No Buying Unnecessary Toiletries September 2024

Clutterbug07

Welcome all newbies and regulars to this very friendly and chatty thread where we give lots of lovely tips on how to use up your stash and lots of support and encouragement if you need them.

Thanks to @London_baby   for starting last month's thread.

Keep up the pampering and keep down the spending: let's make the naughty step an empty and lonely place this month (rather than one so long that it can be seen from space)! Will this be the month when the "usual suspects" rein it in a bit? Let's see..... (but I doubt it!) 

Remember - those products do nothing for you while they are stashed in drawers, boxes, and cupboards! 

We are eternally grateful to Katie Clampet who set up this fab challenge in January 2010. Here's her original challenge post:

"No buying any new toiletries, cosmetics, perfume etc... until I have used up ALL the ones I 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?"

Lots of us have taken part in the challenge over the past few months (and some of us even years!!) and are making great progress in reducing our stashes and unnecessary/excessive spending.

Regulars can ignore this, but a quick resume is always helpful for newbies:

Why not add the challenge to your signature as a reminder?

How about taking a bit of time to do a stock-take and see if there are any gaps in your stash that you might need to spend on this month? Some of us set a budget for the month for essential purchases or to help with withdrawal symptoms, others like to go cold-turkey!! Other ideas which some people find useful: Listing everything out so you can cross things off as used to increase the sense of achievement, and putting a sum of money in a pot each time you use up an item to save for something you really want, or simply to assist in making future essential purchases "cash neutral".

Remember the challenge is about making the most of your money, enjoying your products, finding which products really suit you best and are worth buying, giving yourself a well-deserved pampering and breaking the habit of buying for the sake of buying. In money-saving tradition, it should also be about making your products l-a-s-t as long as possible (although the temptation of using an unloved shower gel extravagantly to finish it off is sometimes too much to bear!).

Brand new products (or opened perfume) sell well on eBay.

Unsuitable products can be repurposed and used for other jobs (shower gel/shampoo as handwash etc).

Some items can be returned to certain stores for exchange (for essential items or gifts!!) without a receipt.

Unwanted items can be recycled as gifts or for gift hampers (saving the money you'd have spent on gifts).

Unsuitable items can be donated to charity or a local women's refuge as mentioned earlier

Also, why not reward your efforts by banking and recycling your use ups/throw aways with Boots scan2recycle points at participating Boots stores: Recycle at Boots - Get rewarded for recycling - Boots 

Alternatively, simply drop them off at Maybelline Recycling points: www.maybelline.co.uk . Unfortunately, you won't be rewarded for the latter but the earth will thank you :-)

It helps to avoid the places where temptation lurks for you; be it QVC, Boots, Body Shop, email newsletter, the supermarket toiletries aisles, Grabbit board, online toiletries browsing, seductive department store beauty counter offers etc. Remember retailers are making offers and promotions all the time, so there will always be another deal! Honest! 

Good luck all for this month and indeed the coming months, and remember to keep your stash lists updated, keep popping in for inspiration and support and to report your UU's and IN's, especially any sales bargains - we want a nosy! 

Welcome to all newbies - the more the merrier. Please introduce yourselves so we can welcome you properly! Do de-lurk if you are lurking, this is one of the friendliest threads on MSE.

Oh - and anyone thinking "OMG my stash is FAR bigger than all of theirs, I cant possibly join" - believe you me, we have been doing this challenge for well over a year some of us - you wont scare us, and I can almost guarantee that someone somewhere will have had more and survived.... we are very supportive (and protective - so don't be scared!!) oh - and did we mention that are nosy??!!

Useful abbreviations and jargon!

WBA - Will Buy Again

UU - Use Ups

IN - Self explanatory - stuff you've gained into your stash - warning: lines may be given out for unnecessary purchases or you may be sent to the naughty step!

NBI - A non-bought item such as a present, gift with purchase or free sample

WNBA - Will Not Buy Again!

Glitch - when a shop/online store make a pricing mistake so you end up paying less or even get freebies! 

PYN(M/T/W/Th/F/Sa/Su) DELETE AS APPROPRIATE! - Paint Your Nails Monday/Tuesday...... it allows everyone to try and finish those dastardly nail varnishes with group support! You can never be too groomed for this thread. Also see PY(T)N... - for toenails!

Splutterer - the stage where an item is nearing the end of it's life and spluttering - also the most annoying and seemingly never ending stage!

GWP - Gift With Purchase - a sample or mini sized item

HG - Holy Grail - this is the product you would go back for time and time again, it does the job brilliantly, and is either economical, or so fantastic price becomes no object!

