VIII

Alice

1.) How do you feel about natural beauty?

I think it's fab! If someone feels comfortable enough to go without make up then I respect that. I've never felt inclined to wear make up, and I'm completely happy that way. But the notion that natural beauty is inherently tied in with make-up, needs to be challenged slightly I think- natural beauty should also refer to ones character, because what is on the inside is essentially real beauty.

2.) How does it make you feel when you wear make up?

If a professional does it, definitely gives me a confidence boost, but I try to put on makeup myself, cause I have no idea how to go about it. 

3.)In terms of the media, do you feel that they have pressured our generation into this whole idealistic view of 'beauty'?

Yes of course, we are all aware of the use of Photoshop and editing in advertisements, and what not but inevitably it still affects us. We are presented with these perfect images that we're supposed to aspire to, but it's just so unrealistic. They select the most beautiful people to advertise products, but even that's not good enough so they manipulate the image to make them look even more flawless. It's not only unrealistic therefore it's just unachievable, a normal girl isn't going to be able to reach those levels of perfection on a day to day basis because not even the models themselves look like that naturally!


4.) Especially between girls, do you feel instead of all girls uniting together,  we seem to be criticising each other? An example of this would be a television programme called 'Fashion police'.

I haven't seen the programme but I definitely agree that there's a lack of unity amongst gals, particularly because of the whole 'team' mentality on a social media. Team thick, team thin, team light skin, and team natural- that kind of thing. When we use those hash tags we're implying that those attributes elevate us above other women- like to have curves is more feminine  or to have lighter skin is more desirable. It's great to be confident in what you've got but we need to move away from the team idea and towards accepting beauty in all its forms. Teams compete against each other, and I question what we're competing for as women, through the use of the terms light skin or whatever.
At the end of the day if you join a 'team' you isolate yourself from a whole group who don't share that feature with you; those who aren't light skinned, who use synthetic hair, who wear make-up or who aren't thick set. It seems like an anti-female bias in society pitting women against each other by highlighting their minor differences instead of celebrating their many similarities. It's crazy, we don't need to be oppressed by men telling us we're not equal 'cause we buy into the patriarchy ourselves, creating disparity amongst ourselves- any movement that lacks unity isn't going to be as strong.

5.) Do you think the real definition of 'beauty' has been overshadowed by this fake meaning of 'beauty'?

Let me just quickly highlight that I don't think the use of makeup is fake, it's a woman's choice if she wants to wear it and if it makes her feel more self-assured than great, go ahead. The implication that wearing make-up makes women less real is silly- the external does not affect the internal in this case. However I do believe the focus on exterior beauty has overshadowed the importance of inner beauty. We're human's and have always praised things that are aesthetically pleasing whether art, nature or whatever. The difference though is that humans in general are not objects- like a piece of art or a flower, therefore deriving their value solely from their appearance is flawed, because obviously there is so much more to them. Appreciating external beauty is great but championing it as the be all and end all for a person isn't- inner beauty is so important. I don't think most people will get far in life if they're absolutely stunning, but have an ugly spirit and heart. Though I'm sure many people would dispute that.  

Part VII

Rejoice

1.) How do you feel about natural beauty?
I love natural beauty!

2.) How does it make you feel when you wear make up?
Make up is only there to enhance what you already have, and not to hide it. If someone has a few blemish its alright, true beauty has imperfections. Like I seriously don't understand why people cake their faces, makeup or no make up, your imperfections are still there hiding. Your imperfections are what make you perfect. True but cheesy.

3.)In terms of the media, do you feel that they have pressured our generation into this whole idealistic view of 'beauty'?
Media has photoshopped what beauty is and has force fed a generation an unrealistic goal of what physical beauty is. Instead of teaching self value and self love most girls end up reading articles about 50 reasons why you're ugly, 101 reasons why he'll never love you. Breaking anyones self- esteem, that teamed up with billboards, T.V. Programmes, movies etc. These things brainwashing us into believing that there's only one type of beauty, and completely disregarding anyone who doesn't fit into that 'fake' role.

