"THANK YOU'S" FOR GOING ABOVE & BEYOND! SPECKTRA IS AMAZING!

it is so amazing to witness such kindness. There are numerous times where just seeing someone be so kind on here has brightened my day because it is proof there is a lot of good in the world. What a great post PixieDancer! it is so great to all be brought together by a common love, all around the world. The beauty shines brightly from the inside out. :)

As Sister Sledge sings it, We are family!!!!! I really do love & appreciate all you fellow Specktrettes. I'm so glad I found this site.

We are truly family around here (much more so than other sites). I have been on here for a few years now and it has always been one of the most positive places you can be. I have been able to share my non-makeup oriented life with the friends I have made here as well. Even though I have never met any of you face to face I really feel that I am among friends.

I haven't been here long but I have to say that you ladies/gentlemen are so sweet!  I've witnessed a few of these ROAK's and it brings joy to my heart everytime I see it. I'm from another forum where we do the same thing and it really can get addicting! lol

Everyone has been very welcoming and I even had a member help me hunt down a backup of Reel Sexy that I purchased today.

I'm glad I joined Specktra and look forward to becoming part of your family :)

Awwww!  Girl, you are VERY welcome!  It was YOU that inspired me to do it.

 You offered your item to me in a selfless act last night, and that was incredible that you would do such a thing.

It was your random act of kindness that inspired me!  

So yes, I am sending you the WoG tomorrow and I know you will enjoy it.  Afterall, it is better that it gets some love, instead of sitting in my BU stash! 

And I can't think of a better person to give it to than you.

Dang!  There is a love fest in here! 

I love coming on here and have been since 2008. Specktra is the most positive place to be. I have learned so much from members who have been on this site longer than I have and it is great to be part of the Specktra family.

This is a really great post! Specktrettes are super duper nice! 

Pixie, thank YOU for starting this thread. I've been on the board for a couple of years now and I feel like I learn things every time I log on. I love reading people's thoughts and getting their opinions and I consider myself lucky to have gotten to know some pretty amazing people. Like you, I've had wonderful luck with people offering to help me out with items I haven't been able to get up here and passing on some kind words when I really needed them. 

Ditto sweetie. 

Thanks for your kind words!  

Quote:

Originally Posted by PixieDancer 

 

I LOVE a Love Fest!  HeeHee                         

I just can't gush enough about you girl!  And I cannot take an ounce of credit for your act of kindness. 

You used the term "pay it forward" when we were chatting earlier... THAT really says so much! 

In little ways everyday, I see that on here.  And it truly makes me proud to be a part of such a wonderful community.  

 

If I could give you an award Shellcat, I would!  "MOST FANTASTIC & SWEETIE PIE-NESS SKIN TWIN SISTER" Award

 

And everyone that's commented... You are all "familiar faces" to me now in just a very short time I've been here.  I think that's the thing that REALLY "gets" me!  How we are all essentially strangers, but you are definitely some of the VERY nicest people I come in contact with every single day!

PixieDancer...I would like to thank you so much starting this thread

Every word written here is so true!!!

I  love to visit specktra...as GlamQueen said:"It is great to be part of the Specktra family".

Everyone here is so friendly and helpful.I have learned so much from you all since I joined Specktra.

Sometimes it makes me a little sad that my English is not good enough to post more and I am always a little worried that you might not understand me 

I am still amazed at the kindness of purplerinne!!!

Thank you so much again for getting the palette for me!

I would love to say so much more but I can not find the right words....I just want to thank you all

PixieDancer, thank you for starting this thread 

Maybe most of you here didn't really know me because I haven't been posting much lately on the active MAC threads. But I enjoyed reading your hauls, banters, and jokes .

I was taking time off from Specktra because I needed to control my budget. But as it turns out, I really miss the warmth and the fun on the forum so I came back :D. Besides, I kept buying MU anyways, so it's better to make informed purchases ;).

Also, it's been lovely to know more German ladies here... I even get to meet a fellow Specktrettes living in the same city as mine (turns out we're only a few blocks away!)

Thank you for being you!!!

  What a lovely post.  This is the nicest forum I have ever visited.  I cannot believe the generosity here.  It really restores your faith in humanity.
 

