In my group of friends, it’s kind of a no-brainer that I’m the “beauty expert” of the bunch. Emails detailing a recent splurge, a product recommendation request, or an emergency text at 2 A.M. asking how to fix a broken lipstick—any beauty quandary found in my beauty circle eventually ends up at my doorstep. When it comes to product, the question I’m asked most is “Is this worth it?” or “Should I buy it?” Asking a beauty editor if makeup is “worth it" is like asking if a sample sale is "worth" checking out. The answer, most always, is inevitably yes. However, when products start stockpiling, and the thrill of the purchase overshadows application, my red flag goes up.
More often than not my friends are lured into an amazing marketing campaign, or so captivated by one color that they just can’t resist trying a new trend. Trust me, I’m all for experimentation (and have the stocked drawers of well-used product to prove it), but there’s a fine line between buying just to buy, and buying for true love.
Now, I can’t be around to help my friends find their perfect beauty items 24-7 (though I try). So to help them—and you—make slightly less irrational shopping decisions, I put together a mental checklist to run through before checkout. If you can breeze through these questions with pure confidence, then full steam ahead to the makeup of your dreams!
1. Do I have a color like this?
Ask yourself what makes this particular shade so special? Does it flatter your coloring like no other?
2. Am I buying it for the sale?
More often than not people will splurge with a Gift With Purchase, a special discount, or a can't-beat bargain price. Ask yourself, would you buy the product without all the thrills and frills, without a sale at all?
3. Is there anything like this already in my kit?
Fess up—you know you have more taupe eye shadow than you can count on your fingers. Evaluate the makeup you already own and see if the new item is a fresh new addition, or merely another copycat to dump in the mix.
4. What attracts me most to this item?
Is it the shiny packaging? The illustrious reputation of the brand? You guys—does the product even make your heart race? If the latter's answer is no, it’s probably a good idea to step away from the shelf.
5. Will you wear it?
Perhaps the most important question of all. We all own a couple of cosmetic collectibles that are too pretty to touch, (Paul & Joe lipstick, I’m looking at you) but if your vanity is becoming a museum instead of a makeup counter, it’s time to rethink your buying habits.
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Apr 19, 2013
Laura N.
Hahaha, story of my life!! ❤❤
Sep 19, 2012
Lera J.
Great article...any reformed (or not so reformed) beauty junky can relate to this. Maybe we should start a support group MUAA! I always try to stay away from duplicates, that's my biggest issue (usually when buying for personal use, i'll buy 27 pink lipglosses...DUMB), it's not an easy habit to break. A recent move and therefore purge of makeup that my closest friends benefited from has really given me the opportunity to see exactly what I have. Now when I shop i'm doing a much better job of knowing what i have already and not buying for the impulse...most of the time ;-)
Aug 11, 2012
Diaundrah M.
This is exactly what I needed. My biggest issue always is "Do I need this ?" I guess now I can get myself in the habit of asking these questions.
Jul 26, 2012
Gennett M.
These are the same questions I ask myself when I am purchasing makeup. The color of the makeup often makes you feel like you need that color in life then you get home and you see you have many other products that look like the one you just purchase.
Jul 25, 2012
Nancy Sue S.
Ahh, I ask myself these questions but sometimes they just aren't enough! I need a surveillance team to curtail my makeup habit. lol
Jul 24, 2012
Enis S.
Haha, I go through these steps whenever I want to buy something, not just make-up!
Jul 23, 2012
Madison L.
This is amazing advice! When you look at some of the beauty gurus on youtube and all of the makeup they have, it's ridiculous! They don't even use most of it, so they throw it out anyway! Sucha waste of money!
Jul 20, 2012
Sabrina W.
This is great information! I actually do buy all of my make up by these "rules". I have to be IN LOVE with a shadow color, liner or lipstick and feel like I can't live with out it! Good advice!
Jul 19, 2012
Glenda B.
If anyone follows some of the Vlogs on YouTube, you can get caught up it their tutorials and get to the point where you think well now I have to have that, and that and that too. Before I do anything, I have to look in my Train-case and see if I already have it, or a comparable to it. Otherwise I am just spending for the thrill of it. Plus I don't have a job that pays me well enough to purchase those High-end brands most of them present. So its budget makeup for me.....
Jul 18, 2012
Sofia M.
I recently decided to go on a makeup spending ban due to the fact that I noticed I tend to buy for the thrill of the purchase instead of the use :(
Jul 19, 2012
Marie F.
Aug 03, 2012
Sofia M.