MY PLAN FOR INTENTIONAL MAKEUP SPENDING IN 2021 // what my budget & no-buy taught me

[@SarahRoseBeauty]

Hey everyone! I made another survey for you to fill out if you have time (similar to last year if you remember)! It's mainly to gather any feedback you have for my channel and also just get to know you guys better. If you have a moment to fill it out I'd really appreciate it!

[@claudiaprandelli7141]

Done 😘😘 great video as always!!

[@pandacat4227]

i would definitely watch a “what came in this month/quarter”-type video similar to Lauren Mae’s. also some YT’ers i watch add that kind of thing to their empties videos, like what went out vs. what came in. that’s especially fun to watch from people with smaller collections who actually have to replace items as they use them up instead of having heaps of backups to fall back on :)

[@SarahRoseBeauty]

ooh that's a good idea too!

[@mockingbirdnightingale7169]

to follow up on that, another idea is putting more focus on what you (and by "you" I honestly mean everyone on youtube hahaha) actually spent on stuff rather than what the retail value is. Pretty much everyone I watch talks about the retail value of what they used up, or what they bought, and then say "but I didn't actually pay full price for most of this and some of it is free samples" --- but that's not really helpful. We're all getting free samples and finding things on sale. It would be so much more helpful to get an idea of what is actually being spent! (Unless you consider that private which is TOTALLY fair!) I keep very close track of what I actually spend on everything, retail value is utterly meaningless to me. I bet a lot of others would agree!

[@postitsandpens]

One thing I've noticed about most "waste-free" toothpastes is that they're fluoride free. I personally want fluoride in my toothpaste, which is why I've ultimately decided tubes are just the way for me to go. I went through a no buy in 2019 because my beauty spending was completely out of control, and have put myself on a budget for this year, but my philosophy is to use up what's currently in my collection and get it down to one product of each kind (excluding makeup). Backups were a HUGE issue for me, so I'm glad to get the extras out of my collection this year.

[@Pagan1123]

I had that same realization about drugstore overbuying. The 6 Elf/Nyx lippies = 1 higher priced product & less packaging/waste. I stopped buying drugstore because it is too easy. I pause and think before dropping 50 on a single lipstick but under 20... yeah, let's grab them all!

[@ingridmejia3922]

You sounded like my conscience, “you do NOT need another candle, Ingrid!” 😂😭😂

[@morethanafreak12]

Definitely would love to see monthly check-ins on how this is for you!

[@EarthlyBeauty]

I can relate to the phenomenon of buying more when its inexpensive. 90% of my collection is drugstore and I think the reason my collection has gotten to the massive size it is, is because it was so accessible and inexpensive to go to Walmart when I needed a dopamine rush and throw things into my cart without much thought, when I really didnt need ANY of it (already had plenty at home), probably why I've always steered clear of expensive makeup because I wouldn't have been able to have a larger makeup collection, but I have put a stop to it thankfully.

[@anne7058]

I think quarterly updates on what you bought yourself and what you got in pr is a good idea. Sometimes with pr, yt’ers will take products that they wouldn’t have bought bc maybe the pricepoint is too high or something, and you already know it’s not going to be worth it, but for the yt’er it’s still enticing to get bc it’s interesting or what not, but it doesn’t add anything for the viewer in my opinion. I don’t know if I’m explaining myself very well but what I’m trying to get at is for example the new bite mascara. Nobody would actually buy that (with that pricetag) but yt’ers still try it on their channels. I feel the same about ofra, none of the channels I watch have bought ofra products, they’re all pr.

[@ambergerhelper7852]

Sarah- I’m so proud of Georgia! 💙💙💙

[@margaretlovesmakeup6441]

I love the idea of monthly videos on what you bought and what you got in pr!

[@kerrid.979]

I totally relate to your shampoo example. I tried a no-buy at the beginning of last year, and I don't think I've ever been so excited to purchase things like deodorant and mouthwash, because it meant I could buy something.

[@sarahwalden178]

Depending on what your bar soaps are, you can use them to clean your makeup brushes and sponges. I use them as cleansers for my makeup tools and they work so well, They’re cheaper than specific soaps for makeup brushes, and it lets me use them up!

[@SarahRoseBeauty]

Yes! Dr. Bronners bar soaps are my fave for brush cleaning!

