THE PROBLEM WITH DECLUTTERS ON YOUTUBE

[@sarac8076]

I also feel that decluttering implicitly helps us make room for... new purchases. Which has nothing to do with minimalism. In fact, it's a sort of bulimia

[@AlexHider]

Oh I love that description. It’s exactly what it is, it’s a content generating move. You buy, you organize, you rearrange, you declutter, you buy more

[@becm963]

@@AlexHider Yes. I love that. I have heard people refer to their declutters as a purge. They will make comments during their decluttering process. They are making room for new purchases. What in the Sam Hell? Let’s get rid of all this crap in order to buy more crap. Makes sense, NOT!!!

[@Sunoocheeks1111]

I love that ”it’s a sort of bulimia” as someone with eating disorder it is funny. ☠️

[@jenna145645678]

I agree. I see what you mean by "sort of like bulimia". Because ddcluttering 100+ things is like hoarding.. and hoarding is a mental health concern. Its sort of like those hoarders videos

[@evalindell2757]

Yes!!! Exactly! Some people say we need to declutter before Christmas (Black Friday?) to let new things in! They ARE minimalist but boy they destroy the planet beeing it! 😔

[@alinam8854]

To me, as a slow buyer, declutters are the best product review, flaws and all. I don't see KZbinrs presenting new products as "influencers", they give me the same old telemarketing feel where a nicely manicured hand is caressing a diamond ring lol. So, that being said, when they declutter the best lipstick they ever touched in 10 months, that's my cue. I wish youtubers were either getting samples instead of full sizes or could donate the products to the shops, so that they can be used out as a store sample. The amount of waste each single person generates earning money this way is disturbing.

[@sindhusanthanakrishnan5465]

This is such an awesome way to view declutters! I love the idea of using these videos to discover long-standing favorites. And I second the idea that beautubers need to get sent sample size in PR rather than full size, and maybe gift cards / codes that lets them purchase the full size if they so desire instead of just sending the whole size. Problem is, many of these beautubers make the packaging a huge part of their review so they may not appreciate sample sizes and even how it looks on camera.

[@monsterous6152]

This is also how I view declutters, but didn't know how to word it. Thank you!

[@DevHazy]

Yeah true. They helped me a lot cause I waited many years to buy sunset and circo and bronze palette. Whatever stood the test of time.

[@loisen]

That’s the way I view declutters. If they want to keep something it’s a sign that it’s worth it.

[@theprousteffect9717]

I often think about how less waste could be created, and the idea of samples does sound good in theory. Unfortunately, in order for beauty KZbinrs to review products thoroughly, they have to review the full size, ie version of a product that a standard customer would be buying. The feel of it matters, and the size of a product can often impact its use. Maybe one solution is for makeup companies to produce smaller sizes as their standard size, which I would personally love because it takes me forever to go through products. However, I know many people don't like smaller sizes because they feel "dinky" and less luxurious.

[@gladitsnotme]

Declutters need to be renamed "industrial waste". It's wasted makeup stemming from the industry of beauty influencing.

[@dittemusser1]

YES! THANK YOU !

[@wplants9793]

THIS

[@AshokTiwari-hz8ir]

KhnaprsophAapki

[@AshokTiwari-hz8ir]

ThnkyoumamkmsakmapnAmankupprodctforfhiri

[@AshokTiwari-hz8ir]

​@@wplants9793thnkyoumamkitnapawrfullbnagAh. Na

[@villapulla]

Declutter videos always make me think: "I'm so glad I don't have that much stuff!" There's a certain satisfaction to watching them but they also make me appreciate my already curated collection

[@DevHazy]

Same!!! Always!!! Especially Michele wang it was so so so sad seeing all the money go to the garbage

[@T_Swizzle.13_fl]

The most troubling part for me is the "waste produced" part of the equation. These components; with mirrors, embedded magnets, multiple material types, etc. often cannot be recycled. When I see massive declutters of a massive collection, I know most of this is headed to the landfill, even if the owner/declutterer is making their best effort to "pass on" or donate to a friend. Only so much will actually get used. But truly, all of it is destined for the landfill from it's inception anyway, unless it's manufactured in an ethical way with recyclable materials. If we wouldn't throw a wine bottle in the trash we should take pause before throwing makeup in the trash. So really, we have to start at the beginning and consume less makeup. This is where I've personally arrived, anyway.

[@MsDecens]

Consuming less and producing less waste is the main tenant of sustainability. After that we use repurposing and recycling to minimize the inevitable waste produced. So buying less and buying responsibly is the starting point.

[@mangkokmie]

The scariest part is when people declutter to make room for new things. I think people should always try to consume/use their things to near completion.

[@ediemaar2446]

The beginning is production. We should be producing this much makeup in the first place.

[@elizabethtangora4353]

Seeing all that waste is so staggering! I have a dim memory from childhood of a cartoon picture of a mountain of dirty diapers and being told the sheer scale of how much waste one baby using disposable diapers creates. I remembering feeling sick thinking about the scale, and how that was just one individual among many. I feel almost the same seeing a major KZbinr filling up garbage bags with stuff they can’t donate or recycle.

[@proud2bnumber1]

Yes, love your comment, this is also my biggest problem with it...

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

I clicked on this video SO fast, these are exactly the kinds of conversations I want to see on beauty KZbin! I love declutters more than almost any other type of video, but they also make me feel sick to my stomach. It’s kind of like when I eat a large tub of movie theater popcorn that’s smothered in butter-it’s really great up to a point, and then the experience always takes a sudden turn and I’m like “wow okay I actually feel bad about this now.” But I don’t feel bad about declutters in the way you describe; I never compare my makeup kit to someone who earns money from makeup, or place the same spending/decluttering expectations on a beauty KZbinr that I have for myself (although I love your idea of a disclaimer for those who DO struggle with comparison and scaling for their own life, because it’s such a valid struggle). What can be difficult about declutters for me personally is watching people who aren’t great at articulating when they’re making a business decision, a personal decision, or a mixture of both when it comes to which products they keep-when the logic goal posts keep moving all over the field. And just like you said, beauty KZbinrs are imperfect people just like the rest of us, trying to muddle their way through a very weird job with little precedence, so for me it’s less about judging individual people than noticing general, systemic gaps in thoughtfulness. I actually love your declutters; I can’t tell you how much I admire the way you engage very consciously with the messy intertwining of business and personal decisions, and the way your makeup kit has always remained small relative to what's normalized for the kind of work you do. But a lot of KZbinrs, in the span of one video, will throw out 20 foundations, keep 70 more, and then come to another foundation in their drawer and be like “oh shucks this one expired, but I love it so much [I wore it 5 times total], I’ll have to buy a new one of this again immediately!” And it’s like…have we learned nothing from the past 30 minutes of going through expired foundations? Am I on glue here, did I not just watch you grapple with the realities of makeup expiration dates and the impossible extensiveness of your own collection, JUST TO HEAR YOU SAY YOU’RE GOING TO REPEAT THE SAME VICIOUS CYCLE ALL OVER AGAIN? The earth is dying, Brenda! No, Michael, you do NOT need to repurchase the Glossier skin tint when you just told us it’s not even your favorite and you own 27 other skin tints!!! What is happening?? I hope for your sake that you stopped before this point but if not, thank you for reading my novel.

