The concept of being “high maintenance to be low maintenance” is gaining traction in beauty and self-care discussions. It involves investing time, effort, and sometimes money upfront in treatments, routines, and procedures that reduce daily upkeep in the long run. For example, getting lash extensions, microblading, or skincare treatments might require significant initial effort, but they allow you to look polished with minimal daily maintenance. This trend reflects a shift towards long-term efficiency, where strategic effort is seen as a way to simplify everyday life while still maintaining a desired look. It raises an interesting question: Is the pursuit of low maintenance through high maintenance truly simplifying our lives, or are we simply shifting our efforts to new forms of upkeep?
Ephemeral cosmetics, like makeup, fall into a unique category that could be considered a blend of both low maintenance and high maintenance. On one hand, they require regular application and removal, which involves daily effort. This could be seen as high maintenance. On the other hand, because makeup is temporary and allows for quick changes, it offers flexibility and doesn’t require long-term commitment, aligning with a low-maintenance philosophy. It’s more about adaptability and self-expression than the pursuit of a permanently polished look.
The opposite, “low maintenance to be high maintenance,” would involve minimal effort initially but lead to more upkeep over time. For example, using less durable beauty products, like drugstore mascara or cheap nail polish, requires little investment upfront but may need frequent touch-ups or reapplications. While it’s easy and low-cost at the start, the ongoing need to redo the look or deal with smudges and chips turns it into a more high-maintenance routine in the long run.
