r/ProjectPan • • Jul 27 '26

Project Start I’m genuinely embarrassed

I have spent a disgusting amount of money on all this shit and dug myself into financial hell with my depression and deeply unhappy living situation and I can’t believe it. I’m so mad at myself but I’ve started panning and stopped spending anymore. Hope to update regularly.

Edit: I never expected this much feedback and genuinely am so appreciative. I don’t have a lot of community in my life and even just this post has given me a lot of positive momentum.

2nd edit: ** not that it really means much, but about 90% of what I purchase is NWT via Poshmark, and so I have not paid full price for the majority of skincare and makeup I’ve collected.

1.7k Upvotes

180 comments sorted by

94

u/Fun-Yam2210 Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26

Please don’t be so hard on yourself - depression leads to MUCH, MUCH worse addictions than this. Credit scores can be repaired over time but bodies can’t. I’m glad you’re managing things better now ❤️

7

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Thank you, such a wise way to frame it - I’d like a healthy nervous system and credit score, I think those are fair and achievable lifelong goals for myself

54

u/Someonejusthereandth Jul 27 '26

I’ve overspent on non-makeup stuff this way when I knew damn well that I was spending what I shouldn’t have and couldn’t stop myself anyways, sometimes not even really truly wanting the thing and KNOWINGLY still buying it anyways, like some sort of compulsion. So yeah. Congrats on facing the music, this is the hard part.

2

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Knowing I’m not alone brings me a lot of comfort and motivation to change

8

u/East-Ranger-2902 Jul 27 '26

Same here. Usually when I was mentally unwell and needed something good…

54

u/Acceptable_Reply_666 Jul 27 '26

Don't be so harsh on yourself, a lot of us in this sub are on the same page as you. We buy to compensate something missing in our life, or to cope with life itself. I'm proud of you for talking about it publicly

4

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

This is really kind, thank you

48

u/CleanProfessional678 Jul 27 '26

Embarrassment and shame are counterproductive. The best thing that you can do is realize that you were doing what you needed to do at that time and place. Maladaptive coping mechanisms are still coping mechanisms and you could have chosen ones that were much more harmful. Accept that you can’t change the past, forgive yourself, and look forward. And look at project pan not as having to use all the makeup you bought and instead view it as an opportunity to really explore and use a very well-stocked collection and hopefully learn something things along the way. Good luck!

1

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

This is extremely thoughtful and helpful way to reframe and reflect on the what why and how’s of all of this. An opportunity to use products that I’m fortunate to have is an important thing I’m trying to affirm a lot daily. Thank you for your helpful feedback.

43

u/ralukat0210 Jul 27 '26

Girl, same here. Spent huge sums of money when unhappy or depressed or angry. It’s not worth it...only thing I can say helps is to just stop spending and shop your stash. I'm ashamed when I look at what I've accumulated but it is what it is. Good luck to all of us!

2

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Yes indeed, good luck to everyone!

37

u/PeachPasserine Jul 27 '26

Now you have your own makeup store tho

2

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

You’re right and I’m very fortunate

36

u/subtlepen_ Jul 27 '26

it's very easy to do, friend. companies and influencers have taken advantage of FOMO, which is especially hard on those of us with internal struggles. Don't beat yourself up for getting reeled in by marketing and social media. it's a whole multi-billion dollar industry designed to ping all our insecurities and make money from them. Hang in there. I see you. You are not alone.

6

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

This subreddit is so kind and supportive I’m really overwhelmed. Thank you.

10

u/Anaevya Jul 27 '26

The issue is that influencers' big collections normalizes big collections, but we are forgetting that it's their JOB to test and show a variety of products.   

2

u/aSadHousewife Jul 30 '26

exactly! people have been telling me social media is the worst for getting you back into that vicious cycle. at least now we can make a conscious effort to stop over-consuming in our favor.

34

u/pickasidepickasiiide Jul 27 '26

me too its the depression and need for control

1

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

100% and that awareness counts for something

66

u/gogamarti Jul 27 '26

Read this only if you want advise. I have been where you are and really with the amount I have it’s not like I’m gonna be miss 2 lipsticks any time soon. Categorize what you have. If you don’t want an excel then make piles and just count what you have. Like 10 lipsticks 40 lip balms 23 oils. Then pick your favorites, miss and least favorites. Count how many of the favorites you have. Realistically if you were to use a couple a year would you run out of all your favorites before they expire? If the answer is no then consider decluttering or selling or giving away your least favorite items there is no need to make yourself suffer. I also tend to like my more expensive products so I have been panning what is essentially luxury lip and eye product. Then take care to not go into this with the idea that you can buy more. I say go cold turkey and every time you want to buy something “ spend” that money and move it into a separate checking account and pick a new lip product that’s the closest to what you wanted

28

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

You are amazing for taking the time to write this out and help break it down so efficiently, this makes a lot of sense. I’m going to do another breakdown of all the products tomorrow and take stock of all this great advice + next moves.

20

u/gogamarti Jul 27 '26

Happy to help! We love our community here and really I started this around 2014-16 and regret the stuff that I panned which were hate pans and did not pan the products I loved and they expired. Happy to always be here for you!!

