Raising a generation that is obsessed with perfection is beginning to take its toll. Subjection to airbrushed celebrities and facetuned influencers is inspiring crippling self-confidence and the overwhelming feeling of insecurity for so many women and girls inflicted by societies idea of ‘beauty.’
For some girls, the idea of perfection is a matter that consumes their minds and influences the way they live their lives. Scrolling through endless pictures of perfectly edited and filtered selfies on Instagram can affect you without even knowing, slowly but surely chipping away at parts of you that you once considered endearing; that bump in your nose, that chip on your tooth, or that scar on your thigh, are no longer conforming to what is typically regarded as beautiful, and your construct of beauty begins to morph into what is typical, instead of what makes you you.
But is it typical? Are these ideas of perfection achievable?
Most recently, Kendall Jenner’s valentines selfie, from backstage of her older sisters’ Skims campaign, has broken the internet. And, whilst we’re in lockdown practising the art of snacking and napping, we are comparing ourselves to a supermodel who has a team of dieticians, chefs, personal trainers, stylists and makeup artists at her fingertips. Instead of celebrating the diversity of shape and size amongst women, we are measuring our value based on appearances (and praying to wake up in Kendall Jenners’ body.)
This unhealthy and obsessive attitude towards achieving perfection is something we have all been guilty of from time to time, and even when you recognise the problem, you may still subconsciously find yourself staring disapprovingly in the mirror. But, the most important thing to remember is that your insecurities are what make you different, and there are greater things in life to strive towards than the pursuit of perfection.
More regularly, we are seeing models online who flaunt their stretch marks, acne and “atypical” features with pride. The celebration of individuality is becoming a movement of its own, with many influencers taking to Instagram to share pictures of themselves before and after editing their pictures, proving that what you see online isn't always reality. Even those who we idolise are proving that they also struggle with imperfections, showing their followers just how much you can conceal with a little posing and retouch magic.
Not only have we been subjected to a society where we match with potential partners online by swiping left or right based on their image, we are also addicted to social platforms where image is everything. Stuck in a constant cycle of lockdowns, give yourself a break and realise it’s ok to not feel your best; hairdressers and nail salons are closed, your roots have grown out and you’re feeling drained from constantly seeing perfectly manicured influencers thriving online.
Take a minute to congratulate yourself for surviving the ups and downs of the last year, and come to terms with the realities of the airbrushed lives you see on your phone screen. Wear your scars and imperfections with pride, they make up all of the tiny pieces that make you who you are.
Take a break from social media, and get in touch with who you are. This is real life, and we have all gone through it recently, so congratulate yourself for looking as great as you do (without the help of a glam squad.)
RPS Team x