Certain beauty trends might be revealing your socioeconomic status in unexpected ways. While some spend thousands on nail art, lash extensions, or elaborate makeup routines, experts suggest this can inadvertently appear tacky. Influencers often showcase pricey skincare regimens, but following them may not be wise. According to beauty professionals, truly wealthy individuals aim to look naturally born that way, emphasizing good breeding over overt displays of wealth.
The Clean Girl Aesthetic vs. Dramatic Makeup
Wealthy women are increasingly embracing the clean girl aesthetic, characterized by glowy skin and subtle makeup. This trend, popularized by stars like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, swaps heavy eyeliner and contour for a natural, radiant look. Makeup artist Paula Pace, with 25 years of experience, notes that her wealthiest clients often wear minimal makeup daily, preferring a healthy, polished appearance. The clean girl aesthetic prioritizes clear skin and long lashes over matte finishes and cut creases.
Nail Art: A Shift to Quiet Luxury
Nail art, once a status symbol, is now considered garish by affluent women. Chrome designs and elaborate French manicures, costing around $150, are being replaced by subtle, timeless manicures. Hailey Bieber, who popularized chrome nails, now opts for barely-there polish even at major events like the Met Gala. California beauty expert Erin Shellabarger recommends clears, creams, and pinks for a natural, polished look. A viral TikTok by Miranda Shanahana questions whether getting nails done is becoming low status, as many successful women view salon time as a waste. The ultimate flex, she argues, is not needing a manicure at all.
Baby Botox and Natural Enhancements
Pricey plastic surgeries are popular, but wealthy women prefer subtle adjustments. Basil Russo, founder of Bar Beauty Medical in Toronto, explains that high-net-worth clients want no one to know they've had work done. They receive conservative Botox doses (20-40 units) to avoid obvious changes. Subtlety is the status marker, not visibility. These women avoid dramatic fox-eye thread lifts and overfilled lips, instead opting for natural-looking enhancements.
Natural Lashes and Brows
Exaggerated lash extensions, costing over $150, are eschewed by the ultra-wealthy in favor of Korean lash lifts and brow laminations. These procedures, though expensive, create a natural look that suggests good genes. Russo notes that strip lashes are considered unnatural, even for events. Makeup artist Pace reassures clients that her lashes appear no longer or heavier than their own.
Hair Color: Embracing Natural Locks
Platinum blonde hair, which requires costly maintenance, is being abandoned for natural hues that mimic youthful locks. Sofia Richie Grainge exemplifies old-money blonde, a difficult but effortless shade. Shellabarger advises subtle highlights that look natural and believable. Wealthy clients invest in hair vitamins and scalp treatments, and they grow their hair long and healthy rather than cutting it short with age. Celebrity hairstylist Sacha Quarles emphasizes elegant, dimensional colors that truly look like money.
