^^^ Writing all that out I realize I spend way more than $350/month... oh well!!! Here's the thing, LA is superficial and I work in a superficial industry. It's hard. I'm not 21 anymore and maintenance is required. Compared to my peers, I spend a lot less!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:$350

Last time this question was asked I was flamed so bring it on. I live in Los Angeles.

Can you do a breakdown of what that goes towards? I'm not going to flame you. I'm genuinely curious.

Mani/Pedi $89 (including tip) every 2-3 weeks
Lash extensions $74 every 2 weeks
Hair highlights and cut every 8 weeks $200
Botox and fillers every 6 months $1000-1500
Facial every month $100
Brows $20 every 3 weeks

As for products, I didn't add those but I use skinceuticals serum, Dennis Gross, Kate Somerville and Clinique. Probably $200/month for everything including shampoo and make up and skin products?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On average about $600 per month

Highlights are 2x a year and $350 = $700
Haircuts 4x a year at $100 = $400
Color touch ups every 5 weeks at approx $120 = ~ $1,100
Make up purchases = $500 per year
Blowouts maybe 25 times a year at $50 each time = $1,250
Keratin once a year = $400
Nails 20 plus times a year = ~$500
Eyebrow threading 10 times a year =~$200
Retina = $100
Botox and fillers $1800 per year

I hate spending this but I feel likes it’s required to look good. There’s a stark difference between women who spend on these items and those who don’t. You can get away not spending it until you hit your 30s.

LOL, yes, yes there is.

I know a part of siblings 15 months apart (Irish twins). One uses and has used botox for 5 years consistently. The other hasn't. Seeing them together and you'd think the other was 10 years older.

So yes. There is a difference and its discernible.

How old are they?

47 and 48. The 'rougher' looking one has crow's feet, forehead wrinkles, and harshly blotted skin.

The rougher looking one will look just as well if she got laser treatments.

Yeah, that is the exact point.

PP above. Just glad I don't have to spend any money on waxing. That would be way too much time with various appointments.

I am a 45 year old Asian American woman with very little wrinkling but do have 4 or so faded sunspots.

My monthly expenses have definitely gone up in the last year or so. Here have been my biggest expenses.

1) $600 for laser to remove sunspots (last time I did this was 4 years or so and also cost $600 but they used an older laser which actually worked after just one treatment. This newer laser is gentler but I am going to have to go back for a 2nd treatment to completely fade these 4 spots).

2) $700 IPL for overall freckling (2 treatments done last year. This is at a different derm practice but the process is more annoying with the lidocaine you have to put on your face and walk in with what looks like Crisco into the office).

3) $210 or so for partial highlights and color (stylist will color small amount of gray around crown for me then)--probably 3 to 4x a year depending on how much time I have to fit this in.

4) $105 (includes tip) for eyelash extensions about 1x a month, sometimes go up to 6 weeks b/c schedules don't mesh.

5) $600 for microblading at a very highly regarded place (in which the person who did mine ended up being fired/quit the very next day (which I found out about at my 3 or 4 week follow up). Since then I go to my eyelash place for microfeathering. First time $250. Will be doing retouch for $100 (w/o tip) next week. Has lasted about 8 or so months.)

6) Makeup and creams. Have spent a ton (e.g., ORIBE shampoo/conditioner which smells amazing but doesn't really do anything special for my fine hair) b/c I get bored but have been very bad about consistently following a regime. Best products seem to have been the Korean products I got online (e.g., Corsyx AHA and BHA lotions under $20 dollars). Spent way too much on bb creams and foundations; however, the Chanel CC cream is the bomb. Will gladly spend money on refilling that.

7) Most recent purchase--$60 for Vitner's Daughter small size. Not sure if it's really doing anything. Smells incredible. I will hold judgment until I finish it up.

8) Pedicures--delux spa pedicure $45 (plus $9 or $10 tip) probably every 4 to 6 weeks (as you can go longer in fall/winter when not wearing open toed shoes. Manicures less frequently b/c just too busy. But when I do go, I go for delux b/c of the hand massage (carpal tunnel) more than the actual polish (think it's $28 plus $4 for tip so $32). (Have purchased Smith and Cult nail polishes which I bring. They are not cheap like $18 but the colors are amazing, they have less harmful chemicals and seem to last a lot longer (e.g., last pedicure was more than 6 weeks and colors stayed strong).

9) Clothes--have been less than enchanted with J Crew recently (although kids' clothes are great and colorful). I've been buying FRAME denim shorts (LOVE, LOVE them and bought full price), Rag and Bone and JOIE tops (on sale) and Tory Burch and Kate Spade. Try to get everything on sale.

So, without counting clothes or makeup stuff I figure I will need to spend at least $3500 a year to maintain hair, eyelashes, one laser treatment, eyebrow retouch and monthly pedis.

Given how awake I look with the eyelashes and eyebrows, TOTALLY worth it.

Anonymous wrote:I am 45 and couldn’t really tell the difference between a 32 year old and a 25 year old!! Wait until you hit your 40s.

