From 'clean girl' aesthetics to undetectable tweaks, today’s beauty ideals promise natural perfection - but do they mask a return to conservative beauty values?
I've just googled that term as I'm in the UK and hadn't heard of it, fascinating stuff. It's interesting that it's so obvious looking - almost like the 'old money' way of showing you were rich in the 80s!
yeah it's so weird how it's swinging back to a place of blandness. But also the contrast of the 'clean' vs the 'old money glam' look of Sabrina Carpenter - also feels weirdly conservative in the hyper sexual male gaze way. It's fascinating.
Wow, it sounds like maybe you need a snack and a nap.
Nothing she said was incorrect. Especially when you think about it. When all voices are encouraged, we have amazing and beautiful makeup and fashion trends, focusing on self-expression. When we pick one type, trends are limited to what one group likes.
I think you nailed it. I never really thought of it that way, but you're right. And being a housewife or stay at home mom can be rewarding, but it's also stressful and difficult. Women judge each other so harshly about it, and yet it's something all mothers face, whether they need to or choose to work outside the home. (I have done both so I do not judge at all).
It's interesting how fashion trends correlate to this as well, now that I'm thinking about it. The lace, the dainty accessories, the conservative cut of fabric.
Thankfully for the majority of my life I have always been a not so trendy trend setter. If I find a style I like or choose to wear I do without hesitation but it never really has anything to do with the model, who's photo oping or filtering it or even whatever look they're trying to pull off for political reasons. I've always been pretty independent & cringe at most supposed trends which are often only recycled from old ones or even stolen from those that are in fact the ones that are the real creative trend setters only trying to pull of the look or behave as if they created it. Always have the classic staples also. Most importantly to me is to be comfortable & authentic especially within one's own self. Without that no style, make up, hairdo or anything else will be able to be pulled off you'll look & feel like an inauthentic sloppy seconds. Beauty always begins from within imo if one doesn't have that no matter what they do will really matter. I have to say I'm glad to see that the over extended fake eyelash length trend which looked like one could hurt someone with if you got to close is over though. True beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, patterns & colors. Try to wear it as good as you can as one ages do so with honest abandon also. My motto be that fine wine aged to perfection & always remain young at heart. One more thing on this subject that I very rarely hear discussed & I believe it should be relating to beauty & that is intelligence or brains of which to me on anyone is a big #1 big hot turn on. It's not really the intelligence one can buy, mimick or even educate on, we all know how many educated derelicts there are or have witnessed especially these days. Real education never ends or should end either another beauty feature. Imo curiosity & the want, need to continually learn & grow never content in the status quo or let's say the so called trends. Now that is real beauty and Wisdom. I will also add much of the things you mentioned especially pertaining to women's rights & the struggle for what we've gained should not be dismantled either that's down right ugly. No matter & whatever a woman chooses to do with her life. Love the read & the food for thought
Thanks for your comment, and sounds like you're good at filtering out all the noise from the media etc. How do you do that exactly? I'm sure others would love your tips!
I enjoy your read, I think I was born with being able to filter out crap ie knowing whats really important & what is not. Learning to trust my abilities & intuitions honing these through the years. Wisdom through age also along with helping others to understand this. I'd also say most people really don't learn from their mistakes either let alone even acknowledge them. That's never been me either, some of the greatest growth & learning comes from this. It's those that don't I'm more sus if or portraying the picture perfect on the outside when ya know that's not so true. I cringe when people are so stepford wives so called perfect. Another one I try to live by is to never to judge a book/person by its cover & the content of character. Have you ever seen or been with someone that I guess some might say hits all the so called norms of what's thought of as so called attractive but as you get to know or understand them they're really so g d damned ugly, yeah that's their soul or lack of one speaking so trust yours.
A good soul will be noticeable no matter what they look like or how they try to look & will be beautiful no matter what or age. The opposite is true too.
This is so interesting, Anita! I just wrote an article about the trending beige aesthetic and "clean girl" beauty, but the political climate having an influence didn't cross my mind at all. Definitely something to think about!!
Ah amazing! is the article on your substack? I'll take a read. There's so much playing into it isn't there? This post was originally 3 times as long and I managed to edit myself down. haha xx
It is! I'm fairly new to writing and Substack but I'm really interested the social commentary style of writing like yours. It's fascinating to see how trends come about and analyse them instead of just following along without thinking! xx
I love, love, loved this. I think I need to come back and read it again. The way that you paint such an honest, painful story is music to my ears, like poetry. It all rings true and I see it, and I know it and rise above it.
I've just googled that term as I'm in the UK and hadn't heard of it, fascinating stuff. It's interesting that it's so obvious looking - almost like the 'old money' way of showing you were rich in the 80s!
When you're right, you're right, Anita, and thanks for pointing it out. Damn.
Thank you! Definitely something to be aware of xx
Brilliant read. Fascinating to read the parallels between beauty aesthetics and the political climate. Thank you.
