Oviedo and Orlando, get ready Project Beauty coming soon!

February is not just a month about loving other people but also loving ourselves. We are beautiful. You are beautiful.

PROJECT BEAUTY, initiated by Thomas Nguyen, seeks to redefine the concept of true beauty, particularly for teenagers and young women. In the age of prevalent social media, where influencers and celebrities heavily edit their photos, the perception of beauty can become distorted for teens. The pervasive use of makeup, contouring, and photo editing in advertising, social media, and magazines contributes to an unrealistic standard that teens may struggle to reconcile with their natural beauty.

Are you concerned about your teenager spending extensive hours on TikTok and Instagram, engrossed in beauty and makeup tutorials? Do you want them not to worry about how they stack up against all the contouring, lip fillers, extensive editing? Do you want them to understand they are beauty just the way they are? Project Beauty is a great first step in that direction. Seeing images that make us look amazing help to build self confidence.

The stark contrast between natural beauty and the curated images prevalent on social media has become a significant societal conversation. Social media platforms often present an idealized version of beauty that is meticulously crafted through filters, editing tools, and makeup artistry. This digitally enhanced standard can create unrealistic expectations and contribute to a distorted perception of beauty.

Natural beauty, on the other hand, encompasses the authenticity of an individual’s appearance without the influence of external enhancements. It celebrates imperfections, uniqueness, and the inherent charm that comes from embracing one’s true self. The pressure to conform to the flawless images portrayed on social media can lead to issues of self-esteem, as individuals may feel inadequate compared to the airbrushed and carefully staged depictions of beauty.

In the pursuit of genuine self-acceptance, movements and initiatives, such as Project Beauty, champion the idea that individuals can be accepted and celebrated without conforming to the polished standards set by social media. Encouraging people to forgo makeup, embrace natural hairstyles, and celebrate their distinct features fosters a more inclusive and empowering definition of beauty.

Ultimately, the dialogue between natural beauty and the digitally altered images on social media underscores the importance of promoting authenticity and self-love. It encourages individuals to question societal norms, redefine beauty on their terms, and appreciate the uniqueness that makes each person inherently beautiful. Embracing natural beauty becomes a powerful statement against the unrealistic standards perpetuated by social media and reinforces the idea that true beauty lies in authenticity and self-acceptance.

THE RULES

• Minimal to no makeup. Yeah, I’m breaking the rules of the project here. Just keep it simple and clean. Skip eye shadow. Mascara and light eyeliner is cool. Chapstick or a little gloss but nothing with pigment.
• For wardrobe, let’s keep it simple. Your favorite jeans and a comfortable top. No need to buy anything new, you’ve got all you need in your closet already. I will say, iron please. I don’t edit wrinkled clothing ever…
• Do whatever you want with your hair. But like with the makeup, keep it simple!
• No retouching or editing of photos; emphasis on showcasing the natural beauty and confidence of each participant. But I will edit out acne and pimples on a limited basis.

THE SESSION

• Very casual, very laidback
• 5-10 minutes depending on teen
• Be on time!
• Images will be place in an online gallery. Each participant will get 2 images from this Project.
• It’s FREE! So be kind, be patient! I promise I will do my best to get everyone in and make everyone happy!