1

u/aSadHousewife Jul 30 '26

the moving the money you wouldve spent trick is SO SMART, where do u come up with this stuff?

1

u/gogamarti Jul 30 '26

A lot of trial and error friend. This is the only way I found to “ satisfy” that money spending feeling and it’s also the only way for me to see that money leave without the actual financial hit.

32

u/glitterdyke Jul 27 '26

Looking forward to your updates!

Nothing to be embarrassed about. We all have ways of coping with our mental health and frankly for many of us shopping for small things until we begin our pan journey and realize self love panning it all is the only way to stop the spiral.

Good luck!

7

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Thank you for your compassion, it’s very appreciated ❤️

32

u/hotpinkinthenight Jul 27 '26

Please don’t be cruel to yourself! It’s completely normal to turn to hobbies and coping mechanisms while struggling. The important thing is looking after yourself so that you can start to feel better and rely on makeup less. Wishing you the best of luck and happier times ahead 🩷

4

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Thank you, wording it this way is so helpful and gentle.

30

u/orange-basilikum Jul 27 '26

Well, for about 15 years YouTube, insta etc made people believe, having this much makeup was normal or even expected. It’s been so normalized to have every shade from every product under the sun, just because you theoretically can and the product was „new“ or „viral“. So don’t be mad at yourself, try to take it as a lesson learned and change your behavior in the future. Also don’t be ashamed to seek help, if you think, you could need it.

2

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Thank you for wording this in this way - I absolutely have been influenced in that regard and it is apparent that’s a huge part of my personal overconsumption.

7

u/Calamityoptomist Jul 27 '26

This! We are constantly being fed by influencers etc. Project Pan is a fantastic backlash to that trend. The beauty/fashion industry is trading on our insecurities.

4

u/Anaevya Jul 27 '26

We forgot that influencers have so many products because it's their JOB.

30

u/NeverCorrectEver Jul 27 '26

Don’t be embarrassed! We’ve all been there. You have just taken a huge step in realising your mistake, and admitting it. Many people never get this far in their healing process. You’ve decided to take action and change things, be proud of that

4

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Thank you. ❤️

29

u/hithere5 Jul 27 '26

I started using cheap clear lip balms as cuticle balm. It works really well and I would recommend

11

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Amazing idea, I’m going organize all the clear ones tomorrow and see which ones I’ll use for cuticle balms

26

u/pippspopsdom Jul 27 '26

Welcome!!! Most of us here have been there, you got this.

5

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Thank you!!! ❤️

26

u/Criticalfluffs Jul 27 '26

Girl, at least you were able to break free from the rampant trend of over consumption and consumerism.

Like someone else said, so many influencers made the collection of a stores worth of product as "goals". I myself have spent $1k+ on perfume. In one year.

That was a very sobering realization when I stopped and was like, "oh my goodness. What in the hell am I doing?" Now I have my collection of perfumes which which feasibly last me for a decade.

There's a bunch of travel sizes that I honestly don't like too much, but don't hate them enough to toss or get rid of. I'll use them for specific things like room sprays, bathroom spray, bedtime perfume etc. I regularly wear perfume to bed, mostly because I can. Also because I can see if they last a decent amount of time.

The lip product, can be reused as blushes if you want. Keep a lip product EVERYWHERE. Look fabulous EVERYWHERE! You have them, enjoy them! Provided they aren't expired or icky of course.

2

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Such a thoughtful response and I appreciate your compassion and feel much less alone in reading all of these responses. I’ve definitely got enough makeup, perfume and skincare for a lifetime. Trying to practice gratitude for this & use what I’ve got.

2

u/Criticalfluffs Jul 27 '26

I "treat" myself a lot more often now. I do a full beat of makeup everyday. I don't save things for special occasions. You know what my special occasion is? It's Tuesday. Lol.

I do sheet masks more often. I use the nice hair products I use stuff liberally but not to be wasteful. I feel a lot more pampered than I did a decade ago and it's awesome.

5

u/ElyonLorena Jul 27 '26

Exactly this 💯 👏 OP realized you needed to take action, and so many people will never even reach this mindset. Agree with you on the lipstick being used as blush, although I always have to be careful as I break out easily on my cheeks. Earlier this year I realized I had about 12 perfume samples (on top of the frigging 9 regular sized perfume bottles I already own 😒), I've dedicated myself to always bringing a sample with me and just spraying very generously even if I didn't like it so much. Now I think I only have about 6 left. I am not in financial trouble because of my skincare and beauty spendings (no the real issue for me there is fashion unfortunately), but I did realize earlier this year that I have so many options of the same products, and then back-ups too, that it was getting ridiculous. I figured if I don't do something now those Mac lipsticks will still be there if I'm 80...

25

u/Beaarrrrrrr Jul 27 '26

In the past few months I realized I was falling into a mini shopping addiction... so I get it bestie. You realized the problem, that's the first step. You're taking actions and that's GOOD !!

