Shop the Stash!

Twee. · 06-01-2019 11:06pm #1

Greetings cosmetics hoarders!

Inspired by our ever popular Latest Cosmetics Purchases thread and a post by Sunny Dayz, we welcome you to Shop the Stash!

The idea behind it is to look at what’s already in your collection before making a new purchase, or going so far as to not purchase anything until you use what you have!

This is the STS support group, tell us what you’re using up, what you found in the bottom of the makeup kit, gems you forgot about, what you’d repurchase, or if you need to be talked out of a shiny new Charlotte Tilbury product!

Whether it’s for economic reasons, storage space reasons or environmental reasons, join our 2019 challenge!

Pistachios & cream · 06-01-2019 11:31pm

I so nearly bought more makeup in the Debenhams sale yesterday. Those benefit gift sets are so cute. Thankfully I couldn’t remember my cvv number for my card and the extra few minutes made me re think. I’m so glad as I have loads.

I’m currently commuting for work, spending the weekdays in my hometown in my parents house and returning to my place and my husband at weekends. This means I divided my makeup stash between both houses and I didn’t need to buy a thing I had so much. In fact after my near miss yesterday I went throw the makeup I had here and realised how I would only have been purchasing items similar to what I already own. So I’m on a shopping ban until I run out of something!

One thing I did do that makes me feel a bit better was to organise travel kits of toiletries and make up for travelling. I travel a bit for work and I’m never sure which house I’ll be leaving from so I created a kit for each house that I can grab and know that all the basics are covered. I really did feel like I shopped my stash and The only thing I had to buy was some mini dry shampoo.

Twee. · 06-01-2019 11:52pm

Looks like you’re off to a good start! Good idea to prep the travel bags in advance, you won’t be tempted to impulse buy minis.

I won’t be buying any more skincare until I use what I have. I’ve about 5 half full moisturisers and loads of body creams that I need to use.

Makeup wise there’s stuff I just need to get rid of, I know I won’t use, and then other stuff I forget I even have that I need to reuse.

In a former life I was in beauty PR so I had a shocking amount of stuff unopened with seals on, my friend have a clothes swap in her house and I brought loads of makeup, all happily rehomed! Defo recommend getting your girls together and swapping items if you have ea few bits between you. Feels like shopping!

Michellenman · 07-01-2019 12:33am

Skincare is the one thing that I just can’t include in this, I have such sensitive skin and rosacea that going back to the some stuff that’s still half full just isn’t an option. I think I might repurpose them as hand moisturisers or offer to friends instead though!

Personally this is the year that I will not buy any eyeshadow or lipstick. I must have about 20 eye shadow palettes that I need to get more use out of and lots of lipsticks of various similar shades that I can’t bring myself To throw out just yet. I also bought the original naked palette again just before Xmas as I love it and heard it was being discontinued. Despite the urge just to start using it because it’s all new and fresh I’ve put it away until the one I have at the moment is done.

This month I plan to finish off the half used shampoos and conditioners and also to start using body stuff that I have lying around and build them in to my routine, things like body exfoliators and scrubs and dry oils etc. I’m sure my skin will thank me for it and it’s better than having them gather dust! Looking forward seeing how I get on!

Earlier I put everything that’s new and unopened in to a box so that once I have finished a bottle I can grab a new one and work my way through that. I really want to avoid have multiple bottles on the go at once as I find it just never finish any of them before the reach the expiration date (which I personally ignore most of the time....)

Aim for the whole year is to not buy anything new until the current one is finished. Will be interested to see how everyone is getting on!

dee_mc · 07-01-2019 12:49am

Michellenman wrote: »

Skincare is the one thing that I just can’t include in this, I have such sensitive skin and rosacea that going back to the some stuff that’s still half full just isn’t an option. I think I might repurpose them as hand moisturisers or offer to friends instead though!

I have a tan leather bag that marks quite badly with scratches etc - after cleaning I've been known to use up old body lotions and moisturisers (and the ones that broke me out), you'd be amazed at how well they work for conditioning soft leather.
Just an idea!

Airyfairy12 · 07-01-2019 3:01am

Just started decluttering my house over the past few weeks, ive been finding things from years back. Am I the only one who attaches souls to things and cant throw them out? I found a box of old makeup from when I was very young and cant bring myself dump it, its all old, cheap crap that can never be used but it brought back so many memory's. Found an old tube of rimmel extra lash mascara and forgot how much I used to love it. I bought a new tube of it today and its really good, dont know why ive bothered spending so much on expensive mascara when the cheap stuff is just as good if not better. I got a sample tube of a ysl mascara in a giftset and its horrible stuff, its like glue and doesnt look good on, I looked up the price of a full tube just see and it costs something like 30 euro. Ill definitely be repurchasing cheaper makeup from now on and wont be wasting so much on expensive name brands.