I totally agree! I joined Specktra just over a year ago, looking for swatches and ended up sticking around! Everyone is just so lovely and kind, and I've never felt anything less than welcome

I love Specktra because its a place where I can share my hobby/passion without judgment. Too many people in my real life would think this is just a superficial waste of time and money. However I love getting new products and trying them not only on myself but on others. I've learned SOOOOO much since I left my days as a lurker behind. I've tried things I wouldn't have even considered due to recommendations from others. I enjoy the people here and the interactions come with it, I belong to many forums covering a wide range of interests from video games to books and I have to say that Specktra is the MOST positive one of them all.

This is such a wonderful post! I've been lurking on and off for years, but I've always found it to be a warm, sweet, and very welcoming community. My purchases are much more informed now, and I try things I never would have while skipping something if I have many similar things. Now I just need to get a good camera so I can post helpful swatches like the rest of you

Quote:

Originally Posted by cutemiauw 

PixieDancer, thank you for starting this thread 

 

Maybe most of you here didn't really know me because I haven't been posting much lately on the active MAC threads. But I enjoyed reading your hauls, banters, and jokes .

 

I was taking time off from Specktra because I needed to control my budget. But as it turns out, I really miss the warmth and the fun on the forum so I came back :D. Besides, I kept buying MU anyways, so it's better to make informed purchases ;).

 

Also, it's been lovely to know more German ladies here... I even get to meet a fellow Specktrettes living in the same city as mine (turns out we're only a few blocks away!)

 

Thank you for being you!!!

I've felt the same way. I might not be as tempted to purchase if I weren't here a lot, but I really enjoy the sense of camaraderie and the connections I have here. So I figure I'll just need to learn to keep my budget in check on my own. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by DILLIGAF 

I love Specktra because its a place where I can share my hobby/passion without judgment. Too many people in my real life would think this is just a superficial waste of time and money. However I love getting new products and trying them not only on myself but on others. I've learned SOOOOO much since I left my days as a lurker behind. I've tried things I wouldn't have even considered due to recommendations from others. I enjoy the people here and the interactions come with it, I belong to many forums covering a wide range of interests from video games to books and I have to say that Specktra is the MOST positive one of them all.

My response to that is always to say that all hobbies are in essence superficial wastes of time and money. People (myself included) play sports and video games, follow sports, collect stamps and coins and models, learn to cook really well, follow music, go to the gym... All of those things are strictly speaking unnecessary, but if you don't have things that you enjoy and that make you feel better about life, then what the heck are you doing?

No one is saying that makeup is more important than family or great friendships or scientific and medical advances or art, but it really annoys me when people deride a love of beauty as inconsequential. I hate to say it, but I feel like it's a sexist hold-over. Things that interest women- beauty, fashion, decor, etc. are dismissed as trivial. As you can tell, I've thought about this... probably too much. 

I love this place. That is all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoneyMilk 

I only joined specktra in sept of 2011 so I haven't been here for that long but I have also noticed how sweet and helpful this community is. I've loved MAC for a long time but my routine was a basic 1 color eyeshadow (no primer...lol) eyeliner and mascara. Blending? Forget it. Thankfully in my high school years I had pretty great skin so I didn't look like a TOTAL hot mess.
Anyway, I joined because everyone seemed so darn sweet and helpful. I've loved watching how people have gone from "I can't wear that color it's not in my comfort range" to people rocking something they wouldn't have pre specktra. Myself included. Ive learned so much in the few months that I've been here including how to properly stalk a MAC collection
I'm going to get a smidge personal here... Without specktra and all of the confidence boosting, I'm not sure where I would be right now. I have suffered from major depression for a long time now (years). Sometimes it's impossible for me to get out of bed. Sometimes I can get out of bed but won't leave the house for weeks. It's terrible. Being here has helped me in that I wake up and say, "ok, just shower.... Now that you're showered try some new makeup out for fun... Now that you feel confident in your looks why not leave the house and do something productive?" Even if I'm tired and feel like crap I feel better knowing I don't look like complete hell. Haha. So yes, even if I don't respond much I do lurk and pick up techniques. Many of you have helped me.
As a side note about not being able to talk to friends about this, yes, most look at me like I'm crazy. DH and I were out on a double date and my BFF said she liked my nails. I said thanks and told her how I've been practicing and make my manicures look almost professional. She turned to her BF and said, "Aren't you glad I'm not like that?" So basically my poor sweet husband will sit down with me if I ask him to so I can show him my new products, but no one else. Apparently I'm vapid and materialistic.
Ok now I'm just rambling lol

