If you’ve scrolled through TikTok or Instagram recently, you might have noticed a refreshing change of pace. Amidst the endless “hauls,” the massive PR unboxings, and the pressure to buy a new outfit for every single occasion, a new aesthetic has quietly taken over: “Underconsumption Core.”
And honestly? It is the most liberating trend I have seen in years.
As someone who used to buy into every micro-trend, I reached a breaking point in my late twenties. My closet was full, but I had nothing to wear. My bathroom cabinets were overflowing with half-used skincare, but my skin was irritated. “Underconsumption Core” is the antidote to all of that. It’s about romanticizing what you already own, buying less but buying better, and finding peace in simplicity.
Here is how I am embracing the underconsumption trend this summer, and the high-quality essentials I actually invest in. You can find my curated list of “buy it for life” items on my Amazon Storefront.
What is Underconsumption Core?
Despite the name, it’s not about punishing yourself or never buying anything again. It’s an aesthetic and a mindset that celebrates using things until they are empty, wearing the same high-quality sweater for five years, and rejecting the idea that you need a new version of something just because the season changed.
It’s the aesthetic of a well-loved leather bag, a skincare routine with only three products, and a capsule wardrobe that actually fits your lifestyle.
How I’m Applying It to My Life
1. The “Pan Project” in Beauty
Instead of buying the newest viral blush, I am actively trying to “hit pan” on the makeup I already own. I’ve completely streamlined my routine. When I do need to repurchase, I only buy multi-use products. My absolute holy grail is this tinted SPF that acts as my sunscreen, foundation, and moisturizer all in one.
2. The Elevated Capsule Wardrobe
I stopped buying cheap, trendy pieces that fall apart after two washes. Instead, I invest in high-quality basics that I can wear 50 different ways. My most worn item this summer is this classic linen button-down. I wear it over swimsuits, tucked into denim, and paired with trousers for dinner. It gets better with every wash.
3. Romanticizing Daily Rituals
Underconsumption is also about finding joy in the simple things you already do, rather than buying something new to feel a rush of dopamine. I stopped buying $7 coffees every day and instead invested in a beautiful glass coffee tumbler and a quality milk frother. Making my morning iced latte at home feels like a luxurious ritual now.
4. Quality Over Quantity in Home Goods
Instead of buying cheap decor that I’ll donate in six months, I’m focusing on functional items that are beautifully made. For example, I finally threw out my mismatched, flimsy hangers and upgraded to these slim velvet hangers. It instantly made my closet feel like a boutique, and I haven’t felt the need to buy new clothes because I can actually see what I own.
Are you embracing the underconsumption trend? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to check out my Amazon Storefront for my favorite high-quality, long-lasting essentials.
You Might Also Like:
- 10 Things I Stopped Buying in My 30s (And What I Buy Instead)
- My Everyday Essentials I Genuinely Can’t Live Without
- The Products That Survived My Picky Girl Era
