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The internet makes even the best of us temporarily cynical, but it’s also full of wholesome, soul-healing content to set the record straight. Even though social media can feel like it’s full to the brim of fakeness, bragging, and photo-editing, from time to time, people share such genuine photos of themselves, it’s like a breath of fresh air.

Many of you Pandas know r/Instagramreality, a subreddit with over a million members, as a place that calls out Instagrammers and influencers who photoshop their pics to hell and back. However, the subreddit has so-called ‘Sanity Sundays’ when redditors are encouraged to post unedited images of what real beauty looks like. What follows is a collection of these genuine posts.

After you upvote your favorite photos, be sure to scroll down to have a read what the head moderator of the subreddit had to say to Bored Panda. When you're done with this list, you can take a look at the dark side of heavy photo-editing in our previous articles about r/Instagramreality here, here, and here.

#1

She’s Firing Back

She’s Firing Back

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

Bloody hell, she's very pretty. Those bullies should be kicked up the backside.

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#2

Found On Athletic Clothing Brand. It’s So Refreshing To See The Representation

Found On Athletic Clothing Brand. It’s So Refreshing To See The Representation

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

Awesome! let people see how folks their age would look like in advertised clothes. All ages. I don't want to see only how skinny 15yo would look in that.

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#3

Saw These Two Beautiful Women Aging Gracefully! Nice To See Reality Every Once In Awhile

Saw These Two Beautiful Women Aging Gracefully! Nice To See Reality Every Once In Awhile

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Bored Panda reached out to redditor Zaza9000, the head moderator of the r/Instagramreality subreddit, to get their take on social media use and photo-editing use during the pandemic.

According to the moderator, people are “most definitely seeking online entertainment like never before,” as many are still stuck working from home, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. What’s more, lockdowns are returning in some form or another in some countries like Latvia and cities like Hobart in Australia. It’s natural that people isolating spend more time online and on their social media feeds.

#4

Love This Model

Love This Model

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

She looks like she has a sense of humor, unlike every other model that's ever lived.

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#5

First Time I’ve Seen A Plus Size Model That Isn’t Hourglass And “Thicc.” Not To Mention Keeping The Stretch Marks In!

First Time I’ve Seen A Plus Size Model That Isn’t Hourglass And “Thicc.” Not To Mention Keeping The Stretch Marks In!

ZeldLurr Report

#6

I've Been Waiting For Sunday, It's Time For More Honesty Online

I've Been Waiting For Sunday, It's Time For More Honesty Online

CarbonBasedB**ch Report

“Engagement platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Tik-Tok are our era of modern renaissance where a lot of music, DIY, entertainment, self-rediscovery, and art is being produced,” the moderator told Bored Panda that despite some of the major drawbacks of the internet, it’s still a wonderful place to let your creativity loose.

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We were also interested to get Zaza9000’s opinion about how the pandemic, the lockdowns, and the constant anxiety many people have been feeling has affected social media and whether there’s been an increase or a decrease in heavily photo-edited pics. However, the moderator believes that this isn’t such an easy question to answer.

#7

Real Hands Without Photoshop - Jewelry On Older Women

Real Hands Without Photoshop - Jewelry On Older Women

Hardluck-Woman Report

#8

To The People On My Last Post Here That Said Cellulite Shouldn’t Be On Strong Legs

To The People On My Last Post Here That Said Cellulite Shouldn’t Be On Strong Legs

Lvl2709 Report

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#9

I Wish I Saw Models Like This When I Was Younger And Felt The Pressure To Have Hairless Arms

I Wish I Saw Models Like This When I Was Younger And Felt The Pressure To Have Hairless Arms

IRanOutOfKitchen1 Report

In the moderator’s opinion, there’s no clear-cut answer about the effect the lockdowns have had on our likelihood to (not) photo-edit our pics. It’s possible to see things in two different ways. “That's definitely a mixed question of yes and no,” they said.

“There has been a saying that everyone's been gaining the ‘Quarantine 15’ and that might encourage people to edit more,” the moderator shared their thoughts, referring to the idea that a lot of people have gained some weight when they switched to a more sedentary lifestyle due to Covid-19.

“At the same time, since we've all been home, self-care has been a hot topic,” they noted that some people have been becoming far more genuine and open about their real looks online. They added that they’d personally encourage people to follow this path.

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#12

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

ami_toonaive Report

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carolyngerbrands avatar
Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good girl! That's how it should be. Give no fu*ks. She's still beautiful though, even on a "bad" day.

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Earlier, Nuno Albuquerque, the Head of Treatment at the UK Addiction Treatment Group, went into detail with Bored Panda about social media addiction.

"A person can be addicted to anything, but they are only suffering an addiction if whatever it is they are 'using' has taken over their lives, and that they as individuals have lost the power of choice, i.e. that they cannot, regardless of how much they want to, stop 'using'. This is the effect that addiction has, it robs the individual of the ability to stop,” Nuno explained.

#13

It’s Not Much, But I Saw This When Browsing One Of The Biggest Online Stores. First Thought It Was A Part Of The Earring But It’s A Hearing Device. The Little Things Matter!

It’s Not Much, But I Saw This When Browsing One Of The Biggest Online Stores. First Thought It Was A Part Of The Earring But It’s A Hearing Device. The Little Things Matter!

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

As kids, I saw some kids wore bright, colourful hearing aids, while others wore hearing aids the colour of their hair to "hide" it. It's nice when we can be proud of deafness, but at the same time, people can be a bit patronising.

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#14

As A Person With A Lower Belly Area That Sticks Out All The Time, It's Really Refreshing To See My Body Shape On An Ad For Tights/Skirts!

As A Person With A Lower Belly Area That Sticks Out All The Time, It's Really Refreshing To See My Body Shape On An Ad For Tights/Skirts!

AnnieCorleone Report

#15

How Refreshing To Know You Don’t Have To Have A Bubble Butt

How Refreshing To Know You Don’t Have To Have A Bubble Butt

Queen_ona_Bean Report

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eekhoorn02 avatar
Anna Snorrepot
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a butt like this but with a bloating tummy on the front. I often shop man's jeans. They have pockets! ps I look smashing :)

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“Even if that individual is aware of the negative physical, psychological, or financial consequences, they still cannot stop. It is essential to not use the word 'addiction' flippantly; if a person is addicted, then they are in need of professional help and support," Nuno said that nobody should use the word ‘addiction’ without understanding the seriousness of the term.

Nuno from the UKAT Group told Bored Panda that the Covid-19 lockdowns made people spend far more time online and on social media than before.

#16

Found This Model With Normal Teeth (Not Everyone Has Perfectly Aligned Teeth) In A Clothing Brand App

Found This Model With Normal Teeth (Not Everyone Has Perfectly Aligned Teeth) In A Clothing Brand App

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

If you look at all the really famous supermodels, they all had a 'flaw' that wouldn't be left uncorrected today. Sometimes idiosyncrasies are beautiful!

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#17

I Loved This Model I Found While Bikini Shopping!

I Loved This Model I Found While Bikini Shopping!

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Lauren Caswell
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg she has the same scars as me. Wow. I hide my stomach all the time, this is powerful. Really, I can't stop looking, I feel like I'm seeing my tummy inserted into a normal pic it's very odd. I still don't know if I'll ever have her confidence but I want to, a lot

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#18

She Never Edits Her Body And She Looks Amazing

She Never Edits Her Body And She Looks Amazing

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"We would say that it is more than likely that society as a whole spent more time on social media and other internet-based platforms during the Covid-19 lockdowns than before, simply because for many, their normal day to day life was turned upside down, or even stopped altogether, and so a lot of people found they had more spare time on their hands,” he noted.

“Some people turned to social media during the lockdown to stay connected with others, which is really important and actually a healthy approach to take. Where it starts to negatively affect a person is when being on social media consumes them completely, and they no longer want to be present in their actual 'offline' day."

