Makeup is out. Plastic surgery is in.

[@quejyaille]

I hate living in a world where I am constantly told, whether explicitly or implicitly, that the worst thing I can look like is an old woman. The misogyny is awful. I love the fine lines appearing on my face; I have lived a lot of life and plan to live more of it! I look like I laugh and smile a lot, which I do. I do not want to hide this. And while I am 100% behind bodily autonomy I can’t stand when I see people (many women!!!) online speak about plastic surgery as somehow empowering just because “it’s my choice”. No, a billion dollar industry preying on your insecurities for profit is not empowering. Ok rant over. Love your content and thanks for the conversation! ❤

[@jilliansmith8080]

You have to get your self-worth and confidence from something other than beauty. I love being pretty but I understand that beauty is fleeting. But getting older is a privilege. My self-worth is not tired to a single soles opinion on this earth. When you get to that point, you will be free. 😊

[@daniellaastor]

I AM an old woman and I’m 🔥🔥🔥. There is no conflict.

[@quejyaille]

@ awesome! I love that :)

[@joannaspoon3879]

❤ 100%!!!

[@Cassie-xx5fb]

Agreed. Why is society trying to demean women into pretty objects that lose their value when they're no longer fertile? Just sick. I want to age and stand up for natural aging because a woman's value doesn't change based on their age, even if society tries to make us believe this lie. God created all of us, and in Psalms, it is a good thing to have grey hair because it denotes wisdom.

[@eev14]

An additional big problem in my eyes is something we call "same face syndrome" in the artist world, the fact that Christina Aguilera and Lindsey Lohan can look like basically the same person is bizarre when you look at old pictures of them. These procedures all have the goal of glorifying the same standard facial features (plump soft but defined lips with most volume in the middle of the upper lip, almond shaped eyes, high cheekbones, slender button nose, even arched eyebrows). The by-product of using these popular procedures is that you start to lose the things that make your face distinctly you, it's a loss of identity and a celebration of self-objectification.

[@Ruokthere]

It’s getting harder and harder for me to differentiate between Megan fox and Kim Kardashian

[@Beapoem0802]

Yeah! And I was kind of shocked when the new pictures of Lindsey appeared and people praised her for “looking so fresh and young”. Like, yeah, okay but who is this person??! She doesn’t even look like herself! Isn’t that the ultimate crime in cosmetic surgery?

[@SlapstickGenius23]

@@Beapoem0802 in fairness, it should be noted that Lindsay Lohan has survived decades of trashy and horrible decisions such as too much drugs+alcohol and a messy AF home life on par with the Kardashians, no wonder why she’d use plastic surgery to keep her face out of drugs and alcohol.

[@W-I463]

The way you described the "standard features" was so unnerving ew

[@iidentifyasaPSLGoddess]

Man I'm so glad I've got all these naturally my only problems are weight/skin care

[@TraceyPoland]

My niece is 16 and talks about wanting lip filler 😢 makes me so sad! She is STUNNING! I blame social media.

[@alisalavine1052]

I'm so sorry. My 16 year old niece is heavily influenced by beauty Tik Tok. She is constantly spending money on adult skincare beauty products in order to look like all the influencers. It's so sad and frustrating.

[@crinklescat1871]

Omg I just posted about this! When Kylie Jenner finally admitted she had fillers. I had to have this talk with my cousin after my aunt refused to let her get fillers and this was after she bought all of Kylie’s crappy lip kit things that made my cousin’s lips dry and disgusting looking. My cousin is now 20 and so glad she didn’t go through with it and that my aunt said no, especially after she saw Kylie without the fillers, except Kylie was able to go and get a facelift . All I could do because my aunt called me sounding so desperate was sit there and hold my cousin while she cried about how ugly she was and tell her that these people have a lot of money and she can’t compare herself to them and that she was gorgeous. I felt so powerless. I kept telling her it wasn’t real and it was filtered. But it is such an awful feeling.

[@alisalavine1052]

​@@crinklescat1871Just gut-wrenching. What an awful way to feel about yourself.😢❤

[@AntoniaM-kk3uy]

No ones is to blame than your niece

[@lynettefinnigan9540]

I have always told my daughter she's beautiful just as she is, but she's always loved make-up, and when she started working, the first thing she did was buy it (after 'borrowing' mine for years😂).. then at 18, she had lip filler, permanent eyelashes (which damaged her natural ones), and was even going to have cheek fillers (thank God I managed to talk her out of it!) They go to these places and is "oh you look gorgeous after the lip fillers, you know what would be even better. Your XYZ.. and next thing they have that done, then something else!!! I'm glad she didn't get addicted to it, now she's happily married with kids, but still has lip fillers and lashes

[@feonaarabellaparaiso1786]

I think a lot of people have to admit that actually liking makeup and the creativity with it, is very niche compared to what we actually believe about the beauty community (or the general population that makes up the beauty community). People love being pretty, rather than appreciating the art of makeup. It’s why people are trending to cosmetic procedures over makeup, now that surgical cosmetic procedures are more accessible. They don’t want to “deal with makeup.” Makeup is a chore to most people, rather than this lovely alone time that’s full of experimentation and appreciation. I know I seem like a crazy person to a lot of people, but it honestly feels like that to me. I don’t need to change my canvas / face at all, because I play with makeup so much that any limitations or challenges that come with my face… are almost like a fun game of “Oh… I wonder how I work with this?”

