When I showed you the very pretty (yet surprisingly tame) Guerlain Rouge G for Christmas 2015, I mentioned in the closing of my post that I was actually contemplating getting a backup. But I chose not to because by the time I was done, I would probably like something else by then. Interestingly enough, Kuri picked up on that throwaway statement in her comment and confirmed my thoughts by saying that backups rarely made sense.
So, you know what? The ol’ brain started thinking and got to wondering about backups of beauty products.
What say you? Do you buy backups so you always have one on hand when the product finishes?
I used to, you know. Gosh, the tales I could tell you of actually having a whole SHELF full of backups of just cleansers. CLEANSERS! I’m embarrassed just thinking about it.
Primarily, I used to purchase backups of favourite skincare products. This was actually even way before I started blogging so it’s an ingrained trait. When I see products I use go on sale, I’d pick up one or two because I knew I’d use them once I ran out. Or if I spotted an irresistable deal. Into my backup drawer it would go.
And soon, that drawer became a shelf… and then it became 2 shelves. I recently dug into the recesses of my skincare cupboard for a big clear out, and I came across backups of oil cleansers that I no longer use! I spent money on these things that I no longer use, but are just sitting in my cupboard gathering dust. Waste of money and resources right there!
Did I learn my lesson and do I do it still?
I’m afraid I still do LOL! But in a more restrained fashion these days. I’ve learned that I am fickle with my skincare, so I’m always trying something new in my routine. But I’ve also learned that there are some products I am never without. These, I have backups for. But only 1 at any given time, and only when the current bottle is almost at its end. Gone are the days when I’d do gigantic skincare hauls willy-nilly just because. I’m a lot more discerning now. I’m an adult! Woot! 😀
As for makeup, I don’t buy backups, because the reality is that I finish very few products, and by the time I’m done, there could be something better out there. There usually is. But what I used to do, is buy multiple colours. So, if I like a particular lipstick formula, I’d buy multiple colours. If I liked a blush, I’d buy multiple shades.
Basically, I don’t have backups of colours, but I have different shades in the same formula. That problem is just as bad, if I’m to be honest. The last time I did this was with the Shiseido Maquillage lipsticks. I loved them so much, I went and got multiple shades. To my credit, I use them, but let’s be realistic here. What are the odds of actually using up all of them before they expire? Practically nil.
So that’s me. I’m much much better now. I’ve gotten my skincare cupboard under control. Yes, it’s still a cupboard, but there’s no more spillover LOL! My house no longer looks like a cosmetics warehouse, and I no longer buy backups of products unless it’s for a product I truly truly love and will use over and over. Very few products make this cut. Whew! 😀
Back up your files and photos, not necessarily your skincare or makeupClick To TweetYour turn: Do you buy backups of beauty products? Skincare? Makeup?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned on my journey is that you should backup your computer files and your photos, but when it’s skincare or beauty, backing up is optional 😀
Paris B
Jennelle says
November 11, 2015 at 8:53 amCan’t agree more on your last statement. Never want to experience losing my photos again!
Paris B says
November 12, 2015 at 2:47 pmYep, me neither! I lost mine twice! Once when I lost my camera and another time when my phone SD card was corrupted. Now, I back up religiously 😛
Peggy says
November 11, 2015 at 9:23 amI buy backups especially for limited edition coz I know I might not have that again. I’m in love with Mac Archie Betty bright lipstick. Once it’s gone I had to pay double the price coz it’s limited edition. So now if I like something so much when it’s limited edition, I buy backups
Paris B says
November 12, 2015 at 2:48 pmSometimes, I swear these companies make things limited edition just so we go nuts over them! LOL But I suppose if you love the colour/product and it’s limited edition, it might make sense to get a back up. That said, hasn’t MAC recycled their colours by now yet?
shasha says
November 11, 2015 at 9:33 amI actually do have backups of items that I like, and much like you, they’re primarily skincare. But I usually buy them when the current one is almost finishing up 😀 Although, to be entirely truthful, I did just pick up 2 bottles of the Vichy Normaderm Gel Cleanser while my current one is still half full, lol!
Makeup, not so much, although if there is a lipstick that I particularly loved using, eg: like the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo that I absolutely adore, I have 2 unopened tubes of those stashed away! Cant live without my reds <3
And yes, backing up files & photos are a must. Cant imagine losing precious memories and information, gosh! 🙂
Paris B says
November 12, 2015 at 2:49 pmWith the Vichy, it’s justified – I still rue the day they left us 😛 Speaking of which, during my big clear out, I discovered I had hoarded 3 backups of the gel cleanser! I don’t even use it anymore coz it’s too drying! Sigh…
grace says
November 11, 2015 at 9:59 amI only buy backups of things that are limited edition and i know i will use up. For example the MAC I get no kick eye kohl that came out several years ago was my everyday waterline liner so once i ran out of that i was devastated and i didn’t like anything else that i tried to replace it with. However, it came back this year and i bought three just in case.
