This is Beauty
ZAIN SHAH
Actor, Model, Make-Up Artist, and Influencer
“As a young person, I was consumed by Eurocentric standards of beauty. Like many, I had been told that I wasn’t good enough. I have come a long way, but I remember wanting to get a nose job. I thought it was too big and looked ‘beaky’ in photographs. I was never been criticised for it, but that didn’t stop me from being overly critical about myself and indulging in self-loathing.
I believe that mainstream media is guilty of making us feel that way… and of under-representing so many communities! Brands don’t feature enough people of colour, and magazines certainly do not celebrate all body shapes. We need to start diversifying all forms of media, to ensure a wider range of representation for men, women, and gender nonbinary people. Many fashion and beauty brands are still not inclusive enough. They need to look beyond tokenism and be authentically diverse by sharing their platform with all races, skin tones, and genders. We do not look the same, and it’s time we celebrated our differences. Thankfully, stories of queer people of colour and artists are shared on social media. It is a double-edged sword, though. Joining social media has made me even more conscious about my body and features, but it has also forced me to face my insecurities. It helped me realise that if I don’t accept myself, how can I convince others to do so? I think it is important to understand that you are more than your body. To me, self-love is rooted in compassion and a true understanding of oneself. I now look beyond the stereotypical definition of ‘attractive’ and see beauty in everything and everyone. I am so proud of all the talented South Asian creators who are finally getting the recognition they deserve. I choose to surround myself with people who love and accept unconditionally. Today, I am learning to set my own beauty standards, choosing what voices I want to give my attention to, and letting go of societal expectations. I am defining beauty for myself.”
EKTA RAJANI
Stylist and Creative Consultant
“As a teen,
