New research has revealed that British women would spend over £34 billion to change the way they look, from splashing out on a whole new wardrobe or a new hair do, to undergoing cosmetic surgery. The research, commissioned by GE Money to mark the launch of a new range of credit cards and loans, indicated that women are willing to spend £5,258 each to change their appearance, double the mere £2,892 which men would pay. Furthermore, one in 50 women are willing to pay more than £50,000 to transform the way they look and only 18% think they could achieve the look they want without spending any cash.

When asked what aspect of their lives they would most like to transform, twice as many women as men (27% v 14%) put changing their appearance at the top of the list. For almost half of these women (45%), it's a shortage of money that's stopping them from making the changes they desire, and for a further 38% it's a lack of confidence.

Further findings:

Age : The mid-life crisis seems to be alive and well with almost a third of 45-54 year olds (31%) wanting to change their appearance compared to 14% of pensioners
Region: East Anglians are the least satisfied with their appearances with 31% putting it at the top of their transformation wish list, compared to just one in eight Welsh people (12%). However, it is people in the North West who would be willing to spend the most to get the look they want at £11,934 compared to an average of £2,012 for those living in the South West

Commenting on the research, Angela Buttolph, style expert and TV presenter, said: "."

Good Looking Big Spenders

Sharon Osborne: Sharon has reputedly spent over £120,000 on altering her appearance. A stomach stapling operation helped her to shed over 8 stone in weight and liposuction on her neck, face and brow lift, bottom implants and arm lipo have all helped her dramatically change her look.
Kelly Osborne: Kelly's recent dramatic 2 stone weight loss plus revamped wardrobe and hair has changed her look from chubby chic to glam rock re-vamp. Reportedly a thyroid problem caused her weight gain; shedding the pounds has been due to stopping steroid drugs and steering clear of home cooking.
Anne Robinson: Pre surgery, Anne was known for her cross and creased looking face. Since undergoing a full face lift she hasn't been shy in making her 'silver surgery' known. Thought to have cost at least £10,000, Anne's surgery has inspired the 50+ plus market to stay looking good for longer even if it means splashing out.
Cindy Jackson: When Ohio born Cindy Jackson was left an inheritance aged 34, she spent it on cosmetic surgery for both face and body. With a reported nine procedures under her belt, she has transformed herself from a self named 'plain Jane' to a blond bombshell, admitting to spending over £15,000.
Scott Alexander: And it's not just the ladies spending a small fortune on their appearance. Multi-millionaire Scott Alexander has reportedly admitted to splashing out £500,000 on his teeth, face and body over the last 12 years, including £55,000 on a new set of teeth made from the finest Japanese porcelain and £15,000 on a suit.

How to spend it

Face Cream: The Essence from Crème de La Mer, £1,500. Designed to be used twice a year as a 21 day spa for the face, the miracle ingredients include narcissus daffodil bulbs and sea parsley to re-energise and invigorate the skin.
Perfume: Clive Christian No. 1 Perfume for Women, £1,130 (30ml). This fragrantly expensive fragrance contains some of the most expensive and finest ingredients, hence the hefty price tag. Bergamot, white peach essence, Indian jasmine, rosa centifolia and sandalwood are reputed to have aphrodisiac properties.
Haircut: At Orlo, in New York's Manhattan, a personal consultation and hair cut with regular Vogue stylist, Orlando Pita will set you back $800/£455. This includes a wash, blow dry and hair cut with the fashionista's most wanted fashion fixer.
Hair Straightening Treatment: Yuko Straightening System, £350. Chemicals are applied to the hair to both treat and protect and a stylist spends over two hours ironing your hair through, section by section until it is completely straight. Results last about 3 months.
False Eyelashes: Jinnylash Eyelash Extensions, £150. Up to 100 synthetic lashes are attached to existing lashes giving a sweeping, fuller and more dramatic look. The process is fiddly and time consuming but fans rave about the results.

GE Money

GE Money is the new trading name of Consumer Finance (GECF), one of the world's leading consumer finance services to consumers, retailers and auto dealers. Headquartered in the US, GE Money operates in 48 countries around the world and has assets worth over $150 billion.

In the UK, GE Money offers credit cards, fixed-term retail credit, loans, mortgages and auto finance. GE Money also operates retail branded credit cards for fashion retailers, department stores and supermarkets. Further information about GE Money can be found at

www.gemoney.co.uk.