Ah thanks love! Wasn't sure how well I'd worded it, but it does feel like a shift in the vibe right now
yeah it's so weird how it's swinging back to a place of blandness. But also the contrast of the 'clean' vs the 'old money glam' look of Sabrina Carpenter - also feels weirdly conservative in the hyper sexual male gaze way. It's fascinating.
Wow, it sounds like maybe you need a snack and a nap.
Nothing she said was incorrect. Especially when you think about it. When all voices are encouraged, we have amazing and beautiful makeup and fashion trends, focusing on self-expression. When we pick one type, trends are limited to what one group likes.
It's the way she said it - happy for polite and thoughtful chats, but not to be spoken down to.
I think you nailed it. I never really thought of it that way, but you're right. And being a housewife or stay at home mom can be rewarding, but it's also stressful and difficult. Women judge each other so harshly about it, and yet it's something all mothers face, whether they need to or choose to work outside the home. (I have done both so I do not judge at all).
It's interesting how fashion trends correlate to this as well, now that I'm thinking about it. The lace, the dainty accessories, the conservative cut of fabric.
Huh. Thank you for this fascinating read.
Thankfully for the majority of my life I have always been a not so trendy trend setter. If I find a style I like or choose to wear I do without hesitation but it never really has anything to do with the model, who's photo oping or filtering it or even whatever look they're trying to pull off for political reasons. I've always been pretty independent & cringe at most supposed trends which are often only recycled from old ones or even stolen from those that are in fact the ones that are the real creative trend setters only trying to pull of the look or behave as if they created it. Always have the classic staples also. Most importantly to me is to be comfortable & authentic especially within one's own self. Without that no style, make up, hairdo or anything else will be able to be pulled off you'll look & feel like an inauthentic sloppy seconds. Beauty always begins from within imo if one doesn't have that no matter what they do will really matter. I have to say I'm glad to see that the over extended fake eyelash length trend which looked like one could hurt someone with if you got to close is over though. True beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, patterns & colors. Try to wear it as good as you can as one ages do so with honest abandon also. My motto be that fine wine aged to perfection & always remain young at heart. One more thing on this subject that I very rarely hear discussed & I believe it should be relating to beauty & that is intelligence or brains of which to me on anyone is a big #1 big hot turn on. It's not really the intelligence one can buy, mimick or even educate on, we all know how many educated derelicts there are or have witnessed especially these days. Real education never ends or should end either another beauty feature. Imo curiosity & the want, need to continually learn & grow never content in the status quo or let's say the so called trends. Now that is real beauty and Wisdom. I will also add much of the things you mentioned especially pertaining to women's rights & the struggle for what we've gained should not be dismantled either that's down right ugly. No matter & whatever a woman chooses to do with her life. Love the read & the food for thought
Thanks for your comment, and sounds like you're good at filtering out all the noise from the media etc. How do you do that exactly? I'm sure others would love your tips!
I enjoy your read, I think I was born with being able to filter out crap ie knowing whats really important & what is not. Learning to trust my abilities & intuitions honing these through the years. Wisdom through age also along with helping others to understand this. I'd also say most people really don't learn from their mistakes either let alone even acknowledge them. That's never been me either, some of the greatest growth & learning comes from this. It's those that don't I'm more sus if or portraying the picture perfect on the outside when ya know that's not so true. I cringe when people are so stepford wives so called perfect. Another one I try to live by is to never to judge a book/person by its cover & the content of character. Have you ever seen or been with someone that I guess some might say hits all the so called norms of what's thought of as so called attractive but as you get to know or understand them they're really so g d damned ugly, yeah that's their soul or lack of one speaking so trust yours.
A good soul will be noticeable no matter what they look like or how they try to look & will be beautiful no matter what or age. The opposite is true too.
is this a serious question ?
well said !
This is so interesting, Anita! I just wrote an article about the trending beige aesthetic and "clean girl" beauty, but the political climate having an influence didn't cross my mind at all. Definitely something to think about!!
Ah amazing! is the article on your substack? I'll take a read. There's so much playing into it isn't there? This post was originally 3 times as long and I managed to edit myself down. haha xx
It is! I'm fairly new to writing and Substack but I'm really interested the social commentary style of writing like yours. It's fascinating to see how trends come about and analyse them instead of just following along without thinking! xx
I knew social conservatism was coming back when the kardashian’s started dating white guys again
haha, and dissolving their filler/getting their butts reduced!
I love, love, loved this. I think I need to come back and read it again. The way that you paint such an honest, painful story is music to my ears, like poetry. It all rings true and I see it, and I know it and rise above it.
Thank you so much
Absolutely awesome
Your interpretation of current affairs and beauty trends is always spot on!
Ah thanks love. I"m never sure if my take is way off but glad you liked it!
And I loved your book! I'm officially a fan ;)
Economically, a warning sign