“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” as they say. This popular expression used throughout literary culture is widely credited to Irish author Margaret Wolfe Hungerford in her book “Molly Bawn” in 1878. After years of the concept of beauty being tested and shaped through generations, many have questioned the idea of beauty and its role during the age of the internet. Since the rise of social media apps like Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok, beauty trends have been hitting the digital scene instantly.  

As the popularity and rise of these trends flamed over the internet, the more specific they became over time. Around 2013 and 2014, one trend that swept over beauty store aisles everywhere was bright orange lipstick, an encouraging orange lip trend. For many, it was fun to showcase that part of their face with a bright orange smile. Now, in 2023, there are concerns about the way newer beauty trends perpetuate negative body image. Trends like “Clean Girl Makeup” and “Which Girl Are You” have spawned, focusing on beauty’s natural elements, some have been critiqued if they have more negative mental health effects than meets the eye.  

Beyonce Vasquez, a UTEP student and digital creator, worked with brands like Curology Skin Care and BeachWaver. Vasquez is from El Paso and recently moved back from a small city in the south of Texas for college. Vasquez was interested in the media and started posting on TikTok for fun during the pandemic. Never imagining being in front of the camera would be her new found success, but more importantly, she found enjoyment in posting more on Instagram.   

“I’ve enjoyed it, and it’s something I did because it was fun,” Vasquez said. “I cared more about how much fun I was having and how happy I was at a time when I felt very alone and isolated moving back to El Paso by myself without my parents. Everyone has a different skin, and I don’t think anyone should be forced to put makeup on or do something they don’t necessarily want to do. I post makeup videos and post about skincare because I have always struggled with my skin, especially in high school.”   

Vasquez speaks to the beauty trends throughout media and her positivity mission as someone with an unexpected platform.  

“I think sometimes these trends can be a little harsh on some people because I feel like it can put a persona out there for people to try and be different,” Vasquez said. “I have never wanted to make it seem I am above everyone else. My page (Instagram) is all about positivity, empowerment and me being myself.”  

Anell Hernandez is another beauty, cosmetics and personal care professional who goes by @anelldoesmakeup on Instagram. Hernandez weighs in on the significant influences social media and trends have had on beauty and its industry.  

“I was initially going to school to be a doctor, well into my pre-med with a few years under my belt, I was sure this was my route,” Hernandez said. “Later down the road, I had gotten chronically ill, leaving me with the result of memory loss, and the only thing I remembered at the time was how to do makeup on my friends, so I figured I would give it a shot since I needed money. Social media has grown so much in the beauty industry and many now have made livelihoods from social platforms, compared to years ago, we didn’t have these opportunities. Women and men are more comfortable in the expression of makeup now than ever.”  

However, Hernadez stresses the importance of being comfortable with oneself and knowing one’s true worth and beauty.  

“In my opinion, it is not harmful when we remind women (and) men that makeup should always be used as a tool or an outlet of creativity,” Hernadez said. “I try always to tell my clients that makeup should only and always add to the beauty everyone already has in their possession.”   

Beauty trends may not have a concrete look or definition, but it’s worth appreciating if it helps boost the confidence of a person and adds to their life rather than detracts from it.  

H. Catching Marginot is a staff reporter and can be reached at [email protected]