How Natural Is “Natural Beauty”?
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"Natural beauty" can be classified as beauty that doesn't depend on makeup or cosmetic surgery to enhance one's features. As the results of cosmetic procedures appear more natural, and makeup trends shift in a more natural direction, will the term "natural beauty" begin to lose meaning? While lip filler has not been around forever, men and women have turned to makeup and cosmetic surgery globally, dating back thousands of years. It's safe to say that as time has passed, beauty standards have changed. It's time we start questioning if the growth in popularity of cosmetic surgery will blend the lines between natural and unnatural beauty.
The normalization of cosmetic procedures in the media and entertainment industry has obscured the distinction between natural and enhanced beauty. Shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians have brought cosmetic enhancements into the mainstream, and members of the Kardashian family are often cited as having redefined beauty standards. While they have all admitted to various procedures, some more openly than others, their overall aesthetic — full lips, contoured noses, and sculpted figures — is often viewed as the pinnacle of beauty, creating unrealistic expectations for those who may not have undergone similar enhancements.
Stars such as Bella Hadid, Ariana Grande, and Megan Fox are only a few of many female celebrities who have admitted to having work done in the past. Yet, these three names come to mind when ruminating about beauty standards. Some of their transformations are subtle, leading many to consider their beauty to be natural. Still, many celebrities aren't as candid about the procedures they've partaken in. The lack of disclosing procedures such as rhinoplasties, face-lifts, and the notorious BBL can unfortunately lead to the perpetuating of unrealistic beauty standards.
Image Courtesy: Mind Body Green
As cosmetic surgery becomes more common, natural features are often held against a standard of perfection that can only be attained through modification. Without fully realizing the extent to which cosmetic enhancements have played a role, this further muddies the waters as individuals often look to others and celebrities as depictions of what it means to be beautiful.
Cosmetic procedures have become more widespread, especially in the beauty, fashion, and entertainment world. By employing these procedures, people have been able to enhance their natural look and, in many cases, feel more confident about themselves. On the other hand, beauty standards are hitting an unrealistic point in which desirable looks deemed by society are becoming increasingly unattainable. The trend towards more subtle, natural-looking procedures further complicates the contrast between natural and unnatural beauty. This growth in popularity may be a shift in which we see natural beauty coming second to enhanced beauty.
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Cosmetic advancements now allow for subtle enhancements — like micro-doses of botox or "baby" facelifts — that preserve a person's unique features while smoothing, plumping, or reshaping in ways that are not immediately obvious. The more accessible these procedures become, the more we will see women aiming for one overall look with hopes of achieving it as naturally as possible.
Dissatisfaction with one's natural looks, knowing that there are remedies out there to aid them, can leave many people chasing that perfect look, occasionally putting their lives on the line for it. As society continues to blur the line between natural and unnatural beauty, the pressure to conform to these high standards intensifies. There is a growing need to reconsider how we define beauty, aiming for inclusivity, authenticity, and a celebration of diverse appearances that go beyond the need for surgical enhancements.
Strike Out,
Writer: Jasmine Diaz
Editor: Grace Groover
Tallahassee