https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:34:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection/page/2#post-2014017 Thu, 21 Mar 2019 12:22:35 +0000 Sonce 2014017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very glad to see that I'm not the only one who owns too many lipsticks! And liners, shadows, blushes, etc.</p> <p>In my defense, it's not that I want umpteen colors and formulas. It's that it always takes me a lot of tries to find the right ones -- and then what to do with all the mistakes?</p> <p>Some products that are really working for me, in case this helps others streamline!<br /> IT Cosmetics waterproof liner. best I've tried for tightlining.</p> <p>Urban Decay 24-7 liners. Good for soft, blended out looks.</p> <p>Urban Decay brow blade. This is a new product that I splurged on, but glad. One end is a very fine liner, the other is an ink pen. Best brow product I've found for both speed and precision.</p> <p>Ulta brand shadow primer. Inexpensive and makes any old cheap shadow look better and stay put.</p> <p>Cover Girl clump crusher mascara. After a brief sojourn into premium brands I came back to this. One of the only ones that comes in true brown! (As opposed to black and black-brown)</p> <p>Becca lipstick. There's a new line of "nudes" organized by warm, cool, or neutral, so for once I hit the right color on the first try. But I'm hooked because the quality is terrific. True color that's actually moisturizing, holy grail! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection/page/2#post-2014007 Thu, 21 Mar 2019 11:25:05 +0000 Helena 2014007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my, great to know I'm not alone hah! Beth Ann, I think you're right - lipstick is an easy and relatively harmless pick-me-up, and it's just plain fun! - I do that too for sure. I know I also try to recapture my youth by buying shades that used to look great me but don't anymore (deeper and brighter wines that I used to rock but that now just don't flatter). *Sigh*<br /> Staysfit, I like your methodical approach! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2014006 Thu, 21 Mar 2019 11:23:03 +0000 April 2014006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just purged makeup by sending everything I no longer use to my sister.&nbsp; I know she loves a hand-me-down, and is 8 years younger so her skin has a broader range of what looks good on it than mine.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2014005 Thu, 21 Mar 2019 11:13:48 +0000 Staysfit 2014005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laughing! OMG! I also had a huge lippy collection! I have no idea how many but it felt like thousands. They filled an entire drawer in my bathroom vanity...... I managed to edit them to the best 22. Here’s how I thought about it.<br /> 1. I sorted by light and dark.<br /> 2. I sorted cooler and warmer.<br /> 3. I sorted out neutrals.<br /> 4. I picked out dressy/evening colors.<br /> 5. I picked out those that could serve as toners to change the shades of the others, either to make them lighter or darker. These were the very sheer tones.</p> <p>Once I had my five piles I did a second sort.<br /> 1. I pulled out anything that looked similar and picked my favorite and eliminated the others.<br /> 2. I picked three darker shades for fall/winter. One warmer, one cooler, and one neutral. Total=6<br /> 3. I picked three lighter shades for summer/spring. One warmer, one cooler, one neutral. Total=6<br /> 4. I picked three dressy shades Total=3<br /> 5. I picked three toners Total=3<br /> I duplicated my favorite neutral spring and fall shades because I carry them in my purse and gym bag. That all added up to 22 </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013944 Thu, 21 Mar 2019 01:44:10 +0000 Beth Ann 2013944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>About 15 years ago, I realized that I purchased lipsticks when I was feeling anxious or down.&nbsp; The following year, I came downstairs with a case full of 30 lipsticks and said to my husband, "I think it's time to move."&nbsp; (We both needed to change jobs and locales).&nbsp; Lippie is inexpensive, always fits, and doesn't take up much room.&nbsp; It could have been worse!</p> <p>Now, I semi-plan refreshes on lipstick and beauty items.&nbsp; For example, my next plan is to refresh my spring/early summer wardrobe.&nbsp; After that, I'll be looking for a new BB cream and a new blush.&nbsp; Right now:</p> <p>1.&nbsp; Neutrogena cleanser and eye makeup remover<br />2.&nbsp; Cerave PM moisturizer , Garnier for the AM<br />3.&nbsp; Roc serum</p> <p>1.&nbsp; Cover Girl Lash Blast<br />2.&nbsp; Maybelline color tatoo cream eye shadows in 5 colors (these are uh-mazing -- they stay put!<br />3.&nbsp; sample of Tarte blush (this is why I'll be shopping for blush)<br />5..