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What I pay for…

Irina

Veteran

Once in a while we share the details of our grooming here and I love to read those posts and learn what goes into routines and what doesn’t.

What are the priorities? And costs when forum members feel comfortable to disclose.

This time I want to ask not for a skin care or products used but about services you pay someone to do for you. I’m interested what goes into “supporting the infrastructure “.

I start - I have a haircut once in 2 months. My hairstylist says I should do it once in 3 months but the longest I lasted was 2,5 months. It’s just gets out of shape and annoying. Depending on tips, I pay around $110 or slightly more.

I do my own pedicure and manicure. I only get massages if I’m in serious pain as I don’t enjoy it recreationally. I don’t have an esthetician.

I liked the lashes lift, though and might consider it again. I spent my vacation almost make up free, maybe wore it once or twice for dinners . Even went to the office without mascara for the first time in my life!
It costs $120. I’m thinking maybe once in 3 months? Should I do it now or wait for spring? Haven’t decided it.
My sporting activities are free.

My prices are in $ Can, which is about $0.75 US

What about you?

General

58 replies

Latest reply was from Kathie

slim cat

Veteran

Haircut - very 2 months ( sometimes 7 weeks ) since my short hair need more definition. Currently $40 ( used to be less ). Highlights - probably 2-3 times a year, would like to do it more often - $50 since it's only 3 or 4 sections.
No manicure, pedicure or massages - I might just get myself a Christmas present this year and get some .

cjh

(website)

Veteran

Minimalist outlook on personal care products here - store or economy brand/generic shampoo, Oil of Olay (or store brand if available) face lotion with sunscreen, another layer of sunscreen in summer, Jergen’s body lotion. Makeup is only lipstick, no foundation, blush, eye makeup or mascara, therefore maybe two $8 lipsticks a year.

I “do” my own nails, they’re are short and unpolished, though I polish my toenails in sandal season. No professional work. Massages - none at this time, but SO tempting when I’m achy after a run. This might be where I’d be willing to spend some.

Haircuts about every five weeks, and I go to Great Clips, so under $20, plus tip. I usually do a little trimming on my own afterwards.

Hairspray is probably my biggest expense and the product I am specific about. I get Freeze It spray, about $5-6 per can, and a can lasts just over a month. I can usually find it at Walmart, sometimes other places. I hate to think of the tons I’ve used in the past several years.

Runcarla

Veteran

Haircut - every 2 months - $60
Mani - monthly - $22
Lash tint and brow tint and grooming - 2 months - $25
Pedi - twice a year, otherwise I do them myself - $35
Very little make-up <$60 year

I classify fitness and massage as health care vs beauty, and my insurance covers massage with an RMT (registered massage therapist)

Lane swim (2.5 hrs access) - $4.50 daily fee - 3 swims a week
Massage - monthly (1 hr) - $110

3 years ago I discovered a Canadian skin care regime called Riversol. Spendy, but lasts a long time (about a year). I use the facial cleanser, serum, and moisturizer. Can’t remember the price, but I wait for senior discount days to pick up at 20% off. I have a container of Olaplex No5 that I use once a month on hair, and will last a long time. Otherwise Dove bar soap, Cereve moisturizer, drugstore brand shampoos, curl cream, hair heat protection. Older generic blow dryer and flat iron. I did get a Revlon dry brush last year and love it!

Sal

Veteran

I get a haircut every six weeks for $70 and a cut and colour snd every second time I add in highlights for $100 ish.

I get massages once every two months ish for $110.

I get manicures occasionally with gel nails for about $60

I occasionally get treatments such as microdermabrasion. Maybe three per year.

I have had podiatrist work this year for medical reasons- I don’t count this as beauty upkeep though!!

Skincare I buy mostly at the clinic - or at the pharmacy or supermarket. I am pretty minimalist with makeup.

I pay $20 per week for my gym - I go three times but I could go more!!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

My hair cut is every 6 -8 weeks unless I can't get to the mainland for some reason, like recently, when I went 3+ months without a cut until yesterday! Cost same as yours -- about $110 including the tip.

Hair products are not cheap but they last forever for me because hair is short and I do not wash daily, so I don't even know how much I might spend over a year.

I do my own nails. I used to get two or three pedicures per year pre-pandemic and might go back to that but for now I don't have a place I like to go so I just do it myself.

I used to get my brows tinted occasionally -- have not bothered for years.

I spend about $250 per year, all told for makeup, moisturizer, etc. Like Carla, I use the discounts!

