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We all have a friend or two who can’t upload a photo on Instagram or Facebook without first photoshopping it so much that you no longer recognize them. That tells you a lot about how society’s obsession with body image is spurred on by the availability of photo editing technologies. On the other hand, we’ve also got pals who aren’t afraid to show the world their natural beauty and love goofing about.

On the ‘Instagram Reality’ subreddit, you often get examples of people who go overboard with editing photos. But once in a while, you get examples of blissful people who love their bodies with all their (im)perfections, show how even an Instagram influencer can look like a blob if the angle’s slightly wrong, and that there’s nothing wrong with that.

We’ve collected some of the most wholesomely honest pictures from r/Instagramreality, so scroll down, upvote your fave real Instagram photos, and let everyone know in the comments which pics you enjoyed most and why. Be sure to share this list with your friends, especially those who you know have a tendency to overshop their pictures because they have high expectations for living up to each and every beauty standard.

More info: Reddit

#1

One Of My Favorite Comedians Posted This On Instagram And It Really Meant A Lot To Me. Skin Has Texture!

One Of My Favorite Comedians Posted This On Instagram And It Really Meant A Lot To Me. Skin Has Texture!

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Kate Kyffin
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lovely! Actual laughter lines on a face says wayyyy more than botox!

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The ‘Instagram Reality’ subreddit has over 642,000 members and it describes social media as a “breeding ground for FaceTune and Photoshop” and some people “get away with it,” but others end up having their pics plastered in this community.

#2

Sanity Sunday: Stunning Both Ways And So Refreshing To See

Sanity Sunday: Stunning Both Ways And So Refreshing To See

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#3

A Scandinavian Online Store Has Found A True Natural Beauty To Model For Them

A Scandinavian Online Store Has Found A True Natural Beauty To Model For Them

miljami Report

Sometimes, sanity prevails on the internet and among all the depressing and negative news you get some rays of sunshine which help inspire us and motivate us to do our best. In certain parts of the internet, ‘Sanity Sunday’ is a thing where Sundays are meant for positive posts that help everyone relax, enjoy life, and escape the madness of life. At least temporarily because, as we all know, Sunday is followed by Monday.

#4

My Favourite Fitness Influencer. Yes You Can Get To 150k+ Without Excessive Use Of The Blur Tool

My Favourite Fitness Influencer. Yes You Can Get To 150k+ Without Excessive Use Of The Blur Tool

Nevidimka- Report

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Quintessence
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that's true beauty, it's amazing how a smile and 0 filters can make a difference

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#5

Mango - Refreshing To See Older Models With No Photoshop

Mango - Refreshing To See Older Models With No Photoshop

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#6

A Great Thing To Keep In Mind

A Great Thing To Keep In Mind

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Assistant Professor Brooke Erin Duffy at Cornell University told The Guardian that Instagram influencers face a dilemma: not editing photos can make people body shame you, but so can editing pictures too much.

#7

The Power Of Make-Up

The Power Of Make-Up

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#8

Love This Honesty!

Love This Honesty!

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Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have acne scarring like her and it’s actually refreshing to see. Especially when Instagram is just full of fakeness.

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Klaatu Verrata (Cough)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's Katie Price, right? Because if so, those aren't acne scars--it's orange-peel pitting that often occurs as a result of constant injections of botox and fillers--especially by unqualified astheticians. That's why you see that orange peel effect on so many women who compulsively get botox and filler work done.

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Stevie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It takes a lot of guts to put a pic of yourself on instagram that you don't like or that you are ashamed of. That said the makeup in the real picture is just not flattering. It would look bad even on flawless skin. It's too dark, too many weird shadows (like above the lip) and the eyes - nope that's just not a good look for anyone. And let's face it the highlighter highlights all the wrong things. A lighter shade of foundation, a good base and less contouring would do wonders.