&nbsp; 12 different lipsticks --- but I'm really partial to the big crayons -- particularly the Revlon Colorburst.<br />6.&nbsp; &nbsp;4 different concealers -- not pleased with any of them!<br />7.&nbsp; Assorted old eye liners for fancy occasions <br />(sharpening them keeps them fresh)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013941 Thu, 21 Mar 2019 01:35:28 +0000 Kate 2013941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another member of the 6k lippie club. What is it about lipstick thatmakes it so alluring?</p> <p>Other than that, I’m a makeup minimalist. I don’t wear foundation or powder, and don’t wear makeup—except for lipstick!—on a daily basis. When I do go out, I define my brows and add blush. Brow makeup is the other category of cosmetics I invest in, though certainly not to the extent of my lippie addiction. My current fav is Glossier’s Boy Brow in blonde. Love it.</p> <p>I’m a big fan of Boots No7 makeup and skincare. The majority of my lippies are MAC or Bobbi Brown, with randos from a host of other lines, both hi and low.</p> <p>Mascara, worn sparingly, is Lancome’s Definicils, which I’ve used for decades. I may stray from it occasionally. but always come back. Eyeshadows are neutrals, again, worn sparingly, and are either MAC or Christian Dior.</p> <p>Very minimal when it comes to body lotions—Aveeno—and hair products—Alterna Kendi dry oil spray and Giovanni shampoo &amp; conditioner. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013929 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 22:06:09 +0000 karen13 2013929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Same! I don't wear makeup all that often, mostly air dry my hair, and until recently was just washing my face in the shower with the same Basis cleansing bar I use all over. Yet I still had a couple of drawers of cosmetics, potions and creams.</p> <p>Last Fall I was shamed by the SA at Macy's when I went in to replace the only eyeshadow I use - &nbsp;a Prescriptives duo discontinued probably a decade ago. She told me I needed to toss the decades old stuff. So I have been purging. I now keep a small &nbsp;box under the sink with the few cosmetics and brushes I actually use. I tossed a lot, and now like <b>Juniper Green</b>, keep a few things that I might reach for on a dressy occasion together in a holding zone. I bought an under sink organizer with shelves and 2 drawers and I tucked all my sunscreens at the back of one drawer and am slowly working through them. I keep my daily use products at the front to the drawers.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like the idea of a beauty counter try-on session getting 4 basic lipstick shades. I have about 8-10 lipsticks in various formulations, but they all are pretty similar in color. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013851 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 18:46:40 +0000 Cardiff girl 2013851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m sorry but I NEED all 40 of my lipsticks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013753 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 14:31:18 +0000 bella 2013753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I see many of you are lipstick hoarders. I am very selective when it comes to lipstick. I've given up on lipgloss or balm years ago. Just picked up 2 tubes of gloss this winter, but I am not impressed enough to purchase more. I wear only L'oreal infallible lipcolor in a few different shades (there aren't very many to begin with), and I replace as I run out.&nbsp;</p> <p>But, my kryptonite is mascara! For some reason, I am easily fooled by the siren song of the new mascara that promises more length or&nbsp; super volume, and they kept accumulating - not for very long though, as the opened mascara needs to be used in about 6 months, and even less if you get an eye infection. That said, I've put a stop this a few years ago with a sly strategy. I allow myself to buy only 1 mascara (and 1 complementing eye pencil or eyeliner) at a time. The trick is I am allowed one mascara of each color.:) Currently, I have black, burgundy, and plum. So&nbsp; I have a bit of leeway. For example, for now I can buy a gray one if I see a great one.</p> <p>As for nail polish, that was also getting a bit out of hand. I only use a very small range of colors, beiges, tans, soft pinks, red, burgundy, and sometimes dark purple. But I had many many bottles of all the barely different shades. When it came to nail polish, I did not fall for the colors, but the clever names (I am looking at you, Essie!). So solution here was to get a small box that fit probably 10 bottles of nail polish at most, and have a strict one in one out policy. If I don't want to let go of a color I already own, I am not allowed to buy a new one.