How To Stop Buying Makeup - Tips To Buy Less Makeup

[@hummingbird4335]

It helps to remember that many influences get these products free of charge. While we spend hundreds (and thousands) of dollars overtime, they are displaying stuff they paid $0 for.

[@KirstyKirby]

Indeed they do, and much smaller 'influencers' than you might think. I get offered free stuff pretty much every week in exchange for featuring on my blog or in a video, but I wont feature anything that I haven't/wouldn't go out and buy myself so I turn it down, but I can imagine a lot of people just accept it.

[@lagerthathorkildsdottir9074]

One really good advice from me. Stop watching brainless KZbin “beauty gurus/influencers” pushing products they get paid to advertise.

[@KirstyKirby]

Ha ha there’s definitely some truth in that! X

[@ItsNatashaFFS]

Some are good but some... Oh heck no. A guru said yesterday one one of their reviews "this foundation has SPF, which means you don't need to use SPF underneath your makeup"...... What? I was shook.

[@totoro888]

@@KirstyKirby some truth? that's huge truth. that's the main selling point for companies. and that's the main reason everyone is freaking addicted to buying makeup

[@KirstyKirby]

@@totoro888 I don’t see why you need to be funny with me here 🤷‍♀️

[@michellej5517]

Agree with everyone else, great tips. It’s so refreshing to have someone on youtube giving advice about controlling our consumerism. Thank you so much for taking the time to encourage us to rethink our spending. X

[@KirstyKirby]

Michelle J Hi Michelle! I never used to buy so much makeup but got into KZbin and all the beauty videos and quickly started to feel overwhelmed and almost addicted. I don’t think buying makeup (or anything else for that matter) is inherently bad but when it’s out of hand its just not good. Doing a no buy has really made me question a lot of my spending, for example with clothing I now buy less but potentially don’t spend less - rather than having lots and lots, I just want to have things I LOVE and will wear until they almost fall apart, the cost (to a certain extent) matters less. Better to have just a few things you love and use/wear than to have cupboards full of what is just clutter essentially xx

[@MsOrangeSoul]

I did an inventory of my make up and I now know I have enough to last me thru next year. So I will be doing my best attempt to do a no buy in 2020

[@KirstyKirby]

Good luck with it! It gets easier the longer you resist spending x

[@-1lovethesea]

You can free your mind now. You are a free woman now.

[@karishmashanu9044]

Good luck!

[@lifeofmermaidlelie]

My inventory helped me so much.

[@raqueljimenez8137]

I know this video is from a while ago, but when I have slips from my no buy and/or urges to buy something I don't need nor unique to my collection, I come back to this video

[@KirstyKirby]

Awww bless you Raquel, I’m so pleased to help!

[@knmplans]

One very small thing I’ve discovered helps is being brand loyal. We all have our favorite products and there’s something to be said for the “if it’s not broke don’t fix it” mentality. Now instead of buying whatever new lip gloss I see PLUS my old favorite. Now I just buy the old favorite and I’m actually happier for it.

[@KirstyKirby]

I understand what you mean, but I’d probably say be product loyal, rather than brand loyal. Too many people I’ve spoken to are ‘brand loyal’ and feel they want to buy everything they release to support the brand. This is crazy! But like you say, if you have a product you really like, it’s unlikely whatever new similar product will be loads better.

[@knmplans]

@@KirstyKirby I think it can work both ways. Cause you're right, there are some people who really won't be able to say no to a full launch. For me, I can walk away. Right now I just really like Hourglass and YSL. HG doesn't have a massive line or do huge releases so that helps. And I agree, that's exactly what I'm doing when I buy something new. I'm comparing it to a favorite product and if I've used and rebought that product for a decade, then odds are not much will top it!

