My mission of reducing the amount of beauty products I buy, and only replacing products when another one is finished, has been a work in progress for quite some time now. But still, I feel there’s way too much stuff on my shelves and in my drawers. And when I’m looking around (on social media rather than in other people’s bathrooms), I’m definitely not the only one.
The thing is that I don’t even use a lot of products, and never really have, but I still end up with busy shelves. The reasons are probably: buying too many different types of pretty much the same thing; being given samples; being given presents; buying 3-for-2 deals; hearing about a new trend and therefore feeling the need to try it out and add this type of product to the collection.
The trend of the multi-product routine
I don’t read a lot about beauty and I don’t follow many bloggers or Instagrammers who write on the topic but I’ve seen enough to feel that a big factor to the current over consumption of beauty products is the routine. The routine that basically tells us that it’s not enough to clean our faces with a cleanser and then moisturise – we need all sorts of clays, toners, oils, serums, mists and bb creams before and after. And the morning routine ones are different to the evening routine ones, and then we add masks and night creams. And this is only face-related, we haven’t even started looking at hair products, fragrances, skin creams and butters and balms and scrubs.
As conscious consumers, our mission to reduce consumption is constantly hit by new trends. The multi-product routine one is tricky, and it’s not being helped by Instagram, and the beauty #shelfie. The book shelf shelfies are of course positive as they tell us people still read books, but the beauty ones (like mine above) make me rather uncomfortable.
The shelves with 25 different face creams aren’t just expensive, but surely unnecessary? Who needs all these products? Who can even use them all before they’ve expired within 12 months?
What it almost always comes down to with over consumption though, is of course, that we buy what we want, rather than what we need.
The trend of self care
We’re definitely seeing trends of conscious consumption and people are increasingly questioning what they’re buying and what it’s made of. But when it comes to beauty, and it clashes with the trend of self care, we’re struggling.
Luxury today is having the time to look after ourselves, taking care of ourselves, our bodies and our minds, through healthy plant-based food, mindfulness, yoga retreats. But this trend of treating ourselves, naturally, also extends to consumption, as we’re treating ourselves to the oils and masks and creams that will allow us to have the perfect home spa experience.
The trend of the subscription box
In the world of online shopping and around-the-globe-shipping, we’ve also been seeing the trend of the subscription box. Where we can fulfil the multi-product routine whilst treating ourselves through a ‘surprise’ gift each month. This of course gives us a chance to try products before we buy them and the boxes usually include smaller bottles and jars, but how sustainable is it to keep getting new products each month? What if we don’t even like the ones we’re sent, will they just stay on the shelf until they expire or will they go straight into the bin?
I’m seeing ‘green’ subscription boxes too, but even if the products inside the box may be green, I’m not so sure about the concept as a whole. How green is the packaging, and how green is it to be sending these boxes across the world? And I guess, how green is it to be engaging in this type of surprise monthly beauty haul that one could argue that this essentially is?
Ultimately, the subscription box is a real treat as you’re basically being sent a present every month, so I get that it’s a nice idea that many enjoy. But to make it a bit more conscious, one could potentially limit the number of boxes one receives, and be as specific as possible about the products you want to receive so that you know you’ll like them. And if you don’t, give them to friends who you know will like and use them instead. Also, try to find an eco-friendly option with products that are good for you and the planet, and ideally a local one that doesn’t have to be shipped very far to reach your home.
The trend of quality before quantity
By embracing conscious consumption and slow living, one shouldn’t feel the need to stop living or enjoying one’s favourite routines or pleasures. The conscious way around it is, of course, to be more conscious and take a bit more time before action.
When it comes to beauty we can’t quite think the same way as we do with our wardrobe where we’re aiming for products that will last a lifetime. Instead we need to be wary of the fact that the beauty products don’t last at all. But we can still think of quality before quantity though, and finding the products we really like so that we can stick to a few really good ones. Bulk buying is usually better for the planet, but when it comes to beauty products with a short expiry date, we’re perhaps better off opting for the smaller bottles. And also opting for the products that have multiple uses like oils and balms, and the ones that last like the schampoo that only requires a tiny amount but will still clean your hair.
The quality, and the mindfulness of our planet, should also cover the packaging and where the product was made. Because even if we’re buying ‘green’ products, we’re not being very mindful of the environment if we over consume, buy products all wrapped in plastic, that have been produced and shipped from the other side of the world.
Beauty is for many a chance to treat ourselves, and the reason for slight over consumption can often be that we want to treat ourselves by buying some extra products beyond the basic ones. And if it makes us feel fresh / happy / beautiful / awake / lifted then it’s of course a positive feeling we should encourage, but perhaps adding some conscious thinking and questions in to the mix.
- What products do I really enjoy?
- Which ones do I actually never end up using?
- What ingredients work well with my skin and what natural and eco friendly options are there?
- When treating myself, are there smaller alternatives I can go for – is there a small kit or a smaller bottle that I could buy so that it’s not wasted if I don’t manage to use it up before its end date? (also a chance to test it before maybe committing to a bigger bottle)
- Can I commit to one in, one out? Can I commit to only buying a new product once the current one is finished and only replacing like for like?
- What’s the packaging like? Are there eco friendly options like glass bottles, or bottles made from recycled plastic or even packaging-free options?
- Is there a locally made and sold product I can choose over one that’s produced elsewhere or needs to be shipped?
I’ve been reducing the products I have by using up what I have before I buy more, and I’m also trying to buy more eco friendly and organic products. I’ve been doing this for quite some time but it does take time to get there. Ultimately I want to achieve complete quality over quantity with only a few key products and I’ll keep you posted on how I get on, but in the meantime, please do share your tips on how to get there!