My regular spending is as follows per month
Hair colour and cut once a month $85
Manicure every 2 weeks - $70 total
Pedicure once a month - $80
Brazilian - $35

I get Botox every 4 months -$300 per time
Had fillers in my cheeks for the first time -$900 per year (I think I will only need it once a year)

Makeup, skin care - probably $50 per month

I think I spend a lot but it is far less than what I spend on clothes - around $1,500 per month

What do you do with all that clothes?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good Q!

Highlights/haircuts: $250 3-4x/year so call it $1K
Monthly waxing in summer; probably every 6 weeks in winter (underarm, legs, bikini): $195 x 8= $1500ish
Monthly pedicures in summer: $95 x 7 = $700ish
Retin A: sometimes I have copay, sometimes I don't: maybe $60/yr tops
Dermatologist (with copays) & any meds - maybe 4x/year tops so $300ish
I get Joico shampoo/conditioner & hairspray at TJMaxx; they are $16 each & probably last 2 months; $32x6 - $200ish/yr
Bumble & Bumble hair products + Dermalogica cleanser etc: ~$750/yr
Probably get my makeup done once every 2-3 yrs (when I buy new products) at Bloomingdales or Nordstrom & I like Chanel foundation: $300-$500 every few years
I get Target mascara regularly - other stuff I only replace if it runs out ~$50/yr
Really like a specific sunscreen that costs $50 per bottle; I think I bought 3 bottles this year

I think it's roughly $5K/yr so maybe $400 or so a month. This does not count my exercise costs (e.g. classes, gym membership, attire, etc). Also doesn't cover my supplements (like viviscal & collagen) which are definitely related expenses.

Things I contemplate doing but haven't pulled the trigger on yet: botox, facials, manicures, more regular massages

What sunscreen is it? I’m looking for a good one.

My hairdresser started selling collagen in her shop. Do you notice a difference taking it and if so what do you notice?

DP: I buy collagen pills at costco, great price for a large jar. I can't say if the difference is because of the pills or not because I follow other regime as well (Botox, regular runs and exersise), so it is hard to point what exactly contributed, but I like my look at mid 40s.

I am 45 and couldn’t really tell the difference between a 32 year old and a 25 year old!! Wait until you hit your 40s.

My regular spending is as follows per month
Hair colour and cut once a month $85
Manicure every 2 weeks - $70 total
Pedicure once a month - $80
Brazilian - $35

I get Botox every 4 months -$300 per time
Had fillers in my cheeks for the first time -$900 per year (I think I will only need it once a year)

Makeup, skin care - probably $50 per month

I think I spend a lot but it is far less than what I spend on clothes - around $1,500 per month

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On average about $600 per month

Highlights are 2x a year and $350 = $700
Haircuts 4x a year at $100 = $400
Color touch ups every 5 weeks at approx $120 = ~ $1,100
Make up purchases = $500 per year
Blowouts maybe 25 times a year at $50 each time = $1,250
Keratin once a year = $400
Nails 20 plus times a year = ~$500
Eyebrow threading 10 times a year =~$200
Retina = $100
Botox and fillers $1800 per year

I hate spending this but I feel likes it’s required to look good. There’s a stark difference between women who spend on these items and those who don’t. You can get away not spending it until you hit your 30s.

LOL, yes, yes there is.

I know a part of siblings 15 months apart (Irish twins). One uses and has used botox for 5 years consistently. The other hasn't. Seeing them together and you'd think the other was 10 years older.

So yes. There is a difference and its discernible.

How old are they?

47 and 48. The 'rougher' looking one has crow's feet, forehead wrinkles, and harshly blotted skin.

The rougher looking one will look just as well if she got laser treatments.

Not arguing against that. The point is that you need to spend money to achieve the same look.

Not necessarily. Does she smoke? Is she a sun worshipper? Does she wear spf? Does she work outside or close to windows?

I’m 32 and people tell me how young I look all the time. I still pass for mid 20s. It’s down to genetics and lifestyle choices. I haven’t had any Botox or laser.

You don't need Botox at 32...read the ages and post - then come back.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On average about $600 per month

Highlights are 2x a year and $350 = $700
Haircuts 4x a year at $100 = $400
Color touch ups every 5 weeks at approx $120 = ~ $1,100
Make up purchases = $500 per year
Blowouts maybe 25 times a year at $50 each time = $1,250
Keratin once a year = $400
Nails 20 plus times a year = ~$500
Eyebrow threading 10 times a year =~$200
Retina = $100
Botox and fillers $1800 per year

I hate spending this but I feel likes it’s required to look good. There’s a stark difference between women who spend on these items and those who don’t. You can get away not spending it until you hit your 30s.

LOL, yes, yes there is.

I know a part of siblings 15 months apart (Irish twins). One uses and has used botox for 5 years consistently. The other hasn't. Seeing them together and you'd think the other was 10 years older.

So yes. There is a difference and its discernible.

How old are they?

