Health

Vanity costs American women nearly a quarter of a million dollars

New research reveals American women spend nearly a quarter of a million dollars on their appearance in their lifetime.

Groupon’s study celebrated the official start of summer by asking 2,000 Americans the amount of money they spend on their appearance and uncovered some interesting trends.

The women surveyed who said they routinely spend money on their appearance spend an average of $3,756 a year (or $313 a month), which adds up to $225,360 throughout their entire lifetime (ages 18-78).

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Male respondents spend an average of $2,928 per year (or $244 a month), totaling $175,680 or about one-fourth (22 percent) less than women throughout their lifetime.

The survey also revealed that more than one-fourth of all appearance-related spending is on the face ($51,120), which is more than any other body part or area.

“Summer is the most popular season to take full advantage of all of the affordable beauty treatments and services available to help you look and feel your best,” said Silvija Martincevic, vice president and general manager of health, beauty and wellness at Groupon. “Whether it’s a trip to the beach, a wedding or a family vacation, Groupon makes it easy for you to get the most out of your warm weather adventures––and to look great in selfies.”

The survey, conducted by market researchers OnePoll and commissioned by Groupon, found that women spend almost twice as much on their face on average than men ($91 vs. $51 per month)–a gap which is largely driven by makeup purchases.

Interestingly, the survey results indicated that people in their 30s on average spend more on facial moisturizer and anti-aging products than people in their 40s, 50s or 60s.

And despite their youthfulness, people in their 20s spend more on average on makeup than any other age group.

Participants spend $58 per month on haircuts, products and shaving supplies, with women spending more overall on average than men. Fitness fanatics spend nearly 106 per month on gym memberships, classes, supplements and apps, with men spending more overall on average than women.

Respondents also indicated that they become more content with their appearance as they get older. When asked if they wanted more money to spend on their appearance if given the chance, half of those in their 60s said they would turn down the opportunity compared with only a quarter of those in their 20s.

“These lifetime figures show an incredible amount is put towards improving and maintaining our appearances,” Martincevic added. “No matter your age or gender, we’re all concerned with looking and feeling great and finding ways to do that without breaking the bank can make all the difference.”

How much the average person spends on beauty products per month:
  • Creams/lotions/ moisturizer/anti-aging: $57
  • Make up/ beauty spend and treatments: $58
  • Hair spends (cuts, products, removal): $58
  • Fitness spend (gym, classes, supplements): $106
How much the average person spends on their image…
  • per month: $279
  • per year: $3,348
  • per adult lifetime (ages 18-78): $200,880
How much men and women spend on beauty products per month, respectively:
  • Creams/lotions/ moisturizer/anti-aging: $65/$49
  • Make up/ women’s beauty spend and treatments: $115/$0
  • Hair spends (cuts, products, removal): $56/$60
  • Fitness spend (gym, classes, supplements): $123/$89
 How much men and women spend on their image, respectively:
  • per month: $244/$313 (face alone: $51/$91)
  • per year: $2,928/$3,756
  • per adult lifetime (ages 18-78): $175, 680/$225,360