I'm sorry.  I know how you feel.  I have in the past suffered from depression, now it's more just a constant mental exhaustion.  I have college, to cook and clean and look after my Mom/family due to her being unwell.  I don't have any friends I can share my love and excitement with.  I'm glad you don't let it get you down, though.  You're not vapid or materialistic.  You care about how you look and you've found some joy in something you didn't think you would.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with practicing - shame on her.  I'm glad your husband is so wonderful for you, you deserve it and I'm glad Specktra is here to help share your excitement of products with you.  :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by DILLIGAF 

I love Specktra because its a place where I can share my hobby/passion without judgment. Too many people in my real life would think this is just a superficial waste of time and money. However I love getting new products and trying them not only on myself but on others. I've learned SOOOOO much since I left my days as a lurker behind. I've tried things I wouldn't have even considered due to recommendations from others. I enjoy the people here and the interactions come with it, I belong to many forums covering a wide range of interests from video games to books and I have to say that Specktra is the MOST positive one of them all.

Dilligaf, I feel exactly the same way. I have learned so much from all of the wonderful gals and guys here. And I always look forward to seeing your posts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoneyMilk 

I only joined specktra in sept of 2011 so I haven't been here for that long but I have also noticed how sweet and helpful this community is. I've loved MAC for a long time but my routine was a basic 1 color eyeshadow (no primer...lol) eyeliner and mascara. Blending? Forget it. Thankfully in my high school years I had pretty great skin so I didn't look like a TOTAL hot mess.
Anyway, I joined because everyone seemed so darn sweet and helpful. I've loved watching how people have gone from "I can't wear that color it's not in my comfort range" to people rocking something they wouldn't have pre specktra. Myself included. Ive learned so much in the few months that I've been here including how to properly stalk a MAC collection
I'm going to get a smidge personal here... Without specktra and all of the confidence boosting, I'm not sure where I would be right now. I have suffered from major depression for a long time now (years). Sometimes it's impossible for me to get out of bed. Sometimes I can get out of bed but won't leave the house for weeks. It's terrible. Being here has helped me in that I wake up and say, "ok, just shower.... Now that you're showered try some new makeup out for fun... Now that you feel confident in your looks why not leave the house and do something productive?" Even if I'm tired and feel like crap I feel better knowing I don't look like complete hell. Haha. So yes, even if I don't respond much I do lurk and pick up techniques. Many of you have helped me.
As a side note about not being able to talk to friends about this, yes, most look at me like I'm crazy. DH and I were out on a double date and my BFF said she liked my nails. I said thanks and told her how I've been practicing and make my manicures look almost professional. She turned to her BF and said, "Aren't you glad I'm not like that?" So basically my poor sweet husband will sit down with me if I ask him to so I can show him my new products, but no one else. Apparently I'm vapid and materialistic.
Ok now I'm just rambling lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeachTwist 

 

I'm sorry.  I know how you feel.  I have in the past suffered from depression, now it's more just a constant mental exhaustion.  I have college, to cook and clean and look after my Mom/family due to her being unwell.  I don't have any friends I can share my love and excitement with.  I'm glad you don't let it get you down, though.  You're not vapid or materialistic.  You care about how you look and you've found some joy in something you didn't think you would.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with practicing - shame on her.  I'm glad your husband is so wonderful for you, you deserve it and I'm glad Specktra is here to help share your excitement of products with you.  :)

HoneyMilk and Peach Twist, thank you both so much for having the courage to talk about this. I have also struggled with this and some days continue to struggle with it. The important thing to remember is to reach out when the bad times come. It will be the last thing you want to do but having the support of people who care makes a great difference. Please feel free to IM me if you are having a bad day need a shoulder to lean on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by katred 

 

I've felt the same way. I might not be as tempted to purchase if I weren't here a lot, but I really enjoy the sense of camaraderie and the connections I have here. So I figure I'll just need to learn to keep my budget in check on my own. 

 

 

My response to that is always to say that all hobbies are in essence superficial wastes of time and money. People (myself included) play sports and video games, follow sports, collect stamps and coins and models, learn to cook really well, follow music, go to the gym... All of those things are strictly speaking unnecessary, but if you don't have things that you enjoy and that make you feel better about life, then what the heck are you doing?

