Tag: minamalism

March 2022 No-Buy Update

Featuredby liftbakelove2 Comments on March 2022 No-Buy Update

I’m on a no-buy for most of 2022 and using these monthly updates to keep me accountable. For these updates, I’ve decided to answer the same set of questions every month. Feel free to follow along in the comments with your own no-buy or low-buy updates. As always, thank you so much for being here, and it would mean so much to me if you subscribe here or on Instagram @liftbakelove for new posts!

What’s one thing that helped this month go easier?
Shopping my stash for things I already own to “dupe the vibes” of something I want to buy has helped a ton. It’s made me realize that I usually have exactly what I need to make the look I want, and I don’t need to buy anything new. For example, I did this post about the upcoming Sephora sale, and I definitely don’t need to buy anything. I’m going to continue using this strategy because it helps me save money but also enjoy what I already have.

What was one thing I wanted to buy but didn’t and why?
I really wanted to get the new limited edition Heirloom Collection Cherub blush from Em Cosmetics. I love this formula (I have 3 of them) because it gives such a soft, glowy look without being overly pigmented. It’s a really easy way product to use to brighten up a look that’s coming off a little dull or flat.  Even though this wouldn’t technically break my rules because I have a limited edition products budget, I know I just don’t need any more blush, so I didn’t grab it. It’s also sold out now, so I can’t get it even if I changed my mind (and also why I didn’t link to it here).

Did I buy anything this month?
I have gotten really into stamping for nail art and bought myself a few stamping plates for my birthday this month. Technically, the plates aren’t against my rules but I think I need to rethink how I handle nail art tools purchases. I have no regrets because I’ve gotten so much joy out of having the new stamping plates. Stamping is a pretty meditative process for me, and it’s one of my favorites ways to relax. That said, I need to make sure I don’t put all of my buying energy into amassing a huge collection of them. Here’s a few of my favorite recent stamping manicures:

What’s a product I rediscovered by having to shop my stash?
One of my favorite rediscoveries is the Elf Active Lip & Cheek Palette. This has been discontinued so I can’t link to it, and I’m so glad I got it when I did. I forgot how much I loved this palette and how well it compares to even my most expensive cream blushes and highlighters. The colors are all the ones that I love using, and the formula is so easy to blend and has great longevity for cream products. The highlighter is perfectly glowy without being glittery. I can also do my full cheek with this palette using the darker brown as a warm bronzer which makes it great for when I need to do something super quick.

Swatches of the ELF Active Lip & Cheek Palette

If you’re doing a no-buy, how did your February go? If not, what amazing thing did you buy this month? I’d love to know in the comments below! Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here on LiftBakeLove, and thanks for reading! 

February 2022 No-Buy Update

by liftbakelove3 Comments on February 2022 No-Buy Update

I’m on a no-buy for most of 2022 and using these monthly updates to keep me accountable. For these updates, I’ve decided to answer the same set of questions every month. Feel free to follow along in the comments with your own no-buy or low-buy updates. As always, thank you so much for being here, and it would mean so much to me if you subscribe here or on Instagram @liftbakelove for new posts!

What’s one thing that helped this month go easier?
Keeping a wishlist has continued to be incredibly helpful in this process. There have even been a few things I added to my wishlist that I removed only a few weeks later. It’s such a great reminder that there’s so many things I want to buy purely because they’re new and exciting rather than because I need them. And because I’m spending so much more time just getting to know my collection, it’s way easier for me to realize that I’d be essentially duping what I already have (like these products I wrote about earlier this month). I think even after my no-buy ends, I’m going to continue the policy of putting things on a wishlist and letting them sit there for a bit before I buy them. It’s a great way to make sure I’m only buying what I truly want.

What was one thing I wanted to buy but didn’t and why?
I really wanted to get new Glossier After Baume moisturizer that is specifically designed for very dry and/or sensitive skin like mine. I don’t have anything that thick and occlusive, so it feels like a gap in my collection. My skin has also just been feeling super dry lately, and it seemed like the perfect thing to help with that. But I own 26 serums and moisturizers, and I know between them all, I can make a mixture that will work for me. It’s also permanent so it’s still going on the wishlist for Black Friday, but I really need to get through some of my moisturizers (many of which are minis I got as gifts with purchase) before I add any more to my collection.

A recent manicure I did trying to really appreciate what I already have!

Did I buy anything this month?
I caved and bought three Starrily polishes (Aphrodite, Catnip, and The Cat’s Meow). One of my rules is that I can buy limited edition products as long as I don’t go over my budget for that category, and Starrily polishes tend to come back into stock very rarely. There have been polishes from them I had to wait at least 6 months to a year for, so in my head these were “limited edition,” That said, for full transparency, I did break one of my rules, and I wanted to share because it’s important that we don’t only talk about being perfect on the internet. I’m excited to 100% stick to it in March, especially knowing I really have everything I already need.

From left to right: Vesca Lyra, Bodyography Off the Hook, Mac Groundwork, Laura Mercier Rose Gold, Hourglass Reflect, Chantecaille Cheetah

What’s a product I rediscovered by having to shop my stash?
One of my favorite rediscoveries is the Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot Eyeshadow in Groundwork. I had honestly totally forgotten about it and how great it is as an eyeshadow base or matte one and down shadow. It’s a neutral taupe that goes with any blush and lip color I’ve chosen. The formula is incredibly easy to work with and doesn’t require a primer because it’s a hybrid primer shadow. It doesn’t crease and stays all day without fading. While I love using it alone, I’ve been using it again specifically as base for cream glitters and shimmer shadows. I have so many pretty, sparkly shadows that look off without a base like this, so it’s been perfect for that. You can see above how it compares to some of my other favorite one and done shadows (more details about them here).

If you’re doing a no-buy, how did your February go? If not, what amazing thing did you buy this month? I’d love to know in the comments below! Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here on LiftBakeLove, and thanks for reading!