Polished vs Natural: What’s Your Aesthetic

One of the things that hopefully we learn as we get older is that there is no point trying to be something that we’re not. We have earned the right, especially after 40, to let our style be a true outward expression of who we are and not a mask that makes us look like someone else.

And nowhere is this more evident than in the way we do our hair and makeup.

Starting with our own natural beauty, features, and skin and hair texture, as well as our personal style, we can develop a beauty aesthetic that makes us feel like the best version of ourselves. Today’s video is a little different, because I discuss the beauty aesthetic of several famous women, and help you determine your own, and where you fall on this continuum.

Polished Balanced Natural

Not sure where you fall? Ask yourself these questions!

Polished vs. Natural: 3 Questions to Determine Your Aesthetic

• Do your natural features lend themselves to a more polished look or a more natural one? Textured hair and skin, for example, can often look more natural, whereas sleek hair and high contrast coloring can look more polished.
• Which of these beauty aesthetics is more in line with your personal style? If your personal style is natural, relaxed, or boho, you’ll probably find the natural aesthetic suits you more. If your style is glamorous, you’ll probably love the polished aesthetic.
• How much time and money do you want to devote to your aesthetic? Polished beauty is by definition more high maintenance, so it might not be realistic if you don’t have the resources to dedicate to your beauty routine.

Polished

Kim Kardashian is the trailblazer of this beauty aesthetic, which is characterized by smooth, flawless skin that is almost glossy, dramatically defined brows, lush lash extensions or fake lashes, contour, highlighter, and full coverage foundation, a full lip, often nude, sleek shiny hair, and a dramatic smoky eye. Jennifer Lopez is also known for her polished beauty aesthetic.

Here are some examples of the polished beauty aesthetic.

Natural

At the other end of the spectrum is the natural beauty aesthetic, which can often feature tousled or textured hair, natural skin texture and tones, and makeup that is worn minimally and made to look understated and fresh. This is a girl-next-door look that is often easier to achieve. Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Alba are both glowing examples of this natural aesthetic.

Balanced

This beauty aesthetic is right in the middle, combining some of the refinement of the polished look, with the more effortless appearance of the natural look. Makeup is worn to enhance the features, rather than reshaping the face with highlight and contour, and one feature is often emphasized on an otherwise fairly simple face. Hair can be sleek or tousled. The French girl aesthetic, with soft hair, red lips, and otherwise understated makeup, is an example of this balanced look.

Identifying where you fall on this spectrum can help you embrace your personal beauty aesthetic and make the most of it! Are you polished, natural, or somewhere in the middle? Let me know in the comments!