This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UC Irvine chapter.

A recent Newsweek article discussed the advantages of being “better looking” in American society. The authors talked candidly to hiring managers from across the country, and fifty seven percent told Newsweek that qualified, but rather unattractive candidates, have a harder time landing a job than their attractive counterparts. Although this may not be the case for all employers, it’s undeniable that we live in an image-obsessed society.

As a woman, I can see where the pressure to look good comes from. We’re bombarded with the media everyday, indirectly telling us what to wear, how to look, and how we can achieve these looks by buying beauty products. It’s no wonder that recent studies have shown that women typically use about thirteen products a day. I know I’m no different when it comes to these luxurious items. I’m definitely guilty of having a large collection of makeup and a bad habit for spending a ton of money at Sephora—but apparently I’m not the only one. Newsweek reported that the U.S. cosmetic and toiletries sector produced more than $10 billion in revenue last year from beauty related stores from all over the nation. It’s reported that ages 12-24 buy more beauty and skin products than any other age group. Why exactly is that? In today’s world, defining a standard of beauty is tough. I can’t even go on You Tube without seeing makeup gurus and beauty vloggers with tutorials on how to achieve a certain look, or reviews on makeup and cosmetic products that they love. This fixation with appearance explains why the beauty industry rakes in billions of dollars every year. But is cost of beauty worth it? UC Irvine and Her Campus is going to take you through a few popular beauty products and you can judge for yourself.

Tanning Beds
Price: $8- $12 per session
What is it? Tanning beds are machines that emit ultraviolet radiation (UVA & UVB) to create a tan. The beds contain fluorescent lights that expel rays that the sun normally would.
Pros: Tanning is a method in which millions of people use in order to achieve a bronze, sun- kissed look. It is a more convenient method of tanning since you don’t have to go outside and wait for hours in order to achieve the same tan in half an hour.
Cons: Tanning beds have been found to be quite harmful. The National Public Radio reported that frequently tanning in these machines increases the chance of getting melanoma, one of the most dangerous types of cancer. Each year, 68,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma and 10 percent of those people will die.

Sunless Tanning
Price: $25- $65 per session
What is it? This method includes lotions or sprays that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which causes a chemical reaction with the outermost layer of the skin causing it to darken.
Pros: With growing concerns of tanning beds and cancer, spray tans are considered the “better” alternative to getting a tan. This method doesn’t require any ultraviolet exposure so you’re safe from dangerous UV rays.
Cons: Although DHA has been approved by the FDA for external use, it is not approved for inhalation, because it may cause internal contamination. Unfortunately with spray tans, it’s often difficult to protect oneself from ingestion of chemicals, although they do advise you to close your eyes, hold your breathe, and wear nose plugs. Results vary, but spray tans last only about a couple days to a little over a week.

Electrolysis Hair Removal
Price: $50-$100 per hour but prices vary according to the amount of hair needed to remove
What is it? This permanent hair removal process involves a needle inserted into a hair follicle with an electrical pulse emitted, destroying the hair. There are three different types of methods: galvanic, thermolysis, and blend. Galvanic is done by an electro-chemical current, thermolysis is done by a heat current, while blend is a mixture of the two.
Pros: This method is effective in removing hair for a long period of time, if not permanently depending on the section of the hair.
Cons: Some common side effects include: rashes, swelling, pain, and sometimes infections. The procedure takes quite some time and sometimes requires 10-30 sessions.

Eyelash Extensions
Price: $200-$500
What is it? This method creates longer, fuller looking eye lashes. Each eyelash extension is bonded to the natural lash with adhesive and can last for weeks.
Pros: What’s different about this method compared to the regular fake eyelashes that you buy from the drug store is that it can last up to weeks depending on the cycles of your lash growth. When your lashes fall out, the extensions will fall out with it.
Cons: The glue and bonding agents may cause discomfort to your eyes and may potentially damage them. Overuse of eyelash extensions can sometimes cause the hair to fall out due to the continuous stress on the eyelashes. Remember that our eyelashes are there to protect and keep the eyes healthy so be extra cautious when using this method.

If we’re spending this ample amount of money on the beauty industry, are we getting anything in return? Some would say self esteem. I can’t speak for everyone, but most women I’ve talked to agree that feeling good can come from looking good. Having confidence is important in life, but don’t forget beauty also lies from within. External beauty can take you only so far; internal beauty is limitless.

Sources:

The Price of Beauty

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