A recent study in California confirmed a shocking marketing trend in the consumer universe; women spend almost $1,400 / year more on products. These are not products designated for women. They are everyday item that both genders require, and for which women consistently pay extra (despite the fact they only make 77 cents to the dollar that men make). Why does this phenomenon occur? Because of a purely sexist marketing phenomenon known as the pink tax.

When I walk into a drug store or grocery store, I know exactly what products are supposed to be for me. They're the ones in the nice pink packaging, with promises to assert my femininity, as if you wouldn't know I'm a girl if I wasn't holding a pink pen. I am supposed to buy the products on the "girls' shelf," and while this is frustrating all in itself, what's even more frustrating is that my brain has been trained to do so. I don't even bother to look at the "boys' shelf" in the prospect of saving money. And this is a cultural phenomenon that needs to change.

You can avoid the pink tax. No one is twisting your arm and forcing you to buy the products in the pink packaging. It may hurt your pride (heck, it'll probably hurt my pride) to buy the shampoo that says "for men." The problem with these products is that they make women believe they are more beautiful when they use the cream in the white bottle over the black one. But there is no difference.

I feel even more betrayed that these price hikes are found on some of the top products in their industry. Dove, Bic, Degree; they're promising the best of the best, and they're punishing the women for using it.

You may think that a few cents doesn't make that much of a difference, but add it all up. What could you do with that extra $1,400 per year? Certainly pay off those student loans faster. Travel more. Eat a couple more meals at Chipotle Mexican Grill. These products are making a dent in your wallet, and I want justice for it.

If that doesn't top it off, the pink tax doesn't end with products. It extends to services. Women pay 92 percent more for dry cleaning (because the cotton in women's shirts is clearly different than the cotton in men's) and 57 percent more for a regular haircut. People love to say women are high maintenance, but I think that might be the mass market.

So how can you avoid it?

Be diligent in your purchases. You do not need the pink razor, so save yourself the extra dollar.

Educate yourself on the named brands that use the pink tax. If Dove's shampoo is really the only thing that works in your hair, at least try the Dove Men's and see if it yields the same results. And if you discover that it's not worth it, check out those generic brands!

Speak out. If you care about the pink tax, say something! Nothing will change if you don't try.