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The Celebrity Influencer Cycle: Is it Shaping Trends or Blind Following?

Social media heightens trend following and celebrity influence, but there should be a line between influencing and blind following.

Celebrity Influence - The Kardashians
Credit: YouTube/Disney+ Singapore

In the current modern world, celebrities hold an immense amount of power and influence. This is evident across a variety of trends that have taken the media and society by storm. From fashion to beauty, the impact of celebrities on contemporary trends is undeniable.

While we willingly follow the masses and those with large platforms, we also fall into a dangerous pit of misinformation, harmful and unrealistic beauty and lifestyle practices, and ignorant actions.

Celebrity Influence Impact on Society

Celebrities have a significant impact on consumer behavior, shaping purchasing decisions and brand loyalty. When a famous or influential celebrity endorses a product, it leads to an increase in sales and brand viability. This is why brands collaborate with celebrities to drive consumer interest and demand.

However, the celebrity is also receiving a paycheck from this collaboration, which means that it is not always a reliable option. Celebrities often embody success, beauty, and a desirable lifestyle, so when people purchase products or adopt the same lifestyles as their favorite celebrities, fans feel a sense of connection.

The “Kardashian effect”

It would be impossible to discuss the influence of celebrities on society without examining the many trends from the Kardashian-Jenner family. The family has had an unparalleled influence on beauty trends in the past decade. Their personal styles, business ventures, and social media presence directly affect consumer behavior and industry trends.

In the world of fashion, the Kardashians have propelled many trends into motion, such as neon, body-con outfits, latex outfits, cycling shorts, luxe athleisure, and many more. Multiple members of the family have even started their own fashion brands, such as SKIMS, Good American, and Khy. These brands, especially SKIMS, have found global success and are valued at $4 billion.

The Kardiashians’ celebrity influence

Moreover, the Kardashians have also impacted the beauty world through their aesthetic choices, which include big lips and heavy contours. From this, we have seen the family develop their brands and businesses to further their dominance, such as Kylie Jenner’s ‘Lip Kits’ and Kim Kardashian’s contour sticks.

Kim Kardashian SKIMS Loungewear Ad, which shows her celebrity influence
Still From Kim Kardashian for SKIMS Loungewear. Credit: YouTube/@SKIMS

So, why, as a society, do families like the Kardashians have a major influence over us to the point that we aspire to look like them, copy their fashion, and purchase from their brands? The Kardashians, along with other celebrities, represent a life beyond the general society’s grasp, with immense wealth, power and fame. Their lifestyles, achievements, and appearances cultivate aspiration among their followers. Therefore, we seek to replicate the desirable aspects of their lives — particularly their fashion and looks, which feel somewhat attainable.

Although the family may seem relatively harmless, they are not without controversy, especially when it concerns their negative impact on body image and beauty standards. Throughout the years, we have seen various family members; bodies change drastically due to cosmetic surgery and implants, which has contributed to unrealistic standards of beauty.

The ever-changing beauty standards have become increasingly difficult to obtain and can impact people’s mental health. Celebrities with such influence need to be more transparent about their appearances and the cosmetic surgeries that have undergone.

Sabrina Carpenter’s celebrity influence

In a world where beauty standards are taken very seriously, Sabrina Carpenter has introduced a refreshing and humorous trend: “Blush Blindness.” The term “Blush Blindness” was coined by Sabrina Carpenter in a TikTok video, where she addresses her tendency to apply a lot of blush without realizing how much she has put on.

What started as a harmless personal dig escalated into a popular trend that embraces bold makeup choices and authenticity. This shift toward a bolder blush application underscores a growing movement in the beauty world

From this, a “blindness” trend arose on TikTok, which led to users sharing their own “Blush Blindness” moments. Another trend is evolving on the platform as well: users uploading a video of themselves asking for viewers to comment on what their “blindness” is. The trend has fostered a sense of community among beauty enthusiasts, who bond over their experiences and experiments with makeup.

By highlighting a makeup mishap in a positive light, Sabrina Carpenter is challenging the notion that beauty routines must be flawless.

Rihanna and inclusivity

Throughout her career, Rihanna has been known for her bold fashion and makeup looks, with many fans admiring her beauty and style. Rihanna has used her influence to encourage representation and inclusivity in the makeup and beauty industries. By developing her own beauty brand, Fenty, Rihanna has become a trailblazer in her own right. Her brand stands as an example for more brands to expand their shade lines.

She further revolutionized the industry by offering an unprecedented 40 shades of foundation. Although this is not exactly a “trend,” Rihanna’s work has led to amazing developments in the industry. Her work introduced a new wave of inclusivity where people of any skin color can find makeup that is right for them!

Not only is Rihanna a phenomenon in the beauty world; she has also made astonishing changes to the fashion industry in terms of body positivity and diversity. In particular, her Savage X Fenty lingerie line has redefined body norms, catering to people of all shapes and sizes.

Rihanna has undoubtedly earned the title of an icon in contemporary pop culture. Her impact transcends ‘trends’ — she is paving the way for a larger movement toward authenticity.

Hailey Bieber has become a notable influencer in the beauty world, with many of her looks going viral across social media. She is known for her minimalistic yet sophisticated aesthetic. Most of her beauty trends are labeled as ‘glazed doughnut’ looks. However, many have also noticed how her aesthetic draws from the 2000s — more specifically, looks popularized by the Black and Hispanic community.

The proclaimed ‘glazed donut’ look can be seen in her nail designs. The nails consist of an iridescent finish that resembles the shiny, glazed surface of a donut. The trend blew up on social media as many people attempted to recreate the nails for themselves. Some people even had them done professionally.

Hailey Bieber’s skin and makeup routines produce a natural, dewy look that falls in the same category as the ‘glazed doughnut’ look. The trend aims to achieve a hydrated complexion. Many credit the final look to Bieber’s impressive skincare routine, which includes many oils and moisturizers.

Bieber is constantly in the public eye, with fans leaping at the chance to recreate her style. However, there tends to be a lack of awareness on social media. Oftentimes, people take cultural clothing, practices, and styles, strip them of their significance, and give them a new name and background, creating a precedent for disrespect.

Celebrity influencers are far from new, but social media has provided larger exposure and easier access for people to follow their favorite celebrities. This is all the more reason to be cautious and intentional in your lifestyle choices!

Written By

2nd year journalism, media and culture student and Cardiff University.

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