In this article, we will be taking a look at the 15 beauty treatments that are expensive but totally worth it. If you are not interested in reading about the global beauty treatment market, head straight to the 5 Beauty Treatments That Are Expensive But Totally Worth It.
Indulging in luxurious beauty treatments like lip fillers, massages, eye lash extensions, botox, and micro needling, among others can be a transformative experience, offering more than surface-level enhancements. From rejuvenating facials to lavish spa retreats, there exists a realm of beauty treatments that promise aesthetic improvements and holistic well-being. While some may come with a hefty price tag, their value in confidence, relaxation, and self-care transcends mere monetary considerations.
Luxurious Beauty Splurges and Treatments Worth Every Penny
The global beauty and personal care market is a dynamic and growing industry with a wide range of products and services that cater to the desire for personal enhancement and wellness. The market encompasses skincare, fragrance, makeup, haircare, and various beauty treatments and is characterized by a mix of conventional and organic products.
Luxury beauty treatments like micro needling, lash extensions, and botox represent a significant market segment, with consumers willing to invest in high-quality, premium offerings. The luxury and ultraluxury beauty market is expected to double from around $20 billion to $40 billion by 2027. This growth is driven by consumers' increasing desire for premiumization, especially in fragrance and makeup, and their willingness to pay for products that enhance their physical appearance and offer wellness benefits.
Financial statistics underline the robustness of this sector. The global beauty and personal care market size was estimated at USD 557.24 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.13% from 2023 to 2032, reaching a revenue share of $750.53 billion by 2032. The Asia Pacific region dominated the market with a share of 39% in 2022.
Beauty treatments offer several benefits. Studies and market analysis suggest they can enhance physical appearance, boosting self-esteem and confidence. Moreover, the rise of wellness-inspired products indicates that consumers use beauty treatments to look and feel good, embracing more excellent self-care. Introducing cosmetics with natural, non-toxic, and organic ingredients caters to the rising consumer awareness about health, sustainability, and environmental impact. Additionally, the beauty market is characterized by continuous innovation, including using environmentally friendly packaging and developing new, sustainable beauty solutions.
Transformative Trends in the US Beauty Treatment Market
The US beauty treatment market, a significant segment of the broader beauty and personal care industry, generated approximately $430 billion in revenue in 2022. The US beauty and personal care products market size is estimated to reach $100.3 billion in 2024.
According to Mintel, there's a notable trend in the beauty industry towards greater gender inclusivity and the breakdown of traditional gender norms. Mintel reports that 20% of men and 22% of women aged 18-34 have had a facial at a salon, and 25% of men aged 18-34 have had a manicure or pedicure, which indicates a growing interest among men in seeking beauty treatments traditionally associated with women.
Additionally, Mintel's survey found that nearly half of young men in the UK have indulged in spa, in-store, or beauty salon treatments in the past year. Among the most popular treatments for men are massages, facial hair removal or shaping, and body hair removal. This shift reflects changing attitudes towards male grooming and beauty, with men increasingly embracing self-care and grooming practices for their mental well-being and their overall health routine.
This trend towards gender inclusivity is evident in the beauty industry's move away from gender stereotypes. The industry is becoming more gender-neutral, making beauty treatments accessible and inclusive for people of all genders. This evolution reflects a broader cultural shift towards recognizing and celebrating diversity in beauty standards and practices.
The industry sees a premiumization trend, especially in fragrance and makeup, as consumers increasingly invest in higher-quality beauty products. Additionally, blending beauty and wellness has become prominent, with a demand for products promoting appearance and well-being.
Common beauty treatments in the US include skincare procedures, haircare services, makeup applications, fragrance products, and nail services. The market is driven by the aging population, skin disease prevalence, and a shift toward organic and chemical-free products, leading to increased personal care spending.
Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the beauty treatment market has adapted, with online sales seeing a significant boost as consumers turn to e-commerce platforms for their beauty needs. In the United States alone, cosmetics & beauty e-commerce revenue reached an impressive $86 billion, highlighting the significant role of online platforms in the industry. Moreover, cosmetics and beauty constitute nearly a $100 billion industry in the US, with over one-fifth of sales emanating from e-commerce channels.
