The adverts, both for foundations, used airbrushing to retouch the images and as a result, the claims regarding the effectiveness of the products were called into question. After all, they were suggesting that the bases can be used to reduce the appearance of imperfections. The adverts can no longer be shown in their original format.
I have to admit that I tend to assume that airbrushing, false lashes and hair extensions are used as the norm in beauty advertising so I'm surprised that the ASA has taken such a stance on this occasion.
Yes, there should be more honesty in beauty ads, for two reasons. One, some of the airbrushing is so ridiculous that it makes the women look alien-like. It's just getting out of hand. And two, the standards of beauty have become too extreme. According to these ads, a woman has to be stick thin, young, have the most perfect skin, high cheek bones, and look like a movie star/model in order to be considered a beauty. So, yes, I vote for more honesty in these ads.
ReplyDeleteThe Lancome ad with Julia Roberts is really obviously airbrushed. She must be last 40's and to have skin like that, surely no one would really think it's just due to the foundation? x
ReplyDeleteI always thought air brushing was useful for makeup that wasn't perfect like a wonky lip line or mascara that strayed too far south but this is beyond stupid.
ReplyDeleteThis is why reading beauty blogs has become so important as there is the honesty in the before's and after's.