I have been cruelty free with my makeup since September 2017 and have just about finished finding replacement cruelty free skincare. I didn't just declutter every piece of non cruelty free makeup that I owned because frankly, that was way too intimidating for me. I was never going to buy a non cruelty free product again, but rather use them up, or declutter if they weren't for me, and replace them witha cruelty free alternative. It is a slow process but at this time my makeup collection consists of maybe ten products which are were tested, and that small number brings me so much joy because I used to be overwhelmed by the products I would have to use up and I would feel guilty everytime I picked up a product by- for example- maybelline to use, but it is truly so rewarding internationally to know that you are no longer contributing to such an evil practice to which there are so many alternatives. I would definitely reccomend trying to go cruelty free, and to ease into it rather than to feel like you need to go cold turkey and throw everything away! XO
Thanks for sharing your experience, Rebecca! I'm just starting to think about it so I'm not sure how it will unfold, but I agree that it doesn't have to be a "throw everything away" situation. I also think I'll be looking more at indy brands in the future. xoxo!
I can't begin to tell you how happy I am that you spoke about ethical consumerism! It's such an important topic and I thank you so much for using your platform to comment on it.
I think it's amazing how you recognized the behavior you indulged in with getting free samples as contributing to the problem you are trying to overcome. I'm binging your videos right now and it always confused me that you'd be on no-buy but have all of these samples coming to you. And I thought 'so that's how she's "getting around" not buying anything' And now that I see you have recognized that too, I just think it's awesome. I am currently doing a no-buy month. (No buying anything unless it's second-hand, June 1-June 30,) or for medical purposes. Your videos have helped me, not only because of the 'sameness' but because of the little epiphanies that are happening along the way (like this one!).
The True Cost is a great documentary available on Netflix about the impact of fast fashion. I have worked with a fair trade company before and one of our artisan groups we partnered with was represented in the doc. Thank you for bringing this up on your channel because many people either don't understand the issue or have similar struggles as you have with it. You have inspired me to start my year long makeup no buy over again. I have watched quite a few no buy videos, but your take on everything has me thinking of it in a different way. I love your videos on the products you own are better than the ones you want. It made me rethink a couple products I was getting bored of and realized they really are the perfect things for me and tick all the right boxes.
I will totally check out that documentary! Thank you! I know some about it but I could definitely learn more, especially now that I'm starting to think and talk about it on this platform. Congrats on re-starting your no-buy. I think sometimes that getting back on the horse a second time is harder than getting on the first time. Good work!
I have also been thinking a lot about quitting fast fashion, but as a plus-size person it is so hard to find clothes already! I am hoping that more brands like Universal Standard (I have bought a couple things from them but they are very basic) will show up in the near future.
Hi Shawna! Thanks for this! When I start looking around and making mental note of ethical companies I'll also check to see how they do with size diversity.
Disabled my Adblock the second I heard your channel was monetized ! You are one of the few TH-camrs I wish to support by watching adds on top of commenting and liking.
I stopped getting samples and point perks awhile ago. I find I never use them. If they had a travel version of something I use or the perfume I love than sure but I never ever use them. One of the reasons I switched to only Ulta or the brand website. I actually cringe at getting a makeup package and feel I need to hide it. This is a strong indication that I need to change my habits.
I appreciate your thoughts on ethical consumerism. I'm making changes in that regard as well, taking steps to become ''zero waste" (a great subreddit btw), biking instead of driving, buy it for life, etc. It's so tough! You basically have to go against everything American culture has ever taught you, beliefs that are ingrained so deeply they may be definitive. Is consumerism part of my identity? It gives me a visceral reaction to admit, but as an American, it probably is! If you need me, I'll be in my shame corner...
oh my gosh, "is consumerism part of my identity" is such a good question. Thank you so much for this thoughtful and thought-provoking comment. Argh, I feel like we're all in our shame corner as soon as we start paying attention. But it's ok for it to be a process, and I think it's healthy to push through the shame and talk about it!
Hooray for finding your sunglasses! And I hope that you get monetized soon, you deserve it! I’m where I expect to be with my no/low buy. Some makeup products I won’t buy at all because I have plenty in my stash and others I’ve moved from low buy to no buy, because I’ve learned when enough is enough. I’m much more of a conscientious consumer and think things through before I buy something. No impulse purchases just because I “can” buy something. I don’t even want to buy something just because I can. It’s empowering to be able to say no or yes based on thought process. And my thought process has changed. You once said in a video that the less you spend, the less you feel like spending. And it’s so true! Shopping my stash is a pleasure. I’m panning items and rotating items and really enjoying what I have. I’m in the process of doing a decluttering in my house too and donating to a veterans organization and animal shelter, which I do periodically.
Going strong! Yessss! It's so true, the less I buy the more I feel like I have. I would have thought stopping shopping would cause me to want to hold on to my belongings, but it's had the opposite effect and triggered a bunch of decluttering!
(I am by no means trying to get you to buy new stuff, but if you are going to be buying something anyway, this is a suggestion for saving yourself some more cash.) If your skincare is also sold at Ulta then you could purchase the items there instead because their rewards program gives you cash back and they often send out 20% off coupons for prestige brands too. You'd be saving more money and earning money back. I also am doing a no buy for the year, but my motivation for it has definitely waned. I'm still doing well on the makeup and nail polish aspects of it, but not for food out. My no buy guidelines and rules were a bit different than yours, but I definitely have switched more towards Ulta purchases because instead of earning points for sample size items, if and when I was going to buy something, I earn points that equate to actual money off future purchases. I also use Ebates and Ibotta to earn cash back on any purchases I do make. I'm all about that cash back life lol.
for some reason, Ulta just doesn't carry most of the things I use. Drunk Elephant, Sunday Riley, etc. But I also haven't spend very much time in Ulta or on their website, so I just don't feel as inclined to purchase from them. Other people have also mentioned how much better their rewards are...but I'm also hoping that in the future, I won't be buying so much that rewards matter very much, if that makes sense? I use Ebates too!
I INSIST of having my collection well curated as well, I totally undersrand not wanting to clutter it with things you dont love. I always shop my stash if I'm tempted with buying a new product...this keeps me from buying eyeshadow palettes especially.
I think you need to do a no buy life! You have such an amazing sense of style to begin with and that will just make you feel more pulled together and give you a greater sense of integrity (in all sense of the word).
I loved this talk. I agree about how our morals can be clouded by our need for new pretty things. I went cruelty free in the middle of 2017. I started with makeup by selling a lot of my makeup tested on animals on poshmark and when i would make money on those items I would buy higher quality cruelty free replacements. I kept the items I really loved that were tested on animals, and worked an entire year to pan all of those items. It was a great experience and once I hit that point, I began only purchasing skincare, haircare, and home essentials from cruelty free brands, which was far more difficult than makeup. I have not made that leap into editing fast fashion out of my new purchases, because I love a good deal, but you have inspired me, and I think it is great to be educated on the topic and really use our money to support brands and items we believe in.
thanks for sharing your story! I think the hard thing about letting go of fast fashion is that we've become accustomed to having access to new clothes at such a low price. It's definitely going to be an adjustment for me, but after this year I'll be prepared to make it!
Your makeup has been extra beautiful in the last few videos, green eyeshadow looks so wearable and chic on you. So inspired to use the greens and blues in my own collection now!
aw, thanks! It's fun to play with color but still try to keep it a little bit grungy. One tip, I have burgundy eyeliner on in this video! Hunter green and burgundy are pretty much color-opposites of each other, and even though you can't see the eyeliner color in the video, I think it makes the look less harsh and more interesting than black.
I'm watching back through your no buy year after discovering you in the era of the beauty budget - and it's so interesting to hear your perspective shifting and compare to you now.
Yeah when you use pricey skincare (I’m a Drunk Elephant junkie myself) it’s easy to make Rouge just replacing it. It’s one thing I don’t feel bad about though. I’ve always loved skincare since I was a teenager and I’m 43 now. I’m single and happily child free, and make good money and work hard. So skincare I buy guilt free.