4.) Especially between girls, do you feel instead of all girls uniting together,  we seem to be criticising each other? An example of this would be a television programme called 'Fashion police'.
I don't think female rivalry only stems from the media, I think it comes from what girls believe from a young age. The media only feeds the beast. Girls are told to be pretty to present themselves well, because that's all girls are there for, so we grow up with an unspoken tension. Then we grow up with music referring to girls as 'bitches', and it's now the norm so we refer to each other as female dogs. Plus with teenage movies like 'mean girls' showing that girls should forever be in competition with each other. So now you have grown women who are forever in competition with their friends, sisters and strangers for silly things like males affections, looks etc. And they are still being fed this unspoken competition by magazines, music and films, Its gotten to the point where two women can't go to the same place wearing the same dress without it becoming an issue, not only amongst them, but also amongst their friends. It breaks my heart really, Why can't we all be friends.

5.) Do you think the real definition of 'beauty' has been overshadowed by this fake meaning of 'beauty'?
Real beauty is now lost. I don't think anyone really knows what it is, we stand on generations, and generations of women who have been fed by what beauty is from the need of corsets to now with plastic surgery. Real beauty is now a thing of the past in the media. I think it's now in the hands of the individual, I mean beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you decide that everyone is beautiful then all you'll see is beauty, but if you only class one group as beautiful then you miss out.

Part VI

Pelumi

1.) How do you feel about natural beauty?
I think natural beauty is something that should be embraced and encouraged. I feel like girls nowadays have this pressure to be perfect, so much so they start to believe their natural beauty is not worth showing. I feel like girls need to be reminded that it's ok not to be perfect and it's better to just be yourself.

2.) How does it make you feel when you wear make up?
Personally I don't wear makeup. Now this doesn't mean I'm anti-makeup or anything. I think that makeup is something that can be used both in the right way or wrong way. By this I mean that it is ok to use makeup. it's a form of expressing yourself or even something for a special occasion, but it is not ok to rely on makeup and let it define you in the right way. Beauty isn't makeup

3.)In terms of the media, do you feel that they have pressured our generation into this whole idealistic view of 'beauty'?
As I mentioned before I think there is the pressure to be perfect and the media certainly has some influence in this. Especially as a black female I feel that the media portrays idealistic black beauty as light skinned with flowing long european hair, this is why it is so refreshing to see stars such as Lupita Nyong'o stepping out and challenging this as well as beauty in general.

4.) Especially between girls, do you feel instead of all girls uniting together,  we seem to be criticising each other? An example of this would be a television programme called 'Fashion police'.
I think there are examples of girls criticising each other and you would find this a lot in secondary schools, but I think this is somewhat down to media influence and the cultural views on what beauty is that has been developed over the years. But I believe that as girls mature they realise that criticising others based on their external appearance and external beauty instead of judging them on their internal beauty and character is simply petty.

5.) Do you think the real definition of 'beauty' has been overshadowed by this fake meaning of 'beauty'?
Yes, but on the other hand I believe this generation of women are rising up and taking a stand to say no to this 'fake' definition and instead saying 'I define my own beauty, I say how I want to look, I decide on my style. "Accept me for who I am". For me I believe that the real definition of beauty is not an external one but an internal one. Beauty is from the inside out.

Part V

Joy

1.) How do you feel about natural beauty?
To be honest it's self explanatory! Think about it!

2.) How does it make you feel when you wear make up?
Makeup can be seen as a cover up one that is associated with self worth for me it's not that! I don't depend on it but when you have an all nighter and your eyes are about to roll out of its socket. You than God for it!

3.)In terms of the media, do you feel that they have pressured our generation into this whole idealistic view of 'beauty'?
Before I did but not as much I think  the generation of girls coming up aren't as fooled about it as we once were. The ideal woman is changing. Times are changing.

4.) Especially between girls, do you feel instead of all girls uniting together,  we seem to be criticising each other? An example of this would be a television programme called 'Fashion police'.
It's sad to see girls gang up on other girls. On the other hand when you see a girl in unity with another they literally unstoppable. I'v seen it!

5.) Do you think the real definition of 'beauty' has been overshadowed by this fake meaning of 'beauty'?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If we can change our mindset about it. That's one person who can help change another's. Girls are very good at convincing.

Part IV

Angelica

1.) How do you feel about natural beauty?

