Written by Jennie
A couple of weeks ago, I was having a bad hair week. I get these periodically – sometimes I think it’s hormonal. But in this case I suspected my shampoo, a shampoo/bubblebath/body wash combo that had been given to me as a gift. I made the mistake of popping into Sephora, just to see if they had anything that might restore my hair to something resembling its former glory (its current state managing to be both greasy AND dry).
This was probably not a good idea. I love, love, love Sephora, and there are some decent deals to be found there. The Sephora line of cosmetics tends to be reasonably priced, a bit over drugstore brand prices but less than most department store brands. I’ve noticed before that their hair-care section is small and pricey. Still, I was feeling both desperate and reckless, and before I knew it I had convinced myself to buy a $24 bottle of shampoo.
Yes, you read that right – $24. About five times what I usually pay for a bottle of shampoo at the supermarket. Furthermore, it wasn’t even a very BIG bottle of shampoo – I think ounce-wise it’s probably about 3/4 the size of the shampoos I normally buy. (Okay, in the interests of accuracy I just checked the bottle and then looked up the volume on the size of Finesse I usually get – the Finesse is actually 13 oz., to this brand’s 6.7 oz. So, technically I spent about 10 times as much per ounce. Ouch.)
But here’s the thing. I love my new shampoo. Love it. It’s a brand called Phyto, and the shampoo itself is Phytojoba Intense Hydrating shampoo. It is awesome and it has made my hair so happy.
Still, I can’t buy $24 bottles of shampoo every week or so. Can I? I don’t think I can. I think I’d have to be considerably wealthier to be able to justify that to myself. I’d probably still feel guilty thinking about all the starving people in the world who could benefit from the $4 per ounce I’d be paying for my shampoo.
I don’t always find that more expensive = better when it comes to beauty products, particularly hair products. For instance, as I mentioned my go-to supermarket shampoo is Finesse, which works just fine on my hair. On the other hand, I’ve sometimes used expensive shampoos and conditioners and found that they leave a residue in my hair or otherwise don’t work for me. I’m usually willing to spend the most on moisturizers and skins creams because I’m wary of anything that might have an adverse effect on my skin. Probably the most I’ve paid is $50 or so for a fairly small pot of moisturizer – man, Lancome is expensive. But I’m aware that there are many brands that are even far more expensive than that.
Do you have any beauty indulgences? How do you justify them to yourself? (I’m looking for help with my self-rationalizations here.) If not hair products or cosmetics, do you treat yourself to expensive shoes or handbags? (Those I find hard to justify, particularly the latter – a $30 purse will hold my stuff just as well as a $600 one.) Do you usually find that when you spend more, it’s worth it… or not?
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17 Responses to How Much is Too Much?
I really don’t. I have never purchased a purse over $ 75. My shoes are quality but I believe $ 100 is the most I have ever spent.
I actually prefer many shampoos that are inexpensive such as Citri Shine and Finesse.
I do get my hair highlighted in a salon and that is probably the most money I spend on myself. But because I have very little gray hair and I have a reverse color weave done, I only really have to have this done about 4 times a year.
I buy all over the counter cosmetics from Cover Girl and Revlon and whatever is on sale. I prefer my face lotion from Neutrogena over a few more expensive ones that I have tried in the past.
When I had the desire to try more expensive beauty products when I was younger, I did not have the money. Now that I have the money, I do not have the desire.
Ha – that is sooo funny! I saw Sephora, and the headline to your article and I was curious to see what other people spend on hair products. I have curly hair that needs alot of moisture and I use Phyto 9 leave in conditioner (I believe it’s now up to $27 for a tiny tube that if I used everyday would last me maybe 3 weeks!) Love, love, love Phyto! (and Sephora and Nordstroms are the only places that carry it around Chicago I have found.) I have to say, if you could see the before and after pictures of my hair, I would need no justification! However, since I’ve started to get serious about photography, I’ve needed to cut back in other areas. If you have an Ulta 3 in your area, I would suggest trying Biolage or Redken. When I splurged to get my hair colored, my stylist begged me not to use Finese and suggested Redken (I think it’s $12? Ulta 3 had a huge sale so I stocked up and haven’t bought it in a while.) I use Biolage primarily for conditioner (I think I started because Allure highly rated the conditioner.)