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've been doing much better with shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers and all that other stuff, since they are a bit more pricey and I made a conscious decision to use up the stuff I have a few years ago.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013752 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 14:27:17 +0000 Anonymous 2013752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh- hair products count? Guilty In my defense it was due to a bad haircut that made my hair flip up...and the bits of grey...and the short fuzzy frizzy bits on top... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013728 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 13:50:44 +0000 JuniperGreen 2013728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OH for MAC fans it's worth checking out their recycling program if you're winnowing your collections!<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.maccosmetics.com/giving_back/back_to_mac.tmpl">https://www.maccosmetics.com/g.....o_mac.tmpl</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013726 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 13:47:55 +0000 JuniperGreen 2013726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A while ago I started keeping two makeup bags - one with my daily essentials, and another as a "holding zone" for products that I wasn't using on a regular basis, but might use for evening looks or special events.&nbsp; It's easy to go through that holding zone bag and toss the orphaned products, and helpful to hang on to things like expensive fancy shadow palettes that are great for some looks but not for every day.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Does this prevent me from continuing the cycle of buying zillions of beauty products I don't need?&nbsp; NOPE!&nbsp; Lol... At least YLF has helped me curtail this habit with apparel!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I will say I recently purchased the $$$$$$ Augustinus Bader Rich Cream with the intention of streamlining my skincare routine (my serum collection was getting ridiculous).&nbsp; It's supposed to be used on clean dry skin without other products layered underneath (I put SPF on top a few minutes after applying it).&nbsp; But I still like my lotions and potions and the relaxing effect of spending some time on self care.&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013725 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 13:47:24 +0000 ChristelJ 2013725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Torontogirl, my new shades are Fast Play and Capricious, which is similar but slightly more pink. I am not good in red or dramatic shades so stick to the more natural....I love MAC brand as they are not drying and last very well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013722 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 13:43:46 +0000 Bijou 2013722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>TG I am also guilty of being in the too many lipstick club and essentially buying the same colours. My problem is that like LisaP, I go through a stage of purging everything and then miss certain colours, only to accumulate a large collection again.</p> <p>I have narrowed down my colours - a Red Red (current fav is Chanel Rouge Allure No 5), a raspberry colour (Bobbi Brown Raspberry Pink) and a bright coral pink (Shiseido Burning Up) and my ultimate Vamp Mat Red / Pink (Tom Ford - Plum Lush).</p> <p>Now in reality, these are all bright and not hugely different, but they are high on the happiness factor. I often buy non-brights and never use them. I think I will, but they hang around for about 12 months and then I need to ditch them for health reasons!</p> <p>As for skin and hair care, my daily routine is good and I go through those items quickly. Where I fail is buying treatments (face and hair masks) and hair styling products (when I have great intentions of changing up my look in all sorts of fab ways) only to never have the time or inclination to actually use them... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013717 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 13:31:15 +0000 Carla 2013717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have hoarding tendencies with sunscreen, moisturizers, shampoo, and conditioners - but I did manage to put myself on a purchasing diet when we moved in 2014 and I had to move the lot. It took 3 years, but I used the stuff and I'm now on a 1 in - 1 out - though I did have a small relapse recently with a new product (body oils). </p> <p>Since seeing the derm I've been on a strict regimine of pm washing with CereVe and application of a prescription medication, then am washing with CereVe, application of CereVe moisturiser and Aveno sunscreen (50 SPF for babies). The mineral base works like a foundation for me. </p> <p>Make-up is brow pencil, mascara, lippy. For special occaision some eye liner on upper lid, a little dark purple shadow, and some powder highlighter placed strategically. </p> <p>I paint my toes Spring through Fall and like to play with colour, so I usually get a smaller Opi mini collection, and toss anything older than 2 seasons.