How to Avoid Being a Product Junkie This Winter
With winter and the holidays coming — and everyone entering their personal glow-up era —I’ve noticed something: the product wishlists are getting…out of hand. Some of y’all have three versions of the same moisturizer and a toner meant for a routine you don’t even have.
So before we all slide into December with 19 serums and a shaky bank account, let’s talk about avoiding the product-junkie spiral.
How Social Media Supercharged Overconsumption
Around 2020, when everyone was home, TikTok exploded with glow-up routines, morning resets, and “products that changed my life” content. It felt harmless—until suddenly everyone needed multiple deep conditioners, four cleansers, and treatments meant for dermatologists’ offices.
Fast-forward to now, and the cycle has intensified. Influencers post daily hauls. Kids barely in middle school have retinol. And the pressure to constantly “rebrand” yourself? Exhausting and expensive.
The Rise of the 27-Step Routine (Even For Kids?!)
Of course, it’s not just influencers. Brands know exactly how fast these cycles move — and they’ve sped up their product launches to match. Limited editions, seasonal drops, collabs, bundles, exclusives…they’re engineered for impulse buying.
And during the holidays? They go feral. Curated gift sets, vault collections, “must-have” kits. It’s a lot, even for the strongest-willed among us.
Why We Keep Thinking We “Need” More
The real issue isn’t wanting to improve, it’s convincing ourselves we have problems we don’t. With so much content telling you what’s “wrong” with your skin, hair, or body, it’s easy to self-diagnose and panic-buy.
Discernment is a skill, and it takes practice. Before adding something to your cart, ask yourself:
Do I actually need this? Or did TikTok convince me I do?
So…How Do You Avoid Becoming a Product Junkie?
Start With What You Already Own
Before you even think about buying something new, check your stash. You might already have:
– a moisturizer with the same ingredients
– two shampoos that perform identically
– a treatment you forgot you bought
Lay everything out. Group by category. See where the gaps actually are—if there are any. This alone stops 30% of impulsive purchases.
Do Quick Ingredient Checks
I know you just want to add it to your cart and buy. But slowing down saves your pockets.
Two products can look totally different but be nearly identical formulas. If you don’t skim ingredients or claims, you may be paying twice for the same thing.
You don’t need to be a chemist, just look for:
– repeated active ingredients
– the first 5 ingredients
– the same textures
– similar claims (“brightening,” hydrating,” “clarifying,” etc.)
If it duplicates something you already have… you don’t need it.
Make a Short-Term Rule (and Stick to It)
You will never see real results if you’re constantly switching products. Try a simple rule like:
Finish 2 before buying 1.
Or:
– 30 days with your current routine
– no new moisturizers until you finish your current one
– only buying replacements, not additions
The goal is to actually use what you own—and give it time to work.
Before moving on to the next thing, try implementing rules to ensure you’ve given products a real chance. If you have a moisturizer and a toner, finish those before buying a new moisturizing serum or mask.
Quality Over Quantity (Always)
We have to be honest with ourselves: most routines don’t need to be extravagant to be effective.
A strong 3-5 step routine can outperform a chaotic 12-step one, (especially if it’s not curated intentionally).
Consistency>>>volume.
Your skin, hair, body, and your bank account will thank you.
Look at the Source Before You Buy
Before you let an influencer convince you that your elbows are “too textured,” consider the source.
Some influencers’ entire content strategy is built around selling products. You never see their real journey or long-term results—just the next brand partnership.
I’m not knocking the hustle. Times are hard.
But this is where discernment needs to kick in.
Ask:
– Do they use this consistently? Is this sponsored?
– Do they have the same skin/hair concerns as me?
– Is this something I even need—or do they just want me to buy it?
Glowing up is fun. Improving yourself is fun.
But drowning in half-used products you bought at 2 a.m.? Not as fun.
Remember, the glow comes from consistency, not consumption. So, this winter, choose what actually works for you—and leave the rest on the For You Page.
Catch you in the next entry, xoxo 💋