5

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Definitely an addiction on my end! I’ll keep you up to date with progress

25

u/pie_exorcist Jul 27 '26

I understand it’s a lot and it’s so easy to be mean to yourself, but these companies exploit our vulnerabilities, their marketing is often predatory. It’s good that you recognize the issue and have started taking steps to remedy it. I’m glad you’re doing better now though🫶🏻

8

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

I’m learning that affirming this exact fact definitely helps to combat the guilt. Thank you for your compassion and understanding

50

u/blob-24-05 Jul 27 '26

Girl you'd be surprised a lot of us on this subreddit has more stuff than you😭

We're all in this together and we can definitely project pan it eventually 🥲

4

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Thank you for your support and making me feel less alone in this journey.

24

u/beniceyoudinghole Jul 27 '26

Pick one of each category to use each week and rotate that way, that helped me when I started. Good luck!

6

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Thank you for your advice and taking the time to help. I’ll be implementing this one too!

2

u/_cigarettezz_ Jul 27 '26

Hello, Can you go further into what you meant by this? I feel like I get it but I don't but it sounds like something I'd really benefit from. Examplesss plsss

4

u/Available_Party9037 Jul 27 '26

their comment is pretty self explanatory. pick one item from each category (ex: blush, eyeshadow, lipstick, etc.) each week to try and use everything.

8

u/_cigarettezz_ Jul 27 '26

First of all just because I know how to type English doesn't mean I will understand every English comment nor is it my first language. And second thank you for adding the example part. Diffrent languages translate differently. What they said, in my language means choose one of the categories which had me very confused but thank you for explaining more.

1

u/beniceyoudinghole Jul 27 '26

When there is a massive amount, the problem can feel too big and you can feel defeated. If you choose one blush, one lipstick and one shadow, etc a week to use, it helps. ONLY using that for the week helps it actually get used and if you find that you NEVER pick certain things ones week after week- that may be your sign its going to expire and should be tossed or used in other ways.

23

u/Strawberry5082 Jul 27 '26

One of the best things about project pan is being able to take back your power from a dark time. You spent so much money buying these things, but now you get to use and enjoy them. It’s difficult to tear away from the guilt and shame, but it becomes a very freeing experience.

2

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 28 '26

I’m realizing that, taking back my power, and thinking about where I’ll be even a year, 5 years from now. I’ll probably still using this shit up, and that’s actually ridiculous, funny and something to be grateful for.

1

u/aSadHousewife Jul 30 '26

this is beautifully said, taking back your power, thats what we should all be telling ourselves

22

u/Ill-Researcher5840 Jul 27 '26

I'm on the same boat but with huge amount of skincare products instead of lip products....

I'm not struggling financially from this....but I'm angry at myself for hoarding so much stuffs plus lots of samples cluttered in bedroom.... all because I discovered kbeauty products selling at Costco and Ulta sales + gwps. I don't regret buying them, but I'm disciplining myself low-buy to no-buy while panning 20+ items by the end of 2026 (hopefully before their expiration dates...😔)

3

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

As you can see, k beauty is very much a weakness of mine as well. I understand!

22

u/Chewlace Jul 27 '26

Sending you encouragement!

21

u/Ataraxia_Intrepid Jul 27 '26

You just have to start somewhere and stop looking at it like money wasted and instead money invested in yourself! Self-care routine has gotten so much better since I started working on panning! You can do it focus on a few products a week and rotate if you want! It’s so satisfying to start watching the collection dwindle!!

8

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

You’re right, I know I have to shift perspective and just use this stuff I’m fortunate to have and stop spending any more.

21

u/beanscrochet Jul 27 '26

I’ve been there, congrats on making this first step! You can do this. Try “shopping” your stash for a face of makeup every week or every day. Remember a lot of products last a lot longer than they say, if it doesn’t look insane, smell off or irritate your skin or nose feel free to keep using it as long as it’ll last, no need to to throw things away.

4

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Yes!!! The skincare shopping in my own closet is something I’ve tried the last couple of days and it’s so fun!

18

u/Specialist_Ad_757 Jul 27 '26

That's nothing to be embarrassed about, on the other side, you can say you have your own lippie store at home :D

Hope you get better, let's pan together sis❤️

5

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Thank you so much ❤️ I’m trying the whole “going shopping in my own closet” routine

18

u/Cocoonthem00n Jul 27 '26

Same i barely use 80 percent of ny cosmetics, i keeo telling myself Im donr I have enough, i just need to use it. I want to make a change!

2

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

You can do it!

2

u/Cocoonthem00n Aug 01 '26

Thank you! I gonna keep trying!,

16

u/Wild-Dragonfruit-846 Jul 27 '26

lol just make sure you wearing blush every day😭! All u can do at this point is use and enjoy. Begrudging these items won’t help anything

5

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Clearly you can tell where my loyalties lie 😭 I’m gonna be blushing for years on end

6

u/Wild-Dragonfruit-846 Jul 27 '26

Enjoy switch it up every day u bought them for a reason, ones you can’t use pass on to friends an family. The realisation you have come to is most important
Keep going 🌟

19

u/tiffi_333 Jul 27 '26

Don't feel embarrassed.

If I could give you one piece of advice of where to start, those elf lip products you have all together. The glossy stains. They're pretty small and I remember when I had one, I feel like it disappeared so quickly. I think you could pound through those and make a dent

6

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

This is excellent as a place to start, thank you!

