Actress Busy Philipps Opens Up About the Financial Strain of Red Carpet Glamour

Busy Philipps Laments the High Cost of Red Carpet Glam I Have To Continually Hustle

Busy Philipps Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Busy Philipps discussed the expensive nature of beauty standards in the entertainment industry during the season three premiere of Girls5Eva in New York City on March 7. At 44 years old, Philipps shared with Page Six the significant sums of money that she and fellow actresses are required to invest in their red carpet appearances.

"I have to constantly work hard," she shared with the publication. "It's really true. Between hair, makeup, wardrobe, and all the costs involved, I calculate the money I'm making and realize it's not just about paying the bills. There are also expectations when I attend events."

"The production company will only cover a certain percentage of the expenses for hair, makeup, and wardrobe, so I have to cover the rest," she explained. "This means I end up spending a thousand dollars out of my own pocket, and at the end of the day, I question myself, 'What am I really doing?' Sometimes I feel like I should just show up looking disheveled at these events as a form of protest."

Philipps mentioned that she has been lucky to collaborate with brands and social media platforms to cover additional expenses.

She expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she has had in the past decade, working with numerous brands and earning money from her Instagram account early on. This has helped her financially, unlike some of her actress friends who have not been as fortunate.

Many celebrities in Hollywood share the same frustrations as Philipps. Back in December 2023, Taraji P. Henson expressed similar feelings during an episode of Gayle King’s Sirius XM show.

Henson, who was 53 at the time, mentioned how people often comment on her busy schedule. She explained that the workload is necessary due to the expenses that come with her career. Working extensively requires a team of people, and the costs associated with their services must be covered.

Editor's P/S:

Busy Philipps' candid revelation highlights the exorbitant financial burden that female actresses face in maintaining their public image. The expectation to invest heavily in hair, makeup, and wardrobe for red carpet appearances, coupled with the limited financial support from production companies, places an undue burden on these women. As Philipps points out, the pursuit of beauty standards in the entertainment industry can be a significant financial drain, leaving actresses feeling undervalued and questioning their worth.

This issue underscores the systemic inequality faced by women in the workplace, where they are often expected to