Nope NOT yOu

Beauty inclusively exclusive! 

This generation, often praised for its embrace of inclusivity, has transformed the definition of beauty by welcoming and celebrating everyone. What a remarkable shift!

But has it truly redefined beauty, or simply added more categories to an already exclusive framework?

A Broader Yet Selective Beauty Standard

Beauty has always evolved with society, reflecting shifting ideals through the ages. In the past, a round belly signified affluence and desirability, while later eras exalted boyish frames or hourglass figures. This generation, however, has taken a more expansive approach, blending diverse representations into a more inclusive ideal—though exclusivity still lingers beneath the surface.

Even today, beauty standards remain highly curated. For the past decade, slim women with minimal curves have dominated the mainstream ideal, despite strides in representation. While more people are invited to participate in beauty, not everyone truly feels included.

Dark-Skinned Women

For many years, the thought of dark-skinned women being widely celebrated in beauty felt like an impossible dream. Today, some progress has been made, but it’s selective. Only a narrow subset—those with striking or "model-like" features—find acceptance. Dark-skinned women with softer or more conventional appearances still encounter pervasive colorism. The celebrated ideal often involves a specific shade of dark skin, paired with features deemed "exotic."

Thick Bodies

The body positivity movement introduced the term "thick," referring to a body type that balances between slim and curvy. Celebrities like Rihanna and others have even shifted their physiques to embody this trend. To fit the thick ideal, a woman must have wide hips, a pronounced butt, and a moderate bust—all paired with a flat stomach. Women outside these proportions often find themselves labeled as "fat," regardless of their confidence or self-worth.

Plus-Size Representation

The rise of plus-size representation in media and fashion has been groundbreaking, with women breaking barriers as models, influencers, and entrepreneurs. Yet even within this progress, an "ideal" exists. To be celebrated as plus-size, one must maintain a proportional, "thick" figure while avoiding being labeled "too overweight."

The Media’s Influence

Despite the strides toward inclusivity, the media remains a powerful force in shaping beauty standards. Today’s ideal woman might be tall and slim, thick and curvy, or dark-skinned and radiant—but perfection is still the underlying expectation. The pressure to conform drives many women toward cosmetic surgery or other drastic measures, while those who don’t fit these standards often grapple with low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy.

The Road Ahead

This generation’s contribution to inclusivity is undeniable, but beauty remains a curated ideal rather than a universal celebration. True progress lies in moving beyond these narrow definitions to embrace individuality, diversity, and unique personalities. The hope for the next generation is that beauty will no longer hinge on societal standards but will celebrate the inherent worth and authenticity of every person—exactly as they are.