What I Stopped Buying After 50

Written By Ashley Goosman

The older I get, the less interested I am in accumulating more things.

What changed wasn't my appreciation for beautiful products; it was my tolerance for clutter, waste, and purchases that don't meaningfully improve my life.

As I look toward the next chapter and a retirement window that's closer than I once imagined, I'm thinking differently about how I spend my time, energy, and money.

Today, I'm far more interested in owning fewer things that work well, last longer, and support how I want to live.

Here's what I've stopped buying, and what I choose instead.

1. Cheap Hair Tools That Need Replacing Every Year

I've learned that good tools make everyday routines easier.

I no longer buy inexpensive styling tools that damage my hair or stop working after a year.

Instead, I invest in quality pieces that help me create the look I want with less effort.

My current favorites:

  • T3 Hair Dryer - I really like the FEATHERWEIGHT STYLEMAX

  • T3 Aire 360 - I invested in this all-in-one unit a few years ago, which contains 2 Curling Attachments (Left and Right), the Oval Brush Attachment and SoftAire® Drying Concentrator. Sadly, I’ve never mastered the curling attachments.

  • T3 Flat Iron - I use the T3 Smooth ID and love the results, but the power button can be finicky. I often have to unplug it to turn it off completely. If I were buying today, I'd also consider the SinglePass Smooth X or the Curl ID Curling Straightener.

  • Kristin Ess 2-Inch Curling Iron for a soft blowout look

  • Kiss Instawave Deluxe - This is my go-to for easy curls for years. The self-spinning technology is great and saves me a ton of time. I love it.

If you prefer to let your hair air dry, Kitsch recently launched a smoothing air-dry cream that promises salon-worthy results with minimal effort. The brand claims it helps reduce frizz and enhance natural texture for an effortless, polished finish—no heat required.

As someone with naturally loose curls who often lets my hair air dry while traveling, I'm intrigued by the concept and plan to give it a try. I'll share my honest thoughts in a future edition of The Edit.

At home and for work, I prefer a more polished look.

The goal isn't perfection—it's having a few reliable tools that make getting ready feel easier.

2. Fast Fashion

This one has been a major shift.

Today, I'm much more interested in quality clothing made from natural fibers than trendy pieces that only last a season.

I've become increasingly aware of how polyester feels on my skin—and how much of it ends up in landfills.

I'm actively reducing synthetic fabrics in my wardrobe and focusing on timeless pieces made from linen, cotton, silk, wool, and cashmere.

I'd rather own fewer pieces that I genuinely love.

I also shop secondhand more often than ever.

Favorite places to browse:

  • PACT for organic basics - I have a few items I wear on

  • ThredUp for secondhand finds - I look for items in excellent or with tags when I can. There are some great gems here.

  • TheRealReal for designer resale - Is the OG for high-end resale.

  • Local vintage shops and consignment stores

Sustainability isn't about perfection.

For me, it's simply about making more thoughtful choices.

3. Random Supplements

There was a time when I thought more supplements meant better health.

Today, my approach is much simpler.

After doing testing and paying closer attention to how I feel, I've learned that a few high-quality supplements work better for me than an overflowing cabinet.

My current routine includes:

I no longer take supplements simply because they're trending.

Now I focus on what supports my body and helps me feel my best.

4. Complicated Skincare Routines

I've simplified my skincare significantly.

I don't want a ten-step routine.

I want products that work.

My current favorites include:

Consistency matters more than complexity.

The goal isn't chasing every new launch—it's finding products you trust and using them regularly.

5. Impulse Purchases

This may be the biggest change of all.

I'm far less interested in buying things simply because they're on sale, trending, or marketed as must-haves.

Before I buy something now, I ask myself a few questions:

  • Will I still love this a year from now?

  • Does it solve a real problem?

  • Is it well made?

  • Will I use it regularly?

  • Is there a higher-quality version worth saving for?

If the answer is no, I wait.

More often than not, I realize I didn't need it in the first place.

6. Cheap Food

This may sound counterintuitive after talking about spending less.

But quality food is one area where I'm willing to invest.

I buy fewer convenience foods and focus instead on simple, high-quality ingredients.

Organic produce when possible.

Good protein.

Thoughtfully sourced pantry staples.

Foods that support my health instead of working against it.

For me, wellness starts in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

Getting older has made me more selective—but also more content.

I've stopped chasing trends and started paying attention to what genuinely supports my health, style, and everyday life.

Less clutter.

Fewer decisions.

Better quality.

That's the philosophy behind The Polished Reset.

And it's the mindset I'm carrying with me into the next chapter.

Ashley

Founder, The Polished Reset

Ashley Goosman
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