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?

Try Lidls ginger cordial. That and their elderflower. Both great alcohol alternatives.

I got caught in the hype about 5 years ago. I've used the equipment five times max. The workouts are really boring and you have to have a subscription to access unless they are now free.

Alo Moves is now free and you can have access to pilates, yoga at all levels.

Thank you. This explains why I don't wear my beautiful expensive coat because unlike Diderot I have resisted. The coat puts everything else to shame and I can't justify the money I'd need to spend to keep up with the coats expectations. It sits in the wardrobe judging me for giving it such a shit life when it should be out in the world being admired.

Fgfgfg wear the coat, seriously.

Me too although in theory this thread is very practical

I bought it, despite being de-influenced by this thread, had trouble with it, re-read the instructions and am now delighted to see it trundling about! So far, it hasn't gone very close to skirting boards so I can see dirt around the edges of the room. It also went under the TV unit and got stuck on the cables and tore one of its brushes off but that wasn't it's fault.

It's a bit noisy and the dog hates it but otherwise I think it was a reasonable purchase.

I'll take lines "I must not derail the thread and help people buy things" 100x

It’s in the sale in the camel colour and all sizes in stock - not sure that’s helpful though! Edited for typo!

And it even makes the stick thin model's backside look big. Pleats aren't flattering.

@CocoChunnel - I have had both of them and found them too long and flat for my eye shape. I have literally tried about 100 different shapes and sizes and they all pinch, yank out eyelashes, or bend them asymmetrically. These Koji 70 Eyelash Curlers are mind-blowing and super cheap. They cost about $12AUD, so £5-6 for you. (I purchased mine on YESSTYLE)

@TrickyD - those lipsticks are an utter farce. They don’t adapt to your Ph as advertised, but to the water in your skin/lips, which leaves behind a stain. They’re all different shades of pink and contain varying levels of the same dyes. They may look fab when you leave the house, but drinking water or tea, etc will make it change again.

Thank you! I took a PP advice and went to TKMax and found some for 4 quid! But I dont know what im doing wrong as they are doing nothing whatsoever even when I follow advice to "pulse". How hard am I supposed to be squeezing? Full whack?

They are all ridiculously candy pink

Thank you, will give it a try. At least it won't be £27 which is what stopped me trying the Mother Root one.

Another one please.

Basket with B&Q paneling and wallpaper for the little storage cupboard bootroom.

Could just paint the room myself but it's not a lot of £ for the panelling.

www.diy.com/departments/cheshire-mouldings-tongue-groove-mdf-

Lost me at not going close to skirting boards and being noisy, so you might be ok for lines.

I’m firmly starting to believe that there is no ‘quick fix’ to health in a sachet or tablet, but if your diet is lacking, then it can’t harm … However I believe (from memory when I investigated a few years ago) Mg is difficult for the body to absorb without other components - so if it’s sleep you’re after, epsom salts in a hot bath - stay in for at least 20 minutes for the body to absorb Mg. (If you don’t like long baths bc the whole ‘sitting in dirty water’ issue shower and scrub dead skin before your bath). A hot bath should make you sleepy too. Sleep heath is probably one of the best things I’ve invested in that benefits my overall body health. It takes a while (years for me) but I’ve gone from taking 45-60 mins to fall asleep and waking 6/7 x during the night, falling asleep writhing 5/10 mins and only waking once or twice. It’s a journey though 🥴😵‍💫🥰

@Snugglemonkey the best magnesium I've found for sleep is magnesium glycinate. I use the brand vitabright. I take two capsules and hour before I want to sleep. It is especially helpful when I'm tired but have too many thoughts, it calms everything down!

I know some people use magnesium l-threanate for sleep.

I guess it depends why you're having trouble sleeping, for me it's turning off my brain.
My mother has magnesium malate for restless legs.

I have closed my DR three times (I have 3 DC) and got back my abs after each pregnancy, so I believe you can trust my advice.

Find free workouts on YouTube and do them at home. There are plenty post-partum ones. I recommend Hypopressives with Alice to improve DR and pelvic floor gently, I do the hypopressive breathing every day under the shower so it takes no time.

Only invest in expensive equipment once you have built the exercise habit and can’t live without working out unless you’re very ill.

I’ve never been to a gym, I have a Less Mills subscription and the cheapest equipment at home. I have only bought the subscription after several years of doing free workouts from YouTube regularly, I found Less Mills on YouTube too because they released some free workouts there during the pandemic.

The only thing you need to start is a yoga mat, mine was the cheapest I could find that was not smelly plastic.

I only have the mat, resistance bands (found them in a bargain bin), trail running shoes and the cheapest set of barbell weights. Once you start exercising regularly you will find out what kind of equipment you really need.

Don’t spend money on something that will potentially accumulate dust, won’t fit into your favourite exercise routine or will create a sense of guilt. Guilt is not the best motivation for creating long-lasting positive habits.

@scoobydeedoo there are cheaper nail glow effect polishes, eg Manicurist active glow is £16 o get it on offer, or in beauty box edits, Nails Inc £9.

I love the Manicurist active glow, it makes my nails look amazing effortlessly.

Thank you. I hate camel though - and it hates me. Makes me look as if I’ve been dead for several years.

Oh me too! I think because I have a yellowy skin tone it makes me look really yellow and pale and deadish.

I’ve found that I can just about get away with a beige trench coat if I wear red lipstick, but generally anything beige/y is a disaster.

Thanks to those who warned against the PH colour change lipsticks.
@Francestein
@CocoChunnel

@CocoChunnel - Don’t go hard unless your want bald eyeballs! Gently please!

@ByGreenBiscuit Check out this Wonder Woman for your diastasis rectii. https://www.instagram.com/mommymangorae?igsh=MXFpejA0aWJ6eXVwbg==
She is a very highly female health specialist and you don’t really need anything. I had my twins 20 years ago and I have recently started following her exercises and I can feel things tightening up again. (Not hoping for miracles though.)

They are rubbish and turn a horrible pink on everyone. Definitely not bespoke. And they dry your lips out too.