Happy New Year! I hope you’re ready to kick off 2022 with an unnecessarily complicated spreadsheet detailing my beauty hoard because it’s time for my 2022 cosmetics inventory!
At the start of 2020, I decided to take on a no-buy year challenge. I was overrun with junk, particularly cosmetics. My drawers were fit to burst and I was ready to make a change. I needed to make a change! I wanted a life filled with less junk and more joy.
So, for the last two years, I’ve been on a beauty no-buy. Put simply, I’ve avoided buying any new beauty products unless I’ve already used up all the products of that type. And (because I’m a spreadsheet nerd) I’ve documented the process meticulously.
So, if you’re a spreadsheet nerd like me, please peruse my 2022 cosmetics inventory.
(You can also check out my 2021 inventory here too!)
Makeup Inventory
Total used up in 2021 = 48
Full disclosure – I did quite a few mini makeup-declutters last year so, technically speaking, I didn’t really use up 48 products. I did use up quite a lot though! And, whichever way you look at it, I still have 48 fewer products taking up space in my drawers.
The one category that threw me was nail polishes. I seem to have acquired quite a few of those recently as gifts. I think I feel a nail polish cull is in order in 2022.
Skincare Inventory
Total used up in 2021 = 2
One of my 2021 goals was to start taking my skincare routine more seriously so it’s no surprise that things have stayed pretty consistent in this area. By the end of 2022, I’d like to finally get the number of body lotions and face masks I have under control, but otherwise, I’m pleased with the way this is looking.
Hair Care Inventory
Total used up in 2021 = 0
Ok so technically I didn’t make any progress in this area, but I think that’s because I’m pretty much down to the bare minimum as far as hair care is concerned. I have a few too many shampoos right now, but that’s purely because Lush charges for postage so I just stocked up while I was there last.
Misc. Inventory
Total used up in 2021 = 5
This was by far the most disappointing category because I ended up gaining a lot of new products. I’m not exactly surprised though. I have more hand wash because I like to have one in each bag (we are in a global pandemic, after all). I have more deodorants because I buy Wild deodorant subscription refills now. And I have more shower gels because I was given a bunch for Christmas.
By the way, if you’re ready to take on your own no-buy year challenge, make sure you take a look at my ebook! It’s packed full of all of my favourite tips for a successful no-buy year as well as monthly trackers to help you succeed! You can find it right here!
Final Thoughts
The turnover of products has definitely started to slow down. When I compare this year’s inventory to last year’s it’s clear that the numbers aren’t going down as quickly as before. But they’re still going down and that’s the main thing.
Plus, I can finally feel the difference. After two consecutive years of my makeup no-buy, I have space! My drawers aren’t rammed so full that they’re almost impossible to prise. Instead of two overflow boxes and an overflow drawer, I’m down to one box. It’s still a long way from perfect, but the progress is undeniable.
So how much have I used up so far?
Total products used up in 2021 = 55
Total products used up since the start of the no-buy challenge = 163
Yay! Progress!
But we’re not quite there yet. My beauty stockpile is slowly becoming more manageable, but I still have a lot of products to use up this year.
