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Greek Consumers Embrace Strategic Planning In Beauty And Wellness Spending

Shifting Priorities In Personal Care

Greek consumers are now approaching beauty and wellness expenditures with a renewed sense of discipline and foresight. A recent survey commissioned by Revolut and executed by market research leader Dynata reveals a pronounced shift towards viewing personal care budgets as a strategic financial category rather than an arena for impulsive spending.

Planned Spending And Financial Prudence

The findings show that 25% of respondents actively allocate budgets for personal care. Even under financial pressure, maintaining these routines remains a priority. Around 10% reported cutting back in other areas to preserve their spending on beauty and wellness, while 3% exceeded their planned budgets to maintain consistency.

Promotional Incentives And Value-Driven Decisions

Promotions continue to influence spending decisions. Around 20% of respondents said discounts encourage additional purchases. When asked what would drive further spending, 33% pointed to personalized offers, 31% to loyalty programs, and 25% to interest-free instalments. A smaller group, 9%, expressed interest in dedicated savings tools for managing personal care expenses.

Diminished Celebrity Influence And Trusted Recommendations

Survey results also indicate a shift in how consumers make decisions. Recommendations from family and friends were cited by 31% of respondents, while 17% relied on professional advice, including dermatologists. Influence from social media creators was reported by 7%, and from celebrities by 2%, suggesting a move toward more trusted and direct sources.

The Role Of Financial Technology

Ignacio Zunzunegui, Head of Growth for Southern Europe and Latin America at Revolut, commented on the evolving consumer behavior: “The findings show that Greek consumers are approaching spending on beauty and wellness with greater planning and consideration. We are seeing increasing demand for financial tools that help manage lifestyle-related spending, whether through saving, accessing benefits via purchases, or closely tracking expenses.” Zunzunegui further emphasized the role of financial technology in enabling consumers to adhere to their preferred habits while maintaining fiscal control.

This shift in personal care spending reflects a broader move toward more disciplined financial management. As consumers place greater emphasis on planning and value, rather than impulse purchases, companies in the beauty and wellness sector may need to adjust by offering more targeted promotions, flexible payment options, and personalized offers aligned with these preferences.

Cyprus Government Surplus Rises To €1.61 Billion In First Nine Months Of 2026

Cyprus recorded a general government surplus of €1.61 billion in the first nine months of 2026, equal to 4.0% of gross domestic product, as revenue growth outpaced the rise in public spending. Higher receipts from income taxes, social contributions and value-added tax (VAT) drove the improvement, while lower capital expenditure helped restrain spending.

Preliminary figures released Tuesday by the Statistical Service of Cyprus show the surplus rose to €1.17 billion, or 3.0% of GDP, up from € 442.1 million in the same period of 2025.

Total government revenue increased 6.5% to €12.09 billion, while expenditure rose 2.9% to €10.48 billion.

Key Fiscal MeasureJanuary–September 2025January–September 2026
Total revenue€11,353.9 million€12,091.8 million
Total expenditure€10,186.2 million€10,482.1 million
Government surplus€1,167.6 million€1,609.7 million
Surplus as a share of GDP3.0%4.0%

Income Taxes And VAT Lead Revenue Growth

Taxes on income and wealth made the largest contribution to the increase in revenue. Receipts in this category climbed by €442.2 million, or 15.3%, to €3.34 billion, compared with €2.89 billion a year earlier.

Social contributions rose by €235 million, or 6.6%, to €3.78 billion. Taxes on production and imports increased by €251.5 million, or 7.2%, reaching €3.77 billion.

Net VAT receipts, after refunds, totalled €2.64 billion, up €293.1 million, or 12.5%, from €2.35 billion in the first nine months of 2025.

Some Revenue Streams Decline

Not all revenue categories moved higher. Capital transfers fell by €74.6 million to €96.7 million, while current transfers declined by €71.6 million, or 20.5%, to €278.2 million.

Revenue from services slipped 1.0% to €743.5 million. Interest and dividend receipts dropped by €37 million, or 28.6%, to €92.4 million.

Social Benefits And Personnel Costs Increase

On the expenditure side, social benefits rose by €199.6 million, or 4.9%, to €4.27 billion. Compensation of employees—which includes imputed social contributions and public-sector pensions—increased by €108.3 million, or 3.8%, to €2.99 billion.

Intermediate consumption, covering goods and services used in the delivery of public services, rose by €114.3 million, or 11.0%, to €1.16 billion. Interest payments increased by €8.7 million, or 2.6%, to €340.7 million. Current transfers were up €68.7 million, or 10.6%, at €714.7 million.

Lower Capital Spending Limits Expenditure Growth

The overall increase in spending was tempered by a decline in capital expenditure. Capital-account spending fell by €189.9 million, or 16.9%, to €936.2 million from €1.13 billion in the same period last year.

Investment in fixed capital declined by €94.1 million, or 12.1%, to €686.4 million. Other capital transfers fell by €95.8 million, or 27.7%, to €249.8 million. Subsidies also decreased, dropping by €13.9 million, or 15.5%, to €75.8 million.

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