This post was originally published in April 2018. It was extensively updated in November 2024.

As a passionate makeup artist and beauty coach dedicated to empowering individuals through beauty education, you might assume that I buy a lot of makeup. In fact, I am extremely selective about what I buy and I encourage my clients to think about makeup the same way! I sometimes refer to myself as a “less is more” beauty coach because I am so passionate about transforming the way people engage with makeup.

One of my dear friends, a self-identifying makeup maven, offered to share her firsthand experience with a No Buy Makeup Challenge as a guest post on this blog in 2018. This post has evolved into a regular “No Buy November” challenge that I encourage year-round (but I actively promote it every November).

Whether your motivation to participate is to save money, reduce waste and clutter, or assess what you actually use versus what you tend to buy, my hope is that you’ll find at least one helpful nugget in this post to carry with you!

Sources for all the statistical and data references are found at the bottom of the post.

Embracing the Idea of a No Buy Makeup Challenge

(Day, Week, Month, Year)

As we approach the holiday season, many of us are looking for ways to curb our spending habits and break free from the cycle of consumerism, especially when it comes to beauty products. If we’re honest with ourselves, the stuff we have in our makeup bags will last well beyond the product’s expiration dates! So why are we constantly tempted to buy more?

Did you know that American women spend an average of $3,756 per year on beauty products and services? That’s a staggering $225,360 over a lifetime just dedicated to beauty! Of course, that includes haircuts, aesthetic procedures, and things like that. But that is still a huge number.

When I look at statistics like that, it really underlines why it’s important to question our spending habits and take stock of what we actually need, versus what we want because of influencers or marketing tactics. I find that a “No Buy Makeup Challenge” is one of the best ways to get some much-needed clarity!

The Evolution of a Makeup Maven

My journey with makeup began in high school, where I discovered the joy of cosmetics through friends who shared my passion. From MAC counters to department store beauty sections, I indulged in beauty products thanks to my part-time job. College only intensified my love for makeup, leading me to work at a pigment counter in the local mall. Over the years, I’ve blogged about brands like ColourPop, Drunk Elephant, and the Sephora Glow Kit, sharing my insights and experiences.

The YouTube Effect

About five years ago, I stumbled upon YouTube’s beauty community, and it changed everything. The talented creators on these channels opened my eyes to new techniques like tight-lining and contouring, inspiring countless impulse purchases. Their tutorials transformed my understanding of makeup application, boosting my confidence and skills. However, it also led to mindless shopping and accumulating more products than I could use. This experience aligns with recent statistics showing that 46% of Americans agree that social media influences their beauty spending habits. This figure rises to 67% among Millennials and 64% among Gen Z.

A Shift in Priorities: From Makeup to Matrimony (Choose Your Own Adventure)

Photo: Rogue Film Co
HMUA: Leeda Beauty

A significant life event in 2017 changed my perspective — my wedding. Planning and funding our wedding made me reevaluate my financial priorities. The costs associated with weddings are notoriously high, prompting us to scrutinize our spending habits closely. This experience taught me the importance of distinguishing between wants and needs and the value of having an emergency fund and a well-planned savings account. It was a wake-up call, especially considering that 27% of Gen Z and Millennials have gone into debt due to overspending on beauty products.

The Birth of a No Buy Makeup Challenge

The financial discipline gained from wedding planning inspired my first no buy challenge last year. This year-long commitment aimed to focus our resources on higher priorities rather than accumulating more beauty products. It was a transformative experience that reshaped my approach to spending and helped me break bad habits related to online shopping and impulse purchases. Considering that women spend just over $10 per day on beauty-related expenses—amounting to about $85 per month—a no buy makeup challenge can lead to significant savings.

Why No Buy November?

No Buy November is a great way to reset your spending habits before the holiday season kicks into high gear. It’s an entire month dedicated to avoiding unnecessary purchases, particularly in the beauty realm. This challenge can help you:

1. Save extra money for Christmas gifts or pay off credit card debt.

2. Rediscover products in your existing collection.

3. Break the cycle of mindless shopping and impulse buys.

4. Develop new coping mechanisms for stress that don’t involve spending.

5. Contribute to a more circular economy by using what you already own.

The Hidden Cost of Beauty: Your Time

While we’ve discussed the financial aspects of beauty spending, there’s another crucial factor that often goes overlooked: time. Have you ever considered how many hours you spend each week on beauty-related activities? From researching new products and reading beauty blogs to online shopping and applying makeup, the time investment can be substantial.

Let’s break it down:

• Research and Shopping: On average, people spend 2-3 hours per week browsing beauty products online or in stores.
• Application: Daily makeup routines can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, adding up to 1.75 to 7 hours per week.
• Content Consumption: Reading beauty blogs, watching tutorials, and scrolling through social media for beauty content can easily consume another 2-3 hours weekly.

That’s potentially 5-13 hours per week dedicated to beauty-related activities! When you consider that time is our most precious resource, it becomes clear that optimizing your beauty routine isn’t just about saving money—it’s about reclaiming your time.

The Value of Beauty Education

This is where investing in beauty education becomes invaluable. As a makeup artist and beauty coach, Natalie has seen firsthand how proper knowledge and techniques can transform not just appearances but also people’s relationships with their beauty routines.

