Her

The Times


.

Beauty

  • Written by Romina Favero



The average Australian woman spends $3,600 on skincare every year. Women and men alike could be saving thousands every year by shopping smart, not shopping popular, says askbella founder

Aussies can save hundreds on their beauty routine every month with six skincare hacksAustralians are spending thousands of dollars on beauty and skincare each month, with women spending on average
$3,600 per year on skincare, and the industry basking in a 600% YoY rise in skincare purchases from 2019 to 2020. 


Founder of askbella, Elaine Yang, says Australians can be shopping smarter and saving thousands of dollars on skincare products each year. 


“Australians love having good skin. Even during a global pandemic and financial crisis, we care so much about it that we’re happy to spend our hard earned dollars on skin that looks great,” said Yang. 


She continued, “Aussies are actively investing in self-care, and skincare plays a huge part in feeling good from the outside in. But it’s costing us thousands of dollars every month when it doesn’t have to. By shopping smart, women and men alike could be saving hundreds each month.”


Yang created Australia’s first ever Beauty Bot, askbella, to help Australian skincare buyers save on time, money and breakouts by using AI technology to show only the products that will work on an individual’s unique skin. 


“74% of Australian beauty consumers feel overwhelmed by the number of product choices they face when making purchases, and this often leads to buying products that don’t work, which are then thrown out. Skincare shopping can be a money pit if you’re not careful,” she said. 


Yang believes that men and women can save time, money and many breakouts by avoiding these six skincare traps Aussies fall into:


  1. Buying what’s popular
    Skincare is everywhere on social media and Instagram is rife with beauty bloggers raving about the newest and best products on the market. But just because a product works well for their skin, doesn’t mean it will work for yours.
    Next time you want to buy a popular product, take a closer look at the ingredients of the product, and what skin types it’s best suited for. If it’s not suited to your skin type, don’t do it - it’s likely to lead to a breakout and $70 down the drain.

  2. Impulse buying
    It’s so easy to pick up a face mask on your way out of the supermarket or a cosmetics store, or to treat yourself to a lipstick when you’re wandering around a shopping centre. But the reality is, these aren’t products you need.
    When you’re tempted to impulse buy, walk away for a few minutes, hours, or leave it in your online cart for a few days. If you’re still thinking about it later on, go for it! But if you’re not, you didn’t need it in the first place. Money saved.


  1. Ditching the DIY 

Why do we jump at the chance to buy ourselves a fancy $40 face mask, when the likelihood is that we have ingredients that have the same skincare effects, sitting in our pantry? The humble oat and honey face mask is a staple for a reason - and a fraction of the price. So next time you add that face mask to cart, pause for a second and ask yourself - is this really a good use of $40? We can buy sns nails at home, so why can't we do the same for our skin?


  1. Buying reusable face wipes

Bad for the planet and bad for our bank account, face wipes from your local pharmacy can cost $5-10 per pack, with only 20-30 wipes. That doesn’t even cover you for a month! Reusable face wipes or a simple face washing cloth will put that money straight back into your pocket, and reduce your impact on the planet, too.


  1. Buying luxury brands

It’s so easy to get caught up in the glamour of luxury brands - after all, who can resist nice packaging and clever marketing? But more often than not, the skincare products made by luxury brands use average ingredients: you’re paying more for the brand than the product itself. Consider mid-price brands that use simple but effective, quality ingredients, that are often half the price.


  1. Not asking for help

Research conducted by askbella found that more than half (57%) of Australian beauty shoppers like being left alone when shopping in-store, but often this results in buying the wrong ingredients for your skin, turning your purchase into a waste of money and product. Don’t be afraid to ask for help next time you’re shopping in-store - assistants are there to help for a reason! Alternatively, try using an AI platform like askbella the Beauty Bot, which uses a skin quiz and AI technology, to analyse and match your skin to a range of products with the best ingredients for its unique needs.


Yang concluded, “Small savings here and there add up. By avoiding even a couple of these skincare traps, Australian beauty shoppers will find that they can save over $100 on their skincare routine per month. Imagine the savings by the end of the year!” 


To learn more about the askbella Beauty Bot and find the perfect beauty products and skincare routine for your skin to save time, money and breakouts, visit askbella.com.au


About askbella

askbella is a D2C beauty e-commerce platform designed to take the guesswork out of beauty and skincare purchases. Founded in Sydney, Australia by Elaine Yang, askbella uses AI technology to match high-quality products and ingredients to an individual’s unique skin care needs, removing the endless options and decision-making fatigue that Australian beauty shoppers face when purchasing products for their skin. For more information and to use the askbella Beauty Bot, visit askbella.com.au

Why Sports Nutrition Plays A Major Role In Fitness And Performance

Nutrition has become one of the most important parts of modern fitness and athletic performance. Whether someone trains professionally, exercises regularly, or simply wants to improve overall wellbeing, proper nutrition helps support energy, recovery, endurance, and muscle maintenance. Many athletes... Read more

What You Should Know Before Considering Fat Freezing in Melbourne

Fat freezing is one non-invasive option some people consider for localised areas of concern. Like any treatment, outcomes can depend on practitioner experience, the device used, treatment planning, individual suitability and personal response. This article will explore what you should... Read more

Questions to Ask Before Booking at a Cosmetic Clinic in Melbourne

Choosing where to have a cosmetic treatment is a decision that deserves careful thought, and the right questions can help you make a more informed decision. With so many providers to consider, knowing what to ask allows you to understand... Read more

Common Skin Changes Worth Getting Checked

Changes in the appearance of your skin can sometimes be an early sign that something needs medical attention. While many spots and marks are completely harmless, others can point to skin cancer or other conditions that benefit from early diagnosis... Read more

How Cosmetic Clinics in Melbourne Personalise Treatment Plans

No two people have the same skin, the same concerns or the same goals, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach rarely delivers the best results when it comes to cosmetic treatment. The way a reputable cosmetic clinic in Melbourne approaches... Read more

Why Visiting A Cosmetic And Skin Clinic Supports Long-Term Skin Health

Choosing a professional Cosmetic and skin Clinic is an important step for individuals looking to maintain healthy, balanced, and well-managed skin. Skin health is influenced by a combination of factors, including lifestyle, environment, and natural ageing. A structured approach to skincare... Read more

The Role of Skin Cancer Clinics in Prevention and Monitoring

Skin cancer remains one of the most common and preventable cancers affecting Australians, yet its early stages often go unnoticed without professional assessment. A skin cancer clinic plays a broader role than simply diagnosing existing concerns; it's an environment where... Read more

What First-Time Clients Should Know Before Visiting a Cosmetic Clinic in Melbourne

Booking your first appointment at a cosmetic clinic in Melbourne can feel overwhelming, particularly given the number of providers now operating across the city. Understanding what to expect from the experience and how to prepare for it can make a... Read more

Magazine

Free mental health webinars for Mental Health Month this October

Despite technology (or perhaps because of it), our lives seem to be busier than ever, and we are less connected. Many of us fe...

5 Great Ways to Imbue Your Rental Home with Timeless Australian Style

Australian interior design is quite unique, and chances are that you would be able to spot an Aussie-style interior even if you ...

Guide to an Action-Packed Summer in Lake Mac

Panning a fun-in-the-sun getaway for the summer holidays? Don’t risk delays and cancellations at the airport, grab the family an...

New degree delivers rural support for local mums

Expectant mothers in South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula and northern regions will benefit from greater access to specialist midwifer...

The Estée Lauder Companies and BALMAIN are Partnering to Launch BALMAIN BEAUTY

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL) (“ELC”) and BALMAIN have entered into a license agreement to collaboratively develop...