Three Beauty Bloggers on Confidence, Inclusivity, and the Empowering Qualities of Lipstick
In her recent “Beauty Secrets” video with Vogue, U.S. Congresswoman and political powerhouse, Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, attributed her love of bold lipstick to the fact that “femininity has power.” With the beauty industry amassing popularity on social media through its ever-evolving trends and topics, I wanted to gain insight on how other beauty enthusiasts view the complexities between the consumerism of today’s industry and true, inner beauty. I interviewed three up-and-coming Instagram bloggers on their personal relationship with beauty and the ways in which it empowers them and their following. Plus, it wouldn’t be a CLOTHES & WATER feature without beauty recommendations, so, don’t worry, I have you covered.
Farrah from @gildedmirror
Photo: @gildedmirror
Clicking on the @gildedmirror Instagram page is like stepping into an alternate dimension. To your right, you notice an electric blue vanity displaying a sculptural vase filled with orchids in a medley of lush smoky purples. To your left, vivid green candles softly light the room of golden fragrance bottles. And in the center is sequin-drenched Farrah in all her rock ‘n’ roll radiance. Prepared to guide you into her psychedelic beauty universe, she glows underneath a flashing neon sign reading, “For makeup misfits.”
1. What lipstick makes you feel like you can take on the world and why?
The minute I swipe any shade of red on my lips, it’s truly a transformative experience for me. I might be having a day where I feel down about my appearance, but the spark I feel when I apply a cherry-colored balm, gloss, tint, anything - it makes such a difference in my demeanor. If I had to pick one red lipstick, it would be “Ruby Woo” by Mac. It’s the first one I fell in love with and it will forever be a favorite. The hue is universally flattering. It’s got a great matte consistency without being too drying and it’s my go-to for a date at night or a day in the conference room. I have to give a couple honorable mentions though - “Mildred Rosewood” and “The Painted Veil” by Gucci; “Velvet Ribbon” by Lisa Eldridge, and any of the L’ancome L’absolu Mademoiselle Shine lipsticks are must-haves for me (most comfortable formula I’ve found). Also “Beso” by Stila because it’s what Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wears, and I feel powerful by proxy when I have it on.
2. What’s your favorite aspect of being a beauty blogger?
The creative freedom and the community aspect. Beauty is such a fluid term and encompasses so much. You truly don’t have to feel trapped in a box of a certain aesthetic or post a specific type of content in order to become a beauty blogger. This space is big enough for everyone to be a part of it, so long as you have a love of beauty. It doesn’t matter what your personality type is, what you look like, what your vibe is, or what your vision entails. Blogging is an exercise in “come as you are.” You can post reviews, call out brands for abysmal shade ranges, create digital illustrations, make funny videos, make cinematic masterpieces, document your acne journey, talk about SPF, talk about anything at all, and there’s a space for you. Plus, the connections you can make with like-minded creators can really be the start of some awesome friendships. Personally, I’m eternally grateful for the good things that have come I became a beauty blogger.
3. Does beauty empower you? Why or why not?
There was certainly a time that I felt limited in my own beauty and I would have answered “no.” I felt I didn’t meet the standard of what society desires, so I wouldn’t have felt that beauty empowered me. I’m not tall or thin or model-esque, nor do I find myself particularly edgy or interesting, so I think I felt I belonged in no category and I sort of rejected beauty. Once I understood the concept as it relates to art, music, fashion, experimental makeup, the joys of self-care and realizing that beauty is transcendental, I felt more empowered than I ever have. In short, yes. Beauty empowers the hell out of me.
4. What is the purpose or mission of your platform in the beauty space on social media?
@gildedmirror actually began as “The Makeup Underground” once upon a time, as a play off Lou Reed, Andy Warhol, Nico and all the Chelsea Hotel New York weirdos that resonated with me. I started my account to chronicle beauty products that brought me joy, but also to experiment with pushing the artistry envelope. I had a series for a while where I would emulate vinyl record album covers and interpret them in eyeshadow looks or lip art. It was great to be able to express myself in that medium, but I noticed that, as I began to connect with other creators, my mind began to expand as to the possibilities of my art. I began to dive a bit deeper into creating videos, capturing moods with photography and tapping into emotions through captions which almost became like diary entries. Like I did back then, I wanted my space to be a place for anyone who felt like they were on the fringe: for those who enjoyed a Sephora haul as much as I did but also liked to reminisce on an analog world in a digital society. For those who like vintage vibes but not vintage values. My mission with my platform is to hold a space for all of the makeup-loving misfits, for counterculture and cosmetic kitsch, for freedom from what society tells us is attractive. I want to be a voice reminding everyone that they are beautiful, unique, special and important, and to never forget that. So much about beauty is tied into the sociopolitical issues of our world today and I would be remiss if I didn’t touch on important topics such as racism in the beauty/fashion industry, capitalism and consumerism and how it affects our climate, rights for trans people, the list goes on. All that to say, I’m a creative at heart and I want to continue to use my art to contribute to the greater good.
