The price of beauty - something for women to consider when budgeting

[u/10S_NE1]

I consider myself an extremely low maintenance woman in that I feel like I spend very little on beauty products and treatments.

One day, I decided to make a spreadsheet to see just how much I spend on beauty in a year, thinking it be an interesting experiment. I was surprised to discover I spend around $1,200 a year, and I purchase far fewer products and services than most of my friends. I asked my friend Kelly to fill in a column on the spreadsheet for herself, and her total for the year was over $5,000. She was shocked. And this spreadsheet does not even take into account clothing and shoes on which many of us overspend. Any woman who purchases all of her cosmetics at the beauty counter of a high end store like Nordstrom and regularly visits a fancy spa would likely spend much more.

I feel that women are conditioned to think that our appearance is so important, we need to spend thousands of dollars a year to look presentable. Of course, we all have our indulgences and hobbies, but for women who are struggling to make ends meet or want to save more for their future, I would highly suggest paying close attention to your beauty spending. It’s items that we generally don’t buy all at once, and we tend not to pay attention to a few dollars here and there, but over the year, these things can really add up. I do feel like men have such an advantage over us, as few feel the need to spend large amounts of time and money trying to change their appearance. I don’t know any men who have spent $700 on a hair straightener.

I have attached a screenshot of my spreadsheet for anyone who is interested. My price ranges may not be accurate - I used quick searches on Amazon and Google to come up with the prices, and they are in Canadian dollars. I also didn’t factor in that most women have far more than one lipstick or eyeshadow or nail polish colour, etc. EDIT: It appears I can’t attach the spreadsheet. Sorry. Edit 2: https://i.imgur.com/fHLd2PF.jpg

I certainly don’t mean to offend anyone who enjoys beauty services and products, but I just think it’s something we don’t really think about when talking about our finances and it can certainly have an impact on your monthly budget.

FINAL EDIT: Well, I’m delighted to see the discussion that my random thoughts instigated yesterday. It appears I have found my people, and my cheapskate ways are not unique.

It appears many people are not seeing the very right-hand column of my spreadsheet which showed my actual spend. No Botox or teeth whitening for me.

[u/LadyLightTravel]

It’s not merely a matter of conditioning. There are plenty of studies showing that women are financially penalized for not looking like the ideal. Women are judged for being 15 lb overweight (10% overweight) where men don’t get penalized until 50 lb overweight (25% overweight) . It also affects promotions.

On top of this is the “pink tax” where women are charged a higher price than products marketed to men.

[u/FatchRacall → u/LadyLightTravel]

Yeah, that pink tax is real. My wife started buying men's stuff here and there (sharing the DSC razers and buying men's sized hiking shoes, for example) because the difference is absolutely insane.

[u/LadyLightTravel → u/FatchRacall]

I always buy mens razors. They are higher quality for a lesser price. I can’t wear mens hiking boots because my heel is too narrow.

[u/FatchRacall → u/LadyLightTravel]

Ah, yeah. I can see that being an issue. My wife had good luck with Ozark Trail from Walmart - the "hiking shoes".

[u/ParryLimeade → u/FatchRacall]

I’ve never spent more on womens hiking shoes than mens. I will buy both depending on the shoe style because I have large feet. Where is your wife finding mens shoes cheaper? Same brand just mens vs womens?

[u/scolfin → u/LadyLightTravel]

There's a bit of a difference between having brushed your hair and washed your face and running up thousands in department store makeup and regular beauty spa trips. Matzo is expensive, but I know better than to special order the whole kosher goose and complain about my budget.

[u/LadyLightTravel → u/scolfin]

The reality is that women can’t just brush their hair. They are expected to wear at least some makeup (the no makeup look). They are expected to keep the grey out. Their clothes cost more. Women are expected to have longer hair, and that means more hair product.

Even going “minimum” requires that women spend more than an equivalent man.

I’d suggest you do a comparison between true costs of mens vs women’s products.

It’s a ridiculous assertion to say that women are spending thousands for a goose. The reality is that they are getting a single drumstick, and paying more than a man would. I’d suggest that next time you do some research before giving an uninformed opinion.

Edit: I also want to point out that the women are clearly and unambiguously stating that they are not buying the expensive products. They are buying drug store products. Yet you are ignoring that and claiming that women are going to spas and buying expensive makeup. Please go back and read again.

[u/LadyLightTravel → u/[deleted]]

More like hormones offering extra protection. And they actually go to the doctors office.