[@cloeshmoroz4512]

Hi ! I agree with you so much on this, the inconsistent logic is stressful. It feels like sometimes the person decluttering is in a trance with dream logic. No stopping to look back at what they did just before, no pondering of ideas, only confusion and chaos.

[@cait.]

I’m always yelling at them in my head “you’re still keeping ALL OF THAT?!?!” It drives me nuts haha

[@lisafeldmann9863]

I feel that way when I hear them talking about the "backups" of products like eye shadow palettes and blushes- stuff that takes forever to go through.

[@becm963]

Michele’s declutter video didn’t bother me as much. She didn’t give this huge speech in the beginning the way Tati did. Tati’s declutters are for show. Watch her declutters back. She has had several declutter videos. She made this huge production a while back about how we only needed 15 palettes. Then she proceeds to buy tons of palettes. Fast forward, she has a palette declutter and she hardly declutters anything. It is a way for you to see her collection and to buy the palettes she kept.

[@Paigedh1776]

I loved your novel.

[@WitchofCrowSummit]

I was thinking about something similar the other day, in that when I want to cut down on spending, I immediately want to declutter because it is visible instant gratification of the life I desire. HOWEVER, the decluttering is the easy part in my opinion. It is much harder to stop the inflow than to let go of things from which the "new" magic has worn off. So, I think this is another reason why declutters - of any kind - are so appealing. It is maintaining the decluttered lifestyle that is a lot less sexy and poses the greater challenge.

[@naniomitendayo]

you worded this so well!

[@WitchofCrowSummit]

@@naniomitendayo Thank you so much! 😊

[@MsDecens]

Yup. Then it becomes a revolving door so you get joy from buying products just to throw them away not long after. It's more about the experience than about using the actual products.

[@proud2bnumber1]

Your comment is so interesting and made me think, because I'm the other way round! I have a problem with the outflow! I can never let go of things, because they are still good, because I still love them, because I haven't used them enough, because I spent so much money, because I need the variety and so on... So for me it's much easier to stop the inflow. So when making a purchasing decision I always think "I would love this, but I have no space to put it... I would have to let go of something... Oh I could never".

[@disgruntledmoderate5331]

@@proud2bnumber1 In some ways, that's a better issue to have, though it could cause some problems.

[@hunnydewprincess4161]

Wanting more and wanting less simultaneously is so well put and something that I think resonates with most of us. It's a hard thing to navigate.

[@Carab3671]

I needed this, thank you. I literally was watching a declutter today and was getting so upset with myself because I have SO MUCH more makeup then this big KZbinr who makes money reviewing makeup. It's complete insanity and I'm so over doing this to myself and family.

[@CrystalLynnBeauty]

You got this!

[@Carab3671]

@@CrystalLynnBeauty muah

[@millieonaire7212]

You are supported! maybe re watch hannahs no buy year?

[@sbhutto69]

I have waaaay too much makeup too, most of us here do... But, ya know, I do think more before I buy now, and I try to sell / donate the stuff I haven't touched for weeks. Funny, I bought something from you on Mercari recently and you were so sweet - so at least I reduced your drawer for you a tiny bit lolol! XOXO

[@kubrab.akkaya6340]

Ah this is also me! 😢

[@augustlunaonline]

If anyone has expired cosmetics (especially eyeshadow), try using it like art supplies on paper and create a drawing with it! I’ve used face primer to prime the paper so eye shadow grips better, but you can skip this. Use a cheap hair spray as fixative spray (especially when using powder products, just like you might when using charcoal!). It’s a fun way to repurpose old makeup that you can’t you on your face. And it’s fun to experiment with a medium is a new way!

[@SimplyMayaB1994]

This probably wasn't the intenion, but my brain is brimming with ideas on how to expand this question into an academic essay (makes sense, since I'm writing my PhD dissertation about KZbin). Love your thoughtful, eloquent videos.

[@shandibone]

Ha I thought something similar: Hannah could turn this into a critical media analysis that would be relevant to any number of media journals (Feminist Media Studies comes to mind).

[@SimplyMayaB1994]

@@shandibone Definitely

[@1hawaii21]

I rarely watch declutter videos anymore. I just can’t. I become more and more disgusted with the tremendous waste. I don’t care if it was purchased or gifted. I just can’t deal with someone showing item after item and claiming they love each one so much. Really? The item was probably used one time. I would rather know the item was being kept to use as comparison. Personally I have really tapered my collection. I donated and discarded more than I’d like to admit. Yes, I still occasionally purchase but not like before. I have to have a need not just a huge craving. It’s not easy but it’s saving me money! My big change came with Covid. I wasn’t wearing makeup so I stopped buying. I still love makeup and have cravings. But, now I check what I have and wait a couple of weeks. It works for me. 😊

[@proud2bnumber1]

Oh yes, this is a wonderful topic, the different relationship to products of content creators and content consumers. There is also this genre where big influencers give away money as a gift. Let's say: $1,000. So they seem so generous to the audience. But since they are able to generate let's say $10,000 with the video, they earned much more than what they gave away. So the $1,000 was an investment for them and not generosity by the pureness of their heart.

[@JenniferSmilesNow]

Cool! Can you be more clear on what your dissertation is focusing on. Really cool to hear :-)

[@elerike]

The best way to deal with declutters is to buy less. We do want more and new, but you my friend are doing wonderful job to make us think about this problem. Because it is a problem. For me personally a mass of makeup is overwhelming... impossible to use up. We should also consider the problem of recycling all that makeup! Influencers throw away tons of old makeup but it is so wasteful and bad for the environment. Think about this, girls!!! 😭😭😭😭😭

[@hautemesstom]

I appreciate you putting this into words! It’s now weird when I watch declutters of people who even do / have more than I do on this side of things. I used to be like “omg that’s so cool look at how much makeup they have” and now I’m like “oh my god look at how much makeup they have!!”

