Kelly Keating emailed me this post from feministing.com.
Haul monitors: Young women, YouTube and price of beauty
Many of us expect social critics and feminists to criticize women for for spending money on their looks, but what is Chloe really saying here?
This article was extremely schocking with the statistics that they provided in regaurds to the amount of money women spend on beauty. One of the reasons I was so shocked was because I know I my self buy more products then I know I need and seeing the few examples of what that money could go towards was huge. It was a well needed reality check in a way, and I know I am going to be more aware with my money when it comes to cosmetics. Because I do agree, true beauty can not be bought, and you can not put a price tag on it.
ReplyDeleteKara Flower
I do have a bias opinion about this subject because i am a makeup artist. I do believe in having your hair and makeup and nails and fashionable clothing because i have been on both sides of the fence (which many people have)of how people treat you if you have those things or not. I know that things can get out of hand when spending but in general i see nothing wrong with spending even a lot of money to look good as long as it is within a persons means. The only eye opener for me was finding out about teen girls making the "Haul" videos, it just sounds like bragging to me.
ReplyDelete-Jennifer Rose
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ReplyDeleteI personally have watched many haul videos on youtube. It isn't really bragging or nearly as bad as it is portrayed by some people. The people I have watched were everyday people giving reviews on products and showing them for those they may be interested in purchasing them but wanted to wait to see what others had to say about them. Typically the videos I have watched were not teens but rather young adults and many of them were also makeup artist that offered tutorials for those interested.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Chloe is trying to say that originality and self expression cannot be bought. She wants people to know that it is okay to not follow the trends and she discusses how these industries try to sell us their perception of beauty.
-Krystal James
I think in this article Chole is extremly right like she stated the haul video is an industry in it self. Let me just add I'm an Youtube fanactic and am suscribed to about over 50 channels and all of the channels are primarly focused on hair and makeup, I didn't really realize it into reading this article. Youtube has become almost a personal hobby or something I need to check everyday to see if any of my channels have uploaded new videos. I'm a big fan also of the haul videos and I find myself sometime wanting what they have in the videos it's almost like there selling something sounds weird but every haul video my eyes are glued to the screen wanting that Mac lip glass or new mineral foundation. Lol
ReplyDeleteLastly she made a good point in saying where are the haul videos about music or sports appreal. The answer is no where you may have one or to but the majority by women under the age of 25 are about hair and makeup because like Chole states that's the messege society sends to us. Enjoyed this article alot!!
I agree with Kara in that the statistics were outrageous for how much women spend on cosmetic products. As I was reading the article, I couldn't help but think to myself "I definitely don't spend that much on cosmetics." But, as I sat and thought about it, I really do spend much more than I ever thought I did on these types of products. What I think Chloe was trying to say in her article is that women spend a lot of their money on beauty products because that is what they have been taught. It is not women being stupid or ignorant, it is simply that that is what they are socially brought up to think of as "good purchases." I think her main argument for women reading this piece is simply to realize how much we are spending on our own beauty. There are other things out there in the world that women should focus on, and even though being beautiful is a very important goal in our society...it is not everything.
ReplyDelete-Heather Gaulke
Heather and Kara already mentioned above how shocked they were with some of the statistics that were mentioned in this article. I'm going to have to completely agree with them. Just the $20,000 between those ages is astounding.
ReplyDeleteWhat was more interesting about this article for me was the fact that I have never heard of these "hauling" videos. Personally, I just don't get it. I don't understand why it's fun to watch what other people spend their money on.
And the fact that they are getting hundreds of thousands of hits, it's really sad. I understand some people are just doing it for fun and like to MAKE these videos. But when thousands of people are watching them too... I really do not understand it at all.
-Cara DeMarlie
Chole is really saying that this is not a way of spending money and looking beautiful it is a way of self expression. I had never heard of a hual video before and so I looked at some of them and these types of things if made properly could possibly get someone famous one day.The thought just never crossed my mind to do something like that on you tube. Also, if people are viewing them that's interesting. I personally don't enjoy watching these videos but maybe its good for shop shopaholics to watch someone else spend their money but I agree with Cara that I see no point in theses videos and don't think I would ever of watched them if it wasn't for this post.
