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As someone that naturally had a scarcity mindset, I was a serial offender for buying backups of my most used and favourite products. After one too many costly mistakes, I’ve had to retrain my brain to be selective and only purchase if it’s going to be good idea in the long-run, and not buy out of fear of lack. While there’s always the risk of regret purchases, I do think there’s some great benefits to backups. Here are my pros and cons…

 

Convenience

 

Pro:

 

Ever run out of your eyebrow pencil mid brow? Not me. Having backups of products I run through regularly means I dip into my backup box instead of having to go out and get a replacement, place an online order, or otherwise remember I’ve run out. If I know I go through four eyebrow pencils a year, and I buy those four all together, I don’t have to think about repurchasing again for another year either. Having a backstock means there’s one less thing on my to-do list, and that’s a big win in my book.

 

Con:

 

If you have a lot of backups for a host of different items (me), you’re going to have to store them somewhere. A box can become a shelf, and a shelf can become a cupboard, and before you know it, you’ve got a small beauty warehouse in your home. This is okay if you’ve got the space and can see clearly what you have, but if you’re limited on storage this is a definite drawback. Your space can become cluttered before you know it, which makes for a cluttered mind too. Not so convenient.

 

Price

 

Pro:

 

Buying backups in advance allows me to time the market for the best deals, which saves me money in the long-term. I never have to pay for delivery as I can meet the free shipping threshold, and with the cost-of-living crisis and prices skyrocketing with no sign of slowing down, I’m relieved I stocked up on some makeup staples and toiletries prior to this.

 

Con:

 

Depending on what you’re buying, the upfront outlay for backups can sting. If you don’t have the funds, it’s not sensible to stock up when that money might be better spent or saved elsewhere. There’s definitely a number of backups I regret…

 

Change

 

Pro:

 

Sticking with tried-and-true products means I’m not looking for the next best thing. I never have a need to browse what’s new, so I rarely get tempted by new releases or different items.

 

Con:

 

Whether it’s a change in style or preferences, an improvement in product formulas, or a change in your body, backups can be risky. You might find certain products don’t work as well as they used to, a change in taste from lipstick to lipgloss, have a shift in your skin type, or develop new allergies or sensitivities. I’ve found it’s best to have a cap on my number of backups, so I’m less likely to be caught out!

 

Overall, I’m in favour of backups, but I try to be smart about them so they work for me.

 

 

What’s your stance? Let me know over on Instagram!