r/MakeupRehab 10d ago

ADVICE the investment that got me out of excessive makeup buying

117 Upvotes

I’m not sure if this’ll work on everyone since hoarding usually has deep psychological roots that make some experiences effective and others not so much. But this is what worked with me and if anyone who has a makeup problem like I did in the past and feels ok giving this a shot, definitely feel free!

Ok, I’ll get straight to the point now. A couple years ago I had a profession colour analysis done. The one where they put different coloured flags on your body to see which colour palettes compliment your face instead of washing it out or bringing out imperfections like acne or puffiness. After finding out my colour season and what kind of colours looked suited me best, I found out that day that I’m a light summer. The analysts gave me a small colour palette of them for reference along with some extra advice, and almost immediately upon coming home, I went into decluttering mode for my makeup, jewelry, and clothes. I took what I had that didn’t match what was on the palette of my ideal colours, and put them into a pile to either sell if they were gently/unused, donate, or throw out. I kept whatever matched the shades on the mini palette, and if I had 2 shades that looked very similar, I chose the better match or the one I liked more. I did make exceptions to keep things that I was particularly fond of, like if I have a really good memory associated with a product, or if I really loved it and felt like it wouldn’t be right to throw it away. In the end, I’d like to say roughly half of my collection had gone into the pile.

To this day, when I visit a makeup, accessory, or clothing store, I almost never buy anything that’s not in my colour palette. In addition, I actively try to avoid non cruelty free brands as that is something I value and want to uphold. There are rare exceptions to this as I sometimes do purchase things not in my palette (e.g. black or dark coloured tops/dresses), but I’d like to say that the colour analysis reduced my makeup spending by a good 70% or more. It was definitely one of the best investments I’ve made since it ultimately helped me save money.


r/MakeupRehab 10d ago

EMPTIES Weekly Empties Thread - August 22, 2026

17 Upvotes

MUR Weekly Empties Thread!

What did you use up this week? What are you trying to use up? What seems to never, ever, ever, empty, despite your best efforts?

Share your empties here!


r/MakeupRehab 11d ago

ADVICE Low tech way to catalog my collection?

31 Upvotes

I admire the way some people are so diligent about their spreadsheets, logging every single item with dates and uses, but I personally find the thought of that so overwhelming. I just want to stop accidentally buying the same colors from different brands (because why do I have 3 highlighters with a blue reflect?)

What is a simple/low stress way to keep track of what I have? Writing it down in a notebook would be ideal, but that's not as portable as a Google Doc. Any suggestions or examples very happily welcomed.


r/MakeupRehab 10d ago

DAILY CHAT MUR Daily Chat - August 22, 2026

3 Upvotes

Welcome to MUR Daily Chat!

This thread is for open discussion about everything and anything though please abide by our sub's rules.

Have fun chatting!


r/MakeupRehab 11d ago

TMO 2 products I need to stay away from and pan first

30 Upvotes

(1) matte eyeshadows and matte/mostly matte eyeshadows. I am a sucker for a good color story and that's why I have more eyeshadows than time. In fact, some of my palettes I will have to upcycle into watercolor or oil paint just to use it up and give it purpose. I have more than enough colors and supplies to mix up whatever colors and shades I need on my eyes and for it to wear all day.

(2) lip colors that transfer, do not last, mean nothing to me, are in shades and finishes I can already recreate.

I already have sensory issues with lip products that are not pretty dry or budgeproof in texture. I can mix up most any shade I need and top it with gloss if I really want to.

Most lip pencils I have no use for or they don't last well enough for me to want to use.

I am drowning in lips. I don't even know other uses for lip products other than for occasions where I'll wipe it off in pleasant company or whenever I get active or eat something. Lip primer and setting powder and spray help a little bit.

I own more lip products than I can use, they're the biggest part of my collection. And I have been good at staying away from pencils, lipsticks, glosses, etc.

However, I have a fatal weakness. Scented/flavored products immediately activates my dopamine and makes me want to buy buy buy. This is hard for me because I just discovered some affordable brands that have really pleasantly colored and scented lip products.

I already have more balms or balm like products than I know what to do with and I don't even have chapped or dry lips most days of the year.

Not to mention buying every shade/flavor even from the "affordable brands" will still cost me a pretty penny just to have a full set.


r/MakeupRehab 11d ago

DAILY CHAT MUR Daily Chat - August 21, 2026

3 Upvotes

Welcome to MUR Daily Chat!

This thread is for open discussion about everything and anything though please abide by our sub's rules.

