No Buying Unnecessary Toiletries November 2013

Catriona_P

Glad I missed the drama and see now that Ilona's blog post has been edited. She's now bleating about how some of the users here 'surrounded her like a pack of wolves...tearing me to shreds'. Oh PLEASE.

Pointing out a group of individuals using a support thread (and some of us are vulnerable and stash things for a reason) and, judging by what I've read here, making fun of them when its obvious she has no idea what she's talking about. Real classy, that. Now she's complaining about how some of us reacted? Some people are unbelievable.

None of us should feel any need to justify ourselves to the likes of her, but in case she ever feels the need to come back here, this is a bit about me and my stash - I'm a hoarder. It's been traced back to my childhood where my abusive Dad used to throw my things away. It's something I struggle with every day, and is why I have a large stash (which I am getting through - I havn't bought a product since August and so far this year I've got through just over 100 products). I'm also in a very bad marriage which in the past has involved DV, and currently involves emotional and financial abuse. In times of stress I revert back to buying things to make myself feel good, and hoarding those things to make myself feel safe. This is me. Worthy of being mocked?

I would reply directly on her blog, but she's not worth my time. She can give herself a big pat on the back for being frugal.

Im not speaking for anybody else here but this has made me cross.

On the upside, I've put together my own 'beauty product advent calendar' using sample sachets. Can't wait for the 1st December.

dolly84

Catriona - :grouphug:Well said.

My Debenhams order has finally arrived, all the freebies came too. I have a lot of ins and will post them later.

his_missus

Who is Ilona and what is her blog about? I'm just a nosey moo and enjoy having my tuppence worth
If her issue is frugality, you can have a lot of inexpensive toiletries, I rarely buy anything over a couple of quid tbh.

I'm sure some one/thing fills up my shampoo bottles at night. How can I have 4 on the go yet only one conditioner when I always buy them together???? Same with shower gels - I have 2 I'm trying to use up before xmas but they don't actually seem to emptying!

The naked3 palette looks luvly, is it expensive? Baring in mind I think £5 is premium for a 4-eyeshadow set, ooh I'm so cheap

Just received an email saying I've been chosen to take part in a 28 day anti-aging cream, that'll save on face cream for a while

luvlycake

I've lost track of everything! I'm self-employed and make jewellery and it's Christmas!

I think I've used up some more things...but it might get hazy till January!

maggiesmummy

Lots of debate around the blog but I do think that like previous posters we all stockpile for different reasons and who are we to judge other people's habits?
I don't really drink, I don't smoke and the ten minutes I get in the shower can be the only time I have alone in a house full of kids and a demanding job. So if I pamper myself it makes me happy and it therefore makes me a happier person all round.
This thread has helped me to realise I need not feel guilty about my stash if I am using it and making the most of it and it has also made me live in the moment - there's a lot to be said for not saving the pink candle.
One thing I would say to everyone is as a fundraiser for a charity, we are always happy to receive gift sets or toiletry hampers as raffle prizes at Christmas and in the New Year if people do want to give. I know many women's and homeless shelters welcome any items as the people there often just have the clothes on their backs.
Just if anyone needs to get rid of lots of items

VALM

wondercollie wrote: »

I want to let you guys know we are being discussed on Ilona's blog.

I tried to post a reply last night using our viewpoint but she decided not to post it.

So, if anyone comes here from her blog, here it is:

We all have weaknesses and it takes a lot to recognize it. I personally don't drink or smoke. I just have a weakness for pretty packaging.

Many on our thread give away our surpluses to homeless shelters and homes for victims of domestic violence.

In the past, Ilona, you have written about happily accepting gifts of these products from your friend. Don't go being judgmental lest you be judged.

It's not the exact post but it gets my opinion across.

I don't go on her site and decry some of her frugal lifestyle choice.

We support lots of business and charities with our choices.

Anyhoo. That's off my chest.

Hi everyone. Have just caught up with the thread and seem to remember someone called Ilona. Haven't seen her blog and don't want to see it. Would only say on the subject (now it's old!) that at the end of the day she should not be chastising others for commenting on her blog. If you don't want a response love don't post on an open forum!!

Anyway one more UU and not in the PPL either! :-

Philosophy Raspberry Sorbet shower gel. Was bought for me as a gift last Christmas. Was a lovely thought as it came in the gift set entitled "Thank you" and was a heartfelt message from the person sending it however I wouldn't choose to repurchase as it smelt very synthetic. It did come with a lipgloss that is lovely though.

