No buying toiletries in February challenge!

peedie

Babafette wrote: »

I'm like you and prefer just to use one bottle at a time. However, some of the ladies on here had the good idea of using the boring stuff you aren't so keen on during the week and then treating yourself with your favourites at the weekend as a reward. Seems sensible to me.

What a brilliant idea. Had not thought of that. thank you:)

Queen_of_NO_MATTER_WHAT

Melonade wrote: »

Luxor you've just given me a great idea... I'm going to behave myself and save up for my own bottle of No5 :T it'll give me a goal and a big reason to put some money away in a tin. Thankyou :T

ooOOooo I might steal that idea

Am just about to list a bottle of Agent Provocateur on ebay along with some other bits...so maybe I can start a no5 fund :T

EssexHebridean

eklynne wrote: »

The Mark Hill products my mate gave me are going in a gift hamper I think. My sis in law is 30 next week and having a party so I'll be creative with a mix of my stash and hopefully keep the spend under a tenner. I'm thinking chocolate, wee bottle of wine and a mix of smellies/skincare could make quite a nice gift (she insisted on 'no gifts' but you just can't turn up with nothing can you?).

What a lovely idea -I can't think of anyone who wouldn't be delighted to get a gift like that. :T

Queen_of_NO_MATTER_WHAT wrote: »

There is part of me that agrees because at the end of the day all any of us need is a bar of soap and water to get clean, but it's about the luxary of it, it's about treating myself...I just need to learn the balance between remembering it's about washing and pampering IYKWIM

Thing is, there is no problem with people buying nice things if they like them if they have the money to pay for them without running themselves into a financial corner. The problem comes when either they are stockpiling stuff and then just leaving it in the cupboard "to have" rather than "to use" or of course when the products can't actually be afforded! If you like - for example - S&G body wash, and you can afford it, then fill your boots, but one bottle at a time and use it and enjoy it. If you're just as happy with Tesco Value shower gel, then fantastic!

Babafette wrote: »

Welcome beautyaddict and well done for posting your stash. I'm sure you'll enjoy pampering yourself with it.

I went to Waitrose today and had a sniff of the cinnamon cakes bath creme which a couple of other ladies have previously mentioned. It's totally gorgeous - it looks and smells exactly the same as the Philosophy Cinnamon Buns but is a fraction of the price. I resisted :A but when I need some more bath foam in about 15 years I will definitely buy it.

I still have two bottles (oh yes, ladies - of course I couldn't just buy one!! :silenced:) of the Philosophy stuff which I bought reduced several years ago when Boots were closing their Pure Beauty stores. Does anyone remember the Pure Beauty shops? They were dangerous.... _pale_

There was one in Oxford Street - I loved it. Don't think I EVER managed to walk straight past! The other shop I loved was Sephora - I bought possible one of the most useful beauty tools I've ever found in there - a travel pouch with three sets of miniature tweezers in. I still have one in the pouch untouched and one in my travel bag - not sure where the third set ended up mind! They always used to drop a couple of little samples into the bag when you bought anything too!

As for the 15 years thing - this made me chuckle! :rotfl:

beautyaddict

peedie wrote: »

Trouble is that I then put the good ones away, then forget that I've got them so buy more!!

That's been my problem - I can't stop buying things so I never get around to using the best stuff! I don't forget I've got them though, I just can't resist new products - if I read good reviews on something I have to have it - I won't stop thinking about it until it's mine (to store away and forget about - as long as I own it I'm happy!). For example, I currently have full hand wash and cream sets in the bathroom and kitchen and you can see in the photos I have 2 Cath Kidston sets and a MB Purity set to use too, yet I am desperate to get the MB Naran Ji and White Mulberry hand washes and creams even though I know I have no need for them for a year or so. I just want to own them, and my mind won't rest until I've got them! It's like this with lots of products - I'm addicted to buying them .

Lynzpower, I agree with what you say. Actually, years ago, there was a point when I didn't have much money and having a stash of products was very useful as I wouldn't have been able to afford go out and replace stuff as it ran out. I got it right down, but that wasn't through choice .

tara747

*Vikki* wrote: »

A lady I sit next to at work has been frightening me about the ingredients of beauty products. The toxic ingredients they contain which can cause cancer.

I am worried now. I have been looking at some organic products, shower gel, hair care and moisturisers but they are more costly than the 'toxin' ones.

I was looking at this site too about all the ingredients:

http://www.safecosmetics.org

Is this something anyone else is concerned about?

Me - but I use them anyway!

debidoodle wrote: »

Ladies I opened a No.7 mascara lash 360 today, it was so bad after an hour I had to remove it. It made my eyes water, I was continually rubbing them and it generally felt uncomfortable and tight.

It was the 1st time I have used a no.7 mascara, will I be able to take it back I do not have the original receipt?

Poor thing. I would take it back and tell them what you've just told us. They're bound to give you a refund or at least a giftcard without a receipt. Let us know what happen xo

InaPickle wrote: »

I'm soooo near the end of a tub of body moisturiser.

So near, and yet so far: I'm sure that it lasts longer the nearer one gets to the end of the tub!