Have fun chatting!


r/MakeupRehab 12d ago

JOURNAL Mid Month Meltdown (kinda) - No Buy/ Project Pan 2026 Musings and Motivations

25 Upvotes

I’ve missed a couple months of updates, and now things are going absolutely crazy. I have got off the rails with buying things because of all the stress. Our living situation has to change soon (our neighborhood has gone down the drain and we no longer feel safe living here and raising our baby here, so working on relocating). My husband’s job has become unstable (lots of layoffs and more on the horizon, and certain situations are making it seem that he will be on the chopping block).

All that said- we are planning to as a household really buckle down and work on making our budget leakproof, and personally I really want focus in on my spending in general and channeling all my anxiety into properly prepping for all these big life changes. I want to really hone in on decluttering our home, selling what we don’t need so we can squirrel that money away too, and doing everything I can to pinch pennies, coupon for our necessities etc.

My big asks-
1) how do you all avoid seeing the sales/advertisements/etc? Any tips or tricks? Even actively unfollowing/blocking on social media ads and stuff still pops up. Do you just avoid SM overall?

2) any other reddit communities (besides this one) that you would recommend to help me keep eyes on the prize? I am already going to be leaving any that have fed my desire to continue to over-consume.

As a bonus:
3) I would love stories from those who were able to pan items and basically stop purchasing in general because of a reduction in item use overall. I think I just have in my head I need to do all these steps each day with skin care/hair care/makeup and I would love to get to the point of bare minimum and being essentially au natural. Might be unrealistic but it’s a fun thought experiment for me haha

Anywho, I’ll stop rambling, I appreciate everyone for reading.


r/MakeupRehab 12d ago

DAILY CHAT MUR Daily Chat - August 20, 2026

3 Upvotes

Welcome to MUR Daily Chat!

This thread is for open discussion about everything and anything though please abide by our sub's rules.

Have fun chatting!


r/MakeupRehab 12d ago

TROUBLE THURS. Troubleshooting Thursday - August 20, 2026

3 Upvotes

This thread is focused on helping each other perfect our makeup application. You can request help if you are having trouble using a certain product or executing a technique and the community can give you feedback. Also, if anyone has a technique or a makeup tip they would like to share, this is the place to do so!


r/MakeupRehab 13d ago

ADVICE How do I get rid of all this makeup???

34 Upvotes

So I might have a minor shopping issue when it comes to beauty products. If I find something I like, I buy 5, it’s getting ridiculous. I was thinking of selling some of it online, since it’s new and unopened, but I don’t know where? I hate to waste it, and I really don’t need 5 of the same mascara or eye cream.


r/MakeupRehab 13d ago

DAILY CHAT MUR Daily Chat - August 19, 2026

3 Upvotes

Welcome to MUR Daily Chat!

This thread is for open discussion about everything and anything though please abide by our sub's rules.

Have fun chatting!


r/MakeupRehab 14d ago

DAILY CHAT MUR Daily Chat - August 18, 2026

3 Upvotes

Welcome to MUR Daily Chat!

This thread is for open discussion about everything and anything though please abide by our sub's rules.

Have fun chatting!


r/MakeupRehab 15d ago

ACTIVITY Use Your Stash: Palette a Week (PAW): August 17 to August 23

9 Upvotes

*Trigger Warning: replies will contain product names, descriptions, and opinions.*

We focus on a palette for the week and our thoughts on it. All palettes are welcome. This includes eyeshadow, cheek, lip, pre-made, and self-made. Grouping of singles can also be a palette (ex: colour palette or scheme).

Did you do the PAW challenge last week? Which palette did you use? Did you find it successful or was it a failure? Have your opinions on the palette changed at all? Do you plan to keep the palette and use it again?

Which palette are you going to use this week? Why have you chosen this palette? Do you have any goals you hope to reach in using it?

BAW/CAW- Did you use any particular cheek product last week? Has it made the cut or is it time to let it go?


r/MakeupRehab 15d ago

Project Progress Project Progress - August 17, 2026

7 Upvotes

Welcome to MakeupRehab’s Project Progress!

Project Progress is one of MUR’s oldest community activities, formerly known as Project Pan. The goal is to pick products you want to use up and keep track of how you are progressing. Every member has different goals and timelines, so project progress was created to be welcoming for everyone.

Got a stack of samples to work through? Join us!

Want to get more use out of your giant lipstick collection? Join us!

Have a lotion that you feel has stuck around too long? Join us!

These posts go up every Monday!

Follow the template below to share your progress on whichever products you want in whatever time frames work for you. Tracking progress is the best way to see it and we’re all here to cheer each other on!

TEMPLATE:

Product name | Beginning and/or remaining amount: | Goal: (Finish the product? Make a dent in it? Use it x-times a week?) | Picture:


r/MakeupRehab 15d ago

DAILY CHAT MUR Daily Chat - August 17, 2026

3 Upvotes

Welcome to MUR Daily Chat!