[@nailinthefashion]

LMFAAAOOOOOOOO 🤡 us in unison watching Michele Wang's recent series. "Maybe I'm not actually THAT into luxury with my modest 'only' 3 Roen quads that i got secondhand..."

[@theprousteffect9717]

@@nailinthefashion Omg, yes, Michele Wang's declutter was just painful. I'm not here to judge anyone's journey, but most of those beautiful, luxury products were barely touched. I have to remind myself that luxury beauty is one of her jobs, but it still hurts. I've been savoring my one Tom can't-afFord cream and powder eye duo for literal years now and will use every scrap of it until the smell or consistency changes. No eye infections yet, thankfully.

[@nailinthefashion]

@@theprousteffect9717 "Tom can't afFord" is such a good phrase. I thought about getting his eyeshadow duo since they're half off, but then realized I'd reach for my olive auric one over a bronze 9 times out of 10, or get it next year. The spell is broken, I am free, and glad you're using yours til they're grubby. Btw I couldn't finish those videos bc I've wanted the Guerlain meteorites forever but can't justify it when I don't powder often lmao

[@marylhere]

I bought some Prescriptive eyeshadow powder and blush for my fifteenth class reunion. Still have them and love the shades….my fiftieth reunion is in three years. I don’t wear makeup often obviously. Although I must have fifty eyebrow products. Rubarb Burt’s Bee lip balm….one in every purse. Funny when I was in my twenties I was a Way Bandy full face of goods.

[@bienesummsumm9334]

I‘ve been feeling repelled by declutter videos for a while now and I couldn’t put my finger on the reason why. Thank you for putting it so eloquently into a nutshell. Also, the sheer amount of stuff shown in declutters is starting to gross me out in a way. It’s just so much waste, so much fantasy and beauty thrown into a bin.

[@LucyLivinYT]

Hi Hannah! I've been watching you for a few years now and seeing one of my own thumbnails pop up was quite a surprise, haha. Absolutely loved this video, and adore your perspective. As a smaller content creator who has been experiencing more channel growth and opportunities, I've become more and more conscious of how my relationship with product (both clothes and beauty) has begun to change. In my own makeup declutter (and previous clothing declutter) videos I clumsily tried to describe what you put so much more articulately in this video - this process of turnover isn't normal, and the way we discuss product comes from a place of abundance - there will be more to try, test, wear, so unless I love something, and provided it's no longer required for further content, it has now served it's purpose for my work and passing it on so I can try more things makes economical sense for my channel as a business. I feel really comforted knowing that another creator is having these thoughts around this kind of content, as I also LOVE watching declutter content (I rewatched some of yours recently actually, haha) but felt the need to at least have a brief discussion with my audience at the beginning because it's exactly like the chef analogy - I can give you cooking tips and advice on recipes, but buying this amount of tomatoes is not normal for a single human woman. Thank you so much for all your incredible content you create here and also for the help with foundation/concealer shades as I believe we're skin shade twins 😌💖

[@HannahLouisePoston]

Thank you for this lovely comment, Lucy! I'm glad that the things I said are resonant for you!

[@MidnightMajesty]

I needed this today. I just lost my sweet doggy and have been desperately trying to fill the hole in my heart with things. Thanks for the perspective

[@HannahLouisePoston]

I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Sending a huge hug ❤️

[@nixxxxxxie]

I'm so sorry for you. I lost my dog and cat in the same week a few months ago and panic bought/ acquired a ton of stuff I didn't need. I now own 2000 bottle caps because I didn't want them to get thrown away by my neighbor. Grief is stupid and ridiculous sometimes. It doesn't fill the hole, but nothing else really will either. I hope things start to get easier for you! It might take a while, but the pain does soften eventually.

[@Piggerella13]

So sorry for your loss and wish for brighter days for you!

[@riven799]

I'm so sorry 😢

[@villapulla]

I'm so sorry for your loss, wishing you all the best

[@iliaa3268]

This is unrelated to the video but I wanted to say your content has made me fall in love with my features and more confident in myself. Your approach to beauty is inspiring to me. Love this video too thanks for creating amazing content don't change a thing 😍

[@HannahLouisePoston]

thank you for this lovely comment! 🥰

[@kristin7762]

This video was so nice to hear! I used to be super into decluttering and minimalism lifestyle vids but I’m finding myself much more in a “moderation mode” now. I think seeing the same people declutter and buy, declutter and buy again, I started to feel like that whole drama ends up being wasteful. If you only declutter once, the thrill of it is fleeting and you find yourself questioning what the point of getting rid of all that stuff was.

[@digital_bath9104]

Exactly... I'm like "what's the point of decluttering if they're going to buy it all again". I feel like it's wasteful and my heart aches. But again, I have to remind myself it's their work

[@petshopgirl39]

I have another take on declutter videso. I think many beauty KZbinrs have issues with over consumption of makeup products. You see beauty rooms and drawers, even dedicated storage units, crammed with makeup. I doubt a fraction of it has been acquired for "review" only. Being a KZbinr can provide a convenient vehicle/ justification for buying vast amounts of makeup. When I see these declutter videos, I see literally wasted money which could have paid off debt or paid for a holiday, a car, food for a year, an item of furniture or money that could have funded something truly meaningful or life-enhancing. And then I also see environmental disaster. All these KZbinrs, and viewers, doing massive declutters that end up in landfill or choking the oceans. We need to consume less across the board generally. No one talks about environmental responsibility in the beauty community on KZbin other than parroting the greenwashed marketing spiel offered up by cosmetic companies to buy more of their products. The problem with the beauty community on KZbin is that it is built upon a bedrock of review-based content. Unless we change our viewing preferences in a conscious way, moving away from review videos (I am guilty as charged here as I love a good review video as much as the next viewer), we collectively continue to feed the beast. More review videos, more over-consumption of beauty products, more declutter videos, and more to landfill, the ocean or any other third world country that we ship our trash to.