[@cloveskiwis]

THIS

[@amyamy8177]

I think this is important to keep in mind however i also think it is important that this doesn't become 'you should only use makeup if you like applying and removing it' (so toxic gatekeeping for no reason). So what if someone only likes the way it makes them look or feel to wear makeup i really don't see a problem with that. It's just important to be selfaware about it. As an example if you like the look of a bold makeup look but dislike applying it you should go for low hanging fruit that make a big impact and avoid products or tutorials that focus on lot's of tiny things you can do that only make a small difference - they likely appeal to people that enjoy applying makeup in and off itself or enjoy hearing about makeup theory. I like having a clean house i don't like cleaning just because some people love cleaning and find it relaxing doesn't make it weird that i like to have a clean home and i don't see how makeup is any different.

[@zaramikazuki8374]

That's something that always bothered me. I know that a lot of people do like makeup as an art form (and as a non-wearer, I do love seeing the art form on others), but ultimately, most people wear makeup to look pretty or to adhere to a beauty standard. That's not necessarily a bad thing, mind you. It's just the nature of the beast, and the sooner people can accept that fundamental truth, the better off everyone will be.

[@feonaarabellaparaiso1786]

@@amyamy8177 I was not trying to say that it’s bad to look good or take pride in your appearance. It’s just that people that use makeup to enjoy looking and feeling pretty, will see makeup differently from someone like myself, where I love the process and being happy with the end result no matter what because it’s a learning process of achieving art. I was merely stating that the enjoyment of makeup as this lovey piece of art that you made for yourself, is rather niche compared to the side that uses makeup for a means to an end (to be pretty). It’s also why I think lots of people are looking to cosmetic procedures over using makeup. To use your cleaning analogy, it’s the difference between a person that hires a maid and is happy with the results of their house being clean versus someone that loves cleaning and organizing for their own pleasure. Nothing wrong with either, and I don’t think it’s weird to acknowledge that either population exists. It’s kind of why I consider myself a makeup enthusiast over someone who is a part of the beauty community.

[@feonaarabellaparaiso1786]

@@zaramikazuki8374 Yes. I don’t think it’s bad either to use makeup for such things (societal beauty standards). It’s just that my liking towards it is different from someone that uses it to be pretty. There is nothing wrong with either. But I think that’s why there is a large amount of people in the beauty community that are interested in cosmetic surgery. Because in the end, they like using makeup to look pretty, therefore they are going to look into other things to look pretty as well. It’s kind of understandable why it is trending that way once you see that mindset.

[@ninz5250]

Do the people getting all of these treatments just not have bills 😅

[@HuyenNguyen-bz2mb]

I thought the same thing too because I have my hair cut twice a year and my eyebrows threaded every quarter and I have to budget for it

[@CaterpillarZ903]

Either, no they don’t OR debt. A lot of it.

[@amanday3103]

Or they make a shit ton of money

[@jenniferschaefer646]

They have lots of money or lots of debt.

[@dmn4747]

Maintenance is things like….brushing and flossing, moving your body, eating enough food, bathing, and anything used to treat a medical condition like eczema for example. You’re right everything else is a beauty treatment.

[@Story-b4h]

best line: ''We give them strength when we participate in them.''

[@chh1302]

As a philosopher I really love that you make these more analytic and critical videos on beauty trends. Thank you for broadening our perspectives:)

[@maryamkhawar9120]

This is random but I think it’s really cool you’re a philosopher

[@chh1302]

Thank you, I appreciate that :)

[@annamendoza3479]

I have an aunt who had her brows tattooed in the 90s. The way the tattoo degraded over time wasn't flattering and permanently put me off getting any eyebrow or lip tattooos.

[@gasparinha]

Its like the lower-back tattoos, only visible to everyone, all the time! Related, my old boss had brow electrolysis in the early 2000s, and she is stuck with sperm-shaped eyebrows for the rest of time, when (like me) she had perfectly acceptable naturally thick brows. (At least she doesn't have to draw them on! Y2K was bad for brows, either way... 🤦‍♀️)

[@celestialstar8115]

Do lip tattoos look bad too with age ?

[@lauraporto9508]

Fr it always becomes a greenish color

[@katfayegarrett3872]

They've come along way since then, mine look great😊

[@kathleenking47]

No tattoos are good Get INKBOX or BODYMARK for the look

[@Vallie352]

I see these “high maintence to be low maintence” girlies as the equivalent of those women in the 80s/90s who never let their husbands see them without make up. They would do all their “ugly things to stay pretty” (aka washing their face, curling their hair, working out, etc) during the day while the husbands were at work, to create this image of effortless beauty. It’s the same thing. The idea is to do stuff when no one is looking so no one has to know how much work you put into yourself. Not even the person you sleep with. Edit: no shame to this. Just commenting on the cyclical nature of the motivations behind this trend.

[@gidget_]

I don't wear a lot of makeup but my first date is to dress to impress. But if we are going to be outside and it's 90 degrees, I am going without any makeup. If he doesn't like the way I look, then bye. I'm not going to try to look perfect all the time. I am how I am. I don't want someone who falls in love with an image of me. I want him to fall in love with me. The bed head no makeup comfy clothes me. 😂

[@Ruokthere]

@@gidget_damn the humidity literally slides every ounce of makeup off my face. It’s not worth it

[@AnaGolightly]

where tf are y'all living sounds like a nightmare ​@@Ruokthere

[@ridethewave-k1l]

It was more like 50s and 60s by the 70s and 80s most women worked.