NPI - Near Purchasing Incident (OMG we all have those!)

LHJ- Long Haul Job - for those products - love 'em or hate 'em - that never seem to end no matter how often you use them

PRCP - Pink Rose Candle Philosophy inspired by Erma Bombeck who said: 'If I had my life to live over again I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose that melted in storage'. Don't keep things 'for best' or 'for a special occasion'. That day never arrives. Give the best to yourself now and enjoy it. (Thanks to McCulloch29 for introducing this thought provoking sentiment to us)

GA - for an out that was given away to charity, as a present, or "just because" rather than binned or UU

TA - for an out that was thrown away due to going off (generally as it has been lurking at the back of a stash since time immemorial) or for any other reason such as a broken container or spillage

PP - Project Pan: a list of specific items targeted to be used up

If anyone can think of any more we can add to the list so newbies won't be intimidated by our jargon!

Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without

Clutterbug07

Hi everyone, happy September! 

Work was a bit mad for me last month, but I'm back now for September.  I did keep track in August at least even if I didn't post.  It was not my best month, with a few more INs than outs, so I'm aiming to do better this month!

I did bin a few things, at least one of which was on my PP list so I'll need to do some substitutions.  Will try and update my list on here here tonight or tomorrow.  :-)

Clutterbug07

Ok, PP list updated.  Removed Barry M eyeshadow pot in 44 (a copper colour) and Isntree Chestnut 8% AHA Essence - Mini, and added two new items to make up for that.

PP list- 24 for 24: 14 gone so far!

 1)              Benefit Gogo Tint: bright cherry lip n cheek tint.  Probs will last a hundred years!

2)              Sugarpill loose eyeshadow in Absinthe:  A sparkly green, of which I have many.

3)              DERMATORY - Hypoallergenic Cica Gel Cream 50ml

4)              NEOGEN - Dermalogy White Truffle Serum In Oil Drop

5)              The Body Shop- Body Yogurt in Strawberry

6)              MAC Black Cherry Glow Play Lipbalm:  bought in 2021.... probably should use this up now!

7)              Rimmel Oh My Gloss! Plump in Angel Shimmer: love this, but got it in Dec 2022 so time to get this used up. New addition to PP list.

8)              BEAUTY BAY 5% Squalane + Grapeseed Oil Serum Hybrid – 6 month expiry so I need to use it up! New addition.

9)              Cetraben Moisture Protect Facial Cleanser (200ml): need to start face washing more instead of just using micellar of an evening, so to stop the lazy, putting this on my list. New addition.

10)          New addition:  Umberto Giannini Grow Tonic: do these work? shrug, who knows. But I don't use them frequently enough anyway!

11)          New addition:  Hair Syrup Rosemary Oil "Grows-mary" -100ml

Oophs, updated my list as I realised I finished the BEAUTY BAY 5% Squalane + Grapeseed Oil Serum Hybrid last month. I used it on chest and arms, very nice- the 'hybrid part' is kinda strange cos it's basically a white moisturiser- that kind of thickness- I wouldn't call it a serum at all!  I think it would be good for face, though I didn't use it on my face in this instance, but I'd maybe buy again.  This was originally part of a gift set, which I bought for the eyeshadow palette, so not something I personally picked myself.

ruby_eskimo

Hi All, haven't been around these threads for a while but have been keeping track of things going in and out of the stash. 

We moved house 2 weeks ago and I haven't been able to really access much of my stash and won't be able to continue working through all the bath products I have until we have our bathroom replaced in the next few months.  But progress has still been made.  

PP list for September:

Byoma Brightening Serum
ELF Superhydrate Moisturiser
La Roche Posay Anthelios Dry Touch Gel Cream SPF 50+
ELF Power Grip Primer Mini
Lush Yog Nog Shower Gel
TBS Camomile Cleansing Butter
TBS Hemp Hand Cream
Beauty by Joseon Eye Revive Serum
Avene Eau Thermal Water Spray
Sol de Janeiro Body Mist (it was a gift, I have no idea what the different fragrances are!)

I've already used up:

Biossance Marine Algae Eye Cream Mini - WNBA, it's not bad but it's expensive and I don't really notice a difference with it.  Back on the BoJ eye serum at night and another eye cream with SPF during the day

Aurelia Revitalise and Glow Serum mini - this was part of a Space NK birthday gift last year I think?  WNBA, again it's expensive and it didn't make me notice a "wow" effect on the skin.  Back to the Byoma serum that's been good to me.

ruby_eskimo

Already have an update to the PP list with a UU

Avene Eau Thermal water spray - WBA if I need another mini face spray.  I like to have a damp face to layer hydrating serums over and usually I use the LRP Serozinc but when I travel I need a mini size and LRP have stopped making the smaller sizes of the Serozinc.  I've tried "decanting" it before but you end up just wasting product so switched to buying whatever mini thermal water I can find.  This time was Avene and it was ok.  Much prefer the Serozinc for it's added benfits so back to my half open can of that now.

