Beauty culture demands a hefty price, and it’s time to face that reality. Elise Hu shares insights on the true financial toll of striving for perfection.

It’s widely recognized that being a woman comes with greater expenses compared to being a man. Curious about the difference? It’s approximately $300,000 more, without even considering the costs of plastic surgery. Notably, a higher percentage of women than men opt for surgical enhancements to achieve their desired appearance, a concept Hu explores in her new book: “Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital.”

Hu notes that women are constantly bombarded with images depicting the so-called “ideal” appearance, which adversely affects both self-esteem and personal finances. Research indicates that nearly 25% of individuals in the U.S. have undergone at least one cosmetic procedure, with those aged 30-44 willing to invest between $10,000 and $100,000 to achieve their “dream feature,” according to a RealSelf survey. This same research reveals that while many men perceive plastic surgery as superficial, a significant number of women view it as a means of self-enhancement and empowerment.

However, the U.S. isn't the leading nation for plastic surgery; that title belongs to South Korea, which is known for the renowned 10-step K-beauty routine. Seoul has the highest rates of cosmetic procedures globally, and the K-beauty sector is expected to reach an astounding $14 billion by 2027. During her tenure as NPR's bureau chief covering North Korea, South Korea, and Japan, Hu witnessed this beauty culture firsthand.

Upon arriving in South Korea, Hu was instantly confronted with eye-catching “before and after” images illustrating the standards of what a “perfect” Korean woman should embody—complete with recommendations for the surgeries required to achieve those looks. As a Taiwanese-American with distinct features that did not align with South Korea's narrow beauty ideals, Hu found the experience challenging.

Hu warns that the relentless messaging urging individuals to enhance their appearance can be detrimental. She emphasizes, “We can treat our bodies like we do our fashion, constantly seeking updates.” This mindset creates ongoing pressure to improve and conform to specific beauty standards. Hu encourages a reevaluation of beauty culture and advocates for a critical approach to understanding the “four pillars of beauty”: thinness, firmness, smoothness, and youth, as articulated by beauty researcher Heather Widdows.

In our Mailbag segment, we address a listener's query about their previous employer's 401(k) plan and provide guidance for a 72-year-old seeking splurging advice (perhaps a new car?). For our money tip this week, we discuss when to sell a stock.