Hopefully, the Clinique moisturiser will run out tonight ......

luvlycake

Catriona_P wrote: »

Pointing out a group of individuals using a support thread (and some of us are vulnerable and stash things for a reason) and, judging by what I've read here, making fun of them when its obvious she has no idea what she's talking about. Real classy, that. Now she's complaining about how some of us reacted? Some people are unbelievable.

I would reply directly on her blog, but she's not worth my time. She can give herself a big pat on the back for being frugal.

On the upside, I've put together my own 'beauty product advent calendar' using sample sachets. Can't wait for the 1st December.

Thank you for sharing, and such a great idea on the advent calendar too. *snuggle* :santa2:

Trapnest

I'm not on the forum very often, but wanted to say this is a great idea! I'm guilty of this to be honest. I get beauty boxes and end up with a huge hoard. I'm going to be putting some in hampers for christmas. I've at least stopped buying shower/bath products till I've used up my current lot. I've gotten through all of my bubblebath.. then a friend gave me a load of lush stuff as her flat doesnt have a bath! Bonus. I was about to buy some more bubbles! Getting through washes/showergels/scrubs now as well. This time last year, I had such a huge hoard, I really couldn't choose which to use.. Promising myself I'll at least empty one before going on to another. I have about 8 full beauty boxes worth of samples untouched and then loads of half used stuff that didn't fare well with me.. I really need to whittle this load down! I'd probably save a fortune if I shopped the stash! Though most the skincare stuff, I've gotten as freebies in boxes and the like... *gulp* I'm so guilty of hoarding... I'll try to change that.. watch this space.. >.>

maddiemay

At last some UU's

Sanex roll on deo Sensitive. WBA, but I prefer solid deos now.

500ml Radox Muscle Soak. Another one ready to start.

75ml L'Occitane Cherry Blossom shower gel, came as part of a birthday gift, OK but scent nothing special.

sam.4000

I may have saved her unedited post so for all that wanted to read it

"There is a monthly thread on Money Saving Forum, in the Health and Beauty money saving bit, and it's called 'No buying Unnecessary Toiletries' The idea is that you take stock of what you already have, just like you might do in your food cupboard and freezer, and stop buying any more until you have used things up. So, instead of thinking you must use that tin of tomatoes up which has been at the back of the cupboard for the last ten years, you now think about using up that half bottle of whiffy moisturiser that you are not particularly keen on, before you buy a replacement.

Makes good sense to me. My bathroom cabinet is not bulging at the seams, it is not packed full of bottles and tubes of various lotions and potions. I just have a few items which seem to last me ages because I don't go mad splashing things about. I use my toiletries sparingly so they last a long time. When I buy something new I don't go for a particular label or fragrance, I buy on price. An expensive bar of soap does not do the job of cleaning me any better than a basic affordable one. A cheap Value shampoo will clean my hair just the same as the top of the range salon variety.

Going back to the forum, this is what it says,.......
The original challenge post:
"No buying any new toiletries, cosmetics, perfume etc... until you have used up ALL the ones you already have. I got a huge amount of (really nice) stuff for Christmas but I am going to resist the urge to browse Boots, Asda, Superdrug, etc, and pop another tub of cream, face scrub, shampoo or conditioner into my basket. I reckon the stuff I have will last me until possibly June. I have decided that the money I save I will put into my special holiday account. Anyone else?"

Fair enough, sounds sensible. Then what follows is long lists of what everybody is storing in their cupboards, and it's amazing. Some folks have got the whole of the toiletries aisle in their bathroom. The lists are broken down into headings, Soaps, Sugar Scrubs, Shower Gel, Shower Jellies, Whipped Soap, Bubble Bath, Bath Salts, Oil, Body Lotion, Butters, Whips, Milk, Hair Removal, Shampoo, Conditioner, Masks, Hair Products, Massage Bars, Bubble Bars, Bath Bombs, Face Cleansing, Scrubs, Wipes, Facewash, Toners, Water, Face Moisturiser, Serums, Treatment, Eye Cream, Masks, Sun Screen, Hand Cream, Perfume, Perfume Oil. One person has almost 400 items in her stash. It must take them ages to type out their lists. Chuffin heck. Why would anyone need that much?

I am gobsmacked. I think they should rename the thread, No Buying Unnecessary Toiletries Ever Again. I know I won't need to buy anything for at least another year.
Have a look for yourself.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4807895"