Beauty Standards Built on Secrets

Remix Magazine  

Kylie Jenner posing for Remix Magazine's cover page, 

which included an exclusive interview and photo shoot. 

“Tell us her secret. How does she get these beautiful lips,” asked Remix Magazine editor Steven Fernandez.

Kylie Jenner responded, “Um, well the color? Everyone thinks I use like one certain color, so I use like six different colors all the time, so yeah.”

Thanks, Kylie, very insightful. Or should I say avoidant? 

Kylie Jenner swore by lip shading and lining back in 2015 when her pout became a cultural obsession. Girls ran to buy her lip kits, desperate to recreate what they didn’t know was actually the work of injectable filler. When the truth finally came out that she had been getting lip injections all along, it wasn’t just disappointing. It was damaging.

We live in an age where beauty is big business, and the people selling it often aren't being honest. 

Influencers and celebrities push products, routines and lifestyles while hiding the actual tools they use to achieve their looks. Whether it's injectables, surgery or filters so advanced they reshape their faces in real-time, the public rarely ever sees the full picture. 

YouTube
A YouTube video posted four years ago by an account known as "Diana Diary
Blog" recommending and encouraging viewers to edit their Instagram posts.

The result? A generation of young girls growing up with a warped idea of what’s real and natural.

At the height of Kylie’s lip kit empire, she insisted that she hadn’t had any work done. Interviews, social media posts and even her own family played into the mystery. She credited her dramatic transformation to makeup techniques such as liner, gloss and the occasional overdraw. 

Millions of teens bought in. Her products flew off the shelves, and her image became the new standard of beauty. All while the real transformation came from needles, not lip pencils.

When she finally admitted to using lip fillers, the damage had already been done. Her brand had skyrocketed, her influence was cemented and girls everywhere had spent months trying to achieve something physically impossible without cosmetic help. That kind of deception might seem minor in the world of celebrity branding, but its ripple effects are massive.

Reddit

A side-by-side comparison of Kylie's face/body modifications.

With Kylie, it didn’t stop at the lips. For years, she has been the poster child for the hourglass figure–tiny waist, wide hips and a curvy backside. 

This became the new body ideal across social media, heavily influencing fashion, fitness and body image standards. Yet, she never acknowledged the possibility of getting a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), a procedure many speculate she had. She credited her shape to squats and clever clothing choices, despite her body changing dramatically in a short span of time. 

And just like with her lips, her silence spoke volumes.

The message? You can buy this look–if not with money, then with effort. But what’s left unsaid is that many of these transformations weren’t the result of makeup, workouts or waist trainers. 

They were the result of cosmetic procedures, kept secret to maintain the illusion of perfection through “natural” means. When that illusion is sold as reality, it’s not just misleading–it’s manipulative.

Kylie isn’t alone in this deceit. 

Aesthetic Center Turkey
A side-by-side comparison of Bella Hadid's facial modifications.

Another major example is supermodel Bella Hadid. For years, Bella denied getting any cosmetic procedures, insisting that her famously sculpted face was all natural. Then in 2022, she admitted in an interview that she had a nose job at the age of 14. That admission came after years of denial and speculation.

The problem isn’t about whether Bella or Kylie got work done. It’s about how they both denied it.

The harm in this isn’t just about insecurity. It's about selling a lie and profiting from it. If you’re promoting a product that “gave you” smooth skin or plump cheeks, but you actually got that look from a doctor’s office, you’re misleading people and making money off their confusion. 

It's like airbrushing a before-and-after photo in a weight loss ad. It's unethical and dangerous for young, impressionable audiences.

Vecteezy

According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 75% of surgeons reported an increase in patients under 30 in recent years. That’s not a coincidence. 

Teens and young adults are seeing unrealistic faces online and internalizing those images as goals. Not because they want to look like a specific celebrity, but because they think that look is natural and normal. 

It’s not.

This isn't about shaming people for getting cosmetic work. Everyone has the right to make choices about their body. The issue is the secrecy and denial that surrounds it. 

Honesty creates space for informed decisions. It also helps separate beauty from fantasy. When people admit they’ve had help, it reminds the rest of us that perfection isn’t a personal failure–it’s often a paycheck.

We need more transparency. Not just from the Kardashians of the world, but from the everyday influencers selling us products, routines, and aesthetics. 

Moriah Behavioral Health

Three adolescent girls use their phones to scroll through social media, unaware of the potential dangers.

