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5 Lessons Learnt From a Year of Panning
1. I have way too much stuff.
I’m not saying I didn’t already know this. But now I really know it! I’m talking my eyeshadows, blushers and bronzers are going to outlive me. When you focus on panning instead of purchasing, you get a real understanding of how long it takes to use up a product. And when you’ve bought in excess, this is pretty sobering. It definitely curbs the desire for anything new. On the plus side, there’s things I don’t think I’ll ever need to buy again (powders don’t really expire, right?)
2. I’m craving space
A cluttered home is a cluttered mind, and while I’m no aspiring minimalist, I’m much more bothered than I used to be by things everywhere. These things take up time to clean around, organise and decide what to do with. Time that is better spent on other pursuits in my case. It’s been very satisfying to recycle my empties, especially the ones that won’t be replaced!
3. I have everything I need
I have a lovely lot of makeup and this emphasis on using instead of buying has meant I’ve really got to know the products I own. I’ve played around with new combinations of colours, mixed formulas together, and experimented with different application techniques. I’m really loving applying my makeup and I’ve paid attention to what works for me and what doesn’t to perfect my finished look. Enjoying doing my makeup over buying it is so much more rewarding.
4. My makeup tastes have changed
I used to love rocking a smokey eye, full foundation, contour, powder blusher, lipstick…the works! Now I’m all about tinted moisturiser, cream blusher and a glossy lip. I still do my signature cat eye but the focus is a lot more on framing my eye rather than the eyeshadow on my lid. Using less makeup means I get though my products slower and A LOT of my collection rarely used, which is such a waste. I’ve been selling my unopened backups on eBay and swatched/lightly used on Reddit. No doubt I’ll be adding more as I downsize!
5. Backups of products I run through quickly are not a waste
I don’t regret buying backups of certain products (I have a previous blog post on this topic). I go through eyeliner, mascara, pressed powder, lip balm and eyebrow pencils fairly quickly and I love being able to reach into my backup box instead of having to suddenly place an online order or go to the shops. I’m able to get these items for the best prices when they’re on sale and I’m never caught out mid brow!
What have you learnt from panning? Let me know over on Instagram!