I *heart* Sephora. It’s really a problem. I even have once of those membership cards (which isn’t a bad deal if you shop there a lot).
May hair is baby fine but curly. It needs serious moisture and body since I straighten the dickens out of it every morning. The only shampoo that works well is from Sephora. One good thing about that place is that they usually offer little travel bottles of their shampoo and conditioner so that you can try them out before forking over the $50+ for the set. I have been known to purchase those rather than the big bottles when I am in a pinch.
I also find that I have to use less of each since it’s very concentrated. Maybe yours is the same?
My make-up also comes from Sephora. I use the Bare Minerals line.
My boyfriend balks at the amount I spend on this stuff. Yes, I think he may be an unreliable source since he buys the generic Walgreens brand of Pert for $1.99 (no Plus, mind you).
At least you know you are paying for something that works well. This is how I justify it.
So happy to know join the IW Facebook site! This is great ~ thank you for putting it together!
MY latest “indulgence” happens to be the Aromatherapy Line (specifically Lavender and Vanilla) from Bath and Body Works. I find it VERY difficult to buy things for myself, but this is something that is a sort of “getaway” for me ~ especially after a LONGG day!
I FINALLY bought myself a pair of black pumps this past weekend, but only because they were on major sale.
I do, however, understand the shampoo dilemma. While the supermarket stuff works well, I can tell a HUGE difference when I splurge and buy something like Biolage.
I would say that if you really enjoy this new shampoo and are able to afford it, then by all means go for it.
Never tried anything from Sephora.
My “go to” shampoo is either Aussie or Garnier Fructisse. I tend to alternate between the two.
The best thing I’ve ever done for my hair, actually, is to start dying it with Body Art Quality Henna (not the crap they sell for hair!!!). It’s WONDERFUL stuff.
Danmara, I’ve heard experts (however you get to be a hair-care expert) suggest that it’s good to switch shampoos every once in a while – I guess so that you’re not getting too much or not enough of the different ingredients each has? I don’t know.
Sue, you are not helping by telling me how awesome the other Phyto productss are. I WANT! I do appreciate the Biolage and Redken suggestions – I know I’ve seen those (though maybe not at Ulta? do they maybe have them at various salons?); I’ll pick some up when I get a chance.
Angela, I don’t think the shampoo was concentrated, and even with concentrated shampoo I probably go through it quickly because I have a lot of hair, and I wash it every day (I know, I know, I’m not supposed to). It’s gone now. Sniff. I bought some $12 shampoo that was on sale for $9 – I don’t remember the brand but it wasn’t one I was familiar with – at Safeway. It’s not bad. Probably not worth the $9 the way the Phyto was worth the $24, though.
Yes, Jennie, I forgot about the advice to switch shampoos every once in awhile…that may actually be why I saw such a dramatic change with the Biolage. I had been using my previous one for a couple of years.
On a side note, I just wanted y’all to know that I’m having a blast on this site and on the FB site as well! It is such a welcome diversion from the medical and normal CRAZY daily life with 2 teens going left and right ~ don’t get me wrong, I actually LOVE taking them everywhere because it’s just more quality “Mommy time” that I get to spend with them!! They grow way way too fast!
Thanks to all who participate and have sent me your positive thoughts and prayers…as I said before, THIS IS SUCH A BREATH OF FRESH AIR compared to the “other” trash out there…I think we all know who I’m referring to!haha
I’ve heard the advice, but I honestly switch shampoos every once in a while because it really seems to work better. I just know when my hair seems to get dull, I switch. I’ve done this for years.
I think it’s product buildup from one shampoo or the other that does it.
I spend almost $0 on my beauty products. I use whatever I got on sale, therefore, switching by default.
