Beauty is personal but for many women, it’s a bill, power move and sometimes, a splurge. Three women break down what beauty really costs them each month, and why it’s worth every naira spent.
Being beautiful costs money. Yes, you woke up like this: beautiful, glowing, and effortlessly radiant. But what’s the real cost of maintaining and enhancing that natural beauty? From monthly sunscreen refills, the viral serum your favourite beauty influencer swears by, or the lash appointment that gives you that needed boost, these things add up quickly.
Beauty is, quite literally, a bill. And it’s one many women keep paying; not just for aesthetics, but for confidence, self-expression, and, in some industries, survival. It helps us show up fully and claim space in rooms where looking the part often influences how we’re valued.
For many, beauty isn’t just a luxury — it’s a strategic investment. In sectors like fashion, media, entertainment, and even the corporate world, one’s image often directly affects access to opportunities, visibility, and income.
Now, add being a Nigerian woman in 2025 into the mix. With the cost of living on a steady rise and the Naira constantly doing gymnastics against the Dollar, how are women maintaining the glow while staying within budget? Whether you’re a student with a strict face beat budget, a 9–5 babe navigating office dress codes, or an influencer whose job is beauty, there’s a financial story behind every lipstick, wig install, and “glass-skin” product.
In this first Beauty Expense Diary, we asked three women—an influencer, a corporate leader, and a student—to break down their monthly beauty costs, why it matters to them and the money lessons they’ve learnt along the way.
Beauty is a bill, but how are the girls paying it? Find out below.
Angel Anosike
Actor and Creative Entrepreneur
Monthly expense: ₦50,000 – ₦100,000
Angel says, “It’s not indulgence. It’s a necessity.”
For Angel, an actor and creative entrepreneur, beauty isn’t an indulgence—it’s a non-negotiable part of both her lifestyle and personal brand.
“I just revised my budget this week,” she laughs. “I spend between ₦50,000 and ₦100,000 monthly. It rarely goes above that unless I need to stock up on skincare.” Her routine is streamlined but intentional. “Threading my eyebrows costs ₦15,000. The technician comes to my house, so it’s convenient. I don’t fix my nails often; just gel polish every once in a while, which is about ₦10,000. Hair is where the price varies. Braids, sew-ins—those can go up to ₦40,000 depending on my choice.”
Despite working in entertainment, she doesn’t feel pressured to overspend on beauty because her needs are quite specific. “Content creation hasn’t changed my beauty habits. I don’t do too much – I stick to the basics. The only thing it’s made me want is to level up and afford the bigger stuff, like laser treatments. But I’m not there yet. For now, brows are my priority. Threading is a must every four weeks.”
Angel is practical about what she spends and why. “I’ve tried to cut back on nail appointments. I don’t even enjoy them that much,” she admits. “Pedicures, yes. But long hours at salons? Not for me.”
As a creative entrepreneur in the beauty and wellness space, she considers these expenses both business-related and personal. “It’s not a splurge. It’s a necessity. Beauty is a bill, and it’s in my monthly budget because it’s important.” She doesn’t consider her current budget too high , as it covers what she requires, and the results are evident.
Her biggest beauty splurge? Chemical peels. “There was a time I spent over a million naira in just a few months on treatments and facials.” She says it wasn’t worth it though, as it didn’t achieve the results she wanted. “Now I space out my facials; maybe one every two months. And I’m eyeing laser hair treatments next—they seem promising and more effective in the long run.”
For aspiring influencers or creatives looking to stay financially savvy, her advice is refreshingly honest. “Don’t break the bank trying to show up at every event. Pick your battles. Don’t do it to impress people — do it because it works for you and your budget.”
Beauty dreams and laser goals
Angel knows beauty trends can be expensive, and if she had a wish on which one could be more affordable, there’s no hesitation. “Laser treatments, definitely. My sister swears by it, and I’ve heard amazing things. But it’s just so expensive here in Nigeria.”
And if she could get any product or treatment for free, for life? “Laser again! Especially for my body. I’m pretty hairy, so I’d love to explore what laser hair removal could do for me as opposed to shaving. I’ve heard it’s a game-changer, and honestly, it’s top of my wish-list.”
Read also: A dietitian’s perspective on how your diet affects your hair and skin
Omotola Saba
Final year student
Monthly expense: ₦50,000
Omotola says, “I keep it simple and budget-friendly”
As a final year student, beauty is essential to Omotola, but it comes with a budget. “My monthly beauty budget is ₦50,000,” she shares. “It barely covers my basic products, but thankfully, my mum tops it up.” And by basic, she means economical staples, nothing extravagant. Her non-negotiables? “Deodorant, body wash, moisturiser, hair shampoo, and lip gloss. Those are must-haves.”
Balancing academics and beauty spending is tricky, especially with the current economy. “I don’t really compromise because of school, but due to my allowance, I can’t afford facials, waxing, or expensive hairstyles. Even with nails, I take them off quickly, so I just don’t bother anymore.”
Despite the limits, she still finds room for small indulgences. “The most I’ve spent on beauty is dyeing my hair and getting treatments. It’s something I do annually, and it’s always worth it.”
