Unlike my sister, I was never someone who would wear makeup on a daily basis. I do wear it sometimes, like for a dance recital (the lights wash you out) or for a special occasion (like a father-daughter dance), but for the most part I like to stay away from makeup. I would rather spend that extra 30-60 minutes sleeping, and besides, I was never actually good at doing my makeup. There are other things that could replace makeup for this article, like a fancy car, a giant house, designer clothes or shoes or even going out to eat at fancy restaurants fairly frequently. And I have always believed that beauty should come from the inside, not what you look like on the outside. There are some girls who look fake, at least in my opinion, because they wear too much makeup. So here are the things I would rather spend my money on than makeup.
1. Gas
I have to get to work during the summer somehow, and when I get a car to have at school, I would rather spend my hard earned money being able to go someplace or even take a road trip than on makeup. Paying for gas can get me further than any amount of makeup can.
2. Travel
My family absolutely loves to travel, and I would like to keep traveling even after I'm on my own. With the money that I save by not buying makeup, I'll be able to spend on an amazing adventure somewhere making memories. I would rather take an adventure somewhere than spend that money on makeup, which won't bring me any real happiness.
3. Cruise Vacation
Kind of going along the same lines as the last point, I would rather spend my money taking a cruise and having fun and making memories than on makeup. A cruise is an unforgettable vacation and no amount of makeup can bring the same amount of pleasure as taking a cruise can.
4. Music
When I hear a song or artist that I really enjoy, I might buy their music off of iTunes. This doesn't happen frequently, but when I do it is well worth the $15-25 that I spend on it compared to spending that money on makeup. I can listen to music for ever and whenever I want (as long as the technology doesn't change), whereas makeup doesn't last very long and isn't reusable.
5. Concert/Festival Tickets
I may not attend very many concerts or festivals, but I would much rather spend my money listening to some amazing music and hanging out with friends than on makeup, which can't bring me the kind of joy or peace that music can.
6. Books - including textbooks
I love to read, when I have some spare time, so I would much rather purchase a book that I can read multiple times and pass down to my children and grandchildren than use that money to buy makeup. Books are priceless treasures that can last decades, or centuries and can touch the souls of many people. I included textbooks as well, because, although they are expensive and only useful for a few months, I would rather invest in something that can help my future than something that's only good for the time being.
7. Netflix Subscription
Even though I don't have to pay for one yet, I would much rather be able to watch a beloved show or movie alone or with loved ones than spend that kind of money on something that is basically useless. Sometimes the movies watched can even bring about some points for discussion afterwards, which brings a family closer together. I would much rather spend my money on something that brings people closer together than on something that can't.
8. My Future House
A house is a huge investment, and I know I'm going to get married someday, so why not start saving for a house now? Being able to purchase a house, or even be able to put a down payment on one is a huge undertaking that I would rather start saving for now with the money I would have spent on makeup.
9. My Future Family
I know I want to have a family, preferably a large one, and taking care of kids is expensive. This is especially true in our modern consumerist "me" culture. So, why not start saving for this now, instead of going into dept over something that brings couples their greatest joy in life. Makeup can't bring me the kind of joy that having children can.
10. My Retirement
Everyone has to retire at some point in their lives, and we all know that the government won't be paying for very much (especially for us 20-somethings) when we get to that point, so why not start saving that money now. Bonus: the earlier you start saving, the more time your money will have to grow, even if you put in less than someone who starts saving at 30 versus 20. I already have a Roth IRA account and since I'm young, I'm in a lower tax bracket than I would be at 65 or 70 when I would want to take that money out. Because I can only put in after-tax money into this account, I will never have to pay taxes on it again, which I absolutely love.
So there you go, my list of things I would rather spend/invest my money in than buy makeup.