[@Vallie352]

@ thank you. I always get those wrong. I don’t think our history classes teach that at all tbh.

[@adelecohen6998]

The truest title ever!! As a young mom, the quickest thing is to just do my makeup! Not all this appointments, I have no time for any other type of service!

[@ednae566]

I also have to wonder if makeup sales have declined because of more people working from home. I used to wear makeup daily, now I wear makeup about 2-3x a week due to working from home. Anyway, thanks for touching on this topic. As a 35 yr old mom, none of these things are realistic. Not the cost, time or maintenance. I've had a great skin care routine for the last 10 years, I've worked out most of life, and I still look naturally great. I'm so proud to say I look the way I do without getting anything done.

[@RorysSpoonieDiaries-fh2gk]

The concept totally rings true to me! I heard that back in the day before lip fillers were so prevalent, different lip shapes went in and out of fashion, but instead of permanent procedures it was achieved with lip liner! Made me feel better

[@have-a-joy]

So true! I love an over lined lip, but I'd never get lip fillers because then I'd be stuck with a single shape. It's fun to try out different shapes for different looks imo, feels less like an insecurity and more like a creative outlet

[@danisarmi30]

Same with fashion! People are doing diets and surgery to achieve silouettes that used to be done with padding and proper fitting clothes

[@hellomybrighthearty]

This video came up right after I met a mother of a 16-year-old trying to convince a beauty clinic to give her daughter a vitamin IV drip. The girl was even begging her mom and the clinic for Botox because her friends had already gotten it. This really saddens me. What kind of society influences a 16-year-old to feel the need for these procedures?

[@YellowKnightEV]

I'm medium maintenance; I care for myself at home within my means whenever I want to do it. When it comes to procedures, I'm against it; the fact is if you live long enough your face will go into style. What if i love the features i love most about myself? what I if I want to see my mothers smile when i laugh in a mirror? What if I enjoy the process of maintain myself? The older the get, the less and more I feel pressured into becoming plastic; In an inner battle of wanting to look young, and also cherishing what I already have.

[@susier6743]

Go, Girl ! I'm the same. What's all the point of all this plastic surgery?! Society pressures us too much.

[@lunallena5594]

I'll continue using makeup, sunscreen, and moisturizer.

[@thattimedannii]

Makeup will always have a place in our lives because it offers an accessible way to enhance beauty, unlike costly plastic surgery and specialized treatments.

[@miriamdv]

Anything that needs to be re-touched every two weeks, every month, etc it’s a no for me, I just can’t prioritize those things over other things like, work, time with my family, friends, etc

[@Travelinglisa]

I'm 57 and take care of my skin. I am not going to do any procedures to my face. I want to see my unique features. We are told as we reach our 50's we need to have these procedures so we look younger. All of the things you talked about are expensive and I would rather travel and have experiences than try to keep up with every beauty trend out there. I love your videos and how honest you are . I think you are beautiful and perfect just the way you are .

[@elly7199]

Not to mention the very real health risks we take if we undergo cosmetic procedures. I am 55. My health is precious to me. I will never try Botox because there are definitely risks that are downplayed. There is a website that is full of personal stories where people experienced adverse reactions to Botox. It’s a sobering read. No thanks. I may wish my neck looked better but I push myself to learn to love my aging face. I am ALIVE!!!! I have lost friends already. That did not get to see their children grow up. No, I’m not willing to risk my health on cosmetic procedures for the sake of looking younger.

[@BrandiTay]

Thank you for being so open and honest! I feel like individuality and uniqueness are no longer celebrated and we see everyone looking the same now. It’s very refreshing to hear an “influencer” talk about this and the pressure that we all feel to participate in certain procedures or look a certain way. I think it’s beautiful and so fun to play with makeup and use it to enhance your natural beauty and I’m hoping we see a turn back to that soon!

[@anniebells_xo]

Pausing at 17:17 to reaffirm to you that you are undeniably beautiful and unique. Hope this counteracts some thoughts. Pew-pew. Bye to those. Be gone!

[@emilydumont2869]

💯 on your thoughts Doing so many procedures at a young age on your face that are semi-permanent or permanent seems short sighted. Even if fillers or toxin wears off it changes the way you perceive yourself and becomes a vicious cycle. No wonder there is an epidemic of anxiety and depression when social media keeps changing the norm of what is considered beautiful. Young people with all that beautiful collagen and elasticity have no idea how good they have it while chasing the next trend in beauty maintenance aka treatments Take care of your skin and health and embrace aging gracefully. It’s a blessing to be able to live long enough to become old and wise 😊 🙏

[@gasparinha]

If a younger person has to/wants to stop doing the procedures, they've gotten so used to the way their face looks with say, Botox, that the sight of their regular face will be shocking, making them feel like they've aged ten years when they just have a normal twenty-something face. The dysmorphia must be shocking!

[@kathleenking47]

It's the SELFIES most people hate their pictures

[@kathleenking47]

​@@gasparinhaselfies are a problem, and gen Z are VAPING

[@Verbsdescribeus]

Once plastic surgery is done there is no way back, wheareas makeup is a creative therapy

[@Ari-uc9je]

I can almost always tell when someone has plastic surgery. I luckily have naturally big full lips, and I’ve been asked where I went. It’s uncomfortable. I live in Miami where it’s so normalized and everyone looks horrible.

