“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
Sounds like you’ve heard this already? I bet you might have as we’ve all heard this saying a million times, but in today’s time where there is filter dominance it surely has become more like a question. I mean seriously, does beauty lie in the eyes of the beholder anymore?
The world is dominated by trends, Tiktok influencers and Snapchat filters and somewhere in this dominance this notion is lost and beauty has become less about what’s in the eyes of the beholder and more about what’s trending on your feed. It’s no wonder Gen Z is shelling out serious cash (or what they call bucks )to keep up with the aesthetic beauty standards of their feeds.
But is it really worth it?
Lets take a look at what’s fueling this spending, and whether all this upkeep is really necessary.
Table of Contents
Increased Spending on Beauty Treatments
We all know how obsessed we are with doom scrolling and this massive influence of social media is the answer why Gen z is spending so much on beauty treatments.
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have amplified the belief that regular beauty treatments aren’t just about looking good—they’re about living your best life. People have been promoting fillers and surgeries in the name of self acceptance. Any influencers have been honest about how they believe that grooming boosts their confidence and productivity. And they’re not alone, many young people today genuinely feel that investing in their appearance will pay off in their social life, relationships, and even their careers. It’s all about that glow-up, right?
But you never know these short term “oh I look good and feel so confident” theories can be a slippery slope. The pressure to constantly maintain a certain look can become overwhelming and, let’s be honest, pretty expensive.
High-Maintenance for a Low-Maintenance Look
Now, this brings us to the ironic part. We all love that “I woke up like this” natural look, but it turns out achieving it isn’t as effortless as it seems. Enter the concept of “beauty maintenance days,” which has become the norm for many Gen Zers. These days are all about getting lash lifts, brow laminations, and other treatments that are marketed as time-savers.
But the amount of effort and toll it takes on ones pocket is too much to handle.
The irony? What was once considered natural now needs regular touch-ups to stay looking, well, natural.
Pandemic Influence
Remember those days when we were all stuck at home, and suddenly, beauty routines took a backseat? For some, it was the perfect time to let their skin breathe, while others dove headfirst into DIY beauty hacks. But as the world has opened back up, so has the beauty spending.
Interestingly, the post-pandemic world has seen a significant rebound in beauty spending, with influencers leading the charge. Whether it’s promoting the latest skincare must-have or the next big hair trend, influencers have played a major part in encouraging Gen Z to get back into their beauty routines.
Dont get me wrong- its not being against the notion of self care. But doubling it just for the sake of being a part of the trend makes you the problem
Pressure and Ethical Implications
There’s a lot of pressure to conform to today’s beauty standards. And for some, it’s not just about looking good but about achieving a certain ideal. This is where things get tricky.
Some people, after years of following beauty trends, are starting to backtrack. Take, for instance, the recent trend of reversing procedures like lip fillers. It’s a clear sign that not everyone is on board with the extreme measures that some beauty standards require.
Philosopher Heather Widdows argues that beauty has become an ethical ideal—a belief that looking better will lead to a better life. It’s a powerful notion, but it also raises questions about where we draw the line. Are we enhancing our natural beauty, or are we conforming to an unrealistic standard where we are compromising with our mental health too?
Racial Disparities in Beauty Standards
It’s impossible to talk about beauty without addressing the racial disparities that exist within the industry. Black women, in particular, often spend more on beauty products and services but earn less as influencers compared to their white counterparts.
This disparity highlights a significant issue in the beauty world—the pressure to meet certain standards is not only intense but also unequal. For many Black women, the cost of beauty upkeep is high, and the rewards don’t always match the investment.
Yet, despite these challenges, Black women continue to push for more inclusive definitions of beauty. It’s a movement that’s slowly gaining traction, but there’s still a long way to go.
Rejecting Beauty Maintenance
Not everyone is on board with the high-maintenance beauty trend. In fact, some women are finding liberation in rejecting these routines altogether. There are some big influencers out there who don’t even have any issues with their facial or body hair, while some are completely okay with any skin condition they have and are prompting embracing them instead. But it’s not all smooth sailing—there’s criticism and comparisons all the way in their comments.
Yet, such decisions of these beauty creators are empowering. It’s a reminder that beauty doesn’t have to come from a salon or a bottle—it can come from simply being yourself. And while the journey might be challenging, the freedom that comes with embracing your natural look is worth it.
Community Support
One of the best things to come out of the push for more inclusive beauty standards is the sense of community it has fostered. Influencer Nifemi didn’t just stop at embracing her natural hair—she went on to create a community called “Candid Conversations about our Curls.” Here, Black women can share their experiences and support each other in navigating the complex world of beauty standards.
It’s a powerful reminder that you don’t have to do it alone—there are others out there who are on the same journey as you.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite the growing movement towards natural beauty, the challenges are far from over. Every scroll promotes and perpetuates a new beauty standard.But what remains at the centre is the fight for confidence and acceptance.
So, where do we go from here? The answer isn’t simple, but one thing is clear: We need to shift the narrative. Instead of striving for an artificial version of “natural,” we should promote true acceptance.
Beauty is What You Make Of It.
Whether you’re all about the glam or prefer a more natural approach, what matters most is how you feel about yourself. It’s time to break free from the pressure to conform ,pressure to follow the trend ,pressure to go under the social media influence and start celebrating the beauty that comes naturally to you.
Beauty isn’t about fitting into a mold—it is about accepting who you are, flaws and all. So, the next time you feel the pressure to spend big on beauty, remember: The real glow-up comes from within.