[@KirstyKirby]

knm_plans yes I understood what you meant completely. If you like a product, stick with what works. I just mean I wouldn’t encourage someone to be brand loyal - I used to speak to a lot of people on here who wanted to ‘support’ Makeup Revolution. They would buy every release and want to have the entire collection. Maybe that was ok a few years ago when they only had a smaller line, but these days they release something new almost every week, if not daily. Someone I spoke to had gotten themselves into an awful lot of debt wanting to be ‘brand loyal’ to makeup revolution - it wasn’t a criticism of your comments just explaining why I wouldn’t encourage being brand loyal, but more product loyal x

[@knmplans]

Kirsty Kirby I didn’t view it as a criticism! I agree because I for sure buy from more than one brand. But just reducing the brands I buy from helps. It is tough when brands release things constantly or have big LE collections. So I agree there, being product loyal helps as well. For me personally, knowing I don’t buy from X brand helps me avoid an impulse purchase. But what works for one is not going to work for another! As you say there are some who will interpret loyalty as owning an entire line, so such a blanket strategy backfires. 😢

[@KirstyKirby]

That’s good then, it’s hard when speaking online sometimes. I don’t always interpret comments with the tone that was intended, and I’m sure that people sometimes read me wrong too xx

[@flovd2581]

Hi love, I've been doing project pans for 5 years now and it's very helpful as you use up things you have in your collection. I also write on a notebook every makeup item I buy, so I see where my money goes. I really managed to downsize my collection and to save money. I also do a monthly inventory and a weekly rotation, so I don't have anything that stays at the bottom of any drawer, I change my makeup drawer according to a list. I started doing this in 2016 because I had to throw away things that were not half used and it made me mad to have the impression to lose money. Great video, thank you for the tips, I'm a new subscriber 👏👏👏👍👍👍👍🥰🥰

[@newnana9070]

I decluttered after I had to move things when I got new carpet. I just threw out a lot of stuff. I haven’t purchased anything since!🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾. I own lots of eye shadow pallets. I don’t plan any new buys.

[@KirstyKirby]

Hi all, Hope you are having a great Monday! Fingers crossed some of these tips might come in helpful for those of you wanting to buy less! xx

[@gabrielledegroot4364]

Thank you for this message, it is a really cringe worth sight to see KZbin Beauty Gurus swimming in mounds of unopened plastic bottles and compacts.

[@KirstyKirby]

I just got completely sucked in to it all a few years ago. When I began looking for storage options so I could have more I thought what on earth am I doing? I was so far from my actual values. I knew something had to change. I’m currently working through a lot of what I previously purchased and looking forward to having a much smaller more curated makeup collection. Preferably one that isn’t drawers and drawers full! X

[@jrebecca0195]

I am so glad I came across this video - I needed a reality check! Thank you for making this video, Kirsty!

[@KirstyKirby]

You are welcome, glad you enjoyed it x

[@EostaraScot]

If I may add the following: - Weigh your makeup collection, either the entire collection or just the stuff that you don't like or that doesn't work for you. It is a quick way to get a wake-up call when you realize how many pounds or even kilograms you have to part with. For me, that shock was very painful and helpful. - Declutter on an "as you go basis": whenever you come across a product while using it, that does not work and you have given it a certain amount of "I'll make it work" tries, give it away. That way you'll know what works for you and you will enjoy your makeup collection much more than being overwhelmed by a number of products that you don't use anyway, because they don't work for you. - Exchange with girlfriends, colleagues and family. And yes, you can do that with used products even during a pandemic. You just have to sanitize everything thoroughly with alcohol (The type you can purchase in pharmacies).

[@everythingellie9228]

I have gone through all my stash and given away probably almost half my collection; we moved into a 44 ft toy hauler rv that is just a bit less than 400 sq ft, so I just dont have the room! I am hoping to start a no buy year for makeup, clothing, and housewares in 2020 and see how long I can go without spending on anything new. Right now we are getting a few things for the rv, but by Jan we gotta be done and put every extra penny I would have spent on frivolous things to paying off our new home!

