💸 BEING A HOT GIRL IS NOT CHEAP
If there’s one thing that consistently makes me internally roll my eyes, it’s the quiet, or not-so-quiet entitlement some guys have about dating a "hot girl."
I mean, I get why they want someone hot, all of us do. Attractiveness is a huge form of social currency, and physical attraction is obviously necessary. But I do think that men underestimate the sheer amount of resources most women put into maintaining their looks, and then they don't grasp why those women also want to go for men with similar invested resources.
(📍Quick Disclaimer: To preempt the inevitable backlash, I feel the same way about girls who expect a high-value partner without equivalent self-work. This isn't about gender)
💄UPKEEPING BEYOND GENETICS
Being pleasant-looking is simple: good skin, decent hair, hygiene, and staying slim. That’s the baseline. I think it's fair for most men to want a pleasant-looking partner (whether they can get one is a diff story).
Being hot is a different ballgame altogether. If you disagree, you’re likely still living off good genetics and haven't hit 25 yet. Just wait, you’ll see 🤣🤣🤣
Now that I’ve crossed into my 30s, I can confirm: upkeep is a whole different beast. I've become an expert in being strategically frugal and vain. I hunt clinic promos, use my products until I literally hit the pan, and buy necessary packages. Even then, the annual spend just to maintain the status quo is significant.
💀 EMOTIONAL COST OF BEING HOT 💀
And the money is only half the story. There’s the emotional labor everyone misses: pushing yourself to the gym when you're already sore. Constantly saying no to food and alcohol you want because you know what makes you feel and look better. The mental battle of getting off the couch when you're drained because you booked that Pilates class and ClassPass charges you $18 for a no-show.
most people just see the end result and go, "You look great!" "I wish I had your body."
Anyway, it's not just me. I have friends with their own intense methods - corsets for waist training, plastic surgery, or extreme dieting. I'm not saying it's ideal or healthy, but the point is the toll is very real and usually invisible.
So no, I’m not saying everyone should be hot. What I am saying is that too many men expect a "hot girl" without the faintest clue what it actually demands.
There’s this weird delusion that beauty is something we just magically roll out of bed with. It's not. It’s time, money, discipline, pain tolerance, and ridiculous self-control.
With that being said, I'm sure some of you beautiful people out there genuinely do wake up glowing, naturally flawless, and makeup-free, but for the rest of us, that glow comes with a receipt.
I'm super curious if anyone else has actually sat down and calculated their own beauty and maintenance budget?
Maintaining beauty and smooth skin often leads many into considering laser hair removal as a longer-term solution to reduce time and costs associated with salon waxing or shaving. For those of us in our 30s, balancing a solid income with practical self-care choices is essential. Home IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal devices offer a convenient alternative. Popular brands include Philips Lumea, Braun Silk-expert, and Remington iLight. Philips Lumea is praised for its ease of use and long-lasting results, though it can be pricey upfront. Braun Silk-expert features quick treatments with skin tone sensors enhancing safety but may require multiple sessions. Remington iLight is often more affordable but may be less efficient on certain hair types. While IPL devices save trips to the salon, they require commitment to regular use, and results may vary individually. It’s a great investment for those wanting safe, reliable at-home epilation and reducing ongoing expenses and time. On fitness, gym memberships can be costly due to facility maintenance, staff, and amenities. Many opt for home workouts or Pilates classes with pay-per-session models to control budgets, like the $18 no-show fee mentioned in my routine. Ultimately, being a "hot girl" means navigating and investing in a lifestyle that supports your appearance and well-being, whether that’s through beauty routines, smart tech choices, or fitness discipline. Sharing experiences helps us all make more mindful spending decisions and understand what it truly takes.
Honestly, I think you’re really prudent with your spending - quite reasonable compared to what many people call “maintenance” these days. What matters most is that you feel good about yourself and enjoy the process, not doing it for some arbitrary “him”. If it makes you happy, keep going, if it ever feels stressful, tweak things and move on. You’re doing great ❤️