This past month I have been bizarrely restrained in my beauty buying. I know I have things to save for, sure, but what the what!? That generally hasn’t stopped me too much before. But for whatever reason, I keep passing things up, and I’m genuinely uninterested when I see products I was swooning over mere moments before. Whatever this is, I love/hate it. I want to buy pretty things!! But I’m glad that I’m being careful with my money – as I mentioned yesterday, May is a month full of gift buying, so I need all the cash I can get!
Anyway, yesterday I got a call from my Chanel SA letting me know the Summer collection had finally arrived on counter. I hightailed it over there this morning to check out the wares. I though for SURE I was going to pick up Delight, the gorgeous pale bronze polish that was going to be my ‘glamorous in a bottle’ shade. However, I tried it and…it was totally not for me. It was too pale and too blah with my skintone, which is a problem I have with most metallics. *sad face*
Please excuse the chip – I initially took this photo just for myself as a reminder of why I didn’t buy – I had layered the swatch over my existing mani and then bumped it before it dried :S
After a quick consult previously with Eugenia/Ommorphia, she noted that both OPI’s A Roll in the Hague (a bold orange) and Essie’s Meet Me at Sunset (which had more red in it) were close in shade to Chanel’s Holiday – another polish shade in the Summer collection lineup. It’s not a dupe, but it’s close enough that for me I couldn’t justify buying it either. *pouty lip*
Next, my eyes found the two Soleil Tan de Chanel powders in Sable Beige and Sable Rose. I’d hoped Sable Rose would be dark enough for my skin to show up. It was – but it left such a subtle look that I was nonplussed. Sure, I could use it as more of a ‘glow-making’ product versus a blush or bronzer, but for the price ($60+), I want it to blow my socks off, not just be ‘pretty’. Still no dice… *eyes squeezing out a tear*
Of course, the Calypso Glossimer drew my eye next – how could it not!? The gorgeous orange-coral shade is stunning and is the perfect warm-weather color. However, I was reminded of a gloss I already have – MAC’s Dazzleglass Cremesheen gloss in Luscious Spark (from a 2009 collection), another deep orange shade which also has multicolored shimmer. I was smart and brought it with me – here are comparison swatches below:
Top to Bottom: MAC Luscious Spark, Chanel Calypso
As you can see, they’re not dupes either – Calypso has more of a coral leaning, while Luscious Spark is more orange, and a bit more sheer. But again, too close to own both, in my world. I’m a poor excuse for a beauty aficionado, I know! But when I buy, I want it to be good. PASS. *openly sobs*
Finally, wildly looking around for something, anything to buy since I felt like such a consumer FAILURE, I looked upon the Eyeshadow Duo in Sable-Émouvant, a lovely cream and rich espresso twosome which looked entirely wearable and perfect. But goodness…how utterly boring! If that was my one purchase from a Summer collection, let alone a Chanel collection (because guys – I haven’t picked up ANYTHING from any of the Summer collections. Oh wait, except for the Estee Lauder gelee, which I bought back in MARCH, which is NOT Summer or even close…btw), then it’s a sad day here at Beauty Obsessed. That does not sound like I am obsessed over much of anything, except maybe being practical. Which is more Eye Heart It‘s thing, and I’m not gonna step on any toes here 
Anyway, where was I? All this lame behavior has me befuddled. I walked out of Mills (ok, well, slunk out a side door in shame – I KID YOU NOT) with absolutely nothing. My brain cannot compute. I have been ogling this collection since the first day I heard of it, and if nothing else I was leaving with Delight, THE END. To leave empty-handed just seems crazy, non?? I don’t know what’s up. All I know is that when I do start shopping again, 1) It had better be some super-awesome shit, and 2) It better not make my bank account blow-up. Likely both will happen. It’s gonna be something else.
On the plus side, I just saved about $100+ today. I guess that’s pretty sweet!
Have you experienced any abnormal beauty behaviors lately? What products are calling to you from the Summer collections? (Maybe you can inspire a lemming – there may still be hope for me yet!)