[@emma.geebee]

Longtime viewer, but infrequent commenter in general. But I just had to express how much I adore how your content has evolved. I look forward to your videos because they are always well-researched, intelligent, articulate, and empowering, and that feels so rare in this space. 💛

[@kabkabkabkab3886]

Amazing video, I always love your makeup musings! My one small nitpick is that you said 'who needs blush when you have cheek fillers' but I'd argue that since cheek fillers only change the shape, not the color, that thats maybe why blush as a product has gotten so popular recently. Its one of the only aesthetic looks left that you can only get from a product and not a beauty treatment

[@Jennifer_Ann]

Very good point! 😊

[@vivimaria7243]

I bet they will make a "permanent blush" treatment soon, too...

[@danyf.1442]

I just underwent surgery with only local anesthesia for a pretty serious eye issue and the discomfort (even pain), the uncertainty, the stress of the possible complications and the healing process were not something I'd go through again unless it was really necessary. Everyone has different priorities and for some people cosmetic procedures might feel necessary but still ... I'd rather not suffer and put my body through something only for looks. But that's just me 🤷

[@lema9509]

"High-maintenance" things I do to be "low-maintenance": learn how to love and accept my face and body the way they are, cultivate a charismatic personality, fill my life with interesting, meaningful things & stop giving a fuck about how other people think I look. That's the actual work that we all need to get done !! Really love your takes & your vulnerability here, it's very appreciated

[@allisonh6724]

I worked in city government in the business license department. Our municipality was strict (for liability purposes) on licensing so unless someone was licensed through the secretary of state or environmental health they couldn’t get a business license. it was astounding the number of people that were practicing or attempting to practice that had no credentials or simply took a crash course from a random person that also was unlicensed. That is what concerns me the most is you have no idea who you are trusting to inject things into your face and they could cause so many injuries. If you want to have these procedures done, absolutely ensure that they are reputable business with a business license issued by the county or city and have the appropriate professional licensing, showing that they are indeed valid enough to provide the service. Also, an LLC is not a professional license. That is simply you securing the name of your business so no one else in the state can use your exact business name. A professional license would be a cosmetologist license, esthetician license, tattoo artist license.

[@angelinamidbjerlundholm3058]

I’ve been coloring my eyebrows for 25 years myself at home. I don’t need trends i do my own thing.

[@espy82K]

I wish I could do that but I’m scared I’ll dissolve my eyebrows

[@angelinamidbjerlundholm3058]

@ never happened to me 😊

[@Cannotbetamed1]

I love doing my makeup, but getting microblading for my brows was also one of the best decision I've made for myself. Did it save money? Absolutely not. It cost about $800 CAD and I'm coming up on 3 years now. It may have saved me $50 in brow pencils. (Though I've likely saved more than that because I no longer buy eyebrow regrowth serums that never worked). Save time? A bit. It saves a few minutes every time I do my makeup. Most of the time if I'm not doing makeup I wouldnt be doing brows either. But as someone who has very fine hair and naturally has eyebrows with like 4 hairs in the tails, which renders them almost invisible, I just like how my face looks so much more with full eyebrows. Waking up and seeing face shaping brows every morning, without having to draw them on, makes me feel way better about myself.

[@anncannaday3760]

You are so strong, resilient, and beautiful Kelly!! Thanks for being so real and vulnerable. Much love 💕

[@christinehottinger5791]

Thanks so much for sharing your complicated feelings about cosmetic procedures! I had never really looked qt the conundrum of getting something done as reinforcing the standard that made you want it in the first place. Really insightful, and I think you did a great job expressing these thoughts with nuance and without judgement. ❤

[@jesi89]

Thank you for sharing Kelly! I think you are so beautiful not only on the surface but deep down as you share your perspective on all these things. I remember having to edit my own headshots and the realization that no one should ever look at their own face that much. I can only imagine with filming regularly!

[@Elbie316]

Ugh yes! You articulated what I was trying to figure out when people started to look uncanny but not fake and yet had minimal makeup.

[@ladyx3256]

It's good to love yourself without makeup but intimidating/makeup-ey makeup is sooo empowering!! Many successful women have been using makeup throughout history to make a statement and so will I. Tired of the clean girl look, I don't do that anymore. Dreamed about wearing dark lipstick every day of the week since I was a child and I grew daring enough to fulfill it lol. I don't worry about having certain facial features that much though. I think outside of social media people can still appreciate different face types.

[@DramaLlamaMama295]

Thank you for being so vulnerable. If someone as beautiful as you feels the same insecurities I do, I have a lot more hope 💚

[@Isanyoneevenonhere]

Thank you for being so vulnerable with us. I have NEVER heard a beauty influencer talk about their insecurities/ feeling the weight of the beauty industry. I so love you for this. It makes you even more beautiful.

[@elizabethruggiero9950]

Anyone old enough to remember “When Harry Met Sally?” Billy Crystal says to Meg Ryan, “(paraphrasing) you’re the worst kind of high maintenance. You are the one who thinks she is low maintenance but in reality is seriously high maintenance.” Why can’t anybody just accept the beauty that comes from within? I’m 60 years old, and I am done with the rat race of in-your face beauty. Maybe with age comes the wisdom that I don’t have to prove anything to anybody, and I’ve learned to love myself, flaws, and all.

