The Bold Glamour filter is proof that Western beauty is still seen as ‘the golden standard’ and I’m tired of it

It felt like I saw the exact version of myself that I once aspired to be, which is exactly what’s so problematic about this filter. I couldn’t help but feel like it set me back and all those intrusive thoughts came rushing back. Before you say it, no, it’s not just the makeup. As someone who loves going into a full glam mode, I’m no stranger to having a lot of makeup on my face, false eyelashes and all. But trust me when I tell you that I never looked like this filter version of me. The reality is that beauty trends can be just as brutal as they can be empowering. And guess what? I’m fine with not looking like that version of myself, but sadly it’s not always the case. 

“Filters like “Bold Glamour” can be highly problematic because they can make us believe that it’s possible to look like the filtered “reflection” staring back at us from our phone screens and that version of ourselves is more desirable than our actual selves,” shares psychologist and author Alexis Conason.

“This can lead us to strive towards this narrow definition of beauty and feel like there’s something wrong with us if we can’t attain it,” she adds. Alexis also notes that these filters can also result in the development of “pervasive body image dissatisfaction, eating disorders, disordered eating, low self-esteem, and other psychological issues,” underlining the kind of effect that they could have on our mental health. 

“Don’t be afraid to take social media breaks if you feel that it’s negatively impacted the way you feel about yourself. Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself or promote narrow, limited, and idealised versions of beauty. Follow accounts that promote body diversity, expansive and inclusive ideas about beauty, body positivity, and more,” she advises.

At the end of the day, beauty should be all about self-expression and celebrating heritage as opposed to something that puts us into boxes so that we can deem ourselves “attractive” to society.  No matter how advanced the technology gets and how many “impressive” filters come out of it, we should be mindful of the kind of messaging that can potentially come from glamourising something that could have a damaging effect on our self image and identity.

GLAMOUR has reached out to TikTok for comment and have received the following statement: “Being true to yourself is celebrated and encouraged on TikTok. Creative Effects are a part of what makes it fun to create content, empowering self-expression and creativity. Transparency is built into the effect experience, as all videos using them are clearly marked by default. We continue to work with expert partners and our community, to help keep TikTok a positive, supportive space for everyone.”

For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.