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#19

The Woman In The Picture Often Posts About How People Use Angles To Appear Skinnier And To Hide Cellulite/Skin Blemishes - Found On Her Instagram

The Woman In The Picture Often Posts About How People Use Angles To Appear Skinnier And To Hide Cellulite/Skin Blemishes - Found On Her Instagram

PlasticSunMap Report

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

I mean, ok, but don't we all, at a certain level? When I take a picture for myself (I'm not on socials) I try to look at my best. What's wrong with this, per se?

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#20

It's Nice Seeing Celebrities Have Photoshoots With Minimal Filters That Won't Blur Their Skin Texture. I Saw This And She Looks Like Her Actual Age!

It's Nice Seeing Celebrities Have Photoshoots With Minimal Filters That Won't Blur Their Skin Texture. I Saw This And She Looks Like Her Actual Age!

ThornberryE Report

#21

Don’t Be Fooled By Fake “Before & After” Posts

Don’t Be Fooled By Fake “Before & After” Posts

cluelessnumber7 Report

According to the mental health expert, every individual has a unique line separating normal behavior and addiction: it all depends on our unique circumstances and personalities. The essence of the question lies in whether or not the person still has the power of choice or if they’ve lost it.

"If the person cannot undertake their regular day to day routine without being on social media or needing to get back to being on social media, as in they have potentially developed not only a psychological desire to be online but also physical urges begin as well, then there could well be an addiction there," Nuno warned.

#22

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

#24

Normalize Having Organs

Normalize Having Organs

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

I don't think the belly is just organs. She has some fat, and that's what we should normalise. I mean... It is literally normal. She looks great

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"An unhealthy relationship with social media could also be recognized if the individual develops mental health illness from being online, for example, feelings of anxiety or depression arising during or after being on social media. Similarly, for some people we have treated at our UK Addiction Treatment Centres, being on social media is a trigger for them to then misuse drugs or alcohol. During therapy, we address why a person drinks alcohol or misuses drugs, and for some, it is because of their unhealthy relationship with social media," the mental health expert went into detail.

#25

This Is The First Time I've Seen A Jewelry Page That Doesn't Edit Out Knuckle Hair!

This Is The First Time I've Seen A Jewelry Page That Doesn't Edit Out Knuckle Hair!

flatwoodsmonsters Report

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

I shaved and now I wax my knuckles because honestly the view of my own hair knuckles really bothers me.

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#26

Finally A Makeup Brand Showing The Product On A Model With Acne And No Airbrushing On The Finished Pic!

Finally A Makeup Brand Showing The Product On A Model With Acne And No Airbrushing On The Finished Pic!

qetuosfhk1945 Report

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carolyngerbrands avatar
Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is important because lots of people think that once you smear on make up everything disappears. No, the colours even out, that's all. And she is pretty even without the make up.

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#27

Everyday People Looking Beautiful And So Confident!

Everyday People Looking Beautiful And So Confident!

ednasmom Report

"The most important piece of advice we can give is to be mindful and aware; check in with yourself during and after time spent on social media, ask yourself how do you feel? Can you now switch off and get on with your day? Any negative feelings or inability to move on from being online should be a red flag.”

#28

A Close-Up Of Normal, Textured Skin. This Made Me Happy To See

A Close-Up Of Normal, Textured Skin. This Made Me Happy To See

-am-i-a-butthole- Report

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

Oh look, cheek pores. Refreshing to know that my own skin isn't weird. :D

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#30

Makeup Company Uses Model With Real-Life Skin

Makeup Company Uses Model With Real-Life Skin

BrownBobbies Report

#31

Unafraid To Post Unedited Or Smoothed Red Carpet Photos. Love Her So Much

Unafraid To Post Unedited Or Smoothed Red Carpet Photos. Love Her So Much

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#32

Just An Outdoor Clothing Company Using A Photo Of A Woman With A Real Stomach

Just An Outdoor Clothing Company Using A Photo Of A Woman With A Real Stomach

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

Real stomach... em... I wish to have stomach like that to be honest.