I agree that skincare is the most worth it! I'm pretty attached to the things I use. It will be really interesting to see how much it costs for the whole year, since I have a feeling that the first half of the year was more expensive than the second half will be (just in terms of timing the replacements).
I kind of chuckled at you “happily child free”. It’s unfortunate that the world would have us think that women are not happy unless they have children. I personally have two but I also have some friends that have take on the “Aunt” role and they love that role over the mom.
Tamiko Wiley haha yes I’m happy to leave the child rearing to those who want to do it! With my career as a full time medical laboratory technologist in a hospital I couldn’t imagine raising kids on top of it. And I’ll admit I like a lot of alone time! I’m happy it’s just me and my cat and my boyfriend when he is over. I can admire kids from afar. I even watch a few mommy youtubers just cause it’s cute and honestly makes me appreciate my own life😄
Reveling in what we already have is definitely a great way to get rid of the need for excess. Good for you! I'm glad you were able to feel the change and respond to it.
I was actually going to comment to ask what would happen to your channel starting in 2019 when the no buy is over. I'm glad you're starting a new project next year!
I completely relate to your previous method of capitalizing on sample size products with purchases. Before my no buy I would place multiple orders the same day so that I could get more samples and use more Promo codes. Now I am swimming in samples. I read the Marie Kondo book too, and every time I purge I feel lighter and better. I tried to extend her thought process to my online world - reducing my Facebook "friends" - if the friend wasn't someone I really knew and spoke with, then I unfriended them. It may seem unnecessary, but I was spending too much time checking Facebook. I periodically do the same thing to those that I subscribe to on TH-cam. Getting rid of the excess in my life/belongings is an ongoing process and I am still working on it.
Thanks for talking about Justine's channel. I have watched a bunch of her videos and it really does make you stop and think about the clothing industry. Just as I feel overwhelmed by my beauty products, I feel the same way about my clothing. I have been purging my clothing several times a year, but it isn't where I want it to be. I like the idea of being more thoughtful in my purchases.
same, I've been purging my closet several times a year and it hasn't made me happy to live like that! It's like I'm always striving towards a less stuff-filled life but I keep buying more anyway. I'm hoping for real change in this arena, too. I love Justine's channel!
I LOVE THIS VIDEO. Thank you for willing to be so vulnerable, especially in regards to your feelings about ethical consumerism! Re shrinking possessions: Since I'm moving next month (it looks like it's gonna happen! New funky house, here I come!), I've decided to do a similar process of paring down my clothes and "stuff" that I own. I did a first pass of my closet, got rid of a good number of items, but was surprised how difficult it was to let go of things even if I haven't worn them in years! I think I'll be doing a 2nd, and even 3rd pass in order to get things down to a level I'm comfortable with. It's surprising how tenacious the need to hold on to items is, even when you know it's better to get rid of everything you don't use. I am so excited to see how the next 6 months of your no-buy goes, and what you end up taking on for 2019! ps. I LOVE Justine Leconte!
Wonderful Check-In. You should be so proud of yourself for all you have learned and shared. I had wondered if you would be getting offers of P.R. as your channel grows and how you would address them. I have really been so impressed with your content, I am surprised your numbers of subscribers isn't jumping up even more quickly than it has. I am part of a "Makeup Use-it-Up" group on facebook and we have mentioned your channel several times as inspiration. Hope you have a wonderful week. :)
Aw, thanks Rachel! The whole process has been so interesting and kind of wild! I really appreciate you mentioning and sharing my channel and I'm so glad it's helpful. xoxox!
Congrats on the 1000+ subscribers Hannah! I’ve been with you from the beginning (I think you only had 40-something subs when I followed you!!) It’s great to see the change in your mindset over the months and the critical thinking side of the no-buy year. I’m also glad that you’ve decided not to accept PR until 2019. I think it would be detrimental to the whole premise of this year for you....
Loved your passion and comments in this video. You are truly making internal changes. I love your perspective. This is closer to home for me because I'm much more prone to buy clothing than makeup. I love makeup but I don't spend nearly as much as I do on clothes/shoes/jewelry. It's interesting to hear you track your spending as well. Great content once again!
I discovered your channel just a couple days ago and I binge watching the videos. First I thought that it will be interesting and entertaining to watch your project but it turned out quickly that you have so much more to offer! Your videos got me thinking of mine habits, approach and feelings towards spending and wanting items. You see the things in a very unique way that I have a new point of view. It's all so fresh, it's a lot to rethink, a lot to look at and I think, there are some decisions to make. I tend to soak into have an interest of something and buying - there were perfumes (I have a lot until today), clothes (I went throuhg many styles) and now makeup. Definitely, it's a compulse buying. I think it's somehow related with my depression and I should look at it as a set, not separately. I just wanted you to know that is just another more person which watch you with interest and self reflection. You do great job ❤
Hi Agnieszka! Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words about my channel. The support means so much. And I totally agree, there is a connection between mental health and general shopping that goes beyond the obsession with specific categories of things. It took me a while to admit that in my own life, and now that it's clear, it's been easier to make change. Good luck! xoxo
In case you get a bunch of notifications from me, I've been busy with my newborn so I'm catching up on your videos. I too think 6 months is about the time it took for me to really be on board with the no buy, after about 3 months I was okay with the no buy and it stopped being so addictive, but at 6 months I finally felt like I wasn't missing out by not buying anything. I hate samples too. I don't like having samples of cream makeup open, and with skincare samples I don't have any idea if it's doing something for my face after two uses. My stash actually feels smaller to me because I realized how much stuff I've accumulated that is just mediocre. I was collecting makeup to have a large stash like a guru does and not because I genuinely loved what I was purchasing. After my no buy I will definitely be more critical of the things I purchase before purchasing and I will be asking for samples of foundations instead of buying to try it. If this is too personal don't feel obligated to indulge me. I read your writting about your boyfriend's depression and I'm curious if your makeup shopping addiction became a way to soothe yourself. My husband's depression definitely sprung some of mine. Shopping for makeup and watching Beautubers was a form of escapism. It was a way of taking my mind off of the unhappiness that was lurking in our house at the time. (Of course that just ended up putting another burden on me.) One time I went to Target for one thing and came out with a basket of makeup. I didn't even remember seeing the total, and I didn't remember grabbing so much crap. I knew it needed to stop. It had become so mindless that it had also become depressing.
Hi Emily! Congrats on your baby :) I totally think that the escapism of shopping comes from an attempt to push away depressive feelings. For me, a lot of those feelings were a result of the 2016 election. But I also do have some "spillover" depression from my partner, and the unhappiness "lurking in our house," as you describe it, is something I struggle with, too. I've definitely spent a good bit of time during my no-buy year thinking about ways to self-soothe that don't involve shopping.
Binge watching all your videos... this is where I’m at... you are just amazing!!! I’m glad you documented this as you went on - cuz next year I’ll be doing a no buy - so I’ll probably be rewatching some of these videos for encouragement 😬☺️
Whoops just placed a non cosmetic/skincare order on Sephora (shower cap, don't own one and trying to break free from my daily hair washing habit while I'm off work for the summer and don't need to look presentable every day) and loaded myself up with samples and gifts with purchase (got a free mini Canada day exclusive Tom Ford lipstick I'm stoked about). Feel like you're calling me out here ;) I do appreciate a good lipstick mini though after my low buy/ no buy adventures lately though, as I've panned two full lipsticks this year and realized they take forever to get through. All lipsticks from now on must come into my collection in mini form! Before I thought they were a waste, but now I appreciate the ability to use something up before it goes bad or I get bored of it.
haha! Not calling you out at all, more like calling myself out because I only JUST started to make change in this way! I didn't address luxury sample sizes (minis) but I feel totally different about them. Like you, I would just as soon have a mini as a full size lip product, so I don't see them as trash.
i love what you said about the samples feeling like trash. i feel the same way and when i recently shopped at sephora i got home to unpack my things and then noticed they had snuck a perfume sample in at the bottom and felt physically disinterested in it especially since it was something i didn't choose, wasn't aware of, didn't even want in the first place.
