Why I've sort of been on a No Buy Challenge

Light likes to play by Archit Joshi

Last year around August (I cannot recall the exact date) I was in Clicks, about to buy an eye shadow palette and yet another hair treatment when I thought to myself "Do I really need to buy these things?" I already have an eye shadow palette, a few loose pigments and a dozen hair products. If you've been reading O so inspired for some time, you'll know that I do not wear makeup often, but love hair products. I thought to myself, I have nothing to really validate buying another palette because I do not wear makeup on a daily basis nor am I makeup artist who actually needs a surplus of eye shadows and other products. I have everything I need, so at that point in time, there was no need for me to buy anything else. I also thought about all the hair products I own, which filled the bathroom cabinet, the shower rack and nearly filled a shelf in my closet. Back then I had 6 bottles of shampoo (some full and some used), 4 or 5 bottles of conditioner, many deep treatments and other products. Clearly I did not need to buy any more and have the products I already own go to waste.

So in order to use up my stash, I adapted the no buy challenge to suit my own needs. I decided I was not going to buy any products, unless I really need it. I kind of broke this in December when I bought a bottle of Essence nail polish, but in my defence it was glitter polish on sale for only R10. Come on, who can resist that? Yesterday I received my Clicks Clubcard vouchers so I'd most probably use them to buy something that I don't really need but really want.

Since then I've used up all my deep treatments and I only have almond oil left. I'm also using my last bottle of conditioner and have one and a half bottles of shampoo left.

Maybe you can call me frugal, but I'm trying to be less frivolous with my money. I still tempt myself by always going into Clicks. Sometimes I'd pick something up, walk around with it in the store, but end up placing it back on its shelf. Honestly, I should stop going in there, because before I embarked on this no buy lifestyle (it's not really a challenge for me) I would go in and be like "Oooh that's pretty. I must buy it". Seriously it is the source of all temptation for me.

If you've been on a no buy challenge or some similar let me know in the comments. I'd also love to hear your views on it.