Michigan Beauty Blogger

My No Buy/Low Buy Update

June 12, 2023 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

We are halfway through 2023 already, and it’s time for me to update on my no buy/low buy for 2023.

I have so far followed all of my rules, but I have definitely pushed it a little bit. For example, I asked my mom for clothing and shoes for my birthday, and I had a few gift cards, and when I used those I would pay the difference and allow that. For example, I had a $50 gift card but spent $70. I also bought myself a Mother’s Day Gift that I picked which is what I told my husband I wanted.

Shopping Triggers

Shopping definitely gives a little happy boost, and fashion is my weakness. I notice that I want to shop when I’m really stressed, or sad, and sometimes just when I see a great piece that I think will be impactful in my closest.

What I’ve Learned

While I haven’t been perfect, the no buy / low buy has stopped me from buying things right away and made me pause. And a lot of times the “must have it” feeling will fade. Having to be creative with gifts and gift cards has also ensured I really research what I want. It helps me to save a web browser and I can always go back to the item later. It also helps me to organize what I do have, for example organizing my shorts or all of my hats. I also like putting together outfits from my closet instead of seeing a new item and putting an outfit together in my head with the new item.

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Denim On Denim 2023 | In Style 2023 Trend

May 8, 2023 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I am a big fan of denim on denim, and it wasn’t gone that long but now it’s back in a big way for 2023. I love any monochrome, tone-on-tone, dressing, and denim on denim is a fun look. Some people are worried that they’ll look like they’re rocking a “Canadian tuxedo” or be imitating Brit and Justin circa 2001 (IYKYK), but if you give it a chance it can be an easy, pulled-together look.

Denim On Denim 2023

I styled my Abercrombie 80’s Mom Jeans with an old denim (chambray) shirt worn open (similar one linked here) and wore a green-gray neutral tank (similar).

What do you think of this trend? Are you into all this denim? Let me know in a comment below! You can view my outfit daily on my Instagram.

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The Best Linen Pants | Abercrombie Linen Pants

April 10, 2023 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I wore these Abercrombie linen pants so much last year. My favorite is white, but I also have them in a natural tan shade that is also so versatile.

Abercrombie Linen-Blend Tailored Wide Leg Pant

Linen is a wonderful fabric for spring and summer, and I love having linen pants for days when I want more coverage, especially when I’m going into places with A/C but it’s hot or I’m at appointments and don’t want shorts on.

These pants are a linen blend, which helps because they do wrinkle some but not nearly as bad as many linen items I have. I steam them in a minute and they look great all day, even when I’ve sat or been in the car.

Have you tried linen pants? I’d love to hear!

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My No-Buy Contentment Journey

January 23, 2023 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I am really enjoying my no-buy. I have noticed that I get excited to even buy basic things now, like replacing my favorite facewash. I do think this showcases that I do crave the thrill of buying, but I think that being able to be excited about the simple and mundane is good. This brings me to another element that I have brought into 2023 along with my no-buy.

My Contentment Journey

I am trying to be more present by not distracting myself all of the time with YouTube, streaming shows, and music. I still listen to things (I am listening to a YouTube video as I type) but when doing things like making dinner, switching the laundry, or washing dishes I am not having entertainment on. I am trying things like using some of my many (many) eye shadow palettes that I haven’t reached for in awhile, changing up my earrings, and trying to enjoy the process of getting ready. I’ve also tried to be present and notice the touch, sound, and beauty in the mundane.

Have you attempted a no-buy or a low-buy? What category (makeup? skincare? clothes? home decor? craft supplies?) do you overshop?

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Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen Eyeliner | Review

January 16, 2023 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I spoke last week about my no-buy and I will only be replacing makeup that runs out such as eyeliner, eyebrow products, and concealer. I also must “shop my stash” first, so I use up anything I have, and if I can’t use it because it is too old or faulty, I will get rid of it in an effort to declutter. I use liquid eyeliner most days, and my current favorite is the Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen.

Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen

Why I love it: It sounds gimmicky, but I love the hexagonal grip. I really do find it easier to hold. The tip is small and fine, which makes it perfect for a nice barely there line which is what I’ve been gravitating to lately, but I also am able to get a thicker line and a nice wing when that is the look I am after. It doesn’t pull or drag, and it is very opaque.

What is your favorite eyeliner?

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My No-Buy/Low-Buy For 2023

January 9, 2023 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I’m going on a no-buy/low-buy for 2023. We have significant financial goals, and I want to find more contentment while appreciating what I have, and figuring out what feelings I am processing when I might be inclined to shop.

My No-Buy/Low-Buy Rules

I will not be buying clothes. I will not be buying any makeup that isn’t replacing things like eyeliner, mascara, and concealer. I will not be buying skincare that isn’t replacing my basic skincare. I will not be buying any shoes. I am allowing myself to use gift cards or store credits. I have given myself one item/month, but I hope not to use this.

If you’d like to follow along or get updates, please let me know. And feel free to send me gift cards 😉 KIDDING. Nah, serious.

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Fawn Beauty | Recovery & Glow Lip Oil Review

December 19, 2022 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I’ve wanted to try a lip oil for a while, but I didn’t want to spend $40 and the more affordable options didn’t have the best reviews. Then I remembered that I follow Fawn Beauty, owned by YouTuber Katie Fawn who has some gorgeous makeup tutorials and has all the deets on the best fragrances.

Recovery & Glow Lip Oil in “That’s Amazing”

Described as “a lip mask meets a lip oil” the recovery & glow lip oil from Fawn Beauty is vegan and features ingredients including camilla seed oil, kojoba oil, vitamin E, and coconut oil. I love that I can wear this alone or over the top of a lip color. The scent isn’t overpowering, and the lip oils do not feel sticky or greasy. The packaging is beautiful, I love how big the applicator is, and the way it wears is beautiful. I know it’s late for holiday shopping, but this is also a unique and special gift or add-on gift. I definitely want to get more colors now!

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The Best Drugstore Concealer of 2022 | NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Serum Concealer

December 5, 2022 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

The NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Serum Concealer is the best concealer of 2022. I have been wearing only concealer with no foundation for years now, and I typically use a foundation for my undereye and a different concealer for any spots or discoloration I want to cover or correct. I found this concealer from my dear friend Sunny’s recommendation and she is an aesthetician who has helped me completely revamp my skincare. This foundation is THE REAL DEAL! It looks like skin and has a serum in it, which I usually roll my eyes at “skincare makeup” but this one is different.

About NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Serum Concealer

(From the website) MEDIUM COVERAGE CONCEALER – The first NYX skincare serum that can be used as an undereye concealer, as well as, face and body. Provides up to 24-hour hydration with a non-cakey, smooth, natural finish and a lightweight feel for skin that looks like skin in an instantly.

APPLICATION: Get undetectable, mess-free medium coverage cream concealer in one pump for dark circles, acne, blemishes, redness, irritation and dry patches with this vegan formula featuring tremella mushroom, cica, and green tea. Available in 13 vegan shades.

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The Perfect Gift For The Guy Who Has Everything | Michigander Tailgater Bag

November 21, 2022 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Again, this is biased because MI Trading Post is our company, but I am beyond obsessed with the Michigander Tailgater Bag! It’s the PERFECT gift for guys, but really anyone because I love this too. I just say guys because guys can be so hard to shop for ; )

Michigander Tailgater Bag

Have you started your holiday shopping? Have you finished your holiday shopping?

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My MORNING Skincare Routine | Affordable For Combo Mid-30s Skin

October 24, 2022 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

From time to time I like to share my morning skincare routine. Most of the items I buy are between $10-20 and can be found in the drugstore or on Amazon. This is my 35 year old skincare routine for my combo skin. I still have some breakouts, I get oily in my T-zone, I am battling fine lines, and dark circles.