Young girls shouldn’t have to decode what’s real and what’s edited. They shouldn’t feel like they’re falling short when the goalpost is moved by a scalpel behind the scenes.

So the next time you see someone promoting a miracle serum or a DIY contour trick that somehow gives them a whole new face, ask yourself: What aren’t they telling me? 

The White Lotus: A Beautiful Nightmare

The McGill Daily

It begins in paradise and ends in death, but the mystery isn't really about who dies–it's how everything falls apart along the way.

"The White Lotus" is a show about privilege, power and how everything can fall apart in the most beautiful places. The series follows a new group of vacationers each season who seem to have everything in life but still manage to find ways to be miserable. 

Each season is set at a different luxury resort, and while the scenery changes, the formula stays the same: a group of entitled guests show up, and over the course of a week, their facades begin to crack. It’s not a whodunit—it’s a slow unraveling of secrets and lies that quietly push everything over the edge.

Across three seasons, "The White Lotus" proves that money can’t buy self-awareness or a peaceful vacation.

Season One:

Rotten Tomatoes

Set in Hawaii, this season follows newlyweds, dysfunctional families, and solo guests with intense emotional baggage. Meanwhile, the hotel staff is barely holding it together, especially the manager, who starts spiraling. 

Shane and Rachel are honeymooning but already fighting. He’s obsessed with status, and she’s questioning her whole life, especially her decision to marry him. Tanya, a wealthy guest dealing with grief, latches onto spa worker Belinda for emotional support but ends up treating her poorly, despite the many promises to fund her wellness business. The Mossbacher family tries to act progressive, but under the surface, they’re just as dysfunctional and disconnected as everyone else.

Everyone’s pretending to relax, but the tension starts showing fast. And once it does, the whole trip spirals.

Season Two:

Wikipedia

Season two shifts to Italy, where the drama revolves around power and desire.

This time, the focus is on two couples: Harper and Ethan, who are newly rich and slightly miserable, and Daphne and Cameron, who seem perfect but are clearly playing their own games. There’s suspicion, jealousy and a lot of mind games, especially between Harper and Daphne, who both know more than they let on.

Tanya returns, caught up in a new romance that quickly becomes complicated and dangerous. Meanwhile, two local sex workers hustle their way through the chaos, adding another layer to the show’s obsession with sex and control.

This season is all about performance–everyone’s faking something, whether it’s happiness, loyalty or love. 

Season Three:

Now in Thailand, season three revolves around two flawed relationships, college girlfriends, and a wealthy American family that masks deep dysfunction behind luxury and good manners.

The Ratliffs bring money and baggage, pretending to be picture-perfect as their family dynamic crumbles under the weight of damaging secrets and bad decisions. The three college friends arrive looking for fun but end up caught in competition, jealousy and betrayal. The last two couples try to hold it together, though it’s obvious that one person in each is way more invested than the other.

As always, the resort is beautiful, the drama is ugly, and by the end, only some make it out alive. 

Final Thoughts:

If you like shows that mix dark humor with social commentary, this one’s worth the watch. It’s bingeable, well-shot, and mysterious. It'll always leave you guessing. 

Available for streaming on Hulu and Max.

Deirdre Murphy's Obituary

Deirdre C. Murphy 

Deirdre C. Murphy died Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, at her home in Massapequa, N.Y., after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Mar. 19, 1965, to Thomas and Kathleen Murphy in Bayport, N.Y. She graduated with an associate's degree from SUNY Morrisville, before completing the NYPD police academy.

Becoming a police officer had always been her lifelong dream–a dream that came true in 1988. Her colleagues fondly remember her mischievous and free-spirited nature, often laughing about her infamous “sick” days. She had a way of lightening the mood during tense situations, making her a favorite among those who worked alongside her. Her sister, retired Lieutenant Eileen Murphy-Clearly, recalls frequent calls from Deirdre’s captains urging her to talk some sense into her younger sister. After all, there are only so many times a pipe can burst before work. 

Deirdre standing alongside her parents at her NYPD academy graduation.

