I’ve been making an attempt to buy less makeup for a while now, and to be fair it’s gone well. My spending habits were atrocious back in 2016/7, as I felt like I had to have every new release. I would justify all of my purchases with: ‘It’s for the blog’, as I bought more and more stuff. Which ultimately didn’t even end up making the blog, or the gram for that matter.
Now that I have slowed down with new purchases I feel like it shows in my content. Instead of hauls I’m posting more empties, and thats due to the fact I’m not buying anything. It’s been a gradual change, but it’s happening.
I’ve wanted to document it on here for a while now, but I’ve never known what to call it. Don’t buy as much, and use what you have; isn’t the catchiest title. In the end I settled on My Beauty Low Buy.
The Options
When I first started to think about which route I should go down, two other options came to mind.
Project Pan: I like to rotate what I use, instead of focusing on a few products at a time. It feels like a waste to only use a few products when there’s more in the draw.
No Buy: It’s too restricting and seems more like a quick fix than actually changing my spending habits long term.
The Rules
As much as I don’t want to be strict with myself there has to be some rules.
No Impulse Buying: In the past whenever I’ve bought something on a whim, the product tends to go unloved. As I haven’t had long enough to really think about whether or not I would use it.
Replacements Don’t Count: I’m currently running out of my favourite Too Faced Born This Way Foundation, and you can bet that I’ll be repurchasing it ASAP.
One in, One Out For: I’ve got to a point now where I don’t need that new highlighter because I probably have one just like it already. Plus I only have one face, I don’t need all of these products.
If I REALLY like something and see it being incorporated into my routine then go ahead: Well that’s a long one, isn’t it? If I see a new release that I know I’ll love and use then I don’t see the harm of buying it.
Final Thoughts
My main goal is to reduce what comes into my collection, and I am very much enjoying using what I have. I really hope that I can use a few products up, especially something like a highlighter or bronzer.
Having a large collection means I’ve had products go bad that obviously need decluttering which is a waste. It’s a real eye opener and one of the main reasons for starting this low buy.
There we have it. That is my My Beauty Low Buy.
Have you ever tried a low buy or something similar?
Thank you for reading!
I would definitely struggle like crazy on a no-buy. At the start of the year I wanted to do pan project too but SO MANY GOOD THINGS KEPT APPEARING, I kept buying new things especially foundations! I’m doing good on eyeshadow and bronzer though 😉
Yeah a no buy seems way too strict! There have been so many great releases haven’t there?! The amount of foundations that dropped was crazy! haha, at least that’s two areas!xx
I definitely think this is a good idea! You’ll get way more use out of what you have and what you love, instead of replacing them with items you may not be too sure about. Good idea girl xx
Amber | http://www.amberatlanta.blogspot.co.uk
I’m so glad you think so! That is so true, it can be so easy to get swept up with new releases, but it’s a shame when you already have so many things. Thank you so much!xx
Over the last few years, I’ve definitely been buying less and get great satisfaction out of actually finishing products. I take my time to decide which new releases I really want and tend to focus more on skincare than makeup these days x
Beautylymin
It’s a great feeling to use something up isn’t it? It’s definitely much better to take your time and think about it rather than just rush in, as those products definitely don’t get as much love. I need to do the same and start focusing on skincare, it’s so important xx
This sounds like such a great idea! I agree that I’ve always found project pan a bit restrictive because then all my other products would go unloved, and a no buy is totally impossible and I’d probably just end up getting fustrated with it! I think I’ll be joining in with this idea, and I can’t wait to hear how you get on! x
Erin
Thank you, I’m so glad you think so! It’s so true isn’t it? It’s so hard to be too restrictive with it. I hope it goes well for you too!xx
I found this really hard when I tried to do a no-buy, but I have really been focusing on using up products that are almost finished and have been doing a bit of a project pan. It’s so satisfying when you do finish a product, especially if its something you have had for a long time. And it helps you to realise that you don’t need to buy any new products unless you really, REALLY, love them!
Yeah I can imagine a no buy is too strict and restrictive. It’s great to focus on those products and get them used up, it’s a great feeling to get products done with. That is so true xx
This is really good advice, I was similar to you. Often buying things for the sake of buying. Since lockdown I haven’t brought a dingle make up item (or worn it lol).
