Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

What would you spend the most on?

18 replies

ViolaCello · 30/09/2023 18:31

I've been thinking about this, and I might be in a minority but I don't care much about reversing the physical (cosmetic) signs of ageing. I know that serums and procedures are popular, though, and appreciate why we do this - so would prefer this not to become a judgmental post. There's room for all of us!

So for me, it's teeth and hair first. That's where I would put my money. In terms of feeling and looking decent I am also happy to spend on fitness (where it is necessary as opposed to trends).

After this it's coats and boots, scarf and hat. Then perfume. A good umbrella, and a couple of pieces of nice jewellery. I do wear some make up and prefer to invest in stuff that works for me.
And that's about it for me.

OP posts:
Floisme · 30/09/2023 18:55

Interesting. I can't be arsed with anti ageing products or procedures - for me, they're a waste of time. The same goes for nails and make up and general grooming - I know a lot of people enjoy it but it's not for me.

My biggest single expenditure is probably glasses because they're on my face every waking moment so I figure they're worth it, and I replace them every couple of years. Hair is probably next - I don't colour it but I spend on a good, regular (about every 6 weeks) cut.

With clothes, most of my big buys these days are things that excite me in some way. By that, I don't mean they're 'going out' clothes but they're things that I see and then can't get out of my head, e.g. a coat, a jacket, a shirt, or more recently just a piece of fabric. But I already have a lot of clothes so all the basics are pretty much covered.

marketing101 · 30/09/2023 19:00

I spend on Relaxation like sound baths, Yoga, massage, spas etc as if I'm super stressed I'll look and feel awful.

I do like nice scents though and use lots of aromatherapy associates products

MetaDaughter · 30/09/2023 20:09

The thing is - I feel entirely and overwhelmingly confident in choosing and buying clothes, so it’s hard not to prioritise that, because it’s so easy and satisfying. Everything else - even eyeliner and nail varnish seems a risk, whereas I could easily spend the price of a holiday on an item of clothing with no hesitation at all.

There are other things I could definitely invest more in.

Judystilldreamsofhorses · 30/09/2023 20:19

My only “professional” treatments are hair and eyebrows. I no longer pay for my hair, in fact the salon owner pays me to look after their social media, and also cuts it free. Previously it was my biggest expense, precision cut every four weeks.

Clothes-wise I spend on jeans (Levi’s usually), knitwear (mainly Arket) and outerwear. I love perfume and have a vast collection of mainly niche fragrances, but I do tend to ask for them for birthday/Christmas. I buy decent makeup (eg Lisa Eldridge foundation) but not often, and skincare is a mix but mainly The Inkey List which was a lockdown revelation when all the luxe counters were closed as I ran out of things.

felisha54 · 30/09/2023 20:24

I spend a lot on skincare. I'm a member of a clinic where I get 'free' treatments (we pay a monthly fee) every month. I have a rolling programme of Hydratight facial, chemical peel, micro pen etc. I also use serums, retinol and creams at home. My skin is better now at 40 than it's ever been.

After that it's boots and coats.

stardust777 · 30/09/2023 20:54

I'm with you on teeth - had teeth whitening a few years ago and it made me a lot more confident with my smile. As well as hair, I'd also add eyebrows to the list - a great eyebrow shape can do wonders for your face!

I've never been into makeup but love skincare. I've always thought that if you have great skin, makeup doesn't really matter. That said, I wouldn't pay loads for it. The most important items for me are: cleanser, vitamin c, spf, liquid exfoliant, and retinal (about to try the Beauty of Joseon one).

Yes to spending more on coats and boots - these items do the most heavy lifting in my wardrobe (helps me avoid looking like a complete scruff).

Galiana · 30/09/2023 22:06

I'm with @MetaDaughter, clothes by miles.

Teeth is just health care isn't it?

My hair does its own thing as do my eyebrows, I like them, I'm happy with their natural state.

Nails, again, I keep short and buffed, I quite like a professional polish occasionally if I'm in the mood for a dark colour.

Feet, I keep on top of and have a few pedis a year to keep them sandal-ready.

Body hair, I'm not very hirsute other than on my head. I shave my shins in Summer. That's about as far as I go with hair removal.

Beauty, I use Dennis Gross, Oskia, Eve Lom, pretty simple routine.

I enjoy scent, but that's not a massive outlay to buy a couple a year.

Jewellery, not interested. I don't have a wedding or engagement ring. Jewellery makes me feel funny and a bit trapped.

But clothes, ahh clothes, there lies my love. I'd happily spend every penny I have on clothes. I spend so much time hunting out the perfect skirt or boots. I lull myself to sleep thinking about outfits, I love wardrobe maths, wardrobe care, wardrobe organisation. I love making myself every anew day with my clothes.

Love it.

NatashaDancing · 30/09/2023 23:11

Clothes by miles. I'm with Flo, MetaDaughter and Galiana. The following resonate so much with me.