Leading Players in the Beauty Industry
Ulta Beauty, Inc. (NASDAQ:ULTA) is a leading beauty retailer in the United States, operating over 1,250 stores across 50 states. Offering a diverse range of cosmetics, fragrances, skincare, hair care products, and salon services from more than 600 brands, Ulta beauty, Inc. (NASDAQ:ULTA) holds a dominant position in the industry.
In Q3 2023, Ulta Beauty, Inc. (NASDAQ:ULTA) reported net sales of $2.5 billion, marking a 6.4% increase from the previous year, driven by a 4.5% rise in comparable sales and firm performance in new stores. Despite a slight decline in average tickets, transactions increased notably.
Coty Inc. (NYSE:COTY) is another global beauty company operating through segments like Coty Inc. Consumer Beauty and Coty Prestige, offering fragrance, cosmetics, and skincare products. Its strategy emphasizes strategic partnerships, product launches, and acquisitions to expand its market presence, focusing on digital transformation and e-commerce post-COVID-19. Sustainability and inclusivity are vital pillars of Coty Inc. (NYSE:COTY)'s strategy, aligning with industry trends towards ethical and environmentally friendly products. On January 20, 2024, Coty Inc.(NYSE:COTY) saw a notable increase in market capitalization to $10.79 billion from $7.28 billion on December 31, 2022.
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (NYSE:ELF) has also been playing a great role in cosmetics and is highly known for affordable, high-quality products and innovative marketing, such as the #elfMagicAct TikTok challenge. Financially, e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (NYSE:ELF) has seen significant growth, with it shares returning 127.5% in the past year. e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (NYSE:ELF)'s next earnings date is May 25, 2024, and executives will present at the CAGNY conference on February 23, 2024. Collaborations like with Dunkin' reflect a trend of innovative partnerships, while digital marketing efforts focus on driving brand awareness online.
15 Beauty Treatments That Are Expensive But Totally Worth It
A professional being serviced with sophisticated medical beauty products from the company.
Our Methodology
Our methodology for identifying the Beauty Treatments That Are Expensive but Totally Worth It involved conducting thorough research using sources like Finance Buzz, Vocal Media, The Guardian, Pop Sugar, and Counting To Ten. We selected the top beauty treatments worldwide on a structured scoring system. Each beauty treatment received points based on the times it appeared in the research sources. By employing this approach, we created a definitive compilation of the 15 beauty treatments that are expensive but worth it and ranked them in ascending order of high scores.
Here is our list of the 15 expensive beauty treatments but totally worth it.
15. The Evian bath
Insider Monkey Score: 1
The Evian Experience, one of the best beauty treatments of all time, priced at approximately $5,000, offers a luxurious immersion in 1,000 liters of natural Evian spring water, complemented by spa treatments, champagne, and gourmet food. Beyond physical benefits, it aims to detoxify the body, improve skin hydration, and promote well-being. Catering to celebrities and high-net-worth individuals, it epitomizes exclusivity and opulence, endorsed by Serena Williams. While specific financial data is unavailable, its inclusion in penthouse suite packages priced at over $11,000 signifies its esteemed status in the luxury beauty market, reflecting the trend of high consumer spending for unique experiences.
14. Massage
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Massage therapy, often considered a luxurious beauty treatment, offers numerous health and wellness benefits, justifying its cost. Prices vary based on location, therapist experience, and type of massage, typically ranging from $50 to over $150 for a one-hour session. Its extensive benefits include stress reduction, pain management, enhanced immunity, mental health support, and physical injury recovery. With regular visits incorporated into health regimens, the massage industry generates billions annually, reflecting consumer prioritization of wellness and beauty expenditures. In 2020, 47.5 million US adults received massages at least once.
13. Skin regimen
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Expensive skin regimens, comprising high-quality products and professional treatments, can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars annually. Professional treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy range from $100 to $500 per session, addressing aging, hyperpigmentation, acne, and overall skin health. They offer noticeable skin quality, texture, and tone improvements, boosting self-confidence and well-being. Demand for such treatments is rising, reflected in the skincare industry's multi-billion-dollar growth driven by increased consumer awareness, technological advancements, and social media influence. In the US, the skincare market is the fastest-growing segment in the beauty industry, with a revenue of US$19.92 billion in 2022.