Thanks for sharing!
I am so glad you think so! It was so easy to get swept up with new releases. It’s nice to have that break. It’s no problem, thank you for stopping by xx
This is a good way to lower the amount of products you buy. I hardly ever actually finish a whole beauty product x
I am so glad you think so! It’s so hard, you get so much product that they actually last a really long time xx
This is such a good idea! I used to be the same when I first started blogging, I’d be buying things just for the sake of it. I ended up chucking so much, it’s kinda ridiculous haha! But now I’ve got a much smaller collection and before lockdown, I was getting use of pretty much everything! xx
Laura | Blush and Bronze
I am so glad you think so! Yeah, blogging was not good for the bank balance haha. It really opens your eyes doesn’t it? That’s good to hear!xx
Great post! This is a really good idea! Recently I’ve been limiting how much makeup I buy.
Thank you so much! I hope it’s been going well for you xx
Sounds like a really great idea to reduce your spending and save money! Best of luck with your beauty low buy! I rarely buy make up like I literally can’t remember the last time I purchased any make up!
I am so glad you think so! Thank you, so much. Ah no way!!xx
I’m honestly doing exactly the same as you are! Restocks I’ll allow, so if I’m running out of foundation or concealer I will make sure I get one before it’s gone. Doesn’t have to be the same, though. I’ve been decluttering like crazy which also helps you to realise you have a lot of makeup going to waste, and after decluttering there’s probably still quite a lot of makeup left. The thing is though, I’ve noticed that I’m compensating what I save with not buying makeup, on skin care! I’ve been using up a lot of my products lately so I’m not feeling too guilty, but I guess you go through those a lot quicker than a highlighter or a blush.
Good luck with the low buy! Sounds like you’re already nailing it 😉
Love, Charline | Charline Has a Blog
I hope yours is going well too! Yeah a restock is a must, especially if it’s a favourite product. I know, what you mean sometimes it’s nice to try something else. That is so true! Ah no way! It’s always a nice feeling to actually use something up, I know powder products feel like they last forever haha! Thank you so much!xx
It feels so good to use something up! I love that you are doing low buy!
Amber – The Unpredicred Page
It really does! Thank you so much xx
I’m trying to do a similar thing st the moment – use up products and not buy anything until i need to 🙂
I hope it goes well for you!xx
Love this idea, and the rules you set out for yourself. I’ve been trying to restrict my beauty buying and so far it’s gone well. It’s amazing the amount of money you save when you stick with one or two foundations, haha!
Anika
Thank you, I’m so glad you think so! I’m glad it’s going well for you. That is so true xx
I have been pretty good the last few years because I have stopped wearing make-up. In that I don’t wear a full face of make up unless its a special occasion (even then I don’t wear foundation). Also I have hardly worn any since lockdown so that has also helped save a few penny’s! Great idea though and good luck with it hun! xx
That’s a good way of cutting down haha! Yeah lockdown has been a great way of cutting down that’s for sure. Thank you xx
I love this! I definitely need to implement a ‘no buy’ month or just in general – I see something and automatically make an excuse that I need to buy it, hahah!
Thank you! It’s definitely a great way of cutting down and saving some money. I know what you mean, especially when there are so many great releases xx
omg girl, I’m on the same exact boat. I bought so many products, that I’ve been mainly working on using what I currently have! I’m rotating my palettes, so they all get some love. That way I don’t get bored of forcing myself to use up only one product. I feel like since i’ve slowed down my buying by a lot, I’m using up a lot of my products (especially skincare, cause of quarantine). Great post Han xxx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
It’s definitely better to rotate them isn’t it rather than just focus on one, to make sure everything gets used. Glad you’re getting use out of your products now. Thank you so much!xx
That’s really great that you recognized this and have been striving for a change. I try to discipline myself by not using a new product until I use up the old product. I also limit the space I’m willing to store things so it helps me to control my products. For example, I only have a limited number of hangers so if I want to buy something new then I HAVE to get rid of something I already have. When I shop I won’t take a basket or cart so I only buy what I can carry in my hands. 🤣
This is something I need to start doing. I’m very much a creature of habit and use the same products everyday. Thankyou for sharing☺️💛