She Strengthens

The Beauty Paradox: Why We Strive for Unrealistic Standards

As I stood in the drugstore, surrounded by rows of beauty products, I couldn’t help but notice the proliferation of Instagram-inspired names. From “#InstaReady” BB Cream to “Photo Focus” primer and concealer, it seemed like every product was promising to help me achieve that elusive, flawless look. But as I pondered the implications of these names, I realized that they symbolize a deeper issue: our unspoken understanding with ourselves, our images, and social media.

The Unattainable Ideal

We know that the perfection we see on Instagram is not real. Yet, we still strive for it. This paradox is nothing new. In the early 2000s, campaigns like Dove’s “Real Beauty” drew attention to the heavy retouching in beauty advertising. But despite this awareness, we continue to participate in the system, buying products that promise to make us look better, thinner, and more radiant.

The Creativity Conundrum

Makeup has become an art form, with countless tutorials and influencers showcasing their skills. But beneath the surface, there’s a darker undertone. We know that the images we see on Instagram are often the result of high-end beauty products and filters, yet we still try to emulate them. We buy products with names like “Boy Brow” and “Blur Effect,” hoping to achieve an unattainable standard of beauty.

The Focus on Appearance

When we look at other women, our first thought is often not about their natural beauty, but about their makeup skills. We admire their contouring, their eyebrow game, and their ability to manipulate their features. While this might seem like a positive shift, focusing on skills rather than natural beauty, it’s still rooted in the idea that appearance matters above all else.

Breaking the Cycle

So, where do we go from here? Simply being self-aware of the problem isn’t enough. We need to take action, to break the cycle of unrealistic expectations and societal pressure. It starts with small decisions: wearing less makeup, embracing our natural features, and shifting our focus away from appearance and towards substance. Perhaps it’s time to stop sharing our picture-perfect visage with the world and start having real conversations with each other.

The question remains: can we break free from the beauty paradox and forge a new path, one that celebrates individuality and self-acceptance? The answer lies within us, and it’s time to start making a change.