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Laura Loukola

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No Beauty Buy Challenge pt. 1

August 12, 2017 Laura Loukola
 Desk situation

At the end of June, I made a promise to my nesting partner that I wouldn't shop new beauty products for the time being/rest of the year. I hate to admit, but the last year (or two) I've been quite spendy with my beauty purchases. One could say I have an expensive taste. I say - quality costs. But now when I'm making this challenge official, I better stick to it. In this post series I gather my thoughts and document my journey from regular beauty shopper to a more savvy consumer. In the future I'm also sharing my thoughts about endless shopping most of us beauty addicts are guilty of.

My background

Since I was a kid, I've been very stingy with my money. I would still like to consider myself as such. I like being frugal when it comes to everyday things and while shopping for beauty I always look for the best price and utilise sales. Still, the reality is I'm very into high-end and luxury makeup, skincare and brushes, but in fact I'm a student who only works part-time. My key to my consumerism has been extra work shifts, being stingy with other things and occasionally temporary borrowing from my partner (yes, I'm embarrassed to admit, but hey we're all friends here)

Reasoning for the challenge

- I need to re-prioritise how I use my money
- Become more critical about deals, sales and new releases
- Stop hoarding backups
- Actually use my stuff before they expire
- Learn to respect and enjoy what I have
- Take care of my debts and save for the rainy day

Social media temptations

Most of my in real life friends aren't very into makeup or skincare, they tend to roll their eyes if I start my beauty babble or gasp for air if I admit how much my foundation costs. I am grateful I've found other beauty addicts and cosmetic nerds online, especially because not only I've learned a lot, but also because I've met most amazing personalities who I am privileged to call friends.

Still, regular using of Instagram, blogs, Youtube and other social media keeps me more than up-to-date with latest makeup and skincare releases, which also increases temptations for shopping. I don't think I can decrease the amount of time I spend online, but from now on I try to keep my head cool and let the others enjoy the latest releases: I don't need to get what everyone else does. There is no item "I can't live without" (believe it or not). If I have to, I make an imaginary wish list for my favorite web shops for the future. What I will do is unsubscribe from newsletters and do not open mails that promote new releases or even worse - sales. I'm mentally preparing for Black Friday in the hopes of ignoring any tempting deals.

 Beauty flatlay

Some Exceptions and rules

If I run out of an essential skincare item I promise to myself to thoroughly dig my cabinets, backup drawers or use up samples first. Over the months/years I've accumulated a fair amount items I've been recommended or plain backups of my skincare items during sales. My makeup drawers aren't overflowing, but I'm certainly more than well-equipped than the average person. Also, I'm trying to not buy any makeup during the rest of the year.

If I run out or loose something essential I'm allowed to purchase one (1) replacement from an affordable source. No backups, no trying new high end stuff. I promise to myself to be strict what I consider an essential: If I run out of something I love, but I have a similar item from the same category, I need to use up my existing stash first. For example, I'm pretty afraid I run out of my favorite foundation. However, if I have others to use up I'm not allowed to any re-purchases before the challenge has ended. Once more:

Non-essentials:
- backups
- sales / deals / discounts
- limited editions
- eye cream (use something else)
- body stuff

Real essentials:
- makeup removing cleanser
- sunscreen
- mascara
- under eye concealer

What's to come

Now what happens to the blog? No worries! I still have a tons of items to review.. my cabinets are not overflowing after my clear out some time ago, but they're still very "well equipped". I am also posting updates what I've learned about this "no buy" - I already had to cut this post in two as I started to rant about consumerism, luxury marketing and so on. I'm also having other post ideas, but if you have any requests please feel free to leave them in comments below! Feel free to participate in the challenge, also all moral support is welcome! Haha.

In beauty Tags no buy, beauty edit
← Sculpting made effortless? Rouge Bunny Rouge contouring liquid reviewWoth the hype? By Terry Ombre Blackstar eyeshadow sticks review →
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Hi, I'm Laura! Laurantaina Beauty Blog is about high end make up, skincare and Japanese brushes. Skin type: dry/dehydrated, formerly acne-prone. Read more about me.