I classify fitness costs under health. I go to an online class -- pay as you go, $330 for 14 classes.

kkards

Veteran

I get my hair cut and colored every 5 weeks, I’d love to stretch it to 6, but it’s just to much growth…i pay $150 plus a tip $40, so total $190.

I get a manicure every 2 -3 weeks depending on my schedule. That’s gone way up since the pandemic and I now pay $30 plus a tip $6, total $36. Pre pandemic I used to get a pedi regularly, but with the increase in what I’m paying for a mani I’ve given up on them.

The pandemic freed me of the desire to wear makeup, so I’m saving a ton of money there.

I generally use drug store skin care and alternative between premium and generic shampoo & conditioners. .

I’ve just started Pilates again, and for now I’m paying for private sessions because I’m sooooo out of shape and inflexible that I know a group class would make me feel uncomfortable and I wouldn’t want to continue. It’s really expensive about $75 a session, but worth it.

I used to get a facial 2x a year, but haven’t done that since 2019.

Irina

Veteran

I should probably add that I buy a premium brand for shampoo and conditioner. My hair is thin and prone to shedding , I pay extra attention to it. Also, being in a pool 4 times a week causes me some concern.

I use a mix of generic and premium skin care brands. I do minimal makeup, I prefer to buy mini size for it as it lasts me forever.

My corporate health insurance covers massages, chiropractors and bunch of other stuff but I only use it for some kind of a medical issue.

I consider myself a low maintenance kind of girl

kellygirl

Veteran

So interesting! Haircut every 8 weeks is $100 including tip. Stopped highlighting during the pandemic and have not gone back. I use low end shampoo and Dr. Bronner soap. No manicure and pedicure I'll do myself if it's sandal season. Makeup is $200 a year maybe - Jones Road, pretty minimalist here. Mascara and brow pencil is Loreal or Maybelline. Fitness is my garage equipment and running shoes. I consider myself low maintenance too.

ETA: My workout gear is not spendy but not exactly cheap. I wear Athleta and wear Brooks shoes. I spend probably $+/- $300 on running shoes annually.

Dee

Veteran

I’m pretty minimalist as well.
Haircut - Approx. every 3 months -$45 plus tip (Its a suburban hair salon) Shampoos are drugstore brands and I alternate between Klorane shampoo with Chamomile and OGX Biotin & Collagen shampoo.

No manicures, pedicures, massages or facials.

Skincare- very basic: Cerave cleanser and La Roche Posay Toleriane moisturizer. No makeup with the exception of lip balm or Clinique Chubbystick lip tint. Skin is very prone to eczema..

No gym memberships - just mostly walking/hiking/ biking and downhill skiing in winter.

MsMary

Veteran

I will admit I spend an absolute fortune on my hair: color every three weeks, $120 including tip. Cut every six weeks, $75 including tip

added to the bill for color. I do mani-pedi's every month or two, which is about $60 including tip. We like to get massages on vacation and they range from very inexpensive (in inexpensive destinations) to very expensive (in fancy hotels in the U.S. or Europe).

I buy salon shampoo and conditioner and it is expensive but it lasts a long time. And I just spent more than $500 for all new department-store makeup after years of wearing drugstore brands. I feel like it was worth it, if only for the makeover/tutorial that went along with it.

My gym is $50/month and I also have a weekly personal trainer that is $250/month.

Kate

Veteran

I'm pretty minimal, I think. I have my hair cut every 8 weeks, cost is $90 plus tip. Stopping coloring my hair during the pandemic, so that's about $300 every 8 weeks back in my wallet! I use salon products for my hair, but they are very reasonable. I use Olay serum on my skin daily.

I get a manicure about twice a year, once in summer and the other usually around the holidays. Normally, I get two pedicures during the summer.

My big focus with makeup is my brows; I've recently started tinting them again, but think I'm going to have to experiment with the color. I also love and wear lippie, but have plenty. I don't use mascara. I rarely buy makeup unless I run out of my favorite clear brow gel from Anastasia.

I do love a good massage, but don't currently have a massage therapist. I'm looking!

No gym membership. I do DownDog Yoga, which is free, and my yoga wear all came from Old Navy a few years ago, and is still perfectly serviceable.

Irina

Veteran

Kate, I can’t live without Anastasia clear brow gel!

LJP

Veteran

Now * this* is the kind of conversation I can participate in

Haircut every 4-5 weeks @ $65 plus tip. Colour and/or highlights several times a year - @ $75-100ish depending on what's done.
Nails - when I feel like it. Manicure around $40 and pedicures around $60. Less if I go to a chain salon but the experience isn't as nice. I probably only hit the salon maybe 4 items a year now and do it myself the rest of the time.
No massages - not interested and don't enjoy them. They are covered by my insurance plan anyways so don't need to pay.
Teeth whitening done once - can't remember the cost - maybe a few hundred? Would like to do it again but it's a tad pricey for me now. I work in a gym so fortunately don't have to pay to work out.
Once in awhile I'll do a brow wax and tint - I think it's around $40.

I spend a lot on makeup and skin care . I enjoy it a lot .

It’s always interesting to see how costs differ across the country /ies. I’m grateful to live in a mid-size city with mid-size pricing ……and still for premium service . Same with personal training /pilates / gym costs .

Irina

Veteran

Lisa, thanks

Style Fan

Veteran

I am very particular about my hair. I just ordered my shampoo, conditioner and other products from a salon in Montreal. They will last me long because I wash my hair every 3 days.

Hair cut - every 3 months - $60.00 with tip
I trim my bangs in between visits

Brow and lash tint - once a month - $45.00 with tip

Manicure - occasionally - $35.00 with tip

I don't get pedicures anymore. I go to a foot nurse because of my foot problems.

My skincare products are from the drugstore. I like La Roche Posay, CerVa, and Vichy. I wait for the 20% seniors day, and I collect points.

I wear make-up when I am going out. I usually use points to buy my mascara (Lancome) and lipstick (Clinique).

We have a Yoga studio in our home. If there were a Yoga studio nearby, I would go to it. I do online Yoga classes. I also walk a lot.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

My last haircut was 5 months from the prior one — a bit long this time! I’m usually more like 2-3 months between cuts. $76 + tips. I trim my bangs and razor cut my layers a bit between cuts and do an ok job with it.

I get maybe 3-4 professional pedicures a year at $35 + tip, and 1-2 manicures a year at about the same rate. Otherwise I do it myself.

I might get a spa treatment or massage once a year while on vacation. Cost varies but not cheap ones.

I don’t buy a lot of makeup and skin care, and it varies from cheap Maybelline mascara to pricier moisturizers and such, but I don’t spend a ton on that stuff. I tend to keep it fairly simple.

I go to a small Pilates class 2-3x a week. It’s not cheap but I love it and it’s very convenient, only a mile from home. We also have a Peloton and Hydrow, which I need to get back on since we put the exercise room back together after the renovation. And of course lots of walking and a little bit of running and biking too.

Kate

Veteran

I know, Irina, I love that brow gel!

Roberta

Veteran

Haircut every 2 months - $45 including tip. My stylist moved to a different location, an hour away, so I should include gas too! I bleach it myself at home, for $15 every 2 months. My shampoo is a mix of expensive ($25) and drugstore ($8) at this point. I don't use conditioner because my hair is so short. Massages in the winter for $85 apiece, once a month. My shoulders and neck get stiff and sore in cold weather.

The pool is $15 a month, and my Arboretum membership is $85 yearly. Lots of walking there!

Makeup is basically inexpensive brow mascara ($6) from Nyx, and more expensive lip pencils ($25) from Urban Decay or Bobby brown. I have a tube of Korean concealer that I really like, but I don't bother to wear it most days. My essential lip stuff is Dr. Lipp for $25 a tube.

I alternate between Estee Lauder and Kiehl's mois with SPF for about $45 a jar. Origins and Estee Lauder cleanser, $25 a tube. DHC face wipes, $10 a box four times a year.

I like Jo Malone scents, and buy a bottle or two every year when it is on sale - $65.

All together, about $75 a month? More? A lot of small things add up!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Very interesting! Thanks for sharing everyone

I have my haircut every 10 weeks - no more highlights. Staying natural! $90. I use my salon's shampoo, conditioner, mousse and heat protectant. Don't know the prices I'm afraid! They last forever.

No massages, pedicures, manicures, facials, spa treatments, or any other beauty treatment. I look after my own hands, feet and brows!

I am not a make-up person so I wear a few products and stick to them. I "do my face and hair" every day!

I wear a scent every day. For 27 years! The same scent, Kenzo Flower. $60.

I am very minimal-product-using with my skincare. For my type of skin - less is more. Cleanse and moisturize twice a day. That includes my whole body! I use these skin care products and nothing else. They are not expensive:

Vanicream cleanser and moisturizer
Vaseline petroleum jelly (it is BRILLIANT for my eczema!)
Kiehls gentle scrub
Nivea body lotion

Having a HUGE problem with sunscreen, and have stopped that too. Will post about that at some point

No gym, pool, or workout classes. I do yoga at home with my down dog app. Walk Sam and Jo, and shop!