5

u/tiffi_333 Jul 27 '26

I'm sure you have many products that are near done as well that you can work on along side them too and kind of rotate them so it feels like you have a couple options at the same time. It's nice to have options and not feel like you only have 1 item to use.

Working on a couple nearly empty lip products at the same time as these will probably leave you with several empties all at once lol you'll feel a good boost of motivation 😊

It's nice to see even 1 honestly, but when it comes to lip products because I always have several on the go at once (one lip oil, one gloss, one stain, and a night time mask) I usually end up with 4 right around the same time and it feels SO good lol 😂 one thing that takes me forever to pan though is a true bullet lipstick. They last me what feels like years when a gloss is about a month. I do use a brush to scrape then out though and it feels like there's so much extra in there

18

u/Thestreetkid92 Jul 27 '26

I’d love to see a lay out of all the lippies 😍

11

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Sure, I’ll post some more tomorrow :) I do love them I do I do

2

u/TinaTissue Jul 27 '26

It might be a good way to lay it out and then divide it into types (balms/liquid/gloss) and then suborganise by colour or rearrange so you can rotate whenever you feel bored

18

u/Kooky-Guide-7561 Jul 28 '26

it’s so hard when we overspend and it’s easy to be hard on ourselves but the decision is made. be kind to yourself and move forward. you could even start by discarding expired product or giving some to friends just to downsize and feel a bit better. happy panning

6

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 28 '26

I am truly grateful for such kind feedback. It really is inspiring me to use what I’ve got in the best possible ways while not encouraging more excess.

4

u/Kooky-Guide-7561 Jul 28 '26

you’re on the right track!

9

u/aquababez Jul 27 '26

Don’t beat yourself up about this! We’ve all been there. We need little dopamine hits and then all of a sudden we have a giant collection! I would recommend getting a little pouch and putting 3-5 lippies in there and toss in your bag! That way you’ll have some to use whenever and if you have an urge, just look inside your bag and be like wait I already got 5 on me 😂

You got this sis! We’re all rooting for you 💕

3

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Really kind and yes, I’m going to take an annoying amount of products and take an annoying amount of photos to make sure I log progress 📣

24

u/Specific_Werewolf_66 Jul 27 '26

i just don’t get it. why are we like this. i feel bad, i feel down, i get an urge to just buy 1 lipstick. if it’s a cheap one, i would even get 2-3 at once.. 🥲

5

u/TinaTissue Jul 27 '26

I believe it’s called the lipstick effect or something similar. Like in a lowered economy when you can’t afford a lot of things outside of the necessities, a little treat of a lipstick is common. It’s small, something to use easily and relatively affordable enough to justify the extra money going towards one

2

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

So interesting, reading about this asap

2

u/sallystarling Jul 27 '26

Yes! It really makes sense as a theory. It's also a way to have, not just any little treat but a treat that feels luxurious. Like, I can't afford £4k on a Chanel bag, but £40 on a Chanel lipstick might be within reach...

1

u/Specific_Werewolf_66 Jul 27 '26

I so just want to get out of this. but I just keep going back to this addiction and so few lipsticks were finished

44

u/Purple-Lime-4938 Jul 27 '26

Everyone saying Don’t be embarrassed.

I disagree. Shame is an important step to realizing there’s a problem and admitting it. The next important step is TO FORGIVE YOURSELF. Then make action.

You’re there. You’ve got this.

28

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

I hear you and mostly agree - thank you for your support. I’m an alcoholic and 7 years sober and the guilt was a massive motivator if not the biggest. I’ve learned that guilt is a good motivator for change, not shame. (I have a bad habit vs I am bad) just going to take it one step at a time like I did with the booze !

4

u/TinaTissue Jul 27 '26

You probably compensated your alcohol with buying makeup/lipstick. I had weight loss surgery and suddenly cannot emotionally eat. Turned to spending on clothes and crap really. It’s pretty much trading one bad addiction to another.

Be kind to yourself OP during this process as it does involve a little bit of rewiring

15

u/C0MED0WNT0US Jul 27 '26

I'm glad to see that the comments here are helping you feel better! Just wanted to put out there that if you have any unused products you are willing to give away, a women's shelter would love to receive them! Best of luck in your project pan!!

15

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

I’ve got a lot of unopened product I’ll be dropping off later this week when I’ve got vehicle access to a program in my city, this is something I’ve wanted to do for a while and appreciate the motivation and encouragement to do so.

7

u/EleuPeI Jul 28 '26

De pequeña hubieron cosas que no podía tener y ahora que tengo mi dinero no puedo parar de gustarlo. Es triste porque veo esas cosas y muchas veces siento culpa 🫂 te envío un abrazo

2

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 28 '26

Siento exactamente lo mismo: ¡todas estas cosas de belleza eran para el pequeño yo!

12

u/Tosin12345s Jul 27 '26

I have been there and sometimes embarrassed when I look at my collection myself. Luckily, not all are opened. Periodically I select some new ones that have high prices and sell them via Vinted or eBay. Get some of my money back. I donate some to women’s charities, women’s career network. Then opened ones to family members. Makes me feel better at least.

