase, if it was removed, then obviously I didn't want or need it that much after all. As a reader of blogs it is so easy to fall prey to the 'see it and need it' effect and in the past I would almost always purchase it but now, it goes on the list!

    It sounds silly and most definitely highlights my OCD but it helps me feel in control of my spending and collection size.
    The best part of it though? It feels much more rewarding - to have wanted something long enough then finally make the purchase - much more satsifying than multiple bursts of impulse spending that end up on eBay or blogsales!

    The question that does cross my mind however, is how interesting it makes my blog to other readers. I rarely, if at all feature new releases or hyped products. I now view my blog as a diary and collection of well loved, tried and tested items that I am happy to recommend. I can't really call it current and it doesn't make me a very interesting read to the majority I suppose!

    x

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    1. Thanks for a really thought provoking comment Georgia. I think your perspective is really interesting, having taken a break and come back to blogging. Although I'm not a big list maker, I have made lists in the past and it is quite an effective way of weeding out the passing fancies.

      I do know what you mean about fewer new items being less interesting from a reader perspective. It is something I worry about but at the same time, I know that I have to be sensible and not buy things simply for the sake of blogging x

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    2. Georgia - As a reader, I am interested in knowing about products that have 'stood the test of time' so to speak. Products that work well, do what they say they will do - especially if it is a product or brand that I am not familiar with. That, to me, is just as important/interesting as a post about a new collection. As I work to downsize my collection more, I want to have products that are workhorses not dust collectors!

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    3. I'm late to reading this post but, I just want to say that as a reader of lots of beauty blogs, I feel put-upon by reviews and swatches of the latest collection by 10 different bloggers. (That's not to say the content isn't valuable to someone because it's nice to see swatches on different skin tones, etc.)

      The point is, it's overwhelming and quite frankly it's hard as a beauty lover and consumer to keep myself from falling prey to the "gotta have its." You wouldn't lose any value to me by not covering the latest 137 LMdB kaleidoscopes, LOL!

      Lately, I've actually been seeking out blogs and posts that focus on long-time favorites, people shopping their own stash and different ways to wear the same color. Kate (the Driveller's) blog hit that last nail on the head several times this month and it's been so inspiring!

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  26. In all honesty I've stopped buying heaps of *stuff* I may break out on occasion if there's something I'm absolutely desperate to try but otherwise I'm just so meh about makeup related shizz of late.

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    1. We need to start those pretty up our house blogs, stat ;)

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  27. Thank you so much for the wonderful post - I feel with you :) However, even though I would "technically" have everything I need (and so much more), I really enjoy limited editions and especially beautiful highlighters and palettes and do not see myself to stop buying make up. Also, products keep improving (I guess I am falling for every single marketing trick possible...), and new exciting brands show up...so I do not see an ending, at least for myself, although I wish I could organize my collection better, more practical and feel less like I am failing to a horder :)

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    1. Hi Rike! I'm glad you enjoyed the post. I know what you mean about the lure of the beautiful highlighters. Even I look at them longingly, even though I know full well that I'd never use them. Better organisation is definitely an important of the battle. I think if you can see and access everything you have easily, it reduces the chances of buying duplicate items or neglecting what you already have.

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  28. I'm right there with you. My solution is that I refuse to outgrow the chest of drawers that contains my stash, and since I can't apparently stop buying, it means I regularly need to purge part of my collection and let it go, so I can make room for new stuff.
    I agree, though, that this is nevertheless generating some anxiety!!

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    1. I always admire how strict you are about not letting things get out of control. As I've mentioned already in the comments, I feel like I either need to embracing regular purging or just stop buying as much. I always feel especially guilty if I have a couple of days when I just don't wear makeup (did I really just admit that?), like I've wasted time not using things up!

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  29. What a challenging question for a beauty blogger! I'm not a beauty blogger, and I can say that I feel better having gotten rid of the majority of my (ridiculously huge) makeup collection. I still have a ton of lipsticks (I don't know--honestly, perhaps I still have about 60 lipsticks/glosses), but far far less of everything else. I like being able to assess my makeup stash and really wear the things I have. I'm actually more adventurous with less--having all that makeup felt overwhelming, I guess. Plus, I was always pursuing more more more, while now I actually look to see if I have something similar before purchasing something new (well, most of the time); I don't feel as driven, for some reason. I like a more "edited" collection. It suits me now--and, financially, it is a real relief.

    But, again, I'm not a beauty blogger. I DON'T think a blogger has to review all the latest items (tho most do). But I do think that, if you choose not to buy a lot of new stuff, you'll have to be more creative about how/what you do review. Give it a try! You might find it really satisfying. Either way, I'll certainly keep reading your wonderful blog. Good luck in deciding what's right for you.