[@juliaw7515]

I‘d love to see a series on this topic. I enjoy being reminded of thinking about how I spend my money 🙂💕

[@GillenMeg]

I’m horrible with buying “replacements” even when I don’t really need them! And don’t get me started on the special aisles at Aldi, I’m pretty sure that’s where most of my money went in 2020 😂❤️

[@SarahRoseBeauty]

Those special aisles are the worst!!! I swear I could see the same exact stuff at a different grocery store, and not even give it a second glance 😂

[@alexandra109]

Agree 100% about being less intentional with my purchases when they are less expensive. I’m also trying to change this. I’ve been better about this in the last year. Unfortunately, along with this I found I was doing more impulsive purchases. (I thought I had lessened this in 2019 - so I guess 1 step forward, 1 step back?). In 2021, I’m going to try and do both. Less impulsive purchases and being intentional with my purchases.

[@creative_by_oksana]

This is totally random and very late, but if you feel up to it, I'd love a wardrobe update. I feel like I keep seeing you in really cute, cozy sweaters and I'm so curious 👌😅

[@itz_8030]

Such an honest video, I've been really loving all your videos! This is the kind of KZbin channel I had been looking for 👌🏼 conscious consumption and actually using the things you own 👏🏼

[@desi1790]

I really like a lot of what you’re talking about That dopamine hit is addictive I’m trying to do a low buy as well : only buy replacements

[@jordanpilant8730]

I love the monthly check in videos, like Lauren Mae Beauty’s! They’re probably my favorite type of video on KZbin because it’s so interesting to watch other people hold themselves accountable too/be able to learn from other peoples lessons!

[@MaryJoHeadrick]

YES to waste being pushed onto the consumer when it is the producers problem!!! One of my biggest pet peeves. as far as updates go, I would definitely like to see them! Maybe once a quarter?

[@SarahRoseBeauty]

Yes!! I think we can be way too hard on ourselves sometimes!

[@MaryJoHeadrick]

@@SarahRoseBeauty exactly!! And I think it's so important to share info about being a more conscious consumer but also to tell people that there's only so much that each of us can do, and that no one is perfect!! I think sometimes the zero waste/responsible consumer community can give off a very unforgiving/all or nothing vibe, and I think it's so important for everyone to do whatever little things they can bc going full on zero waste is not always practical (or let's face it, possible) for everyone.

[@sarahwalden178]

I love this idea-mindfulness without the strict rules that can make something you love unnecessarily stressful. I’m also trying to buy less this year, but I’m trying to do more shop my stash projects with fun themes to make it feel less like I’m giving something up and more like I’m diving into my collection in new and interesting ways. (This week’s theme was “my oldest ‘new’ products” so I chose products from each category that still felt new because I hadn’t used them enough to get a feel for them. So each day I do my makeup it feels like I’m testing new makeup and get that rush of learning new things, but it’s all stuff I bought already!) This type of mindful purchasing and using what you have content is what brought me to you channel, and I can’t wait to see more of it!

[@pennysportal]

I'm similar to you with E.L.F.--I love E.L.F. and how affordable a lot of their stuff is, but sometimes I'll want just like one thing for $3, but then I end up adding more things to my cart to get to the free shipping, and I also pick free gifts sometimes that I don't actually want or need. You brought up a lot of good things to keep in mind this year!

[@mockingbirdnightingale7169]

I totally agree with you on the expensive low-waste stuff. My strategy is to try to use products from local brands (basically, I live in a small country, so anything manufactured in my country counts as "local" as far as I'm concerned) because I think the total impact on the environment is going to be a lot less that way even if there is packaging involved. Also, I try to support woman-owned brands and brands that in my judgment don't treat women horrendously in advertising, etc. Which can be challenging.

[@petrasouth1133]

I love watching review videos because they help me to be a more conscious consumer. Seeing swatches, hearing how a product performs help me to decide if I need this product. Testing foundations and concealers and sharing that on your channel helps a lot. So maybe you buy more then you need, but I think it helps a lot of people to minimise their waste and save money.

[@SarahRoseBeauty]

That's a great point!! It can be tricky to balance but I do enjoy incorporating reviews into my channel so I will definitely continue doing them when it makes sense 🤗

[@countrycarousel9918]

In terms of waste, someone can't do everything but everyone can something. I've stopped with the candles as I just viewed them as wasteful. Have also heard that dentists don't always recommend the lower waste options for toothpaste as they don't always do the same job!

[@TaraLyz]

I’ve joined a couple of YT project pans to help motivate me on a makeup no-buy this year. My goal is to pan 2-3 eyeshadow palettes, 1 blush palette & 4 lip products before I can buy anything from those categories that are in either the same or a different formula than what I currently own. (I have a few brands I want to try formulas from as well as fave shades from current brands I love.) I’m expecting this to take me at least 2-3 years (other than maybe the lip products depending on how well my project pans where I’m panning lip products go) before I will be able to buy anything from these categories based on how I use up these products, especially eyeshadows since I usually only use two shades per look. I would love to see quarterly updates on your progress. That way it shouldn’t feel too overwhelming to update us on how you’re doing.

