Photo by RODNAE Productions: https://www.pexels.com/photo/variety-of-cosmetic-products-in-close-up-photography-7755138/
Over the last couple of months, my makeup collection has drastically changed. During the end of October/the beginning of November, I got rid of 80% of my beauty products. And that was because several of them expired (and YES makeup does have an expiration date).
However, throughout the decluttering process, I kept thinking about the number of products I wasted! I had purchased a lot of makeup, including high-quality ones, that were not used to its fullest capacity. And honestly, that’s awful because some of these products were NOT cheap.
I honestly think I kept buying and buying makeup because I felt I needed them. And I thought if I didn’t buy these products now, I’ll never be able to. I definitely think this mindset had come from a place of fear. I don’t come from a rich family, so when I was younger, I had to wait longer than other kids to get nice stuff. And sometimes obtaining nice things wasn’t always an option. So now that I have more disposable income I moved with the attitude it’s now or never. Because I didn’t want to wait anymore just to have a nice lip gloss or foundation. Additionally, with the pandemic hurting many of our finances; not to mention causing life to be VERY unpredictable. I wanted to seize the moment now, if I had the coins.
And though this context is completely understandable, in hindsight my reaction to my upbringing wasn’t the wisest decision.
But with that being said…
IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE!
Now, I can confidently say that I have changed my ways. My make-up collection is much smaller but now consists of only good quality make-up products. I have enough lip glosses and eyeshadow palettes to make a variety of looks. Plus, I have a great cluster of complexion products that are reliable. They constantly provide great results and good make-up days are the norm for me!
Moreover, I have now implemented the rule that if I am to buy new make-up it MUST differ from my existing products. As it ensures variety and lessens the chance of waste. Because honestly who needs 3 pink blushes in the SAME shade. Or the SAME nude eyeshadow palette from three different brands? That’s ridiculous.
So, in conclusion, I’m done with overconsumption! It promotes so much unnecessary waste which isn’t good for me or the environment. In this case, less REALLY is more. And overall, I’ve come to appreciate that.
Chizoba Itabor 