[@KirstyKirby]

I’ve let lots go too, it was just ridiculous to keep it all in the hope of using it up. Would have taken forever! I’ve barely bought any for 18 months now and I’m still using the stuff I kept up, including stuff I’m not that in love with 🤦‍♀️ Positive of that is whenever I see something I think of how annoying it’s been using stuff up and I just move on. I’ve barely bought any clothes for over a year now and it’s been enlightening too! Fingers crossed I’ll be buying the house I’m currently living in soon and one of my plans is to regularly overpay the mortgage. The prospect of being mortgage free really appeals to me, so much so it would definitely curb my spending!!! X

[@juliamohammed3272]

This was soooooo helpful, this is my most difficult area to no buy in, but your rationalization to talking myself out of it was amazing. Thank you for this♥️

[@KirstyKirby]

I’m so pleased it was helpful Julia! I really overspent in this area a few years ago and these things are how i genuinely stopped buying. X

[@jitkac.6528]

Great video, thank you. I've realized that the last couple months my purchases spinned out of control and I don't really need any new blushes, highlighters, lipsticks etc. I have more than enough to last me couple years or even longer. So I decided to stick to what I already have and purchase only if I run out of a certain product like foundation or mascara, skincare included. I don't want to feel like being in Sephora when I'm choosing products to use for the day.

[@KirstyKirby]

It’s crazy how quickly you can fall into buying so much, especially when you see all the ‘gurus’ showing off the new releases. But I’m with you, I’m using things up and whereas previously I dreamed of having a room like the beauty gurus, full of products, now I’m looking forward to curating a much smaller collection that truly works for me, otherwise it’s just collecting dust! X

[@flamingowilliams9664]

I've just calculated how much I've spent on make up, then compared it to the price of my everyday face. Shocked me into doing 18 month no buy.

[@KirstyKirby]

Its really quite sobering isn't it? I made a point of starting to work through everything already open and I have bought almost no makeup in the last few years! Things take so long to use up and I'm so glad I hit a wall and woke up to my crazy spending.

[@flamingowilliams9664]

@@KirstyKirby absolutely! Im doing the same thing. Do you think calculating yours would be a good video idea? It may feel too vulnerable to give an exact number, but maybe you could give it another quantification e.g. a Holiday to Spain, 2 new washing machines, a new Xbox etc.

[@KirstyKirby]

@@flamingowilliams9664 You know its been so long I wouldn't be able to I don't think. I gave a lot away to friends and family, sold a lot etc and to be honest I don't think I could even recall how much it was. I have no doubt it was a truly disgusting amount though! Easy would have covered a very nice holiday. I used to do makeup content on here, so I would justify a lot of the spending at the time, but it was ridiculous.

[@wels3369]

True. I totally agree with you. I do have a lot of unused beauty products. Need to go through what I already have before buying more.

[@KirstyKirby]

It takes so long! I’m still shocked every day that I’m still working through things despite not buying anything for ages x

[@lindseylee251]

this is the best video ever!! I need to download this and listen to this EVERY TIME I want to make a silly decision...

[@KirstyKirby]

We all make em Lindsey! I sure did! Key is to not keep making them 😉

[@lizet4088]

Thank you for the tips. I will be doing a no buy this new year.

[@KirstyKirby]

Good luck with your no buy xx

[@ktrudy1]

Me too

[@ladykadiijha]

Thank you for making this video. Can you do a part 2 ? Much appreciated

[@KirstyKirby]

I'm hoping to make more videos soon :)

[@Eva-wr9by]

Great advice! I am so glad i found you!

[@KirstyKirby]

So glad you enjoyed it Eva! Xx

[@angeladesilva5256]

I’m loving your channel and I love your purple shirt too!! I have a shopping addiction especially with makeup and skincare am addicted to Boxycharm and Ipsy subscription boxes.

[@KirstyKirby]

Thanks Angela! It’s super old, Karen Millen from about 7 years ago I think! I used to be terrible with makeup after falling down the KZbin beauty rabbit hole. Have sort of gone the other way now, still love these things but try to buy carefully and only buy things I really want.

[@rashaa1611]

Very helpful and true 100% I will try to follow these tips

[@KirstyKirby]

You’re welcome! Xx

[@Techyladygogo]

I spent too much money buying makeup online during quarantine :(

[@KirstyKirby]

Oh no! Are you in a country where you are able to return some?

[@Techyladygogo]

@@KirstyKirby Nope I can't return. I can only return if products has faults, bad, or broken.. But I'm happy on what i have ordered. But I have to stop buying now, and pay off my credit card(s) Thanks for your tips in the video. I think people buy more when they are in stressful situation or bored too.

