The Cost Of Being Female
When I was growing up, I always felt insecure and awkward about my appearance. I was too skinny, had terrible acne, and didn’t have typical features.
So when I got my first job and started to make my own money at 17, I was determined to do everything in my power to enhance my appearance.
There was one thing I knew: beauty was a type of currency.
I began to dye my hair, wax my eyebrows, and buy expensive skincare products to smooth out my ‘fine lines.’ I got teeth whitening strips, so I could show off my new smile, which was hidden underneath braces for several years.
I bought fancy makeup and expensive hair-care products. I splurged on several ear piercings because I thought they were cool, and bought some jewelry to boot.
Dismayed at the size of my chest, I also forked over money for “herbal supplements” that promised to increase the size of my breasts (hint: it didn’t work).
Thinking back on those years, I can venture to say I spent a few thousand dollars on pills, products, services, dyes, and creams — all in an effort to be more beautiful.
The intense pressure to be beautiful and young come with a cost. The beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar business that preys largely on women’s insecurities, making us believe that we too can have eternal youth and beauty.
In 2011, $ 426 billion was spent on beauty and personal care products. In 2013, $12 billion was spent on plastic surgery alone. Is it just me, or is that insane?
If you’re a woman, think about how much money you have spent over time on your appearance. How much do you spend per month? Per year? In your lifetime?
When I was younger, I was willing to spend the little money I made on my appearance because I got sucked into the illusion and fantasy of what the beauty industry promises.
But in all honesty, the products I bought for my appearance just filled a void. Beauty is not skin deep.
I wasted my hard-earned money on trying to secure something that is ultimately fleeting: youth.
Of course, I’m all for women feeling good about themselves and I can understand how a fresh ‘do’ or some special makeup can make you feel good. But I think it’s important to do those things for yourself and not anyone else: Not for a guy, a job, your friends, or your neighbors.
I spent too much money on beauty products hoping it would make me happier, prettier, less insecure, and that others would be pleased with the results.
When I finally realized that I was valuable beyond my appearance, I started to care more about cultivating other areas of my life. I began to save money, instead of spending it on something that ultimately made me feel like a shell of my real self.
I realized that I didn’t need my appearance to get a guy and instead, I focused on taking care of myself. It turns out that being independent and self-sufficient is a lot more attractive than hiding behind a mask of superficiality.
Both me and my bank account are much happier.