I used to be guilty of ordering several items as separate orders, but I try not to do that anymore, mainly because of how damaging it is to the environment. Plus yeah, less hoarding :)
I absolutely LOVE your videos. I can’t wait to see how successful I am with my July no buy! You are inspiring and I’m really thinking about trying to finish out the year with you!
This has to be the most engaging & interesting youtube ive watched in i dont know how long.. what started off as an exercise in restraint & discipline has turned into what in psychology terms is described as *transformation*.. much wider & deeper than what you expected. When we get distance for long enough from our i guess addictions.. our inner space really does start to change. You're inspiring me.. but God.. i dig Zara. & I dig Nars & Hourglass... but really... subscribed.
Hi Melissa! Thanks so much for this comment. I did expect that the no-buy year would have some larger consequences, but I'm surprised at the extent and scope of them! I'm glad it's engaging to watch :) xoxo!
Hi Hannah! H just came by your channel randomly and I am in loooove with your project. This is so inspirational and refreshing to see you do this, so different from all the messages in the world convincing people they need more stuff. I wish you the best of luck in your project and hope I can achieve what you have done, who knows maybe next year or starting next month
Just wanted to let you know that I find you incredibly inspiring. I stumbled across your channel because you left a comment on a no buy july video, which is what I am trying to do right now. I will see how it goes, but watching you, I feel like I should try to do much more than just one month. Well, let's see how july goes. I subscribed to your channel and am looking forward to see more from you!
I agree, there's absolutely nothing wrong with just starting with a month! Start with something you know you can do. Then at the end of the month you can re-assess. If you are like me, once you feel the effects of the shopping "detox," it will be a lot easier to continue. But you might want to take a day off at the end of the month and prep yourself for a longer no-buy (like how I bought a bunch of underwear and backup sneakers in December, LOL!) The key is to make a concrete plan and set yourself up for success. You can do it!
I was fascinated by the idea of being "protective" of your collection. I'm only a month into a low-buy, but I have noticed this feeling as well, though I hadn't put words to it yet. I'm allowing myself to buy 3 makeup/skincare/haircare items per month (got the idea from Angelica Nyqvist, in the video where she referenced your channel, thus how i found you!) but I've only bought one and can't imagine what else I would buy. The one item I bought was a Colourpop palette of singles, as I've been wanting to try single eyeshadows and I was able to curate my own perfect palette. I adore it. And anything else that I look at seems so much less interesting now that I've put so much thought into this curated palette. Even if an item isn't expensive, it feels indulgent and extra, because I know adding it to my collection will take time and space away from products I own and love. So yes, I'd say I've quickly become protective of my items, and this is just the beginning. I'm excited to see where this goes.
I am totally with you on the sample situation.I don’t want them but feel guilty to toss back out there into the environment.I have started to shop at Ulta rather than Sephora as their points are cash points as I really appreciate the discount on stuff I really want.
it's so interesting to hear how your attitude changed in these months! and i totally agree about viewing samples as trash - i'm not on a no buy this month but it's frustrating whenever i order something and i get a thousand wee packets of bullshit i didn't ask for. i try to curate and cull my collection regularly and it annoys me that i always have to use those up OR throw them away and feel i've created waste.
I’m watching through your videos- your channel has helped me so much already and I’m so thankful that I stumbled across one of your videos in the month of December! Now I’m planning my no-buy year for 2019. Thank you for your honesty and for the inspiration!
I'm late in discovering your videos but I can relate to you placing separate Sephora orders just to get those samples. Haha and I felt so guilty from the waste in packaging for 1 item, so I wouldn't even use the samples... I'd pass them on to friends or family. Like you It took me about 6 months to cut off my attachment for my desire to shop. This was such an insightful video Hannah! ❤️Thank you.
This was such a great video, i cant even leave the comment that i want to leave becuae it will be too long but i really really enjoyed it for soooo many reasons
Can you talk more about your clothing and shoes? You discuss skincare and makeup a lot, and I’m curious about what’s happening with your clothing collection!
Completely agree about the silly samples, i dislike those so much..here in the UK the drugstore we have Superdrug would do offers where they would give a handbag tassel (?!?!) or other silly thing depending on what you order etc...i don't want those and always remove then from my basket as it's automatically added! don't need something like that that i have not purposefully order to clutter my life..
Hi Hannah and everyone 👋🏼 My 6 month makeup and skincare nobuy/lowbuy started at midnight 1/7 and my last purchase was made online at 11.17 pm. I really need this “detox” 😂🤦🏻♀️💸 From 1/7 to 31/12 I am only allowed to buy replacements when a whole category of skincare or makeup runs out. I have my categories and rules written down and have made an inventory of all my skincare and will do the same for makeup. I will be keeping my monthly subscription box, at least to begin with, but might decide to cancel it later on. I am allowed to declutter items along the way, but only if a product breaks me out or the smell makes me nauseous (that’s happened before) I am allowed to buy clothes, haircare and homeware since I don’t overspend on these categories but I am not allowed to spend more on these categories than I usually do. I am also allowed to spend money on experiences and stuff like haircuts or facials, but again not more than usual. I will be keeping an eye on not overindulging in food and drinks, since I know that is a struggle for me already and I am likely to do that as a form of escapism when I can no longer shop to make myself feel better. I will try to use the time I’m going to save from not shopping on positive and healthy things and try to use this nobuy as a way to give myself and my life a healthy makeover. 🌸 By the way, I am @becominghealthyandhappy on instagram, thank you so much for replying to me the couple of times I tagged you. ♥️
HI MATILDE! Congrats on your no-buy! Your rules are thorough and clear and I can tell you are set up for success :) Six months were totally transformative for me, and if the going ever gets tough and you're tempted to end early, just remember that month #6 was when I started to feel radical change. It's worth it to stick it out for six months. Thanks for your comment and your instagram tags! I'm working on begin more active on insta but I've fallen down on the job this month, I'll try to get back on there!
Hannah Louise Poston Thank you so much for your encouragement! At this point, I’m still thinking about stuff I want to buy pretty much non-stop, but I’ve started a wishlistr, where I will just add it all to and then look it through when we get near christmas or something. My birthday was in February, so I have no “buffer” in that way. And by christmas my outlook will hopefully have changed a lot, so I will probably end up not wanting most of it. I will definitely finish the whole 6 months, especially after you said that’s when you really felt radical change. I’m really intrigued to see how it will affect my thinking both in general and about beauty stuff in particular. Oh no, I really hope you’re okay! Don’t feel any pressure about being active on Insta. Thank you so much for your videos! 😘
Oh man..so wonderful!!! I haven't been able to watch many of your lovely vids lately bc of video length and lack of time to truly commit and enjoy. Took some time to watch this bc I *so* wanted to see how you are faring at the halfway point..and this is just incredible information--and desperately needed ! I too am due to confront the same issues with fast fashion of which I have indulged in laughable contrast of my most deeply held values-- all under the same umbrella of addiction/selfishness/vanity/greed for me and those demons will ruin the Earth and all of humanity if we allow them. So inspiring. Thank you goddess lady .
yay, welcome back! I remember you from when you used to comment! Thank you so much for these kind words. Parts of this video were a bit *gulp* embarrassing to film and upload, so it REALLY means a lot to me to hear about the positive impact of going through with it.
I'm focusing on investing as much as I can for retirement. This year I maximized what I can contribute to my 401k and funded that by reducing my spending on "personal care" by almost completely moving from "high end" products for hair, skin care and makeup and stopping having my hair colored at all. My husband has now retired from his high paying job so for 2019 I'll have him under my medical/dental. We also moved to a high deductible medical plan which allows us to invest in an HSA. I am maximizing that... so I will be further reducing my spending by doing no buy months at the end of which I can re-assess upcoming expenses and any money remaining available to see if I have anything available for fun purchases. Your videos from this year are my inspiration to help me continue to make the changes I need to make to meet my financial and spending goals. Thank you so much for doing this!!!
