She Strengthens

The Cost of Beauty: A Complex Web of Spending Habits

When it comes to beauty, it’s easy to get caught up in the endless pursuit of perfection. With so many products and treatments promising to deliver flawless skin, luscious hair, and radiant complexions, it’s no wonder women often find themselves spending a small fortune on their appearance. But what’s the real cost of beauty, and how do women prioritize their spending habits?

The High-End Beauty Enthusiast

For some, beauty is an investment. Alison, 30, spends a whopping $300 a month on facials, balayage, manicures, and other high-end treatments. She believes that looking and feeling good gives her the confidence she needs to excel in her job and personal life. While her spending habits may seem extravagant to some, Alison sees it as a necessary expense for her overall well-being.

The Skincare Savvy

Anna, 26, has a different approach. With acne-prone skin, she spends around $100 a month on skincare products and dermatologist visits. While she wishes she didn’t have to spend so much, she knows it’s essential for maintaining her skin health. Her frustration lies in the fact that she’s forced to spend money just to feel “normal,” while others may not have to worry about these issues.

The Budget-Conscious Beauty

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Amy, 30, spends a mere $25 a month on basic shower products and lotion. She’s not making a feminist statement; she’s just lazy. Amy finds that when she wears too much makeup, her skin suffers, creating a vicious cycle. By keeping her beauty routine simple, she saves money and reduces her stress levels.

The Hair-Obsessed

Noelle, 25, spends around $100 a month on haircuts, colors, waxes, and threading. While she jokes about the patriarchy, she knows that her hair is a crucial part of her identity. With frequent salon visits, Noelle prioritizes her hair care above other beauty expenses.

The Makeup Maven

Natalie, 23, has a weakness for colorful makeup. With a collection of over 200 shades, she spends around $150 a month on lipsticks, nail polish, eyeshadow, and eyeliner. While she acknowledges that her spending habits may be excessive, she loves experimenting with different looks and feels.

The Thrifty Beauty

Cristina, 27, takes a more frugal approach. She spends around $50 a month on waxes and haircuts, and buys her creams and makeup in bulk to save money. By being mindful of her spending, Cristina prioritizes her beauty expenses without breaking the bank.

The Seasonal Spender

Joanna, 29, has a unique approach. Her beauty spending varies depending on the season. In the winter, she spends around $100 a month on makeup and skin products. In the summer, she scales back to just $20 a month, focusing on basic cleaning products and a few essentials.

The Ipsy Enthusiast

Stephanie, 28, is a fan of Ipsy, a monthly subscription service that delivers skincare products and makeup. She spends just $10 a month and receives a curated selection of products tailored to her preferences. With a simple makeup routine, Stephanie keeps her beauty expenses low without sacrificing quality.

The High-Pressure Professional

Katie, 33, works in a high-pressure professional setting, where looking polished is essential. She spends around $175 every few months on NARS makeup and gets twice-monthly gel manicures and weekly blowouts to maintain a professional image. While she resents the fact that women are expected to spend more on beauty, Katie sees it as a necessary investment in her career.

These women’s stories highlight the complexities of beauty spending habits. From high-end treatments to budget-friendly routines, each individual prioritizes their expenses based on their unique needs, preferences, and circumstances. Whether it’s about confidence, skin health, or professional image, the cost of beauty is a highly personal and multifaceted issue.