In today’s world, the concept of beauty has taken a perplexing turn. On one hand, society seems to strive for diversity and body positivity. Yet on the other, the images projected by those around us and those we admire reveal an unattainable version of beauty. With filters and apps like Facetune, social media has become overrun with faces and figures manipulated beyond recognition. Celebrities and beloved influencers often participate in this kind of photo-editing. This only feeds the toxic beauty standards that hold us captive. But why? Because–even they feel as if they have to measure up.
It’s past time that we break free of the shackles that measure our worth against society’s opinion of us. So today, we want to highlight a number of remarkable women who have done just that. These women use their platform to remind the world that beauty is complex and diverse. It’s too big of a thing to be confined to a single mold! We hope you can see yourself in these individuals and be reminded that your beauty is worth admiring and celebrating!
Natural Noses with Shape & Character
Modern beauty standards seem to favor what we call “ski slope” noses. Today, many female celebrities and influencers that are known for their beauty have this particular feature (be it naturally or through surgical means).
But who said “ski slope” noses were the epitome of beauty anyways? Unless you live in Hollywood or L.A., most of the people in the real world actually don’t fit this narrow definition of beauty.
Our features are the very things that set us apart from one another. They contribute to our own unique beauty. There is so much beauty in natural noses with shape and character! While there’s no shame in changing your appearance, why erase the parts of you that distinguish you?
Scroll down to view the icons who prove that there is more beauty to be found in your natural features.
Princess Diana
We can all agree that Princess Diana, beloved worldwide, possessed an ethereal beauty that captivated millions. Yet, despite being considered one of the most beautiful women of her time, she often felt self-conscious about her appearance.
Close friends have shared that Diana would express insecurity over her nose. And unfortunately, the media, who have always been guilty of using their platform to reinforce toxic beauty standards, measured even Princess Diana against them.
However, I would argue that it is this specific feature that set her apart. Not only that, but it also elevated her beauty above so many who “fit the mold.” If Diana had looked like every modern beauty, she would have blended in with the crowd, and her distinctive beauty would have been lost. It’s precisely because she didn’t that she continues to be regarded as one of the most beautiful women who ever lived.
Barbra Streisand
Shortly after Jewish-American actress Barbra Streisand rose to fame, American society was quick to ask why she hadn’t “fixed” her nose. At the time, ethnic rhinoplasties had become more than simply about beauty. They had become a way for individuals to blend in who, otherwise, might not have.
Thus, the beautiful shape of Barbra’s nose was something that many were desperate to change. And though the thought had crossed her mind, she ultimately decided that her nose was perfect for her face.
Barbra has since become a beauty icon whose beauty continues to tear down toxic beauty standards and celebrate diversity.
Inés Sánchez
Inés Sánchez is a social media personality who went viral after participating in Tiktok’s “side-profile challenge.”
In her video, she starts by covering her nose with her hand before removing it to reveal her side profile. Inés challenged the toxic beauty standards that criticize natural noses with her caption “never gonna have a nose job.”
Since then, Inés has ammassed over 280,000 Tiktok followers and has helped countless individuals learn to love their natural noses.
Now that’s what it means to be an influencer!
Embracing our bodies & loving our Skin
As women, we struggle with the daily pressure of having perfect bodies–from perfect skin to slim, curvy figures. And with ever-changing body standards, it’s hard not to criticize our bodies and feel ashamed for not measuring up.
Increased social media use and influencer culture have only fueled this problem. Tiktok filters and apps like Facetune have led to highly edited photos, figures, and faces. And while there’s nothing wrong with photo enhancing, our constant exposure to these altered photos leads us to comparing ourselves to a level of beauty that doesn’t even exist. This only results in stricter and stricter beauty standards that none of us can reach.
But our bodies are worth celebrating! And the incredible women below are teaching us how to do just that.
Karina Irby
Karina Irby is a popular Instagram personality who accumulated a following with her body positivity posts.
Karina’s posts are completely raw and authentic, which can be rare to see on social media these days. From cellulite to skin conditions, Karina shares and talks about it all, hiding nothing.
