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Today's post is a little bit different than most of my 15 Minute Beauty readers are used to reading. I've teamed up with Kroger and Suave, who are celebrating American Beauty (more about that later), to share what American Beauty means to me.
And I admit, growing up American Beauty mostly meant scenes like the one above to me. Doesn't that just scream Americana, beauty and money to you? And it's the way American Beauty has really been portrayed for a long time (and in particular I can think of a few American designers that portray that lifestyle still in all of their ads and runway shows). Blonde hair, tan skin and white teeth. Perfect blue eyes. And actually, while I come close on some points, I don't fit that stereotype. Most of us don't fit it, and that's the point.
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I think the faces of American Beauty looks more like this now that I'm older, and American Beauty has become more inclusive. I've pictured them at the Academy Awards, but really, what do Penelope Cruz, Lupita Nyong'o, and Jennifer Garner all have in common? They all have glowing skin, great hair and cosmetic contracts. That's Corporate America agreeing that they are beautiful (and that I'm right!)
While it's true that there are a lot of things in this country that still need to be worked on (and that's waaaaay outside the scope of this little blog post), I think we've made a lot of progress. Rather than idealizing one specific archetype of woman, our country is much more embracing of different looks. Woman of different ethnicities, nationalities, weights, and ages are celebrated as beautiful. You no longer need to fit into a very specific mold to be thought of as "attractive", and I love this! I really believe that everyone is beautiful and has beauty in them. You shouldn't be told that just because you don't fit into that "Barbie" archetype that you are not attractive.
IMAXtree, Models backstage at Blumarine Spring/Sumer 2014
So, what does this mean for beauty? Instead of changing your looks to fit that mold, you can simply enhance what features you have. Become your best self, rather than changing your self, to be more beautiful. Work with your hair's texture to get a great style, wear eye shadow that makes your eye color pop, and find a skin care routine that makes your complexion glow.
So, that's what American Beauty means to me. Because we're a melting pot that is becoming (slowly) more tolerant, we're no longer only looking to one "look" as beautiful. We celebrate many different looks, ethnicities and there is room for everyone.
Here's me on a day that I was feeling particularly beautiful (tutorial coming soon on that hair!), and yes! I am not that blond haired and blue eyed model that I grew up thinking was the only way to be beautiful. But, I still am beautiful.
Now that I've shared what American Beauty means to me, what does it mean to you? Kroger and Suave want to know!
Enter The Suave American Beauty Sweepstakes!
Step 1: Take picture of what “American Beauty” represents to you.
Step 2: Upload a picture to your Instagram or Twitter account and make sure to include the hashtags #SuaveAmericanBeauty and #Sweepstakes.
Once you’ve completed steps 1&2, you will be automatically entered into the sweepstakes for a chance to win a $250 Kroger gift card. Enter every day to increase your chances of winning.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Suave American Beauty Sweepstakes is sponsored by Conopco, Inc., d/b/a Unilever. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S & D.C 18 & older. Begins 12:00a.m. ET on 9/3/15 and ends 11:59p.m. ET on 10/3/15. Official Rules.
Save $1 on any two (2) Suave Shampoo & Conditioner products! Check out the Kroger Coupon Page for more info.
(Excludes 12oz Shampoo, 12 oz Conditioner and Trial & Travel sizes)
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Post sponsored by Lunchbox. Opinions are 100% my own
There is not just one universal type of beauty. Beauty exists in all forms and shapes. We are all different and unique and that's exactly what makes us beautiful. That is also what I love about beauty.
ReplyDeleteLovely post! I agree. And while I appreciate so many differing faces of beauty, I have to say that beauty is first and foremost on the inside. If you aren't decent and kind on the inside, it doesn't matter if your eye colour rivals the bluest ocean and your teeth practically glow in the dark, you are ugly on the outside.
ReplyDeleteThis concept is so important. Many times we try to copy someone else's look or follow trends, but really we are free to "do beauty" however we want. I love that people are becoming more aware that beauty looks different on everyone and that we don't have to follow trends or certain beauty rules to look fabulous!
ReplyDelete