Irina

Veteran

Angie, after trying many sunscreens, I’m now loyal to Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40. It looks and feels like a silicone primer. Sold also in mini sizes at Sephora if you ever want to try.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Services--haircut, every 2 months, $45, a good price these days.
botox--strongly considering, for my furrowed brow

DIY--nails and toenail polish as I have time. I don't mind if they get chipped.
sunscreen, moisturizer, and exfoliation of hands
filing feet, moisturizer, exfoliation

body--periodic body scrub or other exfoliation
moisturizer
and especially targeting sensitive skin areas with nicer/herbal products, like calendula cream or facial oil
natural bar soap over body wash or regular soap...great for sensitive skin

face--face wash
eye cream
serum
facial moisturizer or sunscreen moisturizer
various masks and exfoliation

lips--religious application of natural lip balm
gentle exfoliation
occasional overnight lip treatment

neck and decolletage--literally everything I put on my face, every time

hair--periodic clarifying shampoo for build-up
periodic rosemary oil for hair growth
periodic dry shampoo for no hair-wash days

supplements--
collagen for hair skin and nails

considering--
BioSil for hair growth
horse chestnut for spider veins (I would love to see a professional, but I believe this service is expensive)

(I get many freebies from work. My current favorite is the Annemarie Borlind System Hydro facial cleansing mousse. My face feels less tight.)

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Tried that too, Irina. Disaster. Break out in a bad itchy and burny rash - like all other sunscreens so far

There are ingredients in sunscreen that I am very allergic to. VERY hard figuring out which. I have done extensive and specialized patch testing too. It's a mare.....

cat2

Veteran

Interesting. HCOL area here and I am pretty bougie when it comes to services. Health club, supplemental fees for Pilates classes, Hydrofacials, bi-monthly manis and monthly pedis and the occasional massage (maybe quarterly). I do my own hair, though, and try to get my massages when I’m at our cabin as it’s much less expensive. I blow everyone’s spend out of the water.

Ginger

Veteran

This topic is on services only, correct? I'm pretty minimal.

I get haircuts 2-3 times a year (around every 5 months) and it costs less than $25 with tip since I go to Great Clips. Long hair, no special cut, no color.

I've never had a manicure or pedicure. It's not something I'm interested in doing on a regular basis, and I can't do polish on my fingernails anyway. I'd like to try a pedicure once, maybe. I don't do brows, lashes, waxing, etc.

I do have monthly chiropractic and massage therapy appointments, but that is health-related. Messed up back, neck, and shoulders easily trigger migraines. It's definitely not a spa day - massage therapy can be quite painful! Good and important, but focused on working knots instead of relaxation as such. FWIW combined those two visits are about $170.

RobinF

Veteran

It's fun reading everyone's routines!

I'm also pretty low maintenance. The only service I get is haircut - about every two months. I use inexpensive drug store skin products (I tried a more expensive one a few months ago and it made my eyes tear up and skin burn - took me a while to realize that was the cause but I have stopped and it went away).

No manis or pedis - I have had maybe two my whole life - or massages. Just not interested. I'd rather spend my fun money on cute boots I spend the most on hair products, trying to get my waves to look good reliably. Still looking for the magic product so the search (and expense) goes on.

phoebe

Lisa!!

Haircuts every 8-10 weeks approx $110 with tip, everything else, hands, feet, a little waxing, I do at home.

Sunscreen has been a challenge!

Badger Baby Mineral 40 spf has been working well for me, applied before outdoor exercise in the am. I mix it with a little moisturizer as it is a little heavy but it is not drying and doesn't cause my eyes and eyelids to itch. I don't know how it well it works with makeup as if I wear any, it's not until later in the day. Very limited ingredient list.

LaPed

Veteran

Basically no services at this point. It's been about 10 months since my last haircut -- I've had to reschedule it twice this year due to last-minute travel plans. A few years back, I finally found a salon and stylist I really like, so I don't want to lose my slot, but at the same time my hair is not difficult to maintain; I can trim my layers and bangs when I feel like it, so the $75 visits often feel unnecessary unless I'm dreaming of a big change (and even those I've been known to DIY ).

I haven't bought cosmetics in a while, and my skincare routine is very dialled-in, much like Angie's. I've experimented a little bit with haircare this year; Aveda products are usually a worthwhile splurge for me.

Style Fan

Veteran

Angie, I have bad reactions to sunscreen, too. At this point, I try to avoid the sun as much as possible. Every sunscreen I have been attempting burns my skin, or I react terribly.

Val

Haircuts $75 with tip every 2-3 months. No other grooming services. I spend some money on online fitness classes, which isn’t quite a personal service.

My usual look is natural and casual, so it would surprise no one that my use of grooming services is minimal

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