Natural, Enhanced, or Just Exhausted?

Mar 30 , 2025
By Kidist Yidnekachew

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As a woman, navigating the world of beauty and attraction often feels like confronting a maze of contradictions. My personal experiences and observations have led me to wonder how men perceive these complexities; particularly the gap between what they claim to prefer and how they actually behave.

A recurring theme is the contrast between men’s vocalized admiration for “natural” beauty and their apparent attraction to enhanced appearances. Many insist they favour a fresh-faced look, dismissing makeup, cosmetic surgery, and other modifications. Yet, in reality, the same men who denounce these ‘enhancements’ often gravitate toward women who embody these very ideals. While they may not always pursue long-term commitment with such women, they undoubtedly enjoy their company, attention, and presence.

This isn’t a critique of personal preference – attraction is, after all, subjective. The very notion of “natural beauty” is itself an enigma. Wouldn’t it be ideal to possess flawless skin, a perfectly toned physique, and a glow sustained purely by a healthy lifestyle? For a fortunate few, this is reality. However, for many, achieving the beauty ideals perpetuated by the media and reinforced by the multi-billion-dollar beauty industry feels like an uphill battle, often necessitating interventions beyond diet and exercise.

The beauty industry has long capitalized on the, selling an ever-expanding range of products and procedures that promise perfection. From luxury skincare lines and high-end makeup brands to cosmetic surgeries that claim to sculpt the "ideal" body, beauty has become a highly commodified pursuit. The relentless portrayal of women in media, often filtered through the lens of advertising, plays a significant role in shaping these expectations.

Women are inundated with images of perfection, shaping expectations that often feel impossible to meet. Perhaps if there were a stronger chorus of male voices validated and celebrated women’s natural appearances, perhaps fewer women would feel compelled to alter themselves in pursuit of an unattainable standard; one that can even come at the cost of their health and well-being.

Beyond external pressure, there’s also a competitive undercurrent among women, often stemming from the desire to capture male attention. When one woman undergoes enhancements and receives increased admiration, others may feel the need to follow suit. It's as if an unspoken beauty arms race, driven by the notion that desirability equates to personal fulfilment. For generations, society has reinforced – subtly and overtly – the belief that a particular aesthetic is a prerequisite for self-worth.

My stance on beauty enhancements – whether it’s makeup, cosmetic surgery, or body modifications – rests on the principle of autonomy. The decision to alter one’s appearance should be rooted in self-love and personal satisfaction, not external validation. If these choices stem from deep-seated insecurities, the real question becomes whether such interventions genuinely address those feelings or simply mask them.

Men’s conflicting views on “natural” beauty further complicate the discourse. If a woman undergoes enhancements or expertly applies makeup, and a man is drawn to her without recognizing these modifications, does that invalidate his attraction? If she “has it,” regardless of how she achieved it, does the method negate the appeal? It’s an intriguing paradox – many men struggle to discern natural from enhanced beauty, yet they are often the first to decry “fakeness” while simultaneously being drawn to it.

Consider something as ubiquitous as nail extensions. Women invest in manicures and intricate nail art because they enjoy the aesthetic, find confidence in it, and yes, often believe men appreciate it. Yet, the same men who admire a woman’s polished look, her elaborate nail art might question why women are “obsessed” with their nails. The irony is that, in part, women do it for them.

This raises a broader question: Who dictates beauty trends, and why do they hold such power? While physical appearance plays a role in attraction, it is far from the most significant measure of a person’s worth. Authenticity, kindness, values, and depth of character matter far more. Not every woman who embraces enhancements is superficial, just as not every woman who forgoes them is inherently genuine. True beauty – real, unfiltered beauty – lies in one’s essence, not just their outward appearance. Perhaps that is the kind of “natural” beauty we should all strive to recognize and celebrate.

Ultimately, the conversation surrounding beauty should shift from rigid expectations and narrow ideals to a more inclusive, individualistic approach. The beauty industry is unlikely to relinquish its grip on societal standards anytime soon, but we, as individuals, can begin to dismantle the rigid definitions of attractiveness that it perpetuates. By broadening the narrative and nurturing a culture that values authenticity over unattainable perfection, we might finally return beauty to the beholder.

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PUBLISHED ON Mar 30, 2025 [ VOL 25 , NO 1300]

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