The bigger question, “How much is too much?” can be applied to a lot of things, though. My husband is a runner, and I would swear he’s spending too much on running shoes. We have had to find a place to donate the old ones because there are too many for our house. I personally can never have enough children’s books…but they can be expensive. How much can I indulge in my little collection? Others buy music, stereo equipment, clothing. My rule of thumb is: it’s your money. Have you paid your bills? Did you set aside money for your obligations? Did you get the money honestly? Then indulgences like beauty products, Bath & Body Works fragrances, a new pair of running shoes, and the occasional picture book are OK. We’re supposed to be happy! Soft, clean hair that styles wonderfully is a happiness-maker. Jennie, I say, “Indulge yourself.”
I do use expensive hair products (Fekkai) but I buy the trial size set at Bath and Body and it lasts me months because I only use it once a week and I use other shampoos in between.
I also use Oil Of Olay Pro X now and I love it! It’s a drug store buy, but it’s pricey! But I have to say, you can use it sparingly and it lasts a long time. I love it so much that I have thrown out every other product I used (and I NEVER do that, because every two to three weeks I am trying something new, then going back to old favorites, it was a vicious cycle). I have such problem skin (oily, dry and flakey, big pores, acne, wrinkles, old-age spots, you name the problem, my face has it) and this product addresses them all.
I refuse to spend a lot on purses, I tire of them so easily, I have found a wonderful little kiosk in a shopping mall near me, and the owner sells beautiful bags that she designs herself, none of them sell for over $45, and a lot of times she has sales, and because I’m a return customer she knocks down the price for me a lot. And she uses recycled materials, so a little bonus there.
I will spend no more than $100 on shoes and that’s only if they are extremely comfortable. I love Clark’s and I just picked up three pairs at a shopping outlet mall this weekend, all three came to under $150, if I had paid full price one pair would have been that much!
I don’t see anything wrong in treating ourselves once in awhile, but lately, I’ve been feeling very much as you said, Jennie, about justifying spending this kind of money when there are so many in need. Even the bargains I got, did I really need three more pair of shoes? When is enough, enough? When did my wants become my needs?
Okay, I’m getting depressed about my greedy ways again, and my bargains don’t feel so good anymore. Let me sign off.
VERY THOUGHT-PROVOKING POST!
My rule of thumb is: it’s your money. Have you paid your bills? Did you set aside money for your obligations? Did you get the money honestly? Then indulgences like beauty products, Bath & Body Works fragrances, a new pair of running shoes, and the occasional picture book are OK.
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Eileen, I think we should take Ann’s advice and not feel guilty.
Angela, generic Pert?! Men!
Sue, Finesse isn’t good for color-treated hair? Didn’t know that. Could explain some of my “issues.” LOL.
Pam, 4x a year!?! I am in the salon every 4 weeks. And I am not swimming in cash. I just have to do it. Not ready to be a gray-headed lady in my early 40′s!
Okay I knew I was a bargain shopper but now I’m thinking I’m a total cheapo. I have never spent $100 on shoes. The most I’ve ever spent is $60 and even that hurt my feelings. I would absolutely fork over the big bucks for great beauty products though. I’m normally afraid to try anything super expensive in case it doesn’t work. But Ulta has a great return policy. So far I havent found anything that works better than a drugstore brand- especially when it comes to hair products. Though Sue has me curious bc I have curly hair as well. I would love to see the before and after pics Sue
Yeah, I’m pretty much a cheapo too. If I have to make a decision between several brands, I will look at the unit price of anything – shampoo, lotion, meat, whatever and pick the middle one. I figure the cheapest is probably poor quality and the most expensive is just over priced.
I get my hair done at a salon but that’s only because my husband got me a gift certificate. I buy Bath and Body Works handsoap, body wash and lotion. And makeup from MAC but are those considered expensive? They’re no Aveda or Chanel.
Okay, we have hit on my weakness here….
I’ve used Lancome makeup for 20-plus years. I’ve tried other products off and on, but they’ve made my skin break out. I don’t know if it’s because it’s just something different or if Lancome is better for my skin, but I’m hesitant to change because of it.
I do use salon quality shampoo and conditioner. I used Pantene for a while years ago, but broke out in the worst back acne of my life and stopped using it once I figured out it was the hair product that was doing it. I will switch between a cheaper shampoo and the more expensive ones because your hair does get “used” to a shampoo if you use it all the time and doesn’t clean as well. Plus, it stretches out the more expensive products. The same with styling products, but those last me about 6 months, so I don’t feel as bad about the expense.
