How much money you spend on yourself is nobody's business but yours.

In my case, the people closest to me and those whose opinions I valued the most were the most discouraging. I hope your experience is different. Regardless of their proximity to you, let me emphasize this:

Nobody needs to understand the importance of this journey for you, except you. It’s your responsibility to live your best life and become your best self. You don’t need permission or validation. This is your life, your body, and your unique journey.

How much money you spend on yourself is nobody's business but yours. Allow me to advise you: keep your beauty budget to yourself. How much you invest in your products, beauty professionals, hair or makeup, spa, doctor visits, therapists, etc., is your personal decision.

In over 30 years of personal investment in this journey, one thing remains constant. People will always feel that you spend too much money on yourself. This is not about others having an opinion on your spending; it's more about the fact that most people may not invest even half of what I encourage through this book and your daily beauty journey. They may have personal reasons like not caring enough, lacking time, not knowing where to start, or deeming it vain.

As Anita, the Latin American singer, said, 'Spend your money on yourself; when you die, somebody else will spend it anyway...'

I've been in arguments, trying to make others understand, only to find out that beauty budgets don't exist in their lifestyle. Whether it's perceived as vanity, self-centeredness, or splurging, don't argue, don't try to make them understand your perspective. Keep your budget to yourself and avoid this scenario, especially if you earn your own money. It's one of the most important lessons from this book. Define your lifestyle, financial possibilities, and priorities - only you know how much money is worth investing in your beauty journey and becoming the best version of yourself.

Neither my family, nor my best friends, nor my ex-partners understood or encouraged me. They criticized me, and it even became a topic of fighting at times regarding the amount of money I've spent, have, and will continue to spend on myself, my beauty products, makeup, wardrobe, surgeries, facial and body treatments, etc.!

So, I refrain from disclosing how much my beauty costs. I make sure to stay focused on my needs, value, and worth, always being a savvy shopper, as we'll discuss in later chapters. I invest my money wisely, learning from failures that inevitably come with trying new things. Remember, with my 'list of requirements,' mistakes and bad investments become less frequent.

I maintain a healthy balance, not letting others dictate how much or how little I invest in myself. Period.

If the answer is, 'Yes, I can fix it, but it’s expensive,' do it (or buy it).

Does it bother you? And can you fix it with money? Do it.

Is it good for you, and will it improve your life? Do it.

Sometimes, other financial priorities take precedence. Once addressed, I resume my beauty journey and continue investing in myself.

Life events may tempt you to revert to your old self, doubting your beauty, feeling unworthy, or questioning the time and money you invest. However, this is the true journey of beauty.

You are worth it, and it is worth it. It is the only thing you truly possess - YOU. This body, this image.

Life will present challenges,

Sickness may come,

Heartbreak will come and for some of us,

Financial breakdown may occur,

Unfortunately, loss of family or friends will happen,

Getting fired from your job might occur,

Divorce might happen,

and so on...

Remember, your beauty journey isn't just about today, the future, or the past. It's every day, and your commitment to yourself must be stronger during tough times. The good thing is if you've picked up something from this blog or my book 'Master Your Own Beauty,' you'll already have a few good habits to help you take care of yourself.

When things get tough, if the only thing you've got is yourself, looking after yourself, even if it's just a daily habit, is a sign of strength. Strong people are beautiful. That's why it's essential to establish these rituals and habits before tough times hit.

And yes, life will test you every time. Your commitment to yourself means you'll always have to find the time, motivation, meaning, resources, and budget to do it. Because there's nothing more important than living today at your best. So, I spare myself the fight of trying to make them understand my point of view on why and how I decide to spend my money, energy, time, etc. If it had been for other people's opinions, I would never have invested half of what I have and NEVER achieved the life I encourage you to pursue — the one I have lived, which is why I wrote this book and became a beauty coach. Considering several opinions is always wise, but the ultimate decision belongs to you and you alone. How much money you spend on yourself is nobody's business but yours.