Beauty seems to have ever-changing standards.

You might think this only applies to people influenced into believing that they need to change things about themself to be perfect, but that is not true. You could be absolutely content with how you look until you discover there are simple ways, seemingly in your budget, to slowly change your appearance.

This could be an insecurity you always had, or you could simply be bored and be trying to experiment with new looks for a sense of freshness. You could even be doing so because you want to learn to take better care of yourself, and maybe want to try out a different skincare routine.

Sometimes such changes require upkeep or making continuous additional changes and you do not just end up with more bills to pay, but this also takes an additional emotional toll on you.

Nowadays, there are hair colours to match seasons, nail colours to match moods, different skincare routines for morning and night, and so many different lipstick shades that you may find yourself owning more lipsticks than clothes, with each one being just different enough to warrant a purchase. Beauty products offer so many benefits you may want them because you want to take good care of your skin, as a way to relax after a rough day, or simply to feel luxurious.

What usually results is an overwhelming sense of dependency on beauty products, not necessarily for others, mind you, but to meet your own set of standards for yourself. Or even a need to ensure that your skin receives as many benefits as possible, and the bills for this can add up faster than you think.

Soon, before you know it, you may not feel comfortable enough as you did before to go out bare-skinned, and could even be considering making permanent changes to use makeup less – but even that is costly. Even DIYs with varying results require you to buy extra, say, lemon halves to add sugar to and exfoliate. Bills for beauty products can be expensive or start out as small but add up due to maintenance. You could end up spending more than you initially thought would be required. There is nothing wrong with spending lavishly on things that make you happy if you can afford it, but there are certain things to be kept in mind.

First, variations are what makes you unique. If everyone looked the same, no one would have any individuality in terms of looks or a way of identifying their own beauty. Second, you may absolutely spend on beautification for yourself, even if that means permanent changes, but you should keep a separate budget for it, one that preferably does not hinder other aspects of your life so you can spend guilt-free.

Third, if you'd rather not spend at all, that is absolutely fine as well. It all depends on what you want and not the standards that others set.

May the cost of beauty not be a burden but instead, an option for change should one choose to opt for it.

Bushra Zaman likes books, art, and only being contacted by email. Contact her at bushrazaman31@yahoo.com