[@KirstyKirby]

@@Techyladygogo oh thats a shame, Im the same being in the UK too, I think i would be terrible at picking more up if I could return like in the US. That said I think its great that youve recognised it - I always think thats the first and possibly the most important thing when trying to buy less. I know what you mean people seem to be either shopping or buying absolutely nothing - I'm of the latter right now, but i think theres no real right or wrong right now, its a strange time x

[@justynawisniewska1213]

I'd also say that it's good to find more affordable dupes for your staples especially items that you go through quickly. I'd give brow whiz as an example, there are sooo many dupes available there is no reason to keep rebuying the high end option. I even found a more affordable dupe than I used before. Even though the one I used to buy was already pretty cheap, the savings add up when I go through 3-5 of those on a yearly basis.

[@KirstyKirby]

I’m not saying all ‘dupes’ are bad, and in all honesty I think the word dupe is overused in the beauty community especially on KZbin. Personally there are items where I feel a cheaper product is more than good enough for my needs and other cases where I feel the premium product is worth the money. Eyeshadow palettes are my biggest bugbear especially brands that have built their business on creating dupes. Many I’ve found are just straight up bad in comparison to the real deal.

[@justynawisniewska1213]

Yeah well I agree, just thought the word dupe would resonate with more people. By dupe I just meant a cheaper version of something you like that performs similarly. Palette rip offs that underperform badly is such a pet peeve of mine too haha. I want to cave in finally and get myself a nice neutral mid-range palette at last. Cheap eyeshadow is still not that great unfortunately.

[@KirstyKirby]

Sorry just realised my previous comment might have come across as having a go at you. I meant that the word dupe is over used by the beauty community (not you) as every product that ever is released, there’s always this ‘its a dupe for this or that’ etc etc. Often it’s just a mascara or a concealer that’s cheaper - doesn’t mean it’s a dupe for anything lol! X

[@justynawisniewska1213]

@@KirstyKirbyI totally got what you meant, no need to worry ;)

[@salimas7979]

Great tips! Thx for sharing them.

[@KirstyKirby]

Thanks for watching

[@sofreader]

I think my problem are the eyeshadow, the colors and all that,but i have seen some videos about shop my stash,and i study the color scheme before i buy it cause if i search in other palettes i can find the same color scheme. With foundation i sent some a while ago cause i save dry skin and took me a while to find the perfect foundation,powder and other basic stuff for my skin,so now i have some foundations that dont work out for my skin and i dont know what to do with it.but that goal thing u’re wright, i have been having some goals for the future and i have been spending less on makeup👍🏻💙💚

[@KirstyKirby]

Foundation is a tough one as it can take a while to find the one that works for you. You could always mix a little with a moisturiser to give you a bit of a tinted moisturiser for days when you want to wear a lighter base. Xx

[@Angelfa1ry]

I also have same problem with eyeshadow palettes. I dont have excessive foundation, highlighters bronzer but only excessive palettes. But I'm trying to make sure I Google the images, videos of swatches of the tempting palettes and go through my stash to help cross it off the wishlist! Thx for the tips

[@GonzGirlDeni]

These are great tips thanks

[@KirstyKirby]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it 😊 xx

[@annabels9952]

Great video ❤

[@KirstyKirby]

Thank you for watching!

[@INTELLIGENCE_Revolution]

Will your makeup looks amazing 🙌

[@KirstyKirby]

That’s very sweet of you to say! X

[@-1lovethesea]

makeup high price in my country is enough deterrent to stop buying them.

[@m.9512]

Mood

[@SirParcifal]

a lot of beauty gurus have deterred me... I won't say their names, however with all their drag queen high school drama, they have saved me hundreds of dollars just with their lack of professionalism, regardless if the makeup is truly good or not.

[@justynawisniewska1213]

There's so much inexpensive and good makeup around where I live it's hard to resist. And drugstores sometimes have a 55%sale on all makeup on top of that. Hard to resist picking up plenty of things to try out at that time not going to lie.

