This month we moved. After being forced to deal with all of my stuff, I realize that I have too much stuff. I donated 90% of my clothes and shoes to LifeLong AIDS Alliance (I’m attempting to do the capsule wardrobe thing). I want to simplify my life. This move has reminded me that I have an embarrassing amount of cosmetics, skincare, body products, and, um, perfume. I decided in June that I couldn’t buy anything for myself. If I run out, I probably have something like it. And if that “something” isn’t a replacement, I should throw it out. Yes, I’m on a no-buy for June. And I’m not stopping there. I’m planning a no-buy until September. See the end of this post to see my exceptions.*
SKINCARE
Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning – I love the complexion that I was born with but sometimes I want a glow. And that is what Liquid Bronze gives. It does not provide a tan but a glow (which is actually a better color than the color my skin actually tans to, my real tan looks fake). People always ask me what life change I’ve made when I use this. “What skincare are you using?” or “Are you drinking more water? Working out?”. I usually don’t tell them that the change is me rubbing some chemicals on my face that make me apparently look better than I did before. <sigh>
- Repurchase? Yes. I’ve went through many of these bottles throughout the years. It’s not something I use daily or even frequently so a bottle usually lasts me a year. I’m one of those people that has fantastic luck with Clarins self tanning products.
Clarins Delectable Self Tanning Mousse (deluxe size – 1.5 oz) – This came in a sun care gift set by Clarins. It’s a “whipped” lotion feel and it smells like peaches. I like it but I don’t like it as well as Liquid Bronze. The color with this one is lighter (I’ve only used it on my face).
- Purchase? No. It’s not bad but I already have a HG so I’ll stick with it.
Malin + Goetz Mojito Lip Balm – I wanted the Lip Moisturizer (which is fragrance-free) but when I went to Barneys she grabbed this one. I didn’t notice until I got home and was too lazy to return a $12 item. I like the thick formula but I don’t like minty stuff on my lips.
- Repurchase? No. But, I’ll buy the fragrance-free version.
Acure Dark Chocolate & Mint Lip Balm – It has a great texture but I hate mint lip products (this was a gift with purchase). But, I managed to use this one up. Why do I keep things around that I don’t like?
- Purchase? No. I don’t like mint. My lips are too sensitive.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (GWP size sample x 2) – I love this stuff.
- Repurchase? Yes. It’s a product that I have been using on and off for years.
Shisiedo Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Eye Contour Cream (deluxe sample) – This came in a gift set and it has lasted a long time (like 9 months). But, honestly I don’t love it. It’s a thick cream that is good for night (and dry skin) but I don’t notice anything (good or bad) from using it.
- Purchase? No. I’m pretty sure that coconut oil would do the same as this. But hey, if I get it “free” again, I’ll use it.
Jack Black Protein Booster Eye Rescue (sample) – Unscented and lightweight eye cream. I think I have so many eye cream samples that I won’t have to buy any until 2015. Anyway, this is a good light cream but I need something with more moisture.
- Purchase? No. But, I do recommend it to anyone wanting a lightweight eye cream.
Origins Checks & Balances Frothy Face Wash (1.7 oz size) – This is a very foaming cleanser. However, it’s too drying for my skintype. And I don’t like the minty fragrance. Overall, it seems sort of harsh.
- Repurchase? No. I love how it foams but it’s not a good match for me.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser (2.5 oz size) – I bought this unscented cleanser because Paula told me too. Add this to the long list of cleansers she recommends that I don’t like. It dries me out. I’ll eventually find something foaming that I like.
- Repurchase? No. I’m happy I bought the smaller size.
Golden Rose Makeup Remover Wipes – Leftovers from Turkish travels (which was barely a month ago). I needed something to remove makeup and with a decent pH. They did their job.
- Repurchase? No. I’m not really a fan of makeup remover wipes but if I ever need something like this again and if I’m in a country that sells Golden Rose, I’ll repurchase. These things really are great for travel.
FRAGRANCE
TokyoMilk No. 16 Ex Libris EDP – What the what!? I used up another perfume? Yes, but I made it a priority. I only had a small amount of this cardamom fig tea (which very much resembles Bvlgari Thé Rouge which resembles By Kilian Bamboo Harmony).
- Repurchase? No. It doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s just that I have a ton of perfumes and I have a big ‘ole, brand new bottle of Bvlgari Thé Rouge that needs some love. And I also think this TokyoMilk has been discontinued.