</p> <p>I notice the menfolk in my family are accumulating a collection of hair and beard maintenance products - but I'm all for the investment in self care. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013704 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 12:45:04 +0000 Helena 2013704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Xtabay "it's just fun to me trying new stuff, so I won't delude myself that this is ever going to change." Yes! This is something I always need to remember ... that I am actually allowed to just have fun with a new lipstick The trick for me is remembering to get rid of the ones I'm done having fun with! </p> <p>I did get the lippie collection down from <b>46</b> (!!!!!) to about 20, which is still frankly ridiculous, but I've packed them into a cute storage box under my makeup table ... so I have my everyday stuff out, but can dig into the treasure chest when I feel like a change (if only in my mind, since the colors are all the same lol!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013695 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 12:20:12 +0000 Anonymous 2013695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Seriously addicted to skin care products, I just always have to try the latest thing. &nbsp;I'm limited by storage space, so I try to be strict with myself, but still those little bottles and jars seem to multiply like rabbits. &nbsp;Lipsticks I'm a little better about. &nbsp;It's just fun to me trying new stuff, so I won't delude myself that this is ever going to change. &nbsp;My worst offenders are shampoos/conditioners. &nbsp;Instead of throwing out ones I don't use anymore, they lurk under the sink, making me feel guilty and wasteful. &nbsp;Someday I'll pitch those, but not today. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013694 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 12:13:09 +0000 RobinF 2013694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha, this made me laugh! What is it with beauty care products that makes us want to buy? I don't have a ton but every so often I have to totally clean out my supply and toss the ones I don't use. I have a hard time with lipstick colors because they look very different on me than in the tube so they get one try and then accumulate in the drawer. I hate the waste but if I am not using them then they are going to waste anyway right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013692 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 12:05:58 +0000 Helena 2013692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christie, which shades??? I must know! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013684 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 11:21:23 +0000 ChristelJ 2013684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Recently I got rid of all but two of my 6000 lipsticks, went to the MAC counter for a try on session, and left with 2 new shades. Every time I reach for one of my four ideal lipsticks, I feel huge satisfaction from the simplicity of it all.<br /> On the other hand, I just added two lip balms to my collection of 1000... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013676 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 09:48:16 +0000 Mainelady 2013676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>6000+ lipsticks. 5999 of mine would be a shade of red. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013636 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 01:54:35 +0000 Jaime 2013636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you! Add me to the 6000+ lipstick club. I keep wishing to find the one perfect one and throw the rest out, but it never works out. I have lots of skincare too, but at least use most of it. I have a few unused eyeshadows and liners, but lipstick is my real weakness. No advice but happy to have such fine company at the clubhouse! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013634 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 01:49:38 +0000 rachylou 2013634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>‘Hanging head in shame’ ... I tipped my makeup tray over last week and lost one single blue eyeshadow ... and I bought a palette of 12 to replace it ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013613 Tue, 19 Mar 2019 23:40:37 +0000 Anonymous 2013613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While I always wear full makeup, I don't keep more than 2 multiples of the same type for the most part, and just replace as needed. I used to experiment a lot, but settled on copper-bronze shades for eyes/cheeks/nails, dark brown liner, black mascara, and red or wine lipstick. </p> <p>But I have lots of samples, including 30 from when I was choosing my foundation shade. Maybe the dark ones can be used as eyeshadows...