Sooo true!

tara747

belfastgirl23 wrote: »

Well a minor slip off the wagon today and I'm firmly blaming Tara. Was passing the body shop and couldn't resist looking in to see whether they had the vit E oil on offer still. No is the answer. Anyway they had gift sets on offer (half price) so bought one for my friend's birthday. But couldn't resist making it up to £15 to get the free shower gel - olive

:o:o

Mind you, I agree with Queen's post (below) that it is positively stingy compared to their recent glitches! I'm not tempted unless it's 4 products for 50p plus Quidco :rotfl:

Queen_of_NO_MATTER_WHAT wrote: »

I went past the bodyshop earlier and turned my nose up at their offer of a free shower gel if you spend £15, with some of the online offers that have been around of late I thought that was stingy!

Was going through stash this morning and I've pulled out a few things to ebay, but only stuff that I'll never use. I've got no idea how much some of it wll go for (like mini P&P serums and D&G light blue body cream for example) but even a few quid is better than it sitting there doing nothing! I keep talking about it but I'm actually going to list some of it tonight!

Queen, how is the eBaying going?

Jewelleryfan wrote: »

Right, ok, in an attempt to cure myself i am going to post the photos of my stash :eek:

This includes my shocking Liz Earle stash and my bath/shower gels.

The shelf of body/shower gels and scrubs in bad!
Ive done a close up of the round tubs of scrubs as these are on top of each other and is actually more than you can see :eek:

I hope this uploads ok or maybe i dont :rotfl:

http://s462.photobucket.com/albums/qq342/Nikkidolphinangel/?action=view&current=DSCF6440.jpg

http://s462.photobucket.com/albums/qq342/Nikkidolphinangel/?action=view&current=DSCF6441.jpg

http://s462.photobucket.com/albums/qq342/Nikkidolphinangel/?action=view&current=DSCF6442.jpg

http://s462.photobucket.com/albums/qq342/Nikkidolphinangel/?action=view&current=DSCF6443.jpg

http://s462.photobucket.com/albums/qq342/Nikkidolphinangel/?action=view&current=DSCF6444.jpg

Just to add this does not include my make-up, but to be fair i dont have that much, the above is my addiction!

I can't open the photos argh!

EssexHebridean

Babafette wrote: »

Please don't be ashamed, you are so brave and I am proud that you had the guts to post your pictures.

Onwards and upwards!

Spot on - well put Babafette. SA, you know and have accepted you have a problem which is the hardest part of the battle. I wonder if seeing these pics on the page in front of you in black and white (well, full colour actually but you know what I mean!) might be the best thing for you? Actually, why don't you print one of them out and wrap it around your card in your purse- that way if you're tempted you have to deal with the reality of the picture before you commit to spending more money. Might be worth a try?

Queen_of_NO_MATTER_WHAT wrote: »

So...how was it? Did you spend spend spend?

Ummmm......:o In a word, ISH!

We did go to the Boots clearance - my friend LOVED it, I think we will be returning when she visits again, but that won't be for some time yet (which is probably for the best, not that I wouldn't love to see her sooner obviously!). She bought lots of stuff for presents, and for her Mum and her Sister (they have 2 mascaras each coming their way!) and spent around £30 I think. I spent almost the same as last time - £7 - spent in cash again - Yay me! :A - and got the following:

Full sized S&G Peachy Cream body butter
mini S&G Clean on Me
mini S&G Calm one, Calm all
full size Trevor Sorbie long hair conditioner
2 x Botanics eyeshadows that fit my fill-it-yourself palette
full size Boots mediterranean Lemon orange & Grape shower gel
No. 7 nail varnish top coat

I only have one more shower gel to get through - I'm sidelining the baby softwash for the moment as I've had to use that and nothing else for so long I'm bored witless. Now I am able to use interesting stuff again I want to do nothing but! I also don't have a vast amount of conditioner in so that was also on my list of stuff I was OK to buy. Can't in any way justify the rest though! The S&G stuff I just wanted to try after everyone else raving about it!

That was not where the goodies ended though - the rest, however, involved no spend! having not seen my friend since christmas, last night we exchanged presents - and hers to me was the Clinique mild liquid facial soap and dramatically different moisture lotion! :T Better still though (and I am quite ludicrously excited about this! ) she'd bought it in House of Fraser at Bonus time, and the gift was wrapped up in the bag too! :T:T:T (honestly, it's at times like this that I wonder why there is no "hyperventilates in excitement" smiley!) In there I have got:

75ml tube of Deep Comfort Body Butter
15ml pot Youth surge SPF15
cream blush (never tried it, always wanted to!)
50ml bottle of Take The Day off
mini High Impact Mascara
Mini handbag / phone charm sized Full Potential Lips gloss

OH was going to Sainsburys yesterday for Razor blades so I gave him my second Dove voucher for him to get me another 2 deodorants and gain 79p off his blades too! I won't need deodorants for a while but on the other hand they were free.

