Monday Musings: Are Expensive Beauty Products Really a Rip-Off?
I get it. When you see a blush with a nearly 600-peso price tag or an eyeshadow duo that costs more than your lunch for a week, it’s easy to feel like brands are pulling one over on us. It’s even easier to feel that way when certain products seem to get panned right out of the gate. Case in point: the Happy Skin Jelly Blush at P599. The feedback was harsh—many felt it didn’t live up to its cost. But here's the thing: I tried it myself, and I genuinely loved it! It’s the most staining, long-wearing lip and cheek color I’ve ever used. For me, it was worth every centavo.
So why do some people feel like products like these are rip-offs, while others (like me) feel they’re totally worth it? Let’s dig into this, because it’s a topic that has a lot more layers than it seems.
Why Are Beauty Products So Pricey?
Let’s start with the obvious: beauty products cost a lot to make. From R&D to packaging, operations, logistics, and marketing, every single product involves some serious investment. Patrick Ta, for instance, didn’t slap together his $42 eyeshadow duos for kicks. Luxury brands are known to invest heavily in quality ingredients, innovative formulas, and unique packaging. And while yes, there is definitely some markup to make it all profitable, there’s also value being added in ways we don’t always see.
If a brand is pricing high, it’s usually because they feel they have something special to offer—something that makes the product worth more than what’s out there. If they’re right, people will pay. If they’re wrong? The product won’t sell, plain and simple.
The Power of Consumer Choice
Here’s the real beauty of the beauty industry: we, the consumers, have the final say. Nobody’s forcing anyone to buy anything, no matter how aggressively it’s marketed. Every time we make a purchase, we’re essentially “voting” for which products and brands we want to see more of. If we’re shelling out for the Patrick Ta duos or the Happy Skin blush, we’re telling those brands, “Keep doing this—we want more.” And if we’re not buying, they get the message loud and clear.
In a sense, it’s a form of economic natural selection. Brands that can’t justify their prices don’t survive in the long run, no matter how fancy their marketing. But brands that offer quality, longevity, or a certain X-factor find their audience and stay. This is why some products that seem high-priced can still be cult favorites—because they’re filling a specific need or desire for their customers.
But Should All Beauty Products Be Affordable?
Here’s where I feel people often miss the point. Should beauty products cater to every budget? Realistically, I don’t think so. The industry is vast, with brands at every price point, from affordable gems to luxury splurges. Not all products are meant for everyone’s budget, just like not every restaurant, car, or handbag is either. The beauty of the industry is its variety—there’s something out there for every price range and preference. And if there isn’t? There’s room for new brands to come in and fill that gap.
Expecting every product to be affordable to everyone isn’t just unrealistic—it’s limiting. It prevents brands from experimenting, innovating, and offering something truly unique. And for some of us, having a few high-end options that feel special is a pleasure we’re willing to pay for.
If It’s Not Worth Your Money, Just Don’t Buy It
When it comes to beauty, we’re all working within our own budgets, needs, and preferences. If a P599 blush doesn’t seem worth it to you, that’s totally valid. It doesn’t mean the brand is pulling a fast one—it just means they’re targeting a different kind of customer, maybe someone who sees the value in that particular formula or shade.
Instead of feeling outraged, the best thing to do is skip it. No amount of backlash or negative comments will change the fact that other people may see value where you don’t. And the great thing about beauty is that, with so many options, you can always find something that does fit your idea of worth.
One last thought: a lot of people don’t realize how volatile and competitive the beauty industry really is, especially here in the Philippines. Brands are constantly fighting for shelf space, for consumer attention, and for loyalty. It’s not like they can just slap a high price on a subpar product and expect to make it big. If they don’t back up that price with quality or appeal, they’re done.
So, let’s embrace the choices we have without expecting every product to fit our exact budget or preferences. Beauty is personal, and so is what we consider “worth it.” If something doesn’t hit that mark for you, that’s fine. But let’s not tear down the industry for offering variety. After all, that’s what gives us the freedom to find the products that make us look—and feel—our best.