Social media and the rise of beauty influencers on TikTok have significantly shaped current-day beauty standards. While some influencers push unrealistic ideals, many use their platforms to challenge these norms and promote body positivity.
Beauty standards for women have gone through huge transformations throughout history, often reflecting societal values and expectations. From ancient civilizations to modern times, these standards have shaped how women perceive themselves and how society views them.
In ancient Egypt, women were celebrated for their natural, curvy figures and almond-shaped eyes. The Renaissance period idealized pale skin and high foreheads, even leading women to pluck their hairlines and eyebrows to achieve this look. No matter what the ideal is, society has always pushed women to change themselves into the mold of “perfection”.
Today’s beauty standards have evolved yet again. The current ideal often includes a curvier figure in certain areas while keeping unrealistic thinness in others. In an article published by Bradley University, we can read that a recent survey of 1000 people described the “perfect” woman as 5’5″, 128 pounds, with a 26-inch waist. These proportions are obviously nearly impossible to achieve.
Many influencers today are doing their part in rebuilding women’s confidence by uplifting bodies of all sizes. TikTok nfluencer Remi Bader has recently launched her own clothing line with Sams Club called Edited By Remi. This line is the first ever clothing line with extended sizing that Sam’s Club has had. Remi’s take on plus-size fashion is something she holds a personal connection to as she was a plus-size model in the Victoria’s Secret show in 2023. A big part of her line is that it is “affordable, chic, and size-inclusive”, with all items being under $30.
Beyond ones body, something else that can impact your personal image is acne. Acne is something that so many people can feel ashamed of because in the beauty industry it is often encouraged to cover it up. As someone who has struggled and still does struggle with acne it impacts self confidence more than people may know.
Many beauty influencers on TikTok use heavy filters and thick foundation to cover their acne, and it appears like they never had it. For this exact reason Alix Earle remains one of my favorite influencers. She has always been transparent and confident about her skin, even when it wasnt looking her best.
Alix has been on an Accutane journey and has shared it with her fans, with no beauty filter. She knows her fanbase is predominantly younger girls and so she makes it a point to be confident in your own skin and to never feel the need to hide your acne with filters.
Beauty standards have changed a lot over time, moving towards a more inclusive and accepting view. Influencers like Remi Bader and Alix Earle help lead this change by promoting body positivity and being open about their own struggles, like dealing with acne. It takes brave influencers like them and many others to go against what society wants to see as “perfeciton” and instead teach young girls and women how to love themselves.
Ella Marinace 
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