Project Make-a-Dent: Part II

Hello loves! In an effort to actually use my makeup before purchasing more and inspired by Lola's Secret Beauty Blog, I have decided to do "Project Make-a-Dent" which prompts me to try and use a specific selection of makeup. My particular set includes some of my oldest lipsticks. The points of Project Make-A-Dent are simple: 1) use what you have, 2) save your money and spend wisely, 3) think about what you purchase. These are all very important, especially as I am a grad student on a budget and I have recently found myself picking up lip products haphazardly without realizing that I'm doing it. I don't need another lipstick! Read my first post HERE to see what products I started out with.

Two months I had six lip products in the pile, this time around we're at four. I wish I could say I used up two products in two months, but honestly I just left them at my mom's house when I visited her! Regardless, I have really been loving the selection. These are all beautiful shades of pink and it's been nice to rediscover my favorites (and realize that I don't need any more pink lip stuff...ever). 

Left to right: L'Oreal Infallible Lipstick in Forever Frappe, Maybelline ColorSensational Lipcolor in Summer Sunset, L'Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lipstick in Rose Taffeta, and Cargo Lipgloss in Tuscany

I've definitely made a dent in my L'Oreal lipstick in Forever Frappe. It's such a nice pink/brown/mauve/nude that is a good transitional color through the cold part of spring. I've also used quite a bit of the L'Oreal Caresse lipstick, it's such a nice fun pink for spring! I can also feel that I'm down to the bottom of the Cargo lipgloss. It has been such a nice color to use on its own and to pair with all of these lovely pink shades. I haven't used as much of my Maybelline simply because the color is quite glittery and I haven't wanted to reach for it as much as the others. I think it's more of a fall and winter pink, as it's not as bright, but I'll keep using it. 

Like I said, all of these products are the oldest lip products that I have. I'm trying to stay very conscious of use-by guidelines for makeup to ensure that I'm staying clean and safe with my makeup. It's very important to sanitize your makeup often. Also be sure to toss your makeup as soon as it starts to smell strange or waxy, or changes in consistency. Two years is about the time to either toss your lipsticks or start to keep a closer eye on scent and consistency.

Are you doing Project Make-A-Dent? If you are, be sure to follow @lolassecretand  and myself at @lovinswoonful on Twitter and use the hashtag #projectmakeadent!

Project Make-A-Dent: Part I

Hello lovelies! Today's post is inspired by Lola's Secret Beauty Blog, who has been writing about her "Project Make A Dent" series since October now. You can read her post and rules for the project here. I've been following her posts, and loving the point of the project: use what you love! While I'm nowhere near addict-level, my collection of lippies is a bit over-the-top with over twenty lip products in my collection. The points of Project Make-A-Dent are simple: 1) use what you have, 2) save your money and spend wisely, 3) think about what you purchase. These are all very important, especially as I am a grad student on a budget and I have recently found myself picking up lip products haphazardly without realizing that I'm doing it. I don't need another lipstick!



Another dimension I would like to add to Lola's original project is that of hygiene and makeup safety. We often buy so many products which we refuse to throw away, leaving us with dangerous chemicals on our lips, eyes and face, which should have been thrown away months ago. Buying within your means can help reduce using items past their expiration date, so to speak. Although makeup guidelines are iffy, I've had some of these lips products for at least two years now. I've done some digging and two years is about the point where you should start to pay attention to your lipsticks. Make sure the smell, color, and consistency haven't changed. If they have, especially if the lipstick starts to smell waxy, it's probably time to send that puppy to the makeup graveyard. I picked my five oldest lip products for my first Project Make A Dent, not only in an effort to use up products that I obviously love, but to make sure I'm using up products in a timely manner. I'm actually quite happy with the selection. Though veering towards the bright pink side of things, this gives me at least one red, a neutral pink, a brown-ish pink, and some brights to work with. These are all great colors heading into spring. Just a tip: all of these products (except gloss and the lipsticks with glitter) can double as a cheek tint, another great way to get multiple uses from cream-based products!

My lipstick picks...why do lipsticks have such long names? Whyyyy?

So here are the rules for my version of Project Make-A-Dent:
1) Products must be at the forefront of makeup stash to encourage usage (check!)
2) Products must be the oldest products in makeup collection (check!)
3) No spending ban, but it's highly encouraged that I follow the one-in-one-out policy during the project
4) Update on progress monthly
5) Have fun!

I'm really excited to be doing this project, as I've rediscovered some lipstick gems that I've shoved to the back of my collection. Are you doing Project Make-A-Dent? If you are, be sure to follow @lolassecret and myself at @lovinswoonful and use the hashtag #projectmakeadent!