Buying new makeup is always exciting isn’t it? But before you buy new makeup items make yourself a favor and consider this post. I know, the textures, the packaging, the colors, the smell of products and the feeling of something making us happier or even prettier is enough to “add to bag” in the speed of light.
But I’m sure you also know the feeling you get when you see your overflowing makeup drawers filled with products that have gone off, products you’ve purchased “just because” and products that you don’t know how to make them work in conjunction with the rest of your collection.
The result? You end up with too much yet using too little. I don’t know about you, but for me personally this never worked. I need products that perform perfectly together and make me win in the game of time. Anytime I’m about to enjoy a beauty haul I always run 5 questions quickly through my mind and then make my decisions.
If you’re on the same page with me, next time you want to buy new makeup ask yourself these questions too.
What Do I Need?
First things first, the ultimate question to ask yourself is “what do I need exactly?”. Yes, I’m sure that this new glittery highlighter launch makes your heart race -mine too- but be realistic. If you need a new concealer then get a new concealer, not the latest eyeshadow palette featuring 40 different shades of blue. Been there done that.
Open your makeup drawers and check carefully what you’re missing. It might not be the most exciting thing but If you need it, you should start your haul with this. So next time you’re doing your makeup you’re going to thank yourself.
Do I Have Something Similar?
The second thing to check out in your makeup stash is similar products. Whenever I want something, I never fail to look out if it’s in an already crowded category in my collection.
If for example I’m ecstatic for a new blush and think I can’t live without it -too much exaggeration here?- I make sure I look at my blushes, check if I -indeed- use them and then decide if my obsession can lead to something practical or I’m ready to buy the same exact thing.
I buy the blush only if I don’t have anything similar.
Will I use it regularly?
Ok, ok I know we all want to purchase yet another nude lipstick because “we don’t have enough” or “we need a more brownish one” than the other 100 that we already own but we must push through and think about practicality once again.
Am I going to actually use this product regularly? Or is it something that will stay somewhere neglected making me overthink why the heck I’ve made that decision? Thinking all the possible ways you’ll use the product is the best way to overcome all of this and really enjoy the products you buy.
Is It Versatile Enough?
The next question to ask yourself is all about the versatility of the product of your dreams. Yes it is cool, yes you saw a video featuring it and you want it so bad, yes all the influencers are wearing it; but is it versatile enough to use it with the rest of your makeup items? Are you able to make it work in your day-to-day makeup easily?
If the answer is yes then go for it. If the answer is no, then save time and money and just skip it. You won’t be happy in the long term. A great example for this was the holographic highlighter trend; nearly every brand had one and everyone raved about it. Can you use it daily to run your errands or go to work? Nope. See what I’m trying to say here?
Have I done My Research or Is It An Impulse Purchase?
Finally, after resolving all the above questions, I make sure I’ve done some research as well. In order not to have any regrets later on I try to actually search a bit about the new item I want to add and get totally honest with myself.
I’ve found that the quickest way to see more realistically if a product -and the way it performs- is right for you is to go through Instagram hashtags. If I want to see exactly how a certain lipstick color I’m about to order will look good on my skin tone/eye color etc -website images aren’t always accurate- I search the lipstick’s name and see it on real women, different lighting or even swatched correctly.
Let’s say I want to see Pillow Talk lipstick from Charlotte Tilbury for example, I go on the search bar and search for #pillowtalklipstick, #pillowtalkcharlottetilbury or any other related hashtag that Instagram proposes under my search. You can use this trick on any product you want and most of the times you’ll get a great idea.
Now that you know my buying process, try it for yourself too! You’ll be amazed at how much frustration goes away and how you’ll gain more confidence from your decisions. Clear you mind from unnecessary thoughts and your collection from things you don’t need.
Do you have a different process? Tell me your thoughts on Insta @tzinamak_
