topic Re: ComPact 2014 – March in Beauty

ComPact 2014 – March

just bee — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 06:33:43 GMT

The ComPact is a commitment to simplify, pare down, streamline. It began as a way to gain some control over our collections of beauty products. Why were we amassing so much, yet not using what we were buying? Why were we always searching for the next new product? Why couldn't we just find what worked for us and stick with it?

The ComPact, however, is not restricted to beauty items. If you have a collection you want to address, do it here. Choose an area you want to work on, and track your progress on the ComPact thread. Members will offer tips and encouragement.

Choose one of our many mantras (“One by one until they’re done!” “We are SPAHHHRRRTAN!!!” “Not until you really have to.” “Buy less, choose well, make it last.” “Resist the propaganda.” "If it's high, I don't buy!" “When in doubt, do without!” “Shoplighters of the World Unite!”) or create a new one and share it. Target items each month to toss, donate, or use, and post your “chopping block” -- or “hit list.” Post temptations, post victories.

They say it takes 30 days for something to become a habit: Let's see if taking the ComPact one month at a time works for you.

Join us.

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

lunamarz_31 — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 08:18:33 GMT

I don't post very often anymore, but I keep reading the ComPact threads. And yes I am still a ComPact member! Well, my accomplishment is: I have not bought any bath/body products, skin care, or make up at all in 2014! I still continue using up my stash (while under control, is still plenty), save money, and gain more space in my bathroom. Thanks again just bee for faithfully starting up the threads, you ladies are doing fabulous!

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

itsover — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 15:15:20 GMT

Hi Compactors. I rarely post but read every day also. I had some sucess in Feburary. I made only 1 makeup purchase, used up 2 products in my stash, and cancelled an auto-delivery skin care shipment. That feels goods. Thank you to all who post for your continued inspiration & thank you Just Bee for keeping this thread going.

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

dakotacheryl — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 15:28:55 GMT

Hello to all on a very cold and snowy March 1st.

I started a new job on 2/24 and finally felt financially able to replace two pairs of boots this week. Took advantage of end of the season sales and got both pairs for less that one would have cost at original price.

One pair will replace black casual boots that had actually started cracking in places (around 5 years old and worn a lot). The other replaces a pair that I wear with work skirts. I donated the pair getting replaced to Salvation Army as they were in great shape. But after only occasional wear for 2 years due to the fact that my feet HURT when wearing them...it was time for them to go!!

Thanks for the March thread Bee !!

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

RetRN — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 17:32:45 GMT

I also enjoy reading this thread and want to thank just bee for keeping it going. I have made no clothing or beauty/makeup purchases in Jan. or Feb. I really feel good about this downsizing and donating since retirement.

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

just bee — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 17:52:56 GMT

Hope February was a success -- and if it wasn't, at least it was a short month! I really only bought one thing beyond the basics: A bottle of lemon-flavored fish oil. Noms!

And it was on sale.

The ORC didn't happen in February, but I'll probably make a stab at it in March. Better-half and I did tackle the fridge and located and removed the corpse in there. Something perishable slid off a shelf and was hiding in the dark, in the corner, in the back. But it made its presence known. We figured cleaning the fridge was cheaper than moving, so now I can open the refrigerator and breathe.

Hey -- I recommend the fish oil, by the way.

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

Eager2Learn — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 17:57:29 GMT

Happy March Everyone! Thank you Just Bee for keeping this thread going.

OK, for March I'm tackling the laundry room for my ORC. It's about 6' X 7 1/2' and houses the water heater, washer, dryer, clothes hamper, trash can, laundry supplies and cleaning supplies. It is also the "pass through" to the garage, so I need room to walk through! There is currently only one shelf, so half my products are on the floor! I'm going to see what can be done to clean and organize this little room. If I get that accomplished, I'll go back to working on the paper clutter in the office.

And of course, my other goal for March is to have more items going out than coming in.

Good luck everyone!

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

just bee — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 18:07:51 GMT

On 3/1/2014 Eager2Learn said:
Happy March Everyone! Thank you Just Bee for keeping this thread going.

OK, for March I'm tackling the laundry room for my ORC. It's about 6' X 7 1/2' and houses the water heater, washer, dryer, clothes hamper, laundry supplies and cleaning supplies. It is also the "pass through" to the garage, so I need room to walk through! There is currently only one shelf, so half my products are on the floor! I'm going to see what can be done to clean and organize this little room. If I get that accomplished, I'll go back to working on the paper clutter in the office.

