Sunday 26 August 2012

Operation Use It Up (or Make a Dent)!

I've threatened this for long enough that I feel now is the time to make a proper commitment to using up some of my stash. I've reduced the amount of makeup in my collection by giving things away to friends and family, as well as having a couple of blog sales. With the exception of my nail polishes, I feel reasonably satisfied with my efforts so far, but I still think I can go further. I want to start finishing off some of the products that are already part way there. This is not, I repeat NOT a Project 10 pan simply because the minute I write that I'm going to stop buying things, I'm going to WANT things!! Instead, I'm going to show you the products I want to make a dent in and periodically report back on my progress.

Lipsticks1

Two of the areas that I feel need most attention are my lipsticks and foundations. Although I tend to take no notice of use by dates, I admit that 'wet' products certainly don't have the same shelf life as powders. I am hoping that if I restrict myself to this selection of lip products and bases for a month, that I will make a dent in a good portion them.  

I'm not sure how realistic it is to expect myself not to stray with lipsticks and use other colours in that time? Hopefully eight lip products will be enough to keep me entertained for a month. The fact that they're all well used reflects the fact they are favourite colours or formulas, which should make the task a little easier. I am also determined to make myself reapply throughout the day. I'm almost embarrassed to admit that I apply lipstick in the morning and quite often forget to touch up once it wears off. I do hope I won't be shunned for this shocking admission!

Base+Products

I'm less flighty with foundations, so a choice of three for a month should be fine. I think the Rouge Bunny Rouge tinted moisturiser is really close to being empty and both the Bourjois and Max Factor foundations have around 40% left each. I keep thinking I'm close to finishing the Hourglass primer sample but it's deceptive when you only use a small amount each time. I'm really not sure how much product remains in the Rouge Bunny Rouge Atlas Swallowtail tube. I've been using it quite a lot as an eyeshadow base recently so I'm hopeful that I'm making a dent in it, even if I can't see.

Creams2

I have lots of items in my bathroom which also need to be used up, including a couple of half empty pots of Haus of Gloi Pumpkin Butter and the Philip Kinglsey Elastisizer. Although I do have more skincare items that I need to use up, I can't commit to doing that at the moment as I am testing some new products.

I will take photographs of all of these items again in a months time and report back on my progress. I'm really hopefully I will have some empties to show for it in the near future. If you're doing something similar at the moment or you feel inspired to do so, I'd love to hear about it in the comments. Moral support is always welcome!!

20 comments:

  1. That's a lovely bunch to work from, esp the lipsticks! :)

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    1. I'm really hoping that I can stick to it. If nothing else, it will put me off buying more if I don't make a significant dent in this lot!!

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  2. You can dooooooooo it!

    I'm always carrying on an unofficial "use it up" and it really helps. I laughed at the exceptions to nail polish part because it's so relatable and almost impossible to cull (how to part with so many pretties??!). Looking forward to seeing your progress!

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    1. Thank you for having faith in me! I have absolutely failed at culling nail polish. I've no idea why but the fact it will last longer than most other products and it's a hassle to post, so not a good blog sale candidate factor in my excuses ;). I will definitely be using your tip about having a "use it up" lipstick with me at all times. I'm determined to see progress.

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  3. Lipstick is the hardest to get through. Even if I use the same one everyday it still takes me at least a month to finish a full lipstick. I have a ton of lip glosses. That's the area I need to work on. Good luck!!!!

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  4. I need to work harder on using up lip gloss and really, make up items in general! You can do it Jane, you've got a good selection there. Looking forward to seeing the result - an empties post! x

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  5. Great idea! I have tons of lipstick and I also would use them up faster if I bothered to reapply. Shame on us :)

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  6. I also only ever apply lipstick in the morning! I never have time during the day to reapply. Well, I do, but only when I'm wearing a bright lip which I never wear to work!

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  7. Thanks for the inspiration, I need to work at it as well. For me too, I find it hard using up lipsticks and foundations. It has been so long! I do well in the lip balms department though.

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  8. I definitely need to do this. I am embarrassed by the makeup around here!

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  9. I definitely need to do this! I am embarrassed by the amount of makeup around here.

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  10. Urgh, good luck with that!

    If I had more will power, I'd sign on with you and commit to a few items only... Plus I'm so laze that I'd only apply lip products when I leave the house and then fail to reapply just the day.

    Plus I don't think 'finishing a makeup item' thing works for my hording nature where I'd like one of every colour, shade, finish.etc. Whenever I'm almost through with a particular item, I think 'aww, let's save it for special times instead!'. Exhibit A: Bobby Brown skin powder - almost used up last summer but have now managed to save it till now by simply not using. I like the mentality of knowing I have it if I desperately wanted it and I hate repurchasing -_-.

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  11. I have been doing precisely the same thing. My recent Empties post has motivated me to use up all of my half-used makeup, and I am determined to make a real dent in my stash. I'm growing weary of having so many unused products that I spent good money on. I am also trying to curb my spending on more makeup- when I have so much that already isn't getting enough love. I have not imposed a ban on purchasing new things, but I am going to really scrutinize each purchase. I will also try not to fall prey to LE collections- just simply because they are LE. I'm with you on this project!!

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  12. Good luck! I'm doing the same with some eyeshadows and blushes... it's a hard work!

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  13. Good luck with your operation! I have a major problem with powdered products because I know they last longer so I use it as an excuse to buy more.... None of my lipsticks are even CLOSE to getting used up. I think your Guerlain(?) lippie is really close to being done so congrats!

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  14. I've started to cut down on a lot of my purchases, I really want to finish A product. JUST ONE. Whatever one! It doesn't matter! I wish you luck in your endeavor!

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  15. Good selection of products to focus on! Sending best wishes to you in this endeavor. I used to rotate colors every couple of weeks - all that I've accomplished was to have more partially used items. You've motivated me to try the same thing. I have one eyeshadow that is painfully close to done & several lips that I think can be knocked out in fairly short order. I have been more selective in my recent purchases & managed to pass on a Zoya BOGO promo recently. Steeling my resolve against the new fall LE collections as well.

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  16. Super idea! I should join you in foundation finish mode - the number I have is embarrassing. Having recently discovered oriental BB creams, my western foundations are receiving no love at all. As to lipsticks, I've decided I really prefer the 24-hour ones from Maybelline and keep going back to them. Clear gloss is so much easier to apply during than day than lip colour. Just wish there were more colours to choose from.

    Good luck!

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  17. I enjoyed this post & you have inspired me to start my own "use it up" stash. I like how you are also not restricting yourself with a ban, which I find totally counterproductive:(

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