Contact:
laura.loukola[at]gmail.com

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Despite not working traditionally from nine to five, I often snooze through Mondays.. 😅 Today has been much more efficient, positive and full of motivation! 💪 The decaf coffee in the left corner is a lie though.. 🙈 I’m not used to the taste so instead I’ve been enjoying the beans I grabbed from #helsinkicoffeefestival last weekend. ☕️☕️☕️🤗 Tell me your favorite coffee or beverage!! Summer is magic ☀️ Rain or shine, do you remember to use an SPF? 😉 No anti-ageing serum will save you if you don’t first and foremost cleanse, hydrate and protect your skin! Here are some old favorites and new ones I’m testing out:

#innisfree Eco Safety sunblock is a classic.. I’ve gone through ~15 tubes of this during the year. Cheap and chic but feels heavy on the skin + has a whitecast (no problem for my pale, dry skin)

#joshrosebrook Nutrient Day Cream is a wonderful, light day moisturizer with SPF30. If you like eco luxury products, you’ll like this one. My only complain is that the pump doesn’t work well 😓 Tinted version also available!

#acoskincare (*pr) available in farmacies in Finland. Very light in texture and feel pleasant, will do a sunscreen post on the blog once I’ve given these a good go. Also physical sun blocks available (& for kids). What’s your fave SPF? ✨ Physical or chemical preferences? 🙏💛 PS: new @suqqu_uk_official post #onthebeautyblog ! Wearing @suqqu_uk_official 118 SHAKUYOUSA Designing Color Eyes and 110 KOUKI Extra Glow Lipstick (*pr) ✨✨ Review and swatches coming to the blog tmr! (spoiler: they are amazing!!)
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Been on a sick leave this week 🤷‍♀️ Sorry for missing your beautiful posts! I’ll try catch up during the weekend. ☕️ Spring time is such a busy and hard time for me, I save my energy for the blog but being on social media suffers.. 😓 How have you been? Have a happy Friday!! Last time I posted a picture of my face and lost 10 followers immediately. 😂 So, here’s some blue products I’ve been 💙 lately. I’ve been doing lots of acids and mask lately - topped with my favorite balms of course! I keep a spritz at my desk as well as my hand sanitizer. Mohave Ghost has been my go-to perfume for a while, as well as Essie polishes. And I never leave the house without my Vivienne Westwood card holder. 😉 Have a great day everyone! 💙💙💙 New blog post! ✨ I’m talking through this motd inspired by @rougebunnyrouge Venetian Red Spring look. Who knew red liner (psst it’s actually a lip liner) and mascara could be so wearable! 😍 I’ll also share my initial thoughts of the new Colour-Matching Concentrare + lots of swatches. Should I post motd pictures more often? What do you think? 🤔
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What’s the latest cool makeup trend you’ve tried? I want to rock the vibrant blue eyeshadow next!! More @suqqu_uk_official pretties! 😍 Designing Color Eyes 116 SHAKUYOUSA and Extra Glow Lipstick 110 KOUKI are going to be the show-stoppers of this Summer. ☀️ Designed by the one and only @jorgemakeup & co.

The SUQQU UK exclusive #GradationCouture collection launches in 2 weeks! See my Insta story for more pics. 😘 Review of the previous collection’s blushes is up on the blog! (link in bio) #linkinbio (*pr gifted) Sorry for the radio silence.. 🤖 I’ve been busy with life and taking care of myself. I’ve wanted to post&reply more often, but the past couple of weeks have been hard on me. I haven’t had the strenght to pick up thr camera or open social media.. Spring is always the busiest, most anxious time for me. 😥 How about you? We got snow the other day, I hope things will bloom soon. 🙏💐
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👉 PS how do you like my @suqqu_uk_official blush palette? I think this LE gorgeous in the middle is still availanble on Selfridges online. 😉 New swatches coming on the blog soon! Some bits I’m testing and reviewing.. New @suqqu_uk_official Spring items, @sweetmakeuptemptations  brushes, @januarylabs overnight mask, @addiction_ayako glow duo.. I’ve been away for a couple of days, visiting family in the country side. 🌲✨ I loved bathing outdoors, sauna, sound of birds, but all this travelling has made me extra tired. 😴 I need a break from my break, lol. I’ll have lots of exciting blog posts to put up! If I’ve missed any of your messages please DM me, I’ll get back to you asap!! 😘 Tell me how are you, loves? Tuesday favorites: ✨✨✨ #whamisa rich toner/essence* for my dry raisin skin ✨

