A vanity packed full of makeup, fragrances lining shelves, skin care filling cabinets, drawers cluttered with nail polish. These are all signs that perhaps you have an underlying cosmetics obsession. Buying too many cosmetics may seem like fun and games until the realization sets in that many of the products have only ever been used once or twice and some not at all. Signs that you have a cosmetics obsession include but are not limited to: talking about cosmetics all the time, constantly browsing websites and beauty ads, frequenting cosmetics stores, and buying cosmetics all the time. While this may not be an unhealthy obsession it can become financially draining. There are a few things you can do to save money on unnecessary purchases and to try to get a handle on the beauty beast.

Say you’re browsing a perfume website and see an ad for their newest scent. Maybe this new perfume has notes of melon, citrus, and jasmine. If you already own something similar, there really is no need to purchase this new scent. The same goes for makeup. If you see a new palette coming out with warm neutrals, you don’t need the palette if you can find at least two you already own with the exact same colors. It can be difficult to turn down new products even if you already own something similar, but it does save money. It also prevents you from having multiple palettes with the same colors that you aren’t going to use, and an endless array of hydrating moisturizers collecting dust.

If you’re trying to get an idea of how much you spend on cosmetics, try setting aside the money you would spend into a savings account. For example, if you see this new collagen infused facial serum for seventy-five dollars, take that money and stick it in a savings account. Do this every time you come across something that you really want for three months. It will be challenging not to purchase the product but at the end of the three months you can look to see how much money you have saved. Often, you’ll find that you don’t really need whatever product it was but if you do still want it then you will have the money set aside to buy it.

Look at all the products you already own. Go through everything and toss what is too old to keep. Expired products shouldn’t be kept and are only adding to the clutter. Afterwards go through and set aside anything that is unopened. If you know you are no longer interested in the product and aren’t going to use it, check to make sure it is still in good condition and then donate it to family and friends or a local women’s shelter. If the product is unopened but you still want to try it then keep it but don’t open it. Once you open the product you are starting the clock on its expiration. Put all unopened products you are keeping together and save them. Lastly, go through whatever is left. These are the products that you need to use up first. Wear fragrances you haven’t worn in a while. Rotate through some of your makeup you haven’t used. Use the products that you already bought and you may find that you fall in love with them all over again. Once you have made it a point to use up products that you own then you can open the products you have been saving.

While these are great strategies that can help lessen a makeup obsession, it is extremely hard to quit cold turkey. Sign up for a subscription box. If fragrances are your thing then sign up for a perfume subscription. Makeup lovers have a wide selection of choices when it comes to subscription services. If you want a variety of products then sign up for a box that varies in what they send out each month. This will give you a monthly treat when it comes to cosmetics and prevents you from going overboard.

The first step in any recovery program is to admit that you have a problem. While buying too many cosmetics is not one of the more serious issues, it can be costly and lead to hoarding. Hopefully these tips help you to ease up on the beauty purchases, but it is okay to make an occasional buy. Try to save those sprees for a sale or special occasion. If you feel yourself falling off the horse, reread this article and try to wait patiently for your subscription box.