I've always felt that way about free samples. At first it sounds like such a great deal. But whenever I got free samples, they were always something I never would've chosen- a color that was wrong for me, a bad-smelling formula, or something that was just impossible to use up in one use but didn't keep really well as soon as it was opened. They would litter my bathroom because I didn't want to waste but I didn't have the desire to use it at all. Finally, I got sick of it, so I no longer accept free samples. It's a waste of product and plastic.
Aw, thanks! I have issues with the mic, I can never get the sound quality to be the same all the way through. I need to spend some time with it. But the camera is a canon rebel T5i and the mic is a Rode VMGO.
There is a turning point when going cruelty free just offers joy :) it's not a burden or something you think about 'oh I like Estée Lauder blah blah item but they are not cruelty free, what a shame etc" if it isn't it just doesn't makes you happy. It took me *SOME* time to get there but now I can't see myself in the past without some kind of disbelief (you know when you fully criticize your parents regarding something you disliked in your childhood, the same tone). Sorry for any English mistakes not mine first language. Hugs from Portugal!
I highly recommend you read Overdressed by Elizabeth Cline. It's all about her relationship with fast fashion and she really explores what happens in the industry and how we as consumers can make a difference. It is fascinating and life-changing.
Love the honesty at the end about receiving PR in the future!! I totally get that about makeup more orders to get the free samples, im always scouring sephora's makeup 100pt perks when im buying eye makeup remover 😂 will you be doing a 2018 empties for makeup and skincare? Im quite curious if you will count how much skincare (of each category) and makeup you went through in a year! Im counting my makeup purchases for the year, ive spent enough to book a trip to europe for 2 weeks, on a student budget. Including flight tickets and airbnb. Heck i spent more than 1 mth of my salary!! Guess that beautylish luckybag is not coming to my place this year 🙈
I've been going over many of the same issues that you are in my journey too. Im considering doing a no buy year also, and part of it is to stop buying things that aren't ethical. Have you considered second hand clothing as a way of still being able to get some of the fast fashion items, like by using poshmark?
So I have also recently gotten into ethical consumerism. It was going great, I was buying from sustainable brands etc etc. But then for NYE, I realized it would be required for my work for me to have a costume of some sort. And I couldn’t afford (in time or money) to buy it from an ethical brand. And I felt really guilty about this, but it was a learning experience in planning ahead. I could have planned ahead, saved up, waited for shipping, but I didn’t think about it. This time, what I did was buy from fast fashion/conventional brands but I got an outfit that can be used over and over in the future. We have lots of costumes in different themes at work, but I can just wear the same one over and over and change out the accessories to make it more versatile. It’s not the best, but it’s the best I could do given the circumstances. Not sure the point of saying all of this but something you said struck a chord and I wanted to share this information.
Now you really have me thinking about fast fashion too. The website Petitvour.com sells only ethical and cruelty free/vegan makeup, skincare and clothing. I have had a vegan ethically made leather jacket on my wishlist from that website for a long time and now I realized if I stopped buying a long time ago fast fashion or tons of makeup, I could have bought that jacket probably 4 times over. I think you should go cruelty free!! To know that you are helping a cause that is much bigger and beyond you is amazing. Also, Rhian hy on youtube is a great resource for ethical clothing. I realize that I have been a hypocrite. How can I be cruelty free with my products but not buy ethical clothing? Loved this update!
That website is a great resource, thanks! I'm starting to look into some of my favorite brands to find out which ones are more ethical and eco-friendly. I'll definitely be updating on those things and sharing my list, probably at the start of next year. Thanks for your comment!
I’ve started buying makeup late in life, using that mindset that I work hard and should be allowed to treat myself. And I signed up for play and the flash shipping, both are making it easy to order one small thing to get the samples. I realize that I need to have a capsule skincare and makeup collection just like I do with my clothes. I finally have an amazing streamlined wardrobe that reflects my style and looks great. I don’t shop sales or fast fashion since now random purchases seem incongruous with the wardrobe. After listening I think I may cancel my Play subscription too...those deluxe samples plus the urge to spend to get my extra play points is just filling my collection with clutter.
I'm so much happier now that I've weeded and streamlined my closet. I'm looking forward to having a more edited makeup collection after this year, too!
Also, if people are interested in learning about the problematic issues of the 'fast fashion' industry....then watch the documentary " The True Cost" on Netflix. It completely changed my shopping habits. Shopping with my ethics and values makes it much easier to not be temped by 'fast fashion'. So happy to hear that you are considering changing your makeup buying values. Please also consider the 'packaging' and plastic waste and unhealthy, toxic ingredients in most makeup. Their are so many brands that have the healthy ingredients and plastic free packaging. The best company I know of is from Vancouver, Canada called 'Elate'. Another great Canadian make up brand is 'Sappho'. It was created by a makeup artist who was listening to the actresses complaining about how terrible their skin is because of the makeup that they had to wear for filming movies. So many brands for healthy, natural skin care as well...for example...Anne Marie Gianni skin care. Or 'Mad Hippie'. For clothes brands you can see how they are rated for their 'ethics' on an app 'Good On You' and for healthy cosmetics....you can look at the app by the EWG called 'Skin Deep' which rates products and ingredients. Hope those resources are a way to help you in your journey.
Your really right about the samples! I was trying to watch emails for watching for the codes and I refuse to open the emails now. I have way too many samples so I have gone through what can be donated to a domestic violence shelter and I’ve decided I rather it go to someone in true need. It was either that or items expire that I used money for.
I have been cruelty free with my makeup since September 2017 and have just about finished finding replacement cruelty free skincare. I didn't just declutter every piece of non cruelty free makeup that I owned because frankly, that was way too intimidating for me. I was never going to buy a non cruelty free product again, but rather use them up, or declutter if they weren't for me, and replace them witha cruelty free alternative. It is a slow process but at this time my makeup collection consists of maybe ten products which are were tested, and that small number brings me so much joy because I used to be overwhelmed by the products I would have to use up and I would feel guilty everytime I picked up a product by- for example- maybelline to use, but it is truly so rewarding internationally to know that you are no longer contributing to such an evil practice to which there are so many alternatives. I would definitely reccomend trying to go cruelty free, and to ease into it rather than to feel like you need to go cold turkey and throw everything away! XO
Thanks for sharing your experience, Rebecca! I'm just starting to think about it so I'm not sure how it will unfold, but I agree that it doesn't have to be a "throw everything away" situation. I also think I'll be looking more at indy brands in the future. xoxo!
I can't begin to tell you how happy I am that you spoke about ethical consumerism! It's such an important topic and I thank you so much for using your platform to comment on it.
xo!
You give me confidence for myself and hope for other humans
Thanks, Brooke. This is such a sweet comment. Big hugs.
This really is such a sweet comment : )
I think it's amazing how you recognized the behavior you indulged in with getting free samples as contributing to the problem you are trying to overcome. I'm binging your videos right now and it always confused me that you'd be on no-buy but have all of these samples coming to you. And I thought 'so that's how she's "getting around" not buying anything'
And now that I see you have recognized that too, I just think it's awesome. I am currently doing a no-buy month. (No buying anything unless it's second-hand, June 1-June 30,) or for medical purposes. Your videos have helped me, not only because of the 'sameness' but because of the little epiphanies that are happening along the way (like this one!).
The True Cost is a great documentary available on Netflix about the impact of fast fashion. I have worked with a fair trade company before and one of our artisan groups we partnered with was represented in the doc. Thank you for bringing this up on your channel because many people either don't understand the issue or have similar struggles as you have with it.
You have inspired me to start my year long makeup no buy over again. I have watched quite a few no buy videos, but your take on everything has me thinking of it in a different way. I love your videos on the products you own are better than the ones you want. It made me rethink a couple products I was getting bored of and realized they really are the perfect things for me and tick all the right boxes.
