De-influencing thread - reasons why NOT to buy things

[Whowhatwerewolf]

Like quite a few people on here I have been trying to reduce or eliminate buying new clothes or beauty treats in 2026. For the most part I've failed miserably but I'm going to keep trying. One thing that helps me greatly is being de-influenced from a purchase. Unfortunately I'm very easily influenced by advertisements but my saving grace is that I can be easily dissuaded from buying things also.

Recently two lovely posters (@Johanna and @Cortietat ) managed to stop me from buying overpriced Sweaty Betty pilates socks and a potentially somewhat wonky Eribé fair isle cardigan respectively by telling me what wasn't so great about these items. I'm so appreciative as this has saved me heaps of money. So I was wondering whether anyone else has anything they'd liked to be talked out of purchasing?

The idea is to post something on this thread that you're considering buying despite trying to save money via a no buy or low buy commitment or simply because you're not sure about a purchase. Other posters respond to say why you shouldn't buy. If anyone thinks what you're considering getting is the best thing since sliced bread and you should definitely proceed they keep quiet about it please as this isn't the thread for that.

So...is anyone in?

just reached this comment - ignore my other post, or train yourself to like dark chocolate!

I’ve bought that and it made my nails look like I’d dipped them in diluted Ribena then put a clear varnish on top.
Actually save yourself he money and dip them in Ribena instead.

New ones are too techy, get an older model, don’t get the one you can use cordless as it takes ages between zaps and nobody has 3feet long legs to need a cordless one.

So you guys are posting expensive but frivolous stuff you want and everyone is going to mildly insult it to put you off? This is fascinating anthropologically.

It’s show over the top of gym wear because that’s how thin your clothes will need to be to make it sit right. The cut is very tight.

Got sucked in and it’s the worst I’ve ever bought. Smears the side. I have basically white kitchen sides and I’ve tried many things to make them shine. Nothing better than flash in my opinion.

The lilly styler is exactly the same and 10% the cost. The hair dryer attachment is underpowered. You'll still need a decent hairdryer if you're not balding. Curling your hair with it is not easy at all and takes practice. It's more frustrating than having your toddler insist on tying their own shoelaces whilst wearing mittens. I've given up on it. The hot brush attachment is great. But you could just buy a hot brush

Have we done Dyson Airwrap yet?

Magnesium Glycinate fixed my peri sleep issues (I take the wellgard tablets from amazon).

I'll get my coat.

Ive got a Lumea. Its ok but it takes forever. Waxing or shaving is 100 times quicker. It does work on me but I haven't got the patience for it. So its in a cupboard. I see it sometimes now when Im looking for something and think I must get round to using that but I never do.

@Specialagentblond

so…what…she isn’t allowed to buy and wear any nice clothes?? And just go round looking and feeling like crap?? Nah. Another option is that she can teach her kids to respect her and her clothes.

You are missing the point of the thread!

I've worn and loved Guerlain all my life, and am currently finishing a bottle of Shalimar around the house, but a) it don't last like it used to, and b) lately the Guerlinade just goes powdery and old lady on me. Eauld Lady?

Not being ageist, I am an old lady, but it's a particular sort of 'sitting next to your Nana in a musty church' smell...

It's gold-plated and will turn your neck green (and it's chavvy).

Oh god! I did buy them ... free trial right. I am deficient in Mg because I'm missing my colon and a lot of small intestine. I'll know in 5 days if it works apparently 😂

And Ribena ain't what it used to be since they started putting sweeteners in it... 🤢

(In the spirit of the thread).

For magnesium that works for insomnia this is excellent.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/317572795141

I'm really trying to cut down on spending & consumption.
Now, when I see something I love but don't particularly need or can't justify buying, I take a screenshot of it and save it to a specific album on my phone.
I then periodically look on Vinted & ebay to see if anyone is selling it.
A couple of years ago I loved a swimming costume from Next but I didn't really need it & it was £45. I still really like it & this week found one on Vinted (new with tags) for £8. Plus, I can now justify a new swimsuit because my existing ones are older/more worn now.

Another one not reading the question and seeing me at break.

But Purdy and Fig is absolutely shit anyway. It is really, really good if the look you are going for is streaky work tops and mirrors.

Its brass. The gold plate will wear off and turn your skin green.

I agree it is fascinating! Some of the replies seem quite mean to me but people are loving it 😆

It’s worse than that. It’s gold plated brass. That really is the cheapest of the cheap.

😂

It's not insulting us. It's insulting the object.
Some of us don't take offence that easily.

What a great idea - would love to know what these questions are! Going to try to spend less this year and only buy things that are needed. The book the no spend year is good read and amazing what the writer achieved.