*<br /> *More likely they will sit in a drawer til I get tired of picking round them* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013611 Tue, 19 Mar 2019 23:34:40 +0000 Anonymous 2013611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too have 6thousand lipsticks and 1million skin care items . Glad I’m not alone . Every once in awhile I read an article about some chic woman who has 5 items in her kit and looks fabulous . I throw out all my stuff , buy what she has , discover that doesn’t work for me, and start accumulating all over again . I’ve done this for 25 years . On a serious note , I don’t like the idea of old makeup ( not hygienic after certain period of time and chemical breakdowns make a lot of it unwearable plus lipsticks eventually dry out ) so I edit my collection every season and get rid of crap I don’t use . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013609 Tue, 19 Mar 2019 23:23:43 +0000 Helena 2013609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all your tips and insights ladies. Will comment more properly shortly, but just wanted to say, you are all making me think I should do a 'wardrobe' audit and divide my makeup into basics, essentials, statements and finishers ... Maybe this will help me stay out of the 6k lipstick club going forward!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013607 Tue, 19 Mar 2019 23:14:37 +0000 nemosmom 2013607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>HA! I've been in the 6k lipstick club! <br /><div><br /></div><div>I had to simplify my skin care routine because my skin is really sensitive and eczema-prone. These days, my routine is simple:</div> <ul> <li> sal. acid wash</li> <li>SPF moisturizer for day</li> <li>cerave+retinA at night</li> </ul> <br />Makeup is also simple: <ul> <li>concealer</li> <li>mascara </li> <li>eyeshadow: two nude and two contour in a MAC custom palette</li> <li>one waterproof eyeliner</li> <li>one blush</li> <li>lipstick: one light day-to-day lipstick and one dark lipstick</li> <li>eyebrow powder </li> </ul> <div><br /></div><div>I keep a bottle of MAC face &amp; body foundation, a highlighter, and a translucent powder for when I want to look more finished, but that's rare anymore. I duped my entire makeup bag for travel and (mostly) stay disciplined about not buying new before I run out. </p> <p>For nails, I keep one base/top coat combo, one blush pink, one dark burgundy, one bright red. I will get a fun or trendy color like teal or hot pink if I go out for a pedicure.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013594 Tue, 19 Mar 2019 21:53:47 +0000 taylor 2013594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha!<br /> 6,000 lipsticks......guilty </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013593 Tue, 19 Mar 2019 21:48:46 +0000 Adriana 2013593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Guilty with the lipsticks. I wanted a light red and I managed to buy dozens of a burgundy shade. On my lips they turn out very differently and too dark.<br /> I paired my beauty routine down and I am glad. Saves a lot of money.<br /> At night clean, AHA and then moisturizer. Day: vit C and moisturizer with SPF. I use Paula's choice or Clinique. Allergic to fragrance.<br /> Occasionally I have a scrub and mask.<br /> What you need depends on age and skin. Unfortunately it is trial and error. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-real-with-my-makeup-collection#post-2013592 Tue, 19 Mar 2019 21:41:24 +0000 Style Fan 2013592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was the eye shadow queen.&nbsp; I loved buying eye shadow.&nbsp; I had an amazing collection of eye shadows in neutral colours.&nbsp; I probably had every shade of brown eye shadow on the planet.&nbsp; Those little pots were like sirens calling my name.&nbsp; Thankfully eye shadow palettes were not a thing when I had my obsession.<br />I still have a large collection of MAC eye shadows in warm ivory, soft chocolate brown and dark brown.&nbsp; To the untrained eye, they look the same.&nbsp; I know the difference.</p> <p>These days I look at makeup but I rarely buy anything unless I run out of something.&nbsp; That means I buy mascara, eye shadow primer and maybe a lipstick.&nbsp; I have enough of the other stuff to last decades.&nbsp;</p> <p>My skincare routine has always been basic.&nbsp; When something works for my extremely sensitive skin I stick to it.&nbsp; I rarely try anything new.&nbsp; </p>