Society teaches women that they should hate themselves. Every woman has something fundamentally wrong with her — whether it’s her waist, her face, her breasts, or her bum. There are a million options for a woman to choose from when deciding what she will loathe about herself for the rest of her life. Hating your body has become an accepted and expected reality of womanhood. To understand how women’s insecurities have turned into a trillion-dollar industry, one must realize beauty standards in terms of class, race, age, and economics. Once you understand these concepts, it is easy to see that the industry that claims to support women’s self-confidence is little more than misogyny wrapped in a pretty pink bow.

The Effect of Class

For much of human history, the ideal woman was curvaceous and full-figured; love handles signified health and regular access to food. In ancient Rome, a fair complexion was ideal because it meant a woman did not have to labor outside. In ancient India, it was considered beautiful to have long, glossy hair — hair products were exclusive and expensive. The one thing all beauty standards have in common, past and present, is that they represent something only the wealthy can achieve. When only the rich can meet beauty standards that they themselves set, they automatically become the beautiful class. Until very recently, the rich were almost viewed as a different species of human. Wealthy people were considered the superior class because they had natural intelligence, beauty, and elegance that the poor simply did not have. For thousands of years, they dictated what was beautiful and what was not, so, of course, they made physical perfection something only they could achieve.

The Effect of Race

Racism has had, and continues to have, a significant impact on beauty standards. Granted, for much of human history, racism did not take the same form as it does today. The very concept of race didn’t formally emerge until the late sixteenth century (1). The Medium (2) notes that one of the ways colonialism retained its power from the very beginning was through implementing Eurocentric beauty standards: “Beauty standards weren’t merely aesthetic preferences — they were sophisticated tools of cultural domination that could achieve what armies alone could not. By systematically devaluing indigenous features while promoting European ideals as universal markers of civilization, colonizers created a psychological dependency that outlasted their political control.” Dr. Frantz Fanon (3) described this as ‘epidermalization’ — the internalization of racial hierarchies that led to self-hatred and cultural alienation. When one fundamentally hates their natural appearance and believes another group to be superior, they become easy targets for oppression. Beauty standards have been used as psychological oppression for both the poor and racial minorities for nearly 400 years, and these standards remain foundational to modern ideals.

The Effect of Age

In the 1950s, the ideal woman was a woman. She had a grown body, a mature face; she had a female body that had gone through puberty. But in the 1960s, with the rise of second-wave feminism (4), the United States saw the birth of childlike beauty standards. When women stopped acting like helpless children, the media stopped romanticizing women and started romanticizing helpless children. Suddenly, big eyes, small hands, smooth porcelain skin, petite bodies, and young blonde hair were in every magazine. Now, sixty years later, it is a trillion-dollar industry for women to look as young as possible. Women bleach their hair to mimic childhood, buy anti-wrinkle products to erase smile lines, and go on extreme diets to remain as thin as they were before puberty. This infantilization of girls’ bodies and minds has led to the vilification of women’s bodies and minds.

Love Yourself

Beauty standards are not harmless coincidences; they are well-thought-out and executed weapons. They are meant to elevate the rich and punish the poor. These standards intend to devalue and dehumanize whole cultures to glorify the colonial powers. At their most insidious, they attempt to make women hate themselves for simply aging. Every standard has been designed to control, shame, and keep women chasing an impossible fantasy that is not even their own. In a world of impossible standards, it is crucial to remember that they only hold power over you as long as you give them that power. Ignore them. Reject them. Remember, the strongest rebellion against these standards is loving yourself.

Citations

1. “The History of the Idea of Race.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 29 Aug. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/topic/race-human/The-history-of-the-idea-of-race.
2. Sadat, Nazmus. “The Invisible Chains: How Colonial Beauty Standards Continue to Shape Our Mirror’s Reflection.” Medium, 30 Jun. 2025, https://medium.com/@sadat99/the-invisible-chains-how-colonial-beauty-standards-continue-to-shape-our-mirrors-reflection-c0d8f24f3081.
3. “Frantz Fanon | Biography, Writings, & Facts.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 29 Aug. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Frantz-Fanon.
4. “Second Wave of Feminism | Definition, Goals, Accomplishments, Leaders, & Facts.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 22 Sept. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/topic/second-wave-feminism.

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The right accessories transform basic outfits into fashion statements that reflect your personality. Whether you’re heading to class, hanging out with friends, or attending special events, the accessories you choose tell your story before you even speak.

Match Your Lifestyle and Daily Activities

Your signature style should complement your actual life, not conflict with it. If you spend most of your time at school, choose accessories that won’t get caught in locker doors or distract you during presentations.

Consider your daily routine when selecting pieces. Athletic girls might gravitate toward sporty watches and minimalist jewelry, while creative types might love layered necklaces and unique hair accessories.

Identify Colors That Make You Glow

Colors have the power to make you look radiant or washed out. Stand in front of a mirror with good lighting and hold different colored fabrics near your face. Notice which shades make your eyes pop and your skin look healthy.

These colors should dominate your accessory collection:

• Warm undertones: Gold jewelry, coral, and warm browns
• Cool undertones: Silver jewelry, blues, and cool grays
• Neutral undertones: Both gold and silver work beautifully

Once you identify your best colors, shopping becomes much simpler because you can focus on pieces that flatter you.

Start With One Statement Piece

Building your personal styling approach works best when you focus on one standout accessory per outfit. These could be bold earrings, a chunky necklace, a colorful scarf, or an interesting bag. The statement piece becomes the focal point of your outfit, while other accessories should support rather than compete with it.

This prevents your look from becoming overwhelming while allowing you to experiment with different fashion accessories. You’ll also get more wear out of each piece since they won’t be fighting for attention.

Mix Textures and Materials Thoughtfully

Combining different textures adds visual interest to your outfits without requiring expensive pieces. Pair smooth metals with rough fabrics, or combine soft scarves with structured bags. The key lies in maintaining balance rather than throwing together random textures.

Experiment with unexpected combinations, such as leather and lace, or denim and silk. These contrasts create dynamic looks that showcase your creative side.

Care for Your Investment Pieces

Quality accessories deserve proper attention to maintain their appearance and longevity. Protect and care for your jewelry by storing pieces separately to prevent scratching, cleaning them regularly, and removing them before swimming or showering. Well-maintained accessories always look more expensive and polished.

Create a simple routine for accessory care. Wipe down metal pieces after wearing them, store delicate items in soft pouches, and rotate your collection to prevent excessive wear on favorite pieces.

Build a Versatile Foundation Collection

Your signature style develops over time, so focus on building a foundation of versatile pieces that work with multiple outfits. Classic items, such as simple stud earrings, a quality watch, and a neutral handbag, form the backbone of any accessory collection.

From this foundation, you can add personality through seasonal pieces, trendy items, and unique finds that reflect your evolving taste. The goal involves creating a collection that feels authentically you while remaining practical for your lifestyle.

Finding your signature style through accessories becomes an exciting journey of self-expression when you approach it systematically. Your style will evolve as you grow, and that’s exactly how it should be.

The post Accessorizing 101: How to Find Your Signature Style appeared first on GirlSpring.

Title: Beauty is in the Garden

Medium: Colored pencil

Artist: Serenity Johnson

If you liked this piece, browse our artwork section here!

The post Beauty is in the Garden: Original Artwork appeared first on GirlSpring.

As someone who does not have the time, energy, or expertise to style my hair, this has been my holy grail. I purchased the Revlon Pro Collection Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer and have used it every day since. It gives the voluminous look of rollers while saving you the time and uncomfortable wear. I also like to use it when my hair is in need of a wash day, because it gives it some much needed volume!

Heatless Curl Set – 8/10

Another hair tool that saves time and energy, except this one also saves you the heat damage! Normal hot curling tools severely damage hair over time and are seriously inconvenient in the morning. Heatless curls, however, are efficient, can be slept in, and are thus easily accessible in satin.

I personally use the Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set, which includes two satin scrunchies to hold my hair in place, although I do use a claw clip to hold the rod in place when I initially begin wrapping my hair. The process does initially take a while to master, but after a while becomes a great alternative!

Shaving Oil – 7.5/10

In a world where it feels like the most efficient shaving tools are made for men, a good women’s shaving product is worth talking about. After purchasing shaving oil for the first time, I can definitely say I do not see myself ever going back to any other method.

I spontaneously purchased the Tree Hut Moisturizing Shave Oil while it was on sale; I avoid paying full price in case it was not effective, but now I have no problem continuing to purchase it, because this is definitely worth it! (Keep in mind that body hair is normal and removing it is completely optional, so do not feel pressured to do so!)

Owala Water Bottle – 10/10

Even though it’s simple, this water bottle has possibly been one of my favorite purchases of all time. Featuring a lid that allows you to either drink out of a straw or turn it up to drink it, and a design that fits into a cup holder, it ensures that you enjoy the most convenient and efficient water drinking experience.

The double lock allows you not to worry about it spilling, plus, it doubles as a handle which makes it easy to carry around no matter what else you have in your hands. 

P.S. the variety of color combinations and only add to the fun!

Click here to find more beauty products you can find for cheap!

The post The Internet Made Me Buy It – Popular Products I Recommend appeared first on GirlSpring.

Gather Your Essentials

Before diving into your DIY manicure, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. You’ll need a nail file, buffer, cuticle pusher, base coat, top coat, nail polish, and a good moisturizer.

Having the right tools on hand is crucial for achieving that polished, salon-quality finish. Consider investing in a quality nail kit; it’s a one-time expense that pays off in the long run.

Proper Nail Prep

One of the most important steps to achieving salon-quality nails at home is proper preparation. Don’t ignore proper cuticle and nail prep. You need to set a solid foundation for healthy nail growth later on.

You can soften the cuticles by soaking your fingertips in warm water for a few minutes. If you want to, you can gently push the cuticles back and trim any excess skin. File and shape your nails according to your preference, then buff the surface to remove any ridges and create a smooth canvas for the polish.

Flawless Polish Application

Applying nail polish like a pro takes a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll never look back. Begin with a base coat to protect your nails and help the polish adhere better. Apply the polish in thin, even layers—three strokes per nail should do the trick. Let each layer dry completely before adding the next one to avoid smudging.

Finish with a top coat to seal the color and add a glossy shine. Patience is key here; rushing through this step can ruin all your hard work.

Add Some Flair

Why stop at basic polish when you can add some flair to your nails? Experiment with nail art such as dots, stripes, or even simple floral designs. Use a toothpick or a fine nail art brush to create intricate patterns. If freehand art feels daunting, try using nail stickers or stamping kits for an easy yet impressive look. Glitter top coats or matte finishes can also elevate your DIY manicure to the next level.

Achieving salon-quality nails at home is entirely possible with a bit of time and the right approach. By following these steps, you’ll master how to get the salon nail look at home, impressing your friends and saving money. Remember, practice makes perfect, and soon enough, you’ll be flaunting those flawless nails without ever stepping foot in a salon.

Now that you know how to get the salon nail look at home, what are you waiting for? Gather your supplies, follow these tips, and let your creativity shine through your nails!

The post No Cash? Here’s How To Get the Salon Nail Look at Home appeared first on GirlSpring.

Spring is finally here!! This means it’s the perfect time to share some joy and give out gifts to people you love! There are so many amazing cute gifts for spring this year, you may have trouble finding the perfect one. You need some tips on what gifts would be the best or the perfect-fit…well don’t worry! Here is short list of some of the perfect gifts for Spring 2024!

1. Laneige Lip Glowy Balm

The weather in spring can change depending on the day, and you made need to carry a little chapstick around depending on the weather. The Laneige Lip Glowy Balm is perfect for this very reason! Not only is the packaging super cute and would make a great gift just for that, the results from the actually product are super good as well!! The perfect gift for the changing weather!

2. Sol de Janeiro Perfume Mist

Spring time is all about flowers and the fresh air, and who doesn’t love the smell of flowers during the spring time! Well if your looking for that perfect floral scent all day every day, pick up some Sol de Janeiro Perfume Mist! They have a variety of different scents to choose from, and not tend to be as floral as others, so its perfect if you prefer that. This would also make the perfect gift for any of your friends or mom!

3. Brandy Melville Tank Tops

The sun is always out in spring, but the air can be breezy at times too. What clothing would go perfect with this weather…A tank top!! When the weathers not too cold and not too hot, and sometimes you don’t wanna wear long sleeves. Well, tank tops can easily be layered with a jacket, anther short, anything really. It’s such a staple and very versatile that everyone should have one! Perfect top for the spring gift giving season!

4. Owala Water Bottle

During this season it’s important to always stay hydrated, and what better way to do so than with a super cute water bottle. The Owala brand comes with so many different versions of water bottle designs that no water bottle will be the same. The color selection for thus brand also has a very wide range, so you can customize and personalize your water bottle the way you want! You could buy this gift for just about anyone and they would love it!

