How to create better mental habits while building your makeup collection

As a beauty enthusiast, the world of beauty has always been one that fascinates me because of the endlessness of it all - the products, shades, formulas, finishes, and so much more!

When I got my first job, I finally took a step into starting my own makeup kit but I quickly learned that the endlessness I was so fascinated with was going to be the biggest hurdle for me to overcome.

With all the options, I wanted to try them all at least once. When one of those options did not work, maybe I had to try it from a different brand? Or maybe I needed one that came in a different finish? Or maybe the same first option but in a different shade?

It has been four years since and I have gone from having a little basket of makeup goodies that I could store in my cabinet to having a collection that demands its own space. It feels like this happened overnight and I realized that was because my makeup use and purchase habits became a form of coping during the pandemic.

With all of the health and safety guidelines in full swing - especially masks and working from home, I have been forced to reevaluate the way I see my collection and habits.

This has given me an opportunity to figure out how I can move forward in enjoying all the newness in beauty while also not turning a blind eye to my excessiveness and dependency when it comes to my makeup.

So I thought I would share some of the things I have learned through my personal beauty journey (thus far) now that I feel like I am at a mentally healthier place and pace.

It is not permanent

One of the first issues I came across was how I became dependent on certain makeup products to the point that I would choose to be late or not go out at all rather than not have those products on.

From the product expiration date to the fact that you are meant to cleanse off your makeup before you catch some rest - that product is not permanent. So there is no need to depend your confidence or self-worth on what a product can add to your look.

Wear that lippie, shape your brows, do a full beat, or whatever you want with makeup because it adds to your confidence and not because you think you will only be perceived better with them on. Not to be corny but you are genuinely more than a pretty facade.

You are still you

A thought that used to linger in my head when I finish creating a look is whether or not I am catfishing but the fact is, makeup is a form of art and what’s the fun in creating art without adding some colour and texture to your canvas?

I clearly did not spend hard earned money on products that had no effect on me. So feel free to enjoy the many various shapes and effect that you can make with your collection and wear your artwork with pride!

Is it a “want” or a “need”?

The very human conflict of wants vs. needs is definitely evident when it comes to makeup purchases. This is why I create checklists that my next purchase(s) has to get through before I can happily click that “Check-Out” button.

The list changes with every product but it always focuses on whether or not it will add anything to my collection because if I already have something that has the same effect, texture, shade, or purpose in my collection that is not even halfway finished, then why would I need another?

There will always be a next sale

Everyone loves a good deal but with our local e-commerce climate, a good deal comes through every other week. From monthly sale campaigns, flash sales, and so much more, you really do not have to fret about catching something on your wishlist on sale.

Plus, brands have gotten so much more hands-on with their customer interactions so it has gotten way easier to ask when a restock or sale is happening with just a few taps on your phone!

This can help ease the pressure off of the itch to buy with every sale to better prepare and plot out your purchases.

Set boundaries and get creative

Makeup is my main creative outlet so I found joy in exploring as much of it but alas, too much of anything is never a good idea. This is why I began to impose boundaries so I can become more composed when it comes to my makeup purchases.

If I know a new release is in a formula that does not work or suit me, I skip it!

If I still have a neutral eyeshadow palette at home but saw one that piqued my interest, I add it to a list so I can purchase it as a replacement when the one I have runs out.

If a brand does not align with my advocacies, I see no need to stay up-to-date with their releases and fixate on whether I need to make an exception to try it.

Now I have a greater appreciation for the products I already have. Whether it is through rediscovering old formulas I forgot about or learning other ways to use what I already have, I am happy to share that I no longer feel the itch to add anything new. From the overwhelming reality of how big my collection already is and being way more familiar with what I already have, it is so much easier for me to say “pass, I have something like that already!”

These boundaries also led me to new communities and styles in beauty such as the world of Project Pans, weekly and monthly makeup challenges, and so much more.

Let this be a reminder that your beauty collection is a galaxy of its own with a ton left to explore!