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    1. Thanks for your thoughtful comment Sam. I've been cutting back on my purchases since the beginning of this year, it does make it harder to come up with interesting posts and I have noticed a dip in popularity. HOWEVER, I still have lovely readers and really enjoyable interactions, and it's clear to me that not all beauty blog readers want to read about new collections all the time.

      Thanks for sticking with me :)

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  30. Great post Jane, I will never be satisfied as they are always new items coming out, which either look better than what I already have or promise a better performance. I don't have problems letting things go though, if I am not getting use of something I'll find a better home for it as I feel someone else should enjoy it, so I guess in that way my stash is kept in check and is not "too" massive.
    I do think not blogging would keep it more in check for me as I very much get caught up in it, if I get to the point where I do think I am overdoing buying I'll stop xx

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    1. Thanks Replica! You seem to be really good at editing your collection (although your Mum and *that* highlighter episode still give me nightmares), I seem to have become worse at hoarding as time has gone on. I decided to go through everything this afternoon and I will be forcing friends and family to re-home things over the next couple of weeks.

      There is still a little Gollum box that is lurking under my bed, of course ;) xx

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  31. Look how many comments there are - you are def not the only one! Me too, as we have discussed previously and I have bought loads more since I started blogging. My Gollum side is definitely out in force at the moment....

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    1. Wow, it's a big 'un! I think the only post with more comments in the hairdye that everyone hated :D I can't deny that I was a little nervous about posting this but I'm really glad I did.

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  32. I understand how you feel. I've been going through with this sometimes. Got loads of collections from make up, clothes, shoes, accessories.

    When it comes to make up, I can't resist on buying and trying something new each month and I can't get a hold out of it. But, I've been thinking "what am I going to do with my old collection which I haven't used for sometime"
    Well, I guess the solution here is, to share?. It's nice to make use of the few on the box collection of make up for previews and learn to let go and to share it with friends who has interest on it.

    Another solution would be, minimize with the splurging?
    Oh well, its every girls hobby to shop and try out new pretty things.
    A piece of anxiety too =)

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  33. This article really resonated with me, and I loved reading the comments. You are most definitely not alone, but I share your anxiety. If I were to let most of it go, would there still be a point in my blogging?

    I have been so busy I haven't been making the rounds on my favorite blogs. Clueless to what's going on out here, yesterday I put up a post about depotting (which turned out to be more about weeding out the duplicates), and I have another post scheduled this week about excess vs. "just enough," which I wrote almost two weeks ago. And as serendipity would have it, today I come to work early so I can catch up on blog reading, and I discovered that both you and Grace have posts about culling down. I wonder if we are all attuned somehow and go through our I've-had-enough phases together.

    I see no real harm in having a vast makeup collection if it makes you happy, even ones as large as beauty bloggers' can be. It's a hobby, after all, and there are certainly more expensive hobbies. At least we're not car or sailboat collectors!

    I guess it comes down to how you feel about it, and when it feels like too much, and you are tempted to purge but your inner Gollum starts to revolt, what about putting the items you aren't regularly using in a Purgatory box, slipping it in a cool, dark space in a closet, and forgetting about it for 6 months? Then, later, when you pull it out again, it will feel like having all new makeup!

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  34. Seriously a fantastic post! I wholeheartedly share your feelings. I struggle with this every single day! So to echo Zuzu- you definitely aren't alone.

    For me my makeup collection presents a contradiction to my pragmatic nature and my desire to only have what I use and need. I have no problem staying true to this in all other aspects of my life EXCEPT makeup and skincare. Certainly being a beauty blogger fuels the desire to collect more things, but my beauty blogging is a hobby-- not a business empire that requires tons and tons of products for for staff members to review etc.

    In order to avoid making impetuous purchases I have enacted a "cooling off period" so that I have to get a little distance and perspective before pulling out my credit card. It was working well- until Beautyhabit offered their 20% off sale causing me to fall even deeper down the RBR rabbit hole!!

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  35. I can't believe I've accidently deleted two long comments! I suppose I wasn't meant to go on and on...LOL!

    The upshot was that I also have to re-evaluate and cut back. My day job and volunteer activities have temporarily taken over my life recently and I've worn the same eyeliner, foundation, blush, and lipgloss for a month without missing the rest. To answer your question, when life gets back to normal, curiousity will be strong as usual, but I have to exercise some restraint, purge, and find some storage solutions for what remains.

    Thanks for writing this!

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  36. I think that, especially when blogging about it, the makeup becomes slightly less about the practical use and more about immersing yourself in the world. Yes - that does involve buying more than you need. But do fashionistas limit their clothing choices to only practically worn stuff? Do musicians buy one of the instrument they play and only ever have that one? Do artists limit their supplies to what they can reasonably see using in the future or are they always experimenting with new materials?

    Unless it becomes a financial impossibility, or irresponsibility - I see no problem with buying new shinies even if you haven't worn out your new ones.

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  37. I have two words for you. BLOG SALE. And please ship to Australia...

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