Updated PP list for September:

Byoma Brightening Serum
ELF Superhydrate Moisturiser
La Roche Posay Anthelios Dry Touch Gel Cream SPF 50+
ELF Power Grip Primer Mini
Lush Yog Nog Shower Gel
TBS Camomile Cleansing Butter
TBS Hemp Hand Cream
Beauty by Joseon Eye Revive Serum
Avene Eau Thermal Water Spray
Sol de Janeiro Body Mist (it was a gift, I have no idea what the different fragrances are!)

Clutterbug07

Good start to the month, @ruby_eskimo!

I've got some UUs already (none from my list though) and some INS to report:

UU

• Kerastase Genesis Fondant Renforcateur Conditioner: Nice conditioner, but tbh not sure it's any more special than some other drugstore conditioners that I've used tbh.  To save some cash, I'm reverting to drugstore, and I already purchased it at the end of last month when I knew I was running low- a L'oreal clay one. I might switch back at some point when funds are a bit more flush but we'll see.
• Garnier Micellar Water Facial Cleanser For Sensitive Skin 700ml
  
• L’Oreal Paris Infallible 32H Freshwear Foundation- Ivory (20): Replacement bought at the end of last month
  
• e.l.f. Stay All Night Setting Mist 80ML: Like this well enough, don't know that it set my makeup all day/all night, but then I'm not sure that any do.  Had a lovely fine mister, until it stopped working about 3/4 of the way through and I had to decant into something else.
  
• Pampers Harmonie Aqua Baby Wipes.

Give away

• Essie- Ice Cream and Shout: A pretty coral peachy colour, but I just don't like it. It blends into my skintone too much and doesn't stand out. Tried it on my toes and don't enjoy it on my toes either, so will take it into work and hopefully someone will give it a good home!

• OPI Infinite Shine- Sun, Sea & Sand in my Pants: This yellow was an experiment when I bought it, but I just don't like it on me. Plus it chipped really quickly, takes 3 coats (probably normal for a yellow) and is thick!  I had to force myself to wear it for the test (I'd swatched it every now n then and each time didn't love it), so I think that says it all.  I won't wear this unless I force myself to, so taking it into work. Maybe someone else will love it!   It is a pretty colour, but just not for me.

Throw away

• Isntree Chestnut 8% AHA Essence - Mini (20ml): Annoyingly this has a stupid short shelf-life, even unopened, and this expires in September so I'll never get to use it up now.  I only bought it in March!

Now for the INS...

• M&S Discover Women's Fragrance Discovery Set:  Replacement- all my mini perfumes are used up, so replacing with these.  There are 8 in a set
• M&S Discover Intense fragrance set:This second one was a bit naughty, but 6 more minis. 
  
• Batiste On The Go Dry Shampoo - Blush 50ml: travel size needed for minibreak later in the month
  
• Sure Cotton Dry Nonstop Protection Compressed Antiperspirant Aerosol 75ml: ditto
  
• Soltan Protect & Moisturise SPF50+ 75ml Mini Sun Cream Spray x 2: ditto.  Plus, no check in luggage so needed small versions of spf.
  
• Pampers Harmonie Aqua Baby Wipes x 2: ones for home run out, and work ones will too soon, so both are replacements.
  
• 17. Gorgeous Gloss Lipgloss - Almond: My favourite lipgloss and I can't find it anywhere!!  I literally use it every day so I had to replace it.  Luckily they are cheapie cheap!
  
• Revolution Hydrate & Fix Fixing Spray 100ml: replacement
  
• The Body Shop- Strawberry Body Butter - 50ml: A gift from my partner, he surprised me with it which was sweet. I do love their body butters!
  

VALM

Thanks for the new thread @Clutterbug07. I too have been tracking behind the scenes. 

Heres my PP List
Carried forward 

Lacura hand cream

Bath & Body Works Into the Night mist

Bobbi Brown Clementine hit pan

Nip & Fab micellar wipes

Skinsense facial oil

Added

Grogu lip balm

REM Cosmic

Cuccio Hot Chocolate Cold Days

Done

Elf Concealer

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer

Above items replaced with:-
Q&A eye cream
Percy & Reed Hairspray

The ELF Concealer is a HG. I had another on the go and last weekend bought 3 from Superdrug on 342 offer.