[@julespearson]

Interesting. I'm just starting to think about this. I spend a lot of money on makeup and probably have enough to last me a lifetime. I chucked out 5 foundations yesterday because they had gone off. Mainly I want to stop/reduce buying stuff so I can use the things I have and like! I find I buy a palette, love it and use it for a wee or 2 then buy the next one. I might not like the new one as much but feel I have to buy it, then I get the next one and the cycle continues. All the while I am thinking about the palette I got 3 palettes ago...It isn't even the money for me it is feeling overwhelmed by stuff. I spend too much time and money trying to organise all this makeup. I actually even thought about turning a spare room into a beauty room... Will consider what 'rules' I am going to use - no buy/low buy or just actually having a budget that I stick to. Unsubscribing from certain KZbinrs will probably be key for me as there are already 2 eyeshadows palettes I've seen today that I want to buy! I feel like I need a support group, lol!

[@KirstyKirby]

You’re definitely not alone. The beauty community was sooooo big and beauty rooms seemed the norm, but I’m definitely speaking to a lot of people now who like us both thought this is crazy, what am I doing?!? When I started looking at buying storage so facilitate buying more I thought this is just too far, it has to stop. I’ve barely bought anything for almost two years and still have loads and loads. It’s madness. Xx

[@angeladesilva5256]

I’m right there with you!

[@homebodyheaven6114]

I use as little makeup as possible. My Mom had tons of makeup and thought she had to wear all different colors depending on what she wore. I only use a few of the same things every day-whatever looks best on my complexion. I use the same brushes always by just washing them when they need it.

[@swarnalisaha1816]

Great tips thanks for your support

[@KirstyKirby]

No problem 👍

[@TheEbruunal]

Great tips, thank you 😍

[@KirstyKirby]

You’re welcome! Xxx

[@Roanokem]

Weirdly enough I aready do this. What I didn't realize is that time flies so I still have lot of pallets that are a year or 2 I still use them.

[@KirstyKirby]

Oh absolutely this video of course won’t apply to everyone, but hopefully it will be helpful to some. X

[@MsMouthy]

I’m about to embark on a no buy. This is going to be hard. I want to get a few things before I start but I gotta be smart and get just what I really need. I have a modest collection, more than anyone needs for sure but I’m going to only repurchase what I run out of.

[@KirstyKirby]

It’s truly amazing how long it’s takes for most items to run out. This alone has helped me curb my spending for over 2 years now xx

[@trishastorm9813]

I have two daughters and one daughter in law I always pass items onto them. I struggle with impulse buys. I really would like to get this under control😩

[@patriciabilinkas3911]

When you see the money pile up in your acct. from not buying, it really helps you to stop.

[@lindapassos]

Hi Kirsty, I don't go out cause have no friends here so can't have that excuse, travelling only when going on holidays to see my friends and family and it's not every here cause very busy here in summer with the motorbike races, so no excuse there as well... I just started to buy less cause I got overwhelmed with so much launches at the same time... especially you know from who ;-) Guess I can thank them for that but don't think they will notice my absence =D Hahahahha But my love for makeup didn't die and now I'm more focused on high-end/luxury like we talk when you started your no buy and intend to buy a couple that are really really over the top and been years I want to do the splurge...but them I prefer to spend on makeup rather than in the pharmacy or something worst ;-) But great tips no doubt :-) xxx

[@KirstyKirby]

Yes I know what you mean, it is overwhelming. I’m finding much more enjoyment in just having a few things I love even if they are expensive than having a big collection that I can’t even use up in my lifetime! Oh and don’t feel down about going out, my friends live locally for the most part but they have kids so I don’t get to see them half as much as I’d like! Xx

[@lindapassos]

@@KirstyKirby Oh I don't feel down about going out or in this case not going out :-) I just need to do 2000km to go out with my friends cause here I just have co-workers and as your friends they have their own families :-) I wont use my current makeup collection in 10 lifetimes =D Hahahha Am I going to stop buying? Nop, just buying less ;-) xxx

[@MandyGood]

I have my makeup for 4 years now. I use Mac studio makeup. Not the cheap stuff but I don’t wear it a lot. I use very little. I spend days not wearing makeup.

[@zhangkai6093]

Also you can occasionally talk to your girlfriends and maybe you all can exchange all the products you don't want to use anymore. I often do this thing with my sis and it really saved a lot of money for me .

