I started this journey when a coworker turned her bedroom into a walk-in wardrobe, with a mattress on the floor in the corner rather than a bed, because she'd rather have space for her shopping hauls than her own bed.
While that sounds like a dream to many, it made me feel uneasy. I got sick of consumerism and saw IRL what the fast-fashion shopping hauls could do if left unchecked. I wanted out of it; though I was never deep in it, but I certainly owned more stuff than I needed. I didn't grow up with a lot and was perfectly happy; I wanted to return to that simpler place.
My only two rules are to be flexible with it and to approach everything from a place of contentment.
I have seen a lot of people on youtube talking about strict no-buys or 'low buy rules' in the past year, but that system wouldn't work for me. If you don't spend any money for a full year and stick to it rigidly, you may binge shop the next year when you have the freedom to do so. I didn't want to set myself up for failure that way. It's unrealistic to me because we operate in a world where we will have to spend some money eventually. I preferred to learn to choose carefully what I spend money on, rather than just not spend at all (which wouldn't be sustainable in the long term).
I also didn't want to feel like I was punishing myself. I didn't want these complicated rules for every eventuality that these YT channels are advocating. I wanted it to be my choice not to consume in excess and to be content with what I have, knowing that even if I miss out on something now, there will always be something else I like down the road. I never found it hard because I didn't make it a chore, I made it a choice.
I'm actually glad I did this before it became a trend. If I had seen and followed the advice now being spouted, I would have failed miserably.
4 years on, I now have a wish list and a shopped list in my journal that's always in my bag.
When I see something that I really like, I put it on the wish list. I just leave it there for a few days, don't really think about it, and then review and see if I still want it. More often than not, on a second look I will decide I don't want it or realise I have something already that will do the same job.
If I find I still want it days/weeks later, then I will buy it. The point is not whether or not I buy, but rather, thinking through the desire and making an intentional purchase (I don't have something similar, I still want it after several weeks, I can use it on different occasions).
My 'shopped' list is simply a list of what I have bought. I just made it so I could look back at the end of the year and see if I made any bad choices that I needed to learn from. Turns out, every year I've only made 5-6 purchases. 1 year it was all new clothing for work (replacements for worn out items), the next year it was pots and pans!
It was lovely to see how little I needed to add to my life. I never felt deprived and the process has made me enjoy what I already have a lot more.This approach encompasses all of my life now- clothing, jewelry, shoes, kitchen utensils, bookshelves, shampoos. I fully utilize what I own and only buy replacements when something has run out. If there's a sale, I don't bother going in because I am content with what I have. I have un-subbed from all those email from the retailers that send you promo codes or previews of new collections. I don't even get tempted to do any online shopping because I'm not being prompted to check out various websites.
With regards to makeup, sorry, I have never used a stitch of it!
However, I have seen people on YT talk about 'Project Pan' in their low-buys. Essentially, use up the entire palette you already own, exposing the pan at the bottom, before buying a new one. Or fully use up one lipstick before you get another to replace it.
Most people have multiples that will last them years, but makeup goes off and grows bacteria so all those multiples get thrown away in the end.
I know people worry about getting bored, but I think using one thing consistently actually gives you a signature look. It comes across as someone who has worked out their unique style and is rocking it, not needing to constantly experiment.
Ok, that was longer than expected, and I even had to edit out a whole paragraph on how I took inventory of what I owned and created a capsule wardrobe just to shorten my reply!
Hope that helps a little.
TL;DR- No strict rules as that may set you up for failure, rather be flexible with it. Focus on appreciating and being content with what you already own. If you like something, stick it on a wish list to review later. If you still want it weeks later, allow yourself to have it. More often than not, you will find you already have something similar so you can remove it from the wish list without feeling like you missed out. Don't feel guilty if you buy something, just make sure you buy things that you love and have thought through.
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I haven't quite figured out quite what I'll be doing as yet, but I have a few avenues I'm exploring. I want to be excited about going to work again- something I haven't felt in years!
I love the post just above mine... Didn't quote it because it's so long. 
I was wondering if you include holidays or if you have them and spend/buy freely? Itās something I would really like to start doing
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