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Amazon QT
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me too. It looks ridiculous… women that do those eyebrows on themselves (or have it done by anyone) look horrible. They don’t even flatter their facial features. LOL 😂

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Cat Monaghan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm always amazed how nail designers never have their own nails done. It makes want to do my fake nails but as natural as possible.... 🙄

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GC
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You also missed the point. She's trying to show people what ACTUAL makeup (when done heavily apparently) looks like for real, not when photoshopped.

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Marlene Ricker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know this will sound petty, but I really don't like her eye shadow. It really distracts from her beautiful eyes in both pictures..

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Liz Sahlin Johansson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now THIS pic should be way up this list!!! All other pucs just shows all ready beautiful women with very little makeup!!!

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Amazon QT
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are correct, but there is a limit to what one needs to put out there for others to see. EDIT: especially when they post extremely photoshopped photos to boost their “cred”!!!

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Klaatu Verrata (Cough)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who has been into photography and photo restoration for 35 years, I have to say that the person who posted these pictures intentionally increased the photo on the right's levels, decreased its gamma, and probably ran a burn filter on it---all to make the dark areas look darker. It was probably bc she realized there wasn't enough difference between the two pictures without doing that. Pretty ridiculous when the whole comparison is supposedly to demonstrate the pitfalls of filtering--but she had to filter the "unfiltered" picture just to make her point. 😒

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Jean Hendrickson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But, she has lipstick, brows shadow above and below eyes. I don't understand how this is natural. Please explain what I am misunderstanding. Thanks!

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Imajin_A_Shön
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This post refers to pictures that were not touched up to show the reality of what they were, not necessarily without makeup.

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Sunzilla
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only problem I have here is with her make-up. What's with the shiny day-glow pink? Is that back in fashion?

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David Cumberland
Community Member
4 years ago

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For real truth, it would be more realistic if there was no make up at all.

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MadRatter
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

realistic? that make up's real and not photoshopped. The make up isn't the point. Some of the other women are also wearing make up, but choose to show off blemishes and perceived bodily flaws with no artificial retouching.

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Mewton’s Third Paw
Community Member
4 years ago (edited)

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Wait, so she photoshops away her flaws too? It sounds like she is still doing the toxic thing that made her feel so bad. In my opinion, if you have to photoshop your makeup to get it to look good then the makeup isn’t doing the thing you purchased it to do, which is look good. So why keep doing it and faking like it looks good by using photoshop? Why even bother with the makeup at that point really? If you don’t even like how it looks and just go photoshop it?

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John
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's the whole point. She used to Photoshop to hell, now she doesn't.

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#10

What I Love About The Royals On Instagram Is The Fact That They Don’t Edit Their Pictures. It’s A Breath Of Fresh Air To See Face Wrinkles And Skin Texture, This Is What Real Faces Look Like

What I Love About The Royals On Instagram Is The Fact That They Don’t Edit Their Pictures. It’s A Breath Of Fresh Air To See Face Wrinkles And Skin Texture, This Is What Real Faces Look Like

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“Nobody wants to be called a fake. Influencers very much feel they need to present themselves authentically while getting the best image possible. It’s not seen as acceptable to put up a photo with a big spot. So you either put up the spot photo and get hate in the comments or you remove the spot,” the Professor said. She also warned that removing too many imperfections will make it obvious that you’re using photo-editing software. This, in turn, will make your fans call you out.

#11

I Love Love Love When Celebrities Post Unaltered Photos!

I Love Love Love When Celebrities Post Unaltered Photos!

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Cat on a bike
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dont even see what there is to alter ?? What a mind set is it to see anything to alter at all in this awesome photo.

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#12

She Keeps It 100% Real, And I Love It

She Keeps It 100% Real, And I Love It

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Kate Kyffin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

:) Still look lovely and real. So much better than the fakes/flakes in this world!

