Beauty.. Fashion.. Techie.. Food.. Lifestyle blogs.. they're all the same.. They introduce you to all the cool stuffs you never knew existed. Whenever I'm on a tight budget, I stay away from them. Never mind that I maintain this beauty blog which has been practically abandoned because I was busy looking for money to buy things that I read on other blogs. Err..
You probably read beauty blogs such as this (
The Doctor is vaIN), because there's a new make up or skin care procedure that you want to try, but are hesitant to give in to because you're not sure if it will be worth it. You want me to tell you, "go ahead, splurge on this one, it's a miracle from heaven," or "forget it, it's not worth the hype." The best thing about blogs by regular people is that you get an idea about the investment you're about to make from those who actually tried it. The reviews we read are essential to pre-purchase stages. Problem comes in when there are too many awesome products we blog about and you want to try all of them even if you don't have the budget for it.
In this age of blogs, Instagram or Facebook, it's easy to give in to our materialistic urges. The pretty things that we see on other people make us green with envy, sometimes even to the point of insecurity. We think we have to have what they own to make us feel appreciated. Clearly, this is a false sense of security that seduces us every now and then.
Lately, I found myself browsing fashion blogs, not only because their pictures are catchy but I also get style ideas for power dressing from fashion-forward gurus. But then, the subliminal message a blog imparts is too influential that marketers have recognized this power by tapping on bloggers to promote businesses. Sometimes I find myself wishing for- say, a Balenciaga bag because I saw how pretty it looked on Camille Co or Kryz Uy. But then, my rational self would take over and ask, "If I had the money to burn, wouldn't it be wiser to spend that on real estate, or the latest Mac Book, or the highest end Canon DSLR and lenses, or a cutting edge machine for my clinic?" Unless of course if those bags could fly and carry themselves on their own.
I'm thankful that my inner Suze Orman speaks to me in times of temptations to buy things that are beyond my purchasing power. In reading blogs and browsing pictures containing things we wish to have, let's go rational before hitting the "buy" button, shall we?
Are There Cheaper Alternatives?
Go ask yourself, "is it necessary to get the exact brand?"
I'm not telling you to steer clear of expensive goods, because sometimes, we do get what we pay for. Although I'm guilty about featuring some beauty products that sting on the wallet, I invest on them because of the quality I need that cannot be found in other brands. Buying cheaper ones that don't deliver its promises only end up being more costly in the long run.
When I was still doing makeup gigs, buying a makeup chair and trolley bag were necessities because breaking my back would be more expensive. It was an investment. Same goes with my Make up For Ever and Smashbox foundations, I used them because I wanted the best results for my clients. I don't just choose them to impress people with my tools, I had to have them because they work best.
If you must really purchase, scout for cheaper alternatives first. If there aren't any, then go for the tried and tested ones even if they're priced higher. Save up for it.
Rummage Around Your Existing Goods
Sometimes, when we look around our closet, we see things unused because we bought them on a whim. Maximize what you already have before buying something new which will likely gather dust once more.,
When I read about the Urban Decay Naked Palette on beauty blogs, I couldn't resist having one for myself too. Sure, it was awesome, the quality is superb, in fact if you're still on the hunt for a neutrals palette, I'd recommend you to get the Naked Palette. But then I already had tons of MAC neutrals that I previously invested on. Getting another set of eye shadows with almost the same shades turned out to be impractical.
If you're lusting over the heaps of make ups of some beauty bloggers, think again. Unless you'll earn back your investment by turning pro in the make up industry, there's nothing to be jealous about redundant makeup shades that are piling up. You only have 2 eye lids to put them on, unless you fancy doing makeup of your whole barangay for free. Remember, make up products have expiry.
If you still don't feel like using what you already have, sell them. With makeups, sanitation issues may be difficult to reckon with, so it may take a while or a much cheaper price for you to dispose used cosmetics.
Innovate
Now that you've found potentially useful stuff lying around your crib, let your creative juices flow and create something unique that even trendsetters would crave for. The young Carrie Bradshaw found her mom's Mark Cross purse accidentally tainted by her bratty little sis, but her avant garde artistic sense rescued it into a fashion must-have. In fact, it caught the attention of fashion editor Larisa Loughlin. Alright, "Carrie Diaries" may be a fiction, but you get my point, right?
When I had several lipsticks accumulating, I researched on ways to make my own palette. I blended some colors which resulted to shades that won't be bought anywhere. Cheap, practical, achievable.
Be Realistic
If you earn below Php 10,000 a month, do you think people will be impressed if you strut around town wearing Balenciaga? The first thing they'd probably ask you will be, "which ukay did you get it from?" Or, tell you : "nice replica!" Or worse: "who's the sugar daddy?" Stay real. If you really want it bad, ask yourself, "what would you accomplish from having it?" Think about the bills and obligations you have to fulfill before indulging in luxury. Don't compromise the your financial security or that of your family with temporary quirks that will never increase in value.
If you consider your materialistic desires to be your driving force to succeed, then learn how to save and invest with the little income you have, then wait until you can actually afford it before you splurge. However, if you belong to the rare breed of the filthy rich, then what you do with your money is none of my business.
Build Your Confidence
When you are confident about yourself, not a single Chanel or Prada will be required to boost your coolness factor. If you're insecure, it will be easy to give in to what society dictates and buy anything that you think will heighten your status in the community. Develop your skills, be the best you can be, because people dig in to truly confident, positive individuals, regardless of the brand you wear.
Whenever you're tempted to blow your budget to fit in, remember Will Smith's line, "Too many people spend money they haven't earned to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like."