ReplyDelete-Kristin Frondal
I was really amazed at how much money women spend on beauty supplies, but I also think its sort of a hobby for women. Men spend a lot of money on other things and hobbys and women enjoy looking beautiful and dressing up. I watched a few videos on youtube.com and I thought they were pretty pointless. I'm not really sure why people would watch or make these videos other than just wanting to be in the spotlight. The makeup tutorials were interesting because I'm sure some girls aren't sure how to make their desired look, and in that case I think the videos are helpful. Some people spend a lot more money on shopping and beauty supplies than others, but in the end its a way of self expresssion and it's a personal choice. I assume the people who are spending a lot of money have a lot to spend.
ReplyDeleteJesica Perrone
I don't think she is trying to bash on those women who spend thousands of dollars on make-up, but to educate all women about the price of beauty. I personally love make-up, pedicures, etc., but I don't spend that much money on it. I agree that our culture tells us that make-up is what we need to be beautiful and to love ourselves as well, but what makes alot of women feel good is taking care of ourselves and using these feminine resources as a way to love ourselves even more. It is a way to ENHANCE our beauty that we already have. Although young teenagers I think have no real reason for wearing make-up. I don't believe they wear it because it makes them feel "pretty", but because society tells them to. Yes, the statistics are ridiculous, but this is a way for women to express themselves. Why should we be critisized for that?
ReplyDeleteJackie Hund
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ReplyDeleteAs many others have stated the money people spend on make-up alone is outrageous. I don't wear make-up on a regular basis, maybe once every three months if that. I just can't imagine spending that kind of money on make-up.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of a haul video, so I got on youtube and watched one. I didn't really see the point in them, except that many of these young women wanted to put themselves on the website.
I think Chloe is trying to say that these haul videos are a way of self expression, but it may not the best way of self-expression. As is wearing make-up. Some women like to wear make-up and there is nothing wrong with that. I think Chloe is tying to tell us that we need more women writers and women artists, she is encouraging us to express ourselves if we want too. We need more women out there who want to express themselves without buying their way through self-expression.
-Mary Buss
I like Mary's point and her emphasis on creativity:
ReplyDelete"I think Chloe is tying to tell us that we need more women writers and women artists, she is encouraging us to express ourselves if we want too. We need more women out there who want to express themselves without buying their way through self-expression."
When I read this article, I could not help but this that the women who do things like that are stupid. I am going to be blunt about my opinion, which is that the women who go on camera to show off their looks and posessions and think the are going ot make a career...are in denial. Chloe is trying to say that we need more women who are willing to advertise things that are not all about being beautiful. Me, I would love to advertise sports goods because I don't wear makeup. Women can express themselves all they want through showing off what they have, but what I can tell you, is that the men who are watching are not looking at the items you just bought. Making a living off of a video of your new clothes and makeup is just plain ridiculous.
ReplyDelete-Brianna Hund
I personally am not too familiar with these "haul" ads and videos that young women often partake in. However, I did find the amount of money that women spend on makeup and more shocking. I do not wear a lot of makeup now spend much effort on my hair, but I am sure I too spend way more money on products that I do not need. I agree with most of the above posts in that making videos of your products in order to make money is a little out of hand and dumb. I agree that Chloe's point is trying to get women to express their creativity and opinions in ways that are less materialistic and pointless.
ReplyDelete-Vickie Wilkin
I personally think Mary hit the nail right on the head.
ReplyDeleteChloe is not criticizing the haul video's and the spending of young women's money. She is observing it and coming to a conclusion. There are no swift judgments. Her hypothesis is simply: young women of our generation are looking for self-empowerment from the media and commerce - they are not finding it within themselves or within the arts.
It would be really nice if women AND men did more haul videos in general on books, music or anything that is not available in a commercial every 5 minutes.
-Kelly Keating-
After reading the article, Chole is mainly saying that we spend so much money only on looking beautiful alone. We spend most of our money and time buying beauty products and showing off what "makes us" on Youtube instead of giving money away to something essential. She talks about how we don't see men on Youtube showing off what they purchased, or we don't see them spending money on tons of clothes or body stuff.
