Skincare has become an increasingly prevalent part of monthly budgets, especially for younger generations who are not ready for injectables or cosmetic surgery. Given that 60% of women and 39% of men report that they have a consistent skincare routine, there is an apparent demand for accessible, staple products.
While the average American spends $1,754 annually, Millennials spend $2,670 on skincare each year, and Gen Z is not far behind at $2,048. There is a growing appetite for quality, budget-friendly skincare products that produce long-lasting results.
One in three adults (31%) sees spending on beauty as a necessity, and 11% view quality skincare as a wise financial investment. SkinCeuticals agrees, having recently launched a new serum, P-TIOX, as an alternative to injectables.
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Vivian Tu and Simran Kaur have partnered with SkinCeuticals for a financial empowerment campaign to highlight how investing in your skin is one of the smartest investments you can make.
TheStreet sat down with Tu and Kaur to discuss how women can begin their financial wellness journey. Both financial gurus note that a quality skincare regimen is akin to a well-researched investment strategy: Quality and reliability pay off in the long run.
Your future is the most important investment — spend your time and money wisely
Much like traditional asset investments, it can take years for personal investment in yourself to mature. Vivian Tu shares insight into how she built her Your Rich BFF empire and how women can follow her lead by betting on themselves.
“I think one of the most valuable things that I have in my life that I cannot buy more of is time,” she explains. “Making investments in my own time, whether hiring a killer assistant who can help me with everything in my business or investing in things that will pay off for me in the long run.”
“One of my favorite investments has been in my skincare and beauty routine, so using SkinCeuticals is incredible. There's proven efficacy and long-term benefits, and by investing in my skincare now, I save time by not needing a full face of makeup every day. By practicing really smart skincare today, I can save money down the road.”
Tu underscores the importance of investing in yourself professionally, financially, and even physically.
“Investing in yourself is crucial," she said. "Whether it’s your passions or building on your skills, make sure you can level up by consistently learning and earning.”
“You do not get to have a ‘happily ever after’ if you do not have a roadmap to get you there. I always say write down your goals for the next 12 months, five years, ten years, and then actually step out exactly how you're going to get there.”
She also stresses the importance of planning for the future by taking advantage of employer 401(k) accounts, traditional IRAs, and Roth IRAs.
“These are great ways to save on your taxes while still doing the right thing for your future. And it's not just enough to open these accounts. You have to make sure that you're investing in those accounts, buying target date retirement funds and index funds that make sense for your risk profile and tolerance.”
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When asked how women can prioritize enjoying their life without breaking the bank on luxuries, Tu explains her ‘Is It Worth It?’ equation.
“Look at where your values lie,” she explains. “Instead of talking in terms of dollars, think about expenses in terms of hours worked. So, whether I buy a new outfit or grab dinner and drinks with some girlfriends, I consider the financial trade-off. Instead of looking at it as, ‘this costs x, y, z dollars,’ I say, ‘How many hours of work is this going to cost me?’”
“That has been so incredibly affirming in what I should spend my money on,” she says. “When I think about using high-quality brands, it makes sense — it benefits me over time, and I can very much justify that cost.”
Tu also shares practical tips for women wanting to play a more active role in their finances, highlighting the importance of community and knowledge sharing.
“I think we've been told for years that women shouldn't talk about money. It's rude, it's tacky, it's taboo, it's gauche,” she says. “But look at the men on golf courses teeing off at hole 3, talking about their real estate portfolios, their investments, or how much their kids' private school tuition costs.”
“They're having those conversations, and they are more empowered and powerful for having them because they have more knowledge. They know what they should ask for at their next annual raise meeting. They know what is fair and what their mortgage rate should be because of whose lender was doing what. We need to be having those conversations as women.”
Johannes EISELE / AFP
“We also need to be mindful that it's not as easy for young women to find a mentor as it is for young men,” she continues. “When I was working in finance, there were so few ways to build that connection that many other people had the advantages of.”
“So to women, I say find a mentor, talk about money, and know that we are stronger and better together versus trying to pit ourselves against each other with a false scarcity mindset. There's enough room at the top for all of us to succeed together.”
Consistency is key for investing, financial literacy, and breaking down gender barriers
Simran Kaur, podcast host and financial columnist, founded Girls That Invest in an effort to take control of her financial future. When she discovered there wasn’t enough content and financial tools geared toward women, she set out to create an inclusive space to help women realize anyone can start investing.
When asked about the investments she’s made in herself that led to her success, Kaur also highlights the importance of education and self-confidence.
“The best investments I've made in myself have been in education and self-care,” she says. “Financial literacy was a game changer for me in terms of personal wealth and how I could empower others. Investing in my health and well-being has been equally important.”
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“Discovering how the right beauty and skincare routine can enhance my confidence has been transformative. When you feel good about yourself, it reflects in your work and personal life. These investments have allowed me to show up as my best self in every aspect of my career.”
Kaur likens quality skincare products to a well-researched investment. “I believe in following the science, whether it comes to investing or my health. The efficacy and long-term benefits of quality products are worth the investment. It's similar to choosing a well-researched investment strategy over a riskier, less-proven one — you're paying for quality and reliability, which can make all the difference in the results.”
Kaur also highlights the significance of financial education and community when breaking cycles and raising the next generation of women.
“Financial literacy is crucial for everyone, but especially for women and women of color, who have historically been underserved in this area,” she explains. “It's about more than just understanding money — it's about empowerment and the ability to make informed decisions that can change your life. By educating ourselves, we can break cycles of financial dependence and create generational wealth.”
Though investing can be daunting, Kaur hopes to level the playing field for beginners, especially women.
“You don't need a lot of money to begin investing—just the willingness to learn. Start with understanding the basics of savings and budgeting, and then move into investment options like ETFs, which are often a great entry point. The key is consistency and patience; financial growth is a marathon, not a sprint.”
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