[@morggylynn]

Someone i was super close with in hs (I'm 27 i graduated 10 years ago and she's 3 years younger than me) well I ran into her in the store not long ago and walked right past her.. I had no idea it was her! She called my name and I turned and was like omg hi! I seriously did not even recognize her from her lip filler, botox, she's a super blonde with blue eyes and has big black lash extensions and her brows microbladed now. She's such a pretty girl but truly I didn't even realize it was her. It kind of made me sad thinking she really needed all of that to look better when she doesn't look like herself now.

[@caradoeslife4059]

I love this vid sm probably my fave of all of your vids and I’ve been here since like 2017 I also think this trend of “undetectable” beauty coincides worryingly with the increase of AI and also serves to set a new unrealistic standard of beauty (which I think you said)

[@danicee]

The people who do get plastic surgery tend to get it because they want to maintain their youth, as if it will preserve them. Filler and botox can stay in our bodies for years, it never breaks down completely and the appearance of fullness is usually from inflammation since our bodies recognize the material as foreign. Regarding botox, for a small percentage of people, can trigger seizures and paralysis. If more people knew the risks I think it would be less popular, but people just focus on getting results like they’ve seen with others.

[@makenai555]

My dermatologist explained to me how plastic surgeons now struggle to do facelifts after intense heating treatments because tissues are fixed. All that continuous damage stimulating regeneration is not normal for the skin. Moderation is probably the key element and also having a good dermatologist.

[@kimberlym6392]

Let me preface my comment with the statement that people can do whatever they want, and it’s not my business. What concerns me about all of these cosmetic procedures is the impact they have on others. It feels like natural features are too “ugly” and need to be “fixed.” When I was a teen, these messages contributed to very low self-esteem, and I feel that it’s only getting worse. People are normalizing “fixing” your features…which are already fine!

[@TheMeowizer-z]

i am waiting patiently for the brow lamination trend to stop. it looks really weird. but as you show us it's not going away with all these fixed lamination... oof...

[@asunnybooknook]

Kelly, your videos are so so thoughtful and wonderful! Thank you ❤

[@Tangobutton]

My thumbnail photo is from last year. I was 61 in that photo. Not a perfect body, not a perfect face. I control what I can, within reason (my hair- but that being said I was a salon-done platinum blonde for 12 years until covid started), my skin (a basic skincare routine), my teeth (flossing is important!), my makeup skills (I am an artist already and was an 80's new waver, so, quite well practiced despite taking many years off makeup in the 90's). Drink lots of water, don't drink alcohol (none is best but reducing is always good), get good sleep and decent exercise, have a 5-6 hour food window each day and skew toward healthy, and turn off political and/or depressing news.

[@jackiesparrow6974]

Great video! I am now thinking more criticality about the word maintenance, and the very connotation of it along with other beauty terms. Thanks so much for this series (and all your videos). Your critical thinking regarding beauty and the nuances we may not consider is what is missing in a lot of beauty talk. Thank you for your dedication and hard work you put into all your videos! I appreciate you so much! 💕

[@AprilBabbit-ry8wi]

I completely resonate with this video! To be fair, I did have a nose job… at age 42… after wanting to do so for decades. And it did give me confidence! And that’s the only work I’ve ever had done. Like you mentioned in your previous videos about “wait before you buy,” I feel exactly the same about plastic surgery/beauty treatments. 2+ decades was a long time for me to wait, but I was SURE I wanted it. I’m 44 now and still don’t feel moved to do anything else. GREAT VIDEO, Kelly! 🙌🙌🙌

[@susansherman1412]

This video is excellent!! You completely, and non defensively, nailed so many things we are all up against. I love this video. Thank you!!

[@emely5260]

i love you makeup musings videos so much as well as your thinking and the way you express yourself!!! your videos have opened my eyes to so many topics already. the past few years i've been having blonde highlights in my hair because i don't like my natural hair color, but i decided to put an end to it. mainly, because my hair has not been growing well. but also, it's super expensive to get them done every 6 or 8 weeks. i'm actually excited that i don't have to spend so much money anymore and hopefully grow more comfortable with my natural hair color

[@lyndseyhelmstetter1359]

I can’t believe anyone would have the nerve to say anything other than that you’re gorgeous! Thanks for helping us keep tabs on the insidious nature of the industry

[@szpirita]

Thank you for addressing this topic in such a smart and sensitive way!

[@nicoolfielder]

Kelly, I love every single one of these videos!! You are incredible. So appreciate the work and thought you put into these. I never miss one.

[@DanielaTanner_]

I know what you mean but more so I feel like I’m constantly trying to keep up with “skin care” I don’t remember my mom ever slathering and trying so many things in the name of skin care

[@Melina_Shadow]

5:00 not to mention the time it takes you to make that money to pay for it.

[@thegardener3650]

I’m gonna be brutally honest with yall. I was born with all the features that the IG models get plastic surgery for. Also, I hardly wear makeup - like no eye makeup, no foundation, etc. So, I am one of lucky ones. That said, if everyone stopped wearing makeup and stopped getting plastic surgery, it would certainly NOT be an easy playing field which I don’t think is fair considering good genetics is a lottery. That said, don’t beat yourself up for wanting to get these procedures done or wanting to wear makeup. It’s understandable why considering we live in a society that tells us value is on our bodies.