Natural beauty is a aspect that every girl has and in my opinion, it's one of the most important aspect that everyone should feel confident in, and if you do have low self-esteem...which is a problem for me especially, there will always be something that you like and see as beautiful about yourself.

2.) How does it make you feel when you wear make up?
I'm not going to lie, but wearing makeup does build my confidence up a bit more, especially because I have a child-like face, in my opinion it makes me feel older in a sense I'm trying to look my age than the sake of putting on makeup because everyone else is doing it, but I don't wear makeup all the time.

3.)In terms of the media, do you feel that they have pressured our generation into this whole idealistic view of 'beauty'?

There's a lot pressure, especially for girls and young women because of the media portraying the "best and healthy" look. But to be honest every girl is different in shape and size, and we can't change who we are so I think every girl should bare that in mind. We are who we are!

4.) Especially between girls, do you feel instead of all girls uniting together,  we seem to be criticising each other? An example of this would be a television programme called 'Fashion police'.
Definitely! Well the things that I see and hear around me. It's quite sad to be honest because we judge someone's character by the way the person loos rather than getting to know them. I feel that the involvement of the media is worse, such as the social media, leading to cyber bullying. This type of act can actually hurt a persons feelings as well as excluding them from "the group".

5.) Do you think the real definition of 'beauty' has been overshadowed by this fake meaning of 'beauty'?
It depends on individuals. In my opinion I believe 'natural' beauty is without makeup and just ignoring the people who judge you. But in reality, girls in particular are seen to look good in a certain way. When I was younger, I used to say that when I'm older (now) I would never wear make up, heels etc. But yet I'm using them which means I went back on my word, but it also shows that 'natural beauty' is your own definition, if you want to wear makeup, it's your own choice, yes, people may judge you but we get criticised everyday so you just have to be confident. I don't think there's such thing called 'fake beauty' but there are 'fake people'.

Part III

Beza

1.) How do you feel about natural beauty?
I feel that natural beauty is the best type of beauty but it is underrated. Lots of people now do not believe that natural beauty exists and might feel like they have to wear makeup. I hope that more people start believing in natural beauty, and notice that everyone has natural beauty.

2.) How does it make you feel when you wear make up?
I don't wear makeup often, but when I do wear makeup however it does make me feel special, that I feel and look "glammed up".



3.)In terms of the media, do you feel that they have pressured our generation into this whole idealistic view of 'beauty'?

I do believe the media plays a big part in our perception of beauty. The media portrays a certain ideal of beauty and young people may feel like they have to look a certain way to be accepted

4.) Especially between girls, do you feel instead of all girls uniting together,  we seem to be criticising each other? An example of this would be a television programme called 'Fashion police'.
I have seen this happen a lot, but as girls get older they mature and stop criticising others for what they wear. Now I think there is more of an acceptance of different styles of dress.

5.) Do you think the real definition of 'beauty' has been overshadowed by this fake meaning of 'beauty'?

I think everyone has their own definition of beauty. But if that is based on models and what the media say is beauty, then that definition in my eyes- is wrong. Now at least there are more shows and blogs about accepting each person as different and beautiful and we need more of those. As time goes on, I hope people look past looking at celebrities as beautiful, and start looking at themselves as beautiful.

Part II

Yzobelle

1.)How do you feel about natural beauty?

I think natural beauty is the best. And there should be more emphasis and more embracing of people's natural beauty. It's sad when some people think that their natural beauty is ugly when it's not. Everyone is beautiful. And people shouldn't wear makeup like a mask. But rather as something to enhance their beauty. And make them feel more confident.

2.) How does it make you feel when you wear make up?

When I wear make up it makes me feel more...Put together. Like ready for the day. It makes me feel confident in the way I look which in turn makes me happier. I don't wear make up to cover my natural face. I only wear it to enhance my features. If I could I would choose to wear no make up wherever I went. But I just feel like it would be weird for people to see me not wearing make up.

3.)In terms of the media, do you feel that they have pressured our generation into this whole idealistic view of 'beauty'?

