The Changing Face of Beauty
When you look older than your age...
Let’s dive into something that's been on my mind: the evolution of beauty standards. It’s fascinating to see how much they've shifted over the years, especially with the influence of reality TV shows like Love Island. This season, of Love Island UK, is a perfect example of how these standards are continually being redefined.
Before we continue I just want to make it clear that I only started watching Love Island from season 9 and have no interest in watching any earlier ones! I watch it because it feels like taking a season off from everyday life and honestly, I find it interesting seeing how people navigate and think today, compared to when I was younger. I don’t condone commenting negatively on how anyone looks and am merely going to discuss how the effects of facial treatments such as filler etc have changed how people age.
Looking back at earlier seasons of Love Island, you might notice a more natural look among the contestants. While beauty and glamour were always part of the show’s DNA, there was a balance that feels somewhat different from today (if you want to see the different just hop onto TikTok). Fast forward to the current season, and you can see a marked increase in cosmetic enhancements. Botox, fillers, and other procedures are much more common.
From plumped lips to sculpted cheekbones, it’s clear that the influence of social media and celebrity culture has played a huge role in this shift. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with enhancing your look if it makes you feel good, it does raise an interesting conversation about beauty standards and self-perception.
One trend that stands out is how young women are increasingly relying on Botox and fillers. The irony is that these treatments, which are often intended to maintain a youthful appearance, can sometimes make women look older than their actual age. This is especially noticeable when treatments are overdone.
The search for perfection can sometimes lead to a loss of natural beauty, and instead of enhancing one’s features, it creates a uniform, almost artificial look. It’s a trend that’s become quite prominent, and it’s something we’re seeing not just on Love Island, but across social media and in everyday life.
Another interesting thought about today’s beauty standards is the generational flip in appearances. Have you noticed how today’s 40-year-olds often look like they’re in their 20s or 30’s? With advancements in skincare, makeup, and healthy living, older generations are maintaining youthful appearances like never before.
On the other hand, there’s a growing trend of 20-somethings looking much older. This can be put down to heavy makeup and an excessive use of cosmetic procedures.
Enhancements can be great, but they should complement, not overshadow, our natural features. The key is balance and understanding what works best for you individually. The most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. Beauty standards will continue to evolve, but staying true to yourself never goes out of style.
For so long I have felt exactly this way; that these procedures, done too early and too extreme, can actually cause people to look older. It's not judgement, everyone should do what makes them happy, it's just an observation. Perhaps part of it is that when we see a face that's so obviously "over-worked" we have an automatic perception that this person must be older than they look, otherwise why would they have had so much work done? It's a shame, because it creates negative preconceptions of these treatments, and pressure on other young people to feel like they have to keep up. From those I've known, it's often the result of a lack of respinsible guidance from some providers, not all, who should be educating young patients, and when necessary, turning them away, rather than just thinking about them as money to be made.
Brilliant article and, as always, very well written. It’s quite sad that the younger generation are relying on Botox etc. Sadly, where will this stop? They are starting so young and these are procedures, which need to be kept going - the financial, emotional and psychological strain must be enormous, where lots of people will be struggling, but will want you to keep up with others.