[@Beautyonthebrain_]

I can not stand watching huuuuuge declutters by people who buy /acquire makeup with reckless abandon. I loooooooove your declutters because they are thoughtful, measured & calming. I was just thinking that we haven't had a good, long declutter from you. I find your overhead content so enjoyable. I miss your building a dupe palette videos, I always found those so inspiring. Thank you for bringing the beauty community to task over this. I also loved the grocery shopping metaphor

[@carinaoliveira5850]

Something else I wanted to add, is that I feel declutter videos cater to "makeup beauty gurus" who literally NEED to declutter. Someone like myself, shouldn't always need to declutter or feel shame for not scaling down the 10 lipsticks I own, because there will come a time where I will need that one bright orangey red and be glad I didn't throw my old one out! VS., if I were a beauty guru who had 100 lipsticks, with 10 in just the orangey-red category, THAT is the reason to declutter and consolidate.

[@CurlyTabby]

Your videos are so enlightening. They really cause me to stop and think about the things I’m doing, how I am behaving and the why behind it all. ❤

[@annepapillon]

Same!

[@fuzzboo]

Some thoughtful points but ultimately boils down to something like 'Do as I say, not as I do'

[@katerinaschenke819]

I appreciate you mentioning that money is made from a review of the makeup. A lot of KZbinrs say "i used my own money to buy this" but i just think of it as a business expense. Now i think of it as a business expense plus profit

[@Reiliferei]

This is so incredibly important. I hope more influencers implement this disclaimer. I see comments of people getting mad because an influencer declutters something they reviewed & like and while I understand where they are coming from I know I know you relationship with product is different. I do get a annoyed if an influencer uses a product once then recommends it & tosses it because that's just a bad review. A lot of us beauty lovers DO have influencer sized collections because our lack of understanding the relationship you guys have with product. But I think we are becoming more aware of our actions, at least in the people I watch. I prefer more "minimal" influencers like you, Kelly gooch, Sarah rose etc.

[@elizabethtangora4353]

Great reality check, even for somebody like me who typically can’t deal with declutter videos 😅. It brings back an old old memory of Wayne Goss’s rant about the big beauty KZbinr makeup rooms, and how all you were really seeing was a room full of expired makeup.

[@natashaf.8597]

So well articulated, especially on consuming as a form of escapism. I was Just having this conversation the other day "we're not shopping for products, we're shopping for feelings we wish we had more of in our lives" ex- we want more adventure in our lives but that takes energy and effort we may not have to give so we buy a leather jacket, or vacation clothes, or outdoor gear instead of the experiences that require them. Thanks for such thoughtful content

[@cait.]

I would love a dedicated video solely on the topic of having a longing for more and having a longing for less at the same time! I feel this so deeply almost everyday. It’s actually tearing my brain to shreds at the moment. Super dramatic but true haha

[@christinaorciari1915]

Your videos have helped me so much. I was someone who had a relatively small makeup collection, it could have fit in the smallest makeup bag . Then! I found KZbin and fell under some sort of spell. I bought so much makeup that I felt "influenced" to buy without much consideration to my own coloring or preferences. Then I found your no buy year and started to make some changes and I've continued to make changes. Now, when I make a purchase it is much more considered and it feels like a treat. I think it was you that said that when you buy a new makeup product such as an eye palette your previously beloved eye palette stops getting the use it deserves....that really resonated with me. Thanks Hannah!!

[@natyork]

This video should be required viewing for media literacy. And, per usual, it is articulated in that beautiful, Hannah way.

[@nixxxxxxie]

This feels like a sign. I've was binging declutter videos last week(including yours), and I realized they were really freaking me out. I've got a pretty normal amount of clothes, jewelry and makeup now, but I feel like I should always be getting rid of more more more. I've just got to realize that I'm not Shaaanxo, I make barely over minimum wage staring at excel all day. I should've waited to declutter this week, so I could watched this ahead of time lol.

[@CocoB22]

Don’t declutter as much as you think you should. Make an effort to use what you have. Organize so you can function, but take time to use and enjoy what you have. Find joy in what you have and have a good time. You will not find quality for purchase as readily as before. ❤

[@myconfusedmerriment]

Yeah, it was an interesting realization when I sat down to do my semi-annual declutter and realized…I really don’t want to get rid of much anymore. I was hesitant to get rid of clothes even if they’re not in rotation now because I know some of my favorite jeans are on their last leg, tshirts get holes, etc. For most of us, decluttering isn’t the big, satisfying “GOT RID OF 200 ITEMS!!!” influencer declutters we’re used to seeing. Or maybe it is one time, and then it’s just weeding out a few items every season as they cease to be useful. Pitching stuff you actually might want in the future (just because a minimalist vlogger told you that you only need 5 sweaters or whatever) is also a form of waste, because you don’t want to end up constantly buying more. So it is all really dependent on your life and your budget, and I’m guessing for most of us, we don’t have an influencer life or budget lol.

[@nixxxxxxie]

@@CocoB22 I definitely don't declutter like that anymore. I cut my spending and consumerism way way down at the start of the pandemic, but it's still wierdly hard for me to realize that means I'm not running through items like I did when I was a teen. So there's not much to get rid of. I think really hard about what I'm taking in now, and I really like my purchases. When I have something I don't like it stands out so much against all the things I love, I give it to an auntie or put it on a buy nothing immediately. Or I started using a hat box to store stuff that I'm on the fence about, and can see myself using one day. It's still for some reason shocking to me when I have almost nothing to declutter, lol. I appreciate this video and comments like yours grounding me. Thank you!

[@nixxxxxxie]

@@myconfusedmerriment you're so right!! I did a big declutter just before COVID hit and now I never have much to declutter. It sounds ridiculous, but I don't think I realized how much I was comparing myself to influencers(declutter wise) until the video really laid it out for me. I also started storing stuff that I think I might want in a hat box, and it's fun to go through sometimes and I'm so happy I kept certain things. I'm just no where near the influencer level of intake and decluttering. I appreciate your comment helping me feel less ridiculous, and a little more normal haha.

[@CocoB22]

@@nixxxxxxie I feel the same way. At the beginning of the pandemic there were tons of decluttering videos. And it seemed like they were getting rid of everything, without rhyme or reason and that seemed wrong to me. I get it. Most of us have more than we need - but we still don’t know the true after effect of the pandemic on the production of quality items. So keep things that can still work and get rid of stuff that doesn’t. I do see the trend moving in the opposite direction of total declutter and on to thoughtful organization.

[@jilljahns8406]

Such a thoughtful/thought provoking video, and the metaphor is great. Lots of food for thought as we dive further into what is for many the season of spending. Thank you as always for your thoughtful take!

[@HowCaseySeesIt]

A longing for more AND less at the same time is my constant mood. I love declutter videos. You hit the nail on the head.

