How to Avoid Becoming a Health and Beauty Product Junkie

Some people are always shopping for clothes. Others are into buying electronics. Then there are those of us that can't resist purchasing health and beauty products. When someone raves about something new health or beauty product we want to try it ourselves. We're known as product junkies. Product junkie-ism can also be broken down into smaller segments such as hair products, makeup, diet pills. There can be some overlap depending on the person.

Being a project junkie- or PJ - comes with its benefits. We know about the latest in makeup, lotions and/or hair products. We seem knowledgeable among our peers. The major downside is we spend too much money on beauty products. And if we aren't organized our sinks get cluttered with stuff. Some of it we never finish because we've moved on to the next product.

As a reformed hair product junkie I'm going to share with you ways you can combat your product junkie-ism.

Only shop when needed. This may seem like a simple point, but think about the number of times you've gone into a store like Bath and Body Works just to "browse." You're bound to come out with a couple of lotions or sprays. Especially during sales. If you must go to the mall walk by those stores that tempt you. Avoid the beauty aisle in grocery stores. Don't even use it as a shortcut to another section of the store. You may be lured in by that new diet pill you saw on television.

Don't read about new products. If you're facial cleanser is working beautifully for you, don't search for a new one. If the latest cleanser is any good, it'll still be available when you've finished the one you have. If you're bombarded with advertisements, blogs and forums raving about a project, tuck the review in the back of your mind and proceed to point below.

Finish all of your products first. You only need so many bottles of hair shampoo at a time. If you like your shampoo use it until it's gone. Then you're free to purchase another bottle or look for a new brand. And by that I mean purchase one bottle of shampoo (unless it's on sale of course.) When purchasing the shampoo try not to add additional unneeded beauty items in your shopping cart.

Swap beauty products with your friends. It's like getting something new, but it won't cost you a thing. Swapping products also allows you to try out new things. This works best with other product junkies also looking for their next fix.

Ask a friend to monitor you. Now if your friend is a product junkie just like you that won't be a very good idea. You may end up going on shopping binges together. Try asking a friend who is a reformed product junkie or one that doesn't understand your need for five brands of volumizing mascara.