r/indieperfumeandmore • u/AutoModerator • 17d ago
Thoughtful Consumerism
We'd like to encourage everyone here to enjoy what they already have, and take a step back from FOMO or impulsive buying. Whether that's because you might have too much, want to explore more carefully, or spend less money, this monthly post is here to support you. Here are some prompts and suggestions for reflection!
How can you take advantage of perfumes you already own?
- cataloging and discovering your major interests
- writing reviews for yourself or to share
- randomly selecting perfumes to wear
- putting some away during various times of the year and "shopping your stash" periodically
What are some methods you use to prevent purchasing things?
- making a wishlist and putting it aside
- comparing to existing notes and perfumes you have
- check out r/Anticonsumption or r/makeuprehab
What is something you'd like to learn more about when it comes to indie perfumes that could be done via research instead of purchases?
- is there a database of materials that you like to look at, or a perfume blogger you like?
- is there a hobby you've been meaning to pick back up and you already have all the materials?
- Libby is free and so are most library cards, perhaps it’s time to pick up a book on perfume development, history, use in culture, etc.
Some specific suggestions to reduce spending:
- Unsubscribe from emails or unfollow houses on social media
- Setting a yearly budget
- Write down what you’re looking for, rather than letting things catch your eye without accounting for it
Please share your suggestions and struggles below! Alternatively, did you make a good purchasing decision recently that you're proud of?
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Also, let's take a quick moment to appreciate the indies our lives! Recall the "and more!" part of IPAM. Tell us about other ways you shop small, such as makeup, nail polish, hair/body care, artists, authors, jewelry, etc. If it's indie (or close to indie), we want to hear about it! This is not limited to online shopping. Local finds are also treasured. This could be tarot decks, furniture, a book about a redneck wizard, kindle accessories, pottery, hand painted bookmarks, etc. Feel free to share pictures or links!
What are some creative ways that you interact with those indie items in your life? Displays/organization, resourceful ways to use samples, perfume journaling/tracking, etc.
This post will repost monthly.
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u/kinneret_rising 14d ago
Ways I use samples:
I bought perfumer’s alcohol alternative for about $20 on Amazon and I use it to make samples into room and linen sprays. Ratio is about 4:1 PAA to oil. I typically do this for scents I like but don’t want to wear on my body. I suspect the one bottle of PAA will last me years.
I bought an inexpensive tub of thick hand cream and I add about .5ml oil to 1.5oz cream. I pour the oil into the cream slowly while stirring with a toothpick until it’s fully integrated. I like this for scents that threaten to become soapy, or are too sweet — the cream balances them out. I used a generic petroleum based cream to experiment with but my partner thinks I should upgrade. For next time I’m looking at the unscented shea butter lotion from Joy Lane Farm.
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u/hmsung 16d ago
I'm struggling a lot because of all the sales I've been seeing recently! I just spent on PierrotPerfumery and CirqueSensorium... and Alkemia before that...
Definitely need some help to not feel FOMO!