50 things I no longer buy

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Today I’m back with another amazing guest blogger! Mind.Beauty.Simplicity wrote today’s post ‘50 things I no longer buy‘. Brittany is one of my favourite bloggers and this post fits in perfectly with only buying what you need & not being wasteful…enjoy 🙂

Related post: 7 simple actions to take for Global Recycling Day

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Since discovering minimalism & being more intentional with what I bring into my life, I’ve managed to realize the amount of money I’ve wasted over the years. And I’m sure you can think of a few items you’ve ended up donating or even trashing after a few months. The constant trips to the donation centres have made me reevaluate my spending habits & I’ve cut out a ton of purchases because of it. With that, here are 50 things I no longer buy:

The items are in no particular order. I just wrote as I thought of them…

50 things I no longer buy

Makeup remover wipes/single-use cotton pads

I was that girl who LOVED the Neutrogena Makeup Remover wipes. I found them so convenient & as someone who tends to be lazy (especially after a late night) these were essential. But I found myself purchasing a pack of these every few months & that adds up! I recently purchased reusable makeup rounds* and just stick them in the washing machine when they are dirty. No more micellar waters, wipes or cotton pads. I just use water & my makeup comes right off. Afterwards, I apply a cleaner with my hands & I’m good to go.

Cable

With the number of streaming services we have purchased throughout the past year, I find basic cable to be pointless. Plus, it’s rather expensive. Half the time, I wouldn’t even watch most of the channels. We have the basic channels through an antenna & I find that to be efficient. We prefer streaming series or movies. And on Monday nights, we will catch the Bachelor.

Shaving cream

Did you know that a conditioner or even the right body wash can act as a shaving alternative? Why own tons of different products when you can have a max of 3? Otherwise, your shower & cabinets are filled with more than necessary. My boyfriend & I even share products like facewash to cut down the cost.

Excess shower essentials

Like I stated above, why own tons of shower products? I own one bottle of shampoo, one bottle of conditioner, a face cleaner (we share), a razor, reusable wash clothes & a bottle of body lotion. And I try to not own too many duplicate items either. It just crowds an area.

Duplicates

This depends on the category. But for beauty products, I try to only keep one bottle at a time. Occasionally, I will store one extra in our linen closet, but no more than this. I’ve found when I own duplicates of these items, I rarely get through it all or it expires. I just use what I have until it completely runs out.

Loofas

I never really saw the point of these items. Plus, I felt like I was replacing them monthly. They didn’t do much for my skin anyway. I just use a washcloth or a bamboo dry brush for exfoliating.

Cheap/costume jewellery

I always think I’m a jewellery person. I think it’s my fantasy self talking. Most days, I forget to put any on, leave the same earrings in my ears for months, or wear the same two necklaces. When I do purchase jewellery, it’s a bit more pricey & doesn’t leave my skin green.

Extra makeup products

Like I said, I try not to keep duplicates. Recently after I downsized my makeup collection, I try to only keep one of each category or items I TRULY use regularly. I no longer buy “just in case items” or products for “experimental” purposes. I know what works for my face & I stick with it.

Single-use face masks

As fun & cheap as these self-care items are, I found them to be rather wasteful. I stick to a very simple skincare routine anyway. The less I put on my face the better. When I do want a self-care night, I reach for clay masks or serums.

Different scented body sprays

When I was younger, if I wanted to seem different or change things up, I’d purchase a new perfume or scented lotion. That being said, I haven’t purchased perfume in like 5 years. I have 2 bottles, one in Victoria Secret’s Heavenly & Marc Jacob Dot. I just don’t have the need to purchase new ones at the moment.

Gym membership

This is kind of up in the air, but I recently got rid of my gym membership I’ve had since the ’90s! Since the world is the way it is right now, I do NOT want to go to the gym at all. And I found working out at home to be far more convenient than I imagined.

DVDs

When I moved out of my childhood home, I left with tons of DVDs & tv series sets. I am keeping some of these, but no longer feel the need to purchase more since everything is on streaming services now.

Bottled water

I’m not quite a sustainable queen, but this was an easy switch. I just use the water dispenser on our fridge & on the go, I’ll bring my Hydroflask with me.

CDs or Itunes

I love music, but can’t remember the last time I paid for it. I just listen through Spotify or Youtube.

Fabric softener

It’s just not necessary. And I haven’t noticed a difference.

Latest gadgets/electronics

I still own an iPhone 6…enough said. Granted, I am going to upgrade sometime this year…finally.

Investment furniture

As much as I adore Restoration Hardware cloud couch, I’m not ready to drop 1,000’s dollars on ….a couch. I’m fine with spending a couple hundred dollars on furniture that I probably would replace after a few years anyway. This is due to the fact, when I was 20, I saved up a couple thousand dollars on an Ethan Allen bedroom set. And after 5 years, it chipped like any old Ikea set anyway. Granted, I did get them handpainted, but expensive furniture just didn’t seem worth it. It’s heavy, hard to move & the style ends up being quite outdated.

Brand named foods

I want to go into detail about my grocery tips in a later post, but I found buying the store brand of items is actually the way to go! We save hundreds of dollars choosing this over the “brand name” alternative. And it tastes the same to me.

