It’s Saturday afternoon, we’re running errands, working our way down the long list. Time to replace our favorite lipstick or foundation or whatever that always seems to run out at the most inopportune time. We go to find that must-have product or ask for it at the counter of our favorite store. It’s out. We find someone or ask the helpful consultant when it will be back in stock. I’m never prepared for hearing the most dreaded word in all of beautyland….”I’m sorry, that (color, product, fill in the blank) has been “DISCONTINUED.”
Just hearing that evil word discontinued ratchets up my anxiety almost as much as going to the dentist. I can see the salesperson’s mouth moving but no additional sound is penetrating because the word “discontinued” is reverberating in my brain. If it’s a product I love and suddenly, without warning, the “D” word is on the table – I can melt down faster than my foundation on a 90 degree day. Today, it really is about what’s NOT in my beauty bag!
It’s happened to all of us, right? Years ago, for me, it was a Clinique lipstick. I caught that D early and asked Macy’s to order every one they could locate. I wound up with an embarrassing number of tubes. Hubby wasn’t happy with THAT bill, but a freezer full of pretty silver tubes kept me calm and happy for a long time. Then it was the “Fresh Lash” mascara by Maybelline that I couldn’t live without – after driving to no less than 20 stores in three states, I finally faced the cold, hard fact that I had to try another kind. Well, only because Mr. Smarty-pants flatly refused to go on any more Fresh Lash hunts and finally insisted I get a mascara grip.
When faced with the dreaded “D” word, I admit to becoming both unreasonable and relentless.
My recent tale of discontinued woe has been over the absolutely perfect shade and texture lipstick color for me– Laura Mercier’s Crème in Hydrangea. I received that proverbial sock in the lips last summer, right before I was leaving for my son’s destination wedding. Blissfully, innocently, and happily buying my way through the mall in preparation for the trip, my final stop was to pick up a few tubes of lipstick the weekend before we were set to leave. You do not want to tell a stressed-out Mom days before her baby boy is getting married that her favorite lipstick – and the perfect color to compliment her dress – is no longer available. Tip: trying to remold and whittle a new lipstick from a bunch of old ones is not the best thing to focus on during a turbulent flight.
Of course, I’ve learned a trick or two. Never throw away a lipstick. Dig every last molecule of color out of that tube. Check Amazon. Check Ebay. Check everywhere. Fortunately, I have 10 tubes of Hydrangea stashed with varying amounts left. I’m great at digging out the remains into a little plastic container. Though I still haven’t quite mastered the art of using a lip brush at a red light.
Rows of lipstick (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I haven’t tried it yet, but I recently discovered a company online called Three Custom Color Specialists that can custom blend a color or recreate any discontinued shade by sending them a sample. I’m hopeful…and will definitely share my experience once I try this.
This doesn’t even sound possible, but after giving up on locating my beloved Hydrangea lipstick ever again, I found a couple of tubes on Amazon just today. Can it really, truly be? I’m seriously considering camping out at the curb for the UPS truck.
Now…I just need to figure out how to recreate Ralph Lauren’s discontinued perfume, Glamorous. I wonder if Mr. Smarty-pants would notice a little lab in the closet?
What do you do when a favorite beauty product is discontinued? Share, share, share, please! Please tell me I’m not alone in my dread of discontinued – and it’s totally fine to humor me. (smile)
Happy Wednesday!
Ahhhh. I hate when this happens. I don’t think I’ve ever had it happen with a makeup I have ever used but it has happened two times with lotions that I liked from Victoria’s Secret. :/
Julie, it is awful, no matter what it is! I am in still freaking out over a favorite glue that was discontinued a few years ago. I’m glad you haven’t had to deal with it for make-up yet!!!!
Oh I agree this is the worst! When I can’t get something anymore I usually spend way to much money trying to find a replacement. I don’t wear as much make up as I used to so it’s getting easier!
Hi Ann, oh my, you are so right about spending too much on the replacement…and then, so many times we are SO not happy and want the original back! It is so kind of you to visit and comment – I really appreciate it! Have a wonderful day!
Hi Ann, you are SO right! We do spend too much money on the replacement and half of the time, we’re never all that happy with it! I’m learning to stockpile things – my freezer has as much makeup as food! ? I really appreciate your visit and comment. Have a wonderful weekend!
Yikes! I hate that! I have not looked lately, mainly because half the time I forget to put make-up on, but if MAC ever discontinues their lipstick color called “O” I am sure there will be a worldwide outrage. It looks like a brown on their website but it’s a purpley-reddish-pink with gold in it. Which sounds terrible – LOL- but it’s gorgeous. The next time you are out and about, try it on! I have never seen anyone that can’t wear it. ?
Hey Claire – oh, thanks for the tip, I am so checking out that color, it sounds fabulous. So you know what exactly what I mean! I’m waiting for the few tubes to arrive from UPS with bated breath. I’m still getting over a glue that I used in all my crafting that was discontinued 2 years ago. Thanks for sharing and talk soon! Hugs, my friend!
Hi there! I have ventured over from Linkin’ With My Ladies. I am co-hosting this month and I just wanted to thank you for participating! Love your blog! XOXO, Mandi @ All My Happy Endings
Hi Mandi, it’s so sweet of you to stop by and thanks for co-hosting the hop. It’s so much fun and I appreciate it. Thanks so much for your kind comment – have a wonderful weekend and I’ll see you next week! Hugs!
I Don’t Go to the Gym says
We hateeee when that happens! Look forward to hearing about your experience with thee custom color!
New bloglovin’ follower from the hop! Would LOVE you to join our hop too at http://www.idontgotothegym.com ?
Jamie & Kristen
Hi girls! I know, it is the worst thing ever!!! I will definitely, without a doubt, update the custom color experience and fingers crossed. Maybe I won’t to breathe in a bag the next time I hear the dreaded “D” word. ? Thanks for the follow and following you back. Would love to join the hop and will visit! Have a great weekend!
Hi Jamie and Kristen, so great of to visit! I appreciate it! I know, I hate when are discontinued!! Will definitely update on the custom color – that will be one awesome discovery. Thanks for you the invitation to the blog hop, always up for a party! Have a wonderful weekend and look forward to getting to know you both.
I have definitely been in the same situation. I am still mourning the loss of Mac’s aerosol foundation. I wish I had stock up on that. Thanks for following my blog…I’m a new follower now!
Tara
Penniless Socialite
Jewelry Giveaway!
Hi Tara – thanks for much the follow, visit and comment! I love that you can relate to this. Check out that custom color link, it sounds like they can recreate just about anything. I’m going to try it with another lipstick color, too. I’ll let you know how it works out! Look forward to connecting through out blogs and have an awesome weekend!