She Strengthens

The True Cost of Beauty: A Wake-Up Call

As I sat on my couch, flipping through TV channels, I stumbled upon Khloe Kardashian’s reality show Revenge Body. While I don’t condone the show’s focus on physical appearance, I was inspired by the contestants’ dedication to transforming their bodies. With the help of top trainers and nutritionists, they were able to overhaul their lifestyles and achieve remarkable results.

The Illusion of Perfection

But as I reflected on my own relationship with beauty and fitness, I realized that the pressure to conform to societal standards can be overwhelming. We’re constantly bombarded with messages telling us we need to look a certain way to be worthy. It’s no wonder many women feel inadequate and turn to products and services to try and bridge the gap.

My Own Beauty Budget

I took a closer look at my own monthly expenses and was surprised by how much I was spending on beauty-related costs. Here’s a breakdown:

• Eyebrows: $5
• Hair: $100 (every two months)
• Pedicure: $30 (every three months)
• Medical Facials: $100
• Gym Membership: $55

Total Monthly Beauty Budget: $220 (less than 5% of my gross monthly income)

The Broader Picture

While my beauty budget may seem modest, it’s just a small part of a massive industry. The hair and nail industry alone generated $56 billion in revenue last year. When you factor in other expenses like teeth whitening, tanning, and cosmetic surgery, the numbers become staggering.

From Low to High Maintenance

Let’s take a closer look at what the beauty price tag might look like for women with different levels of maintenance:

• Low Maintenance: $220 (my own beauty budget)
• Medium Maintenance: $725 (biweekly hair appointments, regular nail care, teeth whitening, tanning, and gym membership)
• High Maintenance: $1,145.50 (add nose reshaping surgery to the medium maintenance costs)

Is the Cost Worth It?

Ultimately, whether or not the cost of beauty is worth it depends on individual values. Some women prioritize their appearance and are willing to invest in it, while others may have different priorities. What’s essential is being financially aware of the costs associated with our beauty beliefs and making conscious choices about how we spend our money.

Takeaway

As women, it’s crucial we recognize the ways in which marketing and societal pressure can influence our spending habits. By taking control of our finances and making intentional decisions about our beauty budgets, we can break free from the cycle of self-doubt and focus on what truly matters.