June 2019 Beauty Low Buy Recap August 1, 2019
As someone with a huge makeup collection and penchant for overspending, I’m attempting to reign in my beauty-related spending this year. Although last month did not turn out to be successful, I’m hoping that my June 2019 Beauty Low Buy will be better.
Please keep reading for an update on my June 2019 Beauty Low Buy update. I’ll be sharing what I wanted, what I purchased, and what I learned.
Beauty Low Buy Rules Recap
- I cannot spend more than $75.00 on NEW cosmetics in a given month
- Exclusions: haircare (I have a sensitive scalp), skincare, repurchases (if I have no suitable alternative ex. concealer)
- Dollars not spent in a given month can roll forward, but cannot be pulled forward
- Ex. If I want to buy a $90.00 eyeshadow palette in May, I cannot pull $15.00 forward. I would need to wait until June to buy the palette.
- Exclusions: Items received via influencer networks, as gifts, or purchased via gift cards do NOT count against the dollar value
What I Wanted to Buy (but Didn’t)
Anastasia Beverly Hills x Alyssa Edwards Palette | $42.00, CF
I had all intentions of purchasing the limited edition Alyssa Edwards Palette when I saw the release photos. However, after closer inspection I realized that this palette looked far too similar to the limited edition Riviera Palette that I already owned.
Therefore, even though Alyssa Edwards is talented, I cannot justify picking up this palette. Instead, see how I ranked my Anastasia Beverly Hill Palettes.
Although I think Alyssa Edwards is super talented, I can’t justify picking up this palette. Would I consider purchasing in the future? No.
ColourPop – Cream Blush + Lite Stix Bundles (now discontinued)
It took all the strength within me to refrain from buying all of the new ColourPop Cream Blush + Lite Stix bundles. In fact, if it weren’t for this Low Buy, I know that I would have purchased all the available bundles.
However, I refrained when I remembered just how frequently the brand has sales. Moreover, by the time I started to write this post, I realized that my desire to purchase these kits faded. The hype monster originally got me.
Persona Cosmetics – Nude Lip Gloss Bundle | $36.00, CF
I’ve mentioned in a previous post that Sona Gasparian is one of my favorite Beauty YouTubers. Sona’s brand, Persona Cosmetics is one of the brands that I’ve been loving in 2019.
So far, I’ve LOVED everything I’ve tried from the brand. Moreover, I love the brand’s aesthetic on Instagram. Ultimately, I didn’t end up picking up the Nude Lip Gloss Bundle.
[Edit 6/2020: At some point, I purchased this bundle, as well as subsequent lip gloss bundles from the brand. See my complete review on the Season One Lip Glosses and see where these glosses rank in my lip gloss ranking.]
What I Actually Bought

L-R: ColourPop New Moon, Yes, Please!, and I Think I Love You Eyeshadow Palettes
ColourPop – Memorial Day 30% Sale
ColourPop has a personal vendetta against my wallet. The brand knows how to come for my money. During the MDW sale, I picked up three palettes: Blue Moon, I Think I Love You (discontinued), and Yes, Please! palettes.
I’ve had my eye on the I Think I Love You and Yes, Please! palettes for some time, but held off on buying them. However, lost all sense of self-control with the launch of The Blue Moon Palette and the MDW Sale.

Top-Bottom: Huda Beauty Neon Obsession Eyeshadow Palettes in Orange and Pink
Huda Beauty – Neon Obsessions Eyeshadow Palettes | $29.00 each
Out of all the new releases, the Huda Beauty Neon Obsessions Palette called to me the most. I love the Smokey Obsession Eyeshadow formula and the curated collection of shadows!
Initially I planned to hold off on purchasing any of the neon palettes. However, I ended up picking up two variations in the range (orange and pink) due to a huge Sephora credit I had. Therefore, I am not counting these two palettes within my Low Buy.

Close up of the Natasha Denona Sunrise Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona Sunrise Eyeshadow Palette | $65.00
Originally, I planned to pass on the Natasha Denona Sunrise Palette.* However, the color story spoke to me and the affordable price point intrigued me.
However, I was still apprehensive to pick this palette up due to how much I hated the Mini Lila Palette. The ‘accessible’ price point made me nervous that this palette would be a flop. In the end, the huge Sephora credit covered the cost of this palette. Therefore I spent no actual money on this palette.
But was it worth it? Read my full review of the Sunrise Palette to find out.

L-R: Persona Cosmetics’ Lip Glosses, Laguna Cali Glow Highlighter. Identity Palette, Pink Color Theory Kit, and Liquid Lipsticks
Persona Cosmetics Mini Haul
Although I refrained from buying the Persona Cosmetics Nude Lip Gloss Bundle, I couldn’t stop myself from grabbing a ton of other goodies. After receiving a 20% Off Coupon, I purchased two liquid lipsticks (Holy Grail* and Phoenix*), the new Pink + Coral gloss bundle*, the Laguna Highlighter, and the Identity Palette.
However, when I purchased these goodies I forgot that I purchased the previous items from ColourPop. Therefore I thought I was closer to my budget. Read my review on the Persona Identity Palette, Season One Lip Glosses, and Season One Liquid Lipsticks.
