As yet, I still haven't used up a single lipstick or lipgloss from the original eight. The lipglosses and the Lip Chic in Zinnia have hardly budged because I keep forgetting to use them. Although the Guerlain lipstick was close to hitting the plastic when I first started this project, I haven't had the heart to finish it off. I never realised I could be so precious about a lipstick. I think the fact that it has been discontinued has a lot to do with it.
I have pretty much concentrated on using the four lipsticks pictured centre: RBR Irreverence, RBR Murmurings, Hourglass Fresco and Chanel Bonheur. They are some of my most favourite lipsticks anyway, so this hasn't been too hard and both Bonheur and Murmurings have the most obvious use. Despite being good to begin with, I've obviously become forgetful about reapplying during the day again, as I really ought to have seen a bigger dent in these lipsticks over the three months. At the rate I'm using things up compared to the size of my stash, I'm going to have to start eating lipsticks in order to get through them!
I seem to have fared a little better with the non-lipstick items. I've used up the Max Factor Second Skin, RBR Sketches on Water and Hourglass Primer. I've also finished both Haus of Gloi Pumpkin Butter pots and the Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre.
I keep forgetting to use the PK Elasticizer. I'm sure this is because you have to apply it pre-shower and as I wash my hair in the mornings, this is simply impractical. The Bourjois Healthy Mix has become harder to tackle too as it's just too dark for my skin in the winter months. I have taken to using it on the outer edges of my face to try and put it to use. I have toyed with the idea of purchasing a bottle of white foundation like Face Atelier Zero Minus or Mac Face & Body White. It seems extreme to do this just to finish off this one foundation but I suspect it might come in handy for
Both the Perricone MD Advanced Face Firming Activator and RBR Atlas Swallowtail have been in constant use over the three months. The tube of Atlas Swallowtail must be nearly empty and I am hopeful I can add this to my empties very soon. The Face Firming Activator will probably take another couple of months to finish as you only require a small amount per application and I can see there is still quite a lot left. I have no idea how long it would take me to finish off a full size bottle of this, the one I have here is only a travel sized bottle.
I thought it might be a good idea to add a few more foundations to the pile I want to use up. The BECCA Luminous Skin, NARS Pure Radiant tinted moisturiser and LMdB Peau Vierge are all part used and I would really like to finish these before I buy another foundation. However, I did mention the other day that I am feeling the urge to buy a new base product, so sticking to this will require some heavy duty willpower.
I have to admit that Operation Use it Up has had quite an interesting impact on my cosmetics purchasing. I have bought a handful of items since August but I have only allowed myself things that have been on very long term wishlists, like the Hourglass Illume compact for example. I've forced myself to ignore passing fancies, especially lipsticks. As we're approaching the end of the year, there's a part of me that would love to commit to a full on ban for next year or maybe something similar to Driveller Kate's project of sticking to only twelve new items over the year. I suspect I will still be dithering about this on New Year's Eve but I would be very interested to hear your thoughts.
