Brits are spending like the recession never ended. But while the purse strings have tightened when it comes to necessities like groceries, products that promise aesthetic perfection are enjoying huge growth. Why do skint 20-somethings feel the need to look good when times are hard?

It doesn’t matter what income you’re on, everyone spends in the struggle for status. From make-up to man-bags, protein shakes to plastic surgery, jewellery to private jets – we all splash cash in the name of vanity. And new research shows that these purchases could be worth as much as $4.5 trillion.

According to Vogue, 35 million wigs were sold in 1971. And as so often happens in fashion, the trend has been revived for the 21st century. At the forefront of this shift is the little-known branch of fashion house Balmain – Balmain Hair Couture. And it’s pioneering the growth of luxury hair care.

The average mum in the UK gets a mere 17 minutes of ‘me-time’ per day – hardly enough time for a shower, let alone a blow dry or manicure. Blow Ltd’s fast beauty concept offers a menu of speedy beauty treatments - offering a slice of indulgence away from daily stresses.