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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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! 😢

[@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.

[@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!!! 😭😭😭😭😭

[@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 :-)

[@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.

[@fuzzboo]

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

[@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 🤷‍♀️.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@klaudiajaniuk9104]

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

[@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

[@natyork]

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

[@xxstinz59xx]

I get what you are trying to say but I also think that makeup content creators should be hold accountable for not overconsumption and constantly decluttering. You can still review makeup without having a lot of products.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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!!

[@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.

[@YouLookInMyEyes]

I don't watch declutters because they're really not relatable, I mean 75% of the products shown were sent for free to the Beauty KZbinr, whereas 100% of my makeup is bought with my own money. Of course our respective attitude toward the product will be vastly different !

[@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.

[@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! 🥰

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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 😂

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@EnvyBlu]

I really hate the “declutter” videos that are actually just an excuse to flex or brag about their massive beauty collection….which is what I think is the purpose of many of the videos. I watch so many declutter videos, and the person will barely throw anything away. There are people like Morgan Turner, Stephanie Toms, Tati, Michelle Wang, and many more, who do declutter videos and say “I’m keeping this, I’m keeping this, I love this so I’m not getting rid of it” over and over, and not even hardly get rid of anything. This tells me they are just doing it to brag about their huge makeup collection. Because, their job is to influence viewers to purchase more and more makeup, and skincare. They WANT people to envy their makeup collection, so they purchase tons and tons of products through their links, to get commission on all the sales. Beauty influencers’ job is to get viewers to buy products, so of course they want people to SEE their huge collections, to envy the collections, to use that envy to brainwash people into overspending. After all, beauty influencers won’t make any money if they don’t have jealous viewers, who are trying to compete, or emulate their collections. They won’t make any money if viewers aren’t buying, then retailers won’t contact the influencers for sponsorships. So…the whole “declutter” trend is just another sales tactic, encouraging overspending.

[@Suusje0101]

Hold on....creating waste shouldn’t be part of a business. It’s not okay to create waste even if it still makes you money in the end. That goes for a youtuber or a restaurant owner or whoever. It’s literally throwing money in the trash and having a negative effect on the world. It goes against conscious consumerism and it’s bad taste to put the responsibility on the viewers/users/diners. Owners have a big big role in it.

[@thenopedetective]

Most businesses are product driven and it's not accessible for all small business owners to even go low waste. Particularly given corporate waste is much more damaging.

[@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!

[@lizseville1]

Yes but what about the environmental disaster we see growing in front of us in many such de-clutters?

[@lithopheliax61x5]

I think it is scale - within the System, where overflow is trashed anyway by the producing companies themelves, when things dont get sold or might have a fault, etc, influencers decluttering their stock does not create much of a problem

[@lizseville1]

@@lithopheliax61x5 - not at all convinced - that is self justification.

[@lithopheliax61x5]

@@lizseville1 I just habe a problem with putting SO much emphasis on "the individual " and consumption decisions when in fact what is happening in the industry has so much more impact! Of course influencers have an impact and are responsible for how they act, like all of us, but I am tired of people pretending that our small decisions have such an impact. and honestly I just can't follow someone who is TOTALLY unrelatable regarding the amount of fashion or make up they show or at least how they treat the things they have. However, as Hannah explains here it is part of their jobs to try new things out and do they will acquire more. As long as they are mindful in their decision making process and not needlessly wasteful, I think some kind of decluttering will be necessary

[@lizseville1]

@@lithopheliax61x5 - Well, good answer x

[@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!)

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@Epiphanystone]

Watching people declutter unused products does my head in. Collection of makeup has always struck me as a bad investment.

[@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!)

[@mrsdudeandkids]

The planner community has the same Influencer/over-purchased/FOMO culture over stickers, washi tape, planners, pens, etc -- but you rarely see a declutter, it's a destash. Many things can be sold, but there's still significant waste and $$ spent.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@_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.

[@picklecari]

Its weird for me since I don’t enjoy watching declutter videos 😢 it gives me so much anxiety to see a lot of make up be thrown away and to see huge consumerism (even if they got it for free)

[@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. :)

[@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!

[@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!

