The expectation to wear makeup in professional and formal settings. More broadly, the narrative that to be presentable is to look young and beautiful. We already make less on average, and yet we are expected to spend far more of our disposable income on essentially useless cosmetic products and services just to avoid social stigma.
On top of the money, though, it also takes up our free time. One survey found that, as a very rough estimate, women spend two whole weeks a year on our appearance. It's not like I'm against makeup or looking good or anything, but I feel like beauty culture as a whole, whether intentionally or not, ends up serving as a socially-enforced drain on women's money, time, mental health, and energy.
On top of the money, though, it also takes up our free time. One survey found that, as a very rough estimate, women spend two whole weeks a year on our appearance. It's not like I'm against makeup or looking good or anything, but I feel like beauty culture as a whole, whether intentionally or not, ends up serving as a socially-enforced drain on women's money, time, mental health, and energy.