This might sound like a controversial thing to say on a beauty-focused blog, but I’ve stopped accepting PR packages from big beauty brands. Back when I started my first beauty blog in 2013, I was desperate to get noticed. I spent a small fortune of my own money on products, stayed up late writing reviews, and worked hard to promote every brand I loved — all in the hope that one day, I’d make it onto a few coveted PR lists.
And eventually, I did. It felt like such a huge achievement at the time. Boxes of new launches started arriving at my door, and I couldn’t believe that these big names actually knew who I was. For a while, it was exciting. But somewhere along the way, that excitement started to fade — and this year, I made the decision to step back completely. I emailed every brand I worked with and asked them to remove me from their PR lists.
Sustainability Was the Tipping Point
The main reason I decided to stop accepting PR was sustainability. This year, I’ve been making a conscious effort to reduce my carbon footprint and be more mindful of the waste I create. And honestly, the amount of plastic and packaging that comes with PR deliveries is staggering.
If I didn’t stay on top of things, the boxes would pile up. Eventually, I’d have so much excess packaging that I’d have to load up my car and take it all to the local tip — just to get rid of the cardboard, bubble wrap, and plastic wrap from one month’s worth of PR. It got to the point where I started to dread the deliveries. It felt completely backwards to talk about sustainability online while bins full of brand packaging sat in my hallway. So, I made the call to step away from it altogether.
My Passion for Makeup Changed
The second reason is much simpler — I’m just not as obsessed with makeup as I used to be. When I started blogging, I wanted every new launch. I’d queue online at midnight to buy a foundation shade that probably didn’t even suit me, just so I could post about it. But as I’ve grown older, that hunger for “more” has disappeared. These days, I’m happier with a small, curated collection of products that I genuinely use and love.
I still adore beauty and the creativity that comes with it. But I don’t want to feel pressured to write about every single product that hits the market. I want to choose the brands and items I spend my money on. That feels more authentic to me — and more aligned with what I want my blog to be.
Trying to Do Some Good
Before I stopped accepting PR completely, I tried to make the most of the products I didn’t use. I’d take them into work so my colleagues could have a rummage and grab what they fancied. Later, I started donating unopened items to a local women’s shelter — which honestly felt like the best part of the whole process.
It was nice knowing that the products were going somewhere they’d actually be appreciated, especially the luxury items that most people wouldn’t splurge on for themselves. But even that became a lot of work — organising, sorting, driving everything across town. At some point, I realised that the easiest way to handle it all was simply to stop accepting the packages in the first place.
Doing What Feels Right
I know some people will think I’m mad for doing this — after all, PR is seen as one of the biggest perks of being a blogger. But for me, the reality is that free products aren’t really free. They come with expectations, pressure, waste, and a lot of admin that I just don’t have the energy for anymore.
Now, when I buy something, it’s because I actually want it. I only own products I love, use regularly, and feel good about keeping in my collection. It feels more sustainable, more mindful, and honestly, more me.
If you’re a content creator, I’d love to know your thoughts — have you ever considered cutting back on PR or changing how you accept it? Have I made the right decision, or am I completely mad? Let’s chat in the comments.
