The Myth of Standard Beauty: How We Can Reclaim Our Self-Esteem

In a world dominated by media and social platforms, the concept of “standard beauty” has become more pervasive than ever. We see it in every image of celebrities and influencers—perfectly smooth skin, flawless figures, and lives that appear effortlessly glamorous. Icons like Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Megan Fox seem to embody these ideals, making it easy for us to slip into a dangerous habit: comparison. But behind these images often lies a different story—one that involves cosmetic procedures, filters, and carefully curated content designed to present perfection.

Here at Lotta Beauty, we’re passionate about shining a light on the truth behind the beauty industry: perfection is an illusion. Many of the people we idolize have had access to cosmetic surgery, high-end skincare treatments, and teams of professionals that keep them looking their best at all times. There’s nothing wrong with cosmetic enhancements—they can empower people to feel more confident—but it’s important to remember that comparing ourselves to people who’ve undergone these treatments can be misleading.

When we scroll through Instagram or turn on the TV, it’s easy to forget that we are often seeing the results of countless hours of work: makeup, styling, photo editing, and procedures designed to alter appearances. And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with people choosing to enhance their appearance in this way, it’s crucial to recognize that the comparison isn’t fair or accurate. Each of us is born with different skin, different bodies, and unique features that make us who we are. Comparing our natural beauty to someone who has had access to surgeries, fillers, or other treatments creates a skewed sense of what is “normal” or “beautiful.”

And here’s the thing—beauty is deeply personal and subjective. What one person finds beautiful might not resonate with someone else. Our standards of beauty are shaped by culture, personal preferences, and experiences. If everyone looked the same, we would lose the incredible diversity and individuality that makes the world so beautiful. Imagine if everyone had the same face, the same body type—there would be no uniqueness, no special qualities to celebrate. It’s in our differences that we find true beauty.

But the impact of standard beauty goes deeper than just the surface. When we constantly compare ourselves to these ideals, it can chip away at our self-esteem. We begin to doubt our worth, focusing on every perceived flaw instead of recognizing the beauty that is uniquely ours. This constant cycle of comparison can make us feel like we’re never enough—never beautiful enough, never thin enough, never “perfect” enough. And this is where the harm lies. Beauty should be something that empowers us, not something that makes us feel inadequate.

Self-esteem plays a powerful role in how we perceive ourselves. When we tie our self-worth to an unattainable standard of beauty, we start to believe that our value is based on our appearance alone. But true beauty goes far beyond what we see on the surface. It’s the way a person carries themselves, the energy they bring into a room, and most importantly, how they make others feel. Beauty is in kindness, confidence, and authenticity. A person with a healthy sense of self-esteem radiates beauty because they accept who they are and aren’t afraid to show their true selves to the world.

At Lotta Beauty, we believe that accepting and embracing ourselves is the most powerful form of beauty. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t want to grow or improve—we’re all on a journey of learning and becoming the best versions of ourselves. But true beauty begins with self-acceptance. It’s about recognizing that our imperfections are part of what makes us beautiful. It’s about understanding that we don’t need to look like anyone else to be worthy of love, admiration, or confidence.

Instead of focusing on comparing ourselves to others, we should turn our attention inward. What makes you feel beautiful? Is it the way your skin glows after using your favorite skincare product? Is it the way your eyes light up when you smile? Or is it the way you lift others up, making them feel good about themselves? These are the things that truly matter—the qualities that define who we are beyond the surface.

We need to shift the conversation about beauty away from perfection and towards self-esteem, kindness, and authenticity. The most beautiful person in the room isn’t the one with the most flawless skin or the best figure—it’s the one who radiates confidence, who is kind to others, and who accepts themselves for who they are. When we stop measuring ourselves against impossible standards, we begin to see that true beauty is not in perfection but in embracing our individuality.

At Lotta Beauty, we encourage you to celebrate your unique beauty, to take care of your skin and body because you love it, not because you feel pressured to meet a standard. Remember, beauty is not a competition, and it’s certainly not about fitting into someone else’s mold. It’s about being the best, most authentic version of yourself—and that’s something no one else can replicate.

We also need to remember that beauty is not something that remains static. Our bodies are constantly evolving and changing with time, whether it’s due to aging, health changes, pregnancy, stress, or even the natural progression of life. Our skin, too, reflects this transformation. What looks one way today may change in a few years, and that’s not something to fear—it’s something to appreciate. Every stage of life brings new forms of beauty. Our skin may gain lines or lose its youthful glow, but it also tells the story of our experiences, resilience, and growth.

Instead of striving for an impossible, unchanging perfection, we should embrace these changes and honor them. Our bodies, no matter what phase they’re in, are remarkable for their functionality and strength. Whether we’re facing health challenges, going through life changes, or simply growing older, each version of ourselves is worthy of love and care. So, let’s focus on maintaining the healthiest, most vibrant versions of ourselves, not by comparing to others, but by nurturing and appreciating the unique beauty we have in every moment.

As the saying goes, “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” So let’s embrace who we are, imperfections and all, and step into a version of beauty that is real, raw, and uniquely ours.