Outside of her uniform, Deirdre was a devoted wife and mother who poured her heart into her family. She had a knack for storytelling and could light up a room with her unforgettable laugh. Deirdre found joy in the everyday moments: enjoying a cold beer with friends on a hot summer day, loudly cheering at her children's games from the sidelines and hosting family parties to keep the younger generations close and connected. Deirdre was the one who remembered birthdays, sent handwritten notes, and made everyone feel like they belonged–whether it was in her kitchen or at a family barbecue. She was a good friend, a great mother, and an even better host. She was the kind of person who made a big life out of the small, meaningful moments. Always quick to offer a listening ear, Deirdre had an incredible ability to make people feel heard and loved. She was the glue that held her family together, bringing warmth, humor, and an unwavering sense of loyalty to everyone she encountered.

Deirdre enjoying a catamaran cruise with her husband and two children.

Deirdre was preceded in death by her sister Betty Jo Murphy. She is survived by her husband, Paul Krainski; children, Paul and Grace Krainski; parents, Thomas and Kathleen Murphy; sisters, Christine Steele (Joseph), MaryEllen Lundt (Donald) and Eileen Murphy-Cleary (Buddy); brothers, Mickey Murphy (Maria), Edmund Murphy (Laura) and Kevin Murphy (Patti); nieces and nephews, Michael Murphy (Megan), Matthew Murphy, Katie Murphy, Elizabeth Steele (Sabrina), Anne Marie Steele, Daniel DiVietri (Jenny), Timothy DiVietri (Emily), and Max Lundt. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Services will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 2 to 4p.m. and 7 to 9p.m. at the Massapequa Funeral Home. A funeral mass will follow on Friday at 10a.m. at St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated for Paul and Grace’s established educational funds with Wells Fargo Advisors LLC. 

Deirdre spending time with a service dog at the hospital after her cancer treatment.

My Secret Mentor

Tuckernuck

For the longest time, I felt like a journalist without a purpose, just kind of wandering around, trying to figure out where I fit best. One day, I was all about political reporting, and the next I was knee-deep in celebrity gossip, just throwing myself into different styles and hoping something would stick. I knew I loved storytelling, but I didn’t have that one writer who made me say, "That’s the kind of journalist I want to be." 

Until I came across Maureen Orth.

Orth’s work at Vanity Fair didn’t just grab my attention—it basically shook me awake. She balances seriousness with fearlessness. Orth’s strength is in her versatility. She doesn’t just report on big names. She unpacks them, digs into the truth, and lays it all out in a way that’s both sharp and compelling.

Orth is a voice for those without a platform. She amplifies the unheard and challenges the powerful, reminding us what journalism is really about.

Her investigative pieces on figures like Michael Jackson and Woody Allen weren’t just stories. They were game-changers, sparking real conversations and forcing people to confront uncomfortable truths. Orth never shied from controversy or backed down from the tough questions. She held people accountable, regardless of status. 

The thing I admire most about Orth? She’s fearless. 

Shutterstock

In a world where a lot of journalists like to play it safe, Orth goes straight into the hard-hitting stuff. She asks the difficult questions, does the research, and doesn’t back down. She proves that journalism isn’t just about telling stories. It’s about telling stories that matter, even when they make people uncomfortable.

But it’s not just what she writes—it’s how she writes. Her style is so immersive that you feel like you’re right there with her, watching the drama unfold. She blends deep investigative work with storytelling that pulls you in, which is exactly the balance I want to strike in my own writing.

Looking back, I realize I didn’t need to have it all figured out from the start. I didn’t need a journalism role model right away, but discovering Maureen Orth gave me something to aim for—a standard, a direction. If I can develop even a fraction of her skill, courage, or style, I know I’ll be on the right path. 

Journalism needs more voices like hers, and hopefully, someday, mine will be one of them. But until then, check out her website. 

Ye or Nay

TMDB

Kanye West is no stranger to controversy. 

As one of the most influential figures in music, fashion, and pop culture today, he has been both admired and criticized by the media. Between revolutionizing the hip-hop game to disrupting the fashion industry, Kanye West has always been at the center of conversation.

But it’s usually not for the right reasons. 

Throughout his career, West has made headlines for his unfiltered opinions and problematic behavior. From interrupting award shows to making inflammatory comments, West’s career has been marked by a number of questionable moments. People either love or hate him. 

West’s supporters insist that his personality is just an extension of his creativity. To them, his flaws are overshadowed by his contributions to music and fashion.

On the other hand, his critics argue that his actions are reckless and hurtful, often causing more harm than good. They question his morals, integrity, and overall character.

This divide has led to ongoing debates about whether an artist's behavior should impact how their work is perceived. There must be a balance between artistry and accountability. 

The Independent

Kanye West at the 2009 MTV VMA's interrupting

Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for the Best Female

Video award.

This line was first crossed at the 2009 MTV VMAs when he rudely interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech, claiming that Beyonce was robbed of the Best Female Video Award. At the time, Taylor Swift was just 19 years old, a young woman in the spotlight for the first time, while Kanye West was 32, a grown man with years of experience in the industry. 

It was highly inappropriate for someone of his age and stature to publicly embarrass a young artist like Swift. Regardless of his opinion on the award, this was not the moment to make a scene. Swift deserved to enjoy that win. 

West should be held to the same standards as everyone else–celebrity or not.

Yet, despite the backlash he received for this incident, it was only the beginning of West’s pattern of controversial behavior. Over the years, his outbursts, feuds, and hurtful remarks have only intensified, making it harder to separate his artistry from his actions.

In 2022, West faced intense scrutiny after posting a series of offensive and antisemitic tweets. These remarks resulted in a Twitter suspension and a loss of major brand partnerships. However, rather than stepping back, West continued to double down on his controversial rhetoric.

More recently, in early 2025, West once again made headlines after airing a Super Bowl advertisement promoting T-shirts featuring a swastika. The move was met with outrage, leading Shopify to shut down his online store and intensifying calls for accountability. Following this incident, he went on another antisemitic rant on X, ultimately deleting his account after facing widespread condemnation.

New York Daily News

In February 2025, Kanye West posted a string of anti-semitic tweets on X, targeting members of 

the Jewish community. Days later, his account was deactivated, and the posts were removed. 

This behavior cannot go ignored. It’s crucial to understand that public figures wield significant influence and that their words have real-world consequences. Spreading hate and encouraging division is never justifiable, regardless of a person’s wealth or status. 

West’s repeated actions raise the question: At what point does society stop excusing offensive behavior in the name of artistry? 

And when will enough finally be enough?

Me in 500 Words

I was introduced to the concept of impermanence at a young age: how something that seems indestructible and enduring can vanish or change in a moment’s notice. 

​In the fall of 2012, Hurricane Sandy slammed the south shore of Long Island, and my house did not escape unscathed. The first floor was drowned in three feet of water. For months, planks of wood took the place of former bedrooms and family spaces. 

During renovations, we were displaced for months. Thankfully, no one was hurt during the storm, but having to spend much of the year out of our home wasn’t easy for anyone involved. 

Luckily, my Aunt Eileen allowed my family to stay with her for the time being.

​Less than a year later—paint still fresh on our spackled and sanded walls—an electrical box on the side of our house caught fire. Its sparks jumped to the garbage cans adjacent to the garage, which then went up in flames. 

I was coming home from a summer basketball camp at the time and remember seeing flashing lights along the block. My fear that they were stationed in front of my house soon became a reality. Amid the fire trucks and ambulance, I sprinted from the car to see what had happened. 

Thankfully (again), no one had gotten hurt, but the fire’s smoke had made its way inside the house, triggering medical inquiries and examinations of my mother and brother. The smoke had also blackened and melted our newly installed speakers and the fresh coat of cream-colored paint we thought had sealed away the memory of Sandy’s wreckage. The flames had climbed to the upstairs bedroom walls of my brother’s and parents’ room.

Off to Aunt Eileen’s we went once more.

I was eight at the time, and my life seemed relatively perfect. I hadn’t faced much hardship or discomfort beyond petty disagreements with my brother about remote controls and bathroom usage. These two disasters taught me how to adapt to difficulty. 

I watched my parents figure out how to re-invent our lives in the span of a week. I watched my Aunt Eileen adapt to our presence in our time of need. I watched myself overcome new obstacles, daily.

Six years later, when I lost my mother to cancer, it was the groundwork laid by the flood and fire that gave me a reference point, not only for my grief, but for my gratitude. In addition to my sorrow, I was able to focus on how thankful I felt to have been raised by such an amazing woman.

Even at my worst, I still was more fortunate than most. I’m not sure if I ever heard the word “no” growing up. My parents ensured I had more than enough – not just in terms of material things but also love, support, and opportunities. I never lacked.

Now, in my 20s, I realize how rare and precious that kind of privilege is. I am the person I am today because of what I went through then. And I think that’s something to be proud of—something my mom would be proud of.