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From scrolling through social media to listening to the latest pop song, it’s difficult to escape from beauty standards: tanned skin, slim waists, perfect curls.
We’ve been taught by society that these characteristics make a person truly beautiful and anyone who doesn’t fit this standard is less worthy.
But if you dig a little deeper into the industry of beauty that exists behind closed doors, you will find shocking and saddening truths that most people don’t know about: molding our perception of what being beautiful really means.
In this article, we’re going to expose all the ugly secrets about unattainable beauty standards.
#1. Hourglass Figure
Open up any magazine and you will see women with an hourglass figure.
This is done either by airbrushing the image or having the woman wear tight fitting undergarments.
The reality is, few women have an hourglass figure by nature.
We all come in different shapes and sizes and there is beauty in that.
#2. Implants
While implants, such as breast or butt implants, are popular for enhancing certain body features, overdoing them can create an unnatural, disproportionate appearance.
Implants that are too large or excessively placed can lead to discomfort, hinder mobility, and cause potential health risks.
Understanding one’s unique body shape and opting for subtle, proportionate enhancements can result in a more attractive and confident appearance.
#3. Airbrushing Photos
The pressure to achieve a flawless look is intense in the era of social media and photo-editing apps.
However, excessive airbrushing can lead to unrealistic beauty standards and feelings of inadequacy for those who can’t attain such perfection.
Embracing one’s authentic self and promoting body positivity can help combat the negative effects of overly retouched images.
#4. Long Fingernails
Long, extravagant fingernails have become popular, but they can be impractical and unattractive for some individuals.
Overly long nails can hinder daily tasks, accumulate dirt and bacteria, and cause potential damage to the nail bed.
Opting for a more moderate nail length can be both stylish and practical.
#5. Big Muscly Men
The ideal male body image has evolved, focusing on muscular physiques in recent years.
However, excessively bulking can lead to health issues, including joint and back problems and an increased risk of injury.
Striving for overall fitness and well-being rather than adhering to extreme muscle standards can result in a more sustainable and attractive appearance.
#6. Lash Extensions
Long, voluminous lashes are coveted by many, leading to the popularity of lash extensions.
Yet, the weight of these extensions can cause stress on natural lashes, leading to breakage and thinning.
In addition, poor application or allergic reactions can lead to eye irritation and infection.
Balancing the desire for attractive lashes with proper care and safety is crucial for maintaining eye health.
#7. Too Much Makeup
Makeup can enhance one’s features, but excessive application can mask natural beauty and create a less attractive, “cakey” look.
Heavy makeup may also clog pores, leading to skin problems and premature aging.
Opting for a more natural, subtle makeup style can bring out the best in one’s features without overwhelming the face.
#8. Need to Look Young
Society’s obsession with eternal youthfulness has fueled the popularity of anti-aging treatments and surgeries.
However, an overemphasis on looking perpetually young can lead to a loss of facial expression and individuality.
Embracing the natural aging process with grace and self-acceptance can result in an attractive, confident presence that radiates beauty from within.
#9. Extreme White Veneers
Extreme white veneers refer to dental veneers that are excessively bright and white, often creating an unnatural and artificial appearance.
Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite material that are custom-made and bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance.
While many people desire a brighter smile, some may go to extremes in pursuing perfectly white teeth.
These individuals may choose veneers that are much whiter than the natural shade of their teeth, resulting in a stark contrast between their veneers and the rest of their natural teeth.
There are several reasons why extreme white veneers can be considered unattractive, including an unnatural appearance, disproportionate smile, and sensitivity, to name a few.
#10. Removing Fat from Cheeks
Chiseled cheeks are often considered a sign of beauty, leading some individuals to undergo procedures like buccal fat removal.
Unfortunately, overdoing this trend can result in a gaunt, sunken appearance that ages a person prematurely.
Removing too much fat from the cheeks can also cause unintended asymmetry and unnatural facial proportions.
Embracing one’s natural features is vital for maintaining a balanced and authentic appearance.
#11. Overfilled Lips
Plump lips have been attractive for ages, but overfilling with dermal fillers can lead to disproportionate, “duck-like” lips.
This excessive augmentation may cause discomfort, bruising, and long-term damage to the natural lip structure.
Striking a balance between volume and proportion is crucial to achieving a more attractive outcome.
#12. Drawn-on Eyebrows
Thick, defined eyebrows are in vogue, prompting many to draw them on or opt for microblading.
However, an unattractive outcome arises when brows appear unnatural, blocky, or mismatched to one’s facial features.
Using makeup techniques that enhance natural brows is preferable, allowing for a more harmonious look that complements the face.
#13. Spray Tan
The desire for a sun-kissed glow has led to the widespread use of spray tans.
However, excessive tanning can result in an unnatural orange hue that clashes with skin tone.
Overusing spray tan may also lead to skin dryness, irritation, premature aging, and potentially a higher risk of skin cancer.
Embracing one’s natural skin tone and protecting it from harmful UV rays should be a priority for healthier and more attractive skin.
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Jon Dulin is the passionate leader of Unfinished Success, a personal development website that inspires people to take control of their own lives and reach their full potential. His commitment to helping others achieve greatness shines through in everything he does. He’s an unstoppable force with lots of wisdom, creativity, and enthusiasm – all focused on helping others build a better future. Jon enjoys writing articles about productivity, goal setting, self-development, and mindset. He also uses quotes and affirmations to help motivate and inspire himself. You can learn more about him on his About page.