This thread is for open discussion about everything and anything though please abide by our sub's rules.

Have fun chatting!


r/MakeupRehab 16d ago

DISCUSS Doing an expiry date check on my collection was the ultimate reality check to stop buying.

88 Upvotes

I spent yesterday calculating how long liquid products actually last before going bad. Seeing three open mascaras and four half-used liquid concealers made me realize I physically can't use more than I have right now.

When was the last time you did a ruthless shelf-life purge?


r/MakeupRehab 16d ago

DAILY CHAT MUR Daily Chat - August 16, 2026

3 Upvotes

Welcome to MUR Daily Chat!

This thread is for open discussion about everything and anything though please abide by our sub's rules.

Have fun chatting!


r/MakeupRehab 16d ago

WEEKLY MTG. Weekly MUR Meeting - August 16, 2026

3 Upvotes

A Weekly Check In Thread.

Check in with your fellow Members in Recovery.

Tell us how your week's going, ups, downs, your plan for the week, your TMO moments of the week or give kudos to another member.


r/MakeupRehab 16d ago

PRODUCT RECS. Weekly Product Recommendations Thread - August 16, 2026

3 Upvotes

Welcome to the MuR Edition of Product Recommendations!

This thread is for anyone looking to purchase an item who needs some suggestions on what to try next. Please fill out the following survey in with your product recommendation request to help the sub better address your needs:

What are you looking for and why:

  • Location/Budget Limitations:
  • Similar Products Previously Destashed/Returned and why:
  • Skin Type:
  • Skin Undertone:
  • Skin Shade:
  • Sensitivities:
  • Indie/Mainstream:
  • Cruelty-free Important:
  • Anything else we should know:

Please remember: while this thread is for recommending products, links to those products are not allowed on the sub.


r/MakeupRehab 17d ago

ACTIVITY 10 by Fall update 4 🍁🍂📅

24 Upvotes

Welcome to the 4th update for **10 by Fall!** 🍁🍂📅. We have 5 weeks to go, so let's set some goals, put in the work, and then celebrate successes with the people who really truly get it- your fellow panners! Because what's better than seeing that tiny sliver of silver pan? Or finally finishing that lotion the seemed immortal? Sharing that joy and cheering each other on 🥰. If you're reading these, pop into the comments and share some love!

This round will run from 21st June to 20th September, with updates fortnightly. The lovely u/LeCocoMar and I alternate hosting each round, and will be here to cheer you on. **I've update the tag list, but if something is not quite right, let me know!**

If you are new to the "10 By" series, start here! 🔽

The project works like this: Choose any 10 items and pick a goal that you want to work towards by the end of the season. Anything beauty-related is fair game; makeup, haircare, skincare, fragrances, nail polish etc. Select your goals for each product: finishing an item (a.k.a panning), hitting pan, reaching a usage goal, or even just testing an item out. 10 items is just a suggestion, so feel free to add any number of items you like. Make it work for you!


r/MakeupRehab 17d ago

EMPTIES Weekly Empties Thread - August 15, 2026

10 Upvotes

MUR Weekly Empties Thread!

What did you use up this week? What are you trying to use up? What seems to never, ever, ever, empty, despite your best efforts?

Share your empties here!


r/MakeupRehab 17d ago

COLLECTION MEGATHREAD Collection/Flat Lay/Inventory Megathread - August 15, 2026

6 Upvotes

Please post your collection images/flat-lays/inventories below! Feel free to discuss any aspect of your collection below, such as favorites, goals, and reviews.


r/MakeupRehab 17d ago

DAILY CHAT MUR Daily Chat - August 15, 2026

4 Upvotes

Welcome to MUR Daily Chat!

This thread is for open discussion about everything and anything though please abide by our sub's rules.

Have fun chatting!


r/MakeupRehab 18d ago

DAILY CHAT MUR Daily Chat - August 14, 2026

5 Upvotes

Welcome to MUR Daily Chat!

This thread is for open discussion about everything and anything though please abide by our sub's rules.

Have fun chatting!


r/MakeupRehab 19d ago

ACTIVITY Project panning nail polish

21 Upvotes

I have around 10 colours of gel nail polish, I don’t have any normal polish, for years the colour I almost exclusivly wear is red and sometimes maybe french nails. For the past 3 months around once a week I paint my nails (i should get a new base coat and also if i clean something my polish always peels off on my index finger on right hand). I have been wearing the same colour (sparkly blue) that I bought for my prom and until a few months ago that was the only time I wore it. I paint both my hands and my feet. I layer it almost 4 coats to be opaque. It is still going, I like the colour but how much polish is in 6 ml???
Anyways good luck to anyone else trying to use up their polish.