Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Project 10 Pan

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I am reluctant to write about this, but I figured if I got this little bit of crazy maybe someone else does too.  Maybe you've heard of the phenomena called "Project 10 Pan", maybe not.  In the makeup blogger community there was a blogger named Laura who decided that she wanted to use up 10 items of makeup before she bought more.  This idea caught on and there are thousands of girls struggling through their beloved products so that they can eventually buy more.  Just for fun google Project 10 Pan, or P10P and see what you find.  There are even You Tube videos showing others the items that they are using up!  Who knew that anyone would be interested?

As someone who loves to clean out clutter, I find this topic fascinating.  When I really stopped to think about it as I explained it to G, I saw the irony and ridiculousness of this makeup hoarding collecting and at the same time the virtue of wanting to use it up.  I think in their hearts, they know that they can't possibly ever use that much makeup but they have been seduced into buying into every gimmick that comes around.  I know it's fun because I love makeup too, but where are the limits?  In my own makeup drawer, I'm ready to define limits on the quantity that I should have.  For me, it's just that--ridiculous to have too much and I do want the satisfaction of using up what I paid a lot of money to purchase.

Now, I'm not a makeup hoarder but you could say that I have enough to last me a long, long time because there is so much variety.  I have already been on a "no-buy" for awhile now, but now I wanted to focus my efforts to use up things in order to yes, have less variety.  Who knew as I accumulated all this selection of colors that my desire eventually would be to only have a few.  I do give away items as my friends and family know, because I'll usually include a lipgloss or something fun in with whatever I am sending.  So I have my initial 10 items selected and I will be going along to reduce the amount of makeup clutter/variety in my life.  The only difference is that I won't be purchasing more, but will persist in focusing on the half used up items in my collection.

Anyone want to make fun of me for making my little list, and setting such a shallow little goal?  Anyone want to join me?  Let's dig out all that beauty stuff and make our vanities clutter free.

P.S.  If you are not familiar with the makeup lingo, "pan" is the term given for the bottom of the makeup tray.  A moment of glory is when you "hit pan", and if you want to see a lot of pan, look up "pan porn"!!

13 comments:

Adrienne Shubin said...

I love this idea - shallow little goals are right up my alley.

In the last two weeks, I have purchased a eyeliner and new mascara and am about to buy a Chanel red lipstick as soon as I get up the energy to go to Macy's.

Does throwing out stuff you don't like anymore count as "using up"? If so, I could totally be down with doing that and "use up" my ten things in no time!

The Closet Therapist said...

Adrienne, I think throwing it away totally counts!!! If you read some blogs about this, you'll see that everyone kind of makes up their own rules anyway. It's so funny!

Adrienne Shubin said...

As I was putting on some perfume just now, I thought how fragranced could be included as well. I desperately want a big ole bottle of Chanel No. 5, but I have several other scents that need to be used first. As you say - make up your own rules!

Sharon said...

I think as women, we love pretty things in shiny packages! I know personally I just love to play with make up. And yes! I will probably never be able to use it all. Love, Goddess

The Closet Therapist said...

Adrienne, I agree. I am only using one perfume at the moment in an attempt to finish it. I have SO many more though! :) It sounds like a good goal for you, one step closer to a signature scent.

Sharon, I couldn't agree more! I have been cheered up so many times by a new lipstick. :) I generally leave my playing with makeup at the store now because it's cheaper that way, but I still do it. :)

Stephanie said...

Make Up is hard to declutter! However, it's totally worth it when you find the right shades that flatter and can let go of the rest. No more indecision in the morning and as you point out, too many choices are just confusing and make you second guess yourself. Not to mention, it messes with your look so there is no consistency. A few key pieces can take a signature look from day to night and it's not necessary to own everything that can make 20 different make up effects.

Hitting pan is like an urban myth. I think it's happened to me once with a bone colored eye shadow :)

The Closet Therapist said...

Stephanie-How are you? Is the state of your makeup still pared down? I'm just wondering if when I get there that I'll be tempted all over again.
I hear you about hitting pan but I've managed to do it a lot with my Mac eyeshadows and it does always seem to be the light colors. Hope you are doing well!

Fiona Ferris said...

I've been doing this without realising it is a global movement! I love the idea of choosing ten items to use exclusively until they are gone though. That way you can really feel like you are making progress. Choosing a different eyeshadow or lipstick each day means product takes a long time to use. I can't believe I was almost seduced by a Gift With Purchase last week. Those things are enticingly evil.

The Closet Therapist said...

Fiona, You are so ahead of the times! I'm so glad that ya'll don't think I'm crazy for doing this. :) Oh, the memories of being so seduced by gift with purchase. I look at them now and just think, no way I'd rather just get what I want to use. I still have quite a few potions from past little samples and gifts though! I call it my little pharmacy.

Anonymous said...

I only go crazy on having too many lip glosses around; otherwise I only have one of each item I need. I do get perfume samples, but I don't allow myself to purchase any that I love until I go through all of the samples (unless I'm saving a sample for a trip).

I grew up with a hoarder, and I made a choice long ago (like, when I was 10) to never stockpile things I don't use.

Also, keeping old makeup around is unhealthy for your skin!

The Closet Therapist said...

Rebekah, That is so interesting how you react to growing up with a hoarder. Have you written about how that affected you? I am fascinated by hoarding and would love to hear your perspective.

I like to go through my samples too and since I have that sort of rule, it makes me not want any more samples!

Stephanie said...

The state of my make up is still pared down. I go through phases where I want more but remember what it was like throwing away all the wrong colors and I'm very careful about what I replace. Lipsticks are my weakness, but when you find the right colors, it's easier to stick to just a few.

sisty said...

Excellent idea. Most of my makeup is sample size, but I just realized I have about five foundations in various shades and formulas, always searching for the right one -- and most of the time, I don't even wear foundation!

If you think makeup "collecting" is overboard, you should check out some of the perfume sites.

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