12. Sclerotherapy
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Sclerotherapy is a popular and effective beauty treatment for varicose and spider veins. It involves injecting a solution into affected veins, causing them to collapse and fade. The average cost per session is $413, but varies based on factors like vein size and number. Insurance may cover it for medical symptoms. It's safe when performed by professionals, reducing symptoms like itching and improving appearance. There's little downtime, with most able to resume normal activities immediately. It's widely used and considered worth the cost due to its effectiveness. North America leads the sclerotherapy market, with the U.S. being a significant contributor due to increasing investment in advanced revascularization and cardiogenic shock development
11. Microdermabrasion
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Microdermabrasion is a popular and one of the beauty treatments that are expensive but totally worth it, costing around $75 at spas and $167 in medical settings. At-home kits range from $10 to $200. It addresses fine lines, sun damage, acne scarring, and enlarged pores. Sessions typically last 30 minutes and are safe for most skin types. While not the most effective for deep wrinkles, it provides noticeable results with a few sessions. The global microdermabrasion devices market was valued at $333.8 million in 2021 and is projected to reach $882.1 million by 2031, with North America expected to witness the highest growth.
10. Cellupulse wave therapy
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Cellupulse wave therapy, or acoustic wave therapy (AWT), is a non-invasive treatment utilizing high-energy acoustic waves. It enhances metabolism, boosts blood circulation, and accelerates healing. It's used for cellulite reduction, pain management, tendonitis, and erectile dysfunction. While considered expensive, its benefits justify the cost, and it is highly recognized for its clinical and economic value in treating connective tissue disorders. It's popular among those seeking non-invasive solutions for various conditions.
9. The placenta facial treatment
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Placenta facial treatment, another one of the expensive beauty treatments that are expensive but totally worth it, is a sought-after beauty procedure, available in various forms, such as sheep or human placenta-based treatments. Prices range from $500 to $2000. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham endorse it. The global placenta market reached $76.26 million in 2022, projected to grow at a 12.4% CAGR from 2023 to 2032.
In the US, the placenta facial treatment industry faces regulatory scrutiny and ethical concerns. The FDA has intervened due to safety and efficacy issues with placenta healing products, advising consumers to consult skincare specialists before use. Despite regulatory challenges, placental extracts in skincare products have gained popularity.
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Facial liposuction is a cosmetic procedure targeting fat reduction in the face, enhancing contours and youthfulness. Costs range from $2,000 to $7,000, covering liposuction alone. It's commonly used for the chin, neck, jawline, and cheeks. The global liposuction market, valued at US$4.5 billion, is forecasted to grow to US$9.1 billion by 2032 with a 6.8% CAGR, according to Future Market Insights. Liposuction surpasses breast augmentation as the most popular cosmetic surgery, accounting for 14.8% of global procedures. In the US, liposuction saw a 23% increase in 2022, becoming the most performed surgery with 1.5 million procedures.
7. Dermal fillers
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Dermal fillers are one of the most popular beauty treatments and are quite expensive, ranging from $600 to $4,000 per session. They offer long-lasting results and minimal recovery time. Various filler options include hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, polylactic acid, and polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres. The global dermal fillers market, valued at $5.01 billion in 2022, is expected to reach $9 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 7.8% to 8.7% during 2023-2030. North America, led by the United States, dominates the market.Over 2.7 million dermal filler procedures were performed in 2020, indicating significant popularity.
6. Permanent Makeup
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Permanent makeup, standing sixth among the beauty treatments that are expensive but totally worth it is a form of cosmetic tattooing, is an expensive beauty treatment, ranging from $200 to $800 per procedure. The global permanent makeup industry is rapidly growing, projected to be worth over $4.1 billion by 2028 with a 6.8% CAGR from 2021 to 2028. Micro-pigmentation and semi-permanent makeup accounted for over 70% of the market share in 2019. Specific treatment costs range from $50 to $5,000. The industry offers high-profit margins but requires substantial training, equipment, and studio setup investment, averaging around $25,000 for initial expenses.