Lotus Flower · 07-01-2019 8:16am

Will definitely be doing this! Went through my stuff at the weekend and I have an embarrassing amount of lipsticks and a whole bunch of eyeshadows that barely get touched. This year I only plan to buy skincare and make-up that needs replacing

SozBbz · 07-01-2019 12:08pm

I need to do this especially when it comes to palettes.

I also went through a stage of hoarding foundations so I'm going to try to work through that backlog as best I can, but maybe some of the ones I'm not enjoying could be regifted to friends etc.

I was about to repurchase MAC strobe creame but remembered I bought a similar product from Stila in one of the pre christmas beauty sales so going to try that first to see if its similar.

Sunny Dayz · 07-01-2019 12:54pm

Ah I'm glad there are so many like minded people on here!

I've said at the start of every year that I won't buy as much during the year, I'll use up what I have - but I never stick too it. I put my hands up and say yes I get influenced! But what has prompted me this year was Lipstick n Leopard Print's shop your stash for the month of Jan.

I also get sucked into the fear of running out of something. I usually stock up on shampoo/conditioner/toothpaste when on special offer. I have multiples of deodorant, dry shampoo, micellar water etc in case I run out. This stems from when I was younger and lived at home. We grew up in the countryside and my mum didn't drive so we only did our shopping once a week. I kinda haven't lost that mindset of "running out of something". I need to start telling myself that if I run out of deodorant, I can just walk down the town and get some.

I'm also at the stage where I've run out of storage space - I can't justify the sheer amount of stuff I have - and I'm the only woman in the house. My poor husband has his stuff in a box and a wash bag under the bed - I've 3 storage units in the ensuite and a basket of stuff in the main bathroom.

Twee. · 07-01-2019 3:26pm

I used to be a divil for the Boots 3-for-2, and now I have THREE unopened micellar waters from Botanics that I barely use, as I now favour a microfibre cloth and a drop of LRP face wash. Not such good value now :pac: I'll get through them eventually.

Deodorants, toothpaste and tampons (****'s expensive!) I do still look out for 3-for-2 or whatever as I know I'll use them and either don't deviate on brand (deodorants), or am not brand loyal (toothpaste).

Pistachios & cream · 07-01-2019 3:48pm

I have to do a stock take of all my body wash/shampoo/moisturisers/handcream and see what i have. I stocked up in the boots 70% off sale for the last few years. Some was stuff for myself and some i used as backup presents but i'm not sure what i have anymore and if i haven't needed them as presents yet i might as well use them up. this year i wont have as good access to multiple boots like i did before so hoefully the temptation wont be there. Although looking at their stock levels i dont think they have as much as other years either.

SozBbz · 07-01-2019 4:06pm

Airyfairy12 wrote: »

Ill definitely be repurchasing cheaper makeup from now on and wont be wasting so much on expensive name brands.

This is a good point - price doesnt always give you a good outcome. Some of the stuff I've ended up hoarding has been for more expensive brands.

My issue si that if I spend on something and if I don't really like it, I find it hard to get rid of it.

Recently I bought a Wet'n'Wild setting powder and it was terrible. It was a pressed powder but they'd nearly done too good a job, in that it was compacted so tightly that I couldnt really get any product onto my brush, let alone onto my face. but it was only €3/4 so i just threw it in the bin.

I also bought the Charlotte Tilbury magic concealer (as I like the foundation of the same name) but its awful. Its really tacky feeling and makes the fine lines under my eyes look worse than they actually are, so its a disaster of a product really. But because of its price, I keep persisting wtih it - setting it differently or applying with a different tool... when in reality it just belongs in the bin.

Its a shame with expensive products because its annoying to spend that amount on a rubbish product.

My main concealer that I use daily is the one from Catrice which costs €4 and I've repurchased multiple times.

I've a few MAC palates that I know I'm going to struggle to use. I just find them hard to work with and the colour payoff. Its not that I don't want to use them, but I just genuinely find them difficult. Might see if any of my friends might like them or something.
I need to think more and sample more before buying in future. I need to stop buying things just because they look nice.

