At the end of June, I made a promise to my nesting partner that I wouldn't shop new beauty products for the time being/rest of the year. I hate to admit, but the last year (or two) I've been quite spendy with my beauty purchases. One could say I have an expensive taste. I say - quality costs. But now when I'm making this challenge official, I better stick to it. In this post series I gather my thoughts and document my journey from regular beauty shopper to a more savvy consumer. In the future I'm also sharing my thoughts about endless shopping most of us beauty addicts are guilty of.
My background
Since I was a kid, I've been very stingy with my money. I would still like to consider myself as such. I like being frugal when it comes to everyday things and while shopping for beauty I always look for the best price and utilise sales. Still, the reality is I'm very into high-end and luxury makeup, skincare and brushes, but in fact I'm a student who only works part-time. My key to my consumerism has been extra work shifts, being stingy with other things and occasionally temporary borrowing from my partner (yes, I'm embarrassed to admit, but hey we're all friends here)
Reasoning for the challenge
- I need to re-prioritise how I use my money
- Become more critical about deals, sales and new releases
- Stop hoarding backups
- Actually use my stuff before they expire
- Learn to respect and enjoy what I have
- Take care of my debts and save for the rainy day
Social media temptations
Most of my in real life friends aren't very into makeup or skincare, they tend to roll their eyes if I start my beauty babble or gasp for air if I admit how much my foundation costs. I am grateful I've found other beauty addicts and cosmetic nerds online, especially because not only I've learned a lot, but also because I've met most amazing personalities who I am privileged to call friends.
Still, regular using of Instagram, blogs, Youtube and other social media keeps me more than up-to-date with latest makeup and skincare releases, which also increases temptations for shopping. I don't think I can decrease the amount of time I spend online, but from now on I try to keep my head cool and let the others enjoy the latest releases: I don't need to get what everyone else does. There is no item "I can't live without" (believe it or not). If I have to, I make an imaginary wish list for my favorite web shops for the future. What I will do is unsubscribe from newsletters and do not open mails that promote new releases or even worse - sales. I'm mentally preparing for Black Friday in the hopes of ignoring any tempting deals.
Some Exceptions and rules
If I run out of an essential skincare item I promise to myself to thoroughly dig my cabinets, backup drawers or use up samples first. Over the months/years I've accumulated a fair amount items I've been recommended or plain backups of my skincare items during sales. My makeup drawers aren't overflowing, but I'm certainly more than well-equipped than the average person. Also, I'm trying to not buy any makeup during the rest of the year.
If I run out or loose something essential I'm allowed to purchase one (1) replacement from an affordable source. No backups, no trying new high end stuff. I promise to myself to be strict what I consider an essential: If I run out of something I love, but I have a similar item from the same category, I need to use up my existing stash first. For example, I'm pretty afraid I run out of my favorite foundation. However, if I have others to use up I'm not allowed to any re-purchases before the challenge has ended. Once more:
Non-essentials:
- backups
- sales / deals / discounts
- limited editions
- eye cream (use something else)
- body stuff
Real essentials:
- makeup removing cleanser
- sunscreen
- mascara
- under eye concealer
What's to come
Now what happens to the blog? No worries! I still have a tons of items to review.. my cabinets are not overflowing after my clear out some time ago, but they're still very "well equipped". I am also posting updates what I've learned about this "no buy" - I already had to cut this post in two as I started to rant about consumerism, luxury marketing and so on. I'm also having other post ideas, but if you have any requests please feel free to leave them in comments below! Feel free to participate in the challenge, also all moral support is welcome! Haha.