I definitely think there's a lot of pressure from the media, especially with all the plastic surgery in Asia to have more western features and all super models we see in social media. It's impossible not to see the similarities in all the people we think are beautiful. The long lashes, silky hair, slim bodies, glowing skin, the pink full lips, and perfect eyebrows, it does put an ideal form of beauty in peoples heads.

4.) Especially between girls, do you feel instead of all girls uniting together,  we seem to be criticising each other? An example of this would be a television programme called 'Fashion police'.
I think there are a lot of examples where girls unite together. Especially in organisations/ projects which embrace feminism and aim to bring more equality between genders. But it is also evident how women love to criticise each other. In this day and age there's so much social networking sites. Girls criticise other girls or the way they look in their pictures on instagram. Girls get famous on twitter or YouTube for being pretty, people get targeted and made fun of for the way they look or act etc. There is a lot of criticism than uniting.

5.) Do you think the real definition of 'beauty' has been overshadowed by this fake meaning of 'beauty'?
I don't think the real definition of beauty has been overridden by 'fake beauty'. Because beauty isn't really a word we could define, rather that what we think beauty is today, is different to what we thought beauty was before. Trends and fashion, and makeup and styles are so much more different than the past years. There is a lot more expression in the way we do our makeup, or the way we colour our hair, or even the way we wear our clothes. And that the person who chooses to look this way thinks it is beautiful. To be honest there is no real definition of beauty, and if there was a definition of 'being beautiful' it would be something along the lines of being happy with the way you look, and as a person loving yourself.

International women's day (a very late post)

I interviewed a couple of girls, and asked them about beauty in general. What it means to them, and how they feel about the image of girls.

There is no clear definition of beauty, many individuals have different concepts of it. For me beauty is not just something physical, but also someone who has this attractive personality. Beauty is not just about having this natural look, but also having this fierce confidence.

Most people have a stigma attached on makeup, is it really that bad? Or do we really have to blame make-up for all this? Whenever the word makeup comes in our minds, it seems like a bad word- such a sin to say it. When I even mention it, others would respond to me that I don't really need make up. The honest truth is that when I do wear makeup it's a mask that makes me feel comfortable, in result of this I feel more confident, and whenever there are spots on my face, it's a great cover up too.
Part I

The picture above, is me, and I'm going to answer some questions that I have asked other girls about.
1.) How do you feel about natural beauty?
As I said earlier on, make-up is not such a bad thing, but yes too much makeup may not be good for your skin. I myself is all for natural beauty, sometimes too much makeup doesn't help and ruins the skin. Natural beauty also shows the inner you, and because everyone is unique it shows their own beauty.

2.) How does it make you feel when you wear make up?
When I do wear make-up I feel pretty confident, I mean it is the same thing without makeup too. But I feel that I have this different persona where I can express on how I want to be perceived, not just through make-up but also through the way I dress.My sense of style is the main thing that I think makes me show who I am.

3.)In terms of the media, do you feel that they have pressured our generation into this whole idealistic view of 'beauty'?
In some ways the media has distorted our view of what 'beauty' is, and I for one can speak for all girls when I say that we feel pressurised into having this appearance of the perfect girl. There is no such thing as the perfect girl. Who has all these unrealistic attributes of being really tall, and skinny? where you can see this, is in barbie dolls. But we can't just blame a doll for all this, besides there are music videos which show female celebrities dressing or looking in a certain way. And I believe that this doesn't motivate women to love their appearance, instead dislike everything about it, and simply hurt our own bodies to achieve this weight that we want so badly.

4.) Especially between girls, do you feel instead of all girls uniting together,  we seem to be criticising each other? An example of this would be a television programme called 'Fashion police'.
I see these types of things happening everywhere, the endless arguments between women. Especially for those who wear make-up or dresses in a particular way,  the other majority of women judges her and spews abuse at her, and we don't seem to celebrate each others beauty.Instead we try to find fault in others just to make ourselves feel better.

5.) Do you think the real definition of 'beauty' has been overshadowed by this fake meaning of 'beauty'?
Beauty has changed throughout the years, especially in this present day beauty is seen to be a really tall, and slim girl.The media seems to influence us on how to we should change our appearance to this, and it gives us the wrong impression of beauty, especially amongst TV shows we always see a guy go for  that one girl that seems to have a really nice contoured face.