5. Linen Pants

This may be a trend, it may not, but it sure is great for this spring season! The linen is able to keep you comfortable even with all the sun out. The material itself isn’t too thick, for anyone that likes that, and can be paired with a variety of clothing! These also work well as lounge pants, but are perfect for going out to eat or just for an easy every day look! Everyone needs a pair of these for Spring 2024!!

For more gift ideas, check out this article!

The post The Perfect Spring Gifts!! appeared first on GirlSpring.

Do your nails never turn out as nicely as they do in the salon? For many of us, painting our nails can seem like a task better left to professionals. But we get it—that’s expensive! What if we told you that you’re not destined for a future of less-than-gorgeous at-home manis? If you think you can’t paint your own nails, try these tips. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised!

Brace Your Elbow on a Table

First up, stability is key. You might not realize it, but a shaky hand is one of the main culprits behind those frustrating smudges and uneven layers. Simply brace your elbow on a table or any steady surface. This extra support minimizes shaking and gives you much more control over the brush, making precision easier, especially when you’re painting with your nondominant hand.

Don’t Skimp Even a Little on Nail Prep

Prepping your nails properly lays the groundwork for everything that follows. Begin by cleaning your nails thoroughly to remove any oils or residue. Next, buff your nails. Then, use a good quality base coat to protect your nails and make the polish stick better. Skipping these steps might save you a minute or two, but it will also make your manicure last way less time.

Try a Bunch of Different Polishes and Finishes

Chances are you haven’t given every nail polish on the shelf a try, and that might be the reason your manicures aren’t turning out. Not all polishes are created equal; some are more forgiving than others when it comes to application. Generally, quicker drying polishes are harder to work with for beginners, while gel polishes or those with a thicker consistency can be easier to control. The brand matters too, as some are known for higher-quality polishes than others. Exploring different finishes to find the right finish for you is also important to ensure the best top-coat protection.

Cleaning Up Is Part of the Process

Lastly, remember that cleaning up is part of the process. Even with the steadiest hand, mistakes happen, and polish can end up where it’s not supposed to. This happens to the pros, and it will happen to you. Just have nail polish remover and a small brush or Q-tip handy to clean up any errant strokes around your nails before they dry up. This step can make a world of difference in the overall look and longevity of your manicure.

Try these tips if you think you can’t paint your own nails—you’re probably more capable of fabulous manicures than you think!

For more beauty tips, check out Beauty Tips Every Girl Should Know Before Age 20!

The post Think You Can’t Paint Your Own Nails? Try These Tips appeared first on GirlSpring.

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We all know the importance of sunscreen. Yet, some people still don’t know what sunscreen to buy. According to Dr. Lauren Hughey from Renew Dermatology,“Zinc containing sunscreens are the best because they block the most UVA rays compared to other sunscreens and UVA is the ray that causes most of the sun damage and skin cancers. Zinc is a physical not a chemical blocker so it literally reflects the UVA off your skin to protect your cells.”

Sunscreen for Outdoor Athletes

Therefore, if you’re an athlete, on top of spending a lot of time outdoors in the sun, Dr. Hughey recommends looking at the EltaMD Sport line because it will not sweat off. I also highly recommend this brand because I am always out on the golf course and my sunscreen never comes off and I never get sunburned!

And click the link to check out Girl Spring contributor Lauren Lindsey’s article on running as a form of self care! If you plan on running a lot this fall, this sunscreen will protect you from long days of harsh rays!

The post Sunscreen for Outdoor Athletes appeared first on GirlSpring.

A photo series pieced together. I have learned to find beauty in the normalcy. Everything makes a beautiful picture—even the mundane. And yes, I did stop in the middle of a bridge; be careful when finding gems!

Here’s more beautiful photography from our Girl Spring contributor Maci Jungkind.

The post Beauty Within Normalcy appeared first on GirlSpring.

Whether you know it or not, every girl, every person, has a problem, and nowadays you can blame society for it. Yeah, I know that sounds weird but it’s true, nobody is perfect, and whoever you see on a glowing screen isn’t perfect either.

News Flash! The trick is to be confident, so yes, still care about your personal hygiene, but don’t care about the color, length, or style of your hair. Love yourself no matter your flaws, because as much as you might hate yourself, you’re stuck with you. You got the confidence part down? No? I didn’t think so, here are some bite sized advice to help: 100% TTT {Tried, tested, and true}

1. Don’t tell anyone your crushes

I know it’s hard and I know the feeling of feeling like your going to burst with your secret, but to be honest, if you don’t tell anyone, there’s no chance of him or her knowing behind your back. It feels much worse then your I’m-gonna-burst-with-my-secret-feeling. Much, much worse, and embarrassing.

