Shopping Habits and Limits (Pic Heavy)

This post is about my OCD shopping habits. =)

Some of these products are empty.
I saved the packaging for this picture & future blog posts.

*Drugstore Products*

Have you ever wondered why I rarely write reviews about drugstore products? It's because I rarely buy them and not because I'm a "brand snob." (I have been using L'oreal's Linear Intense Liner for the past 2 years.) I just find it more logical to buy an expensive good-quality product that I know I will use everyday than to buy a cheap drugstore product that I know I will not use at all. Granted, not all drugstore products are poor in quality (I especially like drugstore waterproof mascaras and eyeliners), but I find that most mid-range and high-end products are better in quality and have nicer packaging.

I used to own a lot of scratchy brushes and poor quality cosmetics because they were cheap and that's all that I cared about. Now that I'm no longer as broke as I was in high school/college, I find myself valuing quality more. I believe that high-quality cosmetics are an investment and will last longer and will be more worth it in the long run compared to cheap products.

The picture above is my current eyeshadow collection.

*Eyeshadows*

I never buy pre-made eyeshadow palettes or single eyeshadows that don't fit in my empty 28 pan eyeshadow palette (review). If it's not in front of me, I will forget about it and not use it. That's why I don't buy drugstore eyeshadows. I only buy round pan eyeshadows, from brands such as Urban Decay, Mac, Inglot, Stars Makeup Haven and Coastal Scents.

*Foundations*

i only buy foundations that have a pump. I apply my foundation with a brush, so when I pour/pump the foundation out onto a glass lid, it's easier for me to measure if it has a pump. Also, it's more sanitary and it doesn't expire as fast as the foundations that don't have a pump.

The US version of the L'oreal True Match foundation doesn't have a pump, but the European and Asian version does. I love that foundation so much that I went out of my way and got the Asian  version just for the pump. From now on, I will just buy the US version and pour it in the one with the pump. You can buy an empty 1 ounce bottle that has a pump at Target, Walmart and other stores, but I didn't buy that because it's made from plastic. The L'oreal True Match bottle is made from glass and it just looks better.

*Blushes, Bronzers and Highlighters*

I don't buy Mac's blushes from their permanent line because the packaging is plain. I prefer to buy their blushes in the special limited edition packaging, such as the Prim and Proper blush (review & swatches). There are just so many different kinds of blushes, bronzers and highlighters in the market. So, I narrow down my choices by buying ones with pretty packaging (of course, the quality has to be good too).

I grouped all of my brushes together for this picture.
I usually place my face brushes on the left side of the vanity, and my eye brushes on the other side of the vanity.

*Brushes*

I prefer to buy brushes with a black handle and a nickel ferrule because it looks more professional; however, there are some exceptions. I have the Sephora Stippling brush (review) and I've come to terms with its "not so pretty" silver handle because it works like a charm.

Also, it may seem like I have alot of brushes, but I actually don't. Alot of them are duplicates and the brushes are all spread out in the containers, so it creates the illusion that I have alot of brushes. Also, I don't think that my brush collection is wasteful because I use each and everyone of them, and they're always in rotation.

*Price Limit* 

(I pulled these numbers out of my tushy.)

Nail Polish: $15

Eyeliner : $20

Eyeshadows: $20

Lipstick: $20

Mascara: $30

Concealer: $35

Setting Powder: $50

Foundation: $55

Blush: $55

Bronzer: $55

Highlighter: $55

Brush: $55

I try to abide by these price limits, and so far, I've done pretty well and have not gone over the limit, but there are always exceptions to the rule. You never know when a Chantecaille product will catch my eye and force me to fork out $90 on a cheek product. Chantecaille is notorious for releasing products in gorgeous packaging, but they come with an ugly price tag. =(

I actually don't consider myself as a beauty hoarder and I don't really have a huge makeup collection, especially when compared to other beauty bloggers. I am always selling or giving away things that I don't use or like. I am OCD and neurotic. I don't like having too much stuff, especially if they're all cluttered. I like things organized and neat. Also, I don't "over buy" cosmetics because of sanitary reasons. Makeup do expire and needs to be thrown away when that expiration date comes, unless you're a collector. (Powder products expire after 3-5 years. Cream & liquid products expire much faster, 6 months to 1 year after opening.) Also, I feel like I'm wasting my money if I don't use up the things that I buy. (Exception: I don't feel it's wasteful if (1) you're a collector or (2) the product is too pretty to use.) 

Bottom line: By limiting myself, it allows me to spend more money on higher end and better quality cosmetics. Overall, I prefer quality over quantity.

Please share your thoughts and comments below. 

I would love to know if your shopping habits are as neurotic as mine. =)