For the last 12 months I've bought absolutely nothing but essentials, sometimes referred to as a No Buy Year or a No Spend Year. I did this in a bid to save the most money I possibly could, so that not only would this help with my financial goals, but that should the worst happen through this weird time, I'd be ok financially. Through completing a year long no buy (along with other money saving methods) I managed to save more than 50% of my take home salary which is both mind boggling and life changing. I'm fairly certain I will have changed my relationship with money forever.

Whilst completing this no buy year, I also bought no clothing for two years, and I've shared my experience on my channel. If you are looking to do a no buy year, or a smaller goal of a no buy month, be sure to check out my other videos as you may find tips and insights that might help you. Doing a no buy challenge isn't easy, and I don't recommend as a permanent lifestyle, but it certainly has its benefits. You might want to take a slightly less extreme approach and try a low buy year or a low buy month instead you'll still find plenty of tips here on my channel.

I placed one order for personal care items in the last 12 months and in the interest of transparency, this is what I ordered:
3 x Caudalie Shower Gel (all now used up)
2 x Caudalie Facial Wash (one empty, one still in use)
3 x Caudalie Lip Balms (two empty, one still in use)
2 x Kerastase Shampoo (one empty, one still in use)
2 x Kerastase Conditioner (one empty, one still in use)

Over the last few years, I've come to the realisation that whilst a certain level of material things do add to your life, more stuff will not necessarily make you happier. This realisation hit me when I looked around my home that was filled with stuff (so much so I felt I needed a bigger house) and couldn't say I was particularly happier than when I lived in Spain (in 2008) when everything I had with me fit in one large drawer and a very small wardrobe.

These days I prefer to adopt a buy less, buy better approach, with a focus on quality over quantity, removing the clutter, and utilising my money in the best way possible.

WHERE ELSE TO FIND ME:
Instagram   / kirstyloukirby  
Blog www.kirstykirby.com

MAKE UP WORN:
MAC Warm Neutrals Palette
Too Faced Damn Girl Mascara
Freedom Brow Pomade (on its very last legs now!)
Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Laura Mercier Translucent Powder
Nude By Nature Sheer Light Illuminator
MAC SkinFinish in Medium Deep (As Bronzer)
MAC Blush in Mocha
MAC Lipliner in Soar
MAC Lipstick in Faux

NAILS:
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Polish in Washed Denim

CLOTHING:
Cardigan Karen Millen but about 6 years old!

LIGHTING:
I use natural light (i.e. I sit in front of a window) supported by a ring light on darker days.

DISCLAIMER:
All products were purchased with my own money and this video is in no way sponsored. Should a video ever be sponsored, or should I receive goods for free to review I will always aim to disclose this either in the video or in the video description. My views will always remain honest and my own.
Items marked with an asterisk were received as a gift or as PR.
I do sometimes use affiliate links in my description, these links do not cost you any more to purchase, often you will receive a discount, but I may earn money from these links.