[@JesssL]

I really enjoy the way you speak about these things and thanks for speaking openly about the difficulties you struggle with. Apart from all the things you said, what baffles me most is that people are willing to make these (semi) permanent changes to their face for trends that are changing faster and faster instead of playing around and experimenting with make up that washes off at the end of the day.

[@bearstreeet]

This was all very well thought out and said. Thank you for your vulnerability here. It is appreciated!! 🖤

[@hannah-814]

A couple years ago, I was telling someone (about 10 years older than myself) how I got Botox in my jaw for TMJ. She told me that I should just get it in my forehead while I was at it to prevent wrinkles. I was 23 on a teachers salary. I'm not much older but I still don't really have wrinkles and definitely no need for Botox

[@wearesatellites91]

The other thing I hate about the word “maintenance” in this context (in addition to the fact that it makes these treatments sound obligatory) is that maintenance implies the upkeep of an OBJECT. We are humans, not cars - we don’t need to go in for routine maintenance. If you’re practicing basic hygiene (which is more of a health than a vanity thing), that’s enough.

[@24-karat-plonker]

I envy all of the women who get procedures on the reg because damn, I wish I had that kind of money..

[@iJustMarisa]

They might be in debt

[@frog5890]

As someone who does have body dysmorphia and self esteem issues but also someone who doesn’t want nor can afford plastic surgery. It scares me so much how the worse worse and more strict beauty standards are becoming and I’m getting uglier because of it (even tho I look the same) soon the world it gonna practically think I’m a monster.

[@AliceAnnRose]

I love how your content evolved during the years. I watched just a few videos years ago, and for a year now I am an avid watcher of your content. I think you found your niche, and now you fully show your smarts! ❤

[@dagmar0027]

Insecurity can't be cured by surgery, procedures, makeup, or any other way to look like everyone else, & changing how you look can sometimes feed that insecurity & make you feel worse. Insecurity comes from inside, & the inside must be addressed instead of the outside. Insecurity is in our heads, not in our faces or bodies, & sometimes we need help in dealing with that. Which is hard to do because we're constantly bombarded by...well, by everyone...that we must change how we look & we must conform to the ever-changing beauty ideal. We will never be able to conform, because that ideal is a deliberately unattainable fantasy. Insecurity is what gets us to buy stuff, & more stuff won't make us feel better.

[@jenniferhollander]

Thank you for this important and necessary video!! I’m sharing this with my teen nieces in the hopes that they’ll take in this viewpoint to balance the noise!! Always love to hear your take on beauty issues!! ❤

[@rawsteph4114]

I haven't been swayed too much by social media influencers, but the other day a coworker around the same age (38) was telling me how she and another coworker go get Botox together. So of course I started thinking, "omg am I supposed to start getting Botox? My eyes are getting more hooded, should I do something about it?" But even though I'm lucky and could afford it, I'd rather spend my money on other things. I am considering an at-home skincare device though, since that's a one-time purchase.

[@HK-cp8tm]

I think you are beautiful and I loved your musings! Such good food for thought - thank you for addressing the praise Christina and Lindsey are getting that they look "so natural," it's not natural to look like at their age.

[@cinnamonroro]

This is just people throwing money at an illusion of luxury/convenience.

[@yoyotarot6130]

I feel this was one of your best videos so far, thank you

[@booksnlipstick]

Thank you for being so vulnerable in this video, I think it really helped to make your point and also demonstrate how ridiculous beauty standards are - because if they can make someone as lovely as you feel bad, then it’s all just a bunch of lies we’re being sold.

[@TheReelDealFilmReviews]

The issue I have with beauty treatments such as plastic surgery, is that they are deemed similar to getting a coffee. “Yes I had my eyelids wrenched up today to look more awake to maintain my low maintenance”. It’s really depressing and hopefully we will come to realise that beauty blindness needs addressing.

[@Life.With.Carrie]

As someone who will be 41 this year and has a toddler, these treatments help make my life easier so I’m not sitting in front of a mirror for an hour or more to do makeup and such. I also think context and nuance needs to be applied here. Millennials around my age are who are driving up these trends. We’re getting older and having either raised children (who are now teenagers or adults) or are starting families late and will have to be around twenty something’s when our kid(s) start school, we want to look our best and somewhat younger. Someone in their twenties or early thirties are not going to get a bleph or face lift, but someone in their 40’s will. We also were the first to be on social media and some became the first “influencers.” So they talk about the work they’re doing to their face to be transparent when people like the Kardashians were not (at the time). I’m hope I’m not coming off as defensive or anything because that is not the case. But I do think mentioning the target audience that most of what was said is important. Fillers and Botox is popular across ages 20 and up while actual surgeries are common in 35 and up. The people with the disposable income are allowed to do whatever makes them feel happy and they’re not doing it to be a”trend.” Surgery is a major life changing event. There are also timelines to certain surgeries and when it’s best to have them done. Like a facelift can only be done ONE - MAYBE TWO times in your lifetime. Same thing with your eyes and everything else. I also would rather pour money into treatments that will make my skin look the best it ever has so I don’t have spend money on makeup that I have to throw out after a period of time and that is so fickle with how it’s going to apply and settle depending on the time of year. And why give your money to these beauty corporations who feed you a “dream”? Is that not the same thing? Makeup can make you have negative feelings about yourself, too. I don’t think the issue has been “normalized” to make it a must. At least not amongst the late 30’s & 40’s crowd when actual aging takes place.

