Let’s talk about shopping! Yaaaaaaaas! Uh, not like this, sorry folks. But isn’t it strange that nearly everyone loves to shop? That in itself should tell us something – that we don’t just talk about shopping when we talk about shopping. In this post I’ll tell you why it’s so hard not to shop, and how to shop responsibly and save money at the same time.
Shopping: It’s not only about acquiring goods and parting with our money in order to do so. It’s about much more: feelings of gratification and happiness, peer pressure, the whole treat-yourself culture, feeling empty and lonely, and much more.
We’re bombarded with ads any given day. Conservative estimates are around 5.000 ads (Forbes) per day, some stats go up to 10.000. Think about it: Billboards on your walk to work, TV and internet ads, ads on social media: and that’s only proper, paid for ads. But then, there’re the YouTube hauls, insta reviews, the Allure article you read, blogposts. Not conventionally called ads, but tempting you with wares to buy anyways.
Why you should think about shopping habits
Well, you’ll say – I like shopping, so what?
I like shopping too! But, let’s quickly mention two things: credit card debt (especially amongst younger generations) and the environment. Shopping generates waste (think boxes and packing materials especially when you shop online) and a huge carbon footprint (your goodies have to get to you somehow, right?).
It also, for me, generated a feeling of being overwhelmed by stuff – all those endless new releases, one after another, piling up in my drawers, with no hope of using any of those products regularly and the endless decisions of what to use. Stressful!
How I curbed my spending habits
- Make a list – I’m a huge believer in lists and love having a wish list. Everything I see and am tempted by goes on that wish list. For smaller items, I generally decide after one week if I still want it, larger and more expensive items get four weeks of consideration. Nothing like that to curb impulsive spending, or shopping because you had a bad day.
- You can also reap the benefits of planned purchases: discounts! Plan accordingly (think Sephora events, Glamour Shopping Week etc. for regular purchases like skincare staples). Don’t fall into the trap of buying just because it’s on sale, though – would you be willing to buy that product if it weren’t on sale?
- Ask yourself: can I wear this item I want immediately? Does it fit into my style/routine/look? Or do you need to buy different items to make it work? There’s no sense in getting a new foundation if you need to buy a new primer or brushes for it to work – because then, maybe that foundation doesn’t fit your lifestyle (or your skin).
- (If yes, it does fit, can you maybe swap or make it yourself? Example: I’m looking into reusable cotton pads for ages. Do I have to buy them, though – can I maybe make them myself?)
But I really, really want it…
- Think about the negatives of your potential purchase: do you want to maintain the item you’ve bought? Think: it’ll take up space. Do you want to clean it regularly? Do you need to re-organise for it? Etc.)
- Make use of return policies and sample services (responsibly, because samples have drawbacks).
- Have a get-a-grip-friend: Yes, you know all the reasons not to buy a particular item by heart. You just can’t help it – you still want it. In that case, talk to your get-a-grip-friend, who’ll tell you to get a grip and list all the reasons why shopping wouldn’t be a good idea. (Thank you, Astrid & Britta!) If you aren’t the one for the pep talks, distract your mind. Read a book. Listen to a podcast. Go for a walk. Clean your house, that kind of thing. Know your shopping habits and traps!
- Know your dupes (here’s an example) – how many iterations do you actually have of that item you want?! (An organised stash helps with that.)
What you’ll gain
Money, hah. And an organised stash (our no.1 tip!) , which is actually nothing to frown upon. I, for the first time in my life, do know what I own (and where it is).
I also gained a new appreciation of the things I own, and got to know my personal style and needs. During the last year, I found out, more than ever, what kind of products I like, both with makeup and skincare.
I’m no longer all over the place, buying everything and the kitchen sink – which is nice. Confidence-boosting, even. I’m rather self-assured in my looks and routine now. Not hunting down new releases also gives you a lot of freedom and peace of mind. Something even better will be around shortly.
One thought for you to mull over: You don’t need to buy it just because you like it.
