The Astronomical Price of Cosmetics and Skin Care Products

I'm often taken aback at how expensive makeup and skin care products are. This is a billion dollar + a year business, and it's easy to see why. The latest example? I was looking for an eyebrow kit. Milani sells one for just around $11 but our local store didn't carry them. So I found one by Benefit for $30. It's what I'm looking for, but honestly can't afford. So I was calculating out my Birchbox points and figured I'd have to wait a few more months to buy it. MONTHS. For an eyebrow kit. I watched a video by Shaanaxo on Youtube (she does phenomenal makeup, by the way) where she mentioned she uses the ELF brow kit. I checked on Amazon and it was identical looking to Benefit's but cost $3. I'm going to repeat that. It cost $3. I was elated! That difference is huge! And I was sort of disgusted at the same time. Benefit is a high-end product, and it's marketed toward people who can afford it. I don't blame them for charging what they can get.

But when you step back and look at the bigger picture of the cosmetics world, the old drug store vs. high-end debate, I'm just grateful there is a drug-store option to suit my needs. Or I'd never be able to afford to wear any makeup.

And the moral of the story? I'm happy using what I can afford. Even if the pigmentation isn't as strong as its high-end equivalent or the product doesn't last 15 hours. Because I'm starting out in this world of beauty. And now isn't the time to spend a fortune on products I haven't used, or used much. I'll do the leg work in the real world using real products I really can afford. And if there's something I love, like an eyebrow kit, and feel the NEED to find something better/stronger/longer lasting then I'll wait the few months until I can afford it.

So much of the marketing for these things is BUY NOW, and LOOK MORE BEAUTIFUL NOW. I can't afford it now. There was a moment when that frustrated me and I wanted it all, NOW. Now I see my inability to splurge as a gift. I'm taking my time. I'm doing it right and learning what I'm doing with one product at a time so I don't become overwhelmed and wasteful. And that's a good thing. Especially for the long haul.

Thanks for reading, and stay beautiful! xoxox