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! 😀
Your 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
I don’t usually buy backups of makeup unless it’s limited edition, or something I truly love. However, it’s been 2 years now that I haven’t bought a single backup for makeup. I just don’t need it! Skincare however, I’ll buy backup if there’s a good deal, and only for staples like favourite serums. I go through skincare really fast anyway, so no wastage there!
It se ms like most of us will stock up our skincare but less so makeup. How fascinating! I keep seeing people buying makeup backups so I often wonder how many people really do it. I now I’m just too fickle lol
I brought along some backups of my sunscreen, pimple gel and pink lotion when I moved to Germany… But now I realised I shouldn’t have done that. Because I’m so often tempted by what the German drugstores have to offer, but I cannot buy! 🙁
I know how you feel! That said, I think for sunscreen, the Asians still do it better. Somehow, European sunscreens are too creamy for my liking. But yes, German drugstores! I’ve never been, but European pharmacies suck me in all the time! I remember I was in Prague, and had no idea what the items were, but I still spent ages in there LOL
I used to but not anymore.
1. By the time I finish my current item, the backup will usually expire.
2. There will always be improved versions of what I love that will pop out just as soon as I finish the current one. If I have backup, I end up using outdated versions. It is a bit like buying backup for iPhones; there is no need to because the next iPhone will appear just when the old one goes bonkers.
LOL at the iPhone analogy! 😀 I don’t know anyone who buys backup for phones though 😀