NEST Grapefruit Candle Votive – This is a cheery grapefruit floral. Full review here.
- Repurchase? Yes. I have too many candles right now, but I do like this as a home fragrance. Plus, it has major throw.
Votivo Azure Garden Travel Candle – This is a fresh, grassy floral. Really good for summer. Full review here.
- Repurchase? I guess. I have too many darn candles and I’m so happy to have went through two this month! I like the scent but I know I’m going to flirt around with something else.
I debated including perfume samples in my empties, but hey, it’s a perfume blog. I have hundreds of samples so emptying one does mean something.
Roxana Illuminated Perfume Figure 1 Noir Perfume (sample) – This is a rich, dark patchouli. It’s so good. Full review here.
- Purchase? Yes. I’m in a no-buy but this is on my list. I want that solid perfume locket.
Smell Bent Citrus EDT (travel spray) – It’s like those orange gummy candies with the course sugar. Full review here.
- Purchase? No. I’m not really a citrus-y person. It’s good but not something I see myself wearing frequently. The travel size was nice though.
BATH & BODY
B&BW True Blue Spa Morocco Sweet Fig & Argan Body Lotion – If you drive from Seattle to Portland, you usually stop in this dump called Centralia for a Burgerville milkshake and there’s a B&BW outlet. You go there if you want to stretch your legs AKA buy discontinued candles. I picked this up because I love figs. It’s a pretty basic lotion with a tart fruity fig and greens scent. I layered it under Ex Libris.
- Repurchase? No. Even though it’s selling on eBay for $40+. People are crazy.
Haus of Gloi Bubbling Scrub in Insalata Nocturna (mini jar) – I love the formula but didn’t love the scent of this one (a sweet citrus). Review here.
- Repurchase? No. There are other scents that I like better than this one.
The Body Shop Chocomania Body Butter – Back in the winter I got in my head that I wanted a gourmand lotion. It was on sale for $10 and I picked it up. It’s like a sweetened version of cocoa butter with almond. It doesn’t smell as good as the EDT.
- Repurchase? No (especially at SRP). It served its purpose but I have a feeling I don’t want to smell like this ever again.
Naiad Sugar Whipped Soap in Cardamom Vanilla – See above. I bought this at a time of gourmand cravings during winter hibernation. This is a sugar scrub with a delicious cardamom vanilla aroma. Full review.
- Repurchase? Yes. But, I’ll wait until winter hibernation.
HAIR
Rene Furterer Fioravanti Shine Conditioning Conditioner (deluxe sample) – I love that this product bothers to describe their “aroma” as citrus, lemon, orange and mandarin! The second ingredient is vinegar! It smells just like vinegar. This is a $30+ bottle of vinegar lotion. I would be better off doing an actual vinegar rinse because the third ingredient is alcohol. This thin, runny conditioner left my hair feeling so dry. And smelling like vinegar.
- Purchase? No. Total crap for my hair type. Seriously, one of the worst hair products that I’ve ever used in my entire life.
HerCut The Bob Catalyst – It takes me so long to use up a hair product that by the time I’m finished with it the brand is out of business! This was a great product for my naturally straight and thick hair (that is cut in a geometric bob). Plus, I liked to pretend it was my Southern self saying “haircut” when I said the name…HerCut.
- Repurchase? No. It’s not even possible. And in other news, I’m trying to grow out this bob that I’ve had for years.
MAKEUP
Covergirl Smoothers Lip Liner in Cinnamon Slick – I’m in the beauty minority, but I love lip liners. This was my “perfect nude” and when it was discontinued I stocked up. Well, this was my last one and I used it up. Now off to find a new perfect nude.
- Repurchase? I can’t. And it’s time for me to move on. I’ve decided that I’m no longer going to “stock up” on colors.
L’Oreal Infallible Eyeliner in Carbon Black – A good mechanical eyeliner. Not great but good.
- Repurchase? No. I like it but I like Urban Decay 24/7 better.
Maja Compact Powder in Morisco – When I travel to places that sell thee, I buy many. It smells like musk and it provides lots of coverage. I’m sad that the last place that I’ve been that sold these was Puerto Rico and that was a year ago 🙁
- Repurchase? Yes. Also gives me an excuse to travel.
Empties total for June: 25. There were 14 full-size, 9 travel/deluxe sample size and 2 samples.
