American Beauty Image In The 2000s: Three Defining Factors

   Now, more than ever, has the American beauty world become blurred. We've seen it all in the 2000s. From fair skin to fake tans. From doll to fox eyes. And from cherry to peach mania (not talking about fruits). One thing seems to trend, only to be shortly followed by its exact opposite. Ah, welcome to the polarized world of America. 

   For starters, to describe the ever-changing beauty image of modern America is one complicated journey. To pack it all into one phrase: Full-control culture. Never before has the average citizen been able to quite literally change their appearance, redefining beauty for self and others in a whole new way. To make it easier, we'll split this phenomenon into three different categories:

1. Digital Influence

   For Gen-Z and some millennials, it all started with FaceBook. Then with picture/video apps like Instagram and TikTok taking over, suddenly image became the priority. Statuses got replaced with photos and short captions. Friends got replaced with followers and casual got replaced with influencer. Now with this in mind, comes our first example of full-control beauty culture. In the digital world, users are able to represent themselves with a single best image, throw on filters, and edit themselves to the heavens. Plus with the most viewed posts being influencers, models, and celebrities the norm became perfection. We must realize that these peoples' jobs are to set the standard and they are expected to push out quality content. So, our current beauty standard is one of high regulation, and comparing ourselves to it is literally illogical. It's time to switch the perspective from "I can't compete" to "I know it's not real life".

This leads us to our next point.

2. Plastic Surgery 

   With the absolute plastic surgery craze of the 2000s, changing our appearance reaches a new high. While I don't find there is any place to judge others for what they do with their bodies, it is important to recognize the effects of this on our beauty standards. First, comes to surface perhaps the most notable examples of controversial trends--plumped up lips and fox eyes. Yes, cultural appropriation backlash is higher now more than ever so let's quickly address why it's happening in the first place. Check out this chart, America more than triples any other country in terms of immigrant population.

   So how is this relevant? For our purposes, it means American culture and minority culture are constantly influencing each other. Including beauty and style. So just as one might wear a wig to have more caucasian looking hair, a caucasian might change their look to be more exotic. The issue with the latter is a long and unfortunate history of belittling these features. However, it is important to note that a majority of cultural appropriation happens subconsciously. Getting plastic surgery isn't done with the intent to spite other cultures, but to elevate appearance. We can't force people to take accountability, especially if they're unaware what they did was problematic. A salute to those who spread awareness on this issue; though, for personal every day benefit, acceptance is key here. If you're a minority try to revel in the fact your exotic features are now sought after. And if you're not, appreciate the fact your features are also sought after. It's a two-way street. 

3. Products on Products on Products

    Sponsored? Does that brand test on animals? How much were you paid to say that? So much is at play in the current beauty product industry. Again the ability to change our appearance, with self-tanning and teeth whitening products lining the shelves, is at a high. Combine that with a rise in beauty services, such as brow lamination and acrylic nails. The joke that being a woman is a full-time job is not a joke anymore. A lot of time, money, and effort goes into maintaining our looks. Again, these are not inherently bad but are a major factor in the expected perfection of American beauty. And these efforts do not go unseen, when I studied abroad the amount of praise Americans received for our "beauty" was pretty impressive. High standards do go a long way. With this being said, we have also seen a rise in influence of Asian beauty methods, natural methods such as the gua sha and facial yoga. Whether these trends meet in the middle or one beats out the other, well we'll have to see in the unpredictable world of American beauty. 

   Take a deep breath. A lot is going on here, and with all these factors, a lot seems to be at stake for our self-image. And quite frankly, the current beauty climate has absolutely changed norms for mental illness in our younger generations. So I hope in becoming more aware of the intensity of beauty standards and realizing they are catering towards an on-screen (and highly marketed) world, we can turn towards acceptance. The digital world is different in that it is permanent. So of course, pressure to look our best is unavoidable and nothing to be ashamed of. Look good feel good, right? However, hopefully, we can move towards putting this same energy into inner beauty. Something that can't be captured with a photo but you get to enjoy for the rest of your life. Now that's beautiful.