10 Outdated Beauty Standards That Women Should No Longer Follow
indrani karmakarBA Hons Experience: 2.5 yearsIndrani is a writer and artist who likes to add a dash of humor to everything she does. She has two years of experience in writing articles across beauty, health, and lifestyle genres. After graduatin... more
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Beauty standards change over time and between cultures; nonetheless, certain false ideas about beauty continue to endure even in today’s culture. They can have a serious impact on the mental health of individuals, especially young children. From wanting to fit into a particular body shape to wanting to have no body hair, the list is really long. Here in this article are some of the unrealistic beauty standards we need to let go of for the best. Read on to know them all.
In This Article
1. Not Leaving Home Without Wearing Makeup
Every woman should be free to make her own decision about whether or not to wear cosmetics, and that includes even while attending formal gatherings. When singer Alicia Keys opted to go makeup-free at the Video Music Awards a few years ago, she was criticized by fans and media. But now thankfully many models are choosing to go makeup-free and are confident in their natural beauty.
2. Shaving Underarm Hair
More and more modern women are embracing their natural body hair, and we couldn’t be more proud. Body hair grows back once we stop shaving or removing them, therefore this practice shouldn’t be looked down upon. It’s encouraging to see more individuals feeling confident in their own skin.
3. Hiding Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are common; in fact, most women develop them at some point. Keeping these markings has no health risks, and doing so will not affect your life in any way. Actress Jameela Jamil sent a heartfelt statement on social media in which she expressed her feelings about the topic. According to Jamil, stretch marks are really a natural and attractive feature. They will happen if you gain a lot of weight, lose weight or deliver a child.
4. Eliminating Facial Hair
Yara Shahidi, an actress, made the decision to let her unibrow grow. Just like body hair, facial hair is another thing women are expected to eliminate before it even grows on their skin. However, it is only natural that your hair will grow and it is your choice to keep or remove it.
5. Conscious About Your Height
Gwendoline Christie stated in an interview that people had told her that no one would cast her for any role just because she was too tall. And by ignoring the naysayers, Christie was cast as Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones. There are many people, even celebrities who are harshly criticized for their body type, but only those who accept themselves as they are are happy with themselves in the long run.
6. Having Wrinkle-free Face
Emilia Clarke, the Hollywood diva, is renowned for her expressive brow and facial muscles. She had said in numerous interviews that she would not undergo any invasive surgery to tighten her skin or remove her face wrinkles. Well, we are inspired by you Emilia!
7. A Small Nose
Many people try to enhance the shape and size of their noses with the help of surgery and makeup. It is said that acceptance comes with accepting your nose, so you need to accept the way your nose and face are without trying to perfect it according to ongoing beauty standards.
8. Covering Armpit Rolls
Armpit folds are a normal part of the human anatomy and may be observed in people of all sizes and shapes. But they are also widely stigmatized due to their perceived aesthetic inferiority. It’s time to stop being judgmental and start celebrating the fact that people come in all shapes and sizes.
9. Having A Curvy Body
Actress Elizabeth Banks recalled being pressured to undergo implant surgery to progress in her career. Banks said she is thankful that she didn’t have enough money back then and so she could not act on the horrible counsel she received. One thing we need to remember is, there is no right shape and form and so no one has the right to dictate to us how we should or should not present ourselves.
10. Slender Cheeks
There has been much discussion recently regarding slender cheeks and the methods celebrities may use to attain them. This might encourage those seeking the “celebrity look” to undergo potentially harmful cosmetic operations. We should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of a therapy or surgical procedure before committing to it, just as we would to a new wardrobe.
With time beauty standards have changed for the better, and thankfully people are leaning towards natural beauty rather than undergoing surgery or using heavy makeup. It is important to accept yourself and your features without trying to change yourself to match the ongoing beauty standards. So what is the unique feature in you that you would never change? Let us know in the comments section!
Source
1. Stretch Marks, NCBI.
