self-love Archives - Humanist Beauty

Let’s Talk About Inner Beauty

Posted on March 2, 2023December 18, 2023 by Jennifer Norman

Inner beauty is a concept that refers to a person’s personality, values, beliefs, and character traits that make him or her a good, kind, and compassionate human being. It is often contrasted with physical beauty, which refers to a person’s external appearance. The idea of inner beauty is rooted in the belief that true beauty comes from within and that a person’s character and personality are more important than their physical appearance. Cultivating inner beauty through qualities such as kindness, empathy, and compassion can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. While physical beauty is often emphasized in our society, the concept of inner beauty has become top of mind, especially as avenues to enhance mental and emotional well-being.

Traditional Beauty Standards

Traditional beauty standards are societal or cultural norms that define what is considered beautiful or attractive in terms of physical appearance. These standards are often based on a narrow, idealized concept of beauty that is perpetuated through media, advertising, and other forms of popular culture. In many cultures, traditional beauty standards prioritize certain physical characteristics over others. For example, in Western societies, traditional beauty standards often prioritize a slim, toned body with clear skin, symmetrical features, and long hair. In some Eastern cultures, pale skin and a small, delicate frame may be considered more desirable.

Traditional beauty standards can be harmful because they create unrealistic expectations and pressures on individuals to conform to a narrow definition of beauty. This can lead to body shaming, low self-esteem, and negative body image, particularly among those who do not fit the idealized standard. In recent years, there has been a movement towards promoting inclusivity and diversity in beauty, challenging traditional beauty standards and embracing a broader range of body types, skin tones, and physical features. The body positivity and self-love movements, encourage us to embrace our unique qualities and reject societal pressures to conform to traditional beauty standards.

Selling “Beauty”

Beauty companies often point out people’s flaws in their marketing because they are trying to create a need for their products. By emphasizing flaws or insecurities, beauty companies create a sense of inadequacy in their audience, making them more likely to purchase products that promise to address those flaws. In other words, beauty companies use the tactic of “problem-solution” marketing, where they present a problem (a flaw or insecurity) and then offer a solution (their product) to fix that problem. By making consumers feel self-conscious about their appearance, beauty companies can convince them that their products are necessary to achieve the beauty standards that they promote.

However, this approach can have negative effects on individuals’ self-esteem and body image, as it reinforces the idea that one’s worth is tied to their appearance and that flaws should be hidden or fixed. This can contribute to a harmful cycle of insecurities and dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, which can be damaging to mental health and well-being.

It’s important to note that not all beauty companies engage in this kind of marketing, and some have adopted more positive and inclusive approaches that focus on promoting self-love and acceptance. By challenging the traditional beauty standards and promoting a more diverse and inclusive representation of beauty, these companies are helping to shift the conversation around beauty towards a more positive and empowering direction.

Body Positivity

The body positivity movement emerged in the 1960s as part of the feminist movement, which sought to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote a more inclusive definition of beauty. In the 1990s, the movement gained further momentum with the emergence of “fat acceptance” and the recognition that people of all shapes and sizes should be accepted and celebrated. The term “body positivity” was first coined in 1996 by Connie Sobczak and Elizabeth Scott, the founders of The Body Positive organization. The movement emphasizes the importance of self-love and acceptance, encouraging individuals to embrace their bodies as they are rather than striving for an idealized beauty standard.

Over the years, the body positivity movement has expanded to include a broader range of identities and experiences, such as those of people with disabilities, those with scars or other visible differences, and those who identify as LGBTQ+. Today, body positivity is a widely recognized movement that promotes acceptance and celebration of all bodies.

The body positivity movement has been shown to have a positive impact on individuals’ self-esteem and body image:

According to a 2014 survey conducted by the National Eating Disorders Association, 80% of women reported that seeing images of real women in media and advertising made them feel better about their own bodies.
A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology in 2016 found that exposure to body positivity messages can lead to increased self-esteem and body satisfaction, as well as a decrease in negative body image.
A study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders in 2019 found that participants who received a body positivity intervention reported significant improvements in body image, self-esteem, and eating behaviors.

Overall, these statistics demonstrate that the body positivity movement can have a positive impact on individuals’ self-esteem, body image, and overall well-being. By promoting self-love, acceptance, and inclusivity, the movement is challenging traditional beauty standards and helping individuals to embrace their unique qualities.

