In a world where beauty standards change faster than a fashion week runway, trying to keep up can feel like chasing a cloud. One minute, you’re obsessed with achieving the perfect beach waves, and the next, everyone’s raving about sleek, straight hair. Beauty standards are as elusive as they are diverse, and sometimes, it’s just plain exhausting.

Remember the days when being ultra-thin was the gold standard? The whole “heroin chic” look that dominated the 90s had us all skipping meals and squeezing into jeans two sizes too small. Fast forward to today, and it’s all about curves. Suddenly, everyone’s doing squats like there’s no tomorrow, and contouring has become a daily art project. But let’s face it these trends can’t make up their minds! They flip-flop more than your favorite summer sandals.

Then there’s the ongoing saga of skin tone. For years, lighter skin was the coveted look, with products promising to brighten, whiten, and lighten. But as the world becomes more woke, we’re celebrating melanin in all its glory. From ebony to ivory, we’re finally starting to appreciate that every shade is stunning. So why waste time trying to change what nature blessed you with? Love the skin you’re in it’s glowing!

And let’s not forget about aging. The fear of a wrinkle here or a grey hair there has driven many to stockpile anti-aging creams like they’re preparing for the apocalypse. But here’s the thing: aging is inevitable, and it’s beautiful! Each laugh line tells a story, and silver strands are just a sign of wisdom. Plus, who has the time to be 21 forever?

But perhaps the most frustrating beauty standard of all is the constant battle between natural and enhanced looks. One day, everyone’s praising the “no makeup” makeup look, and the next, it’s all about full glam. Do we want to look effortlessly chic or like we’ve just walked off a red carpet? The truth is, it doesn’t matter! Whether you’re rocking a bare face or going all out with glitter and gloss, the best look is the one that makes you feel fabulous.

So, what’s the moral of the story? Beauty standards will always be around, and they’ll always be shifting like the wind. But instead of trying to catch up, why not dance to your tune? Embrace your quirks, flaunt your unique style, and remember that the most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence. After all, clouds are pretty to look at, but they’re impossible to hold just like those ever-changing beauty trends. So, go ahead and let them float by while you enjoy being your kind of beautiful!

By Edima Columbus