Highlights:
- The surprisingly psychological benefits of beauty and fashion
- How to reap the rewards without spending a ton
- Simple ways to save money, and even help the environment!
“I calculated how much it costs to fit the beauty standard in America, and the number is actually disgusting… About $13,000 a year.”
When I heard that in this Reel from Kiki Rough, it sent me down a rabbit hole.
After all, that comes out to about $18,000 Canadian - that’s a lotta money!
With “recession-core” trending, people are sharing their beauty routines that don’t put their financial future on the line.
Because we should enjoy it
It’s not frivolous: beauty and fashion are important for self-care, self-expression, and your overall wellbeing.
“Your clothes can affect your mood, how others perceive you, and the way you see yourself”, writes Shakaila Forbes-Bell in Big Dress Energy.
The psychology of beauty can help you leave the house feeling inspired, happier and more confident.
Plus, it can even help advance your career: “Good clothes can’t put an unqualified person in the boardroom, but bad clothes can keep a qualified person out” says John T. Molloy, author of Dress for Success.
Recession-core is “in”
Economists might not be officially calling it a recession, but lots of people are feeling it.
The lipstick index is one sign
Lipstick sales rise during economic downturns because people turn to small luxuries instead of big-ticket splurges.
Not surprisingly, Ashley Embers notes that there's a clear uptick in lip product launches.
Hair trends are also shifting
Kelly Gooch notes that styles like “recession blonde” or ombré are making a comeback - not because they’re trendy, but because they’re practical.
Styles that blend better with your natural color mean fewer touch-ups, and that means less money spent in the salon.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways you can look and feel good without spending a bundle.
Smart ways to save
🧴 Use what you have with Project Pan
Instead of buying another new product, Project Pan encourages you to “hit pan” (i.e. use up what you already own).
This is an easy way to slow down your spending and appreciate what’s already in your drawer.
Plus it’s better for the environment, since it minimizes partially-used products being tossed simply because they expired.
📦 Try a low-buy or no-buy challenge
No-buy and low-buy challenges are everywhere in 2025.
Honestly, it’s tiring having to spend in order to keep up.
Take back the power from the endless product parade on social and influencers shilling whatever they can for a brand deal, and instead buy only what you truly want and need.
💇♀️ DIY your routine
From press-on nails to at-home hair glossing, there are more affordable, higher-quality DIY options than ever before.
Kelly Gooch has been doing it for years and recommends using local beauty schools for a lower-cost salon experience if you're not ready to go full DIY. Ask for a stylist who is just about to graduate to get someone with the most experience.
✂️ Go minimalist
There might even be some things you can skip altogether. Not everything in your routine has to stay.
Lash extensions? They look amazing, but the upkeep is constant and the cost adds up fast.
Same goes for tanning - it's expensive, time-consuming, and your skin is healthier without it anyway.
Going minimalist doesn’t mean giving up everything. It’s about what actually makes you feel good, and letting go of stuff you’re only doing out of habit or expectation.
📵 Digital detox = fewer impulse buys
It’s easier said than done, but stepping away from social media can definitely lessen the pull to spend.
Less screen time means fewer ads, fewer comparisons, and less pressure to buy just to fit in.
Plus, there’s research showing that “grandma hobbies” are better for your mental health!
🎨 Individual style over trends
One of the best ways to disengage from style trends is to find your own personal style.
That way, you’re not tempted by the latest craze - especially since they can sometimes last for just weeks (remember the Mob Boss Wife aesthetic?)
You can buy things that are classic and versatile to your own style and wear them for years. Plus, it’s better for the environment!
Other ways to save with clothes:
- Check out thrift and consignment stores. Some of my fav pieces have been from thrift stores, including a $5 dress I got years ago that I still get compliments on every time I wear it.
- Clothing swaps. Get a few friends together and trade clothes! I’ve swapped clothes with a friend and her mom, since we are all the same size.
- Go shopping in your own closet. Listennn, it's so easy to forget what you already own and love. Going through everything is a great time to rediscover what’s in there.
Keep what you love, skip what doesn’t bring you joy
This isn’t about opting out entirely, it’s about intentionally choosing what works for you.
A good rule of thumb is to “Marie Kondo” your beauty routine: keep doing things that spark joy, do less of what doesn’t.
Alyssa Davies of Mixed Up Money shares in this post,
“I spend money on Botox, and I don’t feel guilty about it ☺️
We’re allowed to invest in ourselves, even if it’s just for confidence, comfort, or fun. Not everything has to be practical to be valid.”
People feeling good about how they spend their money is the energy I can get behind.
Even though we can’t all have everything, it’s about choosing the right things that make us look and feel our best that matters.
Because we deserve to enjoy both our retirement and our everyday life, now!
Speaking of retirement,
Now that you might’ve found ways to save a few thousand a year, your investments might be the best place to put it.
Passiv helps “Marie Kondo” investing by making it as simple as pushing a button.
It tells you exactly what to buy to stay on track with your goals - no spreadsheets, no guesswork.
Start using Passiv for free and put that saved money to work!