By learning the fundamentals of skincare and makeup application:

1. Streamlined Shopping: You’ll be able to identify which products will work for you, making online shopping quicker and more efficient.
2. Faster Application: With practice, makeup application becomes muscle memory, significantly reducing your daily prep time.
3. Confidence in Choices: Understanding your skin type and color preferences means less time second-guessing purchases or returning products that don’t work.
4. Reduced Content Consumption: With a solid foundation of knowledge, you’ll spend less time searching for answers online or watching endless tutorials.

While investing in beauty education doesn’t provide an immediate tangible product, the long-term savings in both time and money are substantial. Natalie’s courses, books, and social media content are designed to help you navigate the beauty industry confidently—making informed decisions that work for your unique needs.

The Ripple Effect of Beauty Knowledge

Consider this: If you could cut your weekly beauty time investment in half through improved knowledge and skills, you’d be saving 2.5-6.5 hours per week—that’s 130-338 hours per year—equivalent to 5-14 full days! Imagine what you could do with that extra time.

Moreover, the confidence that comes from knowing exactly what works for you is priceless—no more impulse purchases ending up unused in your drawer or frustration with products that don’t deliver as promised.

If you’re thinking about participating in a No Buy Makeup Challenge, I encourage you not only to consider your financial spending but also your time investment in beauty. By focusing on education and skill-building, you can create a more efficient, enjoyable, and cost-effective beauty routine that aligns with your lifestyle and values.

Remember… beauty should enhance your life — not consume it! By investing in knowledge now you’re setting yourself up for a future filled with confident decisions that save both time and money.

Setting Your Ground Rules

To make your No Buy Makeup Challenge successful, it’s essential to establish clear rules.

Here are some guidelines:

Permitted Purchases:

• Absolute essentials like skincare products you’ve run out of
• Everyday items such as groceries and household necessities

Prohibited Purchases:

• New makeup or beauty tools
• Clothing and accessories
• Non-essential skincare items like bath bombs or new products you want to try

Gray Areas (Decide Ahead):

• Gift cards: Will you use them during this month or save them for later?
• Social activities: How will you handle special events or occasions?

Remember: The goal is to create your own rules that challenge you without setting yourself up for failure! Keep in mind that both skincare and hair care products account for 30% of total beauty spending—so these might be areas where you can make significant cuts.

Strategies for a Successful No Buy Makeup Challenge

1. Inventory Your Collection: Start by taking stock of your current beauty products; create a list of items you love and plan to use throughout the month. (Natalie teaches how to do this in her Capsule Makeup Bag Masterclass).
2. Unsubscribe from Retailer Emails: Remove temptation by unsubscribing from newsletters or affiliate links from retailers that might trigger impulse buys.
3. Find New Ways To Use Your Free Time: Instead of browsing online retailers or visiting shopping malls explore new hobbies or dedicate time towards self-care activities that don’t involve spending.
4. Engage With The Community: Share your journey on social media sites using hashtags like #NoBuyNovember to connect with others participating in a similar challenge. You might even find inspiration from influencers like Hannah Louise Poston, who is known for her year-long no buy experience!
5. Reflect On Your Progress: Keep a journal or write a blog post about your no buy journey. Document your challenges, victories, and insights throughout the month!

Coping With Temptation

During the challenge (especially if you’re doing it in November) you’ll likely face temptations like Black Friday sales. Here are some coping mechanisms that will help you stay on track:

• Create wishlist items you’re tempted to buy and revisit them at the end of the month
• Practice mindfulness techniques when the urge to shop strikes
• Find a “no buy” accountability support buddy
• Engage in a new hobby, creative project, or something else to channel your energy

Remember: More than half (52%) of consumers still prefer purchasing beauty products in-store. If you avoid putting yourself in these tempting environments, you might be better equipped to reduce the shopping temptation!

Beyond November: Building Lasting Change

While No Buy November is an excellent starting point, the real value comes in incorporating lessons into your daily life. Here are some long-term practices you may want to consider:

• Implementing regular “no spend” weeks throughout the year
• Creating a dedicated “fun money” category in your budget for guilt-free spending
• Regularly reviewing and adjusting your financial goals
• Focusing on experiences rather than material possessions

Conclusion: Embracing A New Lifestyle

No Buy Makeup challenges are more than just a personal test, it’s an opportunity to reassess your relationship with consumption and maybe even develop healthier habits! By focusing on what you already own, you can break free from the constant cycle of buying and accumulating products that you inevitably won’t get to use up before they expire. Remember, the journey is about progress, not perfection. If you slip up, don’t be too hard yourself.

If you’re looking for personalized guidance on skincare and makeup techniques (that don’t require purchasing new things) follow Natalie on Instagram at @nataliesetareh and grab her free skin type guide! Understanding your skin type is the first step toward building a gorgeous everyday look that makes you feel confident.

Sources:

Cosmetics consumer behavior in the U.S. – statistics & facts

Fueled by Social Media, Gen Zers and Millennials Admit to Overspending on Beauty Products

INFOGRAPHIC: The Price of Beauty

The Ultimate List of Beauty Industry Stats (2024)