The benefits of participating in a “no-buy” challenge are extremely satisfying if you are diligent enough to complete the challenge.
What is this “No-Buy Challenge” you ask? Well, it’s quite simple… As a participant of said challenge, for XX days you pledge an oath to yourself/friend/fellow shopaholics that you will resist the urge to purchase any new items in a particular product category. In most cases, participants refrain from purchasing cosmetics/beauty-related items, but whatever your poison may be (purses, shoes, leather jackets,) the same rules apply – don’t go shopping!
The benefits of participating in a “no-buy” challenge are extremely satisfying if you are diligent enough to complete the challenge.
Benefits include:
- Saving money!!!
- Taking a thorough inventory of the items you already own and potentially rediscovering things hidden in your closet
- Showing appreciation for the items you already own by figuring out how to repurpose them for different looks
- A clean and organized closet/cosmetic bag/spare bedroom (if you’re like me, this process typically results in substantial purge)
- Earning money! Yes, I said earning money!
I (a self proclaimed “beauty junkie”,) vowed to abide by a simple 30 Day No Buy Challenge this past June. How hard could it be? A month is a breeze…
Low and behold, the month actually did fly by. As I refrained from purchasing any new lipsticks, foundations and blushes, I learned a few things:
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Less is more!
Rather than hurrying out to buy the latest and greatest eye shadow palette, I have a much better chance of figuring out which cosmetics really work for me by consistently reusing them for multiple looks (the same practice could be applied to your collection of necklaces, boots or party dresses)
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Don’t be fooled by pretty packaging or brand names.
There are a ton of hidden gems at the drugstore beauty counter! Many of these gems were hiding in the bottom of my cosmetics bag underneath unopened packages of higher priced items. Strip away the packaging and more often than none, your left with the same product for half the price. Give those items from the thrift store or back of your closet a chance, it’s all about how they make you feel!
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Purge, Package and Sell (or Trade)
If something doesn’t work for my skin or isn’t my style, there are plenty of ways to put it to good use. I’ve recently discovered that several thrift and consignment stores actually purchase gently used cosmetics. Even more e-commerce sites will buy your used items and send you a cheque in the mail or allow you to trade your items in for other people’s gently used cosmetics. Who knew?
Armed with these lessons and plenty of extra cash in my wallet, I now challenge you to rediscover what’s in your closet this month! I am sure it will be worth your while.
When not working or shopping (they really are both one in the same), you can find Cristina staying active, with a coffee in hand and/or in the company of friends and family.
Cristina Avila
Cristina Avila is a Marketing Manager based out of Toronto, Canada. With over five year of experience in Shopping Centre Management and a Degree in Retail from Ryerson University, shopping is no joke for Cristina. By day, she is a leading the execution of regional marketing campaigns alongside over 100 retail partners. At night, you can find her blogging about her shopping tips and tricks to save you money (working at the mall does have its perks!).
Be sure to keep tabs on Cristina’s shopping adventures on her blog www.thisgirlsavesblog.com. You too, can take advantage of her strategies to save you money on just about anything!
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