Laneige Juice Pop Box Lip Tint Review: Pricey, But 100% Worth It

Posted on 15/04/2026 by Boris Clair

We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI – prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

If you’re remotely interested in lip tints, listen up – because I’d bet my bottom dollar that I’ve found your new favourite.

K-beauty brand Laneige launched its Juice Pop Box Lip Tints in the UK in March, to a decent amount of fanfare online.

Well, I’m here to tell you that the hype is very much warranted.

I tried the shade Mocha Remix, a semi-sheer plummy brown. While at first it goes on quite thinly, looking a bit like a wine-stain (only more chic), if you layer it up, it soon builds to a much deeper colour.

This is ideal for me, since it means I can wear it differently depending on my mood.

Its staying power is seriously impressive – you can couple a few layers of it, eat a good meal, and forget about it for hours before you notice your lip colour hasn’t budged.

Unlike lots of other lip products I’ve tried in my time, you can apply it on the go without looking with total ease.

Aidan trying the Laniege tip tint

And what’s more, it feels super nourishing on the lips, thanks to the ‘Water-Oil Remix Technology’, polypeptide, and ceramides boosting the tint’s moisturising and firming formula.

My only minor critique is that, after spending most of the day wearing it, the colour tends to sink into the natural creases in my lips, and I like to add a quick layer of some clear lip balm to even things out again.

But all in all, between the lovely shade, the tint’s versatility, and how very easy it is to use, it’s an ideal option for everyday wear.

At £20, it’s not the most budget-friendly buy in the entire world, but it’s very far from the most expensive too.

Further to that, in my humble opinion, it’s worth every penny.

Protein Overload Might Be Sabotaging Your Hair Goals. Here’s What To Look Out For

Posted on 04/04/2026 by Boris Clair

If protein is a building block of hair, it can only be a good thing to load up on lots of products that contain protein, right?

Popular hair repair options these days include keratin, collagen, peptides and bond-building complexes that claim to improve the health of your hair. But don’t load up on them too fast…

While protein helps maintain strong, healthy hair, strands can actually become stiff and brittle when topically applied protein builds up faster than hair can handle it, leading to breakage, frizz and tangling.

Here, experts explain what protein overload is, how to spot it in your hair and how to rebalance your routine.

Why too much protein can backfire

Protein is made primarily of keratin, which gives each strand of hair strength and structure. Bonds, also known as crosslinks, between keratin chains within the hair allow it to stretch.

“Healthy hair is the state where this protein matrix and its crosslinks are intact enough that fibres resist traction, yet still show good elastic return and cosmetic shine,” explained Caroline Ruggiero, a certified trichologist and CEO at Truly You Hair & Scalp Clinic in Mississauga, Ontario.

But when protein-based shampoos, conditioners, masks and styling products – which are often marketed as strengthening or repairing – are layered too frequently, the result can be protein overload.

“Like anything, more isn’t always better,” said Emmanuel Mroczka, a trichologist and co-owner at The Hair & Scalp Specialists in Fairview Park, Ohio. “Hair impacted by protein overload typically feels stiff or straw-like, rough even after conditioning, prone to tangling and static and brittle – snapping easily instead of stretching.”

When protein-based shampoos, conditioners, masks and styling products are layered too frequently, the result can be protein overload.

He adds that breakage also often appears in areas that typically remain intact, such as closer to the scalp or around the crown, because the hair has lost elasticity from root to tip.

Protein overload can closely resemble simple dryness, but the key difference is elasticity. “Dry hair often softens with moisture and still has some stretch. Hair affected by excess protein tends to feel rigid and snaps easily, even after conditioning,” Mroczka said, noting that an easy at-home test is to gently stretch a damp strand.

Healthy hair should have a little give and bounce back, and knowing the difference can help you choose the right treatment and avoid overcorrecting.

Why hair absorbs too much protein

Chemical treatments, like bleach, relaxers, perms and repeated colouring, along with heat styling and UV or pollution exposure, can damage the hair cuticle, which is the protective outer layer, and increase shaft porosity.

“When the cuticle is disrupted, hair loses internal proteins and lipids, the cortex becomes more exposed, which causes more hair porosity,” explained board-certified dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon Dr. Divya Shokeen, noting that this is why hair absorbs products more aggressively, making protein buildup more likely.

