Now, BOYS Spend More On Cosmetics Than GIRLS!

So claims an ASSOCHAM report, based on a survey conducted on spending patterns among Indian youth

We already knew that boys are hogging a bigger share than ever before of the Indian beauty industry, but now it's official. A survey conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) on the Indian youth's expenditure patterns, reveals that while youngsters spend most of their money on phones, apparel and branded cosmetics - with the average monthly expenditure going up by 65% in the last 10 years - boys are spending more on cosmetics than their female counterparts! Anything between `1000-5000 is what a guy would spend on cosmetics in a month.

 The survey, conducted on 2,000 youngsters between the age group of 16-21 years from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Chandigarh, registers a 35-40% hike in the monthly expenses of boys on cosmetics.

"Males have developed a special craze for cosmetic application as compared to their female's counterparts and their monthly expenses rose by about 35-40% during the period," according to the ASSOCHAM report. The survey attributes the inflated expenditure figures to the hike in pocket money given by parents to youngsters, and massive print and TV ad campaigns, while exposure to fashion events has upped the the grooming consciousness in youths.

"Statistically, Delhi registered higher consumption of cosmetics, apparels and mobile phones by youth due to the higher living standard of people in the city. Mumbai and Lucknow were second and third respectively, on the list. Lucknow's emergence is surprising to us," says Manju Negi, joint director, ASSOCHAM, adding, "The boys' fondness for cosmetic has shown a 165% rise in the last 10 years, while the figure for girls stands at 125%."

Not surprising, say city lads, giving the report their nod of agreement. "I go for French manicures pretty often. Since our generation has grown to be extremely brand-conscious, even the salon I visit has to be a big name. Among the products, I use this special brand of hair gel that my brother sends from the UK. So the monthly expenditure easily comes to around 6K." shares Parth Singh Dev, a student.

Mudit Agarwal, a student of Class XII, illustrates why boys have ended up spending so much on what used to be considered a woman's domain, "I am very particular about my hairdo, so I splurge on hair gels and shampoos. And if we boys even go in for fairness creams, which girls are generally fond of, what's wrong in that? I believe the first impression is formed through one's physical appearance and there is nothing wrong in going the extra mile to make sure it's a first good impression!"

Girls add that it's no longer fair to think that only the fairer sex spends hours over their looks. Maria Parveen who has just finished her MBA from BBD, says, "Boys do everything what we girls do. They go to the gym, take spa treatments and visit salons regularly. I have seen many of my guy friends using fairness creams as well ! Deodorants and hair care products are also rather popular with the boys."