Designer items

I’m not saying I will never own designer items again, but I don’t go out looking for them. Personally, I find a lot of designer labels to look ugly. And I just don’t understand the hype. Except, Yves Saint Laurent…my wallet from them is chef’s kiss.

Plastic straws

This is a rather no brainer. I switched to metal straws* & I even keep one in my purse for outings.

Magazines

I mean who still buys these? All your gossip gab is online.

Beauty blenders

I just prefer a makeup brush. And I always seemed to be repurchasing these things too often to justify it.

Trendy clothing

I try to stick with timeless & classic pieces that won’t go out of season.

Uncomfortable shoes

I despise blisters & the shitty shoes that cause them. I don’t care how cute the shoe is, my feet don’t deserve the cruelty.

Products that test on animals

By now, all products should be cruelty free. I have a few items I’m using up but I will no longer be repurchasing them.

Mugs with sayings on them

I have a nice collection of mugs & a few with logos on them. But I always seem to gravitate towards my white mugs with the Starbucks logo on them & not much else. I will no longer be purchasing any more mugs especially ones with inspirational says or holiday themes. I’m not even a coffee drinker. I don’t care if Target is selling them for only $5.

Victoria Secret

Minus any I already own, I haven’t set foot in a Victoria Secret in a few years. I find their items to be incredibly overpriced for the quality. I have moved to other places like Aerie, Nordstrom & even Target. If you have other brands you’d recommend please let me know.

Nail polish

I threw out my last nail polish the other week & I don’t regret it. I still own nail polish remover but I’d much rather get them professionally done or leave them bare. Painting my nails isn’t my strongest point,I find it so boring & they chip within a day. There is no point for me to own an entire home collection anymore.

Throw pillows on the bed

I’m probably the only girl who despises display pillows. They are just so pointless & end up on the floor. We each have a king-sized pillow and a regular size pillow which is good enough for us. We can use out of all them.

Cheap clothing

I try to stick with classic & timeless pieces even if it costs a little more. I purchase it with the intention of owning it for more than a year. In the past, I’ve regretted a few trendy items as I would only wear them for a season.

White socks

I stick with grey or black socks because white socks would get dirty looking so quickly.

Check out this post by Jennie: How I reduced my spending by £329

Lip liner

Minus the one lip liner I own, I will not be purchasing anymore. I find them useless & I apply my lipstick just fine without it.

Primer

Although I do own a primer at the moment, once it’s done, I will not be purchasing one again. I find it doesn’t do anything special for my skin & it seems like a marketing ploy.

Plastic food containers

Not only are they bad for the environment, but they wear out after a while. I’d much rather stick to my Pyrex glass containers. I never have an issue bringing those from house to house either.

Pointless home decor

When decorating our home, I try to purchase decor that has meaning or is useful. I rarely buy something to just fill a space. I’d rather keep a room with nothing over a pointless piece of art I’ll hate in a few months. Not to mention going out to find home decor can become addicting & a waste of money. I’ve donated quite a few items already we THOUGHT were going to be perfect.

Multiple phone cases

I keep one simple & black phonecase & that’s it. Popsockets though…that’s another story.

Excess hair accessories

I now only own a container of bobby pins, hair elastics, scrunchies & two larger clips for when I’m styling my hair. I don’t need decorative hair accessories that make me feel & look like a child.

Robes

I do own one robe, but I rarely wear it anymore. I use the belt part to dry my hair that Tiktok way, but all I like to own are towels & I quickly get dressed in comfy loungewear. But I will not be buying any in the future.

Excess holiday decor

We did purchase quite a few Christmas decor, but I managed to condense the items when I put them back into storage. But for other holidays like Valentines Day, St. Patricks Day etc…I don’t buy any decor for those holidays. If you want to see how I declutter holiday decor check out this post here.

Excess lotions, body products etc.

I only own one bottle of Aveeno Lotion & that’s all I need.

Aprons

If I get a stain on any clothing, I try to put it in the washing machine right away. Plus, aprons are so ugly & old fashion in my opinion.

Apps

I have a select few of apps on my Phone primarily for blogging purposes. But I haven’t purchased an app in years.

Hangers

I own so many hangers already (over 100) & I have a rule if I run out of hangers, I own too many clothes. It’s a great way to stay minimal

Q-tips

These are so bad for your ears. I just use hydrogen peroxide.

Hairspray

I just don’t feel like I need it & I hate the crunchy feeling

Random kitchen gadgets

I don’t find it necessary to purchase every little gadget or tool for cooking. It’s a waste of space & money.

Graphic tees

This is a rather new decision. But I refuse to buy t-shirts with random logos or sayings.

Teeth whitening kits

I just don’t think these are that great for your teeth & I would just go to a dentist if I want this done.

Air fresheners

I think these types of products are bad for the environment & our health. Enough said.

Excess cleaning products

I only like to keep my cleaning routine simple. And I feel like certain products can be used for multiple things.

What are some items you don’t buy?

I’d like to thank Caroline for having me guest post on her blog. It was quite the honor.

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-B