When hair feels damaged, reaching for protein-repair products is a common instinct. While the ingredients in protein-forward products, such as hydrolysed keratin, collagen, amino acids, keratin peptides and bond-building complexes, aren’t inherently harmful, Shokeen notes that the real risk lies in overcorrecting.

“Damaged hair needs a balance of protein, moisture and lipids, not just high-protein products alone,” Shokeen said. Repeated use of protein-heavy treatments, especially layered in the same routine and paired with infrequent washing, can leave already fragile strands feeling even more brittle.

“Clinical rule of thumb: the more styling layers used, the more important periodic clarifying washes become,” Shokeen said.

How protein overload affects your hair

Protein overload doesn’t typically stop hair growth at the follicle, but it can affect how long and full your hair looks by increasing brittleness and breakage. “If protein-based products are applied directly to the scalp, which, like conditioner, generally isn’t recommended, they can contribute to buildup and irritation around the follicle,” Mroczka said. “Over time, chronic scalp irritation or inflammation can interfere with a healthy growth environment.”

It can also blur the line between shedding and breakage. “Many people think they’re shedding excessively, when in reality they’re experiencing mid-shaft breakage that appears as shorter hairs,” Mroczka said, noting that the typical daily hair shedding is around 80 to 100 strands as part of the natural growth cycle.

“When protein overload is present, breakage often layers on top of this normal shedding, making hair loss feel more dramatic than it actually is.” The good news is that this is often fixable once the routine is rebalanced.

Hair types that are most vulnerable

Fine, chemically treated and low-density hair are especially prone to protein overload. Shokeen said fine strands have less inherent strength and a smaller shaft diameter, which limits flexibility, so protein-heavy products can quickly cause stiffness and breakage.

Porosity also matters. High-porosity hair absorbs protein quickly, due to gaps or damage in the cuticle, making overload likely. This hair type benefits from occasional protein paired with consistent moisture and lipid support. Low-porosity hair, with a tightly closed cuticle, resists absorption. Protein often sits on the surface, causing coating, stiffness and dryness. “Low-porosity hair usually does better with lighter hydrolysed proteins or minimal protein use,” Shokeen said.

Because the ideal frequency of protein treatments depends on both your hair type and the specific formula, experts recommend following label directions closely for best results. “In general, I recommend intervals. For instance, one month on and three months off,” Ruggiero said. “More is not more.”

How to reset your routine

“First, pause all protein-based products, including conditioners, masks, leave-ins and styling treatments labelled ‘repair,’ ‘strengthening’ or ‘bond-building,’” Mroczka said, noting that in some cases, this may also include protein-heavy shampoos.

Next, switch to a hydrating shampoo. Gently cleanse the scalp, letting the lather rinse through the lengths without aggressive scrubbing, and follow with a moisturising conditioner to improve slip and flexibility. “A lightweight hydrating or conditioning spray throughout the day can help support moisture, especially on dry ends,” he added.

If buildup is present, a clarifying shampoo can help, but no more than once every other week. “These formulas use stronger cleansers, and overuse can strip natural oils and worsen dryness or irritation,” Mroczka noted. During this reset, limit heat styling and chemical treatments for a few weeks to allow elasticity to recover.

“Once hair begins to feel softer and more flexible again, protein can be slowly reintroduced,” Mroczka advised. “Balance is the goal, not eliminating protein entirely.”

Humidity-Proof And Carry-On Friendly: The 7 Curl Products I Never Travel Without

Posted on 11/03/2026 by Boris Clair

Travelling with a locked-in beauty routine is not for the weak, let me tell you.

When it comes to curl care, getting your perfect hair routine down pat is enough to make you feel like a Nobel-prize-worthy scientist.

It can take years of effort to get it right – trust me, mine did. And now, you’d have to pry my favourite products away from my cold, dead hands before I give them up.

So a little thing like baggage allowance isn’t going to stop me from bringing my essentials along with me.

Curious just what those essentials are? They’re worth their weight in gold to me, but don’t worry – I didn’t get into the business to gatekeep.

I Just Learned You Can Subscribe To Dyson Stylers From £6.24 A Month, And I’m Sprinting To The Checkout

Posted on 04/02/2026 by Boris Clair

Look, I am human, and I have a lot of hair. That can only mean one thing: like millions of style-conscious people before me, I covet every Dyson styler on the market.

Mind I say “covet,” and not “own”. That’s because the brand’s offerings are notoriously on the pricier side, and while my colleagues assure me it’s worth it, I’d rather not pony up that much cash upfront if I can help it.