Embracing Inner Beauty

Many brands have recognized the importance of inner beauty and have incorporated this concept into their marketing and branding strategies. Some brands that have promoted the idea of inner beauty include:

Dove: Dove’s “Real Beauty” campaign has been a long-standing supporter of inner beauty. The campaign features women of all shapes, sizes, and ages, emphasizing the importance of self-love and acceptance.
Sephora: Sephora has been a strong advocate for inclusivity and diversity in the beauty industry. The company’s “We Belong to Something Beautiful” campaign celebrates diversity in beauty and emphasizes the importance of inner beauty.
Aerie: Aerie’s “Real Me” campaign promotes self-love and acceptance. The campaign features unretouched photos of women of all shapes and sizes, emphasizing the importance of inner beauty and confidence.
L’Oreal Paris: L’Oreal Paris has been a long-time supporter of the body positivity movement. The company’s “Because I’m Worth It” campaign encourages women to embrace their unique qualities and feel confident in their own skin.
Glossier: Glossier’s brand is built around the concept of “skin first, makeup second.” The company emphasizes the importance of taking care of one’s skin and inner beauty, rather than masking imperfections with makeup.

There have also been many recent marketing campaigns that reject traditional beauty standards and promote inclusivity and diversity, such as:

Fenty Beauty: Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty line is known for its inclusive shade range, with foundation shades for a wide range of skin tones. The brand’s “Beauty for All” campaign promotes inclusivity and diversity in beauty, challenging traditional beauty standards.
Nike: Nike’s “Dream Crazier” campaign features female athletes breaking down barriers and challenging societal expectations. The campaign encourages women to reject traditional beauty standards and embrace their strength and athleticism.
Knix: Knix, a lingerie brand, launched its Evolution campaign in 2020, which featured models of different ages, sizes, and skin tones. The campaign aimed to promote body positivity and encourage women to embrace their bodies at every stage of life.
Savage X Fenty by Rihanna: Savage X Fenty, Rihanna’s lingerie brand, has been praised for its inclusive messaging and diverse representation of models. The brand’s marketing campaigns feature models of all sizes, ages, and ethnicities, and aim to celebrate the beauty of all bodies.
Billie: Billie, a women’s razor brand, launched its Project Body Hair campaign in 2018, which featured women with body hair. The campaign aimed to challenge the societal expectation that women should remove their body hair, and to promote body positivity and self-love.
Skims: Kim Kardashian’s Skims shapewear brand has also launched a number of campaigns aimed at promoting body positivity and inclusivity. For example, the brand’s Solutionwear campaign featured models of different sizes, ages, and ethnicities, and aimed to challenge traditional beauty standards.

These campaigns have been successful in promoting a more inclusive and diverse definition of beauty, challenging traditional beauty standards and encouraging individuals to embrace their unique qualities.

Focus Inward

Positive practices can be key to helping keep focus on all the goodness inside, which is far more valuable and important than external appearance. Some tips to focus inward include:

Practicing mindfulness: Engaging in mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help individuals focus on the present moment and become less preoccupied with their appearance.
Developing a sense of purpose: Pursuing meaningful activities that align with one’s values and goals can help individuals focus less on their appearance and more on achieving their desired outcomes.
Surrounding yourself with positive influences: Spending time with people who value inner qualities and are less focused on appearance can help individuals shift their own focus away from appearance.
Engaging in self-care: Taking care of one’s physical, emotional, and mental health can help individuals feel more confident and less preoccupied with their appearance.
Challenging negative self-talk: Encouraging individuals to challenge their negative self-talk and focus on their positive qualities can help shift their focus away from their appearance.
Engaging in activities that promote self-expression: Engaging in creative activities such as writing, painting, or dancing can help individuals express themselves in ways that are not focused on their appearance.

Overall, the key is to focus on inner qualities, values, and goals rather than solely what is seen on the outside. By cultivating a sense of purpose, positive self-talk, and self-care, you can become more confident and less preoccupied with your appearance.