#1 by BeautyReflections (@BeautyReflectTS) on May 10, 2012 - 5:42 pm
Haha this made me laugh!! I think you’ve just caught the bug that we all have now-it has to be worth it for us to get and nothing like what we have in our collections. That’s what I’ve been doing and so has Larie, even more than me. No more buying for the sake of buying! High FIve!
#2 by Latoya on May 12, 2012 - 11:55 am
YEA! Awesome Tracy, that makes me feel better, not like I’m just being a dud
You’re right, I just wanna have some great pieces in my stash, not just anything because its ‘the’ thing to own. Maybe you guys have just been a good influence on me! 
#3 by Eugenia on May 10, 2012 - 6:30 pm
Just fabulous, Toya! I actually felt like I was with you along for the ride – I can just see your desperation growing as item after item in Chanel’s new lineup, failed to ring your bell — pretty funny, if you’re not obsessed with beauty like we are!! Not laughing at you baby girl (yes…at 30, you’re still a baby to me!), but enjoying watching you become even more discriminating!
PS: All the products you swatched and talked about here? Yup….that’s exactly what I came home with. Pretty sick, huh? (and not “sick” as in cool) Who has the problem now, I ask you?! God help me when the next collection hits……..
#4 by Latoya on May 12, 2012 - 1:19 pm
Ah, but I think the problem for you Eugenia is that almost every darn thing looks AMAZING on you – how are you supposed to turn it down?? I have the challenge of my skintone (and my sensitivities) which often eliminates a lot of high-end products for me. A good thing in some respects, but kind of a bummer too. On top of that, like you mentioned – I am becoming more discriminating, which I have to be since my tastes are becoming more and more expensive lol. I just hope I’m not so hard to please that I take all the fun out of it!!
#5 by Eugenia on May 10, 2012 - 6:35 pm
PS: forgot to add something (doing that a lot lately, have you noticed?) I know you guys have been talking lately about how you feel a product has to be uber-spectacular/super-special to shell out for, but I’ve been going in another direction. I’m done with the wild, zany, too-one-of-a-kind items. The reason for that, is I find I never, ever wear those types of products more than once, and to me, that’s a bigger waste of money. For now, I’m more interested in purchasing something that can be worn basically 4 seasons, but more importantly, it’s the quality that has to be there — I’m done with paying for lesser or sub-par products. As they say in Greek: “ena ke kalo” which translates to “one, but a good one”. I’d rather have something that is top notch and lasts, rather than a flash in the pan…but that’s just me!
#6 by Larie on May 11, 2012 - 1:02 pm
Good for you on realizing that you had a dupe! And I have to confess that I…still want Delight. Eep.
And don’t worry! There’s plenty of room for everyone to be practical
Eugenia’s practical in her own way, too. Things don’t have to be zany or out of control, but at the rate that I use things up, I don’t need too many of the same shade/finish/texture/what have you lying around, you know? I like to have color and variety, so those are the things I look for. Others look for subtle variations in more comforting, wearable shades, so they buy things they know they’ll use. Everyone has their own yardstick, so just stick to your guns, girl.
#7 by Latoya on May 11, 2012 - 1:14 pm
I think Delight is a beautiful shade Larie, so I hope you get it! It was just not what I was hoping for on my skintone
Just in case you took my ‘practical’ quip the wrong way, I just noted you as practical ’cause it’s in your blog subtitle
Not because I think too much about if you are/are not practical! I was playing on yours and my blog titles! But on the subject of practical, my thoughts run more similar to yours in terms of getting new shades, just because I get bored easily and am always mixing it up. But I totally see value in buying similar shades that are mega-wearable too, which is also sensible – I just already have the *on overload* feeling with makeup to deal with sometimes as is, so its easier to justify if at least everything is different lol.
#8 by nawi on May 11, 2012 - 1:47 pm
To be honest I think something is wrong with you and you need to see a dokter ha, ha, I bought all the above and just love it alot!