So you can imagine how excited I was to read that refurbished tech company Raylo is currently allowing customers to subscribe to quality-checked, refurbished Dyson products, including the Dyson Corrale, from as little as £6.49 a month.

Less money upfront, and less waste? I’m sold (and so, it seems, are the 20,700+ reviewers who gave Raylo a 4.5-star average rating on Trustpilot).

You can pick from 12-month, 24-month, 36-month, and rolling monthly subscriptions. And when your set period runs out, you can choose to upgrade, renew your subscription, or return the device.

Personally, I’ve got my beady eye on the Corrale straightener, which is the only kind that has flexible copper plates which gather your hair together for better control.

It uses less damaging heat on your hair and is completely cord-free (like all refurbished Dyson products on Raylo, it’s rigorously checked to ensure it meets the company’s famously high standards).

Not bad for as low as £6.24 a month, eh?

But that’s not the only styler on the site. You can also nab a refurbished Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, which people who usually find drying their hair a plan-cancel-worthy ordeal have probably craved for years, from £6.66 a month.

And it’s not just styling products: snap up a refurbished Dyson V11 cordless vacuum from £6.99 a month, or a refurbished Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool purifying fan heater from £8.16 a month.

BRB, just reaching for my card…

Autumn’s Affordable Must-Have Fragrance Is From A Brand You’d Never Expect

Posted on 21/10/2025 by Boris Clair

We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

For many of us, the changing of the seasons each year goes hand in hand with something of a vibe shift. As the temperature gets lower and lower by the day, our desire for cosy comfort gets higher and higher.

Gone are the days of floaty, floral summer dresses and bright, zesty lip colours. They’re replaced by a renewed interest in things like grunge looks and leather jackets, not just to keep us warmer, but to fit the season’s overall mood.

And our appetite for autumn-friendly scents is no different.

If you’re looking to shake up your scent collection for the new season, Dream Glaze is a particularly great pick.

With its notes of caramelised hazelnut, sandalwood, and cocoa fudge, it’s delicious and indulgent, helping you bring cosy and autumnal vibes with you wherever you go.

Think that sounds like the stuff of costly designer, perfume house heaven? Think again, because this scent is part of the uber-versatile and majorly affordable Adidas Vibes fragrance collection.

This two-in-one body hair and body mist is ideal for everything from giving your tresses a scent boost after a good gym sesh to spritzing your clothes before you leave the house.

If you’d rather channel a different vibe to the comforting sweetness of Dream Glaze, there are plenty of other options to choose from, too.

For a relaxing mood boost, try Get Comfy, which has notes of vanilla, peony, and mandarin.

If you want to set yourself up for a great day, spritz on a bit of Happy Feels and enjoy its notes of jasmine tea, grapefruit, and cedarwood oil.

And for an energising hit of mango, sweet lemon and black pepper, spray some Spark Up.

At just £13 each from Boots, why pick just one vibe when there’s a whole spectrum of moods to enjoy?

Manicurists Reveal The Worst Things You Can Do When You Leave The Salon

Posted on 12/10/2025 by Boris Clair

The colour is exquisite. The nail art is sublime. You step out the door of the salon, reach for your keys and – whoops, there goes your perfect manicure.

A good salon manicure (the traditional polish kind, not the gel kind) can last as long as a week, but you can wreck it in just a few seconds if you aren’t careful.

Professional nail artists have seen it all, and they’ve got some smart tips for keeping nails in tip-top shape.

How Long To Sit Tight In The Salon

Once the manicure is done, you’ll be tempted to dash out and get on with your day, but don’t do it. Thea Green, founder of British beauty brand Nails.Inc, said,

“Plan to sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes after your manicure is finished. That’s usually enough for polish to be touch-dry, but not fully set. I always say: ‘Dry to the touch doesn’t mean dent-proof.’”

As Green noted, those minutes of sitting are only the beginning, and it will take some time before you’re completely in the clear. “Even though the polish may look dry on the surface, it actually takes several hours to fully cure,” said nail artist Britney Tokyo.

How To Pregame The Polishing

Before polish is applied, get your game plan for leaving in place. If you wore a coat or jacket into the salon, put it on now.

But wait, there’s more, according to Julie Ventura, Orly Beauty’s global education manager: “Pay for your manicure before polish is applied to avoid rummaging in your purse,” she said. “And if you drove to the salon, get your keys out so you’re ready to go.”

