2018 has seen the UK continue a slower than expected growth in the economy, however there is one industry this does not apply to. The last few years has seen a major increase in the beauty industry with sales increasing around 27% as customers rush to buy the latest and best products. Recent reports show the average Briton spends £482.51 each year on beauty products and treatments – the equivalent of a long weekend in Paris – so we want to know what are the costs of looking good.
Battle of the Brands
L’oreal, Clinique and Estee Lauder are just a few of the brands that have become household names but what about the lesser known brands? With social media hosting thousands of beauty-based profiles, all trying to get your hard earned money, it can be hard to know whom to trust. Many clothing companies, such as Topshop and Boohoo, have decided to capitalise on their already large customer base and have created their own lines, offering make-up and beauty products both online and in-store. Mixing fashion and beauty is by no means a new concept but in the digital age it can be an exciting one.
The problem customers have is that although a clothing range may be high quality, the brand’s make-up and beauty products may not be. Established beauty companies have invested heavily in their products, following strict health and safety guidelines. With clothing retailers primarily focussing on their clothing ranges they may not have followed such strict guidelines, posing a risk of poorer quality goods which could have an effect on your skin. It is always best to be careful when using retailer branded items and if you do experience issues – such as redness of the skin or an allergic reaction – you may be better off using products from dedicated make-up and beauty brands.
Hair Removal
With few people liking unwanted body hair – especially on the face – the market has seen an increase in the number of permanent methods available, including laser treatments. By directing pulses of light towards hair follicles, causing them to die, hair can not only take much longer to regrow but can reduce the amount of regrowth too, with some people seeing unwanted hair never returning. Whilst this may seem like the perfect treatment there are several potential risks if the laser is incorrectly used, the user has a negative skin reaction to the treatment or if the equipment is faulty. When looking for your laser removal product always conduct extensive research to make sure the product you are purchasing is the right one for you.
Permanent Procedures
Many residents of Wiltshire are seeking a more permanent look that make-up alone cannot achieve. Thanks to the need to look perfect on social media – and many trying to become #instafamous – more people are turning to procedures such as tanning injections, dermal fillers, fat transfers and even having make-up tattooed on. Although these may seem like an easy fix to always looking perfect these procedures can, and do, go wrong leaving you with a bad reaction, an uneven face or a procedure that has gone completely wrong. As well as potentially leaving you in a great deal of pain you can also be left full of regret as well as emotionally drained. Always consider your options, weighing up the pros and cons, before you agree to any procedures on your appearance.
Medical Tourism
The cost of beauty treatments in Great Britain can be expensive with breast enhancements costing around £3400 and lip fillers costing anywhere between £250 - £1500 leaving the cosmetic procedure industry to those with money to burn. Due to these high costs many people are now looking abroad to see if they can get the same treatment at a fraction of the cost. When you factor in low cost airlines, cheap hotel deals and a warmer climate, the temptation to go abroad can be quite high. The main thing you need to remember if you are thinking about medical tourism is that although there are risks of complications for any treatment – whether at home or abroad – overseas procedures can bring their own complications. Where possible get to know the surgeon and his or her team and how they work before you book your overseas treatment. Travelling a few hours by flight to be greeted by someone you are not happy with can leave you feeling more apprehensive about the procedure than you need to be. Likewise, always be wary of surgeries that only communicate through sales personnel. Although they may be good at selling their operations they may not be a capable of performing them.
It is also worth baring in mind the aftercare policy. If problems arise once you are back home how easy is it to speak to someone and get the help you may require? And if you do need to stay longer due to complications your accommodation costs could increase as well as any flight changes you may be charged for.
Price
The beauty industry is growing significantly with beauty treatments becoming available at many high street salons. It is always good to check whether the beautician is experienced and trained at the treatment they are offering. Research anywhere you think you may go and find recommendations and reviews. Beauty salons sometimes employ therapists who are either not suitably qualified or unable to complete their work to the high standard that should be expected from them and, according to LegalExpert.co.uk, there has been a steady rise in compensation claim enquiries from people who have suffered injuries as a result of beauty treatments.
With many procedures being performed in beauty salons it is often easy to be lured in by the lower costs however this may not always be the best idea. The majority of treatments are expensive – especially if they are the latest trend – and this will be reflected in the cost. If your treatment is low they may be using cheaper, poorer quality products. Or have cheaper insurances or even cut corners on the beautician’s training. If there is an offer that seems to good to be true it probably is. Many salons offer cheaper deals if the beautician is training which can be ok if it is a non-invasive procedure, but not if you are looking for something more permanent. Always make sure you thoroughly research the procedure as well as the salon, beautician as well as any potential side effects and make sure you consider independent reviews as brand reviews can tend to be biased.
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