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I once dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, spending countless hours sketching outfits. As a teenager, I landed a job and eagerly spent my earnings on Lady Stetson perfume and trendy finds from discount stores. I would even hold makeup tutorials with my mom’s Mary Kay products, despite not being allowed to use them. Before the rise of social media, my kids would joke about how I narrated my cooking process like I was hosting my own cooking show.
One of my favorite pastimes is chatting with friends and family about beauty, fashion, and hair care. It feels fulfilling and therapeutic. As my Instagram audience grew alongside my writing career, I was thrilled to share my clothing and decor finds, enjoying the connection with those interested in my recommendations.
Now that I’m approaching 46, filming myself without makeup while trying out products can be a challenge. Recently, I recorded several takes of myself applying a face mask for a promotion, and all I could focus on were my dark circles, forehead lines, and sagging neck. While it’s tempting to use a beauty filter to enhance my appearance, I refuse to do so.
Filters alter my true features, reshaping my eyes and nose, which misrepresents my genuine self. How can I authentically demonstrate the effectiveness of a product while hiding behind a filter? Seeing others use filters has impacted my self-esteem, and I am aware that they enhance looks, making it difficult for me to remember that the same applies to others.
My main motivation for staying filter-free is to set a positive example for the younger generation, especially my daughter. Last fall, she shared TikTok videos highlighting the alarming trend of girls feeling pressured to undergo plastic surgery to resemble their filtered selves. The use of apps like FaceTune and filters has escalated beyond simple photo editing, creating unrealistic beauty standards.
I may not have the perfect appearance—my sagging skin, prominent nose, and uneven eyebrows are all part of me. While I acknowledge my flaws, I refuse to present a filtered image while promoting a product. No cosmetic can replicate the effects of a filter; in reality, filters distort our true selves.
If we want to teach young people about self-love and acceptance, we must refrain from presenting unattainable beauty standards. My daughter knows the real me, and I don’t want to convey that I am not satisfied with my authentic self. At my age, I have come to embrace who I am, imperfections included. I won’t allow a filter to mask my true identity or contribute to someone else’s insecurities.
While I feel vulnerable at times, I believe that by showing my aging, makeup-free face, I can make a difference for others.
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Summary:
In this reflection, I share my journey of embracing my true self without beauty filters, emphasizing the importance of authenticity for both myself and the younger generation. I aim to challenge societal beauty standards and promote self-acceptance, particularly for my daughter, while addressing the impacts of digital filters on self-esteem.