What To Do For The Next Hour (Or So)

This is the time to be super aware of your newly gorgeous hands, and to treat them accordingly. You might not realise how much you use your nails as tools, not jewels, as the pros say, until you’re faced with a fresh manicure and a cold can of soda that you’d like to enjoy.

“The first few hours are when smudges, dents and chips happen most,” Green said.

Here’s how to manoeuvre in the world with a new manicure, Ventura said: “Try to use the pads of your fingers rather than letting anything come into contact with your nails.”

The ‘Hateful 8’ Things That Ruin Your Manicure Investment

Here’s a quick expert list of the most smudge-prone post-manicure behaviours that you should avoid in the few hours after your appointment:

Digging in a purse or bag, which these experts agreed is the most common smudge-causing mistake. “Metal — like keys or handles — is especially harsh and can scratch glossy finishes,” Green said.
Hot water: “I recommend avoiding super hot water for a few hours,” said nail artist Jenny Bui.
Using nails as tools: “Don’t peel labels, pop open cans or scratch surfaces,” Green said.
Going to sleep: Even if that relaxing manicure has worn you out, be vigilant, the experts said. “’Sheet marks’ are a real thing,” Green said. “If you have a late-night manicure, be careful, because fabric imprints happen when polish isn’t fully dried.”
“Pushing buttons too hard, like elevators and phones, can smudge fresh nails,” Bui said.
“Don’t put your hands into tight pockets,” Tokyo said.
“Opening boxes messes up my nails the most easily,” said nail artist Bana Jarjour.
“Even changing sheets can cause smudges,” Jarjour added.

Products That Might Help

You may be able to request a product that will help speed up the drying. “Quick-dry drops, sprays and even fast-dry topcoats can make a big difference,” Bui said.

“I personally love using a high-quality quick-dry topcoat, because it provides shine and protection while reducing drying time. For clients who can’t sit long, that’s my go-to.”

“Lately, I’ve been recommending a polish brand called Dazzle Dry,” Tokyo said. “It fully hardens much faster than traditional polish, which is a big advantage. The application method is a little different from regular polish, and because the products are more expensive, only certain salons carry it.”

If The Worst Happens

If you’ve gone ahead and smudged that great look, never fear, because fixes are possible. “A great hack is to get a drop of acetone on the pad of your finger and quickly but gently pat the smudge out before the acetone evaporates,” Ventura said. “Repeat until it’s smooth again.”

“For chips, fill it in like a patch job instead of redoing the whole nail,” Bui said. “But if it’s really bad, sometimes it’s best to start fresh on that one finger.”

This Skincare I’d Never Heard Of Gave Me The Smoothest Skin Of My Life

Posted on 11/09/2025 by Boris Clair

There’s something about the thought of prescription skincare that makes me feel a bit anxious.

I love new lotions and potions (who doesn’t?), but my skin can be a right sensitive Sally – I’ve had some pretty uncomfortable reactions to overly-strong concoctions in the past.

Think redness, burning, tingling; all things you don’t really want your face to experience after trying something new.

Yet since having kids, my skin has changed A LOT. Its lost some of its elasticity and vibrance, becoming a bit dull. I’ve also aged because, well, I’ve gotten older (and had many a sleepless night, which I’m sure doesn’t help). There are more lines cropping up here and there. My skin doesn’t feel as tight as it once did.

I’ve been lucky in a lot of respects as I haven’t had bad breakouts or issues with pigmentation, both of which can crop up after having babies (cheers, hormones).

But it’s fair to say my usual skincare combo of CeraVe cleanser and a Beauty Pie moisturiser had been working very hard – and my skin still felt like it was left wanting.

I figured a change was in order. But where to even begin? I don’t have time to visit a dermatologist (nor the money, let’s face it).

I was intrigued by Dermatica’s online skin consultation offering, particularly as they provide personalised skincare tailored to your skin’s very specific needs (after you fill out an easy online questionnaire – it took me about 5-10 minutes in total).

You simply explain what you want to treat – whether that’s acne, melasma, rosacea or something else. In my case, I just wanted less tired mama and more glow get ’em.

As part of the online consultation process you also share information about your skin and what you’ve reacted to in the past. It’s pretty extensive – it’s also worth noting they cater to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, so if you let them know they can tailor your products accordingly.

