Influencers often overuse free products in content, promoting waste and overconsumption instead of mindful, realistic, and sustainable usage habits.

Let’s be real, content creators and influencers have a lot of power today. They get free products, brand deals, and often become the reason we try out something new. It’s a cool job, no doubt, and getting so many products for free is definitely a big opportunity. A lot of influencers tend to go overboard when it comes to showing products in their videos. Whether it’s skincare, makeup, or hair products, sometimes they use way more than what’s needed, just for the sake of it. And that leads to a lot of unnecessary waste. Also encourage overconsumption.

Some popular Ig stars like Deeksha Khurana, Malvika Sitlani, Tarini Peshawaria, and Ayesha Sanghi- have all shared videos where the amount of product they use feels like a lot. No doubt, they’re all amazing at what they do, and their content is super fun to watch. But in some clips, there’s foundation being pumped out like it’s body lotion or face masks being scooped in big chunks, just for only one single use. It really makes you wonder, is that much product even needed?

Haania Manzar, a beauty influencer from Delhi shares a positive way to look at things. She says, “I do get a lot of free products from brands, but I never waste them. If I already have something, I give it to someone who can use it. One way or another, everything gets used.” Haania believes that creators should be responsible with what they get and try to promote ethical and thoughtful consumption. “Being careful with products doesn’t make the content boring-it actually makes it better,” she adds.

Source – Instagram

Gunika Garg, 20, a fashion communication student from Pearl Academy, Delhi, says, “Of course, the choice is made by them at the end of the day, especially when their own money is being spent. But personally, the overuse of products by creators is not enjoyed by her. It is not found to be pleasing or relatable. Although it might be made to look good on camera, it is sometimes felt to be too much.” It is understood that the texture or effectiveness of the product is simply being shown to consumers, but using triple the amount that would actually be used in real life is not considered right.

What we forget is that these creators are getting products for free. And that’s amazing for them, it’s a big part of their job. But just because you get something for free doesn’t mean you should waste it. That’s not being responsible, especially when millions of people are watching, and picking up habits from you. And also the main thing of getting influenced, and buying the product.

They should think about the message it sends: it encourages overconsumption. It tells the audience that you need a lot of product to get results or look good. And that’s far from reality. Most of us are buying these things with our own money and we would want it to last not just finish in one use.