A Lifetime of Cosmetics: At What Cost?

Have you ever wondered how much money you will have spent on makeup during your lifetime? Before reading further be aware that for most of us, the cost of makeup is a legitimate and necessary expense. Even if you're a guy, you may realize the value of cosmetics in our society. When used correctly, makeup products enhance our natural beauty, often making us feel more confident and more attractive to the opposite sex.

Knowing the value, is there really a price we can put on something so powerful? Well, okay, back in the real world where money is not limitless, we must find the best value for our hard-earned cash. I have to admit that I haven't always looked for the best value. Often I'm lured in by the talents of ad writers and their enticements. And lately by those erase-the-wrinkles-off-your-face ads! Sometimes, surprisingly, I do find valuable products after being compelled to buy.

Some of my favorite products are: Dermacia® foundation, Maybelline® Age Rewind, Mary Kay® lipsticks, Arbonne® brow wax and blush, Avon® eye pencils and lip liners, Physicians Formula® Organic Wear loose powder, L'Oreal® Double Extend mascara and Rimmel® eye shadow.

Let's say you live to the ripe old age of 85. And let's say that you continue using makeup products of comparable value until then. Having begun using makeup at 15 years old, you would have 70 years of makeup wearing. Here's how the numbers break down (based on today's prices and my own makeup usage):

For the eyes (including shadow, mascara, eye liner, brow wax)-$57/yr

For the lips (including lipstick, gloss, lip liner)-$57/yr

For the face (including foundation, powder, concealer, blush)-$155/yr

That's a total of $269 for a year's worth of makeup products. That translates to $18,830 for a lifetime of cosmetics.

To calculate, I considered the frequency that I buy these products multiplied by their cost:

Every 2 months: foundation, powder, lipstick

Every 4 months: eye liner, lip liner, mascara

Every 6 months: blush, lip gloss, eye shadow

Once a year: concealer, brow wax

Your breakdown may differ, depending on the products you use or frequency of usage. Considering that each of us will consume over $200,000 worth of groceries during a lifetime, $18,830 doesn't sound so bad for the value it brings into our lives. Does it? Think of the benefit versus the cost. Ask yourself: Why do I wear makeup? Did you answer, "Because I'm worth it"? If so, was that your reasoning or the genius of an ad writer? (Think L'Oreal®).

Whatever your reason for buying your cosmetics, realize that, in the scheme of things, the cost is a small price to pay over the long haul. But it never hurts to look for those bargains to cut some of the costs.

Coupon clipping, here I come!