Wow. When I set my mind to using up all the half used products, I can actually use them up.
*I’m making this official. I can do this. I will use up my stuff and start wearing the things I truly love. I’m not buying anything unless I truly need it and have nothing like it. I may buy the following: face toners (no back-ups of this), mascara (gross to use old tubes), sunscreen (it’s summer, this is a medical necessity) and bar soap. And shampoo/conditioner and AHA/BHA if I just so happen to run out.
I will not buy fun seasonal colors (I rarely wear them). I will avoid limited edition packaging (probably have colors just like them). I won’t buy any perfumes, even if I hear they are being discontinued or are on sale. I won’t even buy the little Sinful Color nail polishes that I always impulse buy whenever I step foot in a drugstore. I can do this. And you’re welcome to join me because misery loves company.
Empties from May ’14.
*Nordstrom, beauty.com, drugstore.com and Sephora are all affiliate links. Thanks!
LifeLong’s thrift store is da BOMB!
plus, you’re obviously helping out with a kick-ass organization in seattle. <3
It sure is! I always tell my thrifty friends to check it out when they are in town. They have tons of records, books and the clothing selection is really nice. And damn, what I got rid of last month…I hope I made someone with a size 10 shoe really, really happy 🙂
It’s important for me to help out organizations that make an impact locally. LifeLong does. They have so many amazing programs and they really do help out. I always urge people to participate in their sock drive. Just $10 really makes a difference, a real difference in the community. And the good thing is that across the country there are lots of non-profits like this so people can help out at their own community.
Well done you for paring things down! I would love to hear more about the capsule wardrobe experiment.
It was not easy and I’m still purging even a month later! However, I can say that this has been such a relief too. Getting dressed doesn’t take long at all in the mornings and it feels really good to be surrounded by the things that I actually use.
I think I’m going to do a blog post about it in the near future. I feel like this has been a really positive thing for me.
Please do a blog post about your purge! I need inspiration. I just recently threw out a ton of clothes and shoes and some random beauty crap that was never going to get used. I still have too much stuff though.
I was actually inspired by a cool pug-mama on Twitter to purge. She was great through this. I’m not where I should be. I still have too much stuff and an embarrassing amount of makeup BUT I do have less. I have to remember it’s a process. It’s a never ending process so I’m told.
I really wish I took pics of how much I got rid of. Two and half Priuses worth of stuff. Still should cut but I’m not going to beat myself up over it right now.
I’ve seen Maja makeup in several small beauty supply stores in Brooklyn and Queens, NY, if you ever get out there.
Thanks! That is good to know. I’m in that area more than I am SoCal or Florida 🙂
I’ve been trying to do a bit of a spending freeze myself. It’s freaking hard. I have had some minor slip-ups but so far so good. I’ve also emptied two bottles of perfume.
I’d love to hear about your wardrobe. Getting rid of 90% of your clothes is significant. I don’t have a big closet so it’s hard for me to have too much. Plus I’m one of those people who hates shopping for clothes unless I’m really in the mood.
Have you noticed that every single time you declare a no-buy/spending freeze that that is when the absolute best sales happen? It never fails. I’ve been proud that I didn’t cave in and buy any sale items. I did break this already. I ordered a face wash (I was out) and ended up adding a mask to the cart (I actually don’t have any of those but they aren’t on my “to buy” list).
Congrats on emptying two perfume bottles!
I didn’t have a ton of clothes but I had much more than I thought I had, especially shoes. I moved to a place that has ZERO closets so when your clothes are on a rack in front of you, you make some decisions. And for me, a streamline look is more important that clutter.
I actually hate clothes shopping too. My problem is that I know exactly what I want and can’t find it. I also despise trying on clothes. The whole process is very frustrating.
I’m also interested in your clothing article. I need help with purging my closet.
It’s so hard. I think I need a support group, lol.
I tried Paula-recommended Clean and Clear sensitive skin face wash and it dried me out more than I wanted, which surprised me because I have oily skin.
This capsule wardrobe thing must be in the air because I want to try it too. I have “outgrown” many of my core pieces both size-wise and age-wise. They don’t feel right anymore. Still I balk at limiting the number of things I want to wear. Purging 90% is inspiring! But I’m saving the shoes for archival purposes.
Ugh, I can’t stand when a face wash dries me out. I’m still looking for something for summer but so far my experimenting has made my skin drier or too oily.
