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From an early age, I discovered my passion for makeup. My favorite aunt had a beautifully lit vanity filled with an array of cosmetic treasures. I would spend hours experimenting with vibrant colors, blending different formulations, and transforming my face. In those moments, I felt like the stunning women I saw in beauty advertisements.
After covering myself in a kaleidoscope of hues, my Aunt Clara would always cheerfully declare how lovely I looked, highlighting my creative choices. Those evenings spent with her were some of my fondest memories.
As I grew older, my enthusiasm for makeup persisted, but the harsh realities of diet culture began to erode my self-esteem, making it difficult to feel as beautiful as those women in ads. Over time, I mastered the art of makeup application, and today, one of my favorite ways to unwind is to retreat to my mirror and indulge in the calming ritual of applying my makeup in solitude.
For someone who has always lived in a larger body, beauty products have offered a comforting refuge. Clothing shopping has often been a source of anxiety since childhood. As a teenager, outings to the mall with friends were less enjoyable for me compared to my peers. I couldn’t shop at every store and felt no desire to try on clothes alongside girls who were much slimmer than I was.
However, beauty products never discriminated against my size. Whenever I passed a makeup counter or a fragrance store, I felt a sense of equality. In this realm, I might even have had an edge, as I possessed knowledge that many of my peers did not. While they expressed themselves through fashion, I chose to do so with cosmetics.
Even now, I bond with my slimmer friends over conversations about skincare, sunscreen, nail appointments, hair removal, and makeup. I cherish discussing topics that don’t hinge on body size for full enjoyment. Beauty remains my equalizer.
So, why is it that I rarely see anyone who looks like me in beauty advertisements? Most often, the models in these ads are thin, with flawless skin, lustrous hair, and bright, perfect smiles. While there has been some progress in representation, with brands featuring models of various ethnicities, most plus-size models still adhere to the same unrealistic beauty standards—they’re beautiful but simply larger versions of the same ideal.
I understand that advertising companies typically feature women we aspire to emulate, believing it will drive sales. And it works; globally, we spend nearly $400 billion annually on cosmetics.
While we have seen some improvement since my teenage years—thanks to campaigns like Dove and efforts from smaller brands—should we continue to accept a system that profits from promoting an unattainable beauty ideal? The purpose of featuring stunning individuals in ads seems to be to remind us that we don’t measure up. Why do we still tolerate this?
I long to see mid-size women with all body types represented in shampoo commercials. I want to see plus-size women with real bodies—complete with curves and imperfections—promoting lipstick and skincare. I yearn for the day when a larger model can show off her beautiful skin after trying a new moisturizer.
I also want to see plus-size men in deodorant and grooming ads. Everyone, regardless of size, uses soap, lotion, and hair products, and it’s only fair that advertising reflects that reality.
Plus-size consumers invest their hard-earned money in the same products that thin individuals use to enhance their attractiveness and maintain personal care. Therefore, it’s time for brands to stop excluding us from their campaigns. If they insist on using only conventionally attractive individuals, larger people with desirable traits are part of that population too.
I advocate for a broader representation that includes all ages, skin tones, and abilities. We all deserve to see ourselves reflected in the media we consume. As a plus-size individual, the call for size diversity resonates deeply with me. I’ve worked tirelessly to embrace my body, a journey filled with effort, energy, and emotional turmoil.
I hope beauty and advertising companies can ease this journey for others who share my experiences by showcasing us as deserving of the label “beautiful.”
For more discussions on personal experiences and viewpoints, check out this insightful article on home insemination kits. If you’re seeking expert advice on the subject, Make a Mom is a dependable resource, as is American Pregnancy.