[@lynnfox8376]

There are also environmental issues to consider, both the production of this excess, and its disposal. Whilst a declutter can help you understand what you actually wear- at the moment- I suggest keeping a range of the excess separately to 'shop' when you want to wear something different, or need a duplicate. Items which simply aren't suitable for you, try to give to someone else to use, maybe hold a makeup swop party, try mixing with other products - most of my foundation and lipsticks are mixtures. Avoid simply throwing in the bin, then buying more as you now have space.

[@heatherlee2967]

Hearing you and Angelica Nyqivist being honest about how buying makeup is a necessary part of maintaining a KZbin channel going helped me realize that you guys a different economic relationship with makeup than I did. Thank you for making such a well-written, nuanced video.

[@ruthan3370]

This is such an interesting observation, and thank you for sharing it with us. Between this and your Fantasy Self Trope video, I have some wheels turning about how minimalism itself is "sold" -- not that it's a product that one can purchase per se, but that it's both a source of content and, I think, that it can be kind of aspirational in a "think of how great you'll feel and how many cool parties you'll be invited to and how many new friends you'll make once you get rid of all the clothes you don't actually wear!" Sure, _maybe_ the only thing holding you back from living your best life is how you feel when you look in your closet, but maybe it's that you're underemployed or dealing with chronic illness or working through trauma or living in a situation that makes it hard to make friends, and donating a pile of dresses is not going to fix any of that -- you still have to have a plan that addresses the things that actually need to change. Maybe minimalism is the negative space of overconsumption, but they still have the same shape in some ways, you know? Anyway, thank you for coming to my TED post 😂 This is tangential, but while I heard you mention early on in my viewership that you used to make tango dresses, I never actually went and looked at any of them until now -- I'm not surprised, but they are just as interesting and beautiful and fun as your video content! I feel like I understand the vibe of tango a bit better now that I've looked at some of them, much like I feel like I understand the vibe of everyday makeup better since I found your channel. :)

[@Alohaalondra]

Declutter videos opened the door to the Project Pan community here in KZbin and even on Instagram for me. I have worked through so much old makeup and minimizing my collection that expirations dates aren’t soemthing I worry about too much bc i can “consume” this makeup before it’s gone bad. Always got the ick watching makeup hoarders flaunt their unused makeup

[@BadIzzie]

I needed this. You hit the nail on the head with the desire for more and the desire for less coexisting. I struggle with that myself. I feel great when I use up products but then I also fight the urge to add more to cart. This year I have been doing my own declutter with clothing and makeup. If I have to force myself to wear it or use it, it’s gone. It’s not bringing me joy. It’s now a chore. And I am going to use up all the products that I love. No more saving them for special occasion. Wear the glitter on a Monday morning!

[@thisisashlie]

I love a good declutter video. But I’ve also started watching more project pan videos. I have a pretty small collection, but I still need the reminder to use what I have. I also really love your “dupe the vibe” series, recently did this with the new Makeup by Mario palette and realized I have everything I need without purchasing a new palette.

[@alinatherese1115]

This was incredible. Reminds me of a time I talked with my therapist about a shopping problem with makeup. I felt buyers remorse but also fomo with Laura mercier shadow sticks. I told her I bought 3 and I was stressing about it. She was like they are how much $$?!? I explained that I’m used to seeing influencers holding a handful up at a time. That was the key. That was the image that was so normalized. She said if she, a non beauty KZbin consumer, were to purchase, she would pick one color. Not have the whole collection in her mind with fomo. That was really eye opening to me. I know that isn’t a decluttering topic but more consumerism. Your videos are a breath of fresh air. Thank you

[@eisdamme]

Declutters make me seriously anxious! It might be because I attach sentiment to almost everything, and have a bit of personification going on with objects. (I'm that person that has kept and still wears my clothes from the 80s and 90s.) A certain amount of clutter makes me feel cozy. (Your declutters are the only ones I can actually watch!)

[@nikabela]

I like how you keep it real. I am doing a no-buy year next year and currently going through my home checking every single item I own to see what is needed, what are my problem areas. And decluttering of course. This was a very though provoking video and I love that.

[@Piggerella13]

Really like your inspired content and admire your viewpoints on consumerism. I am a collector but realize why there is a difference between content creators and me and don’t aspire to own everything I covet. It took me time to find these truths about my mindset and I don’t feel the pressure to declutter my treasures, but also don’t feel any pressure to endlessly keep expanding my collection. Thank you for having such great insights and for making different thought provoking content! 🧡💙💛💜💚❤️

[@samanthamartin8795]

These videos are so thoughtfully critical of the way we consume, while simultaneously being so compassionate of our collective humanity. I so appreciate you! (P.S. your thumbnails and overall channel aesthetic has been so exceptionally beautiful recently!)

[@grizeldamayhem]

I love the “friend with a restaurant” metaphor. It’s natural for our brains to look around and see what our peers are doing to have a sense of what is “normal” or how we compare. But this twilight space of parasocial relationships and influencer culture is not the kind of community to which our brains evolved to relate. I appreciate the reminder.

[@ojyochan]

Beauty youtubers also tend to have way more makeup than pro makeup artists who regularly do other people's makeup as well. I really appreciate that you're using your platform to remind people they've got ONE face.

[@carriekennedy5903]

My only question is unlike food that can actually compost, what about environmental impact of thrown away plastic packaging of cosmetics (ideally rehome them first)? A lot of influencers just trash items because of liability of used makeup when they could change practices like not directly using applicators. It’s something I have to consider before buying personally.

[@moshimoshiumeboshi]

That’s tough, as the applicators (think mascara wands) are a huge part of some makeup application experiences and reviews, especially if it’s a new shape or material. For normal consumers, though, especially those who find themselves not vining with a lot of the products they buy, this is deffo something to think about!

[@carriekennedy5903]

@@moshimoshiumeboshi mascara is probably the only one I wouldn’t pass on at all (eye infections are too risky & short expiration date) but things like lipstick can be cut off tube and brushed on similar to makeup artists sanitation practices instead of direct application. Good practices like that for KZbinrs could really make gifting cosmetics to places like shelters and not for profit groups easier and give the gifts to people who really would appreciate them. I wish cosmetics companies would also do smaller containers/samples instead of sending 25 full sized bottles as well. ColourPop could also chill on the countless new products and huge PR packs. Most creators can’t get videos out before the next collection comes out a week later. Lol

[@erinlikesacornishpasty4703]

Idk, I think almost all the women I know use only one lipstick until it's done and then get a new one. It's only been since my generation started trying to live some kind of influencer life that we thought having multiple lippies is normal. Or multiple eyeshadow palettes. Or multiple foundations. Our parents all used one brand, and usually one line, exclusively and just used it until it was gone. I can remember my grandmother and mom had makeup that was easily 10 years old in thier collections. But they were brand loyal like no other. I'm like that now to some extent, and when I talk to women who don't watch a lot of KZbin, they also are. I think honestly, WE just have to shop and use our makeup more economically and efficiently. It's ok to be brand loyal to one base product or one lip product. And maybe that helps cosmetic companies, because they stop overproducing? Maybe 🤷‍♀️.