I will totally check out that documentary! Thank you! I know some about it but I could definitely learn more, especially now that I'm starting to think and talk about it on this platform. Congrats on re-starting your no-buy. I think sometimes that getting back on the horse a second time is harder than getting on the first time. Good work!
I have also been thinking a lot about quitting fast fashion, but as a plus-size person it is so hard to find clothes already! I am hoping that more brands like Universal Standard (I have bought a couple things from them but they are very basic) will show up in the near future.
Hi Shawna! Thanks for this! When I start looking around and making mental note of ethical companies I'll also check to see how they do with size diversity.
Disabled my Adblock the second I heard your channel was monetized ! You are one of the few TH-camrs I wish to support by watching adds on top of commenting and liking.
that is so sweet! Thank you!
I'm very interested in learning more about ethical consumerism, so I'm glad you'll be covering this topic on your channel 💙.
:)
I stopped getting samples and point perks awhile ago. I find I never use them. If they had a travel version of something I use or the perfume I love than sure but I never ever use them. One of the reasons I switched to only Ulta or the brand website. I actually cringe at getting a makeup package and feel I need to hide it. This is a strong indication that I need to change my habits.
I agree about that cringing! My boyfriend couldn't care less and isn't even that observant, but I used to be so ashamed whenever a package arrived.
I appreciate your thoughts on ethical consumerism. I'm making changes in that regard as well, taking steps to become ''zero waste" (a great subreddit btw), biking instead of driving, buy it for life, etc. It's so tough! You basically have to go against everything American culture has ever taught you, beliefs that are ingrained so deeply they may be definitive. Is consumerism part of my identity? It gives me a visceral reaction to admit, but as an American, it probably is! If you need me, I'll be in my shame corner...
oh my gosh, "is consumerism part of my identity" is such a good question. Thank you so much for this thoughtful and thought-provoking comment. Argh, I feel like we're all in our shame corner as soon as we start paying attention. But it's ok for it to be a process, and I think it's healthy to push through the shame and talk about it!
Hooray for finding your sunglasses! And I hope that you get monetized soon, you deserve it! I’m where I expect to be with my no/low buy. Some makeup products I won’t buy at all because I have plenty in my stash and others I’ve moved from low buy to no buy, because I’ve learned when enough is enough. I’m much more of a conscientious consumer and think things through before I buy something. No impulse purchases just because I “can” buy something. I don’t even want to buy something just because I can. It’s empowering to be able to say no or yes based on thought process. And my thought process has changed. You once said in a video that the less you spend, the less you feel like spending. And it’s so true! Shopping my stash is a pleasure. I’m panning items and rotating items and really enjoying what I have. I’m in the process of doing a decluttering in my house too and donating to a veterans organization and animal shelter, which I do periodically.
Going strong! Yessss! It's so true, the less I buy the more I feel like I have. I would have thought stopping shopping would cause me to want to hold on to my belongings, but it's had the opposite effect and triggered a bunch of decluttering!
(I am by no means trying to get you to buy new stuff, but if you are going to be buying something anyway, this is a suggestion for saving yourself some more cash.) If your skincare is also sold at Ulta then you could purchase the items there instead because their rewards program gives you cash back and they often send out 20% off coupons for prestige brands too. You'd be saving more money and earning money back. I also am doing a no buy for the year, but my motivation for it has definitely waned. I'm still doing well on the makeup and nail polish aspects of it, but not for food out. My no buy guidelines and rules were a bit different than yours, but I definitely have switched more towards Ulta purchases because instead of earning points for sample size items, if and when I was going to buy something, I earn points that equate to actual money off future purchases. I also use Ebates and Ibotta to earn cash back on any purchases I do make. I'm all about that cash back life lol.
for some reason, Ulta just doesn't carry most of the things I use. Drunk Elephant, Sunday Riley, etc. But I also haven't spend very much time in Ulta or on their website, so I just don't feel as inclined to purchase from them. Other people have also mentioned how much better their rewards are...but I'm also hoping that in the future, I won't be buying so much that rewards matter very much, if that makes sense? I use Ebates too!
I INSIST of having my collection well curated as well, I totally undersrand not wanting to clutter it with things you dont love. I always shop my stash if I'm tempted with buying a new product...this keeps me from buying eyeshadow palettes especially.
It makes me feel like I'll never want another eyeshadow palette again!
I think you need to do a no buy life! You have such an amazing sense of style to begin with and that will just make you feel more pulled together and give you a greater sense of integrity (in all sense of the word).
:)
I loved this talk. I agree about how our morals can be clouded by our need for new pretty things. I went cruelty free in the middle of 2017. I started with makeup by selling a lot of my makeup tested on animals on poshmark and when i would make money on those items I would buy higher quality cruelty free replacements. I kept the items I really loved that were tested on animals, and worked an entire year to pan all of those items. It was a great experience and once I hit that point, I began only purchasing skincare, haircare, and home essentials from cruelty free brands, which was far more difficult than makeup. I have not made that leap into editing fast fashion out of my new purchases, because I love a good deal, but you have inspired me, and I think it is great to be educated on the topic and really use our money to support brands and items we believe in.
thanks for sharing your story! I think the hard thing about letting go of fast fashion is that we've become accustomed to having access to new clothes at such a low price. It's definitely going to be an adjustment for me, but after this year I'll be prepared to make it!
Your makeup has been extra beautiful in the last few videos, green eyeshadow looks so wearable and chic on you. So inspired to use the greens and blues in my own collection now!
aw, thanks! It's fun to play with color but still try to keep it a little bit grungy. One tip, I have burgundy eyeliner on in this video! Hunter green and burgundy are pretty much color-opposites of each other, and even though you can't see the eyeliner color in the video, I think it makes the look less harsh and more interesting than black.
I'm watching back through your no buy year after discovering you in the era of the beauty budget - and it's so interesting to hear your perspective shifting and compare to you now.
You ARE influencing me in a good way! Thank you for articulating some of the thoughts that fly through but don't settle in my mind.
Yeah when you use pricey skincare (I’m a Drunk Elephant junkie myself) it’s easy to make Rouge just replacing it. It’s one thing I don’t feel bad about though. I’ve always loved skincare since I was a teenager and I’m 43 now. I’m single and happily child free, and make good money and work hard. So skincare I buy guilt free.
I agree that skincare is the most worth it! I'm pretty attached to the things I use. It will be really interesting to see how much it costs for the whole year, since I have a feeling that the first half of the year was more expensive than the second half will be (just in terms of timing the replacements).
I kind of chuckled at you “happily child free”. It’s unfortunate that the world would have us think that women are not happy unless they have children. I personally have two but I also have some friends that have take on the “Aunt” role and they love that role over the mom.
Tamiko Wiley haha yes I’m happy to leave the child rearing to those who want to do it! With my career as a full time medical laboratory technologist in a hospital I couldn’t imagine raising kids on top of it. And I’ll admit I like a lot of alone time! I’m happy it’s just me and my cat and my boyfriend when he is over. I can admire kids from afar. I even watch a few mommy youtubers just cause it’s cute and honestly makes me appreciate my own life😄
Reveling in what we already have is definitely a great way to get rid of the need for excess. Good for you! I'm glad you were able to feel the change and respond to it.
it's made such a dramatic difference to spend time with what I have!
I was actually going to comment to ask what would happen to your channel starting in 2019 when the no buy is over. I'm glad you're starting a new project next year!
yes, I will definitely continue on! I think it will be some combo of budgeting, low-buy, and the topics I discussed in this video.
I completely relate to your previous method of capitalizing on sample size products with purchases. Before my no buy I would place multiple orders the same day so that I could get more samples and use more Promo codes. Now I am swimming in samples. I read the Marie Kondo book too, and every time I purge I feel lighter and better. I tried to extend her thought process to my online world - reducing my Facebook "friends" - if the friend wasn't someone I really knew and spoke with, then I unfriended them. It may seem unnecessary, but I was spending too much time checking Facebook. I periodically do the same thing to those that I subscribe to on TH-cam. Getting rid of the excess in my life/belongings is an ongoing process and I am still working on it.
