Social media platforms hold phenomenal power within beauty, but their impact goes far beyond simple make-up and skincare. From non-invasive ‘tweakments’ to intensive plastic surgery, digital influencers are promoting more permanent aesthetic changes to achieve an Insta-ready appearance.

The Advertising Standards Authority has issued a ruling that beauty influencers need to disclose when they’ve used a filter to promote products. With people wary of unrealistic beauty ideals, they’re looking for more transparency and accountability across social media.

From augmented lips to skin-smoothing filters, online editing has grown subtler and more pervasive. And despite some people embracing a more natural beauty look, research shows that young women in the UK are feeling pressure to live up to the beauty standards on their social feeds.

Beauty guru Julie Schott’s Starface pimple patches are leading the charge in the skin acceptance movement. Designed to cover up and heal spots, yet remain visible, these cute yellow stars are lighting up social media and tapping Gen Z’s desire to resist ‘perfect’ skin ideals.