Millennial's Observation About 90s Celebrity Beauty Standards Sparks Debate

Newsweek - Apr 2nd, 2025
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Gabija Stonys, founder of organic skincare brand Kai Tallow, has sparked a viral conversation on Instagram by criticizing modern beauty standards. She contrasts today's 'Instagram face'—marked by flawless, edited appearances—with the individuality celebrated in the 90s, featuring distinct features and natural skin textures. Stonys' video, which has garnered over 1.4 million views, highlights the pressure to conform to a singular, curated look, affecting self-perception and self-worth. She advocates for embracing uniqueness over the current trend of uniformity driven by social media filters and cosmetic enhancements.

The discussion has drawn attention from beauty experts like Laura Kay and Dr. Ducu, who agree that social media has profoundly shifted beauty norms toward a homogenized ideal. While some appreciate the aesthetic control that cosmetic procedures offer, others mourn the loss of individuality and the unrealistic expectations set by these standards. Dermatologist David Johnson notes the growing demand for poreless, texture-free skin and warns against overdoing treatments. Stonys' message resonates with many who yearn for a return to the diverse beauty celebrated in past decades, sparking a broader debate on personal identity and self-acceptance in the digital age.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a thought-provoking examination of the shift in beauty standards from the 90s to the present, with a particular focus on the influence of social media. It successfully engages readers by addressing a relevant and relatable topic, supported by expert insights and public reactions. The story is well-written and accessible, though it could benefit from more diverse perspectives and empirical data to enhance accuracy and balance. Overall, the article effectively contributes to the ongoing discourse on individuality and conformity in beauty, encouraging readers to reflect on their perceptions and the societal norms that influence them.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The story makes several claims about the shift in beauty standards from the 90s to the present, focusing on the concept of 'Instagram face' and the loss of individuality. While the general sentiment is supported by expert opinions, specific claims about the prevalence of cosmetic procedures and the uniformity of modern beauty standards would benefit from statistical data to enhance factual accuracy. The story mentions the popularity of Gabija Stonys' video, citing specific engagement metrics, which adds a layer of verifiability. However, claims about the distinct features of 90s celebrities and their impact on contemporary beauty standards lack direct evidence or comparative analysis, which would strengthen the article's accuracy.

7
Balance

The article provides a balanced view by presenting both the critique of modern beauty standards and the expert insights that support these observations. It includes opinions from beauty experts and dermatologists, which adds depth to the discussion. However, the story predominantly focuses on the negative aspects of current beauty trends without offering perspectives that might defend or explain the reasons behind the popularity of such trends. Including voices from individuals who embrace modern beauty standards could provide a more comprehensive view.

8
Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical structure that guides the reader through the main points. The language is straightforward, making the content accessible to a general audience. The use of direct quotes from sources enhances clarity by providing firsthand insights. However, some terms, like 'Instagram face,' could be better defined for readers unfamiliar with the concept.

8
Source quality

The article cites credible sources, including beauty experts and dermatologists, which lends authority to the claims made. The inclusion of Gabija Stonys' perspective, as the founder of an organic skincare brand, adds a personal and professional viewpoint. However, the story could benefit from a broader range of sources, such as academic studies or industry reports, to provide a more robust foundation for the claims about social media's impact on beauty standards.

6
Transparency

The article is transparent in attributing quotes and opinions to specific individuals, such as Gabija Stonys and experts like Laura Kay. However, it lacks detailed explanation of the methodology behind the claims, particularly those related to the impact of social media on beauty standards. Providing more context about how these conclusions were drawn or referencing studies that support these views would enhance transparency.

Sources

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithuania