The beauty myth is a selling trick that suggests women must attain physical perfection to be accepted, successful and happy.

It’s hard to deny that our society highly exalts beauty, as it constantly bombards us with a narrow standard of beauty that is almost impossible to achieve without undergoing beauty enhancement surgeries, purchasing beauty products, or keeping to severe diets and exercise regimens. This discourse impacts women at a personal and collective level with the emotional and financial cost of trying to attain an unrealistic ideal that is out of reach for most women. It’s time to question why women bear such a high cost for beauty.

The Emotional cost

The beauty myth creates psychological restrictions, making women feel inadequate, unattractive, and labor under the fear of being rejected or disregarded if they don’t meet the beauty standard.

The social pressure of looking perfect has an immense emotional effect on women. Trying to attain an undefined level of beauty is comparable to running on a wheel that never gets to an end.

With the emotional distress, women also feel the need to hold back from certain activities, such as failing to speak in public, pursuing other passions, or taking risks because they are concerned their flaws might be highlighted and they will be looked down upon. The intense focus on bodily appearance leads women to spend significant mental power on their looks, limiting their creativity and self-expression.

The Financial cost

The financial cost of the beauty myth ranges from products to clothes, gym memberships, and expensive cosmetic procedures.

The beauty industry is worth billions, and beauty products are often sold at exorbitant prices, making women believe they can only access a higher level of beauty if they are willing to pay for it. Cosmetic surgeries that promise to transform a person’s physical feature cost a lot of money, going up to thousands of dollars. Not only that, but women typically are expected to keep up with the ongoing maintenance costs of these procedures.

Gym memberships, supplements, and personal trainers cause a tremendous economic burden on women who feel that they are not pretty enough. A study by Refinery29 indicates that American women spend approximately $300,000 during their lifetime on beauty products alone.

Shifting the Narrative

Women are starting to resist the pressure to live up to beauty expectations. The feminist movement has brought to light the unfair pressures women feel to be perfect and has urged women to define their own beauty standards.

The beauty myth is fickle, and it’s a standard no one can fulfil. Women have rallied against it, with body-positive movements such as “The Body Positive” and “Project Heal” reclaiming the beauty standards that are diverse and accepting all body types.

The response from many has been that individual beauty is not only one layer but multifaceted, including appearance, personality, and experiences that make up who we are. By accepting and celebrating diversity and pushing towards inclusivity, women’s social capital will be opened up, creating strength and confidence within the community.

Conclusion

The beauty myth is nothing less than a trap that sets women up for failure. Unrealistic standards are almost beyond reach and place an enormous emotional and financial burden on women.

The emotional and financial cost of beauty is not just a personal issue, it’s societal and affects us all. By accepting and celebrating diversity, pushing towards inclusivity and individual beauty standards, the onerous cost of beauty can ease for all women to live comfortably and flourish.

It’s time to remove the shackles of the beauty myth to achieve a much more equitable society.