Tuesday, 10 August 2010

Sometimes It's hard to be a woman

in the words of the ultimate woman Dolly Parson.
And dont worry people Im not talking about men (as that would take a flippin series of books to work that one out!!!) no Im talking about the pressures of us woman to look good.
Now I'm not talking the general expected maintainence here - hair cuts, waxing, basic make up I'm talking about all the extra stuff we spend on looking good for whatever reason.
I would pretty much describe myself is the "anti girlie girl" or a tomboy was prob how i was described when I was younger. However, even I have been "persuaded" into going that extra mile in beauty care and it astounds me as to how much it's all added up.

This is how much I've spent on the "body beautiful" over the last 2 yrs:

Laser Hair removal underarm = £360
Braces £3,100
Contact lenses = £15/month
Nails = £70 /6 weeks
Gym membership £25 (now lapsed)
Spray tans for a special event - roughly 8 times/year £20
Purchase of a power plate machine £150
Hair styled for special events £20/5 oor 6 times

When I look at that I must admit I'm pretty embarrassed at the extent of my vanity - think of how much good that would do at the current Pakistan Flooding.

However, two points though firstly I work blooming hard for my money and do have my regular debits to 3 charities (ok its a small amount but still it is more than most!)
Secondly I am very happy in my body, the changes I make are things that I want to do. Its not because Im depressed, have a downer on myself, have pressures from anyone else to make changes.

However what with the advent of Becks and the Metro sexual man I think maybe in 5 yrs you men will be singing Its hard to be a man too!

3 comments:

  1. In the world of business, looking the part is essential to a career. Again this isn't just hair/makeup...tans (although I've never had one) are required as "polish" and in many circles you can't be turned out without one. You need to keep in shape and look sharp which means the powerplate and contact lenses are a must.
    No professional woman would be seen without these basics - because they are basics - and many more would add teeth whitening, massage, face masks, hair colouring, pedicure and foundation wear to that list. It scares me how many women under 30 I know who wear all in one foundation wear to work.
    The laser hair removal I can understand because shaving is so bothersome and time consuming and visible hair is 100% socially unacceptable.
    All in all, I doubt you could get away with much less in today's world. It's what we need to be "presentable."

    Don't worry about it is what I say. Think how bad you'd feel without.

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  2. As you can imagine I spend the majority of my money on make-up. The total each year isn't pretty. However I balance that with the fact that I ave taken over responsibility for most of my beauty grooming, which was way more expensive. I epilate my legs, yes it's bloody painful the first few times but now I don't even think about it. It's super easy and gives me fuzz free legs for literally weeks. The hairs that do grow back are soft and sparse. It's a revelation.
    Nails I file and paint myself, I was rarely happy with professional manicures.
    Tan - Xen Tan Dark Lotion is full proof. Once a week and you'll look gorge x
    Teeth whitening a must. £100 a year at least. Nothing beats a white smile, it says healthy and youthful.
    Don't feel guilty about spending money looking good, what we do to ourselves outside has a big impact on the inside. Treat yourself - feel amazing and look like the best version of yourself you can be xxx

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  3. agreed with your comments @ looking good in business setting Consulting. Even though I work in public sector I wouldnt dream of going into work without "my face on".

    the underair removal was money well spent - hate shaving and there is no way i could go 6 weeks between waxing. Plus the 2 day shadow can be quite sore as well.

    Frocklover - will def think about teeth whiteing once i get the dreaded brace off (am not enjoying it but thinkig long term solution here!)

    Must have a look out for the xen tan - sounds ideal for day to day colour (btw i LOVE ur hair short! xx

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