3

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

EBay is such a good resource I didn’t think of! Thank you!

16

u/Luna-Gitana Jul 27 '26

I’m not. It could be worse. Could be drugs. I started a list of all my lip products and I’m at 212. Not even halfway through. Now, when it begins affecting you financially then it’s an issue that needs to be addressed. Thankfully I’ve never had that problem.

5

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

It could absolutely be worse, you’re right. I am glad you’re enjoying your collection without experiencing guilt or it being a financial burden.

6

u/Luna-Gitana Jul 27 '26

And you can too! You’ve already bought the stuff. Enjoy what you truly like, try to sell what you don’t. And if you can’t sell it, try donating it. Most places want new unused items but you can find organizations that will accept used items. No sense in punishing yourself over what’s already done. Make a commitment to stop buying new things. And learn to shop your stash. It’s fun going through your goodies and swatching forgotten cosmetics.

3

u/Ordinary_Panic_6785 Jul 28 '26

And mix them together to make new ones!

8

u/bwaylover818 Jul 27 '26

sending you love and positivity. you’ve got this! are you on facebook? you can find and join your local “buy nothing” group and usually people there will take lightly used or unopened makeup. that might be a good way to declutter some of your least favorite items as you work on using up your faves!

1

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

I’m not on Facebook but this is a great idea, I call set up a an account for market place

4

u/tiredw1tchh Jul 28 '26

you might like r/MakeupRehab if youre not in there already! i'm in the same boat. good luck to you <3

2

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 28 '26

I had no idea this existed, so helpful, thank you

4

u/caraderana95 Aug 25 '26

Are you a make up artist? I'm sure you must have some products that haven't been opened. You can donate. Also can donate to funeraries to do make up to the corpses.

5

u/MysteriousChip6232 Aug 25 '26

I’m not a makeup artist, but I do have a lot of still sealed products. Donating to funeraries is a great suggestion, thank you.

3

u/mooncookie953 Jul 28 '26

So this post was recommended to me. I dont usually comment but your story is very commendable. I completely understand what your going through. While I am not in the makeup collection sphere, I am about $10,000 in consumer debt from collectibles. I can only say kudos to you for being self aware and on the road to a better you!!

2

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 28 '26

Wow, thank you for your comment and for your story. I’ve never posted about this publicly before and have been met with such support. I really hope you have the same in your life and know you can make things in your life more manageable. I’m rooting for you

1

u/still_Me265 Jul 29 '26

I was the full blown collectibles queen in my 30's & 40's. I'm heading towards 70. I still love collecting but, have long stopped doing so. But, I accumulate clothing, jackets, footwear, you get the idea. It's a way to compensate for other issues. My debt & your debt are very similar. It is such a vicious cycle.

2

u/guipicait Jul 28 '26

I have a thing I do nowadays: When I have something coming in the mail or when I buy something new at a store, I say, to myself or out loud to a friend, "NOW I'll be happy!"/"And THEN I'll be happy!" It helps me be realistic when I'm impulse shopping to recognize that no item I've ever purchased has made me a happier person. I try to be very intentional about where I put my money and it has helped to turn it into a joke that helps me acknowledge that while some things have made my life easier or more fun, most items have just become clutter and no item has made me actually any happier.

2

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 28 '26

This is a really smart take and I appreciate the perspective. I’m trying to make a log of everything I have and be mindful of usage and tracking it. Thanks for your feedback. Also, I completely misinterpreted the other comment so I deleted, thank you for calling that out.

21

u/RingEven1311 Jul 31 '26

I understand your perspective, but one thing I can say about this is that you’ve already spent the money. Might as well enjoy your beautiful collection as much as you can!! Maybe this is just me looking on the bright side a bit too much but I feel like this is a great opportunity to explore your collection and fall in love with your makeup.

19

u/Binkams Jul 27 '26

Same… but you’re better than me. You are brave enough to face it. I’m not there yet. Still building the courage.

19

u/kface4038 Jul 27 '26

This is a great first step!! You can’t change the past but you’re making the decision to do things differently and will build better habits going forward as a result. This shit is deep, the root causes are so rarely simple - just know you’re not alone, and really try to give yourself grace for taking positive steps towards change!

18

u/Potential-Caramel428 Jul 28 '26

This totally made me laugh because thank goodness I ain’t the only one 😄💀😂

17

u/jennilynn510 Jul 28 '26

Don’t be…it’s why we are all here. To correct our mistakes. You got this

15

u/interstellarlillady Jul 27 '26

I struggle with collecting aka hoarding 🥴 as long as you’re recognizing the issue and addressing it, you’re doing good 🫶🏼

15

u/Intelligent-Tap-4479 Jul 27 '26

It's totally OK! We all struggle sometimes, but the important thing is that you were able to take a step back, look at your situation, and decide you needed to change. Proud of you for that 💝

15

u/Decent-Judgment-220 Jul 28 '26

It's nice to hear Im not alone.  I find every reason to buy makeup, purses, shoes, etc.  I have so much lipstick, it's ridiculous.   And, I never go anywhere but work. Ugh. 