Cultivating Inner Beauty

Additionally, there are several ways you can cultivate a sense of inner beauty:

Focus on your strengths: Instead of dwelling on your flaws, focus on your strengths and positive qualities. Celebrate your accomplishments and remind yourself of your unique talents and abilities.
Engage in meaningful activities: Pursue activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, whether it’s a hobby, volunteering, or spending time with loved ones. This can help you feel more connected to your passions and values.
Practice gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on the things in your life that you’re grateful for. This can help you cultivate a sense of positivity and appreciation for the good things in your life.
Surround yourself with positive influences: Spend time with people who uplift and support you. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can help you feel more confident, secure, and loved.

By practicing these habits, you can cultivate a sense of beauty that comes from within. Remember that inner beauty is not about how you look, but rather about how you feel and how you treat others. With time and practice, you can develop a strong sense of self-love, acceptance, and inner beauty.

Moving Away From “Anti-Aging” Skincare

Posted on October 11, 2022March 22, 2024 by Jennifer Norman

“Anti-aging” is a term that isn’t as embraced by the beauty industry as it used to be. Instead, people are praising the aging process and seeking ways to age gracefully. Allure Magazine, along with many other brands, is ushering in the age of “pro-aging,” a time to embrace the years we’ve been given and not dwell on wrinkles and fine lines. In this blog, we will explore the use of the moniker “anti-aging,” Allure’s terminology pledge, celebrities who celebrate their age, and how to take care of your body and mind for a beautiful and healthy aging process.

Goodbye “Anti-Aging, Hello “Glow” and “Radiance”

The modern anti-aging industry started in the early 20th century, when two female beauty pioneers, Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden, competed to get their potions into women’s skincare routines. In his book, Branded Beauty: How Marketing Changed the Way We Look, journalist Mark Tungate writes of this competitive duo by saying,

“On the one hand, their products pleased, pampered, and, yes, beautified millions of women. On the other, their advertising copy contrived to persuade their customers that aging was not only undesirable but somehow shameful.”

Pictured: Elizabeth Arden (Left) and Helena Rubinstein (Right) Source: NY Post

Elizabeth Arden, which is now owned by Revlon, set the tone for how skincare was sold for the next century. However, in 2010, an analyst told the Wall Street Journal, “Many women out there won’t buy anything with “anti-aging” on it.” This is also when “anti-aging” began to be phased out in place of more positive terminology.1

While there wasn’t necessarily a huge pushback to the idea of “anti-aging,” there was an abundance of indie brands, like Saturday Skin and Herbivore, which use more holistic and positive language like “glow,” “radiance,” and “luminosity,” rather than positioning skin as something that requires a fight to maintain.2

In 2016, the beauty industry regrouped after data suggested that individuals were not buying traditional anti-aging products, according to the trade publication WWD.3 Two years later, with more positive terminology, the sales of products meant to provide glowy, radiant results were up 44%.4

Allure Banned “Anti-Aging” Within Its Pages

Pictured: Michelle Lee Source: Forbes

Michelle Lee, the former editor-in-chief of Allure, felt pressure that the term “anti-aging” had negative connotations and was not inclusive. She’s compared the term to phrases like “dieting” and “throws like a girl,” which both had underpinnings in shaming and sexism. Lee saw the term “anti-aging” similarly, albeit for ageism.

“The world has really moved into this space of acceptance and not shaming people,” she says. “We see so many things like hashtags about acne acceptance and size acceptance and gender and hair texture and everything else. But for some reason, the conversation around aging still hadn’t necessarily been there.’”

In a skincare context, Lee viewed “anti-aging” as a marketing construct. She once said, “When you’re talking to your friends, you say, ‘What vitamin C serum are you using?’ or, ‘What eye cream are you using?’ You don’t ever say to somebody, ‘What is the anti-aging product that you’re using?’”

There are still brands that use “anti-aging,” but many, like Allure, have moved away from the term. In fact, in 2018, Lee made the decision to ban the use of the moniker from Allure’s pages. She wrote in an editor’s letter, “Changing the way we think about aging starts with changing the way we talk about aging.”

You can take a look at Allure’s official statement on getting rid of “anti-aging” terminology here.

Celebrities Unabashed to Show Their Age

While Hollywood is notorious for being an ageless city, not all celebrities have bought into the hype of staying young forever. Many have even voiced their love for aging naturally and gracefully. Here are a few examples:

Jennifer Connelly

Pictured: Jennifer Connelly Source: She Finds

Jennifer Connelly, who is 51 years old, isn’t afraid of the natural changes of growing older. She told People Magazine, “We equate beauty for women with youth, and that’s sad. It’s a shame it’s so hard for so many of us to appreciate the beauty of an older woman and to accept it in ourselves. I don’t want to erase my history on my face.”

