I’m A 23-Year-Old Retail Associate & I Spend More On Skin-Care Than Groceries

In this special-edition diary series, women open up about their over-the-top, hyper-specific, or otherwise unique beauty and wellness routines — with the added consideration of money. Here, we take an honest look at how real people take care of their bodies and minds, including why they love their beauty and wellness practices, how they can afford them, and how they make them feel. As told to Vanessa Golembewski.

Age: 23
Current Location: Sacramento, CA
Current Industry & Title: Retail, Associate

What’s your usual beauty routine?

"My skin varies depending on the weather, stress, time of the month, etc., so I have a few products to help. I exfoliate at most twice a week and use hydrating face masks or charcoal ones when I feel like my skin is clogged. I also try to give my skin a break from makeup at least once a week. And I have a [sonic face brush].
 
"I do microdermabrasion every three to four months, and I have an at-home microdermabrasion kit as well. Beyond beauty, I also recently became mostly vegetarian, so I only ate meat about once a week; in the past month, I've gone vegan."

What about microdermabrasion was so addictive that you got an at-home kit?

"Microdermabrasion has helped a lot with my acne scars and overall skin texture, which has made me a lot more confident and comfortable in my own skin. I've been doing microdermabrasion for about a year now."

And what about going vegetarian? 

"Going vegetarian (then vegan) was a tough lifestyle choice. Once I looked into these diets more, though, it was almost silly not to do it. I still receive all the nutrients I need, and I don’t worry about how the food was processed or the state the animals were in when they were being butchered."

What does it all cost?

"My microdermabrasion [sessions] are $80 each. My at-home kit was $30, and I spend about $40 a week on groceries. The products I use are: serum, $73; face cream, $68; face wash, $9; niacinamide formula, $6; drying lotion, $17. For my masks, I use: clay mask, $59; sheet mask, $12; eye mask, $5; hydrating mask, $25. And my sonic face brush cost $99. I think if anything, more money should be spent on skin care to focus on bettering our skin so we don't feel the need to cover it up as much."

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