ReplyDeleteThe haul videos are nice to view but behind it it says a lot. It tells us what type of person(Women in general)we are,it shows the amount of money we spend, what we only think about, and what is essential to get when shopping in order to keep up with the Kardashians. When I'm watching a lot of the Youtube haul videos, I never payed attention to the meaning behind the videos. I was too into the video because I wanted to know the type of items a women would by to complete her look. This would help me figure out what I needed to get in order to look just as pretty. Some of the women, I saw, who do the haul videos are gorgeous and that's why they are so appealing to watch, but then again it's the make up that "completes" them not their personality.
-Katherine Hallmon
I think Chloe is trying to get women to realize the price of beauty is not worth spending all that money. There are more important things in life that money could go towards. She wants women to realize they have natural beaty, and give them confidence.she wants women to understand they are only spending all of this money on these products because as she stated,society tells them to. She believes women can express their creativity and empowerment however they should find other ways to do so, because you can't buy self empowerment. (Erica Jones)
ReplyDeleteI myself am not very shocked by the amount of money women spend on make up etc. In our society beauty shows status and power. Our society tells women in order to be beautiful we need make up and our hair done etc, I think that is the most ridiculous thing. Beauty isn't only on the outside its on the inside, meaning your values etc. I believe what Chloe is saying is that who we are as a person cannot be bought. It isn't the stuff that makes us who we are, its the feelings and values that do. That we need to realize what going on and decide what we want not what the media tells us we "need".
ReplyDeleteSamantha Cale
When I read this article I was a little surprised because I had never heard of a "Haul" video before. Now that I know what a Haul video is, I have seen them before because girls really do post them all over you tube. I think Chloe is trying to say that beauty is not all about what girls have or the makeup they are wearing. It is sad that the media has gotten to most girls so much that a lot of young girls think that by showing off what you have, like merchandise and make up and good looks, you will be liked better by friends and society. The media really gets to some people and that is sad. It is not surprising to me that girls spend so much time and money on their hair and makeup simply because the media makes it seem like the only way to be beautiful is if we do our make up and hair and look a certain way to be beautiful. Although we can do many things to ourselves to look good on the outside, I think Chloe is saying that what really matters is what is on the inside. We shouldn't be showing off the material things we have to try and define ourselves as a person. It's what's on the inside that counts. - Taylor McDonald
ReplyDeleteIn the article it said that "the average American woman will spend about $500,000 making herself beautiful." I agree with Samantha that I am also not very shocked by all the money that women spend on makeup, manicures, pedicures, facials, clothing etc. Appearance is very crucial in our society and like it or not people do judge someone many times on their appearance. What I believe Chole is trying to say is that it is not our fault, women's fault, for spending so much on ourselves. Chole is saying that our culture tells us to do this because this is the only way we can be beautiful. All the advertisements shown on television and magazines also illustrates her point. But Chole believes that these things do not matter what really matter is whats on the inside: a woman's values, beliefs, and personality.
ReplyDelete-Alexa Stel
I have never heard of a Haul video and after reading the description, it really makes me sick. Why would anyone feel the need to go on camera and display their material goods? Especially the material goods that women are so pressured into getting these days (make-up and clothing). What was even more shocking was the amount of money that women spend on beauty products. I think the overall message of the article was positive because it was bascially saying that a person cannot be bought so no matter how much money we spend on making ourselves beautiful, it is really us making ourselves beautiful.
ReplyDelete-Lindsay Hummel
Back home I work at an Aveda salon and see how much people do spend on make up and hair products and sometimes I am just completely blown away. I can definately believe that people spend thousands of dollars on products to make them more beautiful. Aveda is kind of a more pricey hair salon. They sell hair products, skin products, and make up. There are times when people come in and spend $200 just on products, and it won't just be a once a year thing.
ReplyDeleteOne of the biggest complaints of the stylists at the salon is that their clients overuse products, whether it be hair products, skin producst, or make up products. I think a lot of younger people especially, think that the more the better because you always see in movies and TV shows that people are putting tons of stuff in their hair and on their face. However, using too much can be bad for your skin and hair.
Not only do people over use the products but they buy three different kinds of one product and use them all. I have many friends who will use two foundations, two bronzers, concealer, two eye shadows, two different kinda of eye liner, and then mascara. And that is in just one night. So instead of having just four things they have like ten things that they need to keep buying and putting on.