Also guilty to say that I bought a backup of Becca champagne pop just because i love it that much. A girl can never have enough shimmer.
Paris B says
November 12, 2015 at 2:50 pmGood call, Grace! Things you’d use + limited edition is a bad bad combo! I think that’s why brands make them limited edition – so we’d hoard them! LOL 😀 I suppose if it’s something you’d use and finish up, it’s ok to have a back up. I’m just a little too fickle when it comes to colour.
Wendy@BlushandBarbells says
November 11, 2015 at 10:40 amI tend to buy my makeup from indie companies that disappear…so when I find a great foundation or finishing powder, I buy backups! I also stock up on skin care during sales (also indie companies) because I hate running out.
I do have to keep the backing up to a minimum, though – I know I can go overboard and hoard!
Paris B says
November 12, 2015 at 2:52 pmOh yes, I know that pain of buying from Indie companies! I actually had a poor experience because of this, because I was using mineral makeup once, and they were primarily the domain of indie companies, and the quality, shade and texture would differ wildly from batch to batch. Gave up soon after, coz it was too much of a gamble buying from the US (where they were from). Often, I think there’s a very thin line between backups and hoarding! LOL
beetrice says
November 11, 2015 at 10:44 amYay for adulting (in this aspect anyway!) The only thing nowadays I have multiple back ups of in the house are shampoo and body wash (only because I’ve found what I like/ works and won’t have the time or energy to change anytime soon lol).
That said, I wish I HAD bought a backup of the Dior Serum de Rouge back when it was still around because I really did love that and they’ve discontinued it, dammit!
Paris B says
November 12, 2015 at 2:53 pmWah, I almost fell off my chair to get your comment LOL! 😛 I’m sure you have backups of diapers too eh? hehe… Actually I had LOADS of the Dior Serum de Rouge but recently, during my clear out, I went to look at them and they had all turned! So, it’s probably a good thing you didn’t get any back ups
Angelina says
November 11, 2015 at 1:31 pmYes, I buy backup of skincare products. I have ran out of my favorite cleanser before during shower. Oh the horror. There was a time where I stockpiled lots of haircare, bodycare and skincare products. Imagine a cupboard and a half full of it. Yep, that’s how scary it was. I didn’t realize that it’s that scary until I wanted to move to a new house. Omg. The horror of packing all the items. So many boxes! From that time onwards, no more stockpiling too many products no matter how much I love it.
Paris B says
November 12, 2015 at 2:56 pmOh that’s happened to me too! That’s when I do the “dilute the bottle” thing 😛 But because I double cleanse, it’s less traumatic for me haha But I so get you and your cupboard of shame. I too only really realised how bad things were when I moved house, and after about a year, I just had to get rid of everything. Now, it’s fairly streamlined. Still a cupboard, but manageable 🙂
Pretty Vrach says
November 11, 2015 at 3:30 pmi do buy backups..but only on certain stuffs like cleanser, skii facial treatment essence and my MAC makeup remover. But i guess every woman is easily get panic whenever they see their favourite skincares or makeup reduce to half or whenever their favourite stuff is on sales.. LOL
Paris B says
November 12, 2015 at 2:57 pmIndeed! I used to go through those “OMG! I must buy it since it’s on sale!” phase but thankfully I’m past it now. Whew! I do still sometimes think about it, but I try to be good. Money can be better served going to something else 😉
Kate says
November 12, 2015 at 12:59 amYep. I buy backups of the skincare products I use, it could be the identical product or products of the same function but from different brands. Very few products make the cut for me to repurchase, and I don’t keep more than one new bottle on hand of each product category at any time. Except sunscreen and cleansers, which I use them like I’m drinking them up all the time. Means I’ll get to try more products!
Paris B says
November 12, 2015 at 2:59 pmOh similar products from different brands don’t count! HAHA! To me anyway, else that would mean that I REALLY do have loads of backups LOL! 😀 I always stock up my sunscreen when I get a discount too. It’s so expensive and I run through it so quickly, I have to!
