Look, guys aren’t out here hating on women trying new looks, experiment all you want. But some beauty standards that blow up on social media or in magazines? They’re more for other women or the algorithm than for us. Here’s the honest confession from the dudes in the group chats: these ten things we’re kinda over, and why they don’t do it for us like you might think.
Super long, super fake-looking lash extensions
The ones that look like spider legs or butterfly wings; thick, perfectly fanned, and longer than seems possible. In photos, they pop, but up close, they feel fake and distracting, like we’re worried about poking an eye out during a kiss. Natural lashes or a good mascara are more approachable.
Over-contoured Instagram face makeup
Heavy contour, baked highlight, sharp brows, and that filtered smooth skin. It looks flawless on your feed, but in real life it can feel like a mask like we can’t see YOU under there. A lighter, more natural glow lets your actual features shine, and that’s what we fall for.
Super plump and overfilled lips
Duck pout from fillers that make talking or kissing feel weird. We get wanting fuller lips, but when they look obviously done (or migrate), it pulls focus in a “what happened?” way instead of “damn she’s hot.” Natural or subtle enhancement is fine but extreme just feels off.
Fake tanner gone orange or streaky
The dark brown that has become the color of the Oompa-Loompa or has lines on the hands and knees. It is always nice to be tanned like the sun, but then again if it is definitely fake and not matching the skin tone it looks so unnatural. A slight and uniform self-tan or just your natural skin color seems to be more healthy and beautiful.
Heavy fake freckles drawn on with brow pencil
The “sun-kissed” dots that look perfect and symmetrical in selfies. Up close, they feel staged and kinda childish like connect-the-dots on your face. Natural freckles or none at all are way cuter and more authentic to us.
Super long acrylic nails (especially the crazy sharp or jeweled ones)
Coffin, stiletto, or covered in rhinestones and charms. They look cool in photos, but in person, we’re thinking “how does she do anything?” or worrying about scratches. Shorter, natural, or simple polish feels more touchable and practical; we like holding hands without fearing for our lives.
Super arched, laminated Instagram brows
Those thick, brushed-up, ultra-defined brows that look glued in place. They dominate your face and feel harsh. Softer, more natural brows frame your eyes better and let your expression come through.
Dramatically colored contact lenses
Going from brown to bright blue or gray overnight is a hard pass to take. In photos, it definitely pops, but in person, it looks fake and a little eerie, like doll eyes. Your natural eye color is what we remember and get lost in, not the artificial one.
Overly bleached or platinum blonde hair
You know the super icy platinum that needs toning every couple of weeks to stay white? It looks cool in filtered pics, but in person the dry, split ends feel rough and damaged. Guys say healthy, shiny hair in any shade, even your natural one, is way more touchable and sexy.
Super heavy body contouring all over (legs, arms, even abs drawn on)
The full-on sculpted look with bronzer carving out every muscle and curve. It’s impressive as makeup art for photos or stage, but day-to-day it feels like you’re wearing armor we can’t get close to. Natural skin with real movement and softness is way more inviting.
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