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to a “perfect” body on social media. But Karina reminds us that what we often see on social media is an illusion.
With 1M+ followers on just Instagram, Karina is teaching 100,000’s of people everyday to love their bodies as they are.
Courtney Leigh
Over 50 million Americans struggle with acne annually. And anyone who has understands how it can affect not only one’s self-esteem, but their mental and emotional state as well.
Courtney Leigh is using her platform on Tiktok to spread love to other acne-sufferers. Through her inspiring videos, she reminds us that beauty and worth cannot be defined by acne.
Here she is, posing after a minimal makeup routine that she shared on Tiktok below. Give her a follow!
Sophie Lait
Sophie went viral on Tiktok after she began sharing her past struggle with an eating disorder. She said in an intimate post, “I truly believed that if I was the skinniest possible version of myself, then other people would automatically see me as more ‘worthy’.”
Her social media feeds are full of empowering posts. In every post, she promotes body positivity and teaches her 381,000+ followers how to truly love their bodies. Follow the links to show her some support!
Jeyza Kaelani
Jeyza Kaelani is a 22 year old model who was born with lamellar ichthyosis, a rare and incurable genetic condition.
Natually, this skin condition can create not only physical challenges, but internal struggles as well. Jeyza shares, “As time progressed, I realized that I had to learn what beauty and radical self-acceptance were for me, so that I could not only exist but thrive in this world.”
Despite these challenges, Kaelani has defied the limitations her condition might have imposed. Furthermore, through her modeling career and advocacy, she has become an admirable leader. One that not only dismantles barriers, but paves new pathways for others to walk with ease.
Industry Icons who have shattered toxic beauty standards
From the art world to the modeling industry, there are many remarkable women who have defied toxic beauty standards. The well-known women below have not only left a mark within their fields but have become icons of empowerment and change. Their distinctive qualities, unapologetic self-expression, and unwavering confidence, have rewritten the narrative. And in doing so, they have paved the way for a more inclusive understanding of what beauty truly means.
Do you recognize any of these trailblazing figures?
Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo, a Mexican painter, left an indelible mark on the art world and defied traditional notions of beauty. Frida embraced her features, including her signature unibrow and facial hair, and transformed them into symbols of strength and identity. Her mesmerizing self-portraits revealed her profound resilience, making her an iconic figure adored by millions worldwide.
Frida’s art was not just a reflection of her appearance but also a representation of her emotional and mental struggles. Her vibrant use of colors and raw, honest portrayals of her experiences resonated deeply with audiences. As an enduring icon and inspiration, Frida’s legacy continues to reshape artistic expression and challenge beauty standards to this day.
Melanie Gaydos
Melanie Gaydos is an American model who was born with ectodermal dysplasia, a genetic disorder that affects hair, teeth, and skin.
Melanie is an extraordinany figure who has redefined standards in the modeling world. Through her work, she continues to inspire countless individuals to embrace their uniqueness and chase their dreams.
Sara Guerts
Sara is a trailblazing model who is shattering toxic beauty standards within the model and fashion industry. Sara was born with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a rare connective tissue disorder.
While society has taught us to hide our differences, Geurts teaches us the exact opposite. She proudly showcases her condition, raising awareness and challenging societal standards. Through her captivating photos and inspiring messages, she has become a beacon of empowerment and an example of pure beauty.
Whoever you are, wherever you are: never change. Never feel ashamed for who you are and never feel like your beauty is something to be measured.
If you ever do, then perhaps your world has simply been distorted and viewed through a filter. When we spend a lot of time of social media, our view of the world and those in it becomes narrower and narrower. Perfected selfies, and reshaped faces and figures cultivate the untrue belief that the entire world looks one way, and should look one way. When in reality, it’s all an illusion. When you see the rest of the world (the real world), you’ll see yourself.
You’ll see that there’s nothing wrong with you and there never was. You’ll appreciate the unique beauty in each face, body, and individual you encounter.
Don’t allow a shallow society to measure your worth against your appearance. You are worth so much more than that. And life is too short and too valuable to worry about such things. Embrace your individuality. You are beautiful. You are important. You are loved. You are worth celebrating.
