2018 No Buy Finale | A Season Without Spending July 3, 2018
As I write this post, I just finished my 2018 no buy of 2018. As mentioned in my original post, this no buy started at the beginning of April and ran through June 30th. Keep reading for my 2018 No Buy Finale Recap!
Rules
My no buy rules were very simple. I could not buy any new beauty or fashion-related items during the Spring season. In fact, my only exception to this rule were replacements for items that broke or lacked a comparable backup.
2018 No Buy Finale Recap
This no buy was quite successful as I refrained from making any frivolous purchases, despite my desire to buy more things. I found myself more tempted buy from athleisure brands than beauty brands. However, during this period, I was unexpectedly gifted a load of beauty products.
I did make two purchases – a new moisturizer and new conditioner. Even though I did make those purchases, I stuck to my guidelines since I did not have a back up of either product.
Aside from saving money, I enjoy No Buys I always learn something new about myself and my feelings or habits in regards to shopping. Moreover, I feel a small sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when I successfully reach a No Buy finale. Below are some of my biggest wins this year:
Key Takeaways
No-Buy Win #1: Fighting the Urge to Stockpile During Sales
The biggest hurdle during this no buy period was fighting the urge to restock items. As previously mentioned, I finished my only facial moisturizer. Even though I adored that product for its lightweight formula and long lasting hydration, I wanted to try a less expensive alternative from the drug store.
Additionally, my beloved RenPure conditioner finally ran out. Rather than perusing the shelves of T.J. MAXX or LUSH, I opted to take a break from buying from expensive or niche brands. The timing seemed right to seek out a less expensive conditioner at the drug store.
Retailers like CVS typically sell products at a higher price than other mass retailers like Target. However, I love shopping at CVS. The brand has great weekly deals. Also, I frequently receive 20-40% percentage off coupons and dollar off coupons based on my previous purchases.
When I purchased my conditioner and moisturizer at CVS, I had to fight the urge to take advantage of several great coupons discounting my favorite facial cleansers and makeup removers. Neutrogina and L’Oreal both offered extra-buck deals for customers who purchased X dollars worth of facial products. Even though those promotions would have saved me money eventually, I could not justify buying multiple items during this period.
Note: Extra-bucks are similar to receiving cash back from CVS. They offer consumers anywhere from $0.50-$10+ off another purchase.
No Buy Win #2: Letting Products Run Out
The thought of running out of a beauty product without a proper backup used to terrify me. Thankfully, this no-buy taught me that having that mindset was ridiculous. The world will go on if I don’t use moisturizer for three days or if my hair feels snarlier for a week.
Two days before writing this, I finished my last bar shampoo from LUSH, so I did make an online purchase. Unfortunately for me, my shampoo isn’t set to arrive at home until July 9th. Nonetheless, my patience did pay off because my sister gifted me a LUSH shampoo bar that she tried, but didn’t enjoy using – Karma Komba.
No-Buy Win #3: Learning to Appreciate What I Own
The biggest success of this project was that it helped me to better appreciate what I own because it enabled me to see what I truly missed. For example, I can say with certainty that I miss my skincare, particularly my serums, when I run out of a product. Letting products run out allowed me to see how much better my skin looks when I regularly treat it with great care.
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Did you enjoy my 2018 No Buy Finale? Check out my 2019-2020 Beauty No Buy Intro.
Are you doing a no-buy or low-buy this year? Let me know how you dealt with your shopping struggles!
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sharon says
July 3, 2018 at 11:01 amLove this post! I tried doing a no-buy and only lasted a couple of weeks this summer😂 I do great with staying away from stores in the winter because the weather is a deterrant, and although online shopping is a great alternative, I hate waiting. I’m trying to get on a no-buy or at least a low-buy so that I can save up for some activities as well as saving up for the items I really want during the fall sale. I always keep a list of items I really want or need (not long) and try to spread them out through the year which is easier on the pockets. I’m pretty good with controlling myself and sticking to the things I want on my list, but there is always those new and interesting things that catch your eye at random stores and you can’t help but want to try them out.😯😆
http://www.mondayswithsharon.com 🧡
LP says
July 3, 2018 at 11:24 amThank you so much for reading this post and sharing your experience!! ☺️
I totally understand the temptation when you see something beautiful in store! I love making lists to help me control my shopping habits too!
sharon says
July 3, 2018 at 11:58 amMy pleasure! Haha it’s hard to beat sometimes but it’s a work in progress🤣😁
http://www.mondayswithsharon.com 🧡
aestheticvogue says
July 4, 2018 at 4:06 amI love this post! ✨
I feel like a lot of times people buy more and more things without using them more than once or twice. This is a great minimalism approach that focuses on using up products rather than buying more. I have definitely been trying to do this in order to save up more money especially being a college student!
aestheticvogue.com 💖
LP says
July 4, 2018 at 7:16 amThank you so much for leaving a comment! ☺️
Minimizing my collection is definitely a major component of my goal since I developed bad spending habits in regards to beauty and fashion consumption.