Messy Beauty
The world often feels like a chaotic mess and in some ways maybe its even filtered into our sensibilities. In the last two years in particular, we’ve seen the “feral girl”, “cluttercore” and “the morning after French girl” aesthetics gain traction in beauty and fashion trends. I’m inclined to believe that Lola Young’s hit song “Messy” is also aiding the cause. Some say it’s the cost of living crisis that is steering consumers to splurge out on the little luxuries in life. In this way, we are seeking more of a raw, unfiltered approach of that “lived in, squeeze every last drop of that precious [INSERT PRODUCT HERE]”, as the new status symbol. Gone are the days of the perfectly curated bathroom cabinet of the extensive collection of beauty products. Now we aim for minimalism, in the sense that, it’s quality over quantity and not just for looks either, but to really be used to the very last precious drop!
Maybe this current craving for raw, messy imperfection is a counterculture to the perfectly immaculately presented, unreal A I generated images we are beginning to see in the last few years? Perhaps its in response to the stifled perfectionism that the last decade of social media has entrained into us? Regardless, this craving has trickled down into our consumeristic habits and appetites. Or maybe, we are just remembering what it means to be human, that we are all flawed and life gets messy sometimes (maybe all the time).
Maybe we aren’t totally giving up the “curated highlights reel” but at least we are injecting a bit more realness, even if it’s a bit messy.
On this trend note, I thought I’d share a curation of some of my “messy” and more arty interpretations, in my approach at photographing beauty products like false lashes, lipsticks etc. In the back of my mind, I’m always aiming to turn what I’m photographing into a work of art, as life is about finding beauty in everything, even in the seemingly ugly and messy parts.
Feel free to get in touch for any enquiries to shoot beauty imagery for your brand, or requesting any of these as fine art prints for your walls.