#surrattbeauty ’blush’ in Grisaille for contouring ✨

#yslbeauty cushion foundation ✨

#suqquuk new lip gloss*!! full review soon! ✨

#nuxe reve de miel lip balm (re-purchasing forever) ✨

#kumanofude Sonia G worker one and Hakuhodo G511 ✨

#addictionbyayako cream highlight and contour compact ✨

I honestly thought it was Monday today.. 🙄💦 What are your most recent favorites? 💕 (*pr) I wanted to update something fun and positive, but today my heart has been aching. I miss my baby Lily so much. 🐈 This month it’ll be a full year since she past away, at the age of 10. 😿 We haven’t laid down her ashes yet, I can’t bear to watch old pictures without ugly crying. 💔 Lily passing away made us decide to get Kiko, this ”little” (almost 7kg!) fur baby here. She is the most wonderful kitty, but pets - like people - are irreplaceable. Cherish every moment with your loved one. 💕

Do you love animals? Are you a fur-parent? 😻
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Follow @laurantaina

Despite not working traditionally from nine to five, I often snooze through Mondays.. 😅 Today has been much more efficient, positive and full of motivation! 💪 The decaf coffee in the left corner is a lie though.. 🙈 I’m not used to the taste so instead I’ve been enjoying the beans I grabbed from #helsinkicoffeefestival last weekend. ☕️☕️☕️🤗 Tell me your favorite coffee or beverage!!
Summer is magic ☀️ Rain or shine, do you remember to use an SPF? 😉 No anti-ageing serum will save you if you don’t first and foremost cleanse, hydrate and protect your skin! Here are some old favorites and new ones I’m testing out:

#innisfree Eco Safety sunblock is a classic.. I’ve gone through ~15 tubes of this during the year. Cheap and chic but feels heavy on the skin + has a whitecast (no problem for my pale, dry skin)

#joshrosebrook Nutrient Day Cream is a wonderful, light day moisturizer with SPF30. If you like eco luxury products, you’ll like this one. My only complain is that the pump doesn’t work well 😓 Tinted version also available!

#acoskincare (*pr) available in farmacies in Finland. Very light in texture and feel pleasant, will do a sunscreen post on the blog once I’ve given these a good go. Also physical sun blocks available (& for kids). What’s your fave SPF? ✨ Physical or chemical preferences? 🙏💛 PS: new @suqqu_uk_official post #onthebeautyblog !
Wearing @suqqu_uk_official 118 SHAKUYOUSA Designing Color Eyes and 110 KOUKI Extra Glow Lipstick (*pr) ✨✨ Review and swatches coming to the blog tmr! (spoiler: they are amazing!!)
.
.
.
.
Been on a sick leave this week 🤷‍♀️ Sorry for missing your beautiful posts! I’ll try catch up during the weekend. ☕️ Spring time is such a busy and hard time for me, I save my energy for the blog but being on social media suffers.. 😓 How have you been? Have a happy Friday!!
Last time I posted a picture of my face and lost 10 followers immediately. 😂 So, here’s some blue products I’ve been 💙 lately. I’ve been doing lots of acids and mask lately - topped with my favorite balms of course! I keep a spritz at my desk as well as my hand sanitizer. Mohave Ghost has been my go-to perfume for a while, as well as Essie polishes. And I never leave the house without my Vivienne Westwood card holder. 😉 Have a great day everyone! 💙💙💙
New blog post! ✨ I’m talking through this motd inspired by @rougebunnyrouge Venetian Red Spring look. Who knew red liner (psst it’s actually a lip liner) and mascara could be so wearable! 😍 I’ll also share my initial thoughts of the new Colour-Matching Concentrare + lots of swatches. Should I post motd pictures more often? What do you think? 🤔
.
.
.
.
What’s the latest cool makeup trend you’ve tried? I want to rock the vibrant blue eyeshadow next!!