[@freckledklutz]

I totally agree on shipping as I would rather pay the shipping than buy things I don't want or need. It can hurt since that is in Canadian dollars but sometimes its means I don't buy the stuff at all or try and find it local if I can. And same with samples from Sephora unless there is something I want I am very much okay now to just get whatever it was I wanted to buy and nothing else. I think it will be cool to see your journey and see what kinds of new brands you find.

[@BelleStreetBoyz]

I love this! You are definitely one of the most mindful creators that I follow, and it's one of the things that I appreciate most about your channel. Thank you for sharing your goals with us, Sarah. 😊💜

[@mmmkk987]

I grew up in a house where we always bought backups of essentials like body wash, tooth paste, shampoo etc.. because they were a lot of people living in the house.. so I was never able to shake that mentality.. so now what I do is I only have one or two backups of something and I only buy extras if there's a really good deal on something.. by the way, I love that the sunscreen reviews are becoming a yearly thing 😂

[@philippaolson7854]

I really all of your content around mindful consumerism, check-in videos would be great!

[@angelapennington4724]

I am HORRIBLE with the free shipping thing. So, I decided that I will only add things to my cart to get the free shipping IF AND ONLY IF the amount is equal to shipping anyway. Example: If my cart has what I need/want and I'm only $5-$6(or shipping cost) away from the free shipping threshold, then I'll add something to meet the free shipping. If I'm $10-$20 away from the free shipping, then I MUST pay for shipping. It's one of my beauty goals for 2021. I also want to think about the purchase for at least a week before checking out. No more impulse buys for this girl in 2021. Plus, I'd really like to NOT hit Diamond at Ulta this year. Platinum is okay though. I spent enough in 2020 to hit Diamond twice over last year, which is ridiculous especially since I barely wore makeup all year since I'm now a stay-at-home mom.

[@SarahRoseBeauty]

I love all of those points! Especially waiting a while before checking out. I always feel like there's some sort of pressure to check out RIGHT AWAY when in reality, none of the items are going anywhere unless they're on clearance or something!!

[@marilynbeth5993]

I'm also terrible with it. Then, with Ulta, I feel like it's better to add stuff to my favorite list and then wait on it. Then, I can have a list of stuff I really want. It's better for me to wait a few days and decide.

[@jessicatang983]

Omg, paying for shipping pains me so much at that exact moment, but I really tried to do it last year when I just purchased one product but after several months of using that product, I am so glad I paid a few dollars for shipping instead of having to deal with panning another product that I didn't even need!

[@greenelephant6539]

Ulta gives you a couple sample sized things for your birthday... both were not cruelty free this year (and never have been, if I can recollect) and I have never picked up the items. Thanks for addressing that more isn't better, thinking through purchases can equal just as many good feelings as buying, and truly loving what you spend money on goes far further than the fleeting rush of purchasing.

[@LN0818]

Just filled out the survey! Going zero or less waste isn't easy and it really takes effort on our part. I've been on the receiving end of some weird looks in the grocery store (only produce in no packaging, bringing my own containers for the bulk bin, etc) but I do believe it starts on an individual level. For 2021, I'd like to replace the makeup products I finish with ones that come in recyclable or refillable packaging. I'm looking forward to the content you create this year!

[@beccahope]

I know that exact candle set you’re talking about because I bought! I have them in my little filming area so I am using them 😁 I love the thought process you have going into all of this ❤️

[@SarahRoseBeauty]

I still kinda wish I had bought it 🙈

[@beccahope]

@@SarahRoseBeauty you know Aldi will have something else that’s super cute next month! 😂 they are always tempting me with the “weird stuff aisle” (what my husband calls it)

[@greenelephant6539]

Eyeliner is a staple for me and I love two particular ones, one from Flower and one from NYX. I have anywhere from 4-6 colors at one time between the brands. Any time I use one up, I feel the need to rebuy that color. You've helped me realize that the reason I'm rebuying is solely a trip to Ulta- while I don't buy much there, I spend a ton of time browsing. I'm going to use up all of my current eyeliners (4) and only rebuy when I'm truly out. Thank you!!!

[@emilyruribe]

I recommend checking out Root Pretty! They're a small business based in Iowa with really good products that are all natural and they are also coming out with zero waste options! Their pretty balms are my favorite every day lippies!! Blushes are also beautiful!

[@SarahRoseBeauty]

I’ve heard good things but still haven’t tried anything!! I’ll add them to my list to check out :)

[@kendspan212]

Your sweater is such a beautiful color, it really compliments your skin tone!

[@ShanrellsStash]

One of my goals for my low buy this year is quality versus quantity. I like drug store makeup, but I’m going to try to be very picky this year which may mean buying something more expensive versus 5 cheap ones. Sounds like we have similar goals this year, although I did set a budget for myself this year.

[@amandaherrera3476]

Hi 🙋🏻‍♀️ I’m a new subscriber! I definitely have the same mindset when it comes to my spending habits in 2021 Great video and your eyeshadow look is gorgeous!

[@SarahRoseBeauty]

Thank you so much Amanda!!

[@amandajollylines]

A quarterly check-in sounds great! I'd love that sort of breakdown, and quarterly feels like a good amount of time to let some product accumulate (especially since you're not gunning for a huge collection). ALSO, regarding not-wanting-to-buy-things-for-review - I'm GOOD with this. There are some people on here I watch because they're sent eeeverything, and that info is valuable. But what I've always found most valuable in your channel is your personal interest in YOUR items and your developing thoughts as you use and curate YOUR products. So I'm all for you continuing to just buy, review, examine the stuff that interests you most! :D

[@Katirin89]

I used to go overboard with skincare back-ups. When I encountered a sale I always bought something because "it was a good deal". I changed my thinking at the end of last year. I realised that sales come and go all the time. When I use skincare, I only mainly open one of each product at a time and use it up so with my previous thinking I mainly ended up with a huge back-up stash. The only thing I still buy a lot of are handcreams. I have atopic skin condition and even before this whole washing hands and using hand sanitizers period, I was emptying handcream packages really fast. So I will always need handcreams and I have a pile of them ready so that I don't have to go to the stores/order online every second week.

[@drearydancer]

I loved Elf when they first launched had $1 and $2 product lines. Now I am not so crazy about that brand.

[@ashleyhanely1753]

You are so well spoken and just have such great thoughts and ideas and i thank you for sharing!

[@SarahRoseBeauty]

Thank you Ashley!! Have a great weekend!

[@Reiliferei]

loved hearing your intentions & what you learned about yourself. I think a quarterly update would be good. I don't want it to start to feel like a chore. Plus I feel like quarterly allows more time for you to reflect on your habits & what you brought in.

[@yis.rainemiller]

I really appreciate your intentional spending related content. It makes me stay accountable and be more aware about my spending habits. It has helped me so much. Thank you so much. You doing monthly updates are so helpful. A helpful reminder for me. ❤

[@erinm6684]

Just discovered your channel- I love it!! I appreciate your focus on mindful beauty purchasing!

[@SarahRoseBeauty]

Hi Erin, thank you so much for checking out my channel!! So glad you are enjoying it 🤗💞

[@alyshagregory9941]

I have very similar intentions this year! I'm doing a 1-in-1-out low buy but I feel like it may turn into more of a no buy like last year for me lol. I would honestly love to see any and all content/check-ins based on these intentions - which ones you found to be easiest, what you struggled with, etc.

[@KirstensMakeupVanity]

This year I’m only allowing myself to purchase one product per month. I think it’s going to be challenging for me because I haven’t limited myself in the past and I think minimum I bought 2-3 products a month. I think this is going to help my collection remain curated and I’ll do more research before buying something. I think this will eliminate impulse purchases for me.

[@patriciawirkkala5291]

I love the what was spent and what was sent series that Lauren does!

[@kathykeziah9999]

Love Aldi too😉

[@amandabrison5118]

Monthly check-ins would be great. PR+purchased

[@vickilouise7764]

This was a really interesting video! I’m the same with buying replacements. I also buy replacements way too soon as the product I’m replacing often has a few more weeks of use left. P.s. love that jumper, the colour is so complimentary!

[@thatsydvicious]

Would love to see a review on Cheekbone Beauty - Canadian and Indigenous (woman) owned and operated 🇨🇦💄

[@Yvette.T]

I definitely over-buy body lotions and shampoos/conditioners and therefore have waaay too many backups 🤪 I should be on a no-buy for all of 2021 for these products. .🤭

[@notjustirene4302]

I’m glad this look will be in an upcoming video, it’s stunning!

[@be_anniething]

I keep my eyeshadows palettes in some dividers and my goal is not let the number of palettes to exceed the number of dividers. I really want to only buy a product if it's something that I've run out on like concealer because I only use one.

[@ALM401]

I would definitely be interested in a monthly update. I'm trying a similar plan this year myself.

[@Nikachu0906]

I would love some check ins, rather it’s monthly or quarterly would be entirely up to you. But I think it would be good to know how you are doing, and if you have any new insights or changes to your budget. I love that sweater! The color looks great on you. Where is it from?

[@SarahRoseBeauty]

Thank you! It’s from TJmaxx :)

[@taramisu9978]

Nice video, very good information. I am on a low buy for 2021 and maybe 2022, but am going to try and not be too strict about it. But I do want to spend less than last year. I like to take advantage of sales if I can, also CVS coupons and extra bucks come in handy too.

[@natalieblue27]

I also found there was no/few toothpaste tab options that contain fluoride!

[@itz_8030]

OMG definitely what I think, this corporations putting all the pressure on consumers, when they are very responsible for sustainability. I also see you're vegan and buy only cruelty free make up. Ok, this is the perfect channel, haha greetings from Mexico!

[@EdenBaynes]

I'm also on a low buy this year so would love to see monthly check ins 😊

[@clab7133]

would love to see a video on what you bought and what you were sent!

[@LeadingTheCheer]

such a good message :)

[@devinm1672]

I would enjoy a quarterly check in to see what you've brought in, if you're liking it, and how you're feeling about your spending habits. Also, have you heard of Cheekbone Beauty? If you see any products you'd be interested in trying, I think you'd appreciate their ethics and efforts.

[@SarahRoseBeauty]

I'll have to look into Cheekbone, a few people have mentioned it to me! Thanks!

[@Erikachu]

I stopped shopping from elf (and several other brands) once I realized that they were fast fashion. I personally really liked their brushes, but the new brushes from the same line, years apart, are garbage. They are so flat and shed so much faster than the older ones. Not really missing the brand to be honest.

[@julias8763]

Agree with you!👍🏻 better buy smth more expensive and better quality than a lot of garbage

[@kariprice3590]

I would be interested in monthly...maybe every 2 month check in?

[@EarthlyBeauty]

I think everyone is guilty of having the urge to buy new when a product you are using is low but not low enough to warrant a trip to the store. I am very guilty of this and trying to do better, I do think part of it is natural instinct to feel the need to collect and store and be prepared.

[@KimMcCallie]

In 2020, I placed several orders from Elf. When my last order arrived, I realized I had absolutely no interest in any of the products that were in there so I decided I was done ordering from the brand. Many of the products, especially the skincare and primers, were absolutely ineffective and a huge waste of money. A couple of the products smelled so bad that I threw them away. This brand only expands a collection; it doesn't enhance it. I was so over Elf products that not only did I swear off purchasing from the brand, but I also stopped watching videos that featured a full face of Elf. These products are mediocre at best and I won't waste another dime buying them. I would rather spend $20 on one higher end product than on several Elf products. Glad to hear that someone else realized the same thing I did.

[@SarahRoseBeauty]

Yeah! Elf definitely still has a special place in my heart as I have quite a few products from them that I love. I just learned I need to be just as picky about what I do buy from them as I would a more expensive brand.

[@hablahabla6653]

Your eye look is so beautiful! What did you use?

[@SarahRoseBeauty]

always listed in the description box!

[@courtlandtmartin6649]

I’m open to whatever content you are interested in filming this year, but here’s just a thought-you are already very intentional about sharing when something is PR or when you’ve splurged on something new, so I don’t know if filming new videos about what came in PR is necessary. I feel like I would be tempted to skip that video to avoid the repetition if your other videos stayed the same. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@SarahRoseBeauty]

I agree! Typically PR products that I want to talk about will be included in a speed reviews or something like that, so it's probably not necessary to include those in a monthly/quarterly roundup!

[@kendspan212]

Just a thought... do you have any financial/savings/debt payment goals that you would like to reach? That perspective really helped me not overspend in 2020. I found myself with a full cart at Target, but then I would put most of it away and not grab the essentials that I truly needed. I saved the most money I have ever saved in my entire life during 2020. Now I love seeing my money grow and my stuff shrink. Am I an adult now? 😂

[@teacherlovesbeauty]

I would love updates!

[@GlowingLightstar]

Very good tips on saving money and to prevent unnessessary spendings on make up. The sprend x amount of money to get a free gift I don't really nead or wanted in the first place are getting me every time. :/

[@heatherpobursky-smith6984]

Where are your single eye shadows from?

[@SarahRoseBeauty]

The ones I’m wearing in this video are colourpop! I also have a few from makeupgeek.

[@coffinbirthcutie9126]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️