Pistachios & cream · 07-01-2019 4:39pm

Airyfairy12 wrote: »

Ill definitely be repurchasing cheaper makeup from now on and wont be wasting so much on expensive name brands.

One cheap foundation i have rediscovered is The ordinary Serum foundation. My niece who is obsessed with make up was talking about it so i said id try it again. i do find ti very runny which put me off at first but it does feel lovely on my skin and is buildable. I normally don't wear powder but think it does need it. However that may be my way of justifying a new purchase

Sunny Dayz · 07-01-2019 5:52pm

SozBbz wrote: »

This is a good point - price doesnt always give you a good outcome. Some of the stuff I've ended up hoarding has been for more expensive brands.

My issue si that if I spend on something and if I don't really like it, I find it hard to get rid of it.

This!! I've bought cheap makeup from Penneys or Essence and had no hesitation in binning it if i didn't like it or it was crap.
But stuff I've spent my hard earned money on I find it difficult to get rid off. Either I force myself to use it to get my money's worth or I hold onto it as a reminder not to be so stupid and as punishment for buying things that I'm influenced by, that I didn't need.

Lotus Flower · 07-01-2019 7:18pm

SozBbz wrote: »

I also bought the Charlotte Tilbury magic concealer (as I like the foundation of the same name) but its awful. Its really tacky feeling and makes the fine lines under my eyes look worse than they actually are, so its a disaster of a product really. But because of its price, I keep persisting wtih it - setting it differently or applying with a different tool... when in reality it just belongs in the bin.

Magic Away was just dreadful stuff, I'm so annoyed I bought into the hype!

La.de.da · 07-01-2019 9:43pm

What really annoys me and I think adds to much stash of useless crap I can't use is companies or counters not giving samples.

Ie Charlotte tilbury and shiseido are two examples. I've wanted to try a few things from both but each product at circa €50... It's an expensive mistake to get it wrong.

dee_mc · 07-01-2019 9:52pm

You know when you buy an expensive product and it just doesn't work for you - does anyone try returning it?
I mean, if it was an electrical item or something, you'd bring it back and say 'it's not fit for purpose' and expect a refund or replacement.
I mentioned to a girl on the Clinique counter in a Boots branch that I'd bought one of their foundations about a year before and found it didn't sit well on my skin at all, that I couldn't make it work despite several attempts with different application methods and just had to throw it out (in fact, I donated it to a charity shop, but same thing). She was horrified and said 'why didn't you just return it?!'. She explained that it's their policy, within Boots stores anyway, to accept a return on a product that doesn't work for you.
I know in other countries, particularly the US, it's standard practice to return makeup items for a refund.
Maybe something to keep in mind - worth checking store policy anyway!

Lotus Flower · 07-01-2019 10:00pm

dee_mc wrote: »

You know when you buy an expensive product and it just doesn't work for you - does anyone try returning it?
I mean, if it was an electrical item or something, you'd bring it back and say 'it's not fit for purpose' and expect a refund or replacement.
I mentioned to a girl on the Clinique counter in a Boots branch that I'd bought one of their foundations about a year before and found it didn't sit well on my skin at all, that I couldn't make it work despite several attempts with different application methods and just had to throw it out (in fact, I donated it to a charity shop, but same thing). She was horrified and said 'why didn't you just return it?!'. She explained that it's their policy, within Boots stores anyway, to accept a return on a product that doesn't work for you.
I know in other countries, particularly the US, it's standard practice to return makeup items for a refund.
Maybe something to keep in mind - worth checking store policy anyway!

As far as I'm aware, Clinique are part of the Lauder group and they accept returns but I'm not sure all brands share this policy

Lotus Flower · 07-01-2019 10:02pm

La.de.da wrote: »

What really annoys me and I think adds to much stash of useless crap I can't use is companies or counters not giving samples.

Ie Charlotte tilbury and shiseido are two examples. I've wanted to try a few things from both but each product at circa €50... It's an expensive mistake to get it wrong.

Yeah it's ridiculous. At their prices they can afford samples

Airyfairy12 · 08-01-2019 6:10am

dee_mc wrote: »

You know when you buy an expensive product and it just doesn't work for you - does anyone try returning it?
I mean, if it was an electrical item or something, you'd bring it back and say 'it's not fit for purpose' and expect a refund or replacement.
I mentioned to a girl on the Clinique counter in a Boots branch that I'd bought one of their foundations about a year before and found it didn't sit well on my skin at all, that I couldn't make it work despite several attempts with different application methods and just had to throw it out (in fact, I donated it to a charity shop, but same thing). She was horrified and said 'why didn't you just return it?!'. She explained that it's their policy, within Boots stores anyway, to accept a return on a product that doesn't work for you.
I know in other countries, particularly the US, it's standard practice to return makeup items for a refund.
Maybe something to keep in mind - worth checking store policy anyway!

Ive returned magic foundation by CT, after spending that money on such a horrifically bad product, I couldnt justify holding on to it, practically begged brown thomas to take it back, they were very nice about it and gave me a full refund no problem.

Pistachios & cream · 08-01-2019 12:38pm

If anyone is looking for a good blog that gives proper reviews of makeup and gives a determination on whether its worth buying or not then this blog is good http://antihaulblog.blogspot.com/

She does comparisons between palettes to see if you need to buy it or if ther already is similar/same shades in other palettes. i had a read through it before Christmas and its definitely helped me. i actually felt duped by all the brand marketing i'd succumbed to.

Kitty6277 · 08-01-2019 4:10pm

My mam got me this lovely makeup case/box for Christmas and I just got around to transferring my makeup into it. It was a good opportunity to look through what I have and single out things to use up before I buy more. Managed to chuck out a load of stuff that was in a box for at least 5 years, things I wouldn’t dream of using now! They were all cheap so it really isn’t much of a loss to me. Looking forward using up some of the eyeshadow palettes that I have, there’s so many I just don’t use enough and I definitely don’t need to buy anymore until I use some of them up.

SozBbz · 09-01-2019 11:22am

Airyfairy12 wrote: »

Ive returned magic foundation by CT, after spending that money on such a horrifically bad product, I couldnt justify holding on to it, practically begged brown thomas to take it back, they were very nice about it and gave me a full refund no problem.

I'm assuming you had your reciept etc and took it back within a few weeks?

I never would have thought about returning make up but if I have a bad experience wtih another expensive product again I'll definitely try this. Wishing I'd known this when I bought the CT concealer. I've seen so many people (after the fact) giving it ropey reviews, just wish I hadnt bought into the hype.

Interestingly, the magic foundation actually works well on my skin, so its interesting to know how different products work for different people. I wonder also if its anything to do with how different shades perform better than others. I've bought both shade 3 and 4 with no issues.

Going to try to dig our the Naked 2 and 3 palettes which are both basically untouched before I buy anything else.

Twee. · 10-01-2019 10:59am

Good article on Dazed Beauty about no/low buy trend. It really seems to have taken off this year in particular, I think minimalism/sustainable lifestyle trends feeds in here a lot. Dazed are suggesting that if this all does keep up we will be looking at a very different digital beauty industry by next year, if brands start to see their earned & paid social media coverage dropping https://www.dazeddigital.com/beauty/soul/article/42814/1/2019-the-year-of-beauty-no-buy

Pistachios & cream · 10-01-2019 11:06am

Twee. wrote: »

Good article on Dazed Beauty about no/low buy trend. It really seems to have taken off this year in particular, I think minimalism/sustainable lifestyle trends feeds in here a lot. Dazed are suggesting that if this all does keep up we will be looking at a very different digital beauty industry by next year, if brands start to see their earned & paid social media coverage dropping https://www.dazeddigital.com/beauty/soul/article/42814/1/2019-the-year-of-beauty-no-buy

Great! that can be my lunchtime reading. I'd be delighted to see less of the social media ads especially with 'influencers' i've come to distrust any products that do paid partnerships as the person reviewing it has a vested interest in giving a good review. I still like to read blogs that do actual reviews and i'm happy that they get press drops etc as its expensive to buy everything yourself. However the 30 second instagram story on this new........ that you have to have is just terrible.

JustMe,K · 10-01-2019 11:13am

I've been trying to do this lately. I was wandering around boots yesterday and nearly bought some of their half price make up sets 'just because' but stopped and reminded myself that I need to go through what I have before adding more! I got 3 of the same make up gift set at Christmas as gifts, and a tonne of perfume so really have no excuse to be buying anything. I then convinced myself I could move onto haircare/ skincare but I honestly have so much stuff from advent calendars, samples, goodie bags at events that I need to use it up instead of buying more.

Will definitely be taking a look at some of the blogs mentioned here - I'm moving house as well in a few months so a cull is imminent. Himself is less than impressed at the amount of storage space I am claiming to need for make up etc!