And of course, my other goal for March is to have more items going out than coming in.

Good luck everyone!

A good goal!

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

Beauty$Junkie — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 18:35:54 GMT

Hello March. I am hanging in there, although I am not getting rid of things as fast as others--but haven't bought beauty products in a good while. I purchased 2 shirts for myself in Jan, as they were a good buy and they will work with so much that I already have. I have committed to no additional clothing items for the spring/summer. I did buy 2 shirts /$10 for my son's birthday. They were a 4xl, perfect. Thanks to all of you, I feel so much better when shopping--you've helped me to be a mindful shopper. Thanks, Just Bee for keeping us on track. Good luck with your job.

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

dosey — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 05:14:08 GMT

Thank you, just bee, for our starting our new March thread!

Well, darn, I did not complete my ORC (master bedroom). I got everything done in it except going through one small pile of stuff. Every drawer is tidy, and there is no junk on top of the tables. I suppose that is a small victory.

My kitchen looks pretty good. I am keeping up with things as they come in so there are no piles of paper growing daily.

I went outlet shopping with my BFF. Some purchases were made but nothing outrageous. I found a cute, fitted, short sleeve shirt in turquoise for $6 and a white tunic sweater for $26. My biggest worry was not going crazy in the Cosmetic Company store, but I was so good. I did not buy a thing. It helped that the store had closed. Ha ha! The Bare Escentuals outlet got me but not in a tragic way. I use two eyeliners. A grey and a dark brown. The grey is used the most and started feeling light. It is a retractable liner, so I cannot see how much is remaining. The BE outlet had eyeliners on sale. Three for $15. I bought a grey, a dark blue, and a plum. What I like about the blue and plum liners is that they are dark but not too dark. They also don't scream BLUE! and PLUM!. This was a good purchase.

My Physicians Formulas mascara is empty, so I replaced it with Maybelline Full and Soft. I bought one from CVS to try. The PF mascara was nice - very glossy and black, but it never dried completely.

For March, I am going to continue being very mindful of my purchases. Cosmetics and toiletries will only be purchased to replace something used. I might buy some spring clothing but not too much. I have been thinking, and all I really want is a pair of slim black ankle pants, a pair of boyfriend jeans that I can roll at the ankles, and a pair of flats (not sandals) in a neutral color - maybe tan.

Gotta tell you about DH's new remote. DD and I arrived home a few days ago, and the remote was in the mailbox. DD asked what the package was, and I told her. She said, "What is it with Dad and remotes?" When DH came home, I told him the remote arrived. He opened the box. Guess what? The remote is exactly the same as one of our other remotes. Exactly the same! I asked DH why he bought it. He said because the other one was old, and when he pushed a button, it did not react fast enough. So that night, he started programming the new remote. He was still at it when the kids and I turned in. After school the next day, there were four remotes on the couch - the twins and two others. I did not know which one to use, so we did not dare turn on the television and waited until DH came home. He gave me the correct remote to use and put the others away. Then, he told me about a remote that a friend of his has that is programmed by downloading something from the computer (or something like that). He said that will be his next remote purchase. DH has his remotes. I have my lip glosses.

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

dosey — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 05:28:12 GMT

Also, I have been keeping hair styling products that were okay but not great and using them on days that I did not have anything special planned. This plan has been cancelled. If I do this, it will take years to use up all of my so-so hair products. Instead, I am trying everything, again, to reevaluate it. If it is not great, I am tossing it. This week, I threw out a few things. Wasting money is punishment enough. I don't need to have a bad hair day, too.

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

rnmom — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 12:43:45 GMT

Happy March my fellow Compactors!

I'm looking forward to another month of downsizing!

February was an okay month for me. I used up 6 items which included a couple of samples and gave a hair gel to my sister, so 7 items went out. My only purchases were Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser and 4 Suave shower gels. I absolutely didn't need the shower gels but they were on sale and with my coupons I only spend 44 cents on each one. So I'll probably save a couple for my kids to use and donate a couple to the local Rescue Mission. Every year my church has a toiletry drive for the Rescue Mission right before Easter and I'm planning on filling a bag with shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, shave gel, deodorant, etc. I have a pretty good stock pile of these basics in my basement from using coupons, so I just put the shower gels with these other items.

Technically with the shower gel purchase, 5 items came in and 7 went out, so I guess that's still better than nothing.

I went as far as I could in my master bedroom/closet for the ORC, so I also went thru both of my bathrooms last month and weeded those out. There wasn't a lot to toss, but a few items went.

