The U.S. trade dispute with Mexico, Canada, and China has extended beyond food prices, with beauty businesses now facing rising costs and potential product shortages. From hairstylists to makeup artists, local beauty professionals are grappling with higher prices for essential supplies. With cosmetic imports surpassing $7.5 billion in 2024, experts warn that continued tariff impacts could disrupt the availability and affordability of beauty products across the country.
Rising Costs Hit Beauty Industry
According to CBS News, the beauty sector is seeing a significant rise in the cost of products due to the ongoing tariff war. The U.S. imports billions of dollars worth of cosmetics each year, and these trade tensions are expected to push prices higher. From shampoo to makeup brushes, small businesses in the beauty industry are already feeling the pressure.
A Personal Struggle for Beauty Professionals
Erin Hendley, the owner of Makeup Artistry, understands the challenges firsthand. She’s been in the makeup industry for over a decade and points out that beauty services are not merely about appearances—they hold deep personal and cultural significance. “Makeup can be a form of armor or a reflection of one’s identity,” Hendley explains. However, the rising cost of supplies such as makeup brushes and lipstick tubes could create financial strain for small beauty business owners.
Hendley emphasizes that while most of her makeup products are manufactured in the U.S., the components (like lipstick tubes) are imported, meaning the tariffs will directly increase costs. “This is just another hurdle, especially as we are still recovering from the economic impact of COVID-19,” Hendley said.
Despite these challenges, Hendley is committed to helping her clients while managing costs. She suggests creative solutions like group makeup lessons for brides and their parties, offering a cost-effective way for clients to still enjoy professional beauty services without breaking the bank.
Finding Creative Ways to Save
As costs rise, Hendley advises clients to explore multi-use beauty products. “Powdered eyeshadows can double as eyebrow fillers or eyeliner, and lipstick can sometimes double as blush,” she suggests. These alternatives not only save money but also minimize the need for purchasing multiple products.
Impact on Local Beauty Studios
The ripple effects of the tariff war are being felt in local beauty businesses as well. LaRita Leavell, owner of LuvLux Beauty Studio, has already seen delays in her product orders, with some shipments sitting in New York for weeks. She also struggles with the high costs of manufacturing, especially when importing materials from overseas.
Leavell is disappointed by the broader economic impact. “It’s not just beauty businesses; the whole country feels this,” she said, highlighting the broader challenges caused by the trade dispute.
Leavell emphasizes that while manufacturing in the U.S. is an option, it is often prohibitively expensive. “I started making my products from my kitchen, using affordable supplies from local stores, but now the cost of doing business in America has risen drastically,” Leavell shared.
Price Increases Could Be Inevitable
Jenna Montgomery, a lash and tan technician at LuvLux Beauty Studio, has also noticed dramatic price increases. “The cost of my glues has nearly doubled since Christmas,” Montgomery said. She’s also experiencing significant delays in product shipments, which further complicates her ability to maintain a steady business flow.
Despite these rising costs, Hendley, Leavell, and Montgomery all emphasize their commitment to clients. While some businesses may eventually need to raise prices to cope with higher expenses, they’re focused on providing value wherever possible. “We will work with clients to ensure they can still get the services they need without breaking their budget,” Montgomery said.