-Kelsey Nichols
I believe Chloe is saying that most women today put all of their time and energy into trying to look the way that society wants them to. It has been engraved into our minds that we need to have the newest and best hair, makeup, clothes and, jewelry. If we spent less money on how we appear to other people we could do more things for ourselves such as travel or get an education.n- Lindsey Belvis
ReplyDeletei think chole is saying that females think that by culture they should enhance their natural beauty byt the means of makeup,and that these "Haul" videos are just part of the new forms of "culture". At the same time, shes not saying that its bad but that one that should be played down a little. For the most part i agree with her and for the haul part i feel that its simply a state of entertainment
ReplyDelete-Ashley Merchant
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ReplyDeleteThe author clearly states that she isn't criticizing women for their purchases. She tires to understand them. However, she does say that women should question and plot out their purchases.
ReplyDeleteI will be spending $255 on a one-time use bridesmaid dress. I have no choice. The bride picked it out and I must purchase it. Yet, in this time of economic instability it is imporatant to understand what and why we purchase things.
Also, as an English Lit major with one whole room in my house devoted to books, Chloe makes me want to record a book haul! I believe it would be empowering.
-Kelsey Yoder
I think what Chloe is saying in this article is that women are just spending too much money on make-up and you shouldn't have to buy make-up to make yourself look beautiful. Your beautiful without make-up. The statistics on how much money is spent on make-up is out of control. That money could be spent in so many other ways. Whenever I think about make-up I think of it as your adding something to your body to make up for something you are lacking. and so I think what Chloe is trying to say is that women shouldn't be wanting to add more in areas they are lacking, they should be able to feel comfortable and beautiful the way they are. Society today is playing too much of a role on the way "women should look" and I think that also has a lot to do with why women spend so much money on make-up.
ReplyDelete-Rachel Sitter
I understand in a way of what Chloe is trying to say, we do as women spend alot of money on clothes and products to make us look good. Shes trying to tell people thats there is more to life than just looking good and i agree. I also dont understand why people would spend time to watch videos of other women showing off theier clothes and other items, I've never seen these videos but I just dont see the point. I think our culture has made it hard for women not to worry about what they look like because of how much its pushed at us everyday and seeing all these women on televsion thats gorgious.
ReplyDelete-jennifer Nicol
After reading this article it was a big reality check for myself. Chloe is saying that women shouldn't have to be spending all of this money to be "beautiful." Natural beauty comes from the inside out, and I think she is trying to make a point to all women that they don't need additional cosmetics to appear as being beautiful. I know that I personally don't add up what I spend on cosmetics each month, or especially each year, but I know that it is way too much. That money could go towards so many other things in my life. Chloe wants women to realize that they should be comfortable with their natural beauty. Unfortunately, not very many women are. I agree with everyone that said society plays a major role in the way women today view themselves. Society is putting unnecessary pressures on women to be beautiful, which is making us spend too much money on cosmetics. Like I said before, this was a big reality check.
ReplyDelete-Christine Lowe
I found the article very intersting and compelling. In my opinion there is nothing wrong with a women spending their hard earned money on what they choose, whether it be makeup or clothes. yet, I do feel that our society puts too much empasis on physical beauty. I wish that women wouldnt feel the need to spend so much money on beauty products. In the article the statistics on how much women spend on beauty products were very asstonishing. I agree with what Kelsey said pertaining to the amount of products that women use. I feel that women do infact use too many beauty products, and need to inform themselves on the ingredients in these products. There has been recent research and it has been brought up that many of these products may contain cancerous substances. A good documentary to watch that talks about these concepts is America the Beautiful. It is important that we love ourselves for our who we our on the inside. My cousin is someone who in the past was very consumed by buying a large amount of clothing as well as makeup. I feel that she used clothing and makeup to try and present a put together facade, while inside she was insecure. She has more recently gotten closer to our family and has developed tremendously as a person. She can now see what a great person she is inside and that, that i truly what we love her for. I feel that it is important that women dont allow society to make them feel inadequate. Inner beauty is the most important thing and outter beauty should come second.