Cheap tip….I use an inexpensive shampoo to shave with. It works really well and it doesn’t leave the grime in the tub you have to clean up that shave creams/gels do.
Handbads and shoes….
I bought my first designer handbag (Dooney & Burke) in college. It cost $160 and I had to borrow half of that from my roomate (promptly paid her back, of course…and this is when I could live on $400 a month INCLUDING my half of the rent, phone and utilities on our apartment….VERY cheap).
I LOVE HANDBAGS. I’ve owned/own about 8 Coach bags (although I’m not fond of their current line), several Burberry and Kate Spade. My highschool boyfriend started the trend when he brought me back a Gucci bag he bought in Italy on a summer trip (still have that one). I have bought some bags that I just love the design that weren’t overly expensive….Anne Taylor, J. Crew.
I tell my husband I’m a collector of EVENTUALLY vintage handbags. What? It could be true….
I don’t go too cheap on shoes (i.e., Payless) because I have VERY sensitive feet. The skin literally melts off if I have an improper fit or the material is too rough. I do try to look for bargains and shop often to hit sales before the masses find them.
I did just indulge in a pair of Cole Hann heels. NOT because I’m suddenly aware of them because of K. Gosselin, but because I read about it when they introduced the Nike Air technology they put in their heels…extra cushioning you can’t even see. I tried them on in the store and fell in love. Sling backs, open-toed, 3-inch heels…and they felt WONDERFUL. SOLD!!!! Although, that’s my shoe budget for the year.
BUT…I do have to wear heels for work, and walk around downtown A LOT, so it’s an investment in my quality of life….or my feet.
I realize there are many people out there who think it would be RIDICULOUS to spend more than you have to for make-up, hair products, purses or shoes. I can appreciate that point of view, but I’m also not going to tell another person how to spend their money. (Not that anyone here is).
I’m all for doing what makes you happy, whether it’s being frugal or splurging once in a while (while being financially responsible, of course). As women and moms we’re always thinking about others. If the fact our hair is “bouncin’ and behavin’” or our calves look fabulous in those heels gives us the extra boost to get through the day, then I say, “GO FOR IT!”
Jennie -
I’m so glad the nearest Sephora is quite far from where I live. I’ve been there a few times and have spent more than $50 each time.
I get a pedicure every two weeks during the summer and probably once a month over the winter months. I love massages and try to get one every few months.
The things I spend money on frequently are linens. I know that sounds crazy, but I love bath towels, bed linens, placemats, runners, tablecloths, etc. I’m a Home Goods, TJ Max and Marshall’s addict.
As far as beauty products go – I spend a fair amount on skincare (Arbonne) and haircare (Pureology and Sebastian). I do use Suave clarifying shampoo when my hair goes flat. It really seems to perk up my tresses.
Thanks for this piece. I love reading this kind of stuff!
I think I’m a little bit of a reverse snob about expensive handbags because I assume some women buy them as status symbols, which I think is stupid. I think if you really love a bag and you can afford it, why not? (Though $600 still seems ridiculous, but that’s just me.)
I had a Sephora gift card that I got for my birthday last weekend and went in and blew the whole thing, plus $12 of my own money. I got three Phyto hair products (the shampoo at $24, a hair mask at $38 and a leave-in conditioner at $22), a Lancome moisturizer at $50 and a couple of little odds and ends. I could spend $500 – who am I kidding, $1000 – in that store SO EASILY. Love it.
The “need” to switch shampoos comes from the sulfates & additives. There are organic shampoos that are awesome & you never need to switch to see that new “vavoom” you get when you use a new product. I will say Sephora is addictive! I LOVE the shopping magazines I get from them, it’s like the Sears catalog when your a kid @ Christmas. I had a little shopping spree @ Sephora’s online store for my birthday several months ago. There are products that I’ve learned work best for me. Covergirl makeup breaks my skin out. My eyes are sensitive, so I must use quality eye products. A new perfume that my friend introduced to me this past weekend- Turquatic by MAC- I swear I could’ve eaten my arm off it smelled so good. And at $25/bottle- it’s a steal!