I used to have a costly addiction. It started in college and it only got worse as I grew older. I, Tracy, am addicted to cosmetics.
I used to spend about $40 a month on beauty products. I had boxes full of half used curling gels, unopened blush compacts, lotions, hair dye (I don’t even dye my hair) and every scent of shampoo and conditioner. I used to get bruises from showering because there were so many bottles and I couldn’t help but knock them down on myself. I was afraid to open the cabinet under my sink for fear of the inevitable, forgotten cosmetics avalanche.
When I quit my job over a year ago I decided to look at my credit card bills and see where I could curb my spending. It was easy to see that my CVS (Duane Reade/ Rite Aide/ cosmetics aisle of the supermarket) obsession had to go.
I knew at the core of this problem was a deep down feeling that I wasn’t good enough. If I could just find the right anti-frizz serum my hair will be perfect and then I will be perfect. If I can just find the right shade of lipstick I will have the grace and confidence of a covergirl. All I need is the right deodorant and then…But there was always something that needed to be fixed and it was easier to think that I could buy a solution rather than admit that I had a problem.
I had to accept that a new and improved product wouldn’t make me new and improved. I’m perfect just the way I am – hair frizz and all. So I decided that I wouldn’t buy a single new cosmetic product until I ran out of everything I already had. A year later, and I’m not even close to finishing everything.
Here are some of the positives of my hiatus from the cosmetics aisle:
One day the only things that will clutter my bathroom will be the wine and candles.
1) I’ve saved about $500 a year.
2) My skin is better because I’m not irritating it with so many different chemicals.
3) I feel more confident because I know that I don’t need all that extra junk.
4) My bathroom is more organized.
5) Now I can read a make up ad and laugh at it rather than think I need that new shade of “lip butter.”
Do you have any embarrassing addictions? Any success stories about curbing your addictions? I’d love to hear about them!
Related articles
- Johnson & Johnson to Rinse Out Toxic Chemicals (sustainablebusiness.com)
Hilarious! And for someone so gorgeous! I’m surprised!
xoxo,
Mom
We all have our hang ups.
So great to see someone be honest about this topic. We often try to change ourselves by changing our appearance, but the true change comes from within. It’s great that you are now confident in that you are perfect the way you are! Congrats!
Thank you for the feedback! I loved reading through your blog. I wish I knew about such supportive communities when I was a teen. Good to know that they are here now!
You are so kind, thank you! Enjoyed reading through your blog as well!
My father was a hoarder (just like the show) and I’m almost the opposite. I love to organize and when I saw the first photo…I thought — let me in there so I can get to work. Glad you’ve conquered it. Think of the extra time you have also!