The High Cost of Beauty Down Under
My whirlwind travels across Australia this spring were a perfect opportunity to catch up on the latest HBO shows, but my mascara supply didn’t fare so well. After a rugged stint in the Outback, I stopped by a large supermarket near the Gold Coast to restock. Nothing about the shopping center or surrounding town hinted at an exorbitant cost of living, so I thought it was a good place to refill.
Sticker Shock
As I reached for my trusty Lash Blast, I was taken aback by the price tag: $20.40 AUD. I spent the next ten minutes scrutinizing the shelves, shocked by the similar prices of other products. It was hard to believe that CoverGirl could command a roughly $15 USD price tag, double what I normally pay in one of the world’s most expensive cities.
A New Reality
But then I decided to move to Sydney, and suddenly Australia’s prices for drugstore mascara became very relevant. I couldn’t help but wonder how much my personal care budget would need to expand come September. Would lotion, face wash, shampoo, and toothpaste also break the bank? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Affordable brands like Revlon, Cetaphil, and Simple are pricey in Australia, and local alternatives are limited.
The Reason Behind the High Prices
Australia’s remote location means higher transport costs and a need for greater stockpiles of foreign-made goods, which drives up prices. This reality hit me like a ton of bricks.
A Glimmer of Hope
Back in Manhattan, I had an epiphany while explaining my dilemma to a friend. It dawned on me that natural ingredients like olive oil and shea butter, readily available in Australia, could be a more affordable alternative. And, as an added bonus, cutting back on one-time-use plastics aligns with my values.
Embracing DIY
This summer, I’ve been experimenting with various recipes to find ones that work best for me. I’ve tackled deodorant, lotion, and shaving cream, as well as home care products like drain, countertop, and window cleaners. The process has been surprisingly easy and fun, giving me a sense of self-reliance and pride.
A Mindful Life
While saving money isn’t the primary goal, I’ve taken a significant step towards living a more mindful life. And that, to me, is priceless.
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