The Price of Beauty

I was thinking today how it’s a little absurd just how much we (Americans) spend on beauty per year. As I was driving from my Lasik consultation appointment (where they shuffle people in and out in herds)…I considered how much money was in that industry. It’s not really a NECESSARY procedure, but people get it who have low prescriptions of negative 2 or negative 3. Then there is me who is practically blind at negative 9 and 10.

The thought of spending $2,400 on laser vision correction (that would be really nice and help me out a lot), combined with my recent Jenny Craig membership and food cost (averaging $100-$150 per week)…makes me wonder if all of this is really worth it.

And it’s not just me, factor into the American beauty money pit, those services that many people get such as teeth whitening, botox treatments, chemical peels, tanning (fake and bake packages) massages (to refresh the body), personal trainers, etc…, even liposuction. Then you add in getting braces and even shopping for high heels and Spanx (women), hair gel and hair transplants (men), and other things to improve what you look like in any little way possible.

Consider this, in a given year I spend probably:

$240 - eyebrow threading/waxing (averaging about $10, sometimes $12 per time, every two weeks give or take)

$500 – manicures and pedicures (average $40 a month for both, with a few other manicures in between)

$420 – gym membership (at $35 per month – which I just canceled recently since I have a mini-gym in my complex)

$360 – contact lenses (I have to get daily wear lenses now, say at $30 per box/month supply)

$150 – makeup (an assortment of new eyeshadows, lipsticks, my regular supply of eyeliner and blush)

$1,670 total a year just on maintenance!

So, what does all this mean – other than we’re obsessed with appearance?

Well to me, it’s worth it because when I’m freshly waxed, manicured and dressed well, I feel better. I feel more confident, prettier and have a better sense of self worth. And, isn’t that worth it?

Then again it’s horrible to think about how much money I spend on things like that, when there are people in the world (and this country) who can’t afford to eat. And it starts young, maintaining this. Think about it, we put all our kids in braces, send them to fat camps, and provide them with allergists, therapists, dermatologists, nutritionists and dozens of other specialty doctors…while other children can’t even eat or see a doctor when they’re sick (nevermind when they’re well). It’s a bit disconcerting.

I’m not saying I’m going to suddenly go from a life of luxury to a life of simplicity…but I am a little more aware of just how much it all costs to keep it all together.