[@KirstyKirby]

Good idea - I actually just didn't want to own so much so I've sold items, given them away and most importantly stopped buying it in the first place when I have so much.

[@josielabord4778]

Thank you

[@fatimak6440]

I'm a bargain hunter and I swear EVERYTHING IS ALWAYS A GREAT DEAL. WHY does it always find me? I need help. I have no space.

[@MochaxMatcha]

"The best deal is no deal. No better price than no price" if a bargain always funds you, you can trust you'll find it when it's time to use it .

[@heatherpalmer]

I sell anything on eBay now if I haven’t use it.i put the money in PayPal and only spend that amount on any new stuff I’ve got so much it’s crazy the eyeshadow palettes are at least £50 each Huda Jeffree star it cosmetic and I love Charlotte Tilbury 😂😂 I do try to buy in the sales that helps

[@KirstyKirby]

I haven’t bought anything for almost two years now. I can’t justify having more when I couldn’t use what I have in years and years! Glad you’ve found a way to at least slow your spending x

[@heatherpalmer]

Kirsty Kirby trouble is everything is basically the same just in different packaging 🤣 and the more glitter and bling the more you want it. I never had this addiction till I joined the YT beauty community I only had one small draw of makeup and it was enough and maybe 12 lipsticks I still hate velour liquid lipstick 😫 I find it so drying. I sold off all my Jeffree star collection lucky enough it holds its value xx

[@mlw1700]

Only 30 eyeshadow palettes?

[@KirstyKirby]

Not sure what you’re trying to say? I had way over 30 palettes and for me at least that’s an insane amount. I still have about 20 even after giving loads away to friends and I cannot wait to have less (some will be sold on Depop shortly) obviously some people on KZbin have a ridiculous amount, especially those who receive pr, so if you are suggesting 30 palettes isn’t much in comparison then you are right but I bought all mine, such a waste of money in hindsight

[@LuxMeow]

Make up expires, then it becomes part of the art collection. lol

[@KirstyKirby]

Ha ha that’s one way of putting it!

[@Shimmerluxe]

I collect certain limited edition powder products that have gorgeous designs, like Chanel, Guerlain, and Dior compacts for instance..these I never plan to use, I just collect them to admire, like a sort of makeup museum if you will. But products that I buy that I DO plan on using get used..not as fast as I like but they do get used and if they go off they get tossed I am not putting expired makeup on my face ;)

[@LuxMeow]

@@Shimmerluxe Or can use them as paints (eye-shadows). lol

[@Shimmerluxe]

@@LuxMeow Truth!

[@SirParcifal]

How can us women bitch about a pink tax when the average women in the US spends over 3200 bucks one makeup???? I tracked my cosmetic purchases for this year (*which includes perfume and nail polish) and I spent less than 600 bucks!!!! and I had to get rid of some of the expired stuff and I only hit pan on one eyeshadow shade - not even the whole palette!!!! Imagine if we invested this money into the stock market, etc.

[@KirstyKirby]

I don’t think there’s as much as an uproar regarding the ‘pink tax’ in the U.K. so can’t really comment. I’m surprised that women in the US spend 3200 - is that per year? Tbh I’ve spent less than £65 this year on makeup and beauty products. Most of my money has been invested in high interest savings to go towards a house purchase in the near future.

[@SirParcifal]

@@KirstyKirby it's hyper consumerism along with conspicuous consumption + insecurities - in other words people have also unresolved psychological issues who are shopaholics - much like hoarders...

[@KirstyKirby]

Yes I understand the psychological reasons cited for excess shopping, I’m interested if the figure quoted was yearly average spend for US women. I don’t doubt your knowledge but am shocked if that is the yearly spend per woman. That’s an inordinate amount of money.

[@SirParcifal]

@@KirstyKirby nypost.com/2017/07/06/vanity-costs-american-women-nearly-a-quarter-of-a-million-dollars/

[@KirstyKirby]

SirParcifal really interesting thank you. I thought it was a figure for just cosmetics, makes more sense with it including gym membership, haircuts etc but still seems such a lot of money! I spent nowhere near that even when I was on my mad spending spree that I knew was just ridiculous!