• Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
My Women Stuff
  • About Me »
    • Contact Me
      • For PR
  • Budget Beauty »
    • Save & Splurge
  • Makeup »
    • Eyes »
      • Brow pencil
      • Mascara
      • Eyeshadow
      • Eyeliner
    • Face »
      • BB Cream
      • Blush
      • Bronzer
      • CC Cream
      • Concealer
      • Foundation »
        • Cream Foundation
        • Liquid Foundation
        • Cushion Foundation
      • Highlighter
      • Loose Powder
    • Lips »
      • Lip Gloss
      • Lipstick
      • Lipbalm
    • Makeup Brushes
  • Skincare »
    • Cleanser »
      • Cleansing Balm
      • Cleansing Cream
      • Cleansing Gel
      • Cleansing Milk
      • Cleansing Oil
      • Cleansing Water
      • Makeup Remover
    • Mask
    • Moisturiser
    • Scrubs
    • Serum »
      • Vitamin C
      • Retinol
    • Sunscreen
    • Toner/Lotion
    • Treatment »
      • Acne
      • Anti-Aging
      • Brightening/Whitening
      • Hydrating
    • Bath & Body »
      • Body Lotion
      • Body oil
      • Hair
      • Shower Gel
    • Facial Oils
  • Tips »
    • Tips & Discussions
    • Blogging Tips
  • Lifestyle »
    • Cooking at Chez PB
    • Beauty Services »
      • Hair Salon
      • Facial
      • Spa
    • Fashion »
      • Bags
      • Jewellery
      • Shoes
    • Home
  • Brands
  • Product Reviews
    • Beauty hor d’oeuvres
  • Blog
Home » Interesting Discussions » Spending responsibly: No beauty product is worth getting into debt for

Spending responsibly: No beauty product is worth getting into debt for

March 2, 2020 Paris B 5 Comments

I don’t usually like getting on my high horse and talking about personal finance and spending, but a few things came across my radar in recent days, and I just felt an opinion brewing.

It happens.

I have opinions. Deal with it 😛

spending responsibly
  • Save

What irked me was twofold – buying beauty products on an installment plan, and irresponsible financial advise I see on social media, even if given in jest or as a marketing tool.

Buy now, Pay later plans = Why go into debt for a beauty product?

I came across this for the first time a few years ago, on Beautylish. I had some opinions then, but there were many other more interesting things to talk about, so I left it on the back burner.

But it irks me, and continues to irk me especially now that there are other companies offering such purchases by installment payments. While payment methods like AfterPay and Klarna are currently unavailable in Malaysia, they are available to many other countries, and it does not sit well with me.

The concept behind this payment scheme is simple.

You make a purchase, then split the payments into installments. Installments always make a big ticket purchase appear more affordable, as you pay it off over a few months.

However, it is a debt, no matter how nicely they put it to you.

So my question has always been this : Why go into debt for a beauty purchase?

I understand going into debt to buy a house, or a car, or to start a business, or to study – something that enriches your life, or makes it better. But beauty purchases are, for the most part, life’s extras.

No beauty product is worth going into debt for

This is my personal belief that no beauty product is worth going into debt for. If it is something that is out of your financial reach, either save for it or skip it.

I understand how social media and peer pressure makes it seem like that latest eyeshadow palette, or makeup collection is a must have. I understand all too well the desire and need to collect all the pretty packaging or lauded pricey skincare products in the market.

guerlain meteorites perles collection
  • Save

I am all too guilty of doing it myself in the past. I have purchased and amassed a huge collection of Guerlain Meteorite powders, for example. It’s irrational, they were expensive but I did it anyway. My justification was always that it was limited edition, or that it was pretty, or that I was a collector.

But I’ve stopped.

I had a reader just ask me yesterday if I was still collecting Guerlain Meteorite powders, and my answer to her is I no longer do. There is nothing that justifies a purchase for me for now. The prices are too high, the quantity has been reduced, and the product is essentially the same thing, just in tarted up packaging.

I’m pretty much done chasing the rainbow 🙂

Being someone with skin in the game, I too am guilty of sharing my experiences with expensive beauty products. But I’d like to say also that it’s always been my policy to never say any product is a ‘must-have’. No product is.

If it’s something that’s within your budget, then by all means, try it because it’s something I like that I think you might too. But if it’s not, then it’s not the be-all-end-all.

Remember: No beauty product is worth going into debt for!

Besides, there are many affordable beauty products available these days, that are not only effective, but well formulated. Brands like The Inkey List and The Ordinary have proven as much. Alongside are brands available at the pharmacy or even Korean brands, that serve a function.

RELATED READING: Here’s my overview on The Inkey List products I’ve tried READ HERE

A luxury beauty product is nice to have, but ultimately, what we should all be looking for is something sustainable. Drunk Elephant is tempting to own (and to buy on credit perhaps?) but if you have to resort to that, you can’t afford it in the long term. You’re better off using something else!