If you are considering picking up something from Persona Cosmetics for the first time, please consider using my referral link for 5% off your purchase. Please note, if you make a purchase, I will receive 5% commission on the sale. All products mentioned in this video have been purchased on my own for my own personal enjoyment and for reviewing purposes.
Planned Beauty Low Buy Budget for May: $75.00 USD
Total Spent in May: $131.20 USD
Remaining Budget: $00.00 USD
June 2019 Beauty Low Buy Update: The Importance of Detaching
Clealy, I have an unhealthy attachment to makeup an an unhealthy relationship with purchasing makeup. Despite all my project panning, inventory tracking, and constant decluttering, I still hold sentimental value for my beauty collection.
In an effort to curb my excessive shopping habits, I brutally decluttered my collection this spring. In fact, I tossed or re-homed tons of items that I’ve been keeping for purely sentimental reasons. Throughout my decluttering, I asked myself the following questions:
- When was the last time I used this product?
- Do I feel inspired to use this product?
- Can I return this item? (If a product caused a reaction or was unopened)
- Is this item in good enough condition that I could donate or re-home it?
- Is this something I could potentially finish?
Ultimately, I don’t want to feel bogged down by products I no longer love and feel unmotivated to use. Moreover, beauty is a major source of inspiration and self-care. Therefore, I do not want to feel forced to use products that I genuinely dislike or no longer love. I’d rather give those products to friends or family members.
However, decluttering can still be wasteful if the goal is just to make space for new items. Through my recent declutter, I was able to get a better understanding of the products that I buy, but don’t actually love. Thus, I’ll (hopefully) avoid making these types of purchases in the future.
P.S. I’m aware that I went over my budget again this month, but I spent considerably less than I did last month. I consider this month a win for my wallet! Realistically, anytime I can edit myself or stop myself from making a frivolous purchase is a win.
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Did you enjoy reading about my June 2019 Beauty Low Buy Update? Check out my Low Buy Introduction or my Low Buy – Update #1. Looking for advice on curbing excessive spending? Please check out my Smarter Shopper Posts – Volume I and Volume II.
Would you have purchased any of the items featured in my June 2019 Beauty Low Buy Update? What advice would you share to anyone embarking on this type of challenge?
beauty Low Buy makeup makeup addict makeup minimalism no buy project pan project panning shop my stash shop your stash shopping addiction
I have tried a low buy before and it worked out about like yours did for me! I was over but did better than I had done the month before! Never done a no buy.
YAY – glad to hear that it helped you to spend less, too! I’m currently following a strict No-Buy for the next couple of months and have been using a cash-only budget for weekly spending and so far this seems to be even more helpful at keeping me accountable for my spending.
I almost bought the Alyssa Edwards palette too! It’s so stunning but so pricey. Proud of us both for having some self control 🙂 xx
Me too!!! It can def be hard to resist some of these new releases.
I admire you for doing this! I’m trying to do the same!
Thank you so much – we can def do it!!! 🙂
You can, I don’t know about me tho, I’m a shopping addict
Are you picking up the Uh-Huh honey palette or the Orange you glad palette?
I did pick up Uh-Huh Honey, but I didn’t grab the Orange You Glad Palette. When it first released, I was on the fence… but all the reviews and demos I’ve seen look awesome. So I’m hoping to pick it up sometime in the Fall once my No Buy ends OR to receive it as a birthday gift from a family member.
How many products do you have saved for when your no buys end? 😂 have you made any friends/family buy something for you and you say you’ll lay them back at the end of ur no buy? That’s something I would do if I’m desperate lol
My birthday falls during my No-Buy period (planning to do my No-Buy from August through October), but I don’t have a crazy amount of things I’m going to rush out to buy but def a few things that I’d love to own! The only exception I’ll make is that if I finish another foundation during these 3 months, I want to pick up a new one!)
I’ve typically been more successful with my No Buys over my Low Buys, so I haven’t had to ask anyone to buy me anything yet though lol.
When’s your bday? Mine is August 17 so I’m hoping to either get gift cards or makeup!
That’s good!
Mine is later in the fall! ☺️ I have a few makeup items I may ask for, but I also might ask to enroll in a photography class because I’d love to take better photos on my blog.
That’s a good worth while skill other then makeup that we have enough of, your a lot more mature then me lol
haha well I’m pretty sure I’m quite a bit older than ya – was not like this when I was a teen. 🙂
That’s tru, still I probably should take some notes
That rule makes sense
Never heard of Persona before! ColourPop is just using hacks to attract everyone to buy their palettes! I just saw their Uh Huh Honey palette and even though I rarely wear yellow, it def looks so tempting haha!
ColourPop is ~literally~ addictive… once you start buying it is hard to stop because the products are so good and SO affordable…. plus they’re constantly releasing so many new and interesting things!
I’ve tried low buy and it worked pretty well- I ended up saving some money and learning I actually have self control when it comes to makeup 😂
So so true – I’ve done a 6-month no-buy before and it was super successful… this year I def let my shopping be my “fix” for feeling anxious which has not been healthy, but so far my strict “no-buy” is actually going much better than the low buy lol.
