Emily Jane, a Sydney resident, was taken aback by the age guesses she received after inviting people to estimate her age. Surprisingly, most placed her between 50 and 60 years old, leaving her both puzzled and motivated to confront society’s attitudes towards age and appearance.
Speaking openly to FEMAIL, Emily lamented the unrealistic beauty standards amplified by social media, filters, and cosmetic procedures. She believes that society is losing touch with reality, regularly encountering doctored images that skew perceptions of age and beauty.
At just 36, Emily was stunned by the wide range of age estimates she received, from the mid-40s to over 60. Comments on her TikTok video speculated about her age, pointing to factors like her grey hair, skin texture, and fine lines. However varied the guesses, they all leaned towards an assumption of her being older.
During lockdown, Emily embraced her natural grey hair, stopping her regular hair dye routine as a testament to authenticity and self-acceptance. She stressed the importance of women feeling at ease in their own skin and resisting societal pressures to adhere to youth-focused beauty ideals.
Emily clarified that she has never had cosmetic procedures, including Botox, and prefers to go without makeup. She attributed the bags under her eyes to the challenges of motherhood, especially as she tends to her infant son’s nighttime needs.
Even after revealing her actual age, Emily continued to receive a mix of disbelief and admiration. While some praised her youthful appearance, others stuck to their initial age estimates.
Shocked by the overall response, Emily emphasized the need to distinguish between reality and the idealized images prevalent in media and advertising.
In a response to the pervasive ageism and unrealistic beauty standards, Emily launched a sleepwear brand, Dawn & Dusk Co. The brand’s mission is to empower women to embrace their natural beauty and feel confident at any age. Prioritizing comfort and authenticity, Emily aims to challenge societal norms and cultivate a culture of self-acceptance and empowerment.
Emily’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of how societal perceptions can impact an individual’s self-image and confidence. Through her commitment to authenticity and self-acceptance, Emily encourages others to embrace their unique qualities and challenge societal norms.
