My No Make Up Buying Month – What it taught me

I know we all say it, but September really did go by in a blink of an eye didn’t it? Its actually one of my favourite months as Im a huge Autumn fan (you can read more about my Autumn love in this post Why Autumn is My Favourite Season). This year however, I was wishing September to fly by, as I had put myself on a self-imposed, make-up spending ban! Yep, you heard that right, Kerry the make up junkie was going cold turkey…

I had started earlier this year on this train of thought. I have a bathroom cupboard full of body lotions and perfumes, and I had made a vow to myself that I wouldn’t buy anymore until I had used a lot of what I have. Its crazy the stuff I have! The reason that I was doing the make up ban, was because I seriously have enough make up to open my own shop. I also wanted to start to live more sustainably. Only buying what I need. I was ignoring so much of the stuff I had, as I always reached for the newer, shinier items. I was neglecting all the beauties that were once my favourites. I had also got into a bit of a lazy rut with my make up, not really doing anything different day to day. I also felt like I was wasting money at times.  So, I decided that I would not purchase ANY new make up for a month. (It was actually 6 weeks as I started half way through August). This was quite an ask of someone like me, who literally adores make up shopping and having something new in my kit. The restraint I have had to show when Charlotte Tilbury launched the new Hollywood collection is almost saintly…….

In all seriousness, it was a good experiment for me. It was the kick start to my mindset change. The change I needed. I fully admit, I can be a little impulsive when it comes to shopping! I can waste money, being lured in by the “amazing new must have” hype and sales pitch. My way is to browse my favourite make up counters, and buy what takes my fancy. I also have a little note pad that I write down anything I see recommended by my favourite bloggers/You Tubers, to have a look at when I am next in store. I would usually buy at least one make up item per week, minimum, and as you know if you have read my blog for a while, I tend to buy high end make up, so that little ole lippy can make a £25 dent in my pocket! I do work, so earn my own money, but by no means have money to burn! My circumstances have also recently changed by the little curve balls life likes to throw at us. I have two boys that are expensive, and I have house renovations that we are trying to get completed. I needed to reign my spending in. I wanted to move towards only buying something if it ran out, broke, or was needed.

My month is now over, and its actually been good! If you follow me over on Instagram, you would have seen me mixing up my eye make up I used daily, and the different combinations I have worn. Iv really enjoyed it! I have found that it has renewed my love of some of the eye make up cast aside, and made me try palettes that I had just not found my way with (Im talking about you Urban Decay Naked Basics and Bobbi Brown Sun shimmer Palettes). I had a couple of eye colour palettes that had never been used, so it made me try them. It really was like “shopping my stash”!

So, what has my self-imposed ban taught me? It has made me see how much money I could save and put towards one of the handbags on my wish list!!  I can definitely be an emotional and habitual shopper if Im feeling fed up. I get a great boost out of picking up a new make up product, and often tell myself Kerry, you work hard, its no issue to buy that 98th nude lipstick… I need to stop doing that! Its become a habit. I am also a fan of clothes shopping, and again, I have been trying to be mindful of what I buy clothes wise and not waste money. Lots of my friends love to go clothes shopping when they are feeling a bit down or fed up, but my go to’s are expensive handbags or make up, so you can see why make up wins out most of the time!

Iv also learnt that I have some blooming lovely make up already! As I said, Iv been really enjoying long forgotten items again. Iv been braver with my lip colours rather than my nude, nude or nude. Its been good. Iv discovered that rather than go shopping when Im feeling like I need a little escapism, doing something productive indoors or popping out for coffee with Nik, my Mum or a friend sorts that out. Its also taught me to not be so impulsive. Many of the items that I had written in my note pad to pick up, I have now decided that they are not really needed. They would have probably sat in my make up drawers, unloved. No make up item deserves that…..haha

I have got a few things that I am looking forward to buying now my ban is lifted, but they are more carefully thought out and chosen. (I am excited about picking them up, not gonna lie). I am also joining joining Rachel The Hat (see her fab blog here) in her Instagram #NOSpendingOctober ban. This is a month long shopping ban, again, trying to encourage us to spend less, and not be hoodwinked by the constant advertising on social media.

Iv really re-assed this year where I spend my hard earned cash. I am much more aware and becoming more selective who I give my money to. I am always going to be a fan of high end make up, but buying less of the things I dont need will mean I can save quicker for my greatest passion, expanding my handbag collection…….(I know, Im not cured quite yet)

My journey from when I wrote his post has galloped on massivley. So much so, I am on a no buy YEAR this year (2020). My entire ethos has changed, and I live so much more mindfully, sustainably and eco friendly. This make up spend ban was the start of it all!

Have you ever put yourself on a ban? Did you learn anything by it? Id love to hear