I didn’t buy any new makeup or skincare in May. We’ll chat about why, and where I plan to take this challenge next. This was such a fun and enlightening exercise so I hope you’ll join me!
Why No New Makeup May
So we’re going through our WHOLE house and cleaning, purging, streamlining, and making our home what we want it to be.
Since my husband is active duty Navy, we’ve moved around a lot. Until now. In August, we will have been at this house for six whole years. That’s the longest we’ve been anywhere, and the longest I’ve lived in one place since I was in middle school. Picking up and moving every couple of years makes you resistant to settling into a house, but I’ve learned that’s a mistake.
We’ve uncovered so much stuff we’ve had for years - literally a decade or more - that we’ve just never gotten rid of for some reason. So we’ve donated about 10 bags of clothes, thrown away so much worn out junk, and reminisced over lovely things we decided to keep in their appropriate places.
This includes my makeup table. I found makeup that has been expired and become crusty, plus tools that had been worn down and weren’t working any more. Some items were sentimental, so created a keepsake box for them. But I also went through my back stock, and I have so much makeup waiting in the wings.
I needed to hit pause to see what I continue to reach for, what I just need to use up, and do a general reassessment of my overall approach to makeup products (I know this is boring but it’s the consultant in me).
Lessons Learned with No New Makeup
First, this forced me to really go through what products I already have opened, and I loved seeing not only how quickly I actually go through things, but also reconsider if some products were worth the money.
The second thing I learned is I “shop” for makeup almost daily just to learn about new products. Even when buying is off the table, it’s still so interesting to learn about the latest launches and trends.
Finally, I was forced to go through my inventory and samples when I ran out of something - and it was so fun! It was like shopping a secret storehouse of items I already had.
What Happened June 1st
I literally had three carts ready to go when I woke up June 1st - Sephora with the new Makeup by Mario Skin Enhancer and Perfector, several products I was out of from Charlotte Tilbury, and a few replacement items from Ulta! I didn’t go crazy though, because I was fully aware of my inventory and was excited to use those products.
What’s Next
This was actually a fun challenge that put several things into perspective, so I thought…let’s continue this into a No-Spend Summer! Like, for everything. Not until September. So the rest of June, July and August, I’m freezing all spending outside of necessities and souvenirs (because I’m taking several trips).
Finishing Touches
Want to join me? I’m happy to start an Instagram message group with weekly check-ins so we keep ourselves accountable. Who’s in? Slide into my DMs @ElectraLane. Appreciate you, mean it! -JY