This month I think I'll focus on the loft/office or the kitchen. I'd like to tackle my basement, but I'm going to wait until the weather warms up a litte bit for that, it's just too chilly down there right now.

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

just bee — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 15:12:49 GMT

On 3/1/2014 Dosey said:
My Physicians Formulas mascara is empty, so I replaced it with Maybelline Full and Soft. I bought one from CVS to try. The PF mascara was nice - very glossy and black, but it never dried completely.

Full 'N Soft washable is the only mascara I'll use. Drugstore.com had it recently for $5.15 a tube but I hesitated and missed the sale. Now I have to wait for another mascara deal and I'm on my final month before I have to toss the tube. Will I find a sale before April? (I cannot believe that the ComPact has turned me into Silas Marner.)

Lemme know how it works for you!

ETA:

Just checked drugstore.com and it's now down from $7 to $5.51 a tube. What to do, what to do...

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

just bee — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 16:41:11 GMT

You'll know me by my empty cart.

I just realized I haven't ordered anything from drugstore.com since 12/12/12. Remember how I'd order a year's supply of sale mascara so I wouldn't have to think about mascara for an entire year? How I wouldn't have to browse stores or websites looking for a sale price when I needed a tube?

I had decided to stop stocking backups and just buy a tube as needed. But now I'm looking at that last order and I'm thinking: That method actually worked for me. It kept me out of the beauty aisles because I didn't need anything for an entire year.

How did I suddenly get so cheap? I swear Nancy Reagan is living in my head. I look at things and I just say no.

Are you feeling that?

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

kcc — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 17:02:25 GMT

Stock up...sale & less time looking for the sale. I used to stock up (buying 3 at a time) on my CG mascara. Now I'm having trouble finding it b/c I use 'brown'. So my bet Just Bee-- buy 3. Thank you for the March Compact.

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

just bee — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 17:19:50 GMT

On 3/2/2014 kcc said:
Stock up...sale & less time looking for the sale. I used to stock up (buying 3 at a time) on my CG mascara. Now I'm having trouble finding it b/c I use 'brown'. So my bet Just Bee-- buy 3. Thank you for the March Compact.

I hear ya! I was using "brownish black" for years and then it was discontinued. I was forced, like Amy Winehouse, to go back to black.

I'm thinking if I buy three I'll have the rest of 2014 covered.

You enabler, you.

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

kcc — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 17:34:53 GMT

:-)

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

Caffeina — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 21:09:47 GMT

Moving on into my eight month of no home fragrance, bath & body, and beauty products no buy. I've only had to buy mascara, since I replace every three months.

Even with all the time that's passed, my stash is going down very slowly. It's ridiculous how large it had become. I'm focusing on using my favorite things first so I can enjoy them. If anything has to be tossed, I'd rather it be something I never really cared for.

I've sold a few discontinued fragrance sprays and lotions on eBay. There's a market out there for those kind of things.

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

joseygirl — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 22:26:31 GMT

Happy March fellow Compactors. I had another good month. My hit list included:

1 Bare Minerals Lip Gloss

2 1.7oz Mini Skin So Soft Body lotions

1 24oz Bubble bath

1 10oz shower gel

1 .5oz perfume

1 1.5oz hand cream

So far I have used up 16 stash items this year. Hope I can keep up the momentum. Keep the support coming friends.

Re: ComPact 2014 – March

lynnie61 — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 23:02:55 GMT

Hi March Compactors - haven't been posting, but try to read every week. Sometimes the thread overwhelms me when I see 300 posts, but try to read some weekly. I still have done well, again did not purchase at the BBW semi annual sale in January. That is three semi annual sales in a row! Got a few beauty items for my birthday in January. Feb - did not purchase any beauty, however, did buy some things at Kohl's (a tote and a few candles - two other weaknesses - but beauty is my first weakness - the 30% coupons are hard to pass on). Also, trying to continue with the One bag in, two bags out method. My stash is better than a year ago, but still many items, but continue to use up and gift some from my stash. I always have 2-3 shower gels in my shower at once for variety. Have not bought a TSV beauty item now in a year. The only beauty item I have to purchase soon is mascara. May buy one (finally used all the GWP mascara's I had), and try to make it to May-June for the 5 or 10 pack of Mally Mascara's. I may try the Full and Soft mascara noted above. Carry on ladies. One by one until they are done. Thanks, just bee for keeping us on track. The money I have saved is astonishing! No more mindless purchases. Also, no more "saving" the good stuff. Using it and enjoying it daily.