Beauty is a $500 billion industry and will continue to grow with the help of social media and rapid-changing trend cycles. Two emerging trends in this industry are beauty hauls, and makeup hauls.
The idea of revamping your skincare or makeup routine to keep up with the latest hype is gaining traction among consumers. Especially when they see haul videos from their friends and favorite influencers.
And yes, getting your hands on the newest products all at once is tempting. But, going on beauty hauls and makeup hauls could be ruining your finances.
So let's talk about these beauty and makeup hauls in more detail and what you can do instead!
What is a beauty haul?
If you've ever been on social media, then you probably know the meaning of a beauty haul. If you aren't familiar with the term, a haul is an act of buying products in large quantities. This usually occurs in a short span of time. Kind of like a shopping spree!
Beauty haul meaning: A beauty haul specifically refers to skincare, haircare, and other personal care products purchased in bulk.
You might participate in a beauty haul to test and try new products. Or maybe you've seen the 10-step skincare routine and want to incorporate a complex skincare regiment into your routine. However, owning a variety of personal care products is often unnecessary and quite costly.
What is a makeup haul?
Makeup haul meaning: A makeup haul refers to cosmetics purchased in bulk just like a beauty haul. Despite the cost, makeup hauls are popular for several reasons.
One reason makeup hauls are so popular is that you can build an extensive makeup collection that allows you to experiment with different looks. In turn, you can keep up with ever-changing makeup trends with a large collection.
Another reason is that makeup hauls allow you to buy and try various products until you find one that works for you. However, by doing so, you most likely end up with a bunch of barely used products.
Now you know the beauty and makeup haul meanings so let's dive into how they could be harming your finances!
How the beauty haul and makeup haul trend could be ruining your finances
If you are working towards your financial goals, then you should steer clear of the beauty haul and makeup haul trends. Cosmetics and personal care products aren't cheap.
When bought in large quantities, these purchases can take a toll on your wallet. To be more specific, here are some ways they could be hurting your finances:
Being influenced by social media
As you scroll through your feed, you'll often see beauty content creators post their makeup hauls and beauty hauls. As a result, you'll be tempted to buy things you don't need with the money you might not have.
Social media has a way of luring its audiences to make compulsive spending decisions. It is so easy to open Instagram or TikTok, see something you like, and make a purchase with the click of a button.
Seeing all your friends and favorite influencers making big cosmetic and beauty purchases can pressure you to do the same. Similarly, being bombarded with deals and discounts can tempt you to spend money in fear of missing out.
Buying makeup and beauty products you never use
Regular makeup hauls and beauty hauls inevitably result in products going to waste. You won't use a product if you don't like it, if it falls out of trend or if it simply doesn't fit into your makeup routine.
As a result, you'll spend more money to replace that product. So, the cost of having unused products ultimately adds up, and this can take a toll on your finances.
The cost of makeup adds up
The cost of makeup adds up, so it is important to ensure your purchases are worth its cost. Women spend over $3,700 for beauty maintenance per year and over $200,000 over the course of their life. That's approximately $300 per month! If you can save $100 or even $50 by shopping smart, then you're doing your wallet a huge favor.
How to shift way from beauty haul and makeup haul trends
Social media and peer pressure make it difficult to avoid impulsive spending. However, there are ways to move away from beauty haul and makeup haul trends. And no, you don't have to give up makeup entirely!
1. Set a budget
Before you stock up on beauty supplies, be sure to set a budget. Setting a budget will prevent overspending on beauty hauls or makeup hauls.
Take a look at your bank statements and credit card bills dating two or three months back. Then, determine the average amount you spend on beauty products each month. Set a goal to reduce that amount by $100 or even $50 per month depending on how you see fit.
To prevent overspending, you must distinguish between your needs and your wants. Is this a product you'll use regularly? Or are you making an impulsive purchase based on an ad or a beauty haul you saw online? Setting a budget can help you make conscious purchases based on items that enhance your life.
2. Ask for free samples before buying full products
While it might be tempting to switch foundation brands every time you come across a new one, constantly testing out new products is costly. Especially if you don't like the way a product looks or works and it ends up going unused.
But once in a while, you like to treat yourself to something new, and that's perfectly fine! You don't need to do a beauty haul or a makeup haul to find something you like.
By asking for free samples before buying full products, you'll reduce the amount spent on products you won't use. Sephora and L'Oreal offer free samples on their website so you can try before you buy. Of course, you could also walk into major department stores to pick up free makeup or beauty samples.
3. Incorporate a good yet simple skincare routine
A good skincare routine is important, and it doesn't have to be complex or expensive! A good skincare routine can help you reduce the amount of makeup you use, which saves you money in the long run.
You don't need a 10 step skincare routine, and you don't have to fork over hundreds of dollars to take care of your skin. There are amazing drug store skincare products that cost less than $20 and work very well.
4. Take a minimalist makeup approach
Taking a minimalist makeup approach will help you enhance your appearance all while saving money. By adopting a minimalist makeup routine, you'll save a ton of time getting ready in the morning too.
Additionally, you no longer have to spend on products you don't need or won't use daily. Start your minimalist makeup routine with BB cream, concealer, blush, mascara, and lip/eye color. Then, incorporate additional steps into your routine how you see fit.
5. Go on a social media detox
Seeing beauty hauls and makeup hauls regularly could influence you to splurge on products you don't necessarily need. A social media detox will reduce your exposure to beauty hauls and ads which will prevent you from making impulsive purchases.
Not to mention, a social media detox will benefit your mental health and help you save money and time that could be spent on your goals instead.
There are many ways to do a social media detox. You could opt to unfollow influencers that don't align with your spending goals, or you could choose to delete Youtube, Instagram, or TikTok entirely.
Alternatively, you could watch anti-haul content. Anti-hauls are a relatively new concept to counteract the beauty haul and makeup haul trend.
Influencers create anti-hauls to share makeup or beauty products they won't be buying. Anti-haul content can perhaps persuade you out of buying that eyeshadow palette you had your eyes on.
Avoid beauty hauls and practice mindfulness instead!
Beauty hauls and makeup hauls could be ruining your finances. The best way to steer clear of beauty hauls and makeup hauls is by practicing mindfulness in your purchases.
Social media can make you feel like you're missing out if you can't get your hands on the latest beauty product. But it is essential to make purchases that align with your values, enhance your life, and allow to you live authentically.
Learn how to create a budget that includes a category for your beauty products with our completely free budgeting course! Don't forget to subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance YouTube channel and Clever Girls Know podcast for more great tips on being stylish on a budget!