 

No one is saying that makeup is more important than family or great friendships or scientific and medical advances or art, but it really annoys me when people deride a love of beauty as inconsequential. I hate to say it, but I feel like it's a sexist hold-over. Things that interest women- beauty, fashion, decor, etc. are dismissed as trivial. As you can tell, I've thought about this... probably too much. 

 

I love this place. That is all.

 Even if you don't understand the activity - if it makes them happy that's exactly why it's worth doing! I'm the lone ranger in my social circle when it comes to enjoying cosmetics. Every one of my girl friends has a makeup collection and/or everyday essentials, but my stash is massive by comparison. I spend a good $100-300 on cosmetics and beauty supplies per month (that's including the toiletries, too, but sometimes more if a MAC collection takes me head over wallet lol). While most of my friends think WTF, they also understand that it is a hobby of mine and I like to have fun with it. I've always loved art and enjoy the art of creating. Makeup IS art. It's a form of expression and even if it is image-based (conceited or not), it is a projection of ourselves using our bodies as a canvas!

I've been on Specktra for a good number of months now and I've never looked back! It's such a great honor to be included in this community of wonderful people saying positive, uplifting things and sharing a common tie.

What I love the most about makeup is that it's my "ME" time. It's a slot of the day just before going to work where I can collect myself, hunker down and just let loose. I earned my bachelors almost two years ago and I've had the same customer-service based position for nearly four years. My resume has been submitted over and over again and still here I am. Instead of being down on my luck (and I admit - I do have my vulnerable days) I always look forward to my FOTD! My makeup products give me inspiration and motivation to keep moving forward. I have to wear a uniform every work day, but I'll be damned if I wear the same FOTD two days in a row  that's the best part of the day for me: deciding what colors to wear!

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoneyMilk 

I only joined specktra in sept of 2011 so I haven't been here for that long but I have also noticed how sweet and helpful this community is. I've loved MAC for a long time but my routine was a basic 1 color eyeshadow (no primer...lol) eyeliner and mascara. Blending? Forget it. Thankfully in my high school years I had pretty great skin so I didn't look like a TOTAL hot mess.
Anyway, I joined because everyone seemed so darn sweet and helpful. I've loved watching how people have gone from "I can't wear that color it's not in my comfort range" to people rocking something they wouldn't have pre specktra. Myself included. Ive learned so much in the few months that I've been here including how to properly stalk a MAC collection
I'm going to get a smidge personal here... Without specktra and all of the confidence boosting, I'm not sure where I would be right now. I have suffered from major depression for a long time now (years). Sometimes it's impossible for me to get out of bed. Sometimes I can get out of bed but won't leave the house for weeks. It's terrible. Being here has helped me in that I wake up and say, "ok, just shower.... Now that you're showered try some new makeup out for fun... Now that you feel confident in your looks why not leave the house and do something productive?" Even if I'm tired and feel like crap I feel better knowing I don't look like complete hell. Haha. So yes, even if I don't respond much I do lurk and pick up techniques. Many of you have helped me.
As a side note about not being able to talk to friends about this, yes, most look at me like I'm crazy. DH and I were out on a double date and my BFF said she liked my nails. I said thanks and told her how I've been practicing and make my manicures look almost professional. She turned to her BF and said, "Aren't you glad I'm not like that?" So basically my poor sweet husband will sit down with me if I ask him to so I can show him my new products, but no one else. Apparently I'm vapid and materialistic.
Ok now I'm just rambling lol

That just breaks my heart that you have been so depressed and have no one to share your makeup love with. Your hubby sounds great. My fiance does the same thing. he is the first person i tell all the new collection news to, and i can share things with my mom, but none of my friends get it either. oh well. their loss.

So glad Spectra has helped you so much. Just goes to show you never know how you can be helping someone and no even know it. :)  Hugs!

It's great to read all of these stories here. I completely understand. I finished two degrees now and make barely more than I did when I just had my HS diploma, but I always look forward to coming here and seeing the great swatches and reading the discussions. It makes me feel better and more confident. My sweet fiance is great about listening when I ramble about the new products, and even bought my HS haul for me since it would be a few days til I got paid I feel so lucky to have all of you to talk to and a great fiance at home.