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#13

With Most People In The Beauty Influencer Industry Posting Images Photoshopped To Hell, Seeing An Artist Stop Editing Her Skin And Body Makes Me So Happy

With Most People In The Beauty Influencer Industry Posting Images Photoshopped To Hell, Seeing An Artist Stop Editing Her Skin And Body Makes Me So Happy

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#15

Was Shopping For Bras The Other Day, When I Stumbled Upon This Fresh Air Of An Image

Was Shopping For Bras The Other Day, When I Stumbled Upon This Fresh Air Of An Image

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#16

She Posts Both Traditionally “Flattering” And “Unflattering” Pictures To Show People That Everyone Has Both Moments (She Also Shows Her Pores *gasp*)

She Posts Both Traditionally “Flattering” And “Unflattering” Pictures To Show People That Everyone Has Both Moments (She Also Shows Her Pores *gasp*)

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#17

For All The People Who Get Insecure From Instagram

For All The People Who Get Insecure From Instagram

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#18

I Primarily Follow Runners On Insta. I Thought You All Would Appreciate Her Photos

I Primarily Follow Runners On Insta. I Thought You All Would Appreciate Her Photos

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#19

Unposed vs. Posed. A 3 Second Transformation

Unposed vs. Posed. A 3 Second Transformation

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#20

Celebrating Cellulite - Mad Respect For This Fitness Influencer

Celebrating Cellulite - Mad Respect For This Fitness Influencer

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#21

Shoutout To Target For Not Overly Editing Their Model. If It’s A Marketing Strategy: It’s Working

Shoutout To Target For Not Overly Editing Their Model. If It’s A Marketing Strategy: It’s Working

layne_e Report

#22

No Airbrushed Skin, No Photoshopped Nose, And No Bleached Teeth! Natural Is Normal

No Airbrushed Skin, No Photoshopped Nose, And No Bleached Teeth! Natural Is Normal

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#23

I Appreciate That This Makeup Brand Doesn't Pretend Like Their Foundation Magically Makes You Airbrushed

I Appreciate That This Makeup Brand Doesn't Pretend Like Their Foundation Magically Makes You Airbrushed

berrycat14 Report

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Monica Michelle
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Make up companies should be hit with false advertising if they are photoshopping

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#24

My Friend Is Absolutely Stunning And Does Professional Modelling, But She Does Post Unflattering Photos To Prove That You Don’t Have To Be Perfect To Be Beautiful And To Show That Every Body Has Flaws, Even If You Can’t Usually Tell!

My Friend Is Absolutely Stunning And Does Professional Modelling, But She Does Post Unflattering Photos To Prove That You Don’t Have To Be Perfect To Be Beautiful And To Show That Every Body Has Flaws, Even If You Can’t Usually Tell!

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#25

She's My Favorite! So Gorgeous And Honest As Hell About Everything From Body Image, To Bad Skin, To Health Issues

She's My Favorite! So Gorgeous And Honest As Hell About Everything From Body Image, To Bad Skin, To Health Issues

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#26

This Insta-Girl Posts Pics On Both ”good” And ”bad” Days And Gives No F**k About It. I Love It

This Insta-Girl Posts Pics On Both ”good” And ”bad” Days And Gives No F**k About It. I Love It

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#27

Body Positive Influencer Showing Off Her Stretch Marks

Body Positive Influencer Showing Off Her Stretch Marks

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#28

Influencer Being Real & Opening Up About Insecurities With Her Body

Influencer Being Real & Opening Up About Insecurities With Her Body

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#29

Just Thought It Was Nice To See A Model Who Has Millions Of Followers Show Some Body Rolls And Not Editing Her Pics

Just Thought It Was Nice To See A Model Who Has Millions Of Followers Show Some Body Rolls And Not Editing Her Pics

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#30

Refreshing To See A Celebrity Who Doesn't Airbrush Their Pictures!

Refreshing To See A Celebrity Who Doesn't Airbrush Their Pictures!

nokia621 Report

Note: this post originally had 111 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

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