From an early age, I discovered my passion for makeup. My beloved aunt had a well-lit vanity adorned with every conceivable makeup product that a young girl could dream of. Initially, I excitedly experimented with bright colors, layering them on as I learned the art of application and brush techniques. In those moments, I felt like I belonged in the world of beauty advertisements.
My Aunt Linda would always praise my colorful creations, affirming my efforts with compliments about my artistic choices. Those evenings spent with her were among my most cherished memories.
As I grew older, my love for makeup persisted; however, the pressures of diet culture began to erode my self-esteem. Though I honed my skills over time, I often found solace in the quiet ritual of applying makeup alone behind closed doors. For someone who has always identified as fat, beauty products have served as a refuge.
Shopping for clothes has been a source of anxiety for me since childhood. While my friends relished trips to the mall, I often felt out of place, unable to shop at all the same stores and reluctant to try on clothes alongside thinner peers. In contrast, beauty products offered a sense of equality; once I approached a makeup counter or a fragrance store, size didn’t matter. I might have even had an edge, as I focused on expressing myself through beauty while others opted for clothing.
Even today, I bond with my slimmer friends over topics like skincare, hair removal, and makeup—discussions that don’t hinge on our body sizes. Beauty has consistently been a level playing field for me.
The Absence of Representation
So, why is it that I rarely see anyone who looks like me in beauty advertisements? Most often, the models featured are thin, possessing flawless skin, voluminous hair, and perfect teeth. While there has been some progress in showcasing diverse racial backgrounds, the standard of beauty remains skewed towards an unattainable ideal. When a plus-size model does appear in an ad, she is often simply a larger version of the typical model—still strikingly beautiful but not representative of everyday individuals.
I understand the marketing strategy: brands believe that showcasing idealized beauty will drive sales, and it works. Collectively, we spend nearly $400 billion annually on cosmetics. Although there have been improvements since my teenage years—like the inclusion of Dove ads and some more progressive smaller brands—should we continue to accept a system that profits from promoting unrealistic beauty standards?
Why are we fine with the notion that only conventionally attractive individuals grace advertisements, reinforcing the idea that we don’t measure up? It’s time for a change. I want to see mid-sized women with real bodies in shampoo advertisements, fat women with diverse shapes promoting lipstick, and individuals of all sizes showcasing their skincare journeys.
Where Are the Plus-Size Men?
Where are the plus-size men in deodorant and shaving cream commercials? Don’t individuals of all sizes use soap and beauty products? Fat people spend just as much as thinner individuals on products to enhance our attractiveness and maintain hygiene, so it’s only reasonable that advertisers acknowledge our existence.
If brands insist on using models who embody the so-called ideal, they need to realize that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s not challenging to find larger models who fit the criteria of beauty as defined by society. I want to see a wide range of representation—different ages, skin tones, and physical abilities. And as a fat person, I feel particularly passionate about size diversity.
I’ve worked tirelessly to embrace my body, a journey filled with effort and emotional struggles. It would mean the world if beauty brands recognized and celebrated individuals like me, presenting us as beautiful and worthy.
Further Reading
For further information on this topic, check out this related article that dives into similar themes. Additionally, for expert insights, visit Intracervical Insemination, a reliable authority on related matters, and Medical News Today, an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
Search Queries
- Plus-size representation in beauty ads
- Body positivity in advertising
- Diversity in beauty marketing
- Impact of beauty standards on self-esteem
- Why inclusion matters in advertising
In summary, the absence of plus-size individuals in beauty advertisements perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards and excludes a significant portion of the population from feeling represented. It’s time for brands to embrace diversity and showcase the beauty in all body types, making the beauty industry a more inclusive space for everyone.