I'm a beauty influencer. Here’s how I avoid overspending on hyped-up beauty products.

There’s no denying that new beauty releases seem to be coming thick and fast at the moment. 

And whilst it can be exciting, it’s also hard not to get overwhelmed by all the new options we have for our routines, especially when every second person on your TikTok feed seems to be trying out the latest viral product. 

I can very much be guilty of getting caught in hype myself, believe me, my Mecca Beauty Loop status speaks for itself.

Watch: Speaking of viral beauty things... we tried the lube primer hack that's all over TikTok. Here's how it went. Post continues below.

However, after a very spendy 2021, I have radically changed my approach – and it's really helping me to use up and enjoy my products more.

Now, this is absolutely not a place for guilt-tripping or shaming – I’m not going to be the one to tell you not to treat yourself – but none of us enjoy that feeling of buyer’s remorse or that we’ve wasted money on a product we could have avoided. 

So, here’s my guide on how to keep your routine targeted for your skin while avoiding FOMO or hype-spending.

Get clear on your skin type and skin concerns.

I know this one might seem obvious, but it really helps to be certain on what your skin type is and the concerns on which you want to focus. This makes it easier to keep your skincare routine more intentional and resist the temptation of products that just won’t work for you. 

As an example, I have a dry skin type that’s prone to sensitivity and can’t usually handle stronger exfoliating acids. However, I have absolutely been sucked into buying an exfoliating product, only to find that, yes, it is too strong for me and I didn’t need it after all. 

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If you’re looking at a new product and your gut instinct is, 'Ooo... not sure this is right for me', then you’re probably right. 

Instead, if you really want to try it and think it might help you, try to get a sample first!

Leave your cart overnight.

We’re all guilty of a late night scroll that more often than not leads to a late night splurge which doesn’t always make sense in the light of day. 

Next time that you’re having an impulsive "add to cart" moment, may I suggest you do the classic trick of closing your laptop lid and sleeping on it. 

Letting your cart sit overnight will generally do one of two things: 

• You’ll decide that actually you didn’t really want to make that purchase. 
• Or, if you decide you do want it, most sites will send you a discount code to complete your purchase, so at least you save a little. 

Only try one new skincare product at a time.

One of the best ways for your skincare routine to be effective is to keep consistent with it. In the same way that when you start running you must consistently train to maintain form, you want to keep reasonably steady with the products – or at least the ingredients – that you’re using. 

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Introducing more than one product at a time or changing your routine too often can end up causing more harm than good. 

Your skincare is there to do the hard work for you, so let it! 

It’s a lot easier to keep consistent with your skincare lineup if you don’t have a stash of new products staring at you each time you open the bathroom cabinet. 

I also find that if I’m sticking to my routine, I start to see the results I’m after and the temptation to reach for something new is much less. 

Again, skincare samples are a great way to get a feel for a product before purchasing the full size. You’re unlikely to see major results or claims from a trial size, but I find they’re quite a great way to see if something is an instant 'no' for my skin. 

Shop your stash.

No matter how big your beauty collection is, I can’t tell you how fun it is to go back through and rediscover products you love. It’s even more fun if you get a little basket and try to pick out a full face of products you haven’t used for a while. I guarantee there will always be at least one product that you fall back in love with, or it’ll be a great way to keep tabs on what products you have open.

If you’re going back through your stash on a regular basis, it helps you to identify how long you’ve had different products open and what you’re actually getting through. 

For me, blush is something I can never have enough of, but every time there’s a new formula to try I gravitate towards the same shades. Keeping track of the options I already have on hand (and love!) makes it easier to put back that peach blush when I know I have 15 more at home.

*****

At the end of the day, I’m not here to tell you how to spend your dollars, but it does help to keep these things in mind so that shopping for beauty is fun and rewarding – not driven by hype or the feeling you’re missing out on something better. 

Beauty is meant to be enjoyable and if it’s getting to the point where you’re overwhelmed, it really helps to take a step back and simplify everything. 

If you'd like to hear more from Morgan, check out more of her articles here or follow here on Instagram. 

Feature Image: Instagram/@morgansskinjournal.