The average woman will spend more than £13,000 during her lifetime on looking and feeling good, according to a study. Researchers found the ‘cost of confidence’ carries a hefty price tag, as women fork out £205.68 a year – or £13,369.20 in their lifetime – on beauty products, in order to feel better about themselves.
No wonder, as 86% of women claim their confidence is greatly improved if they are well groomed from top to toe.
Six in ten women admit they have a strict beauty regime in place to ensure they leave the house feeling assured about their appearance.
But the study also found that despite the costly outlay, women only feel good about themselves for three hours and 43 minutes a day.
Life coach Carole-Ann Rice, spokeswoman for the ‘Ready to Glow’ campaign which conducted the poll of 2,000 women, said:
”The smallest things can make the world of difference to a woman’s confidence – and even the least vain woman feels good if she looks good, it’s all about everyday beauty preparations.’
”It goes without saying that if a lady steps out of the house knowing she is prepared and glowing from top to toe and her skin, clothes and accessories are just right, she is going to feel far more self-assured than if she is unkempt, has spots and dry skin.”
The study also looked into outside influences which directly affect how a woman feels about herself.
A compliment from a friend or partner, waking up spot-free and new underwear are all guaranteed to boost a woman’s confidence, according to the research.
The top 20 list of things which make women feel attractive and sure of themselves also includes a smile from a stranger and being told ‘I love you’.
Researchers found four in ten girls immediately feel better about themselves if they look good in a photograph, while a further 40% feel great if they wake from an uninterrupted night’s sleep.
The study shows 42% of girls have more self-confidence if they step out with silky smooth legs, while 33% are thrilled if they get told they look young.
Simply receiving a cuddle from a child, partner, family member or friend is all it takes for 38% of girls to feel lovely.
Millions of British ladies said a perfectly styled hair-do makes the world of difference to their confidence – whether it’s getting up in the morning with great hair, or having a new cut or color at the salon.
While a third of women love the feeling of returning from a holiday with a great tan, to see everyone else looking lily white and in need of a break.
Getting asked where they bought something, or being asked out on a date also give women confidence, while getting eyebrows plucked, having a fresh manicure, wearing an outfit which shows off either legs or chest and a full face of make-up also make ladies feel amazing.
And two thirds often feel jealous of other women who seem to have a permanent radiant glow.
When it comes to the things which negatively affect a woman’s confidence, a bad night’s sleep comes top – waking up with bad hair and skin also make four in 10 women feel terrible, while 38% are depressed if someone estimates their age at five or 10 years older.
Missing out on a social gathering, being referred to as ‘mum’ in the office and getting home to find food stuck between teeth can also knock a girl’s confidence.
TOP 20 CONFIDENCE BOOSTERS
1. A complement from a partner, friend or stranger
2. Having perfectly styled hair / a new cut and colour
3. Looking good in a photograph
4. Having silky smooth legs / being hair free
5. Waking from a good night’s sleep
6. Having a cuddle
7. Being told “I love you”
8. Returning from a holiday and feeling great
9. A smile from a stranger
10. New underwear
11. You get told you look young
12. You are immaculately dressed
13. You get asked where you bought something
14. A child says you are pretty
15. Waking up spot free
16. Wearing an outfit which shows the favorite part of your body
17. Getting your eyebrows plucked
18. Being asked out on a date
19. Fresh manicure
20. A full face of make-up