Beauty products are not necessities – Savings always come first!

I was a little irked by a picture I saw on Cult Beauty‘s instagram page. Granted, it was geared towards marketing and making a sale, and was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, and not to be taken seriously.

cult beauty meme
  • Save

But it irked me nonetheless, because it trivialized saving money, and implied that a 20% discount was also a saving and therefore a smarter option.

While I’d tend to agree that a savvy consumer will wait for a sale or discount before buying, a savvier consumer will first ask themselves this question: “Is there anything I absolutely need to buy right now?”

If it must come down to a choice between saving the money or buying a product on sale, saving the money is always a better choice. Products will always be there, sales will always happen.

But savings are a necessity. It is always helpful to have money when you need it, or when an emergency crops up. It is always helpful to have a bigger goal in life to save towards, be it a new house, car, or vacation.

For the most part, I don’t believe that anyone who sees the meme above would be so impulsive or senseless as to channel money meant for savings to an unnecessary beauty product purchase. But you can’t underestimate people, for people are generally impressionable.

It is for this reason that I feel this ad to be irresponsible (and I said so earlier on Instagram stories). There are better ways to get the message of the discount across, I’m sure.

That said, I could just be a crotchety old lady of course 😛

Spend wisely, Save wisely

Anyone who’s ever had to earn their own money will quickly realize that money isn’t easy to come by. All the more reason to be careful with it!

We all want nice things. We all want luxury products. We want that occasional treat.

spend responsibly
  • Save

But we should also save for a rainy day and make our money stretch as far as it can go.

So, use discounts to get a better deal. Shop the sales. But only if there’s something you want and need. And when it’s a toss up between saving your money or buying that coveted item that you may not necessarily need, choose to save. Your future self will thank you for it 🙂

What say you about paying for beauty purchases by installments?

I’ve cut back a lot on beauty spending and I’ve actually found it liberating. I am no longer swayed by offers of discounts and sales, and I’ve weathered many a sale, only buying things I absolutely need, when I see the need to, or if I can get an extremely good deal. It’s quite in line with my mantra for 2020, so I’m doing well! 😀

Paris B

Was this helpful? Tell your friends!

17 Shares
  • Facebook 17
  • Twitter
5 Insightful comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

YOU MAY FIND THESE THESE POSTS HELPFUL TOO!

About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

PREVIOUS POST: 5 Things I Love Vol. 6 : Leaping into a Leap Year
NEXT POST: 13 years of blogging is a lifetime

5 comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

  1. xin says

    March 2, 2020 at 9:57 am

    Can’t agree more!!!

    In fact, not just beauty products, same goes to pots and pans, or whatever gadget on the lust list. I think if can hold the horses of impulsive buying, most of the time I can forget about it the next day – since it’s really nothing life and death not having the limited editions, or just another extra pretty thing to collection.

    Reply
  2. jue says

    March 2, 2020 at 12:06 pm

    It’s just beauty products and it shouldn’t be something that you get into debt for.

    Everyone should know their limit.

    I used to go for the high end products but then I realized cetaphil serves me just as well.

    I do go for this split payment for some items but it’s like big purchase like TV or buying cabinet from ikea.

    Reply
  3. Maja says

    March 2, 2020 at 6:35 pm

    Well done, I fully agree with you. I’m going through my stack and there have been instances when skincare has gone off – annoying, but I’ve learned my lesson. And the carrousel of discounts, GWP etc. turns so quickly, it’s really not worth amassing products! 🙂
    Also, the most expensive things I tried were among the most disappointing. A friend of mine is a Beauty Blogger in Switzerland (Steffi Hidber, Hey Pretty) and she gave me some highly rated expensive products: Augustinus Bader Cream, La Mer soft Lotion, BioEffect EGF Serum… I wouldn’t purchase a single one of them! They did far less than my usual skincare which is based on actives.
    Often, the most effective skincare is inexpensive, especially nowadays with brands such as The Ordinary or The Inkey List.

    Reply
  4. Tomikai says

    March 3, 2020 at 2:21 pm

    That’s a refreshing topic you have. I too have stopped spending after my series of decluttering because I realized nobody actually need that much of beauty items. I know a lot of us who accumulate credit card debt for unnecessary purchases, me included. But, the most extreme I’ve encountered was when I was selling an unopened setting spray and the person asked for a few days until her husband gets his loan money. I was like, what???

    Reply
  5. Adrienne says

    March 7, 2020 at 12:22 am

    I enjoy reading beauty blogs mostly for entertainment and information value. Your blog is way and beyond …serving inspirational and educational value even.

    Coming out of Asian financial crisis, I learnt first hand about the damage of debt and lack of fortitude could bring about to our lives and that to a (few) nation(s).