Thanks for talking about Justine's channel. I have watched a bunch of her videos and it really does make you stop and think about the clothing industry. Just as I feel overwhelmed by my beauty products, I feel the same way about my clothing. I have been purging my clothing several times a year, but it isn't where I want it to be. I like the idea of being more thoughtful in my purchases.
same, I've been purging my closet several times a year and it hasn't made me happy to live like that! It's like I'm always striving towards a less stuff-filled life but I keep buying more anyway. I'm hoping for real change in this arena, too. I love Justine's channel!
Going back and rewatching your videos
I LOVE THIS VIDEO. Thank you for willing to be so vulnerable, especially in regards to your feelings about ethical consumerism!
Re shrinking possessions: Since I'm moving next month (it looks like it's gonna happen! New funky house, here I come!), I've decided to do a similar process of paring down my clothes and "stuff" that I own. I did a first pass of my closet, got rid of a good number of items, but was surprised how difficult it was to let go of things even if I haven't worn them in years! I think I'll be doing a 2nd, and even 3rd pass in order to get things down to a level I'm comfortable with. It's surprising how tenacious the need to hold on to items is, even when you know it's better to get rid of everything you don't use.
I am so excited to see how the next 6 months of your no-buy goes, and what you end up taking on for 2019!
ps. I LOVE Justine Leconte!
HI JENNA!!!! Can't wait to hear about how you feel about decluttering after you and Evan read the Marie Kondo book :)
Wonderful Check-In. You should be so proud of yourself for all you have learned and shared. I had wondered if you would be getting offers of P.R. as your channel grows and how you would address them. I have really been so impressed with your content, I am surprised your numbers of subscribers isn't jumping up even more quickly than it has. I am part of a "Makeup Use-it-Up" group on facebook and we have mentioned your channel several times as inspiration. Hope you have a wonderful week. :)
Aw, thanks Rachel! The whole process has been so interesting and kind of wild! I really appreciate you mentioning and sharing my channel and I'm so glad it's helpful. xoxox!
Congrats on the 1000+ subscribers Hannah! I’ve been with you from the beginning (I think you only had 40-something subs when I followed you!!) It’s great to see the change in your mindset over the months and the critical thinking side of the no-buy year. I’m also glad that you’ve decided not to accept PR until 2019. I think it would be detrimental to the whole premise of this year for you....
Thanks, Sarah! I appreciate the support so much. xoxo!
Loved your passion and comments in this video. You are truly making internal changes. I love your perspective. This is closer to home for me because I'm much more prone to buy clothing than makeup. I love makeup but I don't spend nearly as much as I do on clothes/shoes/jewelry. It's interesting to hear you track your spending as well. Great content once again!
I discovered your channel just a couple days ago and I binge watching the videos. First I thought that it will be interesting and entertaining to watch your project but it turned out quickly that you have so much more to offer! Your videos got me thinking of mine habits, approach and feelings towards spending and wanting items. You see the things in a very unique way that I have a new point of view. It's all so fresh, it's a lot to rethink, a lot to look at and I think, there are some decisions to make.
I tend to soak into have an interest of something and buying - there were perfumes (I have a lot until today), clothes (I went throuhg many styles) and now makeup. Definitely, it's a compulse buying. I think it's somehow related with my depression and I should look at it as a set, not separately.
I just wanted you to know that is just another more person which watch you with interest and self reflection. You do great job ❤
Hi Agnieszka! Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words about my channel. The support means so much. And I totally agree, there is a connection between mental health and general shopping that goes beyond the obsession with specific categories of things. It took me a while to admit that in my own life, and now that it's clear, it's been easier to make change. Good luck! xoxo
Thank you, Hannah! Greetings from sunny Poland ☀
In case you get a bunch of notifications from me, I've been busy with my newborn so I'm catching up on your videos.
I too think 6 months is about the time it took for me to really be on board with the no buy, after about 3 months I was okay with the no buy and it stopped being so addictive, but at 6 months I finally felt like I wasn't missing out by not buying anything.
I hate samples too. I don't like having samples of cream makeup open, and with skincare samples I don't have any idea if it's doing something for my face after two uses.
My stash actually feels smaller to me because I realized how much stuff I've accumulated that is just mediocre. I was collecting makeup to have a large stash like a guru does and not because I genuinely loved what I was purchasing. After my no buy I will definitely be more critical of the things I purchase before purchasing and I will be asking for samples of foundations instead of buying to try it.
If this is too personal don't feel obligated to indulge me. I read your writting about your boyfriend's depression and I'm curious if your makeup shopping addiction became a way to soothe yourself. My husband's depression definitely sprung some of mine. Shopping for makeup and watching Beautubers was a form of escapism. It was a way of taking my mind off of the unhappiness that was lurking in our house at the time. (Of course that just ended up putting another burden on me.) One time I went to Target for one thing and came out with a basket of makeup. I didn't even remember seeing the total, and I didn't remember grabbing so much crap. I knew it needed to stop. It had become so mindless that it had also become depressing.
Hi Emily! Congrats on your baby :) I totally think that the escapism of shopping comes from an attempt to push away depressive feelings. For me, a lot of those feelings were a result of the 2016 election. But I also do have some "spillover" depression from my partner, and the unhappiness "lurking in our house," as you describe it, is something I struggle with, too. I've definitely spent a good bit of time during my no-buy year thinking about ways to self-soothe that don't involve shopping.
Emily Niles a
I feel the exact same way about samples! They clutter up my life! And I don't want most of those things! I give them away 99 percent of the time!
Binge watching all your videos... this is where I’m at... you are just amazing!!! I’m glad you documented this as you went on - cuz next year I’ll be doing a no buy - so I’ll probably be rewatching some of these videos for encouragement 😬☺️
aw, thank you so much Lucia!!! xoxo!
Great video. Please keep creating TH-cam videos next year. I would love to see a make up collection tour/video. Love from Ireland x
thanks! I'm definitely planning on it! love from Los Angeles :)
Whoops just placed a non cosmetic/skincare order on Sephora (shower cap, don't own one and trying to break free from my daily hair washing habit while I'm off work for the summer and don't need to look presentable every day) and loaded myself up with samples and gifts with purchase (got a free mini Canada day exclusive Tom Ford lipstick I'm stoked about). Feel like you're calling me out here ;)
I do appreciate a good lipstick mini though after my low buy/ no buy adventures lately though, as I've panned two full lipsticks this year and realized they take forever to get through. All lipsticks from now on must come into my collection in mini form! Before I thought they were a waste, but now I appreciate the ability to use something up before it goes bad or I get bored of it.
haha! Not calling you out at all, more like calling myself out because I only JUST started to make change in this way! I didn't address luxury sample sizes (minis) but I feel totally different about them. Like you, I would just as soon have a mini as a full size lip product, so I don't see them as trash.
I am now officially looking forward to my no buy year. Watching your check-ins back to back is showing what I can actually gain by not buying so much!
Thanks, Joannie!
i love what you said about the samples feeling like trash. i feel the same way and when i recently shopped at sephora i got home to unpack my things and then noticed they had snuck a perfume sample in at the bottom and felt physically disinterested in it especially since it was something i didn't choose, wasn't aware of, didn't even want in the first place.
I used to be guilty of ordering several items as separate orders, but I try not to do that anymore, mainly because of how damaging it is to the environment. Plus yeah, less hoarding :)
Watching all your videos really keeps me in check and gives me more motivation to continue my no buy. ❤️
I absolutely LOVE your videos. I can’t wait to see how successful I am with my July no buy! You are inspiring and I’m really thinking about trying to finish out the year with you!
I'm sure you will be 100% successful if that is your plan! I hope it's as amazing for you as it has been for me :)
This has to be the most engaging & interesting youtube ive watched in i dont know how long.. what started off as an exercise in restraint & discipline has turned into what in psychology terms is described as *transformation*.. much wider & deeper than what you expected. When we get distance for long enough from our i guess addictions.. our inner space really does start to change. You're inspiring me.. but God.. i dig Zara. & I dig Nars & Hourglass... but really... subscribed.