47 and 48. The 'rougher' looking one has crow's feet, forehead wrinkles, and harshly blotted skin.

The rougher looking one will look just as well if she got laser treatments.

Not arguing against that. The point is that you need to spend money to achieve the same look.

Not necessarily. Does she smoke? Is she a sun worshipper? Does she wear spf? Does she work outside or close to windows?

I’m 32 and people tell me how young I look all the time. I still pass for mid 20s. It’s down to genetics and lifestyle choices. I haven’t had any Botox or laser.

Anonymous wrote:Good Q!

Highlights/haircuts: $250 3-4x/year so call it $1K
Monthly waxing in summer; probably every 6 weeks in winter (underarm, legs, bikini): $195 x 8= $1500ish
Monthly pedicures in summer: $95 x 7 = $700ish
Retin A: sometimes I have copay, sometimes I don't: maybe $60/yr tops
Dermatologist (with copays) & any meds - maybe 4x/year tops so $300ish
I get Joico shampoo/conditioner & hairspray at TJMaxx; they are $16 each & probably last 2 months; $32x6 - $200ish/yr
Bumble & Bumble hair products + Dermalogica cleanser etc: ~$750/yr
Probably get my makeup done once every 2-3 yrs (when I buy new products) at Bloomingdales or Nordstrom & I like Chanel foundation: $300-$500 every few years
I get Target mascara regularly - other stuff I only replace if it runs out ~$50/yr
Really like a specific sunscreen that costs $50 per bottle; I think I bought 3 bottles this year

I think it's roughly $5K/yr so maybe $400 or so a month. This does not count my exercise costs (e.g. classes, gym membership, attire, etc). Also doesn't cover my supplements (like viviscal & collagen) which are definitely related expenses.

Things I contemplate doing but haven't pulled the trigger on yet: botox, facials, manicures, more regular massages

What sunscreen is it? I’m looking for a good one.

My hairdresser started selling collagen in her shop. Do you notice a difference taking it and if so what do you notice?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On average about $600 per month

Highlights are 2x a year and $350 = $700
Haircuts 4x a year at $100 = $400
Color touch ups every 5 weeks at approx $120 = ~ $1,100
Make up purchases = $500 per year
Blowouts maybe 25 times a year at $50 each time = $1,250
Keratin once a year = $400
Nails 20 plus times a year = ~$500
Eyebrow threading 10 times a year =~$200
Retina = $100
Botox and fillers $1800 per year

I hate spending this but I feel likes it’s required to look good. There’s a stark difference between women who spend on these items and those who don’t. You can get away not spending it until you hit your 30s.

LOL, yes, yes there is.

I know a part of siblings 15 months apart (Irish twins). One uses and has used botox for 5 years consistently. The other hasn't. Seeing them together and you'd think the other was 10 years older.

So yes. There is a difference and its discernible.

How old are they?

47 and 48. The 'rougher' looking one has crow's feet, forehead wrinkles, and harshly blotted skin.

The rougher looking one will look just as well if she got laser treatments.

Not arguing against that. The point is that you need to spend money to achieve the same look.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On average about $600 per month

Highlights are 2x a year and $350 = $700
Haircuts 4x a year at $100 = $400
Color touch ups every 5 weeks at approx $120 = ~ $1,100
Make up purchases = $500 per year
Blowouts maybe 25 times a year at $50 each time = $1,250
Keratin once a year = $400
Nails 20 plus times a year = ~$500
Eyebrow threading 10 times a year =~$200
Retina = $100
Botox and fillers $1800 per year

I hate spending this but I feel likes it’s required to look good. There’s a stark difference between women who spend on these items and those who don’t. You can get away not spending it until you hit your 30s.

LOL, yes, yes there is.

I know a part of siblings 15 months apart (Irish twins). One uses and has used botox for 5 years consistently. The other hasn't. Seeing them together and you'd think the other was 10 years older.

So yes. There is a difference and its discernible.

How old are they?

47 and 48. The 'rougher' looking one has crow's feet, forehead wrinkles, and harshly blotted skin.

The rougher looking one will look just as well if she got laser treatments.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On average about $600 per month

Highlights are 2x a year and $350 = $700
Haircuts 4x a year at $100 = $400
Color touch ups every 5 weeks at approx $120 = ~ $1,100
Make up purchases = $500 per year
Blowouts maybe 25 times a year at $50 each time = $1,250
Keratin once a year = $400
Nails 20 plus times a year = ~$500
Eyebrow threading 10 times a year =~$200
Retina = $100
Botox and fillers $1800 per year

I hate spending this but I feel likes it’s required to look good. There’s a stark difference between women who spend on these items and those who don’t. You can get away not spending it until you hit your 30s.

LOL, yes, yes there is.

I know a part of siblings 15 months apart (Irish twins). One uses and has used botox for 5 years consistently. The other hasn't. Seeing them together and you'd think the other was 10 years older.

So yes. There is a difference and its discernible.

How old are they?

47 and 48. The 'rougher' looking one has crow's feet, forehead wrinkles, and harshly blotted skin.