[@JeeminMorganKim]

I don't think collecting nor decluttering cosmetics is the problem. Non-recyclable, non-biodegradable products going to landfill is. This may be a 'chicken or egg first' thing, but I don't necessarily think KZbin influencers' huge declutter videos are what caused people to start "collecting" large amounts of cosmetics. I'm sure it is exacerbating the issue as Hannah so eloquently pointed out, but I believe it's more of the symptom of the problem, not the cause. The problem being the rise of fast fashion & disposable culture -- the sheer amount & speed of non-recyclable, non-biodegradable new products being flooded in the market every week. I think both the consumers (influencers, part of the consumer-generated advertisement system, are still consumers in my opinion, even though they benefit from the products) and the manufacturers need to be aware of the waste/ethics problem and hold each other accountable.

[@hannabrustad4938]

I feel like what I wanted to hear more about here is the impact over-consumerism has on the environment. I get the comparison between a chef and a regular person when you’re talking about the financial side, but when it comes to the waste the beauty and clothing industry produce, it’s just a HUGE problem for the world. I feel like the difference between the chef and beauty youtuber is that an influencer has control (at least to an extent) over what kind of content they produce. A chef makes a certain amount of food for everyone and cannot control who doesn’t finish it. Beauty youtubers make a choice when they buy something new for a video. Often they declutter, but end up buying and accumulating just as much product after a few months. It doesn’t sustain anyone (unlike food) for any amount of time. It’s an endless hunger and influencers are called just that because they have a power to if not stop it, then at least slow it down by reducing their own intake. One person can never review everything anyway. IMO There should be more focus on creating makeup looks and use the makeup for what it’s for instead of making videos like hauls and doing one time fads like buying a trending product to try once...

[@borealis_beauty]

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

[@nicitha]

Intestering that she only likes our comments if they don't mention waste or the environmental impact of throwing away so much stuff. I hope it's shame.

[@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.

[@TheUmaPalata]

Yes! I watch declutter videos to see a collection of makeup and I'm less interested in seeing how much products are going to waste. It is much more interesting when a person makes swatches and tells me a story behind that purchase etc. I suggest there should be videos showing makeup collections, swatch parties rather than throwing huge amounts of makeup away... It's just wasteful and gives the viewers a false feeling that it's okay to purchase so much and then just throw away something you got bored of

[@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.

[@LuciaGalvan169308]

The problem goes deeper because influencers sell the idea that they are just normal people who own and acquire what any normal person would, and then us, the actual normal people, believe them because we like our influencers and want to believe they're just like us, but we also feel, "oh, that's what I should own and use as a normal person, probably every other normal person owns that much and uses all of that, so I must be the one falling behind". I think is good when people disclose that "I only own this because of my job, I don't think everybody should". Is healthy for us to hear.

[@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 ♥️

[@mariam.a.]

I think we should call a spade, what it is... a spade. People on youtube who have excessive amounts of makeup that they will eventually declutter (often almost untouched) are OK with being wasteful. That fact is completely detached from their income being dependent on reviews. Simply because it is "your job" doesn't make it less bad. Yes, it is hard to accept, if you don't want to be wasteful...but facts have nothing to do with emotions. And, I am not sure I follow your analogy...are you comparing "beauty influencers", literally anyone with a camera and access to the internet, with chefs who are usually highly trained professionals? Chefs make food for a restaurant full of people. They don't buy the equivalent of having to feed a packed restaurant to just feed themselves. That would truly be wasteful. Your analogy would work if the friend were a makeup artist, not a "beauty influencer".

[@SplashBeor]

Very good point here, I thought 💭 I hope more people see this.

[@wplants9793]

I don’t mean this to be offensive to any beauty lovers. I’m all for people wearing make up if they want!! But many years ago when I was 17 (now I am 40) A lightbulb went off of my head one day that every single beauty product I buy ends up down the drain when I wash it off and in a landfill when I throw the packaging away. I wasn’t thinking of the ecological impact but of the fact that I was spending money to wash stuff off and throw stuff away. I imagined what little money I had literally going down the drain or literally in a landfill made me basically stop wearing make up. It was like I was buying trash. For a short time I continue to wear concealer on zits, one eyeshadow and mascara. But by the time I went to college I was totally done with make up, beauty products and nail polish. I had a lot of positive feedback because people would stop me to ask what I was doing to my skin, why did it look so nice? The truth is I am heavily (Irish) freckled and foundation made my skin look kind of gray. Also I have (Norwegian) hooded eyes, and 90% of the time eye make up makes my eyes look even smaller. All this being said… I can still relate to Hannah’s content because at the moment I’m totally sucked in to eBay and Mercari shopping for my kids. My youngest is in love with dolls so I’m always looking for lots of baby doll clothes, Barbie’s and accessories etc. Especially adorable high quality vintage ones - I’m hooked. Even though I know I’m not gonna buy anything the urge to see what’s new and shop online is still there and I have to fight it every day. The antidote is 100% getting off my phone and organizing the baby doll and Barbie areas. I tend to search online after my kids are in bed, but I remind myself that we have enough and it’s about time played not quality of toys. Also getting out my sewing machine and making clothes with what I have on hand is quite gratifying

[@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 😊 💓

[@thebeauty_minimalist]

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

[@sabrinabeeart]

Absolute behemoth of a comment incoming: I watch a lot of makeup declutters bc I have adhd and they're usually quite long so I have them playing in the back while doing stuff. I watch declutters from all kinds of accounts, the ones with 150 subs to those with millions. I'm a makeup declutter connoisseur you could say. I feel like there are numerous levels of problems with declutter culture on KZbin and here are some I've been thinking about: - The incredible amount of waste. This is the biggest one for me (and the planet haha). I feel like a few years ago declutters were something looked down on bc of this and then beauty influencers invented the "I'm going to donate what I can/give to friends and family" which is, lets be real, a lie. A soothing lie, but a lie nonetheless. No-one has that many friends they can give hundreds of blushes to. Most shelters don't take used makeup and they don't need sparkly eyeshadow anyway, what they need is various shades of foundation and brow products etc. This info is easy to find on the Internet and yet we as beauty space still use this rhetoric to justify the buy-declutter cycle. Big influencers started it and now everyone repeats it mindlessly so we don't have to face the ugly reality of our own behaviour. I feel like we all know that when we see a declutter, most of the predominantly plastic packaging is going into a landfill and will take the next 500 years to decompose. It won't get recycled, which is a systemic problem on a much bigger scale. And I'm seeing this as a problem for all declutters, regardless of sub count or whether it's a business or not. We're past the point where we can make excuses for capitalist structures in regards to the environment. - The perpetuation of the buy-declutter-buy cycle. Most declutters are not very mindfull, they happen to make room for more stuff (to "keep up with new releases" or whatever). And I'm not talking about makeup addiction here. Addiction is a serious illness and recovery is a long and painful process and people who struggle need support. And declutters are not a solution for this illness anyway. I'm talking about the lie we tell ourselves in the beauty space that declutters are a natural part of the cycle, that it's fine because we can't possibly use all that makeup anyway. Of course we can't, no-one can use 268 eyeshadow pallets and 58 foundations. To own that much in the first place is the real problem. The problem begins with the buying of yet another product while fully aware it won't get used more than a few times. And the fact that declutters have become so normalised that people feel the need to do them habitually, regardless of whether they are an influencer or not, is actually grotesque. It just perpetuates the cycle, the toxic behaviour we don't want to look at too closely because it means confronting very uncomfortable implications. I think this normalisation is a result of late stage capitalism and thus a bigger systemic issue. Buying to make us feel better after a bad day, that little bit of serotonin, to soothe the pain of living in an unforgiving world. I'm not trying to knock that, but as stated above, we're past the point where these behaviours are harmless. And again, this is just the symptom of a larger issue. Most products are waste from the moment of their inception. The scale at which makeup amd beauty items are produced is gargantuan and only if we collectively try to buy less (or, heaven forbid, maybe market regulations, crazy i know) will that change. Maybe. As usual the actions of one person are inconsequential when it comes to the environmental impact of beauty industry as a whole. - one smaller reason is that makeup declutters get the most views on KZbin. Even if a channel has 100 subs their declutter videos might very well have 1000s of views. The views and engagement are a reward so of course they will want to make more of these videos which means more spending. It is not about the use of the products in the beauty space as much as it is about the buying and decluttering, as stated above. And, like, I get it. But we need to engage with our habits critically. The fact we call our makeup a collection is, when we think about it, extremely weird. These are tools meant to be used for specific purposes. They have expiration dates. They're not collections, they're private storage facilities which get cleared out from time to time. I don't think a lot of people actually think they need to keep up with influencers. We all know it's a job and that the makeup has a different value for someone who gets pr than someone who spends their own money. I don't actual think that's the real issue here. Maybe one could argue that the existence of the influencer as a job title is a problem in and of itself, but that's not the point here. The food analogy doesn't really work for me either. Food is a basic human need. If you don't have food, you don't I've very long. Makeup is a luxury, nice to have but you can live without it. And chefs don't usually just buy the newest stuff or arbitrary amounts, they buy quality and targeted items and just enough food so they use most of it but don't run out. The food is intended to be used up whereas influencers use their makeup rarely more than a few times, certainly not until it is almost finished. And they don't buy it with the intention to be used up either. This comment is pretty harsh on declutters and the beauty space, I'm aware. I love beauty content and I've been thinking about this topic for a long while, but I also get a bit sick to my stomach thinking about the future and the structures that make it near impossible for us to not crash into the iceberg. Or, you know, drown in an ocean full of waste. Tl;dr: declutter culture is a symptom of late stage capitalism and only one of the many problems with the beauty space. Thanks for reading my dissertation lol