Dermatica’s team then provides you with a specially formulated product designed for you, as well as other key products to help you achieve your skin goal(s).

In my case, I wanted something that was anti-ageing and would help give me a bit of a glow. I received their:

Caring squalane cream cleanser – a super luxurious cleanser that melts off makeup, doesn’t dry you out, and leaves skin really soft.
Azelaic acid/niacinamide lotion, which I’ve been applying after cleansing each night. I was really worried this was going to bring me out in a rash but it didn’t.
Nourishing ceramide + peptide moisturiser, which I use morning and night. It’s just the right amount of nourishing without being greasy.
Vitamin C 15% fresh batch ascorbic acid – I’ve been using this after cleansing in the morning and before applying moisturiser. It does tend to leave my skin a bit tight but I heap the moisturiser on after and it seems to balance it all out.

And that’s my routine.

My skin definitely feels brighter and tighter than it was.

Even in the space of just a few days after using these four products, I noticed my skin felt brighter, tighter and the smoothest it’s ever been. (Or at least, the smoothest it’s been as an adult.)

Honestly, my cheeks are rivalling my toddler’s right now for softness. I can’t stop stroking them. I’ve even had compliments from strangers (which never happens!).

I was very dubious about how well an online consultation could work – and how accurate it would be – however I’m pleased to report I’m a convert. Now to see if it stands the test of time…

In the meantime, if you want to try it for yourself, your first month of personalised skincare should be £24.99, but is currently £2.90 – so really, what are you waiting for?

This £15 Sunscreen-Primer Is The 1 Beauty Product I Can’t Live Without

Posted on 08/06/2025 by Boris Clair

In my twenties, I applied SPF on holidays and if it was a particularly hot day back home. But when my partner, then in his early 30s, was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma and needed surgery to remove it, I knew I needed to wake up and wear the damn sun cream every single day.

After trying many different products – lots of which triggered breakouts, some of which dried my skin – I finally took a punt on Beauty Pie’s Featherlight SPF 50/Primer hybrid (£25, or £15 for members). And I haven’t looked back since.

The product, made in Switzerland, contains ingredients to “help fight inflammation and sun damage”. It’s known as a non-comedogenic SPF, meaning the lightweight formula shouldn’t clog pores. I can confirm it doesn’t.

I’ve also never had sunburn on my face while wearing it, so I’m guessing (/hoping) it’s doing the trick in the sun damage department.

I tend to apply the SPF after Beauty Pie’s triple hyaluronic acid deep moisture miracle cream (£45, or £22 for members) and the result is lusciously luminous skin that feels silky smooth.

The primer adds a bit of a glow that no other skincare product seems to offer me and my typically dull skin. It’s not greasy, or streaky. Makeup goes on a treat, too.

There is not a day that goes by when I don’t use it – even those days when I’m sat at home, makeup free, I make sure that I slather this on my face after showering.

It’s pretty watery – so be careful when you squeeze the bottle – but it glides onto the skin wonderfully, leaving your face feeling hydrated and glowy.

There are 3,102 reviews (and counting) on Beauty Pie’s site. Here’s a snippet of what people are saying about the Featherlight SPF:

“Lovely product, non greasy and perfect under make up. Thoroughly recommend this product.”

“This was first given to me as a gift a few years ago and I have used it ever since. I golf and have had no sun damage since using this lovely, light cream.”

“This is my second purchase of this item. I love that it properly hydrates my skin and most importantly, it doesn’t leave white streaky marks!”

“Spent ages looking for a SPF that I’m not allergic to and isn’t greasy, this one is perfect.”

If there was only one product I was allowed to take on a desert island, this would be it – not even the Collection eyeliner I’ve been buying and wearing on repeat since the early 2000s could rival it.

And at £15 for a bottle that lasts roughly six months (maybe longer, depending on how liberally you apply it), I’m wondering why you’re still reading this article and not buying a basket full for yourself…

I Perform Revision Surgery – Here’s What Really Goes Wrong With Cheap Ops Abroad

Posted on 17/04/2025 by Boris Clair

According to a study presented to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) in November 2024, over 50% of individuals who travel abroad for cosmetic surgery end up regretting their decision.

BAAPS commented on the study, saying: “The findings underscore the hidden costs and potential risks of bargain procedures abroad, with Turkey emerging as a prominent destination.”

To learn more about this high regret rate and the issues people face when heading abroad for cosmetic surgery, HuffPost UK spoke with leading consultant plastic surgeon Elena Prousskaia.

