the price i pay

the beauty and fashion industries generate billions of dollars every year. these businesses thrive off of consumers’ insecurities, their desire to fit societal standards, and peoples’ hopes to “better” themselves through cosmetic and aesthetic means. this system has been in place for thousands of years. being “beautiful” is expensive is an attempt to bring attention to the false ideals these companies are advertising. the rules and ideals constantly change, encouraging consumers to purchase the next new innovation. the industry creates unobtainable ideals for the average consumer in order to ensure persistent sales despite the detrimental impact of the industries on our society.

every item on the receipt is a purchase i made in the last six months. i will admit that i love experimenting and expressing myself through makeup and clothes. i enjoy skincare treatments and getting my nails done. however, there has always been a complicated relationship between these products and my self-worth. i should want to buy these products because they make me happy. i wish the beauty and fashion industry didn’t make me more insecure to try and sell me products.