Rewind to May I had not long had my little girl and I was feeling quite overwhelmed looking around my bedroom and bathroom wondering how I managed to accumulate so many lotions and potions. It was clear to see that it had become a bit of a problem. I felt panic that so much money was wrapped up in things that I rarely used and would potentially be wasted. Money that could be spent on my new little baby or something much more valuable. I knew right there and then I had to admit my addiction for buying beauty products, it was a serious thing that needed to be changed. I kept passing off the reason for buying as it being ‘a hobby’ but seriously it had gone too far. Imagine all the money I could save if I didn’t cave at all the discounts popping up in my inbox or the next amazing product being raved about on Instagram!
When Does A Beauty Hobby Become A Beauty Addiction?
Hold your hands up if you love beauty products? Keep them up if you have far too many… I think so many of us can relate to this. Whether it be makeup, handbags or clothes, excessive consumerism has been a topic of conversation recently on many platforms. We are continually being saturated with new launches and irresistible offers but when does it become too much and you need to step back and reflect?
So, I made it my mission to have a thorough clear out of my stash. Throw away (sob) any products that were past their best, passing on any products that I wasn’t reaching for and being honest with myself about what I actually use. Friends and family benefitted; my mum certainly didn’t appreciate the £50 face creams I gave her but at least she will use them! There are also charities and beauty banks that will take them off your hands.
Once I had culled my ridiculously overflowing cupboards and drawers, I then wrote up a plan of action as to how I would keep on track, these steps have helped me massively when it comes to purchasing and I wanted to share!
Do I need it?
The answer to this is probably a no if you are anything like me! But it’s important to question yourself before you make a purchase. Do you actually need it? Do you have something else that you could use instead that performs the same or has the same purpose? If so then think twice before you buy.
Can I afford it?
This is where you have to be brutally honest with yourself. If you are constantly spending on credit cards, then this is not money! Of course, if you pay it back immediately and you aren’t racking up debt then that’s a more sensible approach, but I personally avoid using credit cards for beauty purchases. For the simple reason it can get out of hand. I now only spend with money I have available once all my priority payments have come out.
Is it right for me, will I use it?
Sometimes when things are hyped up or there are a lot of tempting offers around it is easy to be swept up into the madness of it all but it’s important to research whether the product is likely to suit your skin and needs. So often I have wanted the next best thing only to realise it really wasn’t a good match for me and gets shoved to the back of the cupboard till I finally decide to pass it on.
'It’s important to research whether the product is likely to suit your skin and needs.'
Delete marketing emails
The more things you sign up to the more you will get a steady stream of emails with discounts and new launches that will lure you into parting with your cash! Unsubscribe to them! You can always check their websites if and when you need to buy something. This has done wonders for me as my inbox isn’t bombarded and I haven’t been distracted by tempting offers.
Write a wish list!
Despite not purchasing regularly I keep a list of anything that has caught my eye, I regularly go through it and a lot of the time I am removing things off that after research no longer appeals to me. I am then left with products I still like the look of, and I refer back to it when I am ready to purchase something new.
Shop your stash
This is one of my favourite things to do, if I start to get bored or want to use something new, I simply go through the selection of products I already have. God knows I have enough to choose from! This prevents me from purchasing anything as I realise, I have plenty already.
1 empty 1 newbie
This is a system which was created by a lady on Instagram and has since become a popular hashtag. Essentially this is about only opening a new product when another one is empty. That way you avoid having lots of the same kind of product open which minimises waste and ultimately reduces unnecessary spending.
There will always be another sale!
Something I’ve struggled with is resisting a good bargain! That feeling of ‘what if I miss out and they never have another sale like it again’! Which is never the case, there is always another sale. Just hold out and purchase when you actually need it.
Cohorted May Wellness Beauty Box
Subscribe to a beauty box
If you really enjoying trying new products and that is what tempts you into spending, then perhaps subscribe to a varied beauty box like Cohorted and allow that to be your monthly treat! That way you can look forward to it arriving and trying a new selection of products whilst keeping your spending under control!
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