[@nothanksmegan]

Lindsay looks great but her work is not undetectable. This is how blind we’ve become to work!! No one getting their lips blushed, lashes done or brows laminated and tinted is saving time or money - they all still do their brows and makeup. This is dumb.

[@ambermariestewart]

So real. I've chosen to not participate, but I agree - both options are "-...I feel bad..." I actually got into a fight with my mom a few years ago, one of our last conversations before her fatal heart attack at 60 (I'm 39). She'd been telling me my whole life to change ("improve") my appearance. My hair should look 'natural' but 'pretty', as opposed to 'messy' and 'streaky' - I wear it wavy and get ribbons of various colors for high/low lights. So, the color shouldn't change, except 🚫🩶, but the texture should?! I should wear dresses, not heels, etc. She'd regularly push for plastic surgery (boobs, nose, any/every thing) which I repeatedly objected to for the reasons cited in this video. That last argument was me saying no to a trip to Virginia where someone could "fix [my] face" (smooth acne scaring on my cheeks). I said it's not ok that these expectations are pushed on women, that I won't contribute to them. She said unless people think I look nice they won't do what I want and I'll die alone. I acknowledged that would suck but restated that it's my choice and I'd rather that than have a partner who'd be so superficial. I use my presentation to express who I am. If I feel like procedures will help that, great; if not, pass. I dye my hair, I have tattoos, I sometimes wear makeup. If I'd better represent my actual self with a different whatever I'd get the surgery. I'm not going to just because society says that's what's hottest. I miss my mom, but honestly since 2023 it's been a noticable relief to not have to constantly defend what I want to do - or not do - to my own body. Stay strong, everyone. Decide for yourselves. People will whine either way, so might as well go with what feels best to your guts 🩷

[@iggyswiftie]

I really appreciate this conversation and you being so candid. I've also had similar thoughts about different procedures (not botox or plastic surgery, more so facials or lash lifts, etc.), but I can't afford to keep up with them. I just recently decided to stop getting waxed after 6 years because I'm tired of paying for it, I'm tired of driving to appointments, I'm tired of the pain of getting my hairs ripped out, and I'm sick of the ingrown hairs I get (even after buying/using the salon's products to prevent them). I'm just sick of it, and even though I like the results (minus the ingrown hairs, lol), I'll find a different hair removal method that's not so expensive and painful.

[@laurapirate]

You've articulated exactly what I think, better than I ever could!

[@elizabethjoslin156]

I love these videos the most. Thank you for all your work!

[@TheStreetsOfOurLives]

I so appreciate your channel, Kelly. Thank you for bringing these topics to light. You're so right about how we "feed" into the machine when we participate in the trends. I find it refreshing to see celebs who don't have Botox or lip fillers. I think they look so unique and lovely with their wrinkles, natural lips, etc ... They are uniquely themselves! The "same face syndrome" is so sad. These women are losing their uniqueness 😢.

[@adelines1620]

First and foremost- you are the epitome of classic beauty. Beautiful hair, bone structure, ect… God has blessed you beyond measure in the looks department, but with that been said… Let’s maybe, just maybe ALL OF US, take our eyeballs off our screens for a bit. I think a little vacation from the constant bombardment of beauty standards- does brainwash us. And let’s be real- most of these people even with their procedures, don’t look that way in real life. When you go out to the grocery store, or run just about every errand and I don’t care where in America you are (I’ve been all over) the majority of people all generally look the same way. Normal. Average. We need to unglue our eyeballs from VIRTUAL reality every now and then to keep ourselves in check. Thank you for another amazing video! You’re gorgeous!

[@neza8628]

So true. The same in Europe.

[@YANEXiLOVE]

This video and topic are brilliant!

[@rrenatabp]

there is a brazilian makeup artist that recently did a video talking about the elitist (and even fascist) roots of the clean girl aesthetic (I mean defining a trend as clean, implying that anything outside of it is dirty is very very fucked up)

[@thenastyhaus]

Do you have the title of the video? I've been thinking about the implicit racism and queerphobia of the concept of "clean girl makeup" for a while now.

[@laurieann2714]

Not only is it unnecessary and more likely damaging for people in their 20s to get this stuff, how are they affording it??

[@allisonn9036]

I have been watching you for many years, and can I just say, you’re one of 3 “beauty” creators that I still truly enjoy watching. Thank you for being so wholesome and really looking at the big picture of things. Also- masseter Botox is an actual medical treatment for those with severe bruxism (clenching/grinding of teeth) and TMD. Not used for cosmetic purposes, but can provide slimming to the face if someone has beefed up muscles there from grinding. ❤ (I’m a dental hygienist and get this procedure myself, just wanted to give you more info)

[@elle_sanchez]

I totally understand your point in regards to the time and money spent on beauty maintenance. However, I myself, have had two microbladings done and will soon go back for another as the last one has faded. For me it’s not societal pressure but more so the convenience of actually having eyebrows as mine are very sparse and very different from one another. The cherry on top is that it saves me so much time when I put in the rest of my makeup.

[@tamarazwinak]

You are so intelligent, well researched and spoken.

