Today, and every day, we want to empower women to make time for themselves, recognise their worth, and feel confident in the skin they’re in. That’s why we’re busting 3 common beauty myths that are bringing women down.

But before we do, let’s discover what International Women’s Day is all about…

International Women’s Day 2022

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women that takes place on the 8th of March every year. From politics to the arts, it’s a day to commemorate those smashing glass ceilings and breaking down boundaries.

It’s also an opportunity to bring attention to the issues women still face across the world. That’s why the UN commemorates the day with a different campaign or theme surrounding women’s rights each year. This year, the campaign is #breakthebias. It’s about moving towards a world free of stereotypes and discrimination, where differences are celebrated and valued.

At Mazillo, we want to #breakthebias in the beauty industry and create skincare that celebrates differences.

But what do beauty myths have to do with it?

We know what you’re thinking: ‘I’ve learnt about badass women from the past, praised my mum, grandma, and girlfriends on social media, and wised-up on women’s issues – but what does busting beauty myths have to do with it?’

When we say beauty myths, we’re not just talking about whether you need to double cleanse (besides, we’ve already busted that one!). We’re referring to the name of an influential feminist book by Naomi Wolf, published in 1990. The basic premise of The Beauty Myth is that, with the rise of women’s social power and prominence, the pressure of unattainable beauty standards has increased. Wolf argues:

More women have more money and power and scope and legal recognition than we have ever had before; but in terms of how we feel about ourselves physically, we may actually be worse off than our unliberated grandmothers.

She argues that myths around women’s beauty are trapping them in an obsession with physical perfection and holding them back. Although the book was written 3 decades ago, beauty myths are still bringing women down.

In line with the aim of this year’s International Women’s day, we want to celebrate Wolf’s work and address some biases in the beauty industry. It’s time to get myth-busting.

3 Beauty Myths Busted

1. Old skin isn’t beautiful

If an alien relied solely on films or television programs for their understanding of the human race, they’d be fooled into thinking that women just disappear once they hit 30. Wait a couple of years and they may return in the form of a sweet and unassuming neighbour, but until then they just completely vanish. 

That’s because media feeds the myth that older women aren’t as beautiful or screen-worthy. Women are supposed to look eternally young, fear birthdays, and lie about their age.  Anti-ageing products play on this insecurity too. They suggest a wrinkle is almost taboo, and you need to slather on products ASAP to reverse any signs that time has passed.

We’re not about that around here. We believe older skin should be embraced rather than shamed. Our Samodiva Ethereal Youth™ range is designed to care for older skin. It contains plant stem cells that visibly repair and rejuvenate skin that has been damaged or exposed to harmful environmental factors. The aim isn’t to magically make you look 21 again, but to protect and preserve your skin as you grow older and even more beautiful.

2. Women should spend ages on their beauty routine

Did you know that women spend on average 55 minutes on their beauty routines every day? Whilst it would be amazing if this was in the name of self-care, it seems external pressure is the driving force behind these long and laborious regimes.

A 2019 study found that people who thought women had a chance at attaining equal status with men also thought women should be spending more time on their appearance. Sounds illogical, right? 

When you unpick it, it supports what Wolf suggested decades ago. Women in high power positions are perceived as a threat to the gender hierarchy, and so, consciously or unconsciously, excuses are made not to hire them and to keep them otherwise occupied. They’re discriminated against based on their appearance.

There are two words we’re busting right out of this common beauty myth: ‘women’ and ‘should’. Our skincare is for all genders to enjoy because they want to, not because they feel they have to.  If your beauty routine is long, we hope it’s because you love our skincare so much, not because of society’s expectations.

3.   Women can’t be bosses in the beauty industry

Whilst women are trapped by beauty standards, they also don’t get much of a say in the industry.

If you look at the top 10 beauty companies in the world, 9 out of ten have male heterosexual CEOs, despite women and homosexual men being the main buyers of beauty products. When companies do employ women, they’re given roles with little to no influence over decision making. Not to mention unethical practices that exploit women further down the supply chain.

But if this myth was true, Mazillo wouldn’t be here!

We’re run by two Bulgarian girls on a mission. Working closely with small suppliers, we handpick each and every ingredient that goes into our skincare. Every product is blended, filled, and packaged by us in our manufacturing facility. We’re proud to be doing things differently and making space for women in the industry.

Help us #breakthebias in the beauty industry for International women’s day 2022

From outdated beliefs around anti-ageing to the lack of female bosses, we’ve challenged these common beauty myths. 

Now we need your help. 

Tag us in your Instagram photos and let us know how what beauty myths you’re busting this International Women’s Day.