Decluttering Makeup With Less Guilt: The Sunk Cost Fallacy

Hello everyone!

This is just a quick video discussing the economic concept of "sunk costs" as it can apply to makeup.

I hope this helps a little bit if you're having problems letting go of some products.

Here are some interesting sources if you'd like to read more:

Remember to be good to yourselves and each other. If you have the choice, why wouldn't you choose kindness?

Thank you for watching and please subscribe!

XOXO
Elle

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Snapchat: shadowsmoked

[the_eerie_faerie_tales]

You are not only creative, but also wise, intelligent, articulate, and genuine. 💟 I truly look forward to and enjoy your videos so much!! 😸

[robins_melody]

Also, keeping the item that doesn't work is a constant reminder that you made a bad purchase. So decluttering in this sense, is getting rid of what doesn't bring joy, but brings pain.

[olivia]

So interesting ! Jambeauty89 is doing a hardcore decluttering series on her channel and so many people think it's a waste, I don't get it. She even had to make a separate video explaining why she does it. She's obviously not just throwing the good makeup away, she's passing it on so it doesn't just sit there and expire. I see so many beauty gurus with overflowing drawers of makeup that they're never going to use up and it kind of makes me sick ^^ I get that it's their job and that they receive a ton of stuff but it doesn't mean they can't get rid of some of it. There's such a pressure for beauty vloggers to own a ton of makeup but as Jess said in her video, having less gives you more room to try out new products because you're less stressed out about using up all the stuff you already have. And having a smaller collection is more beneficial for the viewers too because a) if they kept something it means they truly love it and b) you know they'll be much more selective about what they buy

[amordesdemona]

I’ve actually seen people claim to dislike de cluttering because it’s a waste of money. It’s so bizarre to me. The money was wasted already. Passing it on or reselling it if possible is people trying to make the best of that waste.

[MzKrystalPaul]

This concept really hit home once I became a mom. Time is so much more valuable than money. Just yesterday I deleted a movie I was so excited to watch because it was boring as hell and I didn't want to waste 90 mins of my valuable "Me time" watching crap I didn't even like. Same with makeup. If I'm not gonna use it I'm not gonna have it taking up valuable space in my room. Great video Elle!!

[sushispan]

Great point!! But as an economics nerd... I think if you resell or gift a decluttered product, you can actually recover some of the costs or gain utility. This means the money you spent is not sunk cost but rather, you're strictly better off by decluttering instead of keeping it for no reason.

[katiej]

This is such a great video. I love how you incorporate your outside interests into makeup and it makes so much sense and it never sounds like you're taking down to us. I love when you teach us new things (basically all the time anyway because I get endless inspo from you)
Also omg your blush look is heavenly and I will be doing my best to incorporate it into my weekend ❤

[gailbook]

Fantastic topic of conversation. Either you use it or you don't use it. I never thought about that - the money is spent and I am not getting it back. Makes me truly think about a purchase before I spend my hard earned cash.

[marta_sanders]

I agree mostly with what you say here. As I see it, the real problem is that we just can't stop buying makeup. Most people in the beauty community just don't need to buy more makeup maybe for years, because they have so much. This is the reality, but of course, not buying constantly would mean no more reviews, hauls, declutters... The beauty community is sustained by constant consumerism, it's problematic and maybe I'm wrong but I don't think it's possible to separate them.

[smushles]

Great video! I was thinking about this - after refusing to declutter a crappy palette for 5+ years because it was 'high-end' I finally did it a few weeks ago! Thinking well i've already spent the money years ago....
PS- about your movie analogy - you forgot FOMO! That's why i'd stay till the end! lolol

[TeresaW]

Great video ! I very much agree with what you say - I have only just got rid of some lipsticks I don't enjoy even though I have more than enough that I like to last me til they all go bad 'because I spent money on them'. I have however seen some people use 'sunk cost' as an excuse to simply buy more and I think it's important to learn what makes a product 'bad' before moving on and making the same mistake again.

[charlottereh-dixson]

You have explained sunk cost very well. I am an economist and I am getting my masters in economics now. This is how I always think and how I make my decisions. Love the video.

[Haghenveien]

I'm so guilty of trying things to work. Many times it's fun to be imaginative and try to find a way of using that product but there's a moment you have to stop and let it go. And that's a lesson I have to learn. Sure your time and wellbeing worth more than whatever money you have spent.

[idiotstormm]

What an interesting topic to talk about! You have some very thought provoking videos, and you deliver the information in such a great, relaxing, respectful Seriously, I'm not sure why, but your videos seem to make me feel super relaxed and comfortable for some reason.

[OpportunisticOmnivore]

True! And a great reminder! If something isn’t working, move on!

[CaenaGrey]

I am doing the KonMari Method right now, and she makes this point as well.  Like, if you bought something and you didn't like it, it's purpose has already been fulfilled;  i.e.,  you learned that you don't like it.  Move on!

[justcallmejo]

This video is interesting. I’ve never really thought of this subject. I love how you make me think about things. I am so glad I am subscribed. 🦋

[ellieringler]

Your wig is so 80s I’m loving it. Also your blush placement is giving me life!

[MaisZuuuuut]

This was so clever and wise, thank you so much. I really love this kind of videos and yes, it helps a lot !
By the way, this wig is stunning and suits you perfectly, you are so beautiful. I love pink with blue eyes, it's so pretty.

[juliaaalovee]

ahhh finally someone speaks about sunk costS, GOOD ON YOU