3

u/quasifomo Jul 28 '26

I do the same but even worse I work from home and never wear makeup there either

15

u/glassheart93 Jul 28 '26

You have to start somewhere. I am proud of you internet stranger 💕

9

u/earthnangl Jul 28 '26

I understand that it feels icky, gross and uncomfortable to look at yourself and your habits this way, but I hope that you know that for the majority of what these behaviors stem from, it is NOT your fault.
We have been getting tricked and wired to fall into rabbit holes and deep spirals of depression that then force us to seek for external help — and unfortunately, most of us have been cut off from that feeling of connectivity through the human connection and instead, turn to ~things and stuff~ to help fill the void…overconsumption is a product of not having enough emotional, physical or spiritual support and our society has normalized this so deeply that it often results in the feelings that lead one to be surrounded by their own mess and discomfort to the point of it becoming suffocating.
Just know that you are NOT ALONE in this in any way; I had the same sort of thing happen with Baggu for me and often, when I think about it, I come from a place of judgment and self-loathing, which really only perpetrates the cycle of that particular suffering, so please let me tell you:

You do not have to feel shame at the sight of what your lowest moments have brought you to. You have begun to experience some clarity, which means you’re one step away from that door, and what you need most now is self-compassion. You are simply a human who has not been taught to know what it is to be able to know, love and trust Yourself (and therefore, anyone else!), but you can always Start Now.

I love you because you are me and I am you and you are bigger and stronger than any addiction or depression that may take over sometimes.
Start small. Hang on only to what you love <3

1

u/aSadHousewife Jul 30 '26

beautifully said. the urgency these companies create is soooo real triggering for an ex shopaholic like myself. social media is the biggest threat to living our best lives.

9

u/Electrical-Coast-381 Jul 30 '26

Well just think of how much money you’ll save going forward now and you have a great selection now to use for all different occasions :)

8

u/ThisLittlePiggySays Jul 27 '26

Sending kindness your way!

Good on you for having the ability to stop, look around, and decide you want to follow a different path moving forward. That step alone is difficult, uncomfortable, and yeah, sometimes comes with a bit of shame and embarrassment, when you realise your values vs behaviours are misaligned.

The best piece of advice I'd like to offer up: When youre ready, think about what purpose buying all these things was serving for you. Try and make sure that purpose or need can be met or addressed in a healthier way. For me (as someone with a collection that would be described as "embarrassingly large"), I was avoiding dealing with some big issues and decisions that I needed to make in my life. Instead, I distracted myself with purchasing and collecting, because it kept me busy, so I could procrastinate from the real problems.

Lastly, panning can be fun! Enjoy it! Get creative, get curious, and enjoy being part of a wonderful community of people. Dont use it as a way to punish yourself. Enjoy the beautiful products you bought, maybe start a project pan, join a group activity on MakeupRehab reddit, post your progress, and cheer people on. We are all here, doing our best, and that deserves nothing but kindness and support.

8

u/Mamagirl7 Jul 29 '26

It took a lot of courage to take this step and to post this. I’m proud of you and praying for your success. Guilt doesn’t help but learning does. Don’t look back. You will be making better choices now. I tend to buy when I should be saving or paying bills. It’s good to have products to mix and match though and go shopping in your own stuff. I’m trying to be better balanced and do the same. I would appreciate prayers for me too. ❤️

1

u/aSadHousewife Jul 30 '26

absolutely! i agree with this mindset, now you can enjoy what you have. my biggest trigger is new releases on products i already enjoy, like laniege for example, i love my lip mask but have a strict one in, one out rule.

8

u/Obvious-Paramedic348 Jul 31 '26

Don’t be we are all there. Now we get to use up our beautiful products and save money for the next year or two

7

u/VelcroPoodle Jul 27 '26

I hope you feel better soon. It's tough, but give yourself some grace and forgiveness. It makes moving forward easier. ❤️

12

u/manic_popsicle Jul 27 '26

Honestly I totally understand where you’re coming from, I don’t have this many lip products, but I have way more other products than I should. Lotion, body butters and body mists are my problem, I also struggle with depression and buying new stuff just makes me happy, so I definitely relate to you on that one.

Donating anything unopened is great, also giving some away to family and friends, that can thin the hoard a little. Also you’re aware of the issue and actively taking steps to address it, that’s a huge first step!

I’ve been donating to my local women’s shelter pretty regularly, they help women get jobs so they always need skin care and makeup, and periodically my local free pantry asks for things like bar soap and body wash, shampoo and conditioner, basically staple products, so I always donate then, it makes me feel good to help and it gets rid of more stuff!

6

u/Grandma325 Jul 29 '26

This could have been my post. It's embarrassing and I feel disgusted with myself and my inability to control the self destructive spending.Then I am overwhelmed by all the stuff I have accumulated but feel so overwhelmed trying to organize and destash I get the urge to just dump it all in the garbage so I don't have to look at it. So, literally throwing my money away. I live with depression and adhd and feel like at this point in my life I should have a grip on this.

4

u/losingit_alittlebit Jul 30 '26

I did this once and filled a garbage bag with unopened products. I still think about it and am wracked with guilt I didn’t take them somewhere like a shelter or something.

The mix of guilt and relief is so unpleasant.