Sunny Dayz · 10-01-2019 11:51am

First empty of 2019!
NYX dewy finish setting spray.
https://www.boots.ie/nyx-professional-makeup-setting-spray-dewy-finish-long-lasting-10207877
I've had this ages - got it when NYX became really popular years ago and when a stand appeared in a local chemist I tried to get a few of the much talked about things. I never really passed much heed on setting sprays - thought they were a bit gimmicky.
It's grand - I THINK I get a bit longer out of my makeup with it but sometimes it's hard to tell and I'm not sure if it makes me look dewy. Won't be repurchasing as I have a setting spray from MakeupRevolution to use up. I also have UD all night spray which I keep for nights out etc.

SozBbz · 10-01-2019 1:07pm

kcdiom wrote: »

Will definitely be taking a look at some of the blogs mentioned here - I'm moving house as well in a few months so a cull is imminent. Himself is less than impressed at the amount of storage space I am claiming to need for make up etc!

Stay strong! Moving is the most stressful thing and you always have more stuff than you think you do. If a move is on the horizon I'd only be buying things that are absolutely necessary and proactivly culling things that realistically will never be used.

JustMe,K · 10-01-2019 1:48pm

SozBbz wrote: »

Stay strong! Moving is the most stressful thing and you always have more stuff than you think you do. If a move is on the horizon I'd only be buying things that are absolutely necessary and proactivly culling things that realistically will never be used.

Oh I have tooonnnnes more stuff than I think. Bless him....he thinks I am quite organised as I am always getting rid of stuff, little does he know about my hiding places

Sunny Dayz · 11-01-2019 12:38pm

Another product binned today and I have to say I was quite happy to be rid of it!
The Primark x Alex Steinherr oil free gel hydrator

Such hype about this range when it was released. My local Penneys wasn't stocking it. I happened to be in a larger Penneys a couple of weeks after it was launched and there was very little left. But I wanted something cos it was so hyped so it was this or the clay mousse mask.
First the pros - it has a nice-ish consistency - it reminds me a little of aftersun, that soothing texture. Packaging handy for travelling.
Now the Cons: The smell of it! It had such a plastic smell. It reminded me of Easi-singles cheese - only a much cheaper version of them. It wouldn't be hugely hydrating, really would only suit oily skin.

The only reason I didn't bin it before now was as punishment to myself!! It's one of the products that has sparked off this "use what I have, try not to be influenced" thing.
I was annoyed with myself for being influenced, for buying into the hype. Now I probably should have binned it - it only cost €5/€6 - but it was the principle of the thing - I got sucked in for something I didn't need, it didn't suit me and I didn't like it.

Now it's gone, it's in the bin. I've moved onto a new moisturiser - a No7 Protect & Perfect day cream from their gift set. I used to use No7 products years ago and they fell by the wayside in favour of other brands but I liked their stuff so I'm interested to see how this one goes.

Airyfairy12 · 11-01-2019 6:51pm

I had a consultation in a skin clinic yesterday and was given a few samples of products recommended for my skin, I was skeptical which was why I left without buying anything but im actually blown away by the products she recommended me, my rosacea has almost completely cleared up already and my skins texture is already improving so much that I could wear less makeup today as a result.

The skin therapist told me to be careful of all over the counter skincare products as they contain so much alcohol and can destroy your skin. Im throwing out everything, all my cleansers, moisturisers and exfoliaters and tbh i'm happy to do so as ive a drawer so full of products it wont shut and is in need of a clear out. The products are expensive but its worth it if I see results and can dump all my useless products which are cluttering up the place.

Ive decided to stop wasting money on lots of different cheap skincare products and stick to a minimalist albeit expensive set of products.

Kitty6277 · 12-01-2019 4:10pm

I have a half empty bottle of Catrice foundation that I liked, but found it was a bit dark for my skin tone. I decided to mix a few drops of it in with my normal foundation and so far I like the result. I’m happy to have a way to use it up as I liked it and even though it was cheap I’d have felt bad binning it.

Lotus Flower · 12-01-2019 5:36pm

I bought some acrylic storage in Penneys so that I can access what I already have- a large part of the issue was forgetting I had stuff!

dee_mc · 12-01-2019 10:04pm

Great idea Lotus Flower - I saw some in Tiger and a few bits in Dealz recently too.

JustMe,K · 14-01-2019 11:25am

Airyfairy12 wrote: »

I had a consultation in a skin clinic yesterday and was given a few samples of products recommended for my skin, I was skeptical which was why I left without buying anything but im actually blown away by the products she recommended me, my rosacea has almost completely cleared up already and my skins texture is already improving so much that I could wear less makeup today as a result.