The Philip Kingsley Elasticizer worked well this time but I wont repurchase. Its too expensive.

Ive also UUed 
Ultrasun balm
Percy & Reed Dry shampoo - I like this but its too expensive.

Cuticle oil 

Lacura cleanser - this is the Paulas Choice dupe. Have another one that ive replaced it with. Its a little drying on my skin.
Q&A graoefruit cleanser - HG  Order made for replacement.

q&a moisturiser - PHA one - I have Lacura one to try next.

Ive made some purchases this month as well as the concealers and cleanser above.
From TK Maxx - Tree Hut Scrub and OPI Racing For Pinks.
Bare Minerals Pressed Mineral Veil - was reduced and on additional flash offer on Lookfantastic  Is my HG face powder. My current one will probably finish this week.
From QVC the OPI kit last week which contained Repair Serum, Nail Envy and 3 colours - Hollywood & Vibe, Im not Really a Waitress (Ive owned before) and Meet Me At The Stsr Ferry.

OT Ive also got back into reading and have just finished The Fury which I loved.

ruby_eskimo

I was very tempted by the same OPI kit @VALM but managed to resist!

Had a flurry of UU's this morning:

La Roche Posay Anthelios Dry Touch Gel Cream SPF 50 ++: WBA, this is a HG face SPF for summer when I know I'm going to be out in the sun a little more.  Sit's well under makeup and doesn't break me out.  Have replaced with my last SKIN1004 Madagascan Centella SPF50 which is good but I think I might go back to the Garnier Serum one when this one is done.

ELF Superhydrate Moisturising Gel: WBA, this is probably the third one I've been through and its not a wow product but it seems to suit my skin.  Have replaced with the newer ELF Holy Hydration Gel because I think the Superhydrate might be discontinued soon.

Lush Yog Nog Shower Gel: WBA, love the scent of this but I have way more shower gel to work through and then I want to look at making the switch to bar soap instead.  Have replaced with a Soap and Glory shower gel that was part of a Christmas gift.  In fact I haven't bought any body wash this year because it's all been Christmas gifts and I'll probably not need to buy anything till next year!

KMS Curl Up Wave Foam: I've had this for YEARS and finally made an effort to actually use it up and it appears that my hair likes mousse 🤷‍♀️  Have replaced with a Pantene one that I found during the move, again that I've had for YEARS - do we sense a theme here....🤣



Updated PP list for September:

Byoma Brightening Serum
ELF Superhydrate Moisturiser
La Roche Posay Anthelios Dry Touch Gel Cream SPF 50+
ELF Power Grip Primer Mini
Lush Yog Nog Shower Gel
TBS Camomile Cleansing Butter
TBS Hemp Hand Cream
Beauty by Joseon Eye Revive Serum
Avene Eau Thermal Water Spray
Sol de Janeiro Body Mist

Clutterbug07

@VALM I googled the Cuccio Hot Chocolate Cold Days- very pretty, and perfect for Autumn!

UUs

• Sure Women Inv Aqua Antiperspirant Deodorant Nonstop 250ml
• Sure Cotton Dry Nonstop Protection Compressed Antiperspirant Aerosol 75ml: used this up whilst waiting for my regular size replacement to arrive.
  
• Sample sachet - IUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum: used on my body. Seemed nice consistency- actually MUCH thinner than the IUNIK toner I have!

INS

• Sure Cotton Dry deodorant spray- 250ml: replacement.
• Tesco Nail Polish Remover- 250ml: replacement, current is almost empty.
  

Not a hugely exciting update today   

But I did hit pan in three eyeshadows which is fun!  Shroud Hallobean palette in Ghoulish, Lethal Cosmetics in Parsec, and Bella Beaute Bar Strange & Unusual palette in Sandworm.  The Shroud and the BBB are fairly similar shades, beautiful on inner corner

VALM

@Clutterbug07 the Cuccio colour looks just like milk chocolate. Im wearing it now with another Cuccio colour called Getting Into Truffke on my ring fingers.

ruby_eskimo

Couple more UU's this morning:

Lush Jason and the Argan Oil Shampoo Bar - WBA, this is the only shampoo I've used for years and my hair likes it.  However have a mini shampoo bar from another brand to use first but will pick up a new JatAO tomorrow when I'm in town for work.

Wild Deodorant - WBA, although not this cucumber cooler scent which definitely wasn't great for me.  Have 3 more to work through before I have to renew my subscription.