Is It Self-Care … or Capitalism? with Brooke DeVard
May 2, 2025
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Brooke DeVard, a beauty insider and host of the Naked Beauty podcast, spills the tea on today's beauty standards influenced by social media and capitalism. She dives into the phenomenon of 'Instagram face' and debates the strange return of thin brows. Brooke addresses the industry’s obsession with unrealistic ideals and the need for authenticity. The discussion also touches on minimalistic skincare, facial yoga, and the ethics of beauty product marketing. Get ready for some unexpected insights, including a curious take on salmon sperm!
The podcast challenges the marketing of Botox as a preventative aging treatment, urging individuals to embrace their natural aging instead of succumbing to societal pressures.
Social media, particularly through the lens of Instagram, has created unrealistic beauty standards, leading many to feel pressured to conform to an idealized aesthetic.
There is a growing trend among younger generations towards early and sometimes excessive skincare routines, raising concerns about the potential long-term effects on their developing skin.
Deep dives
The Myth of Preventative Botox
Botox is often marketed as a preventative treatment against aging, but its validity is questioned. Many believe that starting Botox in one’s 20s is unnecessary and driven by capitalism rather than genuine need. Concerns are raised about the long-term effects it may have on the body, especially considering restrictions during pregnancy. The conversation emphasizes the idea that people should embrace their natural aging process and only consider such treatments when they truly feel the need.
The Social Media’s Impact on Beauty Standards
Instagram has reshaped perceptions of beauty, creating a phenomenon referred to as 'Instagram face,' characterized by idealized features like smooth skin and sculpted faces. This trend contributes to an unrealistic standard that can make individuals feel inadequate about their appearances. While social media has enabled a broader appreciation of diverse beauty types, it can also perpetuate feelings of pressure and dissatisfaction among users. As a result, many are encouraged to seek out cosmetic procedures to conform to these filtered ideals.
The Evolution of Beauty Standards
In the past, beauty icons like supermodels displayed a range of distinct looks, while current standards increasingly promote a singular, often homogeneous aesthetic. However, a shift towards appreciation for unique features is occurring, as seen in popular figures who defy traditional norms. The discussion reflects on how different eras have fluctuated between specific aesthetic ideals and how social media has accelerated these changes. This ongoing evolution highlights the importance of defining beauty on one’s terms rather than succumbing to fleeting trends.
The Growing Influence of Skincare Routines
Younger generations are beginning skincare routines at much earlier ages, sometimes even adopting advanced practices like retinol usage. This trend raises concerns about the long-term effects of such practices on developing skin. While it can be beneficial to learn about skin care early, there's a fine line between encouraging proper care and imposing adult-level expectations. The influence of social media on beauty regimens is significant, as young individuals often mimic what they see from older influencers.
Navigating the Beauty Product Landscape
The conversation shifts towards navigating the vast array of beauty products, and whether expensive items genuinely offer better results or simply heightened marketing costs. Listeners are advised to question the effectiveness of products and consider if they are being sold an image rather than a functional item. There's a collective acknowledgment that beauty regimens may need simplification, focusing on fewer, more effective products rather than overwhelming routines. The importance of assessing ingredients and opting for quality over quantity is emphasized as a strategic approach to beauty.
Is beauty in the eyes of the beholder, or in the eye of the Kardashian industrial complex? What is Instagram face? How do we all agree what’s in or out? And why oh why are thin brows back in?! Nayeema asks the dumbest questions she could think of to Brooke DeVard, a beauty insider who worked at Ford Models, Vogue, Ralph Lauren and Instagram before leaving it all to pursue her Naked Beauty podcast and business full time.
On the agenda: What products you need and which are scammy. Why (and if) gen z looks older than millennials. Oh, and salmon sperm.
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