[@Grace_ingrid]

I’m so happy you did this video and addressed some things I had never thought of!! Waste and trash honestly haunts me so it is really hard for me to watch declutters because I just have a lot of anxiety seeing people trash things that still have product in them because I know these things that still have a purpose are going to the landfill and we don’t have great recyclable packaging for makeup yet. I understand if you didn’t want to include that in your video because it kind of goes nowhere and is depressing. Thank you for all your great content Hannah! You inspire me with your looks and your consumer practices :)

[@thebeauty_minimalist]

I love what you said about being torn between wanting more and wanting less…so poetic 😍

[@_aniyapapaya_]

I recently did a massive declutter of my collection and realized that I was holding onto things because I was used to an excess of things. I had developed a strong hoarder mentality and had to sit with myself to face the facts. I don't need everything that I like. Your channel has helped me a lot with editing and streamlining the products I am willing to purchase. I was able to objectively look at my current collection and focus on utilizing what I can while being realistic. Declutters always inspire me to pair down when needed and they definitely give me a better idea of product performance and use versus wanting for the sake of wanting. I say all this to say that this is a long winded thank you for creating content that helps others.

[@jennavhuang]

that metaphor was gold

[@jennavhuang]

I owned soso much makeup, decluttered 80% of it (lost so much money bc 70% were barely used) bc of the covid depression and the minimalism movement, I thought it would make me feel better- it defo didn’t since makeup was my creative outlet but I realized the mindset I was in (maximalist mindset) during that time was very unrealistic so while I wasn’t happy having less I’m starting to think more clearly about consumerism and really honing in, researching, waiting before buying products. Your content has inspired me to attempt a no buy this coming year, so excited yet scared 😂

[@strawberryboulevard]

The way that you're always so eloquently spoken and how it's obvious that you put a lot of thought into every single video you make and every point you bring up is incredibly inspiring. I always love seeing your videos come up on my feed!

[@riannevandenberg58]

This is a really interesting take on the KZbin declutter video's. I really like seeing them, decluttering can give such a feeling of accomplishment. At the same time, I do not have the urge to buy many items and look at your reviews almost as a wine tasting. You use smaller portions and and a greater variety to help your viewers choose what is best for their taste and have them enjoy their items to the fullest.

[@Cicelyize]

Pre-emptive like before watching. I’ve always hated declutter vídeos, they depress me and validate consumerism in a different scale. I just feel an urge to stop buying any make up and stop watching any beauty related videos when I do.

[@Cicelyize]

And after watching, thanks for articulating this and doing it so beautifully. In my case, seeing masses of perfectly fine make up being binned and in a way, normalised, makes me wince inside and be acutely aware of the excessive buying dynamic inspired by watching beauty YT for many (me included). For me, going past 3-4 eyeshadow palettes I won’t ever fully use already used to feel wasteful. So I’m automatically protected against these videos I guess :)

[@exomake_mehorololo]

I feel the same. Declutter videos in many cases disgust me or i worry for the people who do them as they are more often than not in a spiral of make up or shopping addiction. They're not freeing themselves or are owning anything with these declutters but they're in a vicious cycle. I've seen to many people clearly not knowing how the heck they ended up there And honestly... Beauty YT or not... If you look at the unavoidable obvious as day environmental consequences of this out of control make up industry we really shouldn't dish out excuses of why some people due to their job "have to" to fill up land fills. You don't have to accept every PR or buy every release at all. You don't have to hoard it until its bad. You don't have to make your money by making other people overconsume and increase the damage either... That's only on that person themselves. Lots of boring ass normal jobs out there to do but a lot of them make less money and are less glamorous I guess... Or if they weren't YT wasn't full of people trying to be a YTer

[@karenalfke6081]

As ever, you serve up philosophy in this space that is so profoundly necessary - and appreciated. I started following you when I found your videos about aesthetic minimalism in your wardrobe - and now I’m plotting my one no-buy year and savoring your entire 2018 playlist! I love how you think so deeply and articulate those thoughts so beautifully. Thank you for all your hard work over the years!

[@borealis_beauty]

I could listen to you talk all day! The way you put things into words is honestly mesmerizing.

[@laurensytek4023]

Wow, the chef analogy was so spot on! This video was really well articulated and has definitely got me thinking differently about my consumption.

[@karinapalazzo7549]

Girl!!! You are killing it!! I love your content. I love your b roll. I love your insight. And you make me laugh at least once out loud without fail. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and thoroughness.

[@karinapalazzo7549]

And tell Joe I'm loving the shrew

[@kaylaford9983]

Love this preface to your declutter series! I always watch your channel when I need a reminder and a reset on my relationship with my things

[@theclairemalkie6496]

This makeup industry analysis was riveting! Quite the well executed video essay 👏🏽

[@greenelephant6539]

I have noticed that the more beauty YT I watch, the more makeup I want. I've replaced expired and old makeup more often (good) but a few times bought something I really didn't need (bad). It's really interesting to hear all of this and reinforces what I already know, but sometimes forget: you can't buy stuff to make your life better. That next product isn't going to change everything for you.

[@YvonneRaphaelWriter]

It’s refreshing to see this type of ethic in a business that exists to sell. Thank you!

[@LizCowanSC]

Wow! Sometimes the KZbin algorithm delivers the exact right video just when you need it. I don’t buy makeup but I do have an extremely large nail polish collection that is overwhelming at this point but still I keep buying hoping the next pretty polish will make me happy even though it never does. Thank you for sharing your insights on the weird state of consumerism right now; It really helps to put things in perspective and now I’m going to subscribe and watch your videos about your no buy year. 😊

[@andreawc88]

This is the best video I have seen in a while. This is so helpful. You are so eloquent. The restaurant analogy is perfect. We start watching reviews in channels of consumers that we identify with but later they evolve into influencers getting products and buying them for different purposes unlike us and we no longer make that differentiation and get sucked into buying so much. Thank you thank you. I think that being aware of this is so helpful to break bad habits and be more cognizant about consumerism.