    For my upbringing, debt is a shameful existence in our lives, doesn’t matter what type it is (financially, emotionally, socially). Thankfully my past life in fixed income helps me understand debt better but spending above ones means is still unacceptable. Smart spending (including usage of debt) is fine but living in debt is not.

    Thank you for using your influencer platform and stature to educate and remind reader to be mindful. Lots of respect for you Paris !

    Reply

Comment Policy:At MWS we love reading your comments. However, if you are new to leaving comments you may benefit from reading the comment policy first.

What's your view? Share it! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

My Women Stuff by Paris B

Welcome to My Women Stuff, a beauty blog based in Malaysia, written by veteran blogger, Paris B. What you can expect is honesty, critical views & a healthy dose of shared life lessons sprinkled amongst beauty product reviews. What you shouldn't expect is a page filled with unnecessary narcissistic photos. MWS is a blog for those who love to read, because we love to write! Read More about MWS and Paris B

Subscribe for weekly updates of all published content

RECENT REVIEWS

beauty of Joseon radiance cleansing balm

Getting your clean on with the affordable Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm

murad retinal resculpt overnight treatment

Kicking up the potency of retinoid serums with the Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment Serum

dr. hauschka night serum

I’m not sure what it is about the Dr. Hauschka Night Serum that I like, but I do!

I tell stories on Instagram @parisbmws

An “I’ll be out all day and need my makeup to An “I’ll be out all day and need my makeup to stay on” look 😅 Super simple and using stuff I already own. How many do you recognise? 😅 

For the base I think the key is the Nars setting powder which is basically a silica powder. Many brands have similar white powder for setting. I did this same look yesterday and it barely budged/faded by evening. Only lipstick needed a little topping up 😊 

And this is about all the makeup I can handle these days 😂 no eye makeup cos I can’t be arsed 🤪
Been ages since I’ve gone to a big pasar malam ( Been ages since I’ve gone to a big pasar malam (night market). Popped by the one in SS2. Frenetic. Crowded. Lots of food and drink. Excellent good fun! 😆 Your eyes always want more than your stomach can handle. Ate a lot and bought even more food back home. Diet? What diet? 😂
Will have to admit that this serum from @drsambunt Will have to admit that this serum from @drsambunting had me curious about Azelaic acid. It’s a pretty good serum for brightening if Vit C isn’t quite your thing. It’s a 4-in-1 combo of pretty potent ingredients. 

On the blog mywomenstuff.com

If you want to purchase use code PARISBMWS To get 15% off 😉

#drsamskincareclub #drsambunting #drsamsbrightlyserum #brighteningserum #parisbmws #skincareblogger
By your request, shared some thoughts on the @madh By your request, shared some thoughts on the @madhippiebeauty Triple C Night Cream on the blog mywomenstuff.com

You can get it at @wortheecosmetics (use code PARISB to get 15% off) if you’re keen to try. They have a smaller size for you to see if it works for you 😊

#madhippie #madhippieskincare #madhippietriplecnightcream #parisbmws #nightcream #skincarecommunity #naturalskincare
Posting for posterity because I like this photo 😆 Also hello! 😜

It’s interesting that when I meet people they always ask me “Are you still blogging?” which tells me they don’t read my blog anymore (cos if they did they’d know I am lol! Weekly generally, but still writing) Yet I don’t blame them because a lot of social credit is placed on one’s Instagram presence. This I fear, is an area I am lacking. I pop in every now and then, share stories that are totally unrelated to what people follow me for, then wonder why they unfollow lol! Other times, spider webs gather in the corners of my unused account. I don’t blame them. Not everyone wants to know what my dogs are up to 😜

Anyway I make no apologies. It’s ok if you follow. It’s ok if you don’t. It’s ok if you’re interested in stuff I do. It’s ok if you’re not. Life goes on for both you and I and ultimately, we just both want it to be happy. So do what makes you happy 😊 I’ll still share my beauty finds and I still blog once a week. I may share what I’m up to from time to time, or I may not. I can tell you that I’m keeping busy and that I have a lot on my plate, none of it glamorous unlike that of most content creators/influencers. It’s too boring for most for me to share here so I’ll just share the good bits - as Instagram intended 😂

But if you want to find me, you’ll know how 😊

The review for the product is somewhere on the blog mywomenstuff.com
Yes I know many of you are terrified of lizards 🦎🫣

But I liked this sunscreen - for the body. Even though it left a white cast. Even though it is hard to remove. It kept my arms protected through a weekend of brutal sun exposure and I survived without burning! ✌🏻

Review on the blog mywomenstuff.com. 

#parisbmws #wearsunscreen #bluelizard #bluelizardsunscreen #mineralsunscreen
Join over 10500 followers on Instagram

ABOUT ME · CONTACT ME · DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT · PRIVACY · ARCHIVES

© Copyright MY WOMEN STUFF 2007 - 2022 · All Rights Reserved