The skin therapist told me to be careful of all over the counter skincare products as they contain so much alcohol and can destroy your skin. Im throwing out everything, all my cleansers, moisturisers and exfoliaters and tbh i'm happy to do so as ive a drawer so full of products it wont shut and is in need of a clear out. The products are expensive but its worth it if I see results and can dump all my useless products which are cluttering up the place.

Ive decided to stop wasting money on lots of different cheap skincare products and stick to a minimalist albeit expensive set of products.

I have found in the past that the results from recommendations (after a facial for example) arent great, and I feel that I wasted money on the products. I think I would need a weeks worth of samples at this stage to be convinced to part with my cash!

Totally agree though with the therapist re over the counter products, unless you know what you are looking at (and lets face it, a lot of us dont), we are buying stuff thats so bad for us just because its at a particular price point.

SozBbz · 14-01-2019 11:37am

Airyfairy12 wrote: »

I had a consultation in a skin clinic yesterday and was given a few samples of products recommended for my skin, I was skeptical which was why I left without buying anything but im actually blown away by the products she recommended me, my rosacea has almost completely cleared up already and my skins texture is already improving so much that I could wear less makeup today as a result.

The skin therapist told me to be careful of all over the counter skincare products as they contain so much alcohol and can destroy your skin. Im throwing out everything, all my cleansers, moisturisers and exfoliaters and tbh i'm happy to do so as ive a drawer so full of products it wont shut and is in need of a clear out. The products are expensive but its worth it if I see results and can dump all my useless products which are cluttering up the place.

Ive decided to stop wasting money on lots of different cheap skincare products and stick to a minimalist albeit expensive set of products.

Sounds brilliant! I came to the same conclusion a few years ago myself and now only buy Image products because I know they work well for me. The only non Image product I buy is the Bioderma micellar water which I like to have but only use infrequently as a make up remover (ie if I come in at 3am an can't be dealing with my usual routine!) Its the only micellar water that I don't feel ill effects from on my skin.

Do you mind me asking what range has worked so well for you?

On the subject of hoarding, since Image is expensive, their pre christmas gift sets are brilliant. I bought 4 of them in the black Friday sales (there was an extra 15-20% off) so I now have quite the stock pile, but I know it will all get used. I did the same thing last year and it worked really well, maybe only needed to buy one thing at full price over the year.
Some salons appear to still have stock which they're selling off if you look around. They're never going to have the heavily medicated stuff in their gift sets but for the spf, standard cleansers and some nice serums, they're great.

Twee. · 14-01-2019 11:53am

Sunny Dayz wrote: »

Another product binned today and I have to say I was quite happy to be rid of it!
The Primark x Alex Steinherr oil free gel hydrator

I tried the clay mask from this line over the weekend, your post reminded me to fish it out! My skin was soft enough after but it was quite red and patchy for about an hour afterwards. Also the consistency is a little weak/thin or something, which makes me wonder what's in it. I have used a lot of clay masks in the past as my skin can get oily and they're usually more thick, some grit even, more "clay" like!

This weekend I used Mac Studio Fix foundation, there's only a bit left in the bottle so I'm determined now to finish. I do like the product, but it's a little to full coverage for me these days. I prefer something that I can build up to the level of coverage I want. Probably will not repurchase after this bottle.

Airyfairy12 · 14-01-2019 5:44pm

SozBbz wrote: »

Sounds brilliant! I came to the same conclusion a few years ago myself and now only buy Image products because I know they work well for me. The only non Image product I buy is the Bioderma micellar water which I like to have but only use infrequently as a make up remover (ie if I come in at 3am an can't be dealing with my usual routine!) Its the only micellar water that I don't feel ill effects from on my skin.

Do you mind me asking what range has worked so well for you?

On the subject of hoarding, since Image is expensive, their pre christmas gift sets are brilliant. I bought 4 of them in the black Friday sales (there was an extra 15-20% off) so I now have quite the stock pile, but I know it will all get used. I did the same thing last year and it worked really well, maybe only needed to buy one thing at full price over the year.
Some salons appear to still have stock which they're selling off if you look around. They're never going to have the heavily medicated stuff in their gift sets but for the spf, standard cleansers and some nice serums, they're great.