[@Guren13]

While I agree with your point about waste it is irresponsible and classist to put the responsibility of sustainability on the consumer. Most of the waste in the world comes from billion dollar companies and industries not individuals. Let's get real for a second. A lot of us get makeup not just because we enjoy it but because makeup for some of us IS A NECESSITY. For example, a queer person might need makeup for the safety of passing. Cis women might need it in certain places to help shield them from discrimination. Those of us who are judged for not being conventionally, acceptably attractive need makeup for protection. Makeup is in fact a tool for some of us. And the beauty industry does not treat makeup as an enhancer or a hobby they have made us believe that we would cease to exist without it. You can have all of the confidence in the world but pretty privelege and social exiling is real af.

[@sabrinabeeart]

@@Guren13 in my comment I very clearly expressed that I don't think the waste aspect is anything the individual can change and that most products are waste from the moment of their inception. I'm talking specifically about declutter culture in the makeup space on the internet and how it seems to have become accepted, maybe even aspired to, by the larger community. Small channels regularly film large declutter videos. Channels who have absolutely no financial incentive since they can't even monetise their videos, apart from the fact that these videos are very popular (which translates to the promise of future monetisation, in other words reward). This acceptance of course influences beyond the confines of online beauty spaces (I mean we are literally talking about influencers here, it's their job) and therefore the general attitude towards declutters and mindlessly spending is something that, in my opinion, the individual person is responsible for. I agree that makeup is a tool (as stated in my original comment) and that some people rely on makeup. Pretty privilege is real too, I agree. But that still doesn't justify any buying buying buying without the intention to use these tools or with the full awareness that the makeup is going to be used only a few times. Again, not talking about people who suffer from addiction or people who just buy makeup in reasonable ammounts according to their usage. I'm talking about the NORMALISATION that makeup declutters are a NATURAL part of this ecosystem. Not the using up of the products, but the throwing away of barely used stuff. And normalising this behavior for a large group of people is dangerous considering the ecological disasters we're about to live through in our livetimes. I agree with you that to really change things around large corporations need to be held accountable. Well, actually I think that we need to move away from capitalism all together, but people on the internet generally don't seem to agree lol. As long as these big corpos have an incentive (profit) there is no reason for them to change their business models. And as long as people keep up the buy-declutter-buy cycle there is more profit to be made for those corporations. So yeah, one person deciding to use up their 48 blushes instead of buying more isn't going to change much. But the perpetuation of the cycle via makeup influencers and makeup communities is going to make things even worse. I've noticed accusations of classism being thrown around a lot lately whenever someone points out the unsustainability of massive makeup "collections" and I don't thinks that is exactly appropriate. People who buy lots of makeup are not a social class who can be discriminated against. My speculation is that people feel very entitled to this mindless consumer behaviour bc it makes them happy or gives them validation through engagement on their videos or tiktoks. And after all, why should they deny themselves that when rich people spend even more on barely used stuff and the earth is doomed anyway, right? What harm is there in buying stuff when it makes you happy, however fleeting that happiness might be? Again, we are past that point where this behaviour is harmless and in context with social media and the normalisation of throwing away so much stuff that isn't ever going to be used, it becomes an avalanche. It's unfair to limit oneself when the people responsible for all of this (i.e. impending ecological tragedies) are so rich that it won't even affect them. I get it. I really do. And again, the problem is late stage capitalism but pretending like there is absolutely nothing the individual can do so we can justify just one more sephora haul of stuff we're going to throw in the trash barely touched is not a great attitude either. And again, I say all this with love. I have makeup and I use it every day bc it makes me feel good and is fun. But I don't love buying for the sake of declutter and re-buying.