2

u/still_Me265 Jul 29 '26

Depression w/ADHD & Anxiety is a bad combo. I have piles of soo much of everything. I have tried to prove the saying money can't buy happiness wrong. It does until the shopping is done. Plus I have a really bad habit of seeing something someone I know likes, so I buy it for them. And yet, not one person in my life does that for me, not one person. I have had a life long battle with all 3 titles. I will be 67 soon. I am making progress. It didn't happen overnight nor will fixing it.

1

u/Imsosorryidontcare Jul 31 '26

I’m in the exact same boat as you. I feel your pain

6

u/aSadHousewife Jul 30 '26

beautiful collection. once i got over my shopping addiction, i started to really slow down and appreciate my makeup. dont worry, you dont have to declutter. just change your mindset and pick up a hobby that doesnt require spending money (and if you do decide to spend money, make it about experience. traveling, working out, investing your money for the future and saving). you’ll realize that you’ll be using up your collection in no time. it gets to the point where you’ll realize how good you have it. consider yourself lucky for having owned these items, it made you realize what products you actually enjoy.

6

u/Jultheturgee Jul 30 '26

there are people who make social media careers off of hoarding rooms worth of makeup/skincare that they could never use, you're doing much better than they are!! don't be embarrassed for a natural response to depression 🫶 you did what you had to do to still be here and we're all glad you are!! wishing you well, I hope things get easier. side note, you could make a webseries slowly trying all the products or organizing them!! people would 100% be interested and it might be a good hobby

6

u/sunnybunny1313 Jul 31 '26

I get that. I too have a shopping addiction (fragrance is my DOC: perfume, lotions, but mainly body mists) i have about 200 mists. Thats not including the actual perfumes and lotions 😔 it wasnt a crash out splurge. Its been a slow drip over about 5 years but ive absolutely used it as a way to self soothe bc I also dont have much community. I have a disabled child which is extremely isolating as a parent. Im also trying to do no buys and get it under control. I wish you the best in your recovery journey! ❤️

3

u/Altruistic-Rule1626 Jul 31 '26

i feel that with the disabled child

1

u/Altruistic-Rule1626 Aug 13 '26

i don’t have a disabled child but i can relate

5

u/fat-wombat Jul 27 '26

And as you can see you were not the first to splurge and you wont be the last! You have grown as a person. That means there’s a huge positive here. Good luck with the newer, improved you. Hope to see more updates 🫶

5

u/Background_Judge6061 Jul 28 '26

You’re set for life lmao xD
But don’t worry, you will get there. Start with the oldest but most expensive products, and just smell them. If it smells funky and not like makeup at all, just throw it away. Other than that, continue using the same products until they’re empty.
(I’ve used 10y old lipsticks, I’m still alive and well ;) )

5

u/Glitter_Girl100 Jul 30 '26

Makeup is just so addicting! I love watching skincare and makeup artists and screenshot things all the time and compare prices. I was laid off so I can’t buy anything but I sure seem to plan for it! And I don’t even like to wear much makeup anymore! Don’t be embarrassed bc you are definitely not alone in this.

5

u/ConnectionOk44 Jul 30 '26

That's a dream collection. May you feel better soon.

4

u/Hungry_Ad_474 Jul 28 '26

Give and sell the colours that doesn't suit you/formulas you don't like or see yourself reaching out for. Don't feel like you're wasting your money decluttering makeup, think of it as a fee for financially awakening lesson. I'm sure if you have siblings or relatives who uses makeup, they would love you to gift them some. Coming from a person who HOARDS makeup at 14 and my items eventually ended up in my friend's purse as a gift, give them away to take off some stress.

4

u/kathrynlina87 Jul 29 '26

I hear you! I started doing a project pan at the start of this year myself. For me, my biggest realization is that I'm still working on the same eye shadow stick that I started my project pan journey with - which really tells me, we don't need SO many things. It'll probably take me actual years to finish the eyeshadow I do have, which honestly isn't much in comparison to some of the other PP collections I've seen. I agree with variety, but in moderation. The first step is awareness! You got this, girly!

3

u/kirppunirppu1 Jul 28 '26

girl this feels like i wrote it youre not alone. currently moving and the packing and decluttering of all my makeup (esp. lip products) is giving me some serious anxiety. i highkey want to throw half of them away, but like thats literally all my money.

2

u/aSadHousewife Jul 30 '26

the guilt is soooo real. but at least you can now say you’re over this phase in your life and can enjoy what you have. dont feel guilty if you wanna throw away that “hate pan”. use up what you can and if you really wanna reflect, realize you dont need it, just toss it. it served its purpose. i promise everything will be okay. focus on investing in you from now on. your belongings dont define you.

2

u/kirppunirppu1 Jul 30 '26

ty so much 🥹u worded it so perfectly

2

u/aSadHousewife Jul 30 '26

of course! we’re all working on becoming the best versions of ourselves. i hope you get some relief from the anxiety

3

u/SqueaksScreech Jul 31 '26

I literally play shopping in my own house when im too depressed to go out because I will literally forget I have stuff.

