The Unpublishable

The Unpublishable critically explores the beauty industry's influence on societal norms, mental health, and individual identity. It challenges conventional beauty standards, critiques the marketing of beauty products, and discusses the cultural and historical context of these standards. The newsletter advocates for a more inclusive and health-focused perspective on beauty.

Beauty Industry Critique Societal Beauty Standards Mental Health and Beauty Culture Marketing in the Beauty Industry Historical Beauty Trends Inclusivity and Diversity in Beauty Health and Skincare Consumerism and Beauty Products Feminism and Beauty Cultural Commentary on Beauty

The hottest Substack posts of The Unpublishable

And their main takeaways

Cosmetics ≠ Clothing

5385 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Beauty Fashion Style
  1. Cosmetics and clothing serve different purposes: want vs need.
  2. Clothing is a separate layer, cosmetics interact with the body.
  3. Cosmetic manipulation affects identity, health, and connection more than clothing.

Venus Explains It All

5267 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Art history
  1. The post discusses understanding modern beauty standards through art history.
  2. The author gave a speech with a PowerPoint presentation at a launch event for a new wellness section.
  3. The talk at the event was about beauty standards and was well-received.
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Madonna's Face Is Not Subversive

18730 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
  1. It's a misconception that aging gracefully is the ideal beauty standard.
  2. It's important to discuss and critique societal beauty norms, even when it involves public figures like Madonna.
  3. Madonna's cosmetic enhancements don't challenge beauty standards as subversively claimed, but rather reinforce and profit from them.

Old Woman Hands

15684 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Beauty Beauty industry Self-Expression
  1. The author reflects on her nail-biting habits and the impact of beauty norms on self-expression.
  2. Nail salons can present health risks for workers due to exposure to chemicals.
  3. The author finds a small reminder to appreciate uniqueness over conforming to beauty standards.

'There's no ethical way to sell products that target signs of aging'

9060 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Beauty industry Product Marketing Ethical Concerns Future Trends
  1. The beauty industry heavily relies on anti-aging products for profit, perpetuating beauty standards rooted in capitalism and oppression.
  2. Terms like "pro-aging" are just rebranding of anti-aging products with the same underlying goal of combating signs of aging.
  3. There is a societal pressure to stay youthful, leading to a culture of age anxiety and promoting unhealthy practices like using anti-aging products at younger ages.

Bite Me, Hailey Bieber

11733 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Skincare Beauty industry Self-care
  1. Skincare trends promoting 'glazed skin' may lead to damaged skin barrier
  2. Excessive external moisture can make skin more sensitive and prone to issues like redness and acne
  3. Consistent use of moisturizing products may weaken the skin's ability to retain moisture

Meet The Lipsdick: A Dick-Shaped Lipstick

12421 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Beauty Feminism Gender Art Marketing
  1. A lipstick shaped like a penis was launched, sparking discussions about beauty standards and feminism in the industry.
  2. The product's marketing as empowering and innovative is being questioned, as it may perpetuate stereotypes and lack depth.
  3. The controversy highlights issues with media coverage of such products, raising concerns about critical thinking and substance in journalism.

My Hair, The Bird's Nest

11163 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Essay Memoir Beauty
  1. The author reflects on her relationship with her hair and her grandfather's influence on her self-image.
  2. The narrative explores themes of beauty standards and societal pressures.
  3. The story delves into the complexities of family dynamics and personal identity.

Living In Dirt

7724 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mindfulness Freedom
  1. Take time for self-reflection and consider letting go of the pursuit of perfection in various aspects of life.
  2. Sometimes, finding freedom and happiness may involve stepping away from strict routines and allowing yourself to be more fluid.
  3. Allowing yourself to let go of control can open up space for new experiences and perspectives to come in.

ANOTHER WORLD EXISTS

10849 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Beauty Fashion Art
  1. Kim Kardashian's alien-themed campaign for SKIMS reflects a cultural beauty ideal
  2. The poem highlights societal focus on skincare technology and beauty standards
  3. It comments on humanity's superficial pursuit of perfection while longing for connection

It’s Hot To Look Ill

9630 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Beauty Standards Beauty industry
  1. Throughout history, beauty standards have glamorized sickness such as tuberculosis, reflecting class distinctions and reinforcing traditional feminine roles.
  2. Contemporary beauty trends like 'succubus chic' glamorize cosmetic addiction and excessive procedures, signaling wealth and conformity to beauty industry standards.
  3. The beauty industry often promotes aesthetic trends that prioritize looks over actual health, leading to a disconnect between appearance and well-being.

Eat The Rich, Steal Their Skin?

9394 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Luxury Fashion
  1. Fashion trend of "quiet luxury" is about expensive basics and signaling wealth without logos.
  2. Minimal makeup trend is about looking natural but often involves expensive skincare and cosmetic procedures.
  3. Trends like "quiet luxury" and minimal makeup can perpetuate class performance and privilege, raising questions about societal values.

De-Influencing De-Influencing

8471 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Beauty products Influencers Skincare Trends
  1. The beauty industry often thrives on flawed products to drive innovation and optimization.
  2. De-influencing trend may not substantially change consumer behavior in the beauty industry.
  3. De-influencing is essentially influencing in a different guise, showcasing the blurred line between consumers, influencers, and corporations.

A Hug In A Bottle?

7999 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Consumer Culture Advertising Social Issues
  1. Marketing in the beauty industry can sell the idea of a 'hug in a bottle,' focusing on consumerized experiences.
  2. Beauty advertisements can influence our perception of self-care and impact how we view physical manipulation for spiritual fulfillment.
  3. Industrialized beauty norms may contribute to feelings of disconnection, loneliness, and low self-esteem.