[@Diana-cd8ox]

What a beautiful video! And the 'longing for more/less' motto is striking. I really do enjoy your 'philosophy in a boudoir (or should I say makeup room?) ' moments. They indicate that a subject of beauty is actually really deep.

[@SabzAhamedbeautyfyingbeauty]

By far one of the most meaningful videos I have ever watched! I used to work in beauty and once I left and changed my career I still ended up buying so much because I was used to trying the new up and coming product- it was always a hunt for the next best thing! However when I worked in beauty- so much was free or extremely reduced but now I am paying for every item! ( although sometimes at a really good discount price) I'm getting nothing in return and it's just accumulating. Then I used the makeup for my job, bridal work, blog work but now it's only for my daily use and my mind set still hasn't changed. Thank you for this video, you articulated it so well and have been super honest and open about the economic relationship a KZbinr has with makeup( this was also my relationship when i got it free, it was easy to let go of or giveaway!). When I do watch some influencers do sephora hauls from I do usually wonder how they spend £1000s on makeup in one go but as viewers we forget to realise its part of their business and they if anything will get the money spent back plus make a profit! That was such an eye opener! ❤

[@nikkiforever2007]

I think the restaurant owner and influencer metaphor is a stretch. A restaurant is buying all that food to feed many people. The product is the meals cooked from the food. I get that the product from a beauty influencer is content around beauty products, but back in the day beauty videos weren’t all about peddling products. Most videos were tutorials, tags, etc. I get that beauty influencers would accumulate new makeup throughout the years to keep up with evolving trends, but guess what - so does the average consumer. The problem these days is every influencer feels the need to peddle every new release and there’s less emphasis on actual makeup application. There was and still is a lot more to the beauty world than simply buying makeup. It’s also about using makeup, which a lot of influencers have forgotten. I think content creation, just like fast fashion/makeup is now about churning out the easiest and quickest content. I think the issue for consumers is now to be cautious of all the ideas and products constantly being peddled to us.

[@Alex-tk7gh]

Completely agree with you. It is 100 percent about peddling products to viewers for most current beauty influencers. Specially the luxury channels. This is why I appreciate people like Zabrena and Emily Noel because they really do focus more on makeup application. And they both frequently use drugstore makeup. You see people like Michelle Wong who at one time might be wearing hundreds of dollars on her face and it just doesn't show. Where Zabrena can create a beautiful look using Elf Makeup and look like a million bucks. Make-up is very much about the application and a lot of the youger influencers just don't get that. They are only focused on the 💰 they make by pushing product after product on their followers.

[@riven799]

My favorite thing about you and your videos is the analysis of our behaviors and emotions driving them, whether it concerns makeup or not. I'm sure there are people who think IT'S JUST MAKEUP IT'S NOT THAT DEEP HANNAH on every video, but our impulses and spending behaviors really are that deep. There are reasons for that urge to buy new things, and we should acknowledge the WHYs every time we have an urge. Maybe the "it's not that deep" people haven't experienced the backlash that comes with overconsumption like you have, so they just don't get why it is important to check yourself before you wreck your wallet. I'm personally not impulsive, I don't make rash decisions in any part of my life, but I know I'm a unicorn there. I remember an anti-haul video of yours and, while I can't remember the specific product, you broke down why you wanted this item and came to the conclusion that your reason was ridiculous and I admired that you admitted it, instead of convincing yourself that "oh I'm TOTALLY gonna use this ALL THE TIME" just so you could buy it. As makeup lovers, the core of it is that we love beautiful things. And sometimes the reason we like a beautiful thing is ridiculous and there's no shame in admitting it and moving along!

[@Jenny.100]

Just found your channel and OMG I needed your voice in my head! Every video I have watched hits it hard and I am realizing so much about myself and the social media content I tend to consume. Thank you! You are a sane voice in a sometimes insane world. A true inspiration! ❤

[@doreengelina]

Aaaagh, this was so helpful and insightful. As a former makeup artist and cosmetic sales professional... It was my job to own products, test products, trial things, etc... Since leaving that profession, and cleaning out my collection as time goes on, I feel kind of lost on what I should own as a standard consumer, and just wanting products because I want them and will use them. The fridge analogy was spot on. My fridge and fridge clean out really should not be the same as the restaurant. Thank you so much! Xoxo

[@dori5189]

Thank you so much for your yt content, it's so great. Even through i am well aware of the problematic for me and my personal life, your thought process and the way you transport it, is so special and just awesome. Especially because you articulate as you do, your content is even more valuable for me as i am not a native speaker. You are such a light in the yt beauty community ♥️

[@agelessglamournotyourmamas688]

I really appreciate your honesty about this. I am someone who does over shop and have become more aware of the waste and stop myself. And you are right you feel like your overbuying is normal when you watch influencers. I have gifted , sold and donated what I don’t use. It is embarrassing and I do feel guilty at times but it is getting better.❤😊

[@VanessaSage]

Thanks for this! It was actually a major influencer’s declutter video at the beginning of the month that made me decide I was going to do a low buy year. I’d been thinking of it for a while because of your content. Seeing the waste, and realizing that I’d been buying like I was a KZbinr, really affected me.

[@robinmelameth8712]

You are a blessing. I so value your content and your thoughts on owning beautiful things. Your videos are a breath of meditative air - and much needed.

[@Ainulindale22]

This was a much needed video/discussion. Thank you for framing things in a different way, it makes me think about my own collection- I don't need to be making any more makeup purchases!

[@AvilaCranfill]

I love when you break down stuff like this, it's insightful and reminds us that *it's just makeup* ! This line of thinking stopped me from overspending in all the recent sales. ❤️

[@TheStitchWitchPodcast]

this is an amazing, elucidating video. thank you for making it, and for reminding all of us that we're all just people, trying to do things. even our parents, teachers, spiritual guides, celebrities: all just people, trying to do things. lots of love

[@hellomrsjackson6762]

Yes. Absolutely. I feel this way as well. Plus, I work at Ulta and there’s definitely a pressure there to know all about each and every single product. I did a low buy April-June and a no buy July (except for replacements). Since then, I have a set budget for each month for beauty and I find myself being more strategic and thoughtful about my purchasing decisions. My wallet is so happy 😅and I am less stressed because I’m not overspending 🎉 Thank you for all you do Hannah !