Linda says
November 12, 2015 at 2:41 amWhen I see products on sale that I use on a regular basis, I do buy them. I don’t like to run out of products that I really like. Also, company’s change products and when you go back for an item you like it is no longer available.
Paris B says
November 12, 2015 at 3:00 pmOh that’s a good point about companies reformulating products. It bugs me especially when the new version isn’t as good 🙁 So I think that’s a very good excuse to buy backups for!
Joann says
November 12, 2015 at 3:04 am*raises hand* guilty, guilty GUILTY!
I buy backups. Sometimes not even products that I like. I’ll see a sale of a serum, cleanser, mask that I want to try, and I’ll buy it. And then it sits in my shelf for a couple weeks to a month until I finish whatever product I’m currently using. I don’t usually deviate from the current routine until I’m done one or a couple products. I have sensitive skin and the last thing I want is to break out.
I do the same with lipsticks, buy multiple colours from the same line. But as you’ve mentioned, I too never use them before the expiration date.
I’m not as intense with my skincare so I haven’t been purchasing new products.
Paris B says
November 12, 2015 at 3:03 pmHahhaa don’t worry Joann, we’ve all been there and we’ve all survived… eventually 😀 I have to say that when I was more actively trying things, I would stockpile. But now that I’m more discerning, I’m less likely although I do end up buying new products because I want to try them haha! Lipsticks are the worst. I can always justify buying a new one. Bad me!
Tubbs says
November 12, 2015 at 4:12 amI bought a back up of Benefit’s Bella Bamba lip gloss when they discontinued it, but that’s about it. (Still my fave box blush. Why?!). I usually buy things as and when they run out
Paris B says
November 12, 2015 at 3:04 pmOh, has Benefit discontinued their lipgloss?! I didn’t know that! I used to have one in Coralista. Ok, but a bit too tacky for my liking. I do like Bella Bamba blush though 😀 Their blushes are the only thing I like from Benefit LOL
Wojis says
November 12, 2015 at 4:50 amI don’t do that, if I buy a bakcup, it must be so perfect that I can’t bare the thought of nog having one ready and it has to be on sale of with a discount. Lipstick is a different matter, I do buy backups if I’n near the end and I want the same color again, just don’t do that often, don’t want to wear the same colours all the time. I like finding new beauties more then I want more of the same. I recently bought a bakcup of my KIKO lipstick Cocoa, It’s nog a very frugal lipstick, and I love it so much. Check it out, it’s a very nice taupe color.
Paris B says
November 12, 2015 at 3:06 pmAhhh I’ve been dying to try Kiko! I hear their eyeshadow pencil stick things are really really good stuff. Are they? 😀 They won’t ship to me which is a pity but I hope one day to try them. But otherwise, you’re right. For makeup, it really has to be AMAZING and that I’d finish every last bit of it, or I’d not buy a back up.
xin says
November 12, 2015 at 9:22 amI only have backups of toothpastes and mouth wash currently, and shampoo….and…body oils. Ooops! I rarely buy any backups for makeup as i know i am fickle, by the time when i am done, or half way through, i am probably sick of it already XD
My resolution for 2015 & 2016 is to use up all those ‘backups’ in my cupboard! i actually took the time to make an inventory list, and i was certainly not impressed with my ‘haul’, so i will have to finish those stuff up before i can buy new ones.
Paris B says
November 12, 2015 at 3:07 pmToothpaste! I have backups of that… but because I buy in “bulk” LOL 😉 I actually have body oils too but it bugs me that they go rancid, you know. So I’m trying to be very good now. TRYING! 😛 But that’s a good resolution to adopt. Maybe I should too. Heaven knows, I have at least 2 years worth of blogging content hiding in my cupboard LOL
Victoria Shanti says
November 12, 2015 at 11:22 amI bought backups of our favourite Origins moisturiser as I wanted to beat the price increase due to GST. LOL. I also bought a backup of the Alpha-H Liquid Gold when the item was on sale on Luxola. Other then those 2 items, I rarely buy backup for skincare items.
Paris B says
November 12, 2015 at 3:08 pmSmart move Victoria! 😀 I haven’t gone back to that moisturiser yet, but I’m thinking about it because the latest creams I’m using are just kind of so-so. Is it still serving you well? I bought the Alpha H when I saw the supersized 200ml bottle available! Woot! 😀 That should last me ages and ages
Victoria Shanti says
November 12, 2015 at 3:39 pmThe moisturiser is still serving me well but at RM201, its really getting expensive to use this. LOL. I have been having a lot of lazy days lately and I have followed your cheat sheet of using overnight sleeping mask to save time and I must say that Origins overnight sleeping mask is really good. I wake up to glowing skin the next day. The tube I have is only a sample and I am really tempted to buy the actual size (it cost RM149 by the way). I actually bought the Laneige sleeping pack during the recent Sephora sales (after reading your review) and although it is good, I feel the Origins mask gives a better effect.