But clothes, ahh clothes, there lies my love. I'd happily spend every penny I have on clothes. I spend so much time hunting out the perfect skirt or boots. I lull myself to sleep thinking about outfits, I love wardrobe maths, wardrobe care, wardrobe organisation. I love making myself every anew day with my clothes.

I feel entirely and overwhelmingly confident in choosing and buying clothes, so it’s hard not to prioritise that, because it’s so easy and satisfying. .I could easily spend the price of a holiday on an item of clothing with no hesitation at all.

With clothes, most of my big buys these days are things that excite me in some way. By that, I don't mean they're 'going out' clothes but they're things that I see and then can't get out of my head,

I wear everything I buy as soon as I get it. Can't bear the idea of keeping something for good. One advantage of dropping formal office clothes is if other people can wear jeans and trainers I can wear dramatic dresses. I don't mean evening wear but dresses that perhaps would not have been thought of as office wear pre COVID.

I've no interest in anti ageing treatments other than colouring my hair which is done every 5 weeks.

I've been using the same Clinique face washer and moisturiser along with Nivea that I've used for decades. I've never had a manicure, facial or brows done. The idea of spas, massage and the like are of no interest, I'd hate them. Only make up is macara and foundation. Lipstick occasionally and it'll be a freebie from Clinique.

Jewellery, I've acquired a collection of Victorian and Edwardian pieces over 3 decades and a small number of modern pieces made by husband's nephew's wife. I expect they're "dated" according to MN (I mean I even wear brooches!)

ChishiyaBat · 30/09/2023 23:29

Skin care for me, I naturally have great skin and i'm very lucky, but I love to pamper it with serums, creams&oils. If I had the money I would use high end, but I don't so I use whatever I find in home bargains, b&m etc.

Zipps · 01/10/2023 10:01

Teeth a small fortune but worth it
Spa days about £300 a year, I love them for the recharge and relax.
Jewellery - mid to higher price. Happy to spend on something I wear everyday and lasts forever but mostly gifts from DH.
Hair costs very little since I quit having highlights so just a trim.
Skincare is regular and I am fussy about ingredients but Holland and Barrett prices are fine.
Clothes can be cheap (never supermarket or Primark though) or expensive. Clothes have to fit my exact standards not a specific budget I prefer natural fibres and avoid polyester tops but will buy things like faux leather and find them hard wearing and long lasting despite the hatred on here. I've never had clothes that fall to bits!
Footwear needs to be decent quality DMs, Timberland , UGGs, Converse and I won't buy second hand ones like I would a dress or jacket.
I refresh my make up regularly but only buy cheapish mid range - Barry M, Charlotte Tilbury, Jane Iredale etc.
I don't really have wrinkles in my mid 50's so not interested in Botox etc maybe I will change in another 5/10 years or maybe I won't be bothered. My friends of a similar age Who have had Botox/cosmetic surgery don't really look any different to those who haven't.

IslandsInTheSunshine · 01/10/2023 10:06

Filler, done in London by one of the best, once every 18 months, tiny amount and very subtle.

Teeth- slight whitening.

Hair- cut and colour every 4 months.

Clothes- decent wool coat and boots.

I economise on face creams as they really don't make much difference. Cheap moisturiser (Olay) and dirt cheap cleanser. Make up- biggest outlay is foundation always around £35.

Floisme · 01/10/2023 10:19

I lull myself to sleep thinking about outfits
Oh lord, I do that.

determinedtomakethiswork · 01/10/2023 10:28

felisha54 · 30/09/2023 20:24

I spend a lot on skincare. I'm a member of a clinic where I get 'free' treatments (we pay a monthly fee) every month. I have a rolling programme of Hydratight facial, chemical peel, micro pen etc. I also use serums, retinol and creams at home. My skin is better now at 40 than it's ever been.

After that it's boots and coats.

How much is the monthly fee?

MetaDaughter · 01/10/2023 10:38

Floisme · 01/10/2023 10:19

I lull myself to sleep thinking about outfits
Oh lord, I do that.

That, or The Archers …

MetaDaughter · 01/10/2023 10:49

The annoying thing is when I realise it’s almost 4 in the morning and I’m under the duvet still scrolling through Kim Hekim, or Labels, or Wendy Nichol (😍)… (It’s almost fantasy wardrobe, but not quite - a handful of times a year it’s a relief to already have something fabulous to wear.)

Ridiculously I used to have regular facials as an undergraduate and during my early professional career. It’s possible I may go back to them at some stage but currently I barely remember such things exist.

felisha54 · 01/10/2023 10:58

@determinedtomakethiswork £99 and you get to chose a skincare treatment each month (some rrps are £250). Hydratight, micro pen, carboxy, chemical peel etc. You also get 10-20% off all other treatment.

NatashaDancing · 01/10/2023 11:24

MetaDaughter · 01/10/2023 10:38

That, or The Archers …

Same here - both.

MetaDaughter · 01/10/2023 11:42
Grin
New posts on this thread. Refresh page