#9 by Latoya on May 11, 2012 - 8:16 pm
Haha, yea I’m sure I’m totally off with my feelings toward the collection, I’m just in a funk maybe
I hope you enjoy everything you bought!
#10 by Sandra Weeks on May 11, 2012 - 2:55 pm
Lol! Latoya, I’ve personally watched this inner struggle before and I can see it clearly in my mind! I feel like new and beautiful things are coming though….patience!
#11 by Latoya on May 12, 2012 - 1:01 pm
Hehehe oh Sandra, it was TERRIBLE lol. Worst one yet! I hope you’re right that good things are coming! I will *try* to be patient
#12 by Maggie (@MaggiesMakeup) on May 12, 2012 - 7:16 am
This post is too funny – like Eugenia said, I can totally see your escalating desperation to find SOMETHING.
Also, I need you to shop with me! I have zero restraint when it comes to The Pretty, and am more likely to talk myself into something than the opposite. (I am an SA’s dream. All they have to say is “selling out” and I’m snapping it up.)
#13 by Latoya on May 12, 2012 - 1:14 pm
LOL! I can understand Maggie, it is SO easy to get pulled into the feeling of urgency to buy products that will be unavailable quickly, like you have to make a snap decision or else miss out. I’ve made my fair share of purchases under that pressure, but I like to think for the most part I’m pretty good? I tend to be the voice of reason for a few people when we shop, so I’ll certainly lend my services to you!!
Though sometimes I wish I could be a bit more relaxed and frivolous when it comes to shopping – it IS supposed to be fun, after all!!
#14 by Liz (@Reductionista) on May 12, 2012 - 11:03 pm
You’re doing great!
Seriously. I shelled out for that Lumiere highlighter at Christmas and didn’t even end up using it before it went to the blog sale. SUCH A WASTE. Do hold out for what really calls to you and you won’t regret it. You have that striped blush from the spring collection to remind you. Stay strong!
I, in the meanwhile, am lusting after Holiday nail polish something desperately. Otherwise, meh on the rest of the collection for me too. The bronzers are beautiful but enough is enough.
#15 by Latoya on May 15, 2012 - 2:58 pm
Thanks Liz for the ‘yay Toya!’ vote of confidence
I think I’m doing fairly well and another update is just around the corner – I can’t wait to show what I *didn’t* buy! lol
Holiday IS beautiful, but it is darn near identical to Essie’s Meet Me At Sunset, so if you have that or can find it…. But I know sometimes a dupe just will not do! I hope if you do treat yourself that you do so without guilt. Sometimes you just need an ‘because I’m awesome’ treat here and there, and you’re DEFINITELY deserving of that!
#16 by Amy on May 12, 2012 - 11:27 pm
I can definitely relate to being disappointed about lackluster products, but I do think it’s a good thing to be discerning! It’s a bummer to not love something you thought you would, but it’s even worse to buy it anyway and have regret later!
#17 by Latoya on May 15, 2012 - 2:59 pm
Exactly Amy! And if I had done so, I would have been going against everything my instincts were telling me, which would have been much worse. I’m sorry I don’t love the collection like everyone else, but there WILL be more – goodness knows it never ends!
#18 by makeupmorsels on May 15, 2012 - 2:38 am
hahahha oh god, you should turn this into a book
I would run out and buy 10 copies, 1 for me, 9 for my army of wigeons to share. It’s good that you saved $100! Although I get how you feel about nothing living up to your expectations. I always feel good about cutting down on spending, but at the same time, I’m kind of bummed that I don’t get excited about makeup nearly as often anymore. I think it’s just because I’ve seen SO MUCH STUFF since I’ve become a beauty blogger, so I’m more picky now.
#19 by Latoya on May 15, 2012 - 3:24 pm
I totally think you’re right MM. I was ALL over nail polish this time last year, and then something happened after all the Fall collections came out, all the crazy releases in general, and now I hardly buy any. I’m reaching that point with makeup right now, and its too bad – though the saving money HAS been a perk! Maybe we’ll come out the other side eventually, yea? Fingers crossed we can find a happy medium!!