[@yasmen9396]

I just want to say that your comments were a pleasure to read. I have tons to reflect on now. Thank you.

[@YvonneRaphaelWriter]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@amyward8861]

I've never had more than one small drawer of makeup and I still have more than I could ever use. I just threw 3 glosses in my bad bin today that went off. And I used them quite a bit, but still in 2 years didn't finish one.

[@asdabir]

My honest take is that everyone, including influencers need to watch their consumption. The share of influencers is now large enough for their contribution to waste/landfill/resource cost being tangible. Companies will produce and market things until they make profits. It’s up to us to reduce the demand. I am no saint in this matter but I have finally emerged out the haze of the shopping dopamine cycle and I’m quite horror stuck by my own behavior. I want to go back to how I was 15 years ago when I (and the market) only had enough resources that I could treat myself very occasionally. I want to make sure every thing I own either serves a utility or is something I treasure. And drawers full of expensive makeup is none of those things.

[@sarahshoxx]

Another reminder that the makeup industry has a HUGE impact on climate change due to waste! I'm not perfect either. No one is! I'm glad we are discussing "declutters" it brings light to the subject of an ugly problem wasting makeup is creating.

[@nicoleknapp777]

I was in a declutter buy declutter buy cycle for sooo many years (8-10). I am now a sahm and no longer have that disposable income. When I think about the things I got rid of just to get rid of things and “make room for new things” it makes me ill. I still declutter things I actually don’t like, but it’s one or two things here and there. I wish I didn’t use declutter videos as a template as you said. Very great video Hannah, thank you!

[@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.

[@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!

[@makeupeclectic]

adore the chef analogy, thank you.

[@tc7617]

I'm curious how you feel about, or maybe where this fits into the well constructed narrative you've made here, the waste created by those in the beauty community through this over consumption of their 'work tools'? Samantha Ravndahl did a great video talking about why she doesn't accept PR anymore and that was one reason for her, was that the amount of waste she was producing was too high. And also that her perceived value of make up had skewed so drastically. Curious what you think!

[@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! 🧡💙💛💜💚❤️

[@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.

[@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

[@derrickjenniferwatkins1394]

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

[@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.

[@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! ❤

[@sandrad7633]

Those absolutely revolting recently pulled Balenciaga ads have REALLY made me take s deep look at myself. Why do I buy luxury makeup, why do I consume constantly? Man, that shook me to the core.

[@NoDecaf7]

I had to Google the revolting images. I am mortified.

[@nailinthefashion]

It makes me wonder how many more people would drop Chanel like a hot rock at the beach if they googled how awful she was. Why perpetuate ~her~ aesthetic when we can achieve the look without the name? It's all a bit maddening.

[@pasitheathanatosasmr488]

@@nailinthefashion i need more from you please go on🙏🏼

[@nailinthefashion]

@@pasitheathanatosasmr488 it's honestly such a deep rabbit hole of antisemitism a comment can't do it justice lol. I've been scripting a video for ages now, the topic has a ton of nuance to it & I don't wanna shame or judge anyone for their choices too harshly since they've worked so hard to distance themselves from her personal ethos.

[@MrLadyMaroles]

I have only started this video but the thing that bothers me the most about declutters is that they’re not really decluttering but only creating space for more clutter, otherwise why would anyone have such *massive* amounts of makeup to get rid of every single year? I know not everyone has the same preferences as say you for example, where even though you work in Beatube you don’t just add to what you review willy-nilly, but with a purpose.

[@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*

[@matemarika86]

I've watched the entire video now and there is something that particularly annoys me about decluttering: when influencers declutter limited edition products, even when they loved them in the past. They justify saying that they do it for us, because we wouldn't be able to buy them... And no, they do them for themselves, because they wouldn't be able to SELL them!!! This is demonstrated by the fact that as they think about the community affected by the possibility to not be able to buy, they should also think about those people who actually bought the product in the past, sometimes even based on their recommendations!!! Where is the respect for those people? This is something that really makes me sick and discourages me to trust those influencers. I get it, it's their business, but the business they have should be user-driven, not company-driven!!!!

[@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........