[@AmberLovesMystery]

Sound arguments- I still think that we don’t always have the same amount of time in each day to dedicate to even two minutes of beauty-coming from a momma of two- I get the idea behind it- I wouldn’t call the end result low maintenance as much as peace of mind knowing my “shyt” the only thing I may have that makes me feel good about myself at that time- I’ll know at least THAT’S taken care of. Idk- just playing devils advocate. Great video ❤

[@MsKateC2K]

I got sucked into this "low maintenance" trend and got a digital perm. It just made my usually very smooth hair frizzy, and I still spend around half an hour daily putting my hair into heatless curls

[@kaitlinlewis2450]

The cost of having to find an eyebrow pencil and always having to buy another one since My eyebrows are invisible are the reasons why I switched to Pomade where I can fill in my brows and I find it can last me a long time.

[@lilysarelyly]

I hate that phrase with a passion. They're just as high maintenance as anyone who gets stuff done, just less often. I find it stupid and it pisses me off

[@catgandini]

Love this video SO much Kelly! Well done!

[@oritigra]

what bugs me is this kinda careless attitude towards cosmetics procedures and plastic surgeries without discussing gravity and unreversibility. some people are old enough to remember how it was all about making one's breasts bigger - and how it was later revealed that some people had side effects, complications etc. some of them got implants removed or reduced. tunnels in one's ears, fillers that do not dissolve as it turned out, microbladed brows and other face tattooing (often called something else because tattoo sounds too permanent, which it effing is!) hair lamination, using too much acids and other actives, shaving a peach fuzz, the list can feel endless. so, say in a decade it would be a new set of features that'll be considered beautiful - and one would need to try to reverse what was done and do something new. sure, people do whatever they want with their bodies and it can be a significant thing for many people to change something through procedures and surgeries. but can it not be everything all at once? can we be critical about it? can we think longer?

[@chiaravc6228]

Please don't feel the need to have procedures done. You truly have a gorgeous face, I don't see a single thing that change would make better. You have a very classic beauty, and more importantly, your features were passed onto you from beloved family members and they make you unique. I think part of the increase in these procedures is that they have gotten "undetectable" (which is a lie, more so they don't look as botched). Many people were already insecure but were warded off by the 'too heavy plastic surgery' face. I know at least 1 person who had physical qualms but was too afraid of the result looking weird to do the procedure. Though this person was experiencing headaches, they didn't want to do it until seeing more 'natural' surgery results Initially I was a fan of the clean girl look, and still am, because it is easier on a daily basis and can be more accepting of your natural features. But indeed, this craze over procedures has gone hand in hand and it's become too much!

[@idalarsson4729]

This is your best series! Thank you so much for talking about this, it’s so important. I’m too “ old “ to feel the need to follow trends, I know what I like and I definitely know what doesn’t suits me. Mistakes have been made in my younger years🫣! But even though I don’t follow trends I still have insecurities, I was in my 20’s when thin eyebrows were it, and I plucked like there were no tomorrow! Well, they never grow back😲! At least once every six months I look up microblading. I’m probably never going to get it done, I’m so afraid that I’m not going to be satisfied.

[@leonorfeio3948]

I cannot say this enough: you are a GEM to the yt beauty community, I adore your video concepts, your takes on different topics (even when I don't agree 😂) and overall approach to beauty. A big THANK you, please never stop 🙌🏻

[@thetiniestleaf]

Love EVERYTHING in this video. I also just don’t understand on an emotional level why people who get cosmetic surgery / want “makeup-less makeup” don’t want people to recognize that they’ve had work done or have makeup on. Idk, if I’m going to shell out money for something like that I want people to Notice!

[@SarahPaceSings]

Thank you, Kelly ❤

[@saulemaroussault6343]

Thank you for this brilliant articulation of the subject.

[@frankiesoiree]

this is such an important conversation to have & i am so happy you are having it. hearing you be vulnerable about your struggles with self-image is also so important because it really does make people like me feel seen and not alone. and i hope you understand you are also not alone. being a “clean girl” is starting to feel like class war, where people who still use makeup to feel better about themselves are less than because they’re too poor to afford the maintenance of looking “naturally” pretty. it’s very ironic how being “natural” isn’t even about being natural anymore. it’s all so backwards and it makes me sick. and people feeding into these ideas that doing certain makeup is “outdated” are actually just feeding the narrative that you aren’t good enough because you aren’t, again, “naturally” pretty. you truly make the most authentic, entertaining, THOUGHTFUL content in a space full of people doing the exact opposite. thank you for doing what you do and giving everyone a space to feel understand and beautiful. ♡

[@4fron4]

Really insightful topic - thanks 👍

[@mellabnuy]

Thank you for making this video. It is thoughtful, insightful, and backed up with sources - an excellent beauty essay. I think you present a false dichotomy at the end, where you suggest that if you participate you feel bad and if you don't participate you feel bad. It's important to start to actually change our mindsets with regards to beauty, and to learn to embrace and celebrate the natural (and sometimes unnatural) beauty journey. The first step I think you've done excellently here: being honest about what we are doing and to our bodies and to talk about them in a nonjudgmental, choice-forward way. The second part is to reject the beauty standard and to focus, again, on the choices we make to make ourselves most comfortable. Sometimes, that will conform with the specific look, and sometimes it won't. Sometimes, specific looks are not attainable, like you're saying. What matters is that you have a choice in the matter with how you look, And most importantly, beauty and beauty choices are expression of your true and valuable self, not a way to set the value.