5. How can topics and interests like beauty and fashion positively impact women?
There are so many ways beauty and fashion can impact women on an intimate and personal level, as well as on a global scale. For instance, when I wake up and look at my fragrance collection or a vintage-inspired compact, I find it’s awesome for my mental health to surround myself with some of the products I love most. Each item has its own context and can bring a smile to my face. Sometimes, even something as simple as that can make all the difference in my mood. On a large scale, beauty and fashion can positively impact women’s self esteem but also with the amount of money the respective industries rake in, there’s an infinite amount of good that can be done, such as donating personal hygiene items, like menstrual care products, to those who are not as wealthy, or continuing to spread positive messages for young kids of color, or those with disabilities, or those figuring out their own gender by showing more people who look like them at the forefront of billboards, and at fashion week, and as brand spokespeople. Actions have a lot of weight but words and unspoken messages are also extremely powerful and can enact positive change throughout the world.
6. How does inner confidence fit into your daily routine- beauty, wellness, or otherwise?
To be totally transparent, there is still a lot of work I have to do when it comes to true inner confidence. But, the journey has become a fulfilling one in recent years. The serenity of my skincare routine, undergoing makeup therapy (the application of it and then also doing something fun like creating a reel for the look), eating a beautiful and colorful meal and feeling great afterwards - all of those things help inspire confidence in me. We all have our off days and I allow myself the space and ability to recognize “it’s okay not to feel happy about the way I look right now: the extra weight I carry, my skin imperfections, my frizzy hair, or the fact that I don’t have perfect clothes.” Doing that helps me to eventually snap out of it and remember that I am, nevertheless, a queen.
7. Are there any issues the beauty industry needs to address when it comes to women’s empowerment?
Beauty brands and fashion houses have a true opportunity to demonstrate inclusion and equality within their in-house teams, on their social media pages, during their product launch campaigns, and in the creators they choose to work with. It truly makes all the difference for young people to see those who look like them in ads, and to normalize real faces, real bodies, real skin. The world is not a one-note place and there must be representation for all, especially in such influential spheres as the beauty and fashion space. Heightened visibility and equal opportunities for all is what’s truly empowering. The industry needs to be less exclusive, more inclusive, and more about lifting everybody up, not just a certain group of people. The “when you win, I win” mentality would truly make the world a better place.
Glacys from @heartshapedvanity
Photo: @heartshapedvanity
Draped in pastel pink and soft lavender, Glacys’ Instagram feed is a delicate dreamland of cream blush and K-beauty. Glacys isn’t afraid to speak the truth when it comes to cult classic beauty products and it shows through her fun, conversational reviews. More like a friend than a blogger to her audience, Glacys’ feed is alive with swatches, selfies, and invigorating conversation about all things beauty.
1. What lipstick makes you feel like you can take on the world and why?
The Lipstick S from Chifure in the shade 748 Brown! It’s a Japanese drugstore bullet lipstick that has hyaluronic acid in it, so it’s hydrating enough to wear without a balm underneath. It makes reapplication so easy. It’s a “my lips but better” shade on me, but a little rosier and a little deeper. This lipstick is comfortable, it’s effortless, and it enhances what I’ve already got instead of altering it.
2. What’s your favorite aspect of being a beauty blogger?
Two things: the photography and the relationships I’ve cultivated. Photography has been a longtime hobby of mine and it’s part of the reason I chose to pursue a degree in multimedia production. Framing and editing an aesthetically pleasing photo is the bulk of the work, but it’s rewarding. Even more rewarding are the relationships I’ve built thanks to this page— with other creators and brands alike. In my experience, the beauty community on Instagram is so eager to support its members. Some of the people I’ve met here have been far more kind than people I know in person, and I truly consider them close friends. Regarding brands— I’m pretty selective in which ones I choose to work with. I have a love for independent businesses who’ve got a good sense of integrity and transparency, especially if they’re run by BIPOC, women, or members of the LGBT+ community. While they can’t always afford to pay creators, they seem to care a lot more about building a rapport and ensuring you’re treated with respect.
3. Does beauty empower you? Why or why not?
Yes and no— Like everyone else, I’m susceptible to comparing myself to those I think are better than me in some way, and there’s often a sense of FOMO when it comes to new launches or PR lists. But, for the most part, I do find beauty empowering. To be candid, I’m incredibly insecure. I started getting into makeup and skincare when I was maybe 15 or 16 years old, and since then, I’ve learned to be a lot more comfortable in my skin. While I think the beauty industry is always going to prey on our insecurity, there’s been a shift in focus to prioritizing your skin and body’s health and using makeup to accentuate your natural beauty rather than changing your features to fit a more conventional standard of beauty.
4. What is the purpose or mission of your platform in the beauty space on social media?
I started off just wanting to take pretty pictures and talk about makeup and skincare. Within the first year, my page grew far bigger and faster than I anticipated and I began getting PR offers. There came a point where I realized that, as someone with the platform and the following, I have the opportunity and responsibility to inform consumers, address the issues within the beauty industry, and hold brands accountable for poor behavior. A lot of people in the beauty community are concerned with maintaining a personal brand, and that’s all well and fine— I am too. But, first and foremost, I’m a human being with morals and principles and ethical standards, and that’s what I want my audience to see.
5. How can topics and interests like beauty and fashion positively impact women?
I mentioned earlier that the beauty space is shifting focus to self-care and enhancing your natural beauty. I think the fashion and beauty space is going to be inherently toxic for a long time (yay, capitalism!), but people are doing a great job reclaiming it. These niches are a means of self-expression. You can learn to like yourself a little more this way. And, I think, best of all, it can connect you to like-minded people, and healthy, supportive relationships are so important to have.
6. How does inner confidence fit into your daily routine- beauty, wellness, or otherwise?
I’m still learning to like myself, honestly. But, I think my skincare routine, the time I spend on doing my makeup or taking care of my body, are things that feed into my inner confidence rather than the other way around. I’m learning to be nicer to myself, and spending a little time everyday pampering or taking care of myself reinforces that idea.
7. Are there any issues the beauty industry needs to address when it comes to women’s empowerment?
So many. I’m not sure where to begin. Again, the beauty industry is an inherently toxic, consumption-based area that preys on women’s insecurities. There is so much to be dismantled in this sense, including but not limited to implicit colorism and a preference for conventionally attractive people. What’s more is that, even in a space whose target audience is primarily women, white men still seem to have a leg up over their female-identifying counterparts.
Lauryn from @sunbleachedcurls
Photo: @sunbleachedcurls
The @sunbleachedcurls Instagram is a must-follow for the latest in luxury beauty and the most ethereal of golden hours. Lauryn’s account can only be described as “walking on sunshine” as bright optimism exudes through every post. Lauyrn wants you to know that you are beautiful just the way you are, along with every pore, bump, and blemish, and no marketing campaign should tell you otherwise. Unfiltered reviews, beaming smiles, and lush tropical vacations grace her feed, creating the most cheerful of Instagram beauty escapes.
1. What lipstick makes you feel like you can take on the world and why?
I love a classic red lip. It gives me so much confidence and attitude. I wore this look on my wedding day for that exact reason!
2. What’s your favorite aspect of being a beauty blogger?
I adore getting to chat with humans all over the globe that might connect with my page and message. There have been so many women that I now consider friends since we virtually connected!
3. Does beauty empower you? Why or why not?
True beauty absolutely empowers me. Beauty, for me, is about embracing myself and others exactly as we are. There is so much power in setting yourself free of any predetermined measurement of what you should or should not be. Having the confidence to walk through the world exactly as you are is so beautiful!
4. What is the purpose or mission of your platform in the beauty space on social media?
My mission is to show women embracing their real skin and the beauty that comes from that! We, so often, are faced with re-touched, filtered, and photoshopped images that can distort our perception of what is considered beautiful. When you see an influencer, beauty guru or cosmetic company showing you an image of their newest product, it doesn't do you any good to see that against filtered or photoshopped skin. Your natural skin deserves to be honored, and showing women how real skin looks with their favorite skin care and beauty products is my passion!
6. How does inner confidence fit into your daily routine- beauty, wellness, or otherwise?
Many people might think that embracing yourself and finding your inner confidence is a destination. But, having the courage to choose to love yourself is something we must do everyday. Personally, my skincare routine is my meditation. It's those few minutes a day where I observe my reflection and choose to overlook any imperfection or flaw that society might tell me makes me less beautiful.
7. Are there any issues the beauty industry needs to address when it comes to women’s empowerment?
Allowing women to see their real beauty! The beauty industry has a bad habit of altering women to fit their mold. Many times the models that are captured don't even look like the images that end up gracing our feeds, timelines, and magazine covers. We need to stop telling women what they should or should not look like. Every woman deserves to feel beautiful in their own skin.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.