Many students spend 1/3 of their budget on beauty: "Makeup money" equals food money

(Dan Tri) - The need for beauty is making students spend a lot of money. From cosmetics, skin care to hair care, this is a big expense, accounting for millions of dong/month in addition to rent and basic food.

Spend a lot of money to be beautiful

“Every month I have to set aside a considerable amount of money to buy cosmetics. When you add it up, the amount of money spent on beauty can sometimes equal the amount of money spent on food,” Nhu Phuong, a third-year student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics , confessed with a laugh.

Phuong’s spending is not unique. In the lives of female students today, taking care of appearance has become an important need, sometimes accounting for up to 1/3 of the total monthly living expenses.

Basic cosmetics that students often use every day (Photo: Phuong Thao).

The female student said that her makeup cabinet currently has all the basic tools such as: moisturizer about 400,000 VND, foundation 150,000-200,000 VND, sunscreen and tone-up cream nearly 300,000 VND, concealer about 100,000 VND, foundation about 200,000-300,000 VND, powder 180,000 VND. Those are just the everyday items.

When going out or to parties, Phuong adds: eye shadow 150,000-500,000 VND, blush 100,000-300,000 VND, mascara about 150,000 VND, makeup setting spray 200,000 VND. Not to mention lipstick, an item that "every time I see a new color I want to buy", ranging from 150,000 VND/stick or more.

“Actually, each item takes a long time to run out. But almost every month I spend an extra 500,000-700,000 VND to buy lipstick or try new products. There are times when my favorite lipstick brand releases a new collection. If I have money left, I buy the whole set. If I run out of money, I try to buy one to try,” Phuong shared.

According to a quick survey, the average cost that many female students in Ho Chi Minh City spend on cosmetics ranges from 500,000 VND to 2 million VND/month, depending on income and needs.

A corner of a student's cosmetics collection: from lipstick, powder, makeup brushes to skin care - all are regular expenses (Photo: NVCC).

Skin care is not just for girls

If cosmetics are a familiar "weapon" for female students, skin care has become a concern for both men and women.

Minh Thien, a student at the University of Information Technology, Ho Chi Minh City National University, said: “My skin is quite sensitive, so I go to the spa at least once a month to get advice and care from technicians. A basic skin care session costs about 300,000-500,000 VND.”

In addition, for Thien, skin care products such as makeup remover, toner, moisturizer, serum (liquid or gel skin care products)... are indispensable. The average price of each type is 200,000-300,000 VND. For men, although they do not wear makeup, investing in healthy, acne-free skin is becoming a common habit of many people.

Not only stopping at cosmetics or skin care, many students also seek out hair washing services as a way to relax.

“Sometimes I go to get my hair washed three times a week. When I’m short on money, I go to a regular salon for 20,000 VND/time. If I have money, I treat myself to a 60,000-90,000 VND hair care package. Having my hair washed and massaged at the same time, I feel much more refreshed,” said Thu Mai, a student at Van Lang University.

Although the cost of shampooing may not seem like much, if you do it regularly, it can add up to a significant amount of your total monthly expenses.

Regular skin care has become a habit of many young people (Photo: Phuong Thao).

According to many students, the biggest reason comes from the pressure of appearance. “First figure, second skin” - appearance is increasingly valued in communication, study, and even part-time work. Therefore, many believe that investing in appearance is investing in confidence.

“Going to school with acne or bad skin makes me feel shy to communicate. Sometimes it even affects group presentations,” said Phuong Thuy, a second-year student at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City.

In addition, social networks contribute to this trend. Frequent exposure to glamorous images of idols and public figures makes students tend to compare and want to take care of themselves more.

Many students receive extra money from their families to buy cosmetics or go to the spa. However, many choose to work part-time to cover their expenses.

As Phuong admitted: “My parents give me enough money for food and accommodation, but if I want to buy more cosmetics, I have to work extra. Thanks to that, I feel more secure when spending money on my own hobbies.”

Some students work part-time at coffee shops and convenience stores, earning 3-5 million VND/month, enough to cover living expenses and save some for personal needs.

The story of students' spending on beauty reflects both changes in life philosophy and raises the issue of personal financial management.

Investing in your appearance is necessary, but more importantly, you need to be alert, know how to choose the right products, and most importantly: don't let yourself fall into the spiral of spending beyond your means.

Because, as Phuong sincerely shared: "I think beauty helps me feel more confident, but the important thing is to balance it. Buy whatever you want, as long as at the end of the month you still have money to pay rent and eat."

Phuong Thao

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/nhieu-sinh-vien-danh-13-chi-phi-de-lam-dep-tien-son-phan-bang-tien-an-20250929053018798.htm