Though still in her teens, Lorde has managed to take a very sophisticated stance on media influence on body image that has become a fantastic example to young women. The New Zealand high-school student, whose real name is Ella Yelich-O’Connor, has been a fast success in an industry notorious for exploiting young talent. But the self-aware and confidant teenager has already begun blazing her own trail; making Forbes list of: “30 Under 30” (young people) “who are changing our world,” and Time magazines list of “The 25 Most Influential Teens of 2014.”
Lorde is a self-identified feminist, who told Teen Vogue: “There are a lot of expectations in this industry about looking a certain way and having a certain kind of appeal.”
Saying she gets labeled as ‘the grumpy girl,’ she released a two-piece make-up limited edition collection in collaboration with MAC Cosmetics, consisting of a lipstick titled after her debut album, Pure Heroine, and an eyeliner. And while she clearly enjoys a bit of drama in make-up and clothing, the musician has posted pictures of herself via social media while she’s getting ready for bed, like any normal girl, with pimple cream on her makeup-free face.
After airbrushed pictures turned up of her at the Lollapalooza festival in Santiago, Chile, she posted a non-photoshopped picture alongside the altered one, with the caption, “I find this curious – two photos from today, one edited so my skin is perfect and one real. Remember flaws are ok.”
Not only is Lorde comfortable pointing out her flaws, she’s making these statements for almost 1.5 million Twitter followers to see.
Media influence on body image is challenging enterprise to arm oneself against, but the young singer has, in such a short time, managed to make such a brave and down to earth example for young women today. The message Lorde shares, is that beauty and confidence don’t come from looking perfect, but in being true to who you are.
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