Mädchen Amick

Pictured: Mädchen Amick Source: Shutter Stock

Mädchen Amick, who will be celebrating her 52nd birthday this year, is all about embracing the years as they come at her. “I’m a big advocate of aging gracefully and embracing beauty as it evolves,” she told SolCal Pulse.

Lauren Hutton

Pictured: Lauren Hutton Source: Harper’s Bazaar

Lauren Hutton, 78, has accepted that women age, so why fight it? “I’ve let go that I look like a miniature Shar-Pei. The wrinkles are going to be there, and they really are the badges of your life,” she told People.

Julie Chen

Pictured: Julie Chen Source: Parade

Julie Chen, 52, has always been an advocate for loving each stage of life you’re in. “If you’re trying to be something you’re not, whether it’s an age or a certain type of personality, you’re just going to be in misery,” she shared with Prevention. “You have to own who you are, and part of who you are is your age.”

Christy Turlington Burns

Pictured: Christy Turlington Burns Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Christy Turlington Burns, 53, wants to look her age. “Everybody is so anti-aging, but I don’t want to look younger than I am. Our face is a map of our life; the more that’s there, the better,” she told ELLE.

How to Take Care of Your Health and Well-Being to Age Gracefully

Many factors influence healthy aging; some of these, like genetics, are not in our control, but others — like exercise, eating healthy, living stress-free, and visiting the doctor — are within our reach. Here are a few steps you can take to promote healthy longevity:

Get Moving

Whether you enjoy it or despise it, physical activity is an important part of healthful living at every age. Scientific evidence has found that people who exercise regularly not only live longer but also may live better, meaning they enjoy more years of life without sickness or pain.

A study on adults found that taking 8,000 steps or more daily was associated with a 51% lower risk of death from most natural causes. You can increase the number of steps you get each day by doing activities that keep your body moving, such as walking the dog and taking the stairs instead of the elevator.5

Check out this article highlighting ways to motivate yourself to work out, and stay in that motivated mindset.

Eat Healthy

Eating healthy food can improve brain function, while also keeping your body in good shape. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans provides healthy eating recommendations for each stage of life and suggests eating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.

Even if you haven’t thought much about healthy eating until recently, changing your diet can improve your well-being as you age. If you are concerned about the foods that you eat, chat with your doctor about ways that you can make better food choices.

Interested in learning more about foods that promote healthy aging? This article touches on seven foods that’ll keep your stomach full and your body happy.

Live Stress-Free

While stress is a natural part of life, it comes in many different forms. Sometimes stress arises from difficult events or circumstances, but positive changes, like getting a promotion, can also cause stress. Research shows that constant stress can change the brain, affect memory, and increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.6, 7

You can help manage your stress through meditation techniques, physical activity, and participating in activities you enjoy. Keeping a journal is also a wonderful way to help you identify and challenge negative and unhelpful thoughts.

Looking to de-stress? This article outlines ten ways to help you through stressful situations.

Go to the Doctor Regularly

Going to the doctor for regular health screenings are essential to a healthy life. A 2021 study found that regular check-ups help doctors catch chronic diseases early and can help patients reduce risk factors for disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. People who went to the doctor regularly also reported improved quality of life and feelings of wellness.8

Check out this article to learn how to make the most of your doctor’s appointments.

Enrich Your Self-Esteem With Clarissa Burt

Pictured: Clarissa Burt Source: Yahoo

Clarissa Burt is the founder and CEO of In The Limelight Media, along with being a media personality, producer, director, writer, author, public speaker, former supermodel, and self-esteem advocate.

Clarissa is passionate about helping people build self-esteem. Her book The Self-Esteem Regime is an action plan for becoming a more confident person.

Jennifer Norman, founder of The Human Beauty Movement, recently spoke with Clarissa on the podcast, Role Models. The interview is chock-full of great ways you can reveal and embrace the essence of your greatness.

Eager to learn more about Clarissa and how you can improve your self-esteem? You can listen to the Role Models episode featuring Clarissa Burt here. Enjoy the listen, and remember, you can boost your self-esteem no matter your age!