A self-proclaimed beauty 'addict' who spends close to $12,000 a year on Botox, hair treatments, manicures, and new clothes has hit out at critics who judge her for investing so much in her appearance.
PR Professional Defends Beauty Spending
Hilary Reiter Azzaretti, 50, from Park City, Utah, works in public relations and explained to the Daily Mail that it is vital she always looks her best. 'Your appearance is what makes a first impression on people... Working in public relations is a visible career,' she said. 'I am out and about interacting with people all the time and participating in virtual meetings. Being appropriately put together is part of the job.'
She added that her career path values youth, especially when representing luxury and lifestyle brands like her PR firm primarily does.
Breakdown of Annual Spending
Reiter Azzaretti, who earns more than $250,000 a year, revealed she gets Botox every three months, spending almost $2,000 annually on injections. Additionally, she gets regular manicures, pedicures, facials, and haircuts, plus Brazilian hair treatments four times a year costing another $1,500. She buys new clothes 'every month,' estimating $5,000 to $6,000 yearly on wardrobe updates. She also spends $1,500 on new makeup products and recently bought an LED mask for $550. Her Peloton membership costs $55 per month, bringing total appearance-related spending to nearly $12,000 a year.
Clapping Back at Critics
'I work ridiculously hard, and my success has allowed me to spend a bit extra on myself,' she quipped. 'It's not an outrageous amount. I don't understand why people find it acceptable to spend significant money on tattoos to alter one's appearance but not on Botox.'
Influence of Upbringing and Utah Culture
Growing up in New York, Reiter Azzaretti learned from her grandmother, who ran a high-end men's boutique, to value her appearance. 'I remember my grandma telling me that she always puts makeup on when she leaves her building because you never know who you'll run into,' she recalled. Moving to Park City, Utah, in 2002 added pressure, as she noted Utah has a culture of superficiality with more plastic surgeons per capita than anywhere else. 'Residents care more about physical fitness, how many ski days they log, and their affluence. I see the preoccupation with beauty first hand.'
No Judgment for Others
While she takes her appearance seriously, she doesn't judge others who don't. 'Everyone should do what they feel comfortable doing and live their best lives however that may be,' she said. However, she finds dressing in pajamas on flights unacceptable, concluding, 'Ultimately, it's about doing what makes you happy and confident.'
