A little lipstick never hurts: How luxury cosmetics influence self-esteem in older adults

Abstract

Luxury cosmetics consumption has grown significantly, alongside an increasing older population, highlighting the need to explore well-being in older age. This study investigates the impact of luxury cosmetics use on self-esteem, subjective well-being and quality of life among older people and identifies distinct usage profiles. A total of 312 older people (M = 67.9 ± 6.5 years) participated in this study. Linear regression analysis revealed a low but statistically significant influence of luxury cosmetics use on the three variables. Cluster analysis identified: (1) Lifelong Luxury Enthusiasts, with high levels of luxury cosmetics usage, self-esteem, subjective well-being, and quality of life; (2) Aging Pragmatists, with low levels in all variables; and (3) Older Balanced Indulgers, with low luxury cosmetics engagement but moderate levels of self-esteem, subjective well-being, and quality of life. Future research should explore longitudinal changes in luxury consumption and assess the effects of different engagement levels with luxury products on aging.