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#33

Mango - Refreshing To See Older Models With No Photoshop

Mango - Refreshing To See Older Models With No Photoshop

holly-golightly- Report

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#35

Online Retailer Giving Us An Actually Average Male Body Is

Online Retailer Giving Us An Actually Average Male Body Is

shtaph Report

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

Why do I find this post kinda funny?😂 (I don’t want to be rude, I genuinely enjoy it)

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#37

Sanity Sunday - She Never Hides Her Flaws, And She Looks Flawlessly Beautiful In Her Own Confidence

Sanity Sunday - She Never Hides Her Flaws, And She Looks Flawlessly Beautiful In Her Own Confidence

milkyberries Report

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

I once met a woman, a friend of a friend, and after we'd been chatting at lunch for a while, and I happened to look down and saw extensive burn scars on her legs. She was wearing shorts, not covering the scars, and I decided that the fact that she was brave to have lived through something horrific and that she wasn't ashamed of the scars made her a way cool person!

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#39

Our Bodies Change Over The Years, I Like How She Shows It

Our Bodies Change Over The Years, I Like How She Shows It

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

Wait, I'm not being a b!tch but shouldn't the text be the other way round?? NOT grieving the thin ideal ....

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#40

Normal Eyebrow Hair. Colour Of The Eyeshadow Isnt Enhanced And The Eye Has Normal Skin Creases

Normal Eyebrow Hair. Colour Of The Eyeshadow Isnt Enhanced And The Eye Has Normal Skin Creases

cb_91 Report

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

I really hate the eyebrow fashion these days. The same shape, too dark/too thick.

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#41

It's So Refreshing To See Unedited Stretchmarks In Fashion Posts

It's So Refreshing To See Unedited Stretchmarks In Fashion Posts

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#42

This Fitness Model Keepin It Real

This Fitness Model Keepin It Real

HotelIndiaFoxtrot Report

#43

Just Browsing Online For Dresses And Very Happy To See This Real Body With Real Skin Texture On A Major High Street Retailer’s Website

Just Browsing Online For Dresses And Very Happy To See This Real Body With Real Skin Texture On A Major High Street Retailer’s Website

GuntyGirl Report

#44

Popular Make Up Brand Posting Swatches On A Person With Body Hair!

Popular Make Up Brand Posting Swatches On A Person With Body Hair!

user5316 Report

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

I like it shows hoe the makeup looks in real lighting on real skin. Hair is just hair.

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#45

Had To Cover Up The Username, But Love This

Had To Cover Up The Username, But Love This

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Devil's Advocate
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "reality" is just as staged as the Instagram, accentuating her tummy by having tight leggings underneath, pushing it up

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#46

Showing Us Her Healthy Body, Without Editing, And Being Proud To Wear Her Stretch Marks

Showing Us Her Healthy Body, Without Editing, And Being Proud To Wear Her Stretch Marks

okthatsfinebut Report

#47

This Beautiful Makeup Artist I Found On Insta That Doesn't Shop Out Her Blemishes Or Skin Texture

This Beautiful Makeup Artist I Found On Insta That Doesn't Shop Out Her Blemishes Or Skin Texture

PumpkinChoice Report

#48

Woman Shows How Easy It Is To Transform Into An “Influencer” With Photoshop. Not Everyone You See Genuinely Looks Like The Picture On The Right

Woman Shows How Easy It Is To Transform Into An “Influencer” With Photoshop. Not Everyone You See Genuinely Looks Like The Picture On The Right

MsLunaValentine Report

#49

She Regularly Posts Side By Side Photos Like This, And It’s So Refreshing

She Regularly Posts Side By Side Photos Like This, And It’s So Refreshing

keeperofthetrees Report

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

There was a post about her on BP a year or so ago and it was VERY, VERY forced.

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