Eyelash extensions are having their moment in 2019 and ladies, we’re all looking hot AF. But this beauty trend has got me wondering: how much are we really paying for the price of ‘pretty?’
For many women, eyelash extensions have become their ‘thing.’ A confidence-boosting ritual, if you will. Some of us get our nails done every month, religiously get a haircut or tint our brows, but the newest and most costly trend is lash extensions.
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According to Elle, you should be spending anywhere between $80-$180 dollars for lashes. However, lash artist, Amy Jean, also told Elle that ‘Russian Volume Lashes’ are a popular style and a set costs around $150-$300.
There’s also the cost of ‘Infils,’ which extension-owners have to take into account. This is where the artist replaces any fallen out lashes. Infils cost around $80 dollars every two weeks or $90 at three weeks.
According to these numbers, women are spending at least $160 per month on this beauty trend. There’s also no doubt that the people going for higher quality are forking out more.
However, this trend has its ugly side. It’s hooked in countless young Australian women, many of them being casual employees who deal with unpredictable hours. This demographic isn’t exactly known for their devotion to budgeting and financial responsibility, either.
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My question is: how are young people affording lash extensions and maintenance with any money left over? After a deep Google and some hard maths I’ve discovered that if you’re a young, lash-loving gal, your finances are taking a blow.
Forewarning: unlike your lashes, the following facts are not pretty.
According to Fairwork, if you’re based at a restaurant or cafe, like many casual workers, your minimum wage on a weekday is $17.06 (18-years-old) $20. 71 (20-years-old) and $24.36 (20-years-old and over). Retail workers are on fairly similar rates.
The most recent Student Finances Survey (2017) by Universities Australia found that full-time, undergrad students are working a median of 12 hours per week.
To put things into perspective: if you’re a 20-year-old hospo worker on minimum wage and you’re pulling off 12 hours per week you’re earning $497.04 every two weeks.
If you’re maintaining lash extensions, every two weeks they’re estimated to cost you just over 15 % of your pay. Yeehaw!
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It’s no wonder that the same survey found that 58 % of Aussie undergrads are frequently worried about their financial situation and only a 3rd felt in control of their financial circumstances.
While this beauty trend may have you feeling hot-to-trot in the days following your lash infil, it’s hard to believe it’s making you feel good about your savings if you’re a young Aussie.
The solution is certainly not to bargain hunt, either, because a dodgy set can seriously harm your natural lashes and eyelids. It’s probably not as unsafe as the exploding nail polish remover trend but it’s up there.
Maybe it’s time to do the maths, ladies, and really ask yourselves: can afford this feathery expense? Something tells me no beauty ritual will ever make you feel as sweet as being a boss-ass, financially stable woman.