How to Downsize Your Makup Collection

Hey!!!! So in December, I wanted to downsize my collection because I didn't use a lot and I didn't like a bunch of it so I decided to look up some tips and ideas. Guess what? I did not find a single tip, idea or system besides "I just got rid of half my collection" and that is wasting so much money! OMG!!! It bugs me... So I came up with a few ideas of my own!

• Write down every item you own. This can help because lists are visual and it will make you go through the entire collection. It is also easier to pick and choose when you see how many powders, brown eyeshadows, or pink lip glosses are actually in your possession!
• Pick which ones you wish were gone. The awful eyehadow? The flaky foundation? What about that lipstick you used once just to discover the awful texture and no refunds sticker? Write them all down and number them. This gives you another visual help to see how many items there are and gives some structure.
• Collect them all. Get a basket, makeup organizer, or something else to place all these items in. You can still use the good makeup but this way you know where all the items are that you want to use up. As long as you keep it IN FRONT and not hidden, they should start getting used up.
• If there is anything that is just dangerous to use like if it breaks you out, doesn't have any pigment or you cannot stand the crap, just put it in a different basket and collect the empty items. Another visual thing to keep you going is to see how far you have come!

I have used up many things using this system but I do have one more idea for the shopaholics among us...

• For every 2 items used up in a single category of makeup, you may buy one more. (powders, blush, lip gloss, neutral eyeshadow, mascara)
• You can make it harder by having very small categories (red lip gloss, shimmery neutrals, etc)
• Or easier with more basic categories (Powder face products, lip color, lip balm, eye makeup, etc)
• Unless you only have one thing in each category, this system should work!

Love you guys!

January '13 Favorites/Empties

Hello Lovies!
   This is the first favorites of the year and the first month of the year is over! If you have not been informed of my Project Reduction, please do check it out! Its kinda awesome! In it I tell you that I am going to tell you all the products I have used up this month!
   Here are my January favorites:

•  Eye shadow palette from LA Colors in Café au Lait: I love this! It has 6 neutral colors and it looks so nice!
• Cover Girl LashBlastFusion Mascara: This gave a wonderful natural look with a little volume but lots of length! It looks so natural with one coat and three is very voluminous!
• Be A Bombshell lip gloss in Hot Mess: This looks neon red but looks great over a bright pink stain for beautiful bright lips! It may be too bright over red though! (that's what I do for stage)

   Here are my January Empties:

•  ELF Eyelid Primer $1: This is my favorite eye primer and now I need to use up some others before I use my new one! I am going to use the Hard Candy primer next!
•  ELF Mascara and Brow Gel Duo $1: I used up both sides and now I am using the Essence Clear Brow Gel/Mascara
•  Essence Clear Brow Gel/Mascara: Finally used this up! I got it at Ulta and it lasted a while and kept my brows in place most of the day! Now I am using one from Chella which is even better!
•  Body Essence Antibacterial Hand Lotion: I used this all up and it's really good! It smelled like vanilla and was awesome after a hot bath. Now I am using a sample of a Eucerin lotion.
•  Clean and Clear 3 in 1 Face Wash: I got this as a clearance item at Safeway and its really good! Now I am using a green tea wash from St. Ives.
•  Courage Lip Balm: A random no name brand from clearance at Sally's. I didn't finish it but my dog did for me...
•  NYC Cover Stick in Yellow: This I didn't really finish but its all old and dirty and smushed so I am just not going to use it anymore...

So that's it! Tell me what your empties or favorites are in the comments below!

Project Reduction 2013

   This is a variation of the project ten pan. I don't like just using up products and then buying more. It just doesn't work for me. Although I do have plenty of products that I don't like or is old and usable but not for very long. So this is why I have created the Project Reduction. In the year 2013 I will use up as many products as possible. At the end of the year I am going to show you guys what I have used up!

   I have made a list and currently have 70 things! A lot of them are samples but they still take up space. I will not stop buying stuff because a year is a long time! I am also not including body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. It is stuff everyone uses and would be too easy! So here is the basics of what I am going to try to use up this year!

• Face Powders: I have way too many. I am going to use up 5
• Concealers: 4 or more of these that are not very good
• Brow Stuff: 5 brow things that aren't good enough!
• Eye Shadows: Only a few are not really the best...
• Lipstick: The CG Lip Perfection and Rimmel Lasting Finish lipsticks are the best I know!
• Lip Gloss: I don't even use 75% of them :(
• Lip Balm I really like Carmex, Nivia, EOS, Softlips, and a couple other random things but I have way more than that!
• Primers: I only want to keep one face primer and one eye primer
• Skin Care: Using up more means trying more!
• Hair Care: A bunch of samples I don't really need...

Tell me if you are going to try this with me!

New Year, New Goals 2013

 Hello everyone! Happy New Year! I am so excited that the new year is here! I have some new year's resolutions to complete and I felt like sharing! Tell me in the comments what your resolutions are!

• Give Thanks: Everyday, God gives me something to be thankful for and most days I don't realize it. My goal is to write down 365 reasons to be thankful by the end of the year; one a day. I have been thinking about doing this for a while and decided that I should start recording it in the new year!
• Dust Out the Makeup Drawers: I have been trying to find a way to finish up a bunch of my products but I don't want to do a project ten pan or something. My goal is to finish everything that I have hit pan on within the year. I know it does not seem hard but I don't like to use extra stuff just to use up my products.
• Do Well in School: I am starting up a new, online public school that has a very rigorous curriculum and I want to do as well as I possibly can. My goal, although a bit cliché, is to get good grades and learn the material.
• Read, Read, and Read: I can never find the time to read except for 45 minutes a week during class. My goal is to finish the book/movie list that I got from a friend (before my birthday), read the Harry Potter series, Cassandra Clare's books, and many other great books! Since I will be at home, I will be able to have more leisure and reading time.
• Clean Out My Desk: I need to fins a way to store all of my nail polish, makeup, and art supplies where it is not on top of my desk so I have more room. My goal is to keep my workspace clear and my beauty/art supplies organized and available. THen I will have more space for school and projects.

So I am sorry this is late but I wanted to get it out there before I forgot!

December '12 Favorites

This is my last favorites of the month! Oh my! Well I do not have much to tell you about so I will just jump right in!

• ELF 100 Eyeshadow Palette: An array of colors to go very natural of very dramatic! And only $10!
• CG TruBlend Mineral Foundation: I mix this with my moisturizer and I cannot believe how the finish is so gorgeous!
• ELF Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal: I have been loving using this to highlight my cheekbones, nose, cupid's bow, chin and a bit on my forehead. it looks super natural and glowy! I have used this on my dark circles under my concealer and it was amazing!
• Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Alarm: I love the red lip! I used it during Nutcracker and I used it multiple times during December! It is perfect for a red lip because it is long wearing!

That all! What have you been loving?