The True Cost of Beauty
If you’re like me and you like getting your nails done, hair done, eyebrows waxed, buying new makeup and new skincare products, then you probably know how expensive it can get. Nails are usually done every two to three weeks costing around $30 to $40 just for a manicure. To get a whole new hair look you’re looking at a few hundred dollars. Along with rent, utilities and all other monthly expenses some women factor in their monthly beauty expenses. Crazy right?
Women who are regularly spending money on their appearance spend about $3,756 a year. But why is there a price to beauty? You can have natural beauty for free without all the extra glitz and glam. In the past, it was always expected for women to present themselves a certain way and look their best. Society has imprinted this idea onto the women of the future, always holding us to a higher beauty standard.
To me, beauty is natural. Beauty is the natural hue of my skin color. Beauty is the natural birth marks scattered all over my body. Beauty is my natural curves. Beauty is my overgrown body hair. Beauty starts from within, with a healthy mind and body. It is important to maintain good mental health along with nurturing your body.
Here are some natural ways to improve our minds and body that won’t put a dent in your wallet.
1. Promote Positivity
Tell yourself something positive every day. Start your day off by giving yourself a compliment in the mirror to help strengthen your confidence and self-worth. How you think about yourself can affect how you feel.
2. Get your beauty rest
Sleep is the time for our bodies to rejuvenate and recover itself so 7-9 hours each night would be ideal. Skin produces new collagen when you sleep which can result in fewer wrinkles and prevent sagging. Blood flow decreases while not getting enough sleep, which effects our hair follicles and complexion.
3. Drink Up
Water helps our skin maintain its moisture which increases your elasticity. When your skin is elastic you see fewer wrinkles and tighter skin. Drinking water also helps maintain a healthy pH balance which is the key to a glowy complexion.
4. Get your beauty nutrients
Vitamin C is essential for production of collagen and elastin keeping skin toned and firm. Find vitamin C in bell peppers, brussel sprouts, kale, papaya and more. Vitamin E maintains healthy, moisturized skin and scalp. Vitamin E can be found in almonds, avocados, peaches, sunflower seeds and more. Quinoa is your new best friend having complete protein and all nine amino acids which help build strong skin, hair and nails.
5. Relax & Rewind
Stress overall has a negative effect on your body but also effects your skin. Stress can cause inflammation, dry skin, and strengthen existing conditions such as acne or eczema. Take at least 10 minutes to yourself each day to open your mind and unwind. Take a bath, write in a journal, practice yoga or meditation or listen to music.
In the end, you are the only person that can define your beauty. Media has shifted the ideal beauty image into something unrealistic, continuously producing beauty standards for women to live up to. You define your own beauty, not anyone else. We are all beautiful and the true cost of beauty is limitless.