I’ve never applied makeup when I was younger or when I was in my early 20s. My mom was so adamant that I didn’t need it and she was right, I didn’t.
But when I hit my mid-twenties, I started using foundation to cover my acne scars. My friend, who is a bridal makeup artist, got me hooked on nude makeup looks.
Buying makeup felt like self-care for me. More like the quick hit kind. A bad day? Lipstick. Feeling bored? A new blush.
Feeling like I needed a glow-up, a reset, a fresh version of myself? Definitely another palette.
I wasn’t buying makeup because I needed it. I was buying it because I loved experimenting with all the colors and looks.
I grew up learning that stuff could fill time and space. When I felt lonely or stuck, buying something small and cute felt comforting.
Makeup especially felt harmless. It’s tiny. It’s fun. It’s “self-expression,” right?
But over time, I noticed something uncomfortable. I had drawers full of products I barely touched. I felt overwhelmed every time I opened them.
And weirdly, I enjoyed makeup less the more I owned.
Letting go of overbuying makeup was about understanding why I was reaching for my wallet in the first place.
Once I slowed down and changed a few habits, the urge softened. I still love makeup. I just don’t need it to make me feel okay anymore.
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1. Stop Treating Makeup Like a Mood Regulator
For a long time, makeup shopping was how I coped.
Stress, boredom, loneliness, feeling “behind” in life, makeup was the quick fix.
New products made me feel hopeful, like I was becoming someone better, prettier, more put together.
But the feeling never lasted. It wore off fast, usually before the product even arrived.
I enjoyed shopping more than using the product, lol.
Once I noticed this pattern, things shifted.
Instead of asking “Do I want this?” I started asking “What am I actually feeling right now?”
Most of the time, it wasn’t about makeup at all. I was tired. I needed comfort. I needed a break. Or honestly, I just needed something to look forward to.
Now when that urge hits, I pause.
I’ll make tea, put on music, or do something grounding first. If I still want the product later, fine.
But usually, the craving passes. Makeup stopped being my emotional crutch once I gave myself other ways to self-soothe.
2. Build a Small, Realistic Makeup Collection You Actually Use
Having too much makeup makes everything harder. Decision fatigue is real, yo.
When you own 2-3 blushes instead of twenty, getting ready feels simple again.
You stop chasing the “perfect product” because you already have something that works.
I slowly downsized my collection by paying attention to what I reached for naturally. I also got rid of products I bought but never used.
Now my makeup fits in one space. I know every product.
I enjoy using them. And strangely, owning less made me more creative. I stopped shopping for inspiration and started using what I already had in new ways.
3. Unfollow Makeup Content That Makes You Feel Like You’re Missing Out
I have gotten tired of influencers promoting new products every other day.
This one matters more than people admit.
Constant exposure to “new launches,” hauls, and viral products quietly trains your brain to want more.
Even if you’re not clicking buy, you’re still absorbing the message that you’re lacking something.
I didn’t quit makeup content overnight. I just curated it better.
I followed creators who focus on mindful beauty, project pans, minimal routines, or actually finishing products.
The difference was huge. The urge to buy slowed down without me forcing it.
I like seeing empty tubs. If a content creator shows me 2-3 empty tubs, I believe they actually used the product and genuinely love it!
Your feed shapes your desires. If you feel constantly tempted, it’s not a willpower problem. It’s an environmental problem, remember that!
4. Replace the Shopping Habit With a Use-What-You-Own Ritual
What helped me most was turning makeup use into something intentional.
I started doing slow, cozy makeup mornings. Just sitting with my products, enjoying textures, colors, the routine itself.
I also love experimenting with different moisturizers since I have combination skin.
Sometimes I’ll challenge myself to use one palette for a whole month.
Or recreate looks I saved using only what I already own. This scratches the “newness” itch without spending money.
If you love beauty, the joy doesn’t have to come from buying. It can come from using. And that joy lasts way longer.
5. Accept That No Product Will Fix How You Feel About Yourself
Perhaps, this took me the longest to make peace with.
I kept thinking the next product would make me feel confident, put together, finally “enough.”
But confidence doesn’t come in a tube. And chasing it through makeup only kept me stuck.
Once I worked on my life outside of shopping, hobbies, routines, relationships, time offline, the urge to buy faded naturally.
I didn’t need makeup to distract me anymore. I still wear it, still enjoy it. It’s just not carrying emotional weight now.
Final Thoughts
Stopping overbuying makeup isn’t about becoming “low maintenance” or giving up what you love.
It’s about separating enjoyment from emotional dependence.
When makeup becomes something you use, not something you chase, it starts feeling light again.
You don’t need backups of backups.
You’re allowed to enjoy beauty without constantly adding more to your cart!
Having less made me feel richer in ways buying never did.
