Jonathan Van Ness, the former beauty expert from the hit series Queer Eye, has shared a candid look at his personal spending habits and consumer preferences. The eight-year tenure of the show ended in January 2026, but Van Ness continues to build a career as a comedian, writer, and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. In a recent discussion about their lifestyle, they revealed a complex relationship with retail, balancing a deep appreciation for high-quality goods with the financial realities of past impulsive decisions.
Jonathan Van Ness bags and secondhand luxury
A significant portion of Van Ness’s consumer interest centers on handbags. They described a lifelong fascination with the accessory, tracing it back to childhood when they were socialized as a boy and had to carry one of their mother’s bags in secret. This early experience sparked an enduring obsession that has evolved into a serious collection of luxury items.
Van Ness has developed a particular interest in the resale market for designer bags. They shop on platforms like eBay, acknowledging the nerve-wracking nature of verifying authenticity while appreciating the lower prices compared to retail. Their collection includes pieces from The Row and even practical items like Ikea shopping bags, which they treat with the same reverence as high-end designer goods.
One of their most significant recent acquisitions was a black lizard Hermès Kelly Sellier from 1987, purchased at Sotheby’s. The bag was chosen because it was made in the year Van Ness was born and remained in pristine condition with original hardware. To justify the purchase, they had to sell seven other bags, ensuring the expense did not come out of their regular income. Despite telling themselves the bag would become an everyday item, Van Ness admitted they could never bring themselves to use it, keeping it in perfect condition instead.
The cost of impulsivity and daily essentials
Van Ness also reflected on a past real estate purchase in Austin, Texas, which served as a harsh lesson in financial impulsivity. They bought a house at the top of the market during a period of wanting more space, only to see the value tank shortly after. The experience taught them that the price for impulsive decisions often arrives years later, a lesson that now influences their approach to major purchases.
Despite the high-end interests, Van Ness maintains a grounded approach to daily necessities. They live two blocks from a farmers’ market in New York and rely on the grocery delivery service Gopuff for staples like milk and kitty litter. Their wardrobe choices reflect a mix of extreme luxury and practical affordability. They swear by Hanro underwear, noting that pairs last for five or six years despite the high initial cost. For skincare, they use CeraVe body moisturizer to manage psoriasis, citing its gentle formula during flare-ups.
Food preferences are equally specific. Van Ness enjoys Protein Pop-Tarts, though they note the protein content is modest at 5g per tart. They also have a strong craving for fizzy tail Percy Pigs, a candy recently made available at Target, which has led to a playful dynamic with their husband regarding hidden snack stashes. Their morning routine typically involves an americano with a splash of cold milk, brewed in a Breville coffee machine.
Transportation habits have also shifted to save money. Van Ness now prefers biking or using public transport in London, having previously spent too much on taxis. They view this change as a necessary adjustment to avoid unnecessary financial drain, focusing their spending on items that offer long-term value or significant personal joy.
Source: The Guardian