Hi Melissa! Thanks so much for this comment. I did expect that the no-buy year would have some larger consequences, but I'm surprised at the extent and scope of them! I'm glad it's engaging to watch :) xoxo!
I’ve been thinking about cruelty free for a while but I didn’t know that about fashion so I will go to the channel you recommended. ❤️
Hi Hannah! H just came by your channel randomly and I am in loooove with your project. This is so inspirational and refreshing to see you do this, so different from all the messages in the world convincing people they need more stuff.
I wish you the best of luck in your project and hope I can achieve what you have done, who knows maybe next year or starting next month
Thank you so much for commenting! I'm glad you are enjoying watching :) xoxo!
Just wanted to let you know that I find you incredibly inspiring. I stumbled across your channel because you left a comment on a no buy july video, which is what I am trying to do right now. I will see how it goes, but watching you, I feel like I should try to do much more than just one month. Well, let's see how july goes. I subscribed to your channel and am looking forward to see more from you!
I agree, there's absolutely nothing wrong with just starting with a month! Start with something you know you can do. Then at the end of the month you can re-assess. If you are like me, once you feel the effects of the shopping "detox," it will be a lot easier to continue. But you might want to take a day off at the end of the month and prep yourself for a longer no-buy (like how I bought a bunch of underwear and backup sneakers in December, LOL!) The key is to make a concrete plan and set yourself up for success. You can do it!
I was fascinated by the idea of being "protective" of your collection. I'm only a month into a low-buy, but I have noticed this feeling as well, though I hadn't put words to it yet. I'm allowing myself to buy 3 makeup/skincare/haircare items per month (got the idea from Angelica Nyqvist, in the video where she referenced your channel, thus how i found you!) but I've only bought one and can't imagine what else I would buy. The one item I bought was a Colourpop palette of singles, as I've been wanting to try single eyeshadows and I was able to curate my own perfect palette. I adore it. And anything else that I look at seems so much less interesting now that I've put so much thought into this curated palette. Even if an item isn't expensive, it feels indulgent and extra, because I know adding it to my collection will take time and space away from products I own and love. So yes, I'd say I've quickly become protective of my items, and this is just the beginning. I'm excited to see where this goes.
I am totally with you on the sample situation.I don’t want them but feel guilty to toss back out there into the environment.I have started to shop at Ulta rather than Sephora as their points are cash points as I really appreciate the discount on stuff I really want.
I wish Ulta carried more of my skincare brands! I've been hearing a lot lately about how much better their rewards system is.
it's so interesting to hear how your attitude changed in these months! and i totally agree about viewing samples as trash - i'm not on a no buy this month but it's frustrating whenever i order something and i get a thousand wee packets of bullshit i didn't ask for. i try to curate and cull my collection regularly and it annoys me that i always have to use those up OR throw them away and feel i've created waste.
yes, I'm thinking about making peace with just throwing them away...
Save them up and when there are enough send them on to a charity or to a needy friend (who will enjoy them).
Mia's Virtual Vanity You could save them up and take them to a women's shelter. They are always looking for personal care products.
camia fiscus i would if i lived in the us, but i can't do that in my country.
Hannah, will you ever consider doing a makeup inventory/collection and wardrobe /closet tour and how the no-buy is helping to curate those areas?
I really want to do something like that, it's on the list but I'm still trying to figure out how to go about it. Thanks for the encouragement!
I’m watching through your videos- your channel has helped me so much already and I’m so thankful that I stumbled across one of your videos in the month of December! Now I’m planning my no-buy year for 2019. Thank you for your honesty and for the inspiration!
Just discovered your channel. I love your message and look forward to subscribing and learning more!
Thanks for watching and subscribing! xoxo!
I'm late in discovering your videos but I can relate to you placing separate Sephora orders just to get those samples. Haha and I felt so guilty from the waste in packaging for 1 item, so I wouldn't even use the samples... I'd pass them on to friends or family. Like you It took me about 6 months to cut off my attachment for my desire to shop. This was such an insightful video Hannah! ❤️Thank you.
it's so crazy to look back on that now!
Could you do a video on how you store and organize your makeup?
This was such a great video, i cant even leave the comment that i want to leave becuae it will be too long but i really really enjoyed it for soooo many reasons
Thanks, Laura! MWAH!
Can you talk more about your clothing and shoes? You discuss skincare and makeup a lot, and I’m curious about what’s happening with your clothing collection!
YES this is definitely on the list!
Completely agree about the silly samples, i dislike those so much..here in the UK the drugstore we have Superdrug would do offers where they would give a handbag tassel (?!?!) or other silly thing depending on what you order etc...i don't want those and always remove then from my basket as it's automatically added! don't need something like that that i have not purposefully order to clutter my life..
Hi Hannah and everyone 👋🏼
My 6 month makeup and skincare nobuy/lowbuy started at midnight 1/7 and my last purchase was made online at 11.17 pm. I really need this “detox” 😂🤦🏻♀️💸
From 1/7 to 31/12 I am only allowed to buy replacements when a whole category of skincare or makeup runs out. I have my categories and rules written down and have made an inventory of all my skincare and will do the same for makeup. I will be keeping my monthly subscription box, at least to begin with, but might decide to cancel it later on.
I am allowed to declutter items along the way, but only if a product breaks me out or the smell makes me nauseous (that’s happened before)
I am allowed to buy clothes, haircare and homeware since I don’t overspend on these categories but I am not allowed to spend more on these categories than I usually do.
I am also allowed to spend money on experiences and stuff like haircuts or facials, but again not more than usual.
I will be keeping an eye on not overindulging in food and drinks, since I know that is a struggle for me already and I am likely to do that as a form of escapism when I can no longer shop to make myself feel better.
I will try to use the time I’m going to save from not shopping on positive and healthy things and try to use this nobuy as a way to give myself and my life a healthy makeover. 🌸
By the way, I am @becominghealthyandhappy on instagram, thank you so much for replying to me the couple of times I tagged you. ♥️
HI MATILDE! Congrats on your no-buy! Your rules are thorough and clear and I can tell you are set up for success :) Six months were totally transformative for me, and if the going ever gets tough and you're tempted to end early, just remember that month #6 was when I started to feel radical change. It's worth it to stick it out for six months. Thanks for your comment and your instagram tags! I'm working on begin more active on insta but I've fallen down on the job this month, I'll try to get back on there!
Hannah Louise Poston Thank you so much for your encouragement! At this point, I’m still thinking about stuff I want to buy pretty much non-stop, but I’ve started a wishlistr, where I will just add it all to and then look it through when we get near christmas or something. My birthday was in February, so I have no “buffer” in that way. And by christmas my outlook will hopefully have changed a lot, so I will probably end up not wanting most of it. I will definitely finish the whole 6 months, especially after you said that’s when you really felt radical change. I’m really intrigued to see how it will affect my thinking both in general and about beauty stuff in particular.
Oh no, I really hope you’re okay! Don’t feel any pressure about being active on Insta.
Thank you so much for your videos! 😘
Girl if I knew how to sew I would be making my own clothes! Consignment shops for me 😊
I love consignment shops too :)
Oh man..so wonderful!!! I haven't been able to watch many of your lovely vids lately bc of video length and lack of time to truly commit and enjoy. Took some time to watch this bc I *so* wanted to see how you are faring at the halfway point..and this is just incredible information--and desperately needed ! I too am due to confront the same issues with fast fashion of which I have indulged in laughable contrast of my most deeply held values-- all under the same umbrella of addiction/selfishness/vanity/greed for me and those demons will ruin the Earth and all of humanity if we allow them. So inspiring. Thank you goddess lady .
yay, welcome back! I remember you from when you used to comment! Thank you so much for these kind words. Parts of this video were a bit *gulp* embarrassing to film and upload, so it REALLY means a lot to me to hear about the positive impact of going through with it.
