“What’s your lip combo?” a question under almost every beauty video on TikTok, or “The NEWEST, BEST, TRENDIEST Korean skincare product!”—an ad that pops up every few scrolls. In recent years, our society's fixation on beauty has become even more intense, and with it, the consumption of beauty products has skyrocketed. But have we crossed the line from beauty consumption, to over consumption? 

A favorite platform for pushing consumption in recent years has been Tiktok,  the famous or rather Infamous social media platform has seen a huge surge in The Last 5 Years, the social surge also came with an economic surge.  The beauty industry in specific was quick to jump on,  and,  in the last year with the introduction of The Tik Tok shop platform beauty sales have skyrocketed. With a public survey being done on style seat.com stating that 89% of users have  purchased beauty products from Tiktok shop.  As it seems a new Beauty standard every month,  a viral product every week,  and a new purchase every day, Tiktok has opened new doors, and they do not always lead to a good place.

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It is to no surprise that beauty is a huge conversation point, it always has been. But, in recent years, that conversation has expanded. In the year 2023, the average American woman spent $1754 a year on beauty products, with the purchasing only rising, (Davis). This seen as many on social platforms state we are entering a recession. The conversation on conception has done a 180,  with earlier responses to economic turmoil being saving money we see a huge juxtaposition in the recent, “YOLO” mentality as seen on social media, and the youth as rising consumers. We see that in the year 2023 a staggering 15% rise came in with the prestige Beauty Market, a beauty Market almost solely Tethered to luxury beauty products and those highlighting charges of $30 or higher, (Stern). A haunting sense of capital loss, affected especially women who find it harder to gain Financial Independence.

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Now, before you go purchase the new lip balm of the month,  or a new perfume that will become your “signature scent”,  slow down.  Ask yourself if you really need that new lip balm or perfume,  if the multitude that you already own don’t already serve you.  As purchases and the economy become more complex, be mindful of what you really need. Don’t fall into the trap of overconsumption!