I think no-buy works better because I feel like at least for me once I start it’s pretty hard to stop but if I don’t buy at all it’s not that bad.
This is such an interesting concept and one I’m in the midst of in my own way at present. Over the years I’ve been a downright makeup HOARDER – buying anything and everything, barely using most of it and keeping items purely to own them. This year I’ve barely bought anything frivolous, mostly keeping to re-buys or one-off ‘special’ purchases that I know I’ll use repeatedly. I’ve decluttered once already and am going through a re-do now as well.
I think for me it’s proving easier than I anticipated because I have other things to keep me focused in terms of money-orientated goals, such as house buying, wedding planning and family holidays, so I feel as though any money waiting to be spent is better off in one of those pots, or I’ll spend it on something for my son instead. In my mind I’d rather now spend the money on a few good-quality long-lasting products than any and every bit of makeup like I would even 18 months ago.
Oh ALSO I’ve been really turned off to the majority of the beauty community this year because dramatics~ so I don’t keep up with many new releases and only go looking at brands when I need to rebuy or want to try something different that I’ll get a lot of use from.
Sorry this comment is so long but this is a topic that really interests me and it’s nice to see other peoples’ thoughts and ways around the issue of excessive makeup buying. It makes us feel good so it’s an easy thing to fall into but it’s only a positive thing to be more mindful.
K x
Thank you so much for this incredibly thoughtful comment – I’m always glad to connect with others on a financial journey / those trying to reign in spending. Totally agree that having other money-oriented goals helps… and I agree that the beauty community has had so much toxic energy this year. Plus, there are just so many new releases it is getting hard to catch up.
What I’ve noticed since I’ve started to slow down my spending is that new releases are tempting me way less than older classics, so for me, this is showing me that I need to really WAIT before I drop money on something new because I need to make sure I’ll still love the new thing once the hype dies down!
Girl you’re so right about catching up, it feels like things are being pushed in our faces with barely any breathing space before the next wave. I know it’s business and the brands need to make money but I’ve 100% hit my limit for now. Don’t get me wrong, I still love makeup and I’m not going to never try new things but it’s doing me well having a step back from it all.
The comment about old classics is so true for me too. I don’t know if it’s an age thing or whatever but I kind of feel like I’m 32, I know what I like, I know what suits me and if I’m still rebuying Modern Renaissance in 10 years so be it! New releases can be exciting if they’re really innovative but those kinds of things are so few and far between it really is the lure of owning something lovely-looking that gets us to spend…it’s just getting to that realisation and understanding that you don’t HAVE to buy it that’s the difficult bit.
Have a great week!
K x
Yes! I’m on a strict No-Buy currently (for at least this month and potentially 2 more), but I have all my July Haul posts coming. I picked up so many things during an intense period of stress.
I have never tried the low buy method before but I definitely should. I don’t buy makeup much, but I’m always buying unnecessary things on amazon, haha. Although you went over, you should feel proud. I’m excited to see your progress throughout the year. Btw, those ColourPop palettes are stunning.
Much love always,
GABBY | http://www.gabbyabigaill.com
During my most successful No-Buy I stopped shopping for everything accessories/clothing/beauty …. basically everything but necessities/food and I saved sooo much! P.S. almost purchased some ankle weights today at Marshalls after reading your suggestion for working out!!… I think I’m going to grab a set tomorrow. Thank you again for sharing that tip!
It’s great that you’re working on your spending. Big plus that you set yourself a rule to follow, especially with being able to see results of the goods you end up not buying. It’s all baby steps with budgeting. Sending you lots of love!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
What’s so crazy is that I used to be a budget queen, but when I went back to school I didn’t change my spending habits even though my income was drastically reduced. Now I’m keeping a weekly cash budget and having more luck!
You inspire me every time when I’m reading your blog posts about a low buy! I’m always postponing no-buy months (as you probably already know lol) and I think I should start giving myself a monthly budget, just like you. Maybe a low-buy month will help me spending less!
This is such a great idea and something I haven’t heard of before!
I need to work on my spending over the next few months as I would like to do some saving.
How difficult is it when you have 100 things you need (maybe more want) to buy! A money tree is needed.
I would love your make up collection.
Alyssa
THESACREDSPACEAP.COM
I think you did really well, too, LP! I continue to be impressed with how well you have this all laid out and how open you are about it all.
Thank you, Jennifer. I’m not proud of how much I spend, but I want to be open about my bad spending habits so others can be encouraged to know they aren’t alone.
You are definitely encouraging and inspiring me.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. This article helpful for the makeup lover.
I am the same way with my makeup, attaching sentimental value to my products, but I’m reeeally practicing throwing out stuff I don’t like right away instead of continuing to try to make it work & doing more declutters. You’ve inspired me!
You did great on your low-buy this month & got some pretty palettes. I am in love with the Huda ones. 😍
Thanks girl! I really need to learn to NOT swatch things that I know deep down, won’t work for me. That’s the next step!
Lol same! It’s better not to touch it so we can give it away!
Omg the Neon Obsession palette is everything!