ReplyDelete~Alyssa Hansen~
I agree with the reality check that these items can add up really fast and the money can be spent in other ways. In some issues of Cosmo they also show the comparison, of course they don't tell you that you can buy an apartment in New York City, but one of the examples they have given is how a daily Starbucks can add up to so many new clothes or other such things. I know I personally buy makeup & will get my nails done from time to time. I do these things for me though. I do not wear makeup to class or just to run to the store. I wear it for special occasion or when I have extra free time or when I just feel like getting "dolled-up". I think that is how women in general should decide when they will where makeup & buy new clothes. If it makes you feel good then more power to you. I also do not agree that people in general should be so judging of a person by how they look, but more of who they are. It goes along with the last line of the article that states "You can't put a price on them; that's what makes them so precious" and I believe that is the whole essence of what the article is trying to state.
ReplyDelete~ Rebecca Dudzinski
The price of beauty is often painful and very costly. Consumers are influenced by society and cultural values to heighten their self identity and give a sense of beauty and empowerment. Haul videos are an example of what our culture assumes to be “beautifully” correct. A haul video is a person on camera excitedly showing off what you have purchased on a shopping endeavour. Most haul videos are made by young teenage girls and most items shown are clothing and make-up. As stated in the article some celebrities are not famous for being publicly intellectual but more along the lines of being publicly beautiful, consuming publicly, and willing to put their private life in front of a camera and for public consumption. Within the article Chloe is basically saying that self expression and empowerment cannot be bought that's what makes it so sacred and precious and gives up individuality. Beauty comes from within not what the mass media feels we need to purchase to achieve it!
ReplyDelete**Croshana Floyd**
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ReplyDeleteI just cannot believe what kind of money us women spend on beauty!! but honestly if i sit and think about how many times ive gotten my hair done at the salon, nails maincured and money ive spent on make-up and hair products i know that bill is pretty up there! everyone likes to show off new things that they buy but putting it on youtube is just desperate! if you cant get someone to look at your new outfit from the mall then you have obviously been spending too much time spending and you should find other hobbies or interests. I think Chloe is just trying to say that its great that the girls like to shop and they can express themselves that way but that should be other ways to do so as well!
ReplyDelete~Rosie Oberth~
I think it is absolutely absurd how much women spend on make-up and hair products. Every woman should be comfortable in her own skin without layering tons and tons of cover-up on. It is completely unhealthy for your skin to wear make-up on a daily basis and can really irritate your skin. Also, Chloe's videos are a little unneccessary. If I want to see what Forever 21 or other stores have to offer I will go to their website and look for myself. Because what she has bought looks good on her but probably won't on me and in a way it could lower the self esteem of many young girls.
ReplyDeleteJust like my peers have said, I can't believe women spend all that money in a lifetime on beauty. It seems frivalous, but I agree with Chloe, its really not our fault. We're not vain, the media is telling us to do this. Its very unfortunate that women spend all that money on make up. We could be doing so much else with our lives during that time. And about the haul videos, I think those are ridiculous. They may be helpful to consumers and companies but young girls should not be doing that. I learned from this article that the price of beauty is very costly. Costly with money and costly to young women's minds.
ReplyDelete-Elizabeth Leonard
After reading the article and the above comments, I sort of feel a pull on both sides. Women should feel empowered and inspired by themselves; they should feel beautiful because everyone is unique and thats beautiful. But on the other hand, I understand why women spend so much money on cosmetics and material items that help them "feel" prettier. I subject myself to buying makeup, coloring my hair, and I also spend $ 35 a month on tanning package. Those things do help me feel better about myself because that is what society has made us believe. To be pretty, you must enhance your look. Some days I feel pretty just naturally, while other days I can't help but compare myself to others and doll myself up with cosmetics.
ReplyDelete- Courtney Dennis
As a guy I really did not know exactly how much time and money women spend on clothes/makeup so it was kind of shocking to see the stats on everything. I do not think it is necessary for girls to spend as much money and everything else on clothes/makeup. I do not think there is any problem with buying nice clothes or wearing makeup for girls but I dont think a person needs to go overboard with it. I think girls can still be look pretty no matter what they are wearing.
ReplyDelete-Ben Schneider