2. Don’t follow trends you don’t want to

It’s hard trying to know if you truly want something or if it’s just a fad rubbing of on you, but at the end of the day, you’ll know and if you really want it you’ll wait a couple months and it will be much cheaper in most cases. Also ,I know it’s hard not to be pressured by friends or classmates, but to be honest, some fads aren’t that cool when you look back.

3. Rule out the toxic friends

Yep, we are at that point where you might have been in a situation where someone says, “{your name}, I don’t want to be friends with you anymore. You’re too toxic for me.” Half of the time, they’re not “breaking up” with you because you’re toxic, but because there still are toxic friends; I’ve had them too. One even chucked a flashlight at me and said, “I’m done with you and all this drama, Zoe!,” when I  confronted her of being mean to me and a friend, while she was sticking her head in all the drama we had, even though nobody wanted her there. Then she ran up a hill and started singing some song. Yep…

To get to my point, toxic friends are people who don’t love you for who you are or look like and only are friends with you for their own gain {a free trip to the mall, popularity, or free stuff}. When you get to the point where you are going to confront a toxic friend, don’t call them toxic, because in my experience that will just give them something to gossip about.

4. Don’t let others determine your worth

This happens to every girl, someone will come along, a friend, a teacher, even a parent or guardian, and they will tell her what they think she’s worth. Whether it’s a good or bad thing, someone always believes this. The trick is to block that out of your head, because you are the only one who can determine your worth, and after you read this I hope you realize you are priceless, worth bazillions, even trillions!

5. Care for yourself

Caring for yourself doesn’t mean a jade roller or a $150 dollar skincare routine, it means taking a shower, wearing clean clothes, and paying attention to your bodily needs! Then afterwards, think about a skincare routine, mine is $40 dollars for a complete set and it’s really good quality. While you’re young you don’t feel effective on how you treat your body, but 10, 20, 30 years from now who knows!? You’re worth so, so much! Would the Louvre just chuck the Mona Lisa around? No! Take care of yourself!!!

6. Be trustworthy

You should be able to have a decent amount of trust if you want to have friends that tell you secrets. Show them that you care and don’t spill their secrets! Then they will trust you and respect you {I know that sounds weird but it’s so true!}

7. Be a good friend

I know we’ve covered toxic friends and trustworthy friends, but this is super important! A friend wants to know you care about them and that you understand, so if you want to make friends you have to be friendly to everybody, yes, even that kid {you know who I’m talking about!}.

When you get into middle school and high school, your friends will be dating, and to be a true friend you need to be there! {I’m not encouraging you to} Be there when your friend’s so stressed she wants to skip class! In high school, it’s literally a whole new world! You won’t know anybody unless a friend goes to the same school, but in most high schools, it’s hard to stick together. Having a likeable personality is like gold.

8. Coping with stress

School gives us stress, friends produce stress, influencers produce stress, and parents produce stress. I could go on and on, so I’ll stick to the basics. Stress is real. Mental breakdowns are real.. Some things that helped me cope with stress were to first identify how I would unconsciously cope. That might be stress eating or self-punishment. Second, I would try to created healthy ways to cope, like venting into painting, journaling, and writing. Third, I would tell someone, whether that be a trusted friend or an adult that I knew would stay with me on the journey.

9. Knowing your true self

So many people I have known have hurt themselves when they don’t know who they are and let others determine who they are. First, you need to realize you’re loved by someone, and that means that you’re worth something in someone’s life, thus then go on from there. I know this sounds silly, but affirmations help.

“I am loved,” “I am kind,” “I am worth so much.”

Thanks so much for reading! I hope this helped you realize that you are not alone in whatever you struggle with and that these methods help you. I feel like today, with so much influence from a world a lot of us don’t know, so many girls feel worthless because they have flaws. I’d hate for our generation to be raised like that. Lots of Love to whoever’s on the other side of the screen! You are not alone!!!!

Click here to see how Girl Spring contributor Caroline Whitney writes about staying true to yourself when society constantly throws labels at us.

The post Tackling What Society Throws At Us appeared first on GirlSpring.