To ask - If you are well off would you say that helps how you look?

[evergreen7]

Sorry if it's a bit random but I'm just quite curious wether it's a factor of having money or just finding out a bit more about what works.

I have 2 distant friends who have both recently crossed into what I would consider quite wealthy category. - think buying houses over 500k driving brand new expensive cars etc

I've also noticed how different they both look their skin is lovely, the hair always falls great, their clothes look brilliant on them. They were both good looking women and could afford regular hair cuts and getting their nails done etc beforehand anyway but now they look put together and flawless 24/7.
None of them are particularly girly and usually wear minimal makeup but it looks perfect.

I know it's nosy but AIBU to ask you if you consider yourself well off financially would you say it's a large contributing factor to how you look or do you think it can be done on a low budget once you know what you're looking for?

Money might not guarantee you will look good, but it certainly removes a lot of barriers to doing so. You’re more likely to eat well, have access to excellent medical care without waiting and to sleep comfortably if you are wealthy. Not to mention good teeth, well made clothes and shoes, hair appointments...

I couldn't find anything nice on Boohoo.com its like a gypsy wedding kinda shop

I think regular hair cuts,less stress and not having to do overtime to make ends meet would mean I would look better without factoring anything else in.

You can keep yourself fit and healthy and dress well without money

Of course you can lethal but it is easier with money. God, everything is easier with money.

Not sure it is

As with any generalisations there are plenty of outliers but I think overall having more money=looking more put together. I think diet plays a huge role as healthier food is more expensive so people on lower incomes often have to eat calorie laden processed food, and you are what you eat etc. Also I think years of slaving away at a low paid job working gruelling hours and still struggling to make ends meet catches up with you so people in that position might age quicker through stress and labour than high earners who live comfortably.

DH is a high earner. I am not (through choice, I left my high paying job for a more rewarding NHS vocational job) but as we split bills proportionally based on our earnings this means I have a nice bit of disposable income left for things like hair and beauty appointments weekly, high end skincare/beauty products, spa days, a gym membership and personal trainer. All of which I think contribute to my appearance- I frequently get comments from friends and family that I look great.

I'm fortunate enough to be in a financial situation where I am able to prioritise my appearance and wellness. People living in lower income households do not have the funds to do that. Of course, anyone can look good on a budget- but I think the type of 'looking good' the OP is referring to runs deeper than nice clothes and hairstyles.

Interesting reading on this topic here-

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.inverse.com/amp/article/34040-rich-beautiful-psychology-wealth-social-status

I really think having money makes most things a lot easier. I have been poor and I have not been poor. I have been miserable in both financial situations.

For me being miserable and well off was infinitely preferable to being miserable and poor.

Worry/stress is very aging and if you aren't worrying about paying bills that is a big burden lifted.

Of course money doesn't get rid of all your worries, people still get ill and die and shit happens but through all of that you aren't worrying about paying for food/heating etc.

But I am interested to hear that some people don't think having money does help them look better.

If you are well off then probably you live away from places with poor air quality, more likely to have a large garden to sit out in, and as others have pointed out, some of your worries are eased. Possibly better diet too.

Beautiful is beautiful no matter your income but as another poster said for most attractive people the ability to be well groomed increases their attractiveness.

I’m time poor & lazy plus I eat too many M&S treats so I’m fatter than I l would like. My metabolism has slowed 😞 so I’m going to have to overhaul my eating habits.
My hair is my biggest expense although I very rarely blow dry it & I love facials. Good skin goes a long way so I look after it but don’t use particularly expensive products. I gave up on manicures in my 20s, I chip all nail polish but I do have pedicures in the summer.

There are lots of people on low incomes around me and they all look very polished

What do you actually do on a spa day that you can't do in the bathroom at home?

I think also wealthy people have more time. They can pay people to do stuff for them and maybe these glossy women don’t have to work as much? Time and rest and the space to devote oodles of time to self care and grooming....that is visible.

Doesn't it depend on the person? I'd say some members of my family are wealthy with > 1 million net worth but the women look like they wear Primark and with birds nest hair. Their houses are modest as well, you wouldn't know they are wealthy until you realise they give a couple of grand for wedding present to nieces/nephews without thinking much of it.

scaryteacher Funny enough I don't have a trained masseuse in my bathroom at home

Ooh now dd and I went to a spa day a few weeks ago. The difference is thst at the spa you are under no pressure to do anything useful. Also at home I can't give myself a massage with aromatherapy and whale music. It was spectacularly fabjlous and something I'd always poo ppo'd. The sauna and hot tub were great too along with fabulously comfy loungers and decadence of lying in them sipping champagne and reading Vogue which I don't usually have time to do. Followed by a smoked salmon sarnie and sconsie afternoon tea.

It was all rather delish. Cost £140 for two. I'd do it again.

Well I just wanted to say that I have had the top hairdressers do my hair in the past, but it is perfectly possible to find hairdressers working locally or mobile who have been trained and have worked in the top salons.
Personally I don’t like the full Instagram make-up look for everyday but think that even young girls working at check outs have amazing make up skills nowadays. I don’t think it is just down to money or disposable income.

I have the money to go to town on my appearance, but I don’t, because I find it all so terribly self-absorbed.

I’m 39. I don’t wear much makeup - if anything, maybe mascara, blush and a little eyeshadow. I get my (greying) hair trimmed maybe twice a year. I’m currently about 4st overweight and have no time for the gym, which is unfortunate, as that’s about the only thing I need to do!

We are high earners and wealthy. I am naturally scruffy. I am busy and I hate investing time in hair makeup and nails. I find it really boring. I am slim and fit and I exercise regularly and eat well. Have good skin and hair.
I scrub up fine for work and social stuff but I can’t be bothered to look groomed 24/7. I wish I could but I can’t.

We are so skint but (I think) I look nice! Asda high-waisted skinny jeans are about £12 and Primark tops are around a fiver. I buy Boots No7 make up on 3 for 2 and make it last (buy new twice a year).

My hair is not dyed, washed once a week and cut about once a year. It's really long so just free falls however it wants! I bite my nails though so they never look good.

I do think money would make a huge difference to me though. Anyone who thinks a personal trainer, designer wardrobe and expensive hair/make up/nails won't make a difference is a liar! And jealous.

I’m also massively stingy on spending money on makeup and I have no idea how to apply it

I would agree that on average having money helps with how you look..but that the effects of more money can be counteracted (in both directions) by taste, thought, time and genes.

When I was younger, I was told that I was "pretty" or "striking" but it is only as I have got older that I have been told I am "beautiful" by friends/strangers/colleagues etc.

I put this down in part to having more money to spend on myself but also (and IMO far more importantly) to knowing what suits me.