I only got 3 samples and its my first time using this brand, Im not sure what each range is called but I found the salycilic acid cleanser brilliant - I dont know what range its from, she poured some into a little tub for me, the only thing I dont like is how drying it is but I was recommended a vitamin c serum, wasnt given a sample but its meant to be very good so im hoping that will counter act the drying effect of the cleaner. I was also given an spf 32 from the yellow range which is really fantastic and very hydrating. I was given a third sample of a cleanser, forget what its called, its from the green range, its not great imo, stings, drys me out and doesnt reduce redness enough to justify the price so ill give that one a miss. I got a mitch match of different ranges which is helpful for narrowing it down as there is so much to choose from.
Id be interested to know what ranges worked best for others, there are so many different products its hard to know what will be worth or not worth the cost.

SozBbz · 14-01-2019 10:39pm

Airyfairy12 wrote: »

I only got 3 samples and its my first time using this brand, Im not sure what each range is called but I found the salycilic acid cleanser brilliant - I dont know what range its from, she poured some into a little tub for me, the only thing I dont like is how drying it is but I was recommended a vitamin c serum, wasnt given a sample but its meant to be very good so im hoping that will counter act the drying effect of the cleaner. I was also given an spf 32 from the yellow range which is really fantastic and very hydrating. I was given a third sample of a cleanser, forget what its called, its from the green range, its not great imo, stings, drys me out and doesnt reduce redness enough to justify the price so ill give that one a miss. I got a mitch match of different ranges which is helpful for narrowing it down as there is so much to choose from.
Id be interested to know what ranges worked best for others, there are so many different products its hard to know what will be worth or not worth the cost.

Sounds like you're using one of the medicated cleansers, either MD or Clear Cell, with the SPF 32 Matte for oily skin, and the Ormedic cleanser.

I'd use the clear cell/ageless/the max ranges under advice as they've a lot of active ingredients.

IMO Vital C (orange) and Ormedic work for most people and a lot of my friends use various bits from both ranges and we've all different skin types. The SPFs are down to preference, but I like to work with a bottle of 50 and 32, depending on my sun exposure and how oily my skin is at that moment in time

I also like the Ilima serum, which I think is fairly gentle and just a nice product. I think its supposed to be good for pigmentation but I use it anyway even though thats not a big issue for me, I just think its nice and sure brightening is always good.

Sunny Dayz · 16-01-2019 5:56pm

Another product finished - I swear I'm not pouring things down the sink!!
Catrice All Matt Plus foundation. There wasn't as much left in this as I had thought when I retrieved it from my stash, I think the product up along the sides of the glass gave the impression there was more in it. It was grand, a bit thick. Note sure if they stock it anymore but I won't be repurchasing. I was mixing it with my Cater Beauty half measure foundation to take some of the mattness off it. I actually think I'm finishing up the Carter Beauty foundation also - the glass is frosted so it's difficult to see how much product is in it but not much came out of the dropper this morning (despite me doing it the way Marissa had to show us how to use it.)

SozBbz · 16-01-2019 6:01pm

Sunny Dayz wrote: »

Another product finished - I swear I'm not pouring things down the sink!!

Well done!

I'm plugging away at my foundations. I currently have;

- double wear in 2 shades (dark one is way dark since I hardly ever wear tan anymore so thats going to be slow going)
- Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation
- MAC pro longware and Mac face and body
- Catrice HD
- Bare minerals (I cannot get to grips with this at all. I've never once got it right on my face, so this may have to go in the bin...)
- The ordinary coverage foundation in 3 different colours. I'm blending them to try to get through them!

I'm chopping and changing so it will probably take me ages to get to the bottom of any of them

But now that I've actually taken stock of what I have, i'll be reluctant to add to that pile. If you'd asked me before, I would have sworn blind that I only had 2/3 foundations, when in fact I have 10!

JustMe,K · 16-01-2019 6:06pm

SozBbz wrote: »

If you'd asked me before, I would have sworn blind that I only had 2/3 foundations, when in fact I have 10!

I have around 17 bottles of foundation

Really need to make some time to see what I can mix together. I picked up one of those spatulas that Penneys had ages ago to get to the bottom of the bottles so will root that out too. You ladies are putting me to shame!