The results of cheap cosmetic surgery can be harmful to our health

Prousskaia says: “As a consultant plastic surgeon with almost 20 years of experience, I regularly see patients dealing with the consequences of low-cost cosmetic procedures performed overseas.

“Many return home with results that are not only disappointing but, in some cases, medically concerning – requiring urgent or complex revision surgery.”

These complications aren’t simple, either.

The consultant reveals: “The complications I most often treat include infection, poor scarring, asymmetry, and, occasionally, permanent tissue damage.

“Commonly, these are for breast augmentation and body contouring surgery. These outcomes aren’t just bad luck – they’re frequently the result of inadequate preoperative screening, rushed consultations and trying to fit in too many patients.”

Undergoing surgery – cosmetic or not – is no small feat, and Prousskaia warns that doing so right after travelling is not advised: “In some cases, patients undergo surgery within 24 hours of landing, without time to recover from travel or receive thorough medical evaluations.”

Postoperative care is often overlooked, too

Proussakaia says: “When it comes to postoperative care, this can be lacking. This could include not having enough time to properly recuperate before discharge, being given inadequate advice to carry on recovery at home and not being properly schooled about how to spot complications.

“Often, when surgery goes wrong, this is during the aftercare – it is such a critical time to be well supported and informed.”

Getting cosmetic surgery in the UK can be more difficult, but with good reason

In the UK, she reveals, we are held to stringent regulatory standards.

“Surgeons are GMC-registered, facilities are inspected, and patients must be given sufficient time and information to make informed decisions. Overseas, standards vary widely. Some clinics prioritise volume over safety, and patients may not meet their surgeon until the day of surgery.

“Revision surgery is not straightforward. Operating on already-compromised tissue increases the risk of further complications, and the psychological impact – from regret to anxiety – can be profound.”

What to do if you’re considering cosmetic surgery abroad

If you are still considering heading overseas for cosmetic treatment, the surgeon recommends following these steps:

Verify credentials – Your surgeon should be listed on a specialist register, such as the GMC in the UK or equivalent in other countries. Ask about their training and how often they perform the procedure you’re considering.
Ask about aftercare – Safe surgery doesn’t end in the operating room. Make sure you’ll receive proper follow-up care and know what support is available if something goes wrong after you return home.
Take your time – Avoid any clinic that rushes you into surgery. You should have time to ask questions, reflect, and fully understand the risks before committing.

“Cosmetic surgery should never be rushed or treated as a ‘bargain’. It’s still surgery — with all the risks that entails. Always choose safety over savings.”

3 Influencers Explain Why They Still Use Beauty Filters, Even After Knowing Their Dangers

Posted on 23/03/2025 by Boris Clair

When the “Bold Glamour” filter on TikTok was created in early 2023, people were shocked by how seamless it looked, and that it wasn’t glitching like other face-altering filters. Despite everyone admiring its technological improvement, it led to an uproar online and offline, with celebrities like Katherine Heigl showing the shocking difference it made.

It’s been widely reported that filters on social media can create a disconnect between online and real life and lower one’s self-esteem. The issue doesn’t just affect teens — it can negatively affect anyone. The curation of social media leads many people to use filters in order to receive positive feedback, which then reinforces the belief that we should be relying on them, explained Natalie Buchwald, a therapist and founder of Manhattan Mental Health Counseling.

You can, of course, still use filters and have a healthy self-image, but experts advise considering the reasons you use filters in the first place.

“While occasional use of filters doesn’t inherently indicate low self-esteem, dependence on them can be problematic,” Buchwald said. “Maintaining a healthy self-image involves recognizing one’s intrinsic worth without relying on digital enhancements.”

Long-term exposure to a filtered image of yourself may create issues in your self-image, even leading to seeking cosmetic surgery to achieve that image of yourself. “Often called ‘Snapchat dysmorphia,’ it describes individuals seeking cosmetic surgery to replicate their filtered selfies. This can manifest in body insecurity and dysmorphia,” Buchwald added.

HuffPost spoke to three influencers who regularly use beauty filters to understand why and how these filters affect their self-esteem.

“I’m super open about beauty standards, filters and treatments on my page. I use beauty filters pretty often! Most of the time, while filming on TikTok I’m using one because of ease, and sometimes TikTok automatically puts them on your face.