Paris B says
November 12, 2015 at 4:41 pmWow! Prices have certainly gone up! Ouch! >.< But I think we just have to suck it up you know. Nothing is coming down in price 😛 I still have to try that Origins mask. A lot of people have raved about it! Laneige is ok for hydration, but I think you'll LOVE Sulwhasoo. Give that one a go next 😉 I've been "cheating" with that a lot lately 😛
Madlin271 says
November 12, 2015 at 9:59 pmWow sister! Thank you for the advice.
I am so guilty about this.
Had ‘so-called-backups’ situation that went overboard since 2014 ?…
To reduce the damage, I’m on a strict ban on buying anymore hand Creme tubes, body mist, perfumes & skincare products ???…
Still trying my best to resist the temptation on buying anymore new makeup. Hopefully the guerlain holiday collection is my last ones ?????.
Wish me luck ya
Paris B says
November 13, 2015 at 4:33 pmWe all are at some point, so no need to feel guilty! I found that the more interested I was in beauty, the more I bought and therefore hoarded. But you know, some things, we collect, like Meteorites hehe… 😉
Tamanna I. says
November 12, 2015 at 10:12 pmI don’t remember buying backups of beauty product, but there is one thing that I did regularly bought back up of. But the tragedy is right now I ran out of my backup and can’t seem to find that anywhere for last three week…phew! Guess what is it? ….nothing special, it’s Daiso sponge detergent! …but honestly I can’t think a clean foundation brush or beauty blender without that!
Paris B says
November 13, 2015 at 4:34 pmOh dear! Still no luck? I remember at one time it had disappeared too, but they soon brought it back. Turns out it was overzealous people buying and hoarding! I’ve seen 2-3 different versions though, one for brushes even. Did you try those?
Philippe Bijnens says
November 13, 2015 at 5:12 amHhahahaah WHAT did I just buy yesterday? Backups.. of Alpha-H Liquid gold and the antipodes cleanser we both love. It’s not so much a backup as a “I need this, no my skin needs this, just get the damn bottle!”. If I were to clear out all the shit I no longer use.. I’d still be left with a ton but most of it is only meh. The truly golden items for me I’ll always go back to.
PS, I like the clean layout update!
Paris B says
November 13, 2015 at 4:35 pmLOL! You know, when it comes to the skincare our skin loves, give in, man! Or suffer the wrath! 😛 Thanks for liking the updated design. It took a while for me to get used to all that white, but I like it now too!
Skygazer says
November 13, 2015 at 6:53 pmOh I used to hoard sooo much! I’m glad to say I’m older and (hopefully) wiser now. The only products I buy backups of are when I’ve used them repeatedly and they are on sale. Which, so far, is my favorite cleanser (curel sebum care foaming wash) and bb cream (ettusais bb mineral cream). Everything else, I’m pretty fickle about so, no more backups for me. In fact, I have a finish-all-before-starting-anew rule for certain skincare products!
Paris B says
November 16, 2015 at 11:42 amFinish before starting! I’m trying to do that but I sometimes get bored especially if the product is just average. Still, it’s a start!
HapaGirl says
November 15, 2015 at 6:22 amThis is a great question to pose. I feel like no one here will judge me when I say that I used to hoard tons of backups for skincare, body care, cosmetics, etc. Recently, I moved (like a few other commenters said) and that was a wake-up call! I’m actually trying to cut out those backup-buying, hoarding ways. I know that as soon as I finish something, I’ll happily move on to the next greatest thing. I suppose I haven’t found a holy grail skincare routine yet, but I also think my skin isn’t that terribly fussy and can pretty much get along with whatever I try, for the most part. But makeup? There’s no good reason why I have so much! So I recently cleared out all of my unopened backups and gave them away. But it will be hard to completely eradicate the buying habits that I used to have, especially when I go to discount shops like TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack and see high-end beauty products on deep discount. I’m trying to be strong. Wish me luck!
Paris B says
November 16, 2015 at 11:50 amI think it’s actually harder for you, because of how they send the high end brands to places like TJ Maxx and sell them at discounts. It increases the temptation doesn’t it? In a way, it’s easier here to hold off, especially with the higher prices now and accessibility.that said, the Internet and online shopping is usually my downfall! Lol