10 Things I Stopped Buying and No Longer Care About

Reaching 26, I've probably bought a heck lot of things I don't need in my life but I did it anyway. It's okay because I know I'm not the only one. As I get older and get a better understanding of who I am, things that I care about so much, feel a little less important. During my early 20s, materialistic things made me feel like I was worthy. I did not realise how messed up that was. 

Since I began so many batches of decluttering a good couple of years ago and simplifying my life, I found that there were things I completely stopped buying and would not even need in the first place! 

So in today's post, I'm going to show you what I stopped buying to embrace my simple life. Just a heads up, I'm by no means a minimalist but that doesn't mean I can't learn from the minimal lifestyle and try to be better when it comes to owning stuff. This is my list and it doesn't have to be yours. What I think I don't need could be your 'worth it' purchases. Also not trying to shame those who do enjoy shopping and buying nice things. Alrighty, end of disclaimer~

Here are 10 things I stopped buying and no longer care about

#1 Eye creams

I don't see the whole point of eye creams anymore. They were essentially moisturizers, the same thing repackaged in smaller packaging with a couple of expensive-proven-to-work ingredients. I just take good care of my under eyes now with products I do have and use and avoid the nasties. 

#2 Makeup remover wipes

I'm so sorry, I only stan double cleanse. I think double cleansing with cleansing oil or cleansing balm is infinitely more gentle, more effective and more forgiving than makeup wipes. It has probably been 4 years since I stopped buying makeup wipes!

#3 Cotton pads/ cotton balls

I stopped buying cotton pads because I have tons of them at home waiting to be cracked open and used. Here's the thing, I always got my eyes on those 'buy 3 for 10 bucks' or 'buy 2 get 1 free' promotions. I don't even use them that much in the first place! I used to use cotton pads to apply toner but I skipped it completely because I think I was wasting my toner if I apply it with cotton pads and it's probably true. 

#4 Extra skincare and makeup

I used to buy tons of makeup and skincare for the sake of backups. I wasted so much money on this part solely because, by the time I finished using the current one, I was no longer interested in the backups. I wanted to try something else. I can't even begin to tell you how many half-emptied, half-used makeup and skincare I used to have and had to throw away because they were collecting dust and probably expired too. It was absolute madness!

I no longer buy extras and duplicates. I have exactly one thing for mostly everything in my collection now except for foundations, blushers and lipsticks. Those are special cases but I would say I'm getting pretty good at not overindulging *pats myself on the back*

#5 Nail polishes

I haven't bought nail polishes for the past 2 years. I was kinda good at painting my own nails because I watched too many satisfying nail art videos on YouTube but I tend to forget I have them and they would lament in the back of the stash. There's no point in collecting them. Every once in a while typically for a special occasion, I will get a manicure and then have it removed after a few weeks. 

On a more frequent basis, I typically just use Vaseline petroleum jelly to help condition the skin surrounding my nail area. They often get super dry even with the help of hand cream. 

#6 Body scrubs

I stopped buying body scrubs because I have this dirt cheap reusable exfoliating towel that works wonders! I used to have one from The Body Shop and it was packaged in a giant tub OMG it took a whole year and a half for me to finish it. No more body scrubs for me.

#7 Books

I mean... we literally have the Internet and digital books. You can find pretty much everything online. I follow recipes from the Internet/ YouTube all the time. Plus I don't really read physical books anymore, there's no reason for me to buy one or two. I do love the smell of a new book but I don't want to buy it just because of the smell. 

#8 Skinny jeans

Skinny jeans are out; loose gowns and dreamy dresses are in! The thought of skinny jeans makes me ill. I'm loving being so comfortable in loose outfits now. Love the fact that I'm even more particular about the clothes I prefer. I'd like to buy clothes that I will want to use and keep forever.

#9 Over-the-top subscriptions

I now don't have multiple subscriptions for things and not planning to — I have Canva Pro for my small business + freelance work and my telco. That's it. I spent around RM60 (equivalent to $13) per month for both Canva Pro and U-Mobile which is dirt cheap. 

#10 The latest, newest gadgets

I don't care much about technology, to begin with. I just need the current gadgets I have now to work and not give me problems. And right now they are all doing everything I need them to do. Tech companies thrive in a capitalist society which makes you constantly spend money for no reason at all. But who am I to tell you what to do with your money, right? I personally think if all my gadgets are working perfectly, I see no point in upgrading.

*Note that some links used in this post are affiliated links, which allows me to earn a small commission when you buy the product using my link. No commission is earned through clicking links. I'm not being paid to mention any specific brand in this post, it's purely my own honesty and experience. Thank you for your support~

Do you have something you stopped buying and no longer care about?