Health Beauty Consumerism
Taking fashion & beauty back from the advertisers.
by KATIE ARMLIN ★ OCTOBER 17, 2022
Want to minimize the look of your pores? Everyone needs glowy, radiant skin! Let's look at your body type. Why don't you have a thigh gap? We can fix that with our new weight loss program. Don't like exercise? Try this tightening cream! No one wants to see last month's fashion. Keep buying! Wait, how about your curly hair—we can make that straighter with just four payments of $19.99?
Change this, change that. Look at this, wish you were that. It's not news that the poor representation of women in advertising has greatly influenced our perceptions of what defines beauty. Not only are women sexualized and women of color hypersexualized, but we are constantly the target of marketing tactics that sell us solutions to the many "problems" this system has created. Even our fashion and beauty leaders, such as the Kardashians, consistently trapped us in an unhealthy cycle of trends, from the BBL body type back to unhealthy thin ideals.
Does this mean that all beauty and fashion products are necessarily evil? If these products exist to ensure harm, why do we still love them? Is it possible to find a way to consume beauty in a healthy manner that supports our self-love, acceptance, and expression rather than harms it?
The first step in navigating this nuanced issue is to be conscious of how media may affect your view of what is desirable. Remember that these are representations of reality, not reality. Also, don't be afraid to call something out when it's sexist, unrealistic, or unhealthy. If you aren't sure of even where to start, a good rule of thumb is to understand that all bodies, weight classes, skin blemishes, skin colors, and hair types are beautiful. You are already stunning. Beauty products do not exist to "fix" what is not beautiful. Makeup and fashion are art forms and tools of self-exploration, identification, and expression.
When looking at a makeup store's vast array of beauty products, it can be hard to decide what is best for you. Instead of working to change yourself, try to embrace your natural beauty and enhance your pride. Don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone and try new or brightly colored products. This is all part of the exploration. Try what interests you and know that while many influencers may claim there is the best cheek color or eyeliner look, there is no beauty police. It's all up to what makes you happy and feel like your best self. Avoid "miracle" products and remember that you don't need to break the bank; there are plenty of great dupes.
Fashion and makeup should be FUN. If you're not having fun, take a second look at why take part in it in the first place. If you decide you don't need makeup, that's great too. The decision not to take part is an act of self-expression in itself. For those who love fashion and makeup, exploration can be a great way not only to figure out how you identify yourself and your personality but a way of expressing it to others. Additionally, fashion and makeup can be excellent tools when exploring and expressing your sexuality and gender.
While there are many ways beauty has harmed women's mental health, there are ways it can actually benefit. Beyond self-esteem and expression, beauty, especially skincare, can be quite relaxing and can create some organization in your day. Having a makeup schedule or nightly skincare routine grounds us into a sensory activity that aids our mental health. Remember: all skin is imperfect, and all skin is beautiful. Skincare is about taking care of yourself and all the parts that make up you.
One last task: I want you to walk to a mirror, no matter what you are wearing or how messy your hair is, and tell yourself that you are absolutely beautiful. Tell yourself this every day. You deserve to hear it.
Cover Photo Credit: Pinterest