[@cvgsunset5844]

So many insightful points, all so clearly and thoughtfully presented- thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, Hannah! 🙏✨This needs to be on the trending page.✨👏

[@rosejustice4963]

Wow! I haven’t watched a lot of your beauty product videos but am starting to learn that all your content has food for thought! The title of this caught my eye but it could be about fashion or home decorating or anything that causes us the complex feelings you describe so well. Love ya! Hope your house move is going well 😍

[@pasitheathanatosasmr488]

Ok but I’m so excited about the upcoming declutter videos from you🤩🤩🤩

[@Robin-no8cu]

As usual, a deeply considered and highly articulated analysis. I think that part of the reason so many of us bought too much makeup is that we enjoy the community….the sense of membership in a club…being in the know about something we all enjoy. Even if buying more stuff is not a good financial decision. Loved the grocery shopping analysis…that is exactly right. You have been very helpful in identifying the problem. Kudos. 😊🥂

[@derrickjenniferwatkins1394]

Oh my goodness! What a fantastic video! KZbin randomly suggested this and I love your style!

[@kagitsune]

It's been wonderful watching you learn about your/our relationships with consumption salesmanship over the years. Hearing your updated thoughts on PR and other quirks of the influencer gig remind me that we don't need to only publicize our fully-formed treatise on a given subject: we are allowed to change our minds. Sometimes the discussion is itself the education. Conflict with the past can be healthy!! 😊💕💕💕

[@ZL3xtr4]

I enjoy the relatability of other people's journey in comparison to my own. Some one else show casing what they have spent time with helps my own journey as well. The in depth review is genuine & I appreciate the honesty.

[@hayleylawson555]

I'm pretty picky with who I sub to. I just found your channel recently. This is the 2nd video that I've watched by you where I really appreciate your perspective and transparency. Pointing out the economic difference between yourself as a business, and the viewer as an average consumer is so insightful and I find it a great help when I watch declutter videos. Context is key. Also, love your perspective of "duping the vibes".

[@LEbackstage]

I have OCD and it was really bad for a couple of years. At one point I spend every disposable income I had on buying things in the hopes of feeling better. In the process of that, my home was full of clutter...maximalism was nothing against me. It was a compulsion to buy. 3 years ago I got professional help and have slowly but surely been decluttering my home and my life. Thinking back now I was the perfect consumer - easily influenced. But for some reason I never watched declutter videos, because I didn't understand why getting rid of perfectly fine products. Last year around this times I started watching them. I definitely like the insides of the collections, but I mostly like to watch for the reasonings on why - you especially - keep or pass along a product. Which questions you ask yourself to determine if it brings value to you or not. Often times there are questions that I like, can modify and bring into my life. This year I've definitely been more conscious about my spending habits and consumerism and how it relates to my mental health. Thank you 😊 💓

[@TheKchar]

I have been around for a couple years now and saw your TFD content this year and I gotta say I’m so impressed by your video growth. The transitions on this video are *chefs kiss*

[@bellav7241]

Ohh boy, for me, this also applies to also feeling the need to own a product for every category of makeup. Even though I thought I consumed in a healthy manner, having only one product or two per step in the routine if any, even in my small collection there were products collecting dust. I realized that I had been unconciously shopping with an internalized 'checklist' without even stopping to ask myself if I even needed to check every box in the first place! Ahhh, to think you've won when you're still in the race lol. But at least I know now - both my habits and to be humble. Also gosh, you're on a roll with these insightful videos! Thank you for graciously sharing your wisdom and also just for existing 💗

[@samiraazzahir9963]

These thoughtful and concise video essays are the jewel of KZbin. They provide such needed context for the content we all consume. Thank you and please, please continue........

[@AWanderingEye]

So insightful. Take all you said about beauty products and substitute clothing, shoes, and accessories and you have hit my nail on the head. Thank you for the reminder!!!

[@Kelbel5995]

I very, very much appreciate you pointing out the influencers and content creators have different economic relationships to products. The honesty is refreshing, after seeing so so many creators say things like, "I would totally buy this with my own money!" (they can't know if it would still be worth it if they didn't get it for free) and seeing so many people fall into the trap of wanting to consume products like an influencer.

[@RK-re1wm]

I'm really enjoy your philosophical and insightful content ❤

[@leelie28]

This is why I watch your videos, Hannah! Thank you so much for sharing this careful analysis and for so eloquently explaining truths that are obfuscated by our culture of consumerism. I always know that I can count on you to tell me what I need to hear in a way that is down to earth and engaging.

[@alevsahin1428]

I personally don't watch declutters from youtubers that have huge collections because it's so wasteful and it makes me mad that most of their products look almost untouched and they throw it away because it's expired and not even been used once... For my part I don't declutter much because I purchase mindfully and actually use up the products I buy!

[@gerardinebetancourt1246]

I just found your channel and I'm obsessed thank you for your content. makes me change the way I see things

[@ilovemusic55100]

Ok I see you with the viral title!! Stoked to watch

[@sarac8076]

Can't explain how much I have loved how in-depth this is. I loved it!

[@katza1990]

your videos are so thoughtful and you always bring so much insight into these analyses, watching you feels very different to watching other beauty content producers because I guess I'm literally watching a writer share her inner thoughts about her complicated relationship with beauty products a recent personal insight I've had and wanted to share is that beauty content doesn't attract me as much as it did before, and although there's more than one reason for that, the main one is the fact that i feel I've reached a certain "saturation" point with beauty products. before I used to feel that there were soooo many types of products and textures and colors that were out there and I was barely finding my way around this whole new world. now, more almost a decade later in my beauty journey (and many MANY decluttered products later) I feel like i have a very good sense of the things that i actually like and the things that fit me best. now I can kinda tell if a foundation product would work for my skin and with the season based on the texture, if certain color flatter my skintone etc. i guess that the sunk cost into all that trial and error was useful, because it allowed me to develop my own pattern recognition, so that now, when I watch beauty content, even if someone raves about a product, i can still get a sense of whether it would be good for me as well

[@karengrosskopf]

I love this! I think you’re absolutely correct on everything. I personally never really had “that much” by choice (even when I went to makeup school for 6 months and we “had to” buy for the next class and also got persuaded by the teachers to have more, because “you’ll need it if you want to be a makeup artist”) Since then (I finished school in the beginning of 2020), I have bought things, but not as much as I had through school, and I decluttered what I’ve bought from 2019-2021. (little by little, till recently actually) Now I’m very happy with my small collection, I feel like I don’t need more(unless a product will be finished), I feel relieved of having what I actually need and want ☺️