What is the SkimmDex?
Think of the SkimmDex as your real-life cost of living dashboard. We cut through the noise to show you what’s actually changing in the prices of things you buy, want, and need. Use it to spot trends, compare categories, and decide whether to buy now, wait, or swap for a more budget-friendly option. Check in regularly to see what’s moving—so you can adjust your budget before your budget adjusts you.
👗 Fashion
Why it matters: Inflation, tariffs, and economic unpredictability mean wardrobe staples like jeans, tees, and slacks have seen steep price shifts, "37% higher apparel prices" according Yale's Budget Lab Report.
We are tracking 100 products: Weekly staples, from jeans and tees to office-ready pants.
🧴 Personal Care
Why it matters: These essentials aren’t usually front-page news but they are necessities that quietly add up—and yet are often missing from economic reports.
We are tracking 30 products: Daily must-haves like deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, and sunscreen.
💄 Beauty
Why it matters: Imported beauty products, from K-beauty to high-end makeup, could cost up to 60% more due to tariffs and added supply-chain costs, hitting your favorite items at checkout.
We are tracking 100 products: Everything for your face and body — foundation, mascara, moisturizers, and more.
🛋️ Housewares & Furniture
Why it matters: Furniture prices are surging, household furnishing costs are climbing far faster than overall inflation as tariffs and supply chain shifts hit home hard.
We are tracking 100 products: From the big stuff to the little stuff: couches, mattresses, pillows, mirrors, etc.
🎧 Electronics & Gadgets (coming soon)
Why it matters: A proposed 100% tariff on computer chips could dramatically raise electronics costs, impacting everything from smartphones to smart home devices.
What we will track: The latest tech that makes life easier.
🧸 Toys (coming soon)
Why it matters: Toy prices jumped 2.2% between April and May 2025, far outpacing overall inflation, driven by heavy reliance on imports and steep tariffs.
What we will track: Toy and games from playtime favorites to learning tools.
Clothing & Accessories
Trending buys from our audience, backed by our editors.
A Clothing Sale You Don’t Want To Miss
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FAQs
What products are tracked in the SkimmDex?
We focus on discretionary spending, the non-essentials that still shape your budget, because that’s where price changes can sneak up on you. Fashion, beauty, personal care, gifts, housewares, electronics are categories influenced by economic forces like inflation, tariffs, and supply chain shifts, as well as seasonal price swings. If it’s the kind of purchase you can delay, swap, or splurge on depending on timing, we’re tracking it.
How is the SkimmDex calculated?
We track the prices of a curated set of discretionary products. Prices are pulled regularly from trusted retailers, using SERP API, then averaged and compared over time to show how costs are changing.
How often is it updated?
We update the dashboard weekly and the SkimmDex will be in your Daily Skimm on Thursdays.
Will you tell me when something I want goes on sale?
Our editors are constantly curating their top picks based on what we know our readers love (and actually want to buy). When a product makes their list and goes on sale, we highlight it so you can snag it at the right time, without having to hunt for deals yourself.
Is this just for women?
We focus on the spending decisions women make, but anyone who wants a clearer picture of everyday costs will get value from it.
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