“I prefer filters that don’t make me look like a completely different person. I try to remind myself that skin texture, blemishes, redness, undereye bags are all normal. Most things you see online are very unrealistic and you shouldn’t compare yourself to them.

“Filters did change how I saw myself. Social media is so unrealistic, so when you look at yourself in a mirror and you don’t have a smooth foundation filter on, it will look different. A few years back when the filters were heavier, I would wear a lot more makeup in real life to really smooth out my skin or contour my face, and I also ended up getting lip filler and Botox done because I was comparing myself to a filter that made my lips bigger or my skin smooth. Seeing myself with plumper lips or no wrinkles has influenced the treatments I’ve done. I still get minimal lip filler to this day. I’ve always been super transparent about getting procedures done online, even back then. Now I’m pretty confident in myself with or without makeup.

“Looking at the ‘perfect’ version of yourself can make you a bit critical of your natural features. Generally, being a content creator can make you critical about yourself and your appearance; with or without filters, I’m staring at my face all day long editing videos. This often will make you notice things most people probably don’t see.

“If social media removed beauty filters, it wouldn’t affect my content at all! I’m super open on my page, with and without filters, and always will be. I think I might put a little bit of makeup on before I film some of my content to make myself more presentable than I do now, but I would be totally fine with that. I think it would make social media a healthier space for everyone, including myself.”

“I use beauty filters occasionally when filming my TikTok videos, usually ones that enhance smoothness subtly without drastically changing my features. Without a filter, I feel just as confident. For me, it’s less about changing how I look and more about maintaining a particular style, visually.

“I wouldn’t say I’m addicted to using filters. They don’t necessarily make me criticize myself, but more aware of how different enhancements can affect one’s perception. I don’t rely on them to define my self-image.

“Filters can certainly influence beauty standards and make people more self-critical. I think that’s all a byproduct of being on social media. Unless people are openly mentioning they are using filters, it’s hard to tell. As consumers, we may assume these creators are like this in real life, too.

“Personally, using filters hasn’t influenced me to get cosmetic treatments, but I can see how constant exposure to ‘perfect’ images can create unrealistic expectations, which is why I make it known to my audience when I use beauty filters, rather than hide the fact that I am using them. I do have lip filler, and in hindsight, I may have been influenced by the ‘perfect’ images we see on social media.”

Stella Dadini, influencer and business owner

“I use filters that smooth out the skin very often. I initially started using them out of curiosity, and now it has become a habit — I do it automatically. Honestly, I have no issue with how I look without filters. The only reason I use light filters is because I used to have acne, and it used to bother me.

“I have created content without a filter many times, and I have no problem with that, nor does it make me uncomfortable.

“I wouldn’t say filters make me critical of my natural features, just that I liked how my skin looked without blemishes and acne marks when I had acne. Many women have been influenced by filters, trying to achieve this smooth image in real life. I know from some doctor friends that people ask to look like their filtered selves [via medical intervention]. However, that has never happened to me.”

What’s the best way to navigate filters?

Of course, users aren’t necessarily to blame; the platforms have to take responsibility, noted Buchwald. “Similar to how certain posts are highlighted as #Advertisement, the social media platforms need to demand users who edit their photos to add a similar #filtered tag to avoid skewing the public perception of what is normal.”

There may be some changes soon on that front, as TikTok is said to be banning face-altering filters like “Bold Glamour” for teen use, as these can have dramatic effects on the self-esteem of impressionable young people.

“Young people and parents saw the benefit in being authentic online and recognised the positive impact of belonging and connecting online,” wrote Christine Grahn, head of public policy and government relations for TikTok in Europe, in a recent newsroom statement.

Comparing yourself to online filtered images can trigger social comparison, explained Buchwald. “This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and diminished self-worth, as one’s unfiltered reality may not match the enhanced images presented online. It’s a competition where no one can win as there’s always ‘something else you can improve,’ which can be a very toxic mentality to have about your self-image.”

There are ways to combat negative self-image created by one’s online presence. Buchwald recommends a few different ways; seeking professional advice like therapy to foster self-acceptance, mindfulness practices and spending time in nature as a way to ground yourself and distance yourself from the bubble of the online world. Finally, avoid consuming content that makes you feel bad about yourself or even limit your social media usage until these feelings don’t consume you.

Interviews have been condensed and edited for clarity and length.

Help and support:

Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI – this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.

WellnessMaster

Get The Latest News on Holistic Wellness

Tag Archives: Beauty