Her beauty philosophy is rooted in practicality. “I keep it simple and budget-friendly—not because I have to, but because I choose to.” Omotola rarely wears makeup, and prefers minimal protective hairstyles like braids, twists, or cornrows. “I haven’t fixed my nails in years, but I apply nail polish now and then. ”
Hair health is high on her list. “My routine is about keeping everything healthy. I avoid heat and use only hair products that really work for me.” Her skincare routine is also minimalist. “For skincare, it’s just cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen,” she says. Thankful for her approach, Omotola believes a healthy foundation is all one needs to stay beautiful. “My nails are stronger, and my skin is in a good place. So when I splurge on beauty—whether it’s dyeing my hair or getting acrylics—it’s all about a healthy foundation.”
On pressure to look a certain way in school or online, Omotola keeps a level head. “I wouldn’t call it pressure. It’s more admiration for people doing what I can’t do yet—or what simply isn’t for me right now.”
If you gave her ₦100,000 today strictly for beauty, she knows exactly where it would go. “Essentials. Hair products, body wash, and sunscreen. Prices keep going up, and the sun isn’t helping. But I’d also love to treat myself, so maybe a proper facial or some French curl braids.”
And yes, she saves to afford some beauty needs. “I save up for any big purchase. When I decided to get all the makeup I needed, it was from the savings.”
Looking back, there’s one beauty lesson Omotola wishes she learned earlier: “First, loving beauty doesn’t make you vain. And second, privilege plays a big role in beauty spending. Some people are more acne-prone, which means higher skincare costs. Others simply have more money for better products and naturally, their skin reflects that.”
Beauty on a budget
Omotola keeps her beauty hacks simple but effective. “It’s not the cheapest hack, but good hygiene and clean habits make the biggest difference,” she shares. For her, washing her hair every two weeks and avoiding abrasive tools like sponges on her face are small habits that matter more than people realise.
Apart from braces and Invisalign, her beauty wishlist also includes a ₦120,000 wig. “I’ve been eyeing a pixie cut or mullet wig— it’s super sleek and bold. The only problem? I don’t even wear wigs!” Omotola laughs. It’s the perfect example of a beauty splurge she dreams about but hasn’t quite justified—yet.
Debby
Head of Strategy at a fintech
Monthly expense: ₦115,000 – ₦160,000
Debby says, “Beauty is an investment, but I always keep it smart.”
A professional working in fintech, Debby takes her beauty budget seriously, but with intention and balance. Every beauty purchase or service comes directly out of her own pocket. On average, her monthly beauty routine costs ₦115,000 and ₦160,000, and she’s clear about the needs and wants. Facials, nails, makeup for special events, signature braids and cornrows, all fall under this maintenance routine.
Her breakdown is refreshingly honest. “I’ll always budget for facials, no matter how tight money gets,” she insists. “My skin needs it, and it helps me feel confident.”
The rising cost of living in Nigeria has definitely influenced her beauty decisions. “I used to work with a more expensive nail tech, but I had to switch to someone more affordable. It’s still good quality—just more cost-efficient,” she explains.
For Debby, beauty is not indulgence, but a necessity. “It’s an investment. I enjoy looking good, and that’s valid.”, she says. That perspective is why she separates her beauty spending from general expenses. She’s created a dedicated beauty fund for big-ticket self-care moments.
Who better to ask for financial advice than Debby? With her extensive knowledge of finances because of her job, she advises women honestly: “Don’t feel pressured to do anything. Skip the nails sometimes if you need to. Don’t mix beauty expenses with your general budget. Track them separately.”
She’s already got her eye on potential opportunities too “If I could invest in a beauty business, it would definitely be skincare. There’s serious money there.”, she says —and we believe her. The skincare industry is booming more than ever, and if you’re looking for beauty investment opportunities, that’s a good place to start.
As a working-class woman in an image-conscious industry, Debby’s biggest beauty indulgence is, without question, her hair — and she has no regrets. “Was it worth it? YES!” she affirms.
Read also: From blog to beauty empire: Bebe Andrew-Jaja’s journey of innovation and impact
Natural beauty is the ultimate hack
Debby’s beauty hack is to maintain her natural beauty as often as possible. “That way, I only spend when necessary,” she adds. She also stays fit but strongly believes gym outfits are overhyped. “The new prices of activewear are ridiculous. I know it’s not particularly a beauty expense, but I had to say it.”
Beauty is a bill
Beauty isn’t limited to routines. It reflects self-worth, identity, and, sometimes, professional positioning. For Nigerian women like Omotola, Angel, and Debby, the cost extends beyond products and treatments—it’s a delicate balance of personal values, financial reality, and the pressures of an image-driven world.
Their stories reflect the dynamic nature of beauty choices—whether it’s a non-negotiable facial, a strategic “no makeup” choice, or budgeting for braids over pricey wigs. Yet one thing remains constant: their priorities and the will to glow through economic uncertainty.
These women remind us that we don’t have to break the bank. With intentional choices, smart planning, and a solid understanding of what truly matters, beauty is a tool that empowers, transforms, and, most importantly, belongs to you.
Beauty is a bill, but it’s also a significant investment in yourself.