*youtube apparently doesn't like my bad grammar lol
I'm focusing on investing as much as I can for retirement. This year I maximized what I can contribute to my 401k and funded that by reducing my spending on "personal care" by almost completely moving from "high end" products for hair, skin care and makeup and stopping having my hair colored at all. My husband has now retired from his high paying job so for 2019 I'll have him under my medical/dental. We also moved to a high deductible medical plan which allows us to invest in an HSA. I am maximizing that... so I will be further reducing my spending by doing no buy months at the end of which I can re-assess upcoming expenses and any money remaining available to see if I have anything available for fun purchases. Your videos from this year are my inspiration to help me continue to make the changes I need to make to meet my financial and spending goals. Thank you so much for doing this!!!
amazing! great work!
Hannah, how did you define your rules for your no buy? Did you write them down prior to starting your no buy?or as you moved through the year?
I've always felt that way about free samples. At first it sounds like such a great deal. But whenever I got free samples, they were always something I never would've chosen- a color that was wrong for me, a bad-smelling formula, or something that was just impossible to use up in one use but didn't keep really well as soon as it was opened. They would litter my bathroom because I didn't want to waste but I didn't have the desire to use it at all. Finally, I got sick of it, so I no longer accept free samples. It's a waste of product and plastic.
Also, if you don't mind me asking, what camera and microphone do you use? Your videos are really nice quality!
Aw, thanks! I have issues with the mic, I can never get the sound quality to be the same all the way through. I need to spend some time with it. But the camera is a canon rebel T5i and the mic is a Rode VMGO.
There is a turning point when going cruelty free just offers joy :) it's not a burden or something you think about 'oh I like Estée Lauder blah blah item but they are not cruelty free, what a shame etc" if it isn't it just doesn't makes you happy. It took me *SOME* time to get there but now I can't see myself in the past without some kind of disbelief (you know when you fully criticize your parents regarding something you disliked in your childhood, the same tone). Sorry for any English mistakes not mine first language. Hugs from Portugal!
A hundred thumbs up! Your are marvelous.
Aw! Thanks, Julie xoxo
I highly recommend you read Overdressed by Elizabeth Cline. It's all about her relationship with fast fashion and she really explores what happens in the industry and how we as consumers can make a difference. It is fascinating and life-changing.
thanks for this fantastic recommendation! I'll get it from the library next week. Can't wait to read. xo!
Love the honesty at the end about receiving PR in the future!! I totally get that about makeup more orders to get the free samples, im always scouring sephora's makeup 100pt perks when im buying eye makeup remover 😂 will you be doing a 2018 empties for makeup and skincare? Im quite curious if you will count how much skincare (of each category) and makeup you went through in a year! Im counting my makeup purchases for the year, ive spent enough to book a trip to europe for 2 weeks, on a student budget. Including flight tickets and airbnb. Heck i spent more than 1 mth of my salary!! Guess that beautylish luckybag is not coming to my place this year 🙈
*making more orders.
thank you! I will continue my empties, I'm not sure what the series will look like next year!
You gave me a lot to think about. Thank you!
Hi thanks for another great video! Have a fabulous week! Yay for monetization in the future!!!
thanks! xoxo!
I've been going over many of the same issues that you are in my journey too. Im considering doing a no buy year also, and part of it is to stop buying things that aren't ethical. Have you considered second hand clothing as a way of still being able to get some of the fast fashion items, like by using poshmark?
yes, I love shopping secondhand! Most of what I already own is from consignment shops.
A shout out to Justine Leconte ! 😮 Thank you for bringing her channel up, I truly love it. Classy and well spoken, similarly to you :)
I love her!
It makes perfect sense!
depop is an awesome app/website for shopping actually stylish clothes secondhand!
awesome! I'll put it on the list for next year!
You are so inspiring. Good job.
thank you!
Could someone please list the specific items for the skincare hair care and makeup she used for this year?
So I have also recently gotten into ethical consumerism. It was going great, I was buying from sustainable brands etc etc. But then for NYE, I realized it would be required for my work for me to have a costume of some sort. And I couldn’t afford (in time or money) to buy it from an ethical brand. And I felt really guilty about this, but it was a learning experience in planning ahead. I could have planned ahead, saved up, waited for shipping, but I didn’t think about it. This time, what I did was buy from fast fashion/conventional brands but I got an outfit that can be used over and over in the future. We have lots of costumes in different themes at work, but I can just wear the same one over and over and change out the accessories to make it more versatile. It’s not the best, but it’s the best I could do given the circumstances. Not sure the point of saying all of this but something you said struck a chord and I wanted to share this information.
I'm going to talk about these ideas some this year!
Yes, it makes sense to me because I was the same thing. And now I'm surrounded by junk.
congratulations on reaching 1000 subscribers.
thanks, Imelda!
Now you really have me thinking about fast fashion too. The website Petitvour.com sells only ethical and cruelty free/vegan makeup, skincare and clothing. I have had a vegan ethically made leather jacket on my wishlist from that website for a long time and now I realized if I stopped buying a long time ago fast fashion or tons of makeup, I could have bought that jacket probably 4 times over. I think you should go cruelty free!! To know that you are helping a cause that is much bigger and beyond you is amazing. Also, Rhian hy on youtube is a great resource for ethical clothing. I realize that I have been a hypocrite. How can I be cruelty free with my products but not buy ethical clothing? Loved this update!
That website is a great resource, thanks! I'm starting to look into some of my favorite brands to find out which ones are more ethical and eco-friendly. I'll definitely be updating on those things and sharing my list, probably at the start of next year. Thanks for your comment!
If I get samples in an order I try to choose face masks. Usually it's a one and done sample and then I never have to purchase masks!
I’ve started buying makeup late in life, using that mindset that I work hard and should be allowed to treat myself. And I signed up for play and the flash shipping, both are making it easy to order one small thing to get the samples.
I realize that I need to have a capsule skincare and makeup collection just like I do with my clothes. I finally have an amazing streamlined wardrobe that reflects my style and looks great. I don’t shop sales or fast fashion since now random purchases seem incongruous with the wardrobe. After listening I think I may cancel my Play subscription too...those deluxe samples plus the urge to spend to get my extra play points is just filling my collection with clutter.
I'm so much happier now that I've weeded and streamlined my closet. I'm looking forward to having a more edited makeup collection after this year, too!
Also, if people are interested in learning about the problematic issues of the 'fast fashion' industry....then watch the documentary " The True Cost" on Netflix. It completely changed my shopping habits. Shopping with my ethics and values makes it much easier to not be temped by 'fast fashion'. So happy to hear that you are considering changing your makeup buying values. Please also consider the 'packaging' and plastic waste and unhealthy, toxic ingredients in most makeup. Their are so many brands that have the healthy ingredients and plastic free packaging. The best company I know of is from Vancouver, Canada called 'Elate'. Another great Canadian make up brand is 'Sappho'. It was created by a makeup artist who was listening to the actresses complaining about how terrible their skin is because of the makeup that they had to wear for filming movies. So many brands for healthy, natural skin care as well...for example...Anne Marie Gianni skin care. Or 'Mad Hippie'. For clothes brands you can see how they are rated for their 'ethics' on an app 'Good On You' and for healthy cosmetics....you can look at the app by the EWG called 'Skin Deep' which rates products and ingredients. Hope those resources are a way to help you in your journey.
People talk about how it takes 30 days to make a new habbit but I disagree. I need months and months too. :)
Your really right about the samples! I was trying to watch emails for watching for the codes and I refuse to open the emails now. I have way too many samples so I have gone through what can be donated to a domestic violence shelter and I’ve decided I rather it go to someone in true need. It was either that or items expire that I used money for.
Two toots for ethical consumerism!!
HI POPS!
Where is the video when u get ridcof dresses?))) Shoes and dresses is a painful topic for me
I haven't filmed that yet but it's on the list! I only have time to film twice a week, but I'll try to work it into the lineup soon.