Sunny Dayz · 16-01-2019 6:26pm

I should probably do a stocktake of the foundations I have.
I think this is most of them:

Mac Studio fix (or double wear I'm not really sure) in NW20 - this is my "good" foundation for when I'm wearing tan
4 wet n wild photo focus foundations. 1 is in a darker shade for when I'm wearing tan, I accidently have 2 in the same shade which is a little light for me and 1 in my actual correct shade.
2 of The Ordinary foundations, one serum and one full coverage. Not mad about them.
Bourjois health mix foundation, I kinda like this.
MakeUpRevolution coverage foundation - looks like a larger version of the concealer, applicator and all. Used it today and it's actually not bad.
Some Penneys full coverage foundation - I remember the world and it's mother went mad for this foundation, it was supposedly a dupe for EL Double wear which I've never worn. I used it yesterday and wasn't mad about it, it dried down very quickly before I got to work with it properly.
I presume I've a bottle of catrice hd foundation, I cannot be without it.

That's 11 foundations!

Edit - I've two bottle of the Catrice HD foundation, one normal shade and one darker for tan
So 12 foundations *hangs head in shame*

tea_and_cake · 17-01-2019 9:42am

I love this thread. I'd started to do this a while ago, it's very therapeutic getting to the end of a bottle.

What I am also doing is using make up I'd been keeping for going out or good make up that I didn't wear to work. Like primer and eye shadow palletts!! I also used to have a good foundation for going out and weddings etc but it was going off. So just use a bare minerals one now and I love it.

ruthy_2504 · 17-01-2019 10:35am

For those of you trying to use up foundations that may not be the right shade, Catrice do both lightening and darkening drops that you can add to your foundation. I know the idea of this is not to buy anymore, but it would make getting rid of products easier! I use the lightening drops with about 3 different foundations that I must have been asleep when I bought - they are that bad in terms of colour match!

JustMe,K · 17-01-2019 11:14am

ruthy_2504 wrote: »

For those of you trying to use up foundations that may not be the right shade, Catrice do both lightening and darkening drops that you can add to your foundation. I know the idea of this is not to buy anymore, but it would make getting rid of products easier! I use the lightening drops with about 3 different foundations that I must have been asleep when I bought - they are that bad in terms of colour match!

I bought the LA Girl white foundation deliberately to lighten my darker foundations - guess what though? Never used it :rolleyes:

Icsics · 17-01-2019 12:14pm

Isn't it amazing the great 'points offers' Boots can send u when they haven't seen u in a while!! Not even going to look!

Michellenman · 17-01-2019 9:53pm

Finished off a Molton Brown shower gel and an Aussie ice shine pure hair conditioning spray. Feels good to finish them off I have to say! How opened a new molton brown shower gel now and going to stair through an Aussie leave in conditioner next

fed_u · 20-01-2019 12:54am

Similarly I also have a number of foundations to get through..
Almost finished benefits hello flawless oxygen wow foundation - nothing special!!
Revlon colorstay - surprisingly well wearing and not sure why I didn't finish it!!
Your good skin hot cloth cleanser - prefer it to the no7 new formula but the no7 pump bottle makes it easier to act finish the product.
Nutrogena hydro boost micellar water - don't rate and can't finish it so will use to clean my suede shoes now instead ðŸ˜‚

SozBbz · 23-01-2019 11:41am

I was in the UK over the weekend and this thread saved me. There was a Kiko shop, and I went in....perusing brushes and these little sets with a few eye shadows and a blusher and I was sorely tempted - I love a good multipurpose set!

Anyway, I gave myself a slap on the wrist, and told myself to turn around and walk out without buying anything!

Now, I did spend a small fortune on clothes, but my makeup spend was zero. So I'm counting that as progress!

Sunny Dayz · 23-01-2019 12:17pm

SozBbz wrote: »

I was in the UK over the weekend and this thread saved me. There was a Kiko shop, and I went in....perusing brushes and these little sets with a few eye shadows and a blusher and I was sorely tempted - I love a good multipurpose set!

Anyway, I gave myself a slap on the wrist, and told myself to turn around and walk out without buying anything!

Now, I did spend a small fortune on clothes, but my makeup spend was zero. So I'm counting that as progress!

Well done! Kiko do some nice things - I'm currently using a brown mascara from them but I won't repurchase as the brush is a bit scratchy and the product sometimes transfers onto my browbone during the day. It's grand for work. But I swear by the cc magic blur cream - it's like Benefit's porefessional in that it blurs pores, mattifies the skin and is good for a daytime no make look.

I was in Kiko in Dec when I was over in the UK - there was nothing I needed but still spent about €40 and I don't think I've even used any of the stuff I bought yet. A bit of a wake up call for me and a kick in the ar$e I needed.

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