EssexHebridean

luxor4t wrote: »

For me it is the pleasure of owning something lovely, frivolous and expensive - I grew up surrounded by very practical, down-to-earth women who were 'no nonsense'. As a child, so many of the wonderful things in life, like 'scent', light coloured carpets, white lacy socks and floral disinfectant seemed to be 'a waste of money'.

I think I'm redressing the balance a bit now - although my list of luxury items has changed a little over the years! :rotfl:

I can SO identify with this, especially the socks, mine were always white, knee high and pretty much plain, and I remember really envying the other little girls with the pretty lacy tops on theirs.

salesaddict wrote: »

There is no way I would have been able to resist those products at those prices. I will be avoiding TK Maxx for the duration of this callenge. I just need to remind myself how much I hate the layout of the shop, the long queues at the checkout, and the non-existent customer service:)

TK Maxx is a vile place - definitely worth avoiding at the best of times SA!

salesaddict wrote: »

Thankyou Bronnie,

my Mum was 68. She died of a massive heart attack, having never had a days illness in her life. She seemed a good 20 years younger than her age,to us. The shock of losing her has taken a long time to come to terms with. I am going to speak to my sister about clearing a few things at a time. We could easily take them to the British Heart Foundation. Although thinking about it, now is not quite right because my Dad will be starting his Chemo treatment soon. But what you suggest is definitely the way forward I think. Thankyou for that, it must have been such a hard time for you.

Maybe this really is JUST the time to do it then? You did say earlier that your Dad would like you to sort some of her stuff out, it might be just the boost he needs to see you taking that brave step and dealing with some of those demons? if you feel ready to do it, then I think you should speak with your sister and then clarify with your Dad that he's still wanting it done, and then strike while the iron is hot. Good luck, and well done!

thevicster

CompletelyLost wrote: »

Nice stuff, thevicster
What is that bubble bath at the front, with the apple on it?
Also, I like your drawers - I have been looking for plain white ones for ages but can't find any! Don't suppose they're a recently purchase? x

The bubble bath is Coconut and Shea butter, think it came from Sainsburys, it smells gorgeous and I can't wait to use it! Sorry, the drawers came with the flat when we started renting it 5 years ago, not sure where they're from

beautyaddict wrote: »

That's been my problem - I can't stop buying things so I never get around to using the best stuff! I don't forget I've got them though, I just can't resist new products - if I read good reviews on something I have to have it - I won't stop thinking about it until it's mine (to store away and forget about - as long as I own it I'm happy!). For example, I currently have full hand wash and cream sets in the bathroom and kitchen and you can see in the photos I have 2 Cath Kidston sets and a MB Purity set to use too, yet I am desperate to get the MB Naran Ji and White Mulberry hand washes and creams even though I know I have no need for them for a year or so. I just want to own them, and my mind won't rest until I've got them! It's like this with lots of products - I'm addicted to buying them .

Snipped... I know how you feel, it's very addictive...I desperately want to go to Aldi and buy up all their skincare range and ginger shampoo and conditoner. Luckily, the nearest one is half an hour away on the train! Likewise, I'm lusting after the cinnamon shower stuff in Waitrose which I'm trying very hard not to think about :rotfl:

You got some lovely things there Essex Hebridean, will you say how you get on with the CLinque products? I'd like to try them...one day!

tara747

Up to page 25 so far... *plodding through*

*Vikki* wrote: »

I just bought aldi aqua complete moisturiser, concealer pen and lipstick. All are so far comparable to my Clinique products but at a fraction of the cost! So money saving if they continue to be so good!

I want an Aldi near me!!!!!! Tell us how you get on with it xo

Faelia wrote: »

To be honest though, I'd probably do the same as her. If I saw that someone had only a tiny bit left of something, I'd use the new bottle because they may have been looking forward to using their last bit on themselves.

Finally read everyones posts up till now, although everyone seems to chatter away on Sundays and I'm never on to read it. :rotfl:

I can't wait to have extra room around the place after all this has gone. Hoping to have only 1 or 2 of each type of item around at a time. Also can't wait for this December's offer of the week at Boots; gonna go crazy! I probably won't have much in stock then, so it'll be ok - would see me through 2011! Plus all the S&G sets will be around again; am I the only one looking forward to Christmas? :rotfl:

I've noticed people are mentioning using moisturiser with SPF. Is this essential? And even in winter? I'm very fair and burn easily in summer, but usually wear sunscreen then, so is the moisturiser one needed too?

On the monster-in-law comment, if I were her, I would have asked which one I should use! Always do when I stay at the MIL's house, although she has a stash that could rival mine! :rotfl:

Re looking forward to Christmas already - think you're on your own there LOL!

Re SPF, yes, it is essential if you are going to be exposed to UV rays, summer or winter, I often get told that I look younger than I am and am convinced that it's because I've *always* used SPF moisturiser, no matter how cheap.

CompletelyLost wrote: »

There you go Impressive stash by the way, especially all the Tigi and Lush stuff! x

WOW beautyaddict, that's quite a haul! You so needed to find this thread :rotfl:

Most of your stuff looks so new! Just looking at these pics made me wonder... am I the only one who would have to dust off (I kid you not) some of my stash to photograph it? :rotfl: