TEETERING ON THE BRINK OF DISASTROUS BLACK FRIDAY SPENDING

[@jaysheet1356]

I used to track a list of ‘close calls’, stuff I was about to buy but didn’t. When I looked at the total savings after the fact, it makes always makes me feel good. My ability to resist sales has grown little stronger with time. But I still indulge in intentional retail therapy now and again.

[@Ash-nk8lk]

That is a good idea!! I do that in my head sometimes, the other day I saw the price in the cart and asked myself “do I need these items because that’s $200 less I’ll have to spend on gifts for my son or just living”

[@estellerose9900]

That's an amazing idea!!

[@MoonlitSunflower]

This is a good idea. At one time there were so many things I might have bought that a list like this would have been insane.

[@Ash-nk8lk]

@@MoonlitSunflower right! I wish I did this during the Sephora sale 😩 but I stocked up on my holy grails that I know I will use up and I won’t have to restock for a long time. But it opened my eyes and I’m doing good since then (I Know not long but it’s a start!)

[@lemenyh]

Love this!

[@Feraligamr]

I think that "unmoored" feeling is totally purposeful- I've noticed more and more lately that companies are with holding sale information until the last minute, having several different sales over the course of a week or even two, inundating people with "deals of the day" and such. I think it's meant to make us feel confused and anxious. I had my eye on something that went on sale suddenly and I decided to wait til the end of the day to make sure I really wanted it. It was gone by the time I decided, and it made me feel like I missed out and my impulse was to jump on the next thing I wanted faster. But waiting on that purchase was the right decision even if I ended up missing out.

[@pixrawr4924]

Yes! I fully agree it is anxiety inducing and so unpleasant.

[@agingophelia9812]

Absolutely, they know what they're doing, and I've been through that exact same process myself.

[@senaaileigh]

I've had a real shift in perception this sale season, which is largely due to your videos, Hannah. I opened my inbox one day and was flooded with emails of X percent off, BOGO, extra discounts over a certain amount, etc etc. And the most bizarre thing happened: I started to pity them. All these companies begging for my money, clambering over each other and trying desperately to prove how important they are... it's sad. Now that I've shifted to the fact that companies are doing whatever they can to manipulate me in order to part with my money, I'm just not all that interested in giving it to them. So thank you ❤️

[@TrueSugar]

Love the mindset

[@nailinthefashion]

It makes me even more attracted to what I've bought. "Hey don't want you want a luxurious, divine glow?!" Yes, actually, and I've got a couple bottles with magical elixirs or heaven sent pearly dust contained within ornate compacts that I can enjoy, thank you for reminding me.

[@senaaileigh]

@@nailinthefashion Oooh I love that! Makes you feel sassy and empowered too!

[@nailinthefashion]

@@senaaileigh (excited nodding) Precisely luv. Such a fun mindset to stumble upon this time of year

[@whitevine9544]

Great way of thinking. I think in a way I look at it that way at times like oh, they want me to spend money.

[@dustythorpe9625]

I’m on a no buy. Gifts are allowed within my rules. I set a budget for each person in my life. I also had to discuss this with my 4 kids (oldest 24 and youngest 14) because in past years I have put myself into so much Christmas debt that it wouldn’t even be paid off before the next Christmas. I don’t want my kids to believe that things will continue this way. My kids are very receptive and not at all bummed. They looked at the budget I set and gave me ideas about what they would like that fits within that budget. I’m so happy to find out that their disappointment was only a figment of my imagination.

[@angelaa.9915]

That’s awesome about your Christmas gift budget. I think that will reap benefits for your children in their futures.

[@shoppaholic90meah91]

It's more fun to have a budget. Gets you more creative and the kids too

[@senseofwonder4734]

HLP at her finest! Phew, such a relief to hear her encourage that we CAN and SHOULD be very aware of our reasons for shopping. I love this video. Thank you for calming our collective frantic, panicked minds.

[@marynorton6068]

It’s good for people to also be aware that the “deals” on Black Friday aren’t always what they seem. I had my eye on a pair of boots. Decided to wait to see if I could get a discount this week. Delighted to see the website had 25% off. Saw that the full price of the boots was now 25% more than they were for the past month that I’ve had them in my wish list. So the price was the same when the so-called “discount” was applied. It’s all a psychological trick to make you buy NOW NOW NOW before the deal ends, before someone else gets the deal! There’s no deal. Thank you for the videos Hannah.

[@michellehayes6921]

The "bricks and mortar" Black Friday tradition was easy for me to ignore...getting up early to aggressively negotiate crowds and frenzy? Nope! But the ease of online shopping has removed that barrier, and the marketing has been VERY seductive to me this year. I think that the pandemic has created real scarcity and loss for so many people. The promise of pleasure and abundance, for ourselves, for our loved ones through gift-giving, is so hard to resist. I'm grateful for the reminders in this video, thank you!

[@melbygrace]

I was just telling my friend this the other day. Online shopping has created a lot of overspending and encouraged a disconnect from budgets. So easy to get sucked in and spend a lot very quickly.

[@96Hopi]

Thanks so much for making this. I have major Black Friday crisis as well. Ive been going to different websites, making carts and then realising I'm about to spend 200$ on things I'm not sure I need, panic, close the tab and then repeat the process on a different site.

[@hrdillon1980]

Yep 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@redolentkate]

So same ~~ except I have multiple tabs and carts kept open with codes saved as I wait in the wings ~~ to hopefully not pull the trigger!

[@tro3654]

Same

[@wiredayan9719]

Same 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

[@iCrazy13]

So I’m not the only one…

[@Ottska]

I am feeling exactly the same way. Your Sephora vid ('this isn't a savings event, it's a spending event') nailed it. Black Friday is its million-times more caffeinated cousin. I have been a not good place the last couple of months and my spending got away on me again. I've been lucky that the BF deals I'd earmarked ended up only being 10, 20% off - whereas in my head I'd unconsciously set a '40-50% then maybe' benchmark. I've immediately felt that awful, racing anxiety die down. I unsubbed from about 20 email lists last night, too(!)

[@KirstyJonesLouise]

I feel like unsubscribing from emails is so key! To me not knowing about things being on sale is key to not spending.

[@Ottska]

@@KirstyJonesLouise Plus who - and how much of - KZbin I watch. I realised a while ago that I'm often willingly watching 30+ min ad after ad: sponsored vids or lifestyles of constant consumption (clothing, luxury goods, luxury skincare/devices, treatments, houses, stuff for houses!). It just makes it all so normal-seeming and it really isn't. When what I'd originally signed up for was makeup artistry. Not hating the players just... putting some healthy distance and perspective between them & me.

[@KirstyJonesLouise]

@@Ottska totally agree! I find I even have to watch new in makeup videos with a bit of perspective. Particularly with skincare. I constantly want the new in fancy stuff. But I have realised it is my fantasy self (a term HLP taught me) that loves skincare. My real self never uses it!

[@Rachel-lq8sc]

Also having a bad mental health month, and hard agree that 2021 has been harder/weirder/worse. It feels like the map we had out of the pandemic/bad future/etc was thrown out and life has become chaos. Not alone in those feelings!

[@sugaCat363]

2021 has been so much worse. 2020 was survival mode, but now there's this huge emotional fallout to deal with on top of everything still being terrible.

[@alexf_._._.2490]

I completely agree! This video summed up my emotions!

[@sugaCat363]

How am I just now noticing we have the same last name! 🤔

[@jilljahns8406]

This is so timely because I've been waiting months to buy certain things from my favorite brand to ensure I got a deal. However, yesterday I went to the site ready to stock up and to my shock there was only one item I really wanted! This sent me in a panic and I put so many extra things in my cart to make it "worth it". This is the push I needed to reevaluate my cart, and the reminder that it really is okay to just get one thing. Thank you as always for your thoughtful take!

[@HannahLouisePoston]

it's so hard to remember that it's ok just to buy one thing! I have to remind myself constantly :)

[@asquaredmorrisdancer]

Allow me to introduce you to my "just pay the dang shipping" formula: if the amount of dollars needed to reach free shipping is more than double the price of shipping, I just pay shipping. So if shipping is $8 and the shipping cap is more than $16 away, I just pay shipping, but if it's $12 away and there something else that's not hugely expensive and that I actually want, then I can get it to hit free shipping. I would also say that if there isn't anything else I feel strongly about, I just pay the dang shipping. I'm at a point where I value space as much as stuff, so I don't want to get extras just to get them.

[@angelaa.9915]

@@asquaredmorrisdancer good advice about free shipping, thanks! I also try to utilize the option to pickup in store if what I truly want is below the free shipping minimum.

[@littlewingedzebra]

Black Friday is also Buy Nothing Day, a traditional day of protest against consumerism. If you're drawn to Black Friday because you feel like you need to participate in this event, you can instead choose to join the Anti-Black Friday and know that you are also part of something greater than yourself. ❤😊

[@StateofKait]

I'm with you. In addition to 2021 feeling like more of a lost year for me, I also feel like brands got super aggressive with black friday sales to make up for a "light" black friday last year. Now, every promo email I see has a subject line like "YOU NEED THIS" or "SALE ENDING SOON" and I think that subconsciously affected me, which caused me to overspend. I'm feeling guilty about it but at least I can return it all!

[@sveme5450]

I just have to say that this look of super minimal glowy makeup paired with the sleek but full ponytail is everything. You look stunning!

[@mollyyyy6677]

I’ve been waiting for this. Please save us from the sales, Hannah!

[@mariesikk]

Totally agree, 2021 feels much stranger and much more “lost” than 2020. I was surprisingly well adjusted in 2020, but 2021 threw me for a loop.

[@HannahLouisePoston]

friends, if you want more like this there are a bunch of similar videos on my sale survival playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLizpYXWzzy0Xq_SP7qYTiL35NkB-hqSXb

[@beaherzberg]

The "other people have it more figured out dynamic and they must know more..." is SUCH an enneagram 4 dynamic. It reflects back to us our wounded message that we are outsiders and destined to struggle and be different and misunderstood in the world, because we aren't equipped with all the tools, and those stories reiterate the wounded perception of ourselves in this crazy loop! You are so brilliant at articulating your experience and emotions around sales/black friday/shopping in general. Thank you thank you! Vulnerable together, we are all less alone.

[@laurai8746]

Thank you so much for this video as a binge eater who has transferred my binging habits onto makeup and skincare this helps so much. I’m in Australia and the pressure for Black Friday spending is huge and we don’t even celebrate Thanksgiving, I can’t imagine been in the US and dealing with this.

[@J_Kwan]

Unfortunately I’ve already done my disastrous Black Friday spending. After what feels like three years of making good spending decisions (a lot of which I owe to discovering this channel) I got sucked into a sale and ended up spending $50 which, together with shipping and the tragic exchange rate, ended up being almost $100 :0 That was way too much, esp considering the fact that I only went for it in the first place because it was 50% off. Ah well. Just gotta get back on the horse. At least now that I’ve spent so much, my desire for anything else is pretty well stamped out.

[@stfhji]

I totally feel this! I don't NEED anything but I still feel like I'm missing out

[@feonaarabellaparaiso1786]

Any time I think about overspending on makeup right now, I think about my round trip with my significant other to New York, Reykjavik, London, and Dublin. They work in cancer research and they have hardly any free time (it is a rewarding job but long hours), so I always think about the impending huge smile on their face when I think about surprising them for our anniversary (they know I’m planning something big but they don’t know the full details about the trip). I already paid for the tickets and hotels, but I want to save as much money as I can, so that we can do anything we want while traveling. It’s the least I can do after seeing how hard they work and knowing they’re doing it all so no one has to lose a loved one to cancer like I did. I used to spend a huge amount of money on makeup, because I sadly… didn’t have much else? My parents spoiled me so I traveled around the world already, I had a great place to live, and my job paid well… makeup was kind of my splurge because I could. But now that I have someone I love… I have priorities now and save money in stocks and save for vacations and fun times. : )

[@HannahLouisePoston]

this is amazing! I hope you have the best time ever!!!

[@AwkwardBirb]

I think I needed this more than I let myself admit. I don’t usually have a problem with sales, but this Black Friday had me feeling the same way you do- overwhelmed and like I was going to miss out on everything good.

[@threadsketch7267]

I've made a few small frivolous sale purchases, but right now my focus is on bettering my living situation, so instead of splurging on makeup I'm replacing my bed and buying organizational furniture, etc. Now that I live alone I want my space - that I've inhabited for over 11 years - to be not only more comfortable but aesthetically pleasing, something I want to take more pride in and find enjoyable to be surrounded by. Black Friday sales have helped cut the costs of these otherwise very expensive items.

[@celiatambor7205]

I was recently diagnosed with ADHD and it has been...a revelation! It makes so much sense about why I have such a difficult time not having the "fuck it" mindset when it comes to shopping and budgets, etc. (plus a whole host of other things that I experience). Anyway, thank you. And we are all navigating this time of year (and shopping compulsion in general) at our own pace in our own ways. Thank you for your content. It really helps me to be more mindful when I'm approaching shopping compulsion. Love the "academic interest" take, that is my brand.

[@emmaherman1819]

saw a tweet that was like "is it just me or did seasonal depression come extra seasoned this year?" which I found VERY relatable. Thinking about getting one of those little seasonal depression lamps so my inner houseplant can photosynthesize more happily

[@HannahLouisePoston]

I had one of those when we lived in Michigan and it was a lifesaver. I thought I wouldn't need it in CA so I gave it to a friend, but I kind of wish I'd brought it with me! b/c I don't get out into the sun every morning, and it's getting dark so early now.

[@emmaherman1819]

@@HannahLouisePoston the getting dark early thing is hitting SO hard this year!!!

[@nataliar163]

I definitely can relate to feeling like this year is even stranger & harder than 2020, I feel like I’m so stuck & there’s also so much uncertainty about my future. Since I was a kid I’ve loved shopping for beautiful things and I’ve always been someone who ends up spending way too much money, especially when I’m feeling stressed, so yeah all the new product releases and the sales have been troubling me a lot. Thank you so much for this video I really needed it!

[@rosai.4371]

I can totally relate to your experience. When I feel some kind of mental troubles, I tend to fill my void with stuff. Or food. And I know that this is the moment that I have to stay in that void and "feel" it. Deeply feel it and let the urge of my soul or even my spirit to emerge and give it the attention, the care it deserves.

[@FacesByGina]

I usually don't need these videos, but this year I did. Even just the act of taking a step back and observing myself and understanding that I've been feeling really anxious about sales and the like has been helpful for me to chill the fuck out. Which I think will help me not spend more than I really want to. Thanks, Hannah!

[@dogwalker97]

Thank you very much for the video! I realized a couple of years ago my Black Friday purchases were more of a source of stress instead of satisfaction. I’ve made a shift to limit BF purchases to items that have been on my “want” list for at least a number of months and/or the item may be discounted only during BF sales. Last year I purchased a lifetime subscription to a mindfulness app at a deep discount. I had tracked the discounts for this item over the previous year and knew that it was 1) an item I had consistently wanted for 12 months and 2) the BF marketing for this item was accurate. The subscription for the service is offered at the 60% off discount only 1 day each year. The other category where I shop is replenishment items purchased from companies that rarely have sales and my goal is to purchase 1 replacement for items that I have finished or am within 1 month of finishing. Skin care staples fall in this category. My favorites are sold by a small business that has sales only a couple of times per year. Thank you again for sharing this video! You are a skilled coach giving a great pep talk in the “shopping sanity locker room“ just before the big game. 😀

[@kristenefox7001]

I started to rewatch your no buy playlist because my 2022 is going to be a no-buy for makeup, skincare, or bath and body works. I'm glad for your video today. I knew what I wanted, Natasha Denona, I pre-loaded my basket, and if it doesn't meet the price amount that I have in my head, I'm closing the tab and going to bed. I started counting my makeup by time, not volume. It took me 5 years to finish a blush, and I have 20 blush, so I have 100 years of blush. I think your playlist will really come as a big support tool though when I feel weak. I've already got my books picked out. :)

[@smockedtop9720]

Just shared this with a women with ADHD FB group I’m in, MAN did my impulsive a** need to hear this! THANK YOU for your transparency and vulnerability Hannah. Well wishes for your mental health; remember to be gentle with yourself 🥰

[@sugaCat363]

I needed this video. I told myself I was only going to buy some clionadh shadows this BF and I did great at buying only the ones I really wanted and stuck to my budget. But now I'm feeling those panicky fomo feelings about all the other sales. This video was a refreshing wake up call. I don't need anything else. I want to covet my little clionadh order like the precious jewels they are and I don't want to drown in all the other noise. Thanks Hannah! You're a port in the storm.

[@kathleenkaffeine8696]

thank goodness for you Hannah! I share the following as a cautionary tale to anyone: I have already spent more in the past week on "sale" makeup (between the sephora sale and black friday sales) than I have in months on makeup. Sites are having flash sales, and it makes me panic and hit the "buy" button without having a chance to think about it. And I already have regrets. I'm honestly so disappointed in myself. Unless something is on sale that you are CONFIDENT you want and you have the BUDGET for it, please don't do it; it's not worth it. Literally.

I'm kickstarting my no buy year due to my chronic overspending habits and your channel has been so helpful and inspiring. I am so pleasantly surprised that I have been able to say no to all the crazy sales so far... the huda beauty desert dusk is on sale for 13.60 and that almost got me... but it didn't so small victories woo!

[@alyssabowman978]

This is the content I need. The world is so ugly and the temptation to find comfort in sparkling beautiful things has been heavy. I think Option one is the option for me. ♥️

[@hautemesstom]

Now I'm done, thank you for keeping me company as I make "traditional" thanksgiving cheesecakes (it's a nightmare I hate making cheesecakes, but love baking). You're dead on, without having the option to participate, it is much easier to let these sales come and go, but I'm curious how this time of year will feel for me next year.

[@HannahLouisePoston]

wait these thanksgiving cheesecakes sound amazing

[@hautemesstom]

@@HannahLouisePoston oh yes! I made an apple cinnamon cheesecake and a chocolate peanut butter cheesecake!! ♥️♥️😂

[@Paigedh1776]

This resonates strongly with me. I felt like you were inside my head, and it was really comforting. Point by point, you were speaking to me. Thank you, really, so much for posting this. For being so coherent and clear and calming, as well as vulnerable. I have felt chaotic and panicked and muddled. Your video is a gift. Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@estellerose9900]

I struggle with Black Friday because my birthday is at the beginning of December, and it's very hard to escape the mentality that I'm just treating myself for that. I usually make myself pick a brand/product and that's whose sale I can look at (this year I've gone for Glossier). I think that picking one thing in advance to keep an eye on really helps me escape the onslaught of advertising from every direction.

[@angelaa.9915]

That’s really smart!! Happy birthday 🎊

[@goldenllama]

Yes you are the Queen for making this video. I have teetered this year towards making better financial choices but it’s been a slow process. I have had several of your videos come just in time, like the latest Sephora sale. This video was a great reinforcer as my husband and I are making greater strides towards our financial goals. The emails from stores do not care what those goals are and they have been flooding in.

[@caitlin2853]

The phrase you say at the end of each video really resonates with me. As someone who has a frequency to make self sabotaging decisions (mostly financial wise with impulse spending, among other things too), I've been reminding myself if the decision i'm about to make will make my life better or more effective. Its a slow process, but I am working on it! Long story short, thank you Hannah for being so inspirational. The way you talk about life and possessions really makes me take a step back to analyze the unhealthy relationships I have with "wanting nice things" which really just translates to "wanting things". I'm so thankful to have found your channel!

[@stellaswatches4614]

I already bought so much stuff this month, I really cant buy more. Needed this video right now! Thank you!

[@dinasourprincessparty]

Wow. I didn’t realize it, but kind of needed to hear, “You can do it” for my BlackFriday budgeting. Thank you.

[@radiantlyshana]

These are the best types of videos for me during this time of year. Much more needed than the "what to buy during black friday" type videos for sure. I completely skipped the sephora sale AND skipped purchasing the Natasha Denona Gold Palette! You've saved me so much money lol!! Big thanks to you!! Sending love and positive thoughts to you and yours this holiday season❤

[@liz54321]

I've been playing with this bold lip, no eyeshadow look. I absolve it! Thank you for bringing this into my life.

[@kellie_y]

Thank you for this! Everyone needs that one friend to say hold on and think a minute before you buy. My black Friday has started and (hopefully) ended. Tarte had my favorite concealer at 50% off and free shipping, so I bought one and NOTHING else ☺ Then suddenly Sephora had the Tom Ford Double Indemnity palette at 50% off...that was the one and only palette that I emotionally coveted from that brand. That would be the one Tom Ford palette that I would ever buy, but was neva eva going to spend 89$ on it. But I bought it at Sephora and am over the moon. No regrets with those purchases, but I know to take a deep breath and steady myself against the forthcoming good deal madness.

[@hannahm3126]

I love these videos! A good reminder at this time of year. I think Shelbizle has some great videos around this sort of stuff too for anyone who wants more content around buying/consumerism. But these are some of my favourite videos of yours, I used to get suckered into Sephora sales and now I've grown out of that need it's amazing.

[@pattyelaine9563]

I started my no spend on Nov 15 because I wanted to avoid 6 weeks of panic buying to start on the new year. Despite the fact that I still have parcels arriving of things I ordered prior to Nov 15, I am struggling hard right now. I’m just trusting it gets easier. Keep posting this content please.

[@ehugs09]

This is such a helpful video!!!!! You put words to feelings I also have and it's such a relief to know that other people struggle the same way I do. It's also nice to watch beauty videos that both celebrate makeup and fashion while not pushing mindless consumerism. I'm so so glad the algorithm showed me your channel!!

[@breeleicester6161]

My problem this Black Friday is that spending a lot at once just stresses me out and I'm not even wildly overspending from what I have. I just told myself "oh I want to get this thing! Nah I'll get the thing on Black Friday on sale instead" so many times throughout the year and now it's time to buy them and it's a lot at once. Obviously I have the money for them because I almost paid more for each item throughout the year, but spending a lot at once makes me anxious regardless of if they're good purchases. For example, I've wanted a Garmin watch for a very long time now to better track runs and I almost bought one without a sale a couple months ago, but since I waited I saved $150. It's 100% a savings because I was absolutely going to buy it and it being sale didn't prompt me to put more in my cart, BUT that $200 watch, replacing running shoes and protein powder, and getting a couple beauty things I've wanted for years is adding up quick! At least all my replacements coming in at once means I should be set on those items for a while!

[@nooraj.3622]

Your thoughtful take on sales events is always so deeply appreciated, and I have to say this hair look is gorgeous on you! ❤️

[@gdimu23]

Your makeup looks so beautiful and it's making me appreciate the no mascara look, being a person who feels naked without mascara, I might try it. Thank you!

[@southpaw612]

I need to hear this so much. I usually just shop for needed home appliances during BF sales, but this year I saved my replacement skincare purchases for this week. Problem is, those websites are where the makeup is sold as well, so now I'm constantly adding shiny pretty things to my carts that I don't need at all. I haven't bought anything superfluous yet but it's been at the cost of my mental health: hours of pointless browsing and fighting myself instead of getting on with my life. I really needed to hear someone saying "it's not a once in a lifetime opportunity" ♥️ thank you once again for these videos

[@mudbug8997]

i bought myself some stuff i’ve really, really wanted for many, many months and gifts for everyone i wanted to gift this year and that was all. i saw many things i wanted for myself and other while shopping but i didn’t buy them. THAT is your affect on me and my spending habits, HLP. last year i went ham and i went to bed in a cold sweat. but this year i was chill and comfortable in my spending. thank you HLP 💖💖

[@brandip3335]

I feel like companies have been bombarding us with "amazing deals" every holiday, all year. The only reason Black Friday is an event is because they said it is. At least that's my mantra (for every sales event). Makes me feel better when my fomo feels attacked.

[@laurasauer-shah9492]

I have been experiencing the same feelings about Black Friday and watching this helped me breathe a sigh of relief! It’s comforting to know I’m not alone and thanks to your tips, I can make a plan for what I want to do (leaning heavily toward option 1). Thank you so much for this video!

[@NicolaMayne]

I feel so validated hearing you talk about these feelings. I've been feeling exactly the same way, and I couldn't put my finger on why I was struggling so much with Black Friday this year. Thanks for sharing ❤️

[@stephbryan]

Hi Hannah! I loved this video, thanks so much for voicing all those swirling thoughts that threaten to take control in the back of my mind when I'm thinking about the sale (especially kind of late at night when I'm most vulnerable!) I recently watched one of your Black Friday Sale videos from a previous year and I just feel these are so necessary. Thank you so much for doing these and helping restore calm in a storm of wildness!! Love you!!

[@missysmakeup]

Oh my goodness Hannah I have been feeling the EXACT same way! I’m starting to think I should unsub from some emails, and texts too 😬 Our mental health is important and I do fully agree with you that my mental health just isn’t great right now. I hope you are able to separate yourself and focus on yourself and you can overcome the difficulties you are experiencing. I so appreciate your videos, you channel and your spirit. You are the only voice on YT that brings me back to earth and that is a super important thing not only to me but to many others here. Thank you for sharing your struggle! I am here with you

[@Ash-nk8lk]

Buying things does make me feel better and I understand, my mental health isn’t good either and that’s probably why I overspent at the sale but let me tell ya overspending on beautiful things makes me feel utterly shitty, it gives me severe anxiety and I’ve even cried after placing an order, yes I think I have it that bad and I have a shopping addiction. I got clean in 2020 and it stook finally so I think I was shopping to feel better from getting clean, I was shopping because I was justifying my spending and saying “well it’s not drugs” but shopping can be an addiction like drugs or alcohol. It’s very real and there are meetings for shopping addiction. I don’t want to cry after placing an order even if it’s for $100! It gave me impending doom and anxiety of shit will I be able to pay my rent in 6 months, will I be able to support my family in 6 months! That isn’t a good feeling and I can honestly say overspending on things makes me feel just as bad as I felt while high and so deep in my addiction I was overdosing. So in appreciate this video so much and I have no anxiety over any sales at all, I don’t need more shit and I need to enjoy the shit I already have! And I want to get through all my stuff before it expires so that is my mission.

[@flanamom]

It will get easier, Ash, I've been clean and sober many years yet still get rather triggered with all these holiday sales - my addictions were drugs, alcohol, and spending money, especially on makeup, skincare, and basically just crap! Be gentle and good to you, you're just beginning your journey in a clean new life, plenty of time yet to deal with the other stuff...baby steps! 🌷

[@killershrimpx]

You are always super helpful to me. You have helped me look deeper into my feelings around this topic, to articulate the feelings attached to spending money on things that i love, around shopping in general and asking myself the right questions. You do it in such a calm, insightful way and always articulate in beautifully. Thank you x

[@nicolelopez7817]

im going home to my country next year and im trying to buy gifts this black friday so i can have big discounts from stuff. but since i love giving gifts, sometimes too much, i appreciate this video a lot. i watch your videos every morning before going to work because i'm lonely and playing your long videos make me feel like a have a friend who's really good at making me realize that i actually don't have the budget to keep on buying things that aren't necessary. i owe you a lot, and thank you for doing these kinds of videos!

[@DanielleReuther]

Dude you’re reading my mind on so many levels (I just made a list of what gifts I’ve already bought for people and what I still want to get). I really needed this, thank you. I plan on doing a no buy year next year so the only additional voice I have that you haven’t mentioned is saying “well you have to buy everything you want this year because you can’t buy anything for a while!” And it’s silly! I didn’t realize as well until you mentioned getting out what those subconscious thoughts are.

[@nicolekorah9492]

Definitely agree that 2021 has been a weirder year than 2020. Feel like I have struggled more this year than last. Much love to you.

[@meghandorsey2312]

Thanks so much for posting! I had to watch this before Boxing Day (12/26) because I was getting those same feelings. Boxing Day feels like the last chance that things will go on sale for a year, and it’s just not true. Advertising builds up so much pressure!

[@rowan7727]

Thanks for making this, I really needed it. This is the first year I'm skipping Black Friday sales as I have a plan to be debt free by next May, but I need to resist spending in the meantime to get there. I like what you said about making your own decisions about how you'll spend. I am blessed with plenty of stuff already. I want to be debt free. So...decision made.

[@89dings]

Thank you very much for this video and the insight you are giving us in it. I hava a history of overspending, too. Sometimes more, sometimes less. The first half of the year it went quiet well with moderation but going into autumn it got worse again and at the moment I have exactly the same feelings of panic and fomo that you have described. I agree on the point that it is always getting more difficult, when the general mindset is not the best so instead of overspending it would probably be better to find other ways of self care I guess...easier said than done sometimes 😅🙈

[@amandac_]

Thank you for this! I’m also feeling so anxious about all the sales and offers and I can’t just close my computer for a week because I work as a beauty content creator on IG and a beauty writer. But I did even publish an article about navigating sales because it’s so overwhelming. Im going to do a no buy 6 months from December. You inspired me and I can’t handle all this stress 😂😬

[@morganbaldwinmiller]

I feel you on that intense uncertainty about my future, and instead of it sending me into a desire to frenzy shop, it's making me frenzy plan for the holidays. I'm stressed out about all that's happening for the holidays and about how my life doesn't look how it "should" and I don't know where I'm going, so I need to PLAN and SCHEDULE every last little detail. Instead I need to just... chill the f out.

[@yazosoyo]

Writing from the future: summer sales and Prime Day 😂. I knew I had to watch one of this videos to talk some sense into me. I am usually very grounded when it comes to shopping. You are so right, this year, maybe it has been stress and the non-stop marketing emails reminding me that X item is on sale, my shopping carts are ridiculously full. I have to sift thru those carts and find my “needs” and my “wants” 😊 I Mexico we have “the good weekend” which is a version of Black Friday, I usually SKIP IT completely.

[@susanyoungsusiesmakeuptoolcart]

I’m struggling I’ve been on medical leave since 9/11 and I’m so used to buying whatever,whenever that I’m going insane at the same time I feel it strengthening me! It’s been really hard your videos definitely help but I still am learning to not binge shop! I keep telling myself that buying everything whenever I want isn’t the answer and I’m learning to appreciate the things I already have! Of course Black Friday isn’t helping I’m used to shopping it but overall I know it will mentally be better for me!!! Happy holidays!

[@jessielawrence3349]

I’m in the same mind-set! I’ve been so busy & not 100% great mentally, and have decided to just skip it all. I don’t have my Christmas lists for everyone completed, so I plan on getting that in order & knowing what I want to buy, and not letting the hype get to me. Missed the kitty in the background today, so cute in that one video not long ago!

[@imperfectlyEm]

2021 has ABSOLUTELY felt more intense and weirder than 2020 in many, many ways. You're not alone in those feelings, Hannah.

[@ry5604]

Can’t lie, this year has been easy for me. Mainly sticking to the stuff I’ve been wanting or buying basic stuff I needed. And got Xmas shopping done. But tbh I’ve only had 1 impulse order. For the most part, I’ve been able to look passed these “sales”

[@NatashaStewartBeauty]

This is exactly what I needed 🙌🏼 especially after seeing three Black Friday recommendation videos pop up in my subscription box, thank god this was there to save me 😊 great outlook on shopping during sale season!

[@jamiewarkentine7108]

I live in B.C. And with forest fires ,COVID and now flooding my stress level is overflowing and my good intentions of low buying hasn’t happened. Next year resolutions, I have to do better . 😳 I love how sensible you are !

[@amberwings17]

I shopped some pre black Friday sales for products that I've actually thought about and wish I had throughout this year. And I think I'll focus on buying gifts for family this year as well. I feel like I'm in the opposite place this year where I actually feel more calm about it and less concerned about buying things for myself. I recently remembered how much I love gift giving so I'm gonna go for that feeling this year :)

[@sallypark9139]

This black friday (heck this whole month with sepbora and holiday sales) has been really rough bc of my mental health too 😔 college aps are due at the end of November so I've been so stressed and whenever something goes wrong or I feel sad my brain goes... what if u bought that eyeshadow palette? What if u bought that pair of earrings? That perfume? And then I spend more time searching for something to buy instead of working which in turn makes me more stressed 🙃 and the cycle continues. Hopefully I can get through this month without making any more terrible decisions. After this month/year I really want to go on a low buy and spend less time "searching" for things to buy and spend more time on doing things that makes me healthier and happier

[@kaarahulstrand]

I’m soooo happy I clicked on this video!!!!! I’m struggling so much with all the videos coming out about sales! My anxiety is high as well! It’s a rough time! I used to be in debt because Of overspending. Thank you so much for this video!

[@mina-ala]

Great video! I feel all of this SO much. Couple all this with a high stress job (Literally designing Black Friday and other promos for a large company LOL) and I just want to buy to keep my spirits up! All those companies want that Q4 revenue and they're going in, hard!

[@WhitneyKippes]

I am IN IT this year and I think it's for a lot of the same reasons. I've had an incredibly rough personal year for lots of reasons and I just want to hit that dopamine switch as much as possible.

[@nailinthefashion]

Shop 👏🏾 your 👏🏾 stash 👏🏾

[@WhitneyKippes]

@@nailinthefashion YES. I've had good luck with a "doing the most" week in the past which could pump me up.

[@nailinthefashion]

@@WhitneyKippes HAHA. For me it's been "doing the least" as I have been waddling around work with a mask on. A little eyeshadow goes a long way these days 🤠 I hope things smooth out for you sooner rather than later ✌🏾

[@Emily-ws9wy]

Hannah! Thank you for this!! This year DEFINITELY feels different to me. Maybe the tactics companies are using are more effective or maybe I'm weaker (?) and more susceptible. But the temptation has been real!! I've had so many close calls that I started unfollowing brands. As soon as the sale/product was out of sight, out of mind, the temptation went away. Thus proving, I didn't *really* want or need that thing. It takes such a conscious effort to not get sucked in, but I'm trying really hard!

[@raisingdragons1]

This was a great video! Also your whole look here is beyond glamorous!

[@mariar3715]

I agree, 2021 has been more of an odd year than 2020 was. I usually dont pay attention to all the sales, but this year Ive been paying attention to all the black friday sales. Im having to really apply some restraint for tomorrow. I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and are able to enjoy the day.

[@M1995C]

I'm not going to lie, I bought four clionadh shadows when they came back into stock recently after seeing all your palette building videos 😂 but yes it's been hard. I'm moving house too so I keep being tempted by good deals on house items during these sales but need to be mindful of what I actually need

[@hannahw3068]

100% agree with the 2021 feeling. Last year things were awful, but things were constantly changing and new and uncertain. As awful as the pandemic was it seemed like a good chance to set some goals with the additional personal time it afforded. This year is the same as last year but not new, just grim and unchanging, still negative news every day, still not fully able to see everyone or return to pre-pandemic life.

[@Darima2]

Wow. I literally said the same thing about 2021 being a weirder year than 2020! I'm glad I'm not the only one as I was feeling kind of guilty for even thinking it but it's true. I've been working from home since 2014 and love it so personally, nothing drastically changed for me. I already had learned how to balance my time at home versus leaving the house so it wasn't really depressing or angst ridden though I obviously was sad about what I was seeing on the news especially those 1st couple of months. In fact, being an introvert, I enjoyed last year the excuse to stay home more as I got to do more of what gives me joy like baking. But this year, although I'm grateful for everything I have, health, well-being, fiid, warmth and safety. I just was very up and down mentally. I had a list of things I wanted to accomplish this year and I haven't even started let alone finished any of them. But I think we just need to be more compassionate to ourselves, I'm learning how hard I can be on myself to always be on top of everything. I constantly have lists of tasks in my agenda that I get done so I'll celebrate that. Let's be honest, a lot of people out there are way, way more of a mess than us so we need to give ourselves credit for keeping it together despite not being exactly where we want to be.

[@Shellyish]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I’m going into Black Friday/Cyber Monday with my eyes wide open.

[@mayhit]

I love this video so much that I watched it twice, back to back! (Okay, I was shopping on the Aritzia website while it was playing in the background the first time--oh the irony--but I still played it twice!) I was literally chuckling out loud at, "I guess I'm going crazy!" I just need a gif of that moment for reaction posts. 😂 In all seriousness, though, you are making so many good points here and I think your videos on shopping, shopping addiction, and the consumer goods industry are extremely valuable and helpful.

[@audreycanuteson5763]

I didn’t let myself think about how how I was feeling this same way! My main interest in the sales is for the indie brands that don’t usually have stock. I’m worried about missing another chance to get one or two shadows. But they will come around again and they won’t be the ones I use every day so I can seriously just chill 🤍

[@katevonlackum1598]

I resonate with how you think, and I really appreciate that you share it with the world. Thank you!

[@rachelbirdwell2928]

Thank you! That’s definitely the Black Friday video I needed!

[@juliapetal5590]

This had me nodding along solemnly the whole time. You specifically believing that habits can be changed and promises kept from any starting point is huge for me.

[@BeautybyMaria]

So true!!! You nailed it with this video and it is exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you!

[@cynicalinnc]

Thank you for this video. I feel like you are talking directly to me. I want to buy so many gifts for my loved ones that I can convince myself that "it's only money!" I am fully into the shopping panic, and I unfortunately caved during the Sephora sale, so I am now in panic over my purchases. Do you have that feeling of pressure in your head that pushes you to shop in order to relieve it? It doesn't last though. I really try to ignore the sales, but I can't get rid of that little voice telling me that I am going to miss something wonderful for my (grown and almost grown) children. This year is really bad for me too, and I feel like I might be going crazy arguing with myself. I truly love giving gifts, and I am addicted to the good feeling I get when people are so happy with their gifts! This season is going to be hard.

[@livnatkafka9017]

I really needed this video right now, I'm about to move across the country in a couple of months and I will need to buy a lot of furniture and other house items that I don't have, I don't have an exact date for the move and I don't have the space for those things right now and it's kind of ridiculous to spend probably more money moving a bunch of things that I bought to "save money" across the country. I know in my head and heart that I'm not going to do it because it's not wise nor kind to myself to complicate the situation more but it's been on my mind( and my targeted ads) for days.

[@zusamy20]

There should be a mandatory Hannah Louise Piston video about wise spending before every sale.

[@epiatka]

I have tendency to buy skincare ahead - like stocking moisturizers etc. Now I'm slowly going through my pile and whenever I get the urge to buy something "because it's on sale !!!" - I stop myself and talk myself out of it - "...babe, you still have like six months worth of that product. By the time you finish maybe on the market will appear something gorgeous for your skin type, but if you buy that thing now - you'll be stuck using that for another few months ..."

[@petra1995]

I needed this. I placed two orders and then told myself I wouldn't get more. Then I placed a third order (but I think it's alright because it was only like 11 dollars total). But I've been torn to pieces, conflicted about the other sales, even though I tell myself I don't need more makeup right now. So thank you for this.

[@hautemesstom]

WOW. I just hit play. YOU LOOK INCREDIBLE. This pony, this makeup YOUR BROWS. my GOODNESS!!!

[@HannahLouisePoston]

Thank you so much!!