Hi lovelies,

Beauty. It's a market that is responsible for countless jobs, endless branding, and a whole lot of self-consciousness. Everybody wants to be beautiful, and through the ages, the definitions of beauty have shifted through cultures, societies and periods. In 1950s America, the ideal version of female beauty was all about curves; voluptuous women held the keys to the beauty kingdom. Look forward to the 1990s, and it was the exact opposite - it was all about being supermodel skinny. But whichever way the pendulum swings, there have always been standards that are impossible to meet. 

Now, in the 21st Century, we can look at beauty with more trained eyes. Women have stood up to ridiculous beauty standards, breaking down what makes us miserable about the beauty world. While there are still barriers to overcome, women are encouraged more than ever to embrace their own version of beautiful - and it's mostly down to technology.

Embracing disabled beauty
Disability activists have made disabled beauty a priority in recent years, with the help of incredible technology. Although having a disability has previously come with stigma and low self-esteem, significant steps are being taken to change that. Wearing a hearing aid, for example, is being embraced as a beautiful addition to a woman's body. Deaf entrepreneur Jenni Ahtiainen is the creator of DEAFMETAL jewellery, designed to embellish hearing aids as a beauty stamp. She writes on Instagram, "The Joy Collection is changing the attitude and lifestyle of hard of hearing people." The modern technology of slimmer, more subtle hearing aids combined with stunning embellishments, has enabled deaf women to embrace their disability as a thing of beauty. 

The power of social media
Everyone knows that social media is something of a double-edged sword. It can be easily used as a tool for bullying, and can be addictive too. However, our online lives can be a force for good when we harness social media's connective power. Using platforms like Instagram as a way to boost up other women, rather than bringing them down, has allowed body positivity to flourish. You can use social media to find tips on healthy eating and exercise, and by following other women who inspire you day to day, this technology can transform your idea of beauty. By tapping into the wealth of different shapes and sizes, beauty can come in; you unlock the key to your self-love. It's not about wanting to look like a perfect model influencer, but rather finding peace because there are a million different ways to be beautiful. When it's used right, social media is a powerful tool for helping women feel at their most confident. 

Conclusion
In the end, it's all about stepping out of your comfort zone and looking at yourself with loving eyes. Saying no to the voices in your head who try to bring you down is an uphill battle, but with the aid of technology, we're one step closer to embracing our beautiful selves, just as we are.