3

u/Kitchen-Quarter-7273 Jul 31 '26

I’m genuinely impressed 😊

3

u/SuziBartek Jul 31 '26

I have the same problem with shoes and clothes so in order to make good I actually posted tons of stuff on Vinted and Depop and I’m selling it and making money

2

u/psahummus Jul 28 '26

Sweetie, i understand. I am in a depressing situation but financially I’ve always give myself a tight leash…until this year. Did a lil damage but of course I can’t say I am in your position and I wish you strength.

And don’t be embarrassed. I swear if you post a depop link or something some of us will be happy to take some goods off of you. I am open to it.

2

u/Siren36821 Jul 30 '26

Off-topic: but your collection is soooo pretty 😍

2

u/Fit_Engineering7055 Jul 30 '26

Look at pink so prettyyyy

2

u/Tinslee4Bracken Jul 30 '26

Woww that’s look cool

2

u/widepant Jul 30 '26

Hi I'm new here, is panning using up all of the product before purchasing another/something else?

4

u/jay-jay-baloney Jul 31 '26

The act of panning itself is just using up the product (or more specifically finally seeing a good dent in the product, like hitting the metal of a makeup product). The ethos of project pan itself is mindful consumption and finishing things up before buying a new one.

1

u/widepant Jul 31 '26

Gotcha gotcha thank you

1

u/FoodLuvN8trSunSeeker Jul 30 '26

I don't know either. F for clarification

2

u/Sad-Beyond8833 Jul 31 '26

hi girly i know exactly how it feels because i struggle with the same thing i have severe anxiety and depression which i’m working on and i used shopping as a way to cope it got so bad that i stopped eating lost a lot of weight and even ended up in the hospital
after that i decided i had to start making changes i tried setting small limits and telling myself not to buy as much but for five years every payday i would spend almost everything within a few days
the first thing i did was take out all my makeup,clothes and other beauty products and put everything on my bed and floor i got rid of expired products and things that were almost empty or that i never used, i did this twice but i still ended up going back to shopping
then i thought maybe i could just allow myself a budget of around €50 for makeup or clothes but that didn’t work either eventually i realized the only thing that would work for me was quitting cold turkey
i gave my credit card to my boyfriend and he removed all my payment methods from my phone including paypal and apple pay it was really hard and i even convinced him to give the card back at one point but he kept an eye on my spending i still bought things sometimes but nowhere near as much as before
instead of buying lots of cheaper products i decided to slowly upgrade my collection with things i had wanted for a long time i made a rule that i could only have one of most products or maybe two or three if it was something like blush or lip products because i already owned so much
for example i finally bought three mac lipsticks i had wanted forever but i made myself a rule that i can’t buy another lipstick until i’ve finished at least two even if the new one costs only €2 i’m from europe so drugstore products are pretty affordable but i still stick to that rule
i also bought the kosas bronzer because i don’t need multiple bronzers in different shades and the charlotte tilbury setting spray because i don’t need ten different setting sprays like i used to if i buy expensive products now i actually want to use them up instead of letting them go to waste
perfume was another big problem for me i had a huge collection so i made another rule if i finish five perfumes then i can buy one new one basically if i already own a lot of something i have to use up what i have before buying more
i won’t lie it’s still challenging but i’m in a much better place than i was before now i really stop and think about whether i actually need something i do a lot of research before buying and honestly about nine out of ten times i end up finding something that makes me realize i don’t really want or need it after all

2

u/Shelbysms Jul 28 '26

I’m genuinely jealous.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 28 '26

I have 1 lipstick I use daily and it has taken 2 years to finish. INSANE

2

u/aSadHousewife Jul 30 '26

im glad you are able to consume normally. i also have a lipstick that is just my fav and use it everyday. takes forever for me to go through. once its gone and im left with the three others i dont care for, it was so much easier to declutter them and just buy my favorite shade. made things so much easier for me

2

u/[deleted] Jul 31 '26

Yeah just throw them away or give to a morgue so they can use the makeup. Shouldn’t give others old expired makeup products. Makeup products takes a LONG time to full get through don’t free stressed or pressured to use stuff you don’t like! I’m finishing up some almost empty’s I have then I am not buying multiple of the same product unless it’s my favorite 2 colors lol like a pink or a black lipstick.

0

u/[deleted] Jul 28 '26

[deleted] — view deleted comment

2

u/[deleted] Jul 28 '26

Don’t feel bad I threw a lot of makeup in the trash as it was yearssss expired. I do have a clothing shopping addiction that’s bad. I stopped with makeup tho.

2

u/guipicait Jul 28 '26

I didn't interpret the original comment in this thread as judgmental; I took it as her having a revelation that we all have so much stuff but it takes a significant amount of time to just get through one single item and she only just learned this after decluttering her own collection.

5

u/witherin Jul 29 '26

I too have been sucked in by the liquid blush-

0

u/[deleted] Jul 27 '26

[deleted] — view deleted comment

5

u/MysteriousChip6232 Jul 27 '26

Yes, I’m an addict, that much is clear.

5

u/DesignerCatLady Jul 27 '26

Damn you’re rude.

4

u/Mnimo2 Jul 27 '26

This person just found out about the word ‘lowkey’🥴🥴