This capsule thing is a process. I hit a “milestone” birthday and realized that half of the stuff I had, I wasn’t wearing (like you said, size-wise and age-wise). Plus, I feel like I’ve defined my personal style rather well and these pieces weren’t working for me anymore. They may be “nice” but realistically, I wasn’t wearing them. All I ever wear is black, white and gray. It’s boring but that’s what I wear. Why hang out to a bright red sweater that I’ve had for years just because it’s nice if I never ever wear it? Anyway, I feel another purge coming in the fall just because I held on to some stuff that I could probably still let go.
Oh, shoes! I still have way too many but the deal is that my shoes are the nicest out of my wardrobe. When I had years of weight fluctuations, I bought nice shoes because it would be hard to outgrow those! I got rid of some obvious no-wears like sky-high heels that I never wear and Converse in bright colors. But, overall I probably kept too many (especially by capsule standards).
I gave up on foaming cleansers because they all dry me out. I use Paula’s Skin Recovery and Resist cleansers because they wash off and don’t dry me out.
I use oils and lotion cleansers but I thought I’d go for something “lighter”. Saying that, I think I need to just give up on foaming because they aren’t for me. I’m almost out of Pauala’s BHA so I’m going to add a cleanser when I repurchase 🙂 I love the Resist line.
Congratulations on the big clean out! My husband and I are moving and downsizing from a 3 bedroom townhouse to a 1 bedroom apartment, so we’ve also been doing some major purging, and it feels so great. I haven’t done my wardrobe sorting yet but I’ve offloaded tons of books and cleaned out a lot of old paperwork (planners from high school 15 years ago? Why on earth did I save those???).
What’s your daily sunscreen? I’m in the market for a good one, but so far all I’ve found is stuff that makes me smell awful and turns my face into a grease bucket. I’d love to hear what you recommend.
Hey, that sounds exactly like us a few years ago. We went from a 3 bedroom house to a studio apartment (which was listed as a “1 bedroom”). This place is an open floor/loft townhome. Even with this move, I threw out planners from high school! WTH??? How has that stuff made “the cut” after all these moves???
OK, for face I really like the Clinique City Block because it’s a physical sunscreen that doesn’t give me a Beetlejuice face. It actually gives me a nice matte look like I’m wearing makeup.
The other physical sunscreen I like for the face is Sunday Riley Cashmere SPF 30 but it’s “ARE YOU CRAZY???” expensive. Which sucks because it doesn’t make me a grease bucket. So, I only buy that one if Barneys is having their awesome beauty event and I get lots of free stuff too. That said, I rarely buy it because, it’s crazy expensive and I’m not an heiress.
I also like to layer the e.l.f. SPF 45 powder over any sunscreen I use in the morning. It has a natural looking finish. For me, the shade matches perfectly but it is not “one size fits all”. It’s only $6 so it’s worth sampling if you aren’t super pale or tan-to-deep. I don’t know if I trust it by itself because I don’t know if I’m applying it evenly. (But do I know if I’m applying any of these evenly?}
If you can do chemical sunscreens, there’s L’Oreal Silky Sheer SPF 50 that is like any of those “shake ’em up liquid” ones by Clarins or Dior. It’s weightless but it does have alcohol which may dry out skin. And Paula says I shouldn’t use it but I rebel and do. I mean, it’s weightless with SPF 50 and retails for under $10.
Body-wise I’m really liking Yes to Carrots SPF 30 body lotion. I love a good multi-purpose product.
Thank you so much for this in-depth reply, I’m going to go check out all your recommendations!
[…] In June, we got back from Turkey and immediately moved. Moving is really annoying. I like for things to have a place and be organized and here we are a month later and I’m still not sure where stuff is. I was also sick and unable to sniff a thing for two weeks. Frink and Moxi were both sick with allergies, they were pitiful and also not adjusting to the move. They were losing fur and their eyes were extra puggy-buggy. I got rid of a lot of stuff (read more about that in my June Empties). […]
WOW! You cleaned out a LOT! I hope you enjoy your new place. Moving is so much work but so much fun, too. Enjoy!
I felt like I really accomplished something, lol.
Moving is annoying but at the same time, it feels “fresh” – makes one reevaluate items in their life.
[…] September. My summer no-buy is over. But, I have to confess that I did slip up in August. Hey, I’m human. I bought a NARS […]