Monday, April 18, 2016

Why Did I Buy That? 5 Tips To Avoid Unnecessary Beauty Purchases


This past Sunday I spent my morning going through my make-up stash and tossing out the old and the expired. Cleaning up made me realise how much make-up I have, make-up I sometimes don't even use because I simply can't get through it all. On top of that, I found some real "gems" that made me wonder what the heck was I thinking. I'm sure I'm not alone when it comes to looking back on beauty purchases and thinking how much money was wasted on stuff I will probably NEVER use. I'm talking about that purple eyeshadow that looked amazing on adverts but let's face it, we are simply not bold enough to pull off that look, or that super bright red lipstick you saw on your favourite Youtuber but it actually doesn't suit you at all.

Here is the truth: everything around us is designed to muddle with our mind, albeit not always in a bad way but think about it. Beauty counters are pretty and shiny, designed to get our attention and make us buy the product. Similarly, bloggers, even if not intentionally, review amazing products, share links where we can buy these and encourage us to give the product a try. And with this in mind, to avoid looking back and asking yourself why on earth you bought that beauty product, here are a few tips to not get caught out.


COUNTERS POSITIONING
Ever noticed how the more expensive brands are always better positioned at Boots for example? As soon as I enter the store I see Clarins, Chanel, Dior and the likes and that is because these high-end brands can afford to dominate the store entrances. The cost of being there, right at the entrance to catch your gaze, the gorgeous packaging and marketing campaigns, definitely mean a higher price tag. Which means if you're on a budget, you will often find the cheapest make-up counters at the back of the store and let's be honest, drugstore quality has improved dramatically these past few years so for better value that's where I head.

EYE-LEVEL APPEAL 
If you do choose to stop by the most expensive counters remember, products are often organised by price and that is to catch out the lazy shopper who cannot be asked to look down. You will often find the most expensive products at eye level and the most affordable range sits nearer your feet. I always make sure to look down there to see if I can find something similar for cheaper and avoid spending more when I don't have to.

ALWAYS ASK FOR SAMPLES
Most high-end brands offer try-before-you-buy samples so make sure you take advantage of that! How many times have I bought a foundation because it looked amazing in store but after I tried a few times it didn't suit my skin type at all. Clarins, for example, offer 1.5ml of foundation and 3-5ml of skincare for you to try before committing and, Esteé Lauder and N7 colour match you to the right shade of foundation as well as give out trial supplies. Albeit this won't always be offered, don't be shy and just ask; you could be making a huge save and avoiding disappointment.

THE PUSH
I've lost count of how many times I've bought something I didn't really need just because there was a 3 for 2 offer or because the counter assistant talked me into it. We have to remember that counter staff are there to sell, sell, sell and they usually get 1% commission of sales and have monthly targets they need to reach. As in any other industry, their job is to push products on us, whether these are their best seller or new releases. Which is why I've learned my lesson not to buy any new products without reading reviews, finding out whether it would suit my skin and/or is worth the hype. The idea is to always learn more before being talked into buying.

DON'T NEED? DON'T BUY!
Even if your favourite Youtuber/Blogger is constantly raving about that product and even if it looks really good, if you don't need it simply don't buy it! Ever since I started blogging, my wishlist has only grown more and more and that is because we are surrounded with temptations. With the lack of storage space, I've recently come to realise I don't actually need any more eyeshadow palettes because with the ones I have, I can already create any make-up look I want. I've also cancelled my beauty boxes because I wasn't getting use out of the products I was getting and it was such a waste of my hard earned money. Similarly, when in a store I try avoiding acting on impulse and picking up the non-essential items that are strategically positioned by the tills. If you do need something, write a list and make sure you stick to it, don't buy it if you don't actually must! 

I always keep in mind these tips; they are the key to making a successful beauty purchase! 
Do you have tips to avoid buying things you don't need? I'd love to know.

Thanks for reading beauties and have a nice week ahead!

xoxo


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66 comments

  1. I agree! The idea to try samples is very good. Sometime you are no so thrilled with the product after testing it for sometime. Anyway it's very useful for wallet


    Visit my blog Costa de la Moda

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  2. Oh my goodness, I can completely relate with you Pam! There are so many clear out sessions that I have and I'm left wondering why I purchased half of it. Although recently I've been trying to be so strict and only getting things that I know I need (if that's even possible) haha. Your tips are fantastic though and I am a huge fan of asking for samples myself. I also do this thing where I wait about a week and if I still want the product then I'll get it. But more than likely I will have come to my senses, realising how much I don't need it.:)

    - www.veebzboo.com
    - www.youtube.com/veebzboo - Warm Brown Smoky Eye Tutorial

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  3. This is really great advice! I often fall victim to seeing pretty things on blogs or youtube and go out and buy them only to become disappointed in the end!

