I'm thinking of going on a no buy for the rest of the summer - most likely until September. I've never successfully completed one before and I'm doing so-so on my low buy currently. But I'd like to challenge myself to see if I can do it.
Have any of you successfully completed a no-buy? What was the hardest thing? What's your best tip? Thanks in advance for your advice
I spent many years not buying makeup. There were a few things that stand out to me that I did then vs. today, where I buy MAC, but also don't buy from any other brands, except once in a blue moon, when there's something beyond unique and amazing.
First off, back then, I did NOT follow makeup news and upcoming collection info. It was easier not to, since the internet wasn't around or hadn't yet become a place with lots of blogs and sites that released press photos, etc. When you have no idea what the latest and greatest is, it's a lot easier to not be thinking about it.
Then, I was more limited as to what colors I felt worked for me and didn't. Like, for years I didn't believe I looked good in coral anything, lipstick or blush. I also thought neutrals were boring. I wouldn't even consider buying something, or even trying it on, if it went against my pre-determined expectations, so that kept me in check.
I didn't wear makeup that often over that time, so on top of all the rest, I wasn't using it and what I had was tucked away in a box and didn't come out much, so again, wasn't thinking about it as much overall.
Back then and also today too: I REFUSE to buy things I haven't seen in person first. That makes my shopping a lot more controlled. I go to my local MAC store, where I have friends and know everyone. I get fantastic service and have fun while I shop. I don't go to Ulta or Sephora or stop and look around in the department store makeup departments, so i just don't see all the latest and greatest. Plus, I'm rather against the price point on the designer makeup, where you are paying for the packaging, so that holds me off frequently. The only designer brand that lures me in is Armani, and that's because that brand REALLY innovates technologically, and I appreciate that. You are definitely paying for quality, innovative product there, so it justifies the price more for me.
Finally, I've been very lucky to be involved in the arts in my work over the years and have always had multiple creative outlets in my life, so makeup has only been one of many interests where I get to use my artistic drives.
I think it'd be much easier to go full no-buy if you stopped paying all attention to the news, stopped looking at sites and stores where all the makeup is for sale and most importantly, find new fun artistic hobbies like drawing, painting, needle-crafts, music, you name it! You can do all of those things for very little cost and getting one's love for color, texture and beauty expressed to the world is what's really satisfying about makeup in the first place. Lots of other ways to accomplish that same thing if you just go for it and don't worry about being "good at it". It's all about having fun and expressing yourself!
Good luck!
, and staying away from beauty emails. I unsubscribed to all of them last night. I'm also going to limit my YouTube watching and not watch hauls. Those are a big enabler for me. At the end, I'm going to allow myself to spend $200 at Sephora/MAC/wherever. I think I can do this!! If anyone wants to join me you're more than welcome to
