Why Women Are Paying $150,000 for Matchmakers

Plus, the scoop on Charli XCX's new movie.

View in Browser  Monday, February 16, 2026 The other day, someone accidentally used my email to sign up for a dating app. I've been married for 18 years, but suddenly I was back in the mix—and instantly reminded of how much I personally prefer meeting people the analog way. It seems like many women are feeling dating app fatigue—some enough to hire high-end matchmakers costing upward of $150,000. The fascinating feature by Prachi Gupta, linked below, describes a process that turns out to be surprisingly soulful and supportive (if you can afford it, of course).   —Sara Austin, executive editor Women Are Exhausted by Dating Apps. Now They're Paying $150,000 for Matchmakers. As dating app fatigue takes hold, frustrated women are turning to high-end matchmakers as a solution for their dating woes. READ MORE Pencil Skirts Are Trending Again—Here Are the 12 Best Styles to Shop READ MORE What Your Astrological Midheaven Sign Tells You About Your Career READ MORE How Much of Charli XCX's The Moment Is Real? READ MORE Here's Why Your Skin Care Routine Needs a Hypochlorous Acid Spray READ MORE In Case You Missed It 15 Movies With Plot Twists That Will Thrill You The Manicure Trend You Need to Try? Vanilla Gloss Here's Exactly How We're Styling Cuffed Jeans This Winter The 9 Cloud Bed Dupes We'd Buy Before the Real Deal For bedrooms that feel elevated, cozy, and intentionally styled. READ MORE WHAT'S IN OUR CARTS NOW Laniege JuicePop Box Hydrating Tint, $23 SHOP NOW Follow Us Unsubscribe | Manage Preferences | Privacy Notice | CA Notice at Collection ELLE is a publication of Hearst Magazines. ©2026 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent by Hearst Magazines, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3779