    Renee | Lose The Road

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  4. It's difficult not to purchase certain things, especially when your favourite people in youtube or blogging community rave about them and say how good they are. I have a huuuuuuge list of products I want to try that were recommended by others, but at the same time I have plenty products (mostly skincare) sitting in my vanity to help me go through the entire year without the need of purchasing more. It's a hard life haha :)

    Yiota
    PinkDaisyLoves

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  5. Great tips lovely, I always ask for samples when it comes to foundation as i got sick of buying them only to find out they looked awful on my skin etc. As bloggers it's so hard to resist every makeup release out there isn't it x

    Beauty with charm

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  6. Ahh these tips will be my lifesaver! I always go for the 'buy 2, get one 50% off' or similar deals and it's such a bad habbit! Thanks for sharing Pam x

    TOUCHOFGUCCI // BLOGLOVIN

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  7. Very good advices my dear. Sometimes temptation cosmetics in the shops is stronger then me :-)

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  8. Asking myself if I need or really want something definitely helps me from buying things I don't need x

    Heather | Of Beauty & Nothingness x

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  9. im so guilty at over buy, you do just get a little bit overwhelmed but then again you can find some gems! thanks for sharing, ill keep your tips in mind xx
    http://sweatshirtsanddresses.com/sir-bani-yas-island/

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  10. I have to say I actually use most of the things I bought. I can't say I'm using everything, but I don't have a huge collection, so I'm kind of forced to use what I own :D But you gave some great tips here :) Great post, as always xx

    http://beautypeptalk.blogspot.com/

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  11. Ohhh i have same problem as well.
    I tend to impulse buying of things i dont really need.
    These tips are very helpful
    I love asking for samples as well.

    The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic

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  12. Very interesting and useful post. The idea to ask for sample is great.
    http://www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com

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  13. Oh I love your post - I like "Don't buy" the most hahah ! thank you for sharing ! ♥

    xx - Violetta

    http://itsmevioletta.blogspot.de/

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  14. I have never tried asking for samples, it's not a common practise back in Malaysia and some SA are rude enough to dismiss or laugh at you if you ask for samples. I haven't tried asking for some here in Canada though, not sure if the have the same practice as UK?

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  15. yes, yes , yes, we all know tht problem, and it's so hard to remind oneself that you don't NEED it but just want it :) Your tips are amazing and yes, I hate that they place the cheap products at places you don't notice them at once....seriously this is so annoying...The same at the supermarket or with clothing :(
    http://www.youtube.com/c/MissLovelyAttitude
    http://lovelyattitude.com

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  16. This is such good advice! I am such an impulse beauty buyer! x
    http://christbelle.blogspot.co.uk/

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  18. So true! I hate seeing how much makeup I have forgotten about or have to throw away!
    Thanks for sharing your advice, I'm definitely one for sticking to lists :D

    Working Girl Wanders

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  19. These are amazing tips hun! I have stopped myself buying stuff I don't need because I am just wasting money! So true about high ends brands putting things at eye level! And then they don't have the price out!!
    Fix Me In Forty Five - A Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
    Blog Lovin' // Instagram
    xx

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  20. You are SOOOO right, dear Pam, sooo right! I never thought about brads like Chanel, Dior, etc being right in front of the store(s), now I know :) Or products on "eye level", so thanks for that! I sometimes buy something that I tried, meaning, a sample that I got from a magazine, but also, sometimes it doesn't work for us. Good to have samples, I will ask from now on, at stores I mean. Such a very good post!!!! And yes, we live in excess, so I am not buying things that I see, kind of love, and later regret buying, because I "have a similar one". Well written recommendations!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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  22. These are great tips Pam. I can't even imagine what would happen if I bought every beauty product that I like or I'm told they are great. So, yes, we definitely need to be selective.
    Nina
    http://www.ninasstyleblog.com

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  23. I guess I own a lot of makeup but I love & use everything. It doesn't happen that often that I regret buying sth ☺
    Nati xx

    www.simplyartdicted.com

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  24. getting a sample first is a great idea! I would hate to think of buying a £40 odd foundation and getting home and hating it

    Eilidh from Velvet-Winter

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  25. Love the post! I've been trying to be better at my spending for the last few years and just being aware of how things affect you into spending is so important! x

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  26. Nice post and agree with you

    xx LL

    www.lalouuula.com

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  27. Love this post Pam! Unfortunately I have no tips as I'm a spender and buy things I don't need all the time, oops!

    Danielle's Beauty Blog

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  28. I share your thoughts... not only on makeup, but also on dresses, shoes... bags...
    Ops...

    xoxo
    www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com

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  29. You absolute life saver. Very helpful tips, as I, like most, have hordes of make up that I don't truly need. So I need to save myself from buying more and more and more! x

    VanessaVonJames | Fashion Blog

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  31. I love this post, this is exactly my kind of thing! I literally don't ever buy any makeup I don't neeed :) (But 'need' is relative, isn't it?)

