No buys, low buys, or cosmetic bans of various sorts, are common around these here parts.  It seems somewhat counter-intuitive that we beauty bloggers, who write so passionately about our purchases and are forging the way through the lipstick jungle, also have to cap ourselves off from time to time to keep ourselves in check.  In my post last month about restricting myself, I recognized the fact that while I want to be reasonable in my spending habits, it is unwise for me to cut myself off in any areas, because when I can’t have something, I want it that much more, and it always seems to end badly for me (and my waistline/bank account).Last week, Liz at Beauty Reductionista gave me a heads up on participating in an upcoming no/low buy that she and a few other bloggers we going to engage in, starting tomorrow.  I thought long and hard about it, because while I want to keep myself in check, as noted above, I have to do so with caution.  After sleeping on a few brainstormed ideas last night, I think I’ve worked out a process that should keep me on the (relative) straight and narrow, while still allowing me the leeway to have fun and not feel deprived.  You may notice that some of these ideas echo sentiments I made in my Resolutions post earlier this year – this is taking it one step further and clarifying those guidelines.  So, without further ado, here is the system I’m hoping to successfully follow for the rest of 2012:

1) Employ the use* one, buy one system for skin, body, and haircare products.
Surprizingly, I have a relatively small quantity of these types of products – for almost all categories, I have only one of each (eg. one shampoo/conditioner, one body lotion, one hair styling lotion, etc.).  I have a slight stockpile of skincare items, but I’m slowly whittling it down, and I don’t plan on refilling them just to buy something.  Streamlining in this area has been pretty easy – and I want to keep it this way.

2) For makeup purchases, follow a use* two, buy one system (excluding foundation and powder, as I only have very small numbers of each and these are considered ‘needs’).
I actually really dislike having an excess of *things* – in most areas of my life, I like to keep my options limited as otherwise it can at times cause some anxiety.  My biggest weakness as a beauty junkie is the fact that conversely, I adore change (and, who am I kidding, shopping!), so even though I don’t always enjoy having so much makeup, I get bored and want something new on a frequent basis.  So, having said that, I really want to scale back the amount of makeup I own, and this seems like an excellent way to go about it, without enforcing any restrictions on myself and keeping things fresh.

*’Use’ can be interchanged with toss, swap or giveaway – it just means I must have one (or two) less product(s) in order to purchase a new one.

3) Allow for three (3) Limited Edition purchases per season, up to a max of $150.
One regret I’ve had since I started blogging is missing out on awesome LE products (and I’m not talking about every item that’s comes out of the rapid-fire MAC collections).  I really want to get on the horse when it comes to these pieces, but not let the ‘Limited Edition’ tag take a hold of me and create purchasing anxiety/stress. Capping myself at 3 items per season lets me feel like I’m taking part without getting too caught up in the mania.  However, I added the stipulation of $150 because oft times these products are more expensive (Chanel’s Spring LE Blush de Horizon for example is $74CAD!), and if I’m picking up 3 items at this price, it’s defeating my purpose to some extent.  Note: These LE items do not count towards the use two, buy one system.  Also, LE nail polish is to be counted in the nail polish category.

4) Purchase no more than five (5) nail polish per month.
At the moment, this has been much easier than it was last year – with my recent polish burnout, a lot of the new shades just aren’t doing it for me lately (though, who knows how long this will last??).  In any event, I think 5 polish / month is sufficient to allow me to enjoy trying new colors but will help me keep my stash at a reasonable number, and my older shades will still get some love (I estimate that I change my polish about 8-10 times per month).  In the event that there are a multitude of upcoming polish releases that catch my eye, I am allowed to carry over this number each month if it is not fully used (for example, if I only buy 3 nail polish this month, then in February I am now able to purchase 7 nail polish).  It’s always good to have a little leeway in case of ~emergency~

5) Establish Fun Color Friday’s.
This is sort of a fun idea I had that doesn’t necessarily relate to streamlining purchases, but is a way to start using up makeup that often goes untouched because it’s not entirely ‘work friendly’ – which therefore will help achieve the ‘use two’ part of the above guidelines.  So: Every Friday, I need to wear shades/textures/application that I normally wouldn’t employ at work – nothing crazy, but a little fun here and there is no crime!!  Bright lips or colored eyeliner are a great example.  I’m going to *attempt* to learn how to take FOTD photos, and if I’m successful, I’m going to post these ‘Fun Friday’ looks for your viewing pleasure!!

Update: After getting a few ideas from the other fine ladies doing no/low-buys, I’m adding just a couple stipulations to the guidelines – because ‘using two’ is gonna be MAJORLY rough.  a) PR samples do not count; b) Purchases made while traveling that are items I cannot buy in Nova Scotia are exempt (I know that gives me a somewhat broad berth,  but there are many brands we don’t have here, and if I get the rare chance to buy something from one of them, I am gonna do it, no doubt in my mind).

I feel very good about the list above and think that its a great step towards both enjoying my purchases as well as making sure I behave and don’t get out of control (which can happen at any time!).  I would like these guidelines to mean that you will no longer read any more posts about how all my makeup stresses me out, and how I feel torn between guilt and euphoria after making a purchase.  So this benefits YOU as well as me

I’m already making headway with a few makeup items that are nearing their end, and I’m pretty stoked about it.  Truly, the biggest draw for me is picking up something new, something I’ve never tried before, and knowing I’m fully justified (well, as much as a beauty addict can be!) in making the purchase. I’ve already bought one LE item this season – to be revealed soon – so I’m only able to indulge in two more.  I’ve been doing some major research and I’m pretty sure that I know exactly what those items will be.  This is going to be fun!!  I like a challenge that I know I can win!

Good luck to Liz, Larie from Eye Heart It, Tracy at Beauty Reflections, and the gals at new-to-me blogs Makeup Morsels and Makeup Kismet – as well as any one else who is engaging in their own versions of beauty bans or no/low buys…I know you’re going to rock it out!