    RachelShuchatMakeup

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  32. Yes! Getting samples is a must! Before I started asking for those, I ended up with so many products that didn't work for me.

    xo, mikéla / simplydavelyn.com

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  33. Ah, the temptation! being a beauty blogger and reading other beauty blogs means my wish list has no end :) Do I need those products? Of course not! Do I want them? Yes! But I've been trying to be more sensible with purchasing newly released products just for sake of it and choose only those that I really want and I know I will get lots of use out of it. x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

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  34. Great post! I am such a sucker for buying beauty products that I don't need - ultimately my makeup will just pile up, and I will barely use some of the things before they expire after 12months :/

    Lots of love,
    Ana
    www.anasofiachic.blogspot.com
    X

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  35. Dica maravilhosa de pincel
    Blog:http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br/
    Canal:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmO8csZDARM

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  36. This is a great post! This is just what I need I am so easily drawn in my impulse purchases and things I don't need! I will definitely take notes of these tips!

    Lorraine
    Lorrainewhitney.com

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  37. Very detail, just perfect post as always. Thanks for sharing

    Kisses

    http://ashonfashionary.com/red-lace-dress-on-sunday/

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  38. We don't get samples that easily here in Germany, which is annoying, especially when it comes to foundation.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

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  39. Lovely! Great advice :)
    xxx
    www.travelera.es

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  40. Great advice, Pam. Happy Tuesday, girl.
    xox
    Lenya
    FashionDreams&Lifestyle

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  41. so glad someone finally addressed this x
    Stefanie | Casualllyawkward | Bloglovin'

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  42. Totally agree about always asking for samples, so important!

    Makeup Monster

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  43. I agree with everything you said. The products are placed to well and there`s always some offers going on, it`s hard to resist. However, since I set a monthly budget I only buy what I need and I saved tons of money. Knowing me though, i`ll probably use all my saved money on something shiny and pretty:))

    http://www.beautynerd.co.uk

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  44. Love everything!
    Nice post gorgeous!
    Check my bblog and my new post*
    www.a-be-atriz.com
    xx, A Be-atriz

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  45. I am always saying.. why did I get this? I accumulate so much stuff because of my impulse buying.. thisis great advice!
    Jamie
    www.jamieeverafter.com

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  46. Great tips! I really need these tips in my life! they're very helpful! thanks for sharing :)

    xx Jamie | With Love, Jamie

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  47. Great post! I totally agree with you!
    Xoxo,
    Love from www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}

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  48. Thanks for the tips Pam, need to remember these next time I'm makeup shopping!
    Have a lovely day :)
    Rosanna x
    Rose's Rooftop

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  49. 5 dicas maravilhosas amei
    Blog: http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br/
    Canal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmO8csZDARM

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  50. Awesome tips! I agree, 3 for 2 offers can be SO tempting x
    britishmermaid.blogspot.co.uk

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  51. This is so true, I actually buy online instead of in store now as I get tempted so easily it's terrible! I used to binge buy from blog posts and offers but I am learning haha xxx

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  52. Coudln't agree more Pam, I'm guilty as charged. I do binge in a lot of beauty products that aren't really necessary

    - xoxo - Chaicy - www.styleapastiche.com

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  53. Me too, buy products that I do not really need, especially make up, because I do not put make up a lot on my face, prefer being natural :) Bonjour from FRANCE, Sand.
    .
    www.taimemode-fashionblog.com

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  54. Great tips :D
    Kisses ♡
    http://www.style2beauty.com/

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  55. You're so right! I'm such a sucker for impulse buys... I end up coming home and feeling bad for spending so much money on things I can't remember why I bought!

    I'm a pushover when it comes to a makeup artist telling you "that looks soooo good on you" immediately I'm flattered and have to buy, only to get home and realise it in fact does not suit me at all!

    Great tips, thanks!

    Natalie | Made In China
    xxxx

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  56. *sniffs* But...I want it.

    I have a LOT of makeup, and I always give the excuse that I'll need it for a 'client' even though I have the same colour from another brand. I just really love buying lipsticks, and blushes, and just everything. That said, I try to keep my own makeup products good and simple.

    Also I don't live close to a Sephora. So good on me I guess hahah

    xx Bash |   go say   H E Y   B A S H

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  57. Olá ! Eu amo o seu blog, e as entradas super agradável.
    Eu amo os seus bilhetes.
    Segui o seu blog, Você pode me seguir de volta ?
    beijinhos
    http://obsesionporlalectura.blogspot.com

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  58. I know what you mean the drug store brands have definitely improved a lot so it's definitely worth it to buy these more affordable brands, I've definitely wasted my share on makeup, but you know what they say you can never have too much makeup :-).
    http://artadorned.com/

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  59. Great tips, I'm always a sucker for 3 for 2
    Lauren
    livinginaboxx | bloglovin

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  60. this is very helpful! x

    jess x | wellwellgirls.blogspot.com

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  61. These are some great tips!
    A tip that me and my friends do is to buy something together and share it, so we can save some money and finish the product faster :)

    Visit VALENCIALALA.blogspot.com

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  62. This is great advice. I always fall into boots on a regular basis and end up buying silly things I definitely do not need!

    www.ejwxo.blogspot.com

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  63. With the whole eye level thing, it is the same in most shops and especially in food shops, somehow shops know hoe to get us spending our money!
    Love Alicia x
    http://bambidreaming.blogspot.co.uk

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  64. Great tips :) I definitely need these as I cannot go into a shop without taking out a mortgage!

    Natalie Ann xo | Petal Poppet Blogs ♥

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