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Social media is notorious for everything except showing the real things. From heavy photo editing and airbrushing pictures to carefully staging every move they make, from hiding the raw stuff and only showcasing the perfect side of things, you may start to wonder why everyone but you has a perfect life, perfect relationship, and perfect skin. Hence, the self-image issues.

Very rarely, unedited and real beauty pictures find their place on notoriously fake social media. Like a very fresh breath of air, they remind us to not take things for granted. They pour a bag of salt onto everything influencers show, do, and say.

Thanks to the r/Instagramreality subreddit with over a million members, which documents all the Instagrammers and influencers that cross the line in faking their pictures, we have quite a collection of real beauty pics to look at. When you're done with this list, make sure to check out part 1.

#1

I Spy With My Little Eye… A Real Thigh

I Spy With My Little Eye… A Real Thigh

JMyers666 Report

#2

Runway Model For A Major Fashion House. This Level Of Representation Makes Me So Happy

Runway Model For A Major Fashion House. This Level Of Representation Makes Me So Happy

JanuaryRRose Report

#3

Polish Lingerie Brand, The First Thing You See On Their Website

Polish Lingerie Brand, The First Thing You See On Their Website

kiwi-bandit Report

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

this is the kind of bra's we need , all the cute bra's is the most cutest , but no style when it comes to DD's and up, but this ad 100%

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Many of us suspect that the picture-perfect and highly photoshopped images of people we see on social media make us feel worse about our own bodies. Often subconsciously, we start comparing ourselves to people in Instagram images, and we judge ourselves to be worse off. Whether it’s the perfect skin, the successful career, the luxurious holidays, the designer clothing you cannot afford, or the gym body, the reality on social media affects our body image in a shattering way.

The research has made it clear social media triggers teenagers and children to dislike their own bodies. The findings of this study warn that social media represents a significant risk to the current and future health of today’s young generations.

#5

On Europe’s Biggest Billboard

On Europe’s Biggest Billboard

BrownBobbies Report

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In fact, nearly half of all children and young people aged from 12 to 21 questioned said they have become withdrawn, started exercising excessively, stopped socializing completely or self-harmed because they are regularly bullied or trolled online about their physical appearance.

Four in 10 said they are in mental health distress, with almost one in five experiencing body image issues and 14% experiencing eating difficulties, such as extremely restrictive eating, binge eating and purging or vomiting. Of those in need of support, just one in ten young people were receiving treatment. While the youngest internet users may be more prone to being negatively affected by social media, grown-up men and women are no exception.

#7

The Representation Is So Wonderful To See

The Representation Is So Wonderful To See

floridabeatcovid Report

#8

Genuinely Surprised And Happy To See This On A Major Retailer’s Site!

Genuinely Surprised And Happy To See This On A Major Retailer’s Site!

amrungwaew Report

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#9

The Existence Of Arm Hair!

The Existence Of Arm Hair!

elevenmillion Report

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Kosh1k
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And tbh this girl isn't actually hairier than average - Her hair is just dark and therefore more visible.

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JLS
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a woman I have hair on my arms, legs, face. I was told to start, plucking, waxing, shaving at about 11 years old. I still do to this day because I was conditioned to believe it needed to be done, that hair was shameful. I now have a ten year old daughter and I see she is growing hair, but I refuse to place the same beauty standards onto her that were placed on me. She hasn't expressed and embarrassment over it, and I don't want her to feel any, so I say nothing.

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

That's so great. I feel similar: annoyed and frustrated that women are expected to shave but also conditioned to find my body hair unattractive. The best we can do is not pass these beauty standards on to our kids, I guess.

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The Other Other White Meat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My arm/leg hair is blonde, but I could still be mistaken for a Yeti if the sunlight hits just right 😅

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

I love it when a light summer breeze teases the hair on my arms and the rest of me slowly wakes up. I'm going to miss that when I go. And yes, I'm now in my 8th decade of life and until this post, it never occurred to me that anyone ever felt any different

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

I'll never understand how arm hair for a man is perfectly respectable, but for a woman it instantly gives off some effed up ugly neglected / primitive image. Like wtf?

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

My partner talks about this, she is self conscious I guess, I never though this was a thing. How ridiculous to shame somebody over hair on their arms

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

In High School, I remember talking with a couple of guys when a fourth guy came up to join the conversation. After a couple of minutes, the fourth guy said 'Damn AK! You got more hair on your arms than me!' I turned bright red, stopped talking, and turned and walked away. I'm not good with the quick comebacks and I was already self-conscious about my arm hair. I'm very pale with dark body hair, so it's pretty noticeable.

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Bananaramamama
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm blond and caucasian, but at 16 an older boyfriend convinced me to shave.....everything. Pubic area, arms, any facial fuzz, etc. Do you know what happens? You break out, you get ingrown hairs, you suffer cuts on sensitive areas....still to this day (at 40) I am extremely self conscious of any hair on my body.

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

When I was in highschool, I was told my arms look like cacti (blonde hair). I still remember that remark 20 years later.

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

It has taken me a long time to get used to the fact that I have arm hair. If you are bothered by it, that's on you, not me. I am what I am.

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LGBTQpanda
Community Member
1 week ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Darn right! Why do women have to be hairless cats? It's frustrating.

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Herculeez278
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An arm showing natural growth, yes, but the rest of the model's skin has been airbrushed to oblivion.

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

Hair has gotten a bad rap lately. I like hair everywhere it's supposed to be. Natural is cool.

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

My wife is a bit hairy and it's not a problem because I think hairy women are cute. I don't understand about western people preference, but here is different. There are actresses that have very thin but visible mustache, and they're beautiful.

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

I remember one Indian girl in my elementary school being bullied for having darker arm hair. It was so f****d up. We were literal kids. So why are we judging other kids on their arm hair? But it's because women like this, you know NORMAL WOMEN who aren't pale white & naturally blonde... weren't shown on tv or in magazines etc. this poor girl started shaving her arms in the 3rd grade. Which obviously turned into her being bullied for having to shave her arms. It was absolutely wild. Idk what she's doing today but I know she was smart as f**k, one of the nicest ppl I ever met and she was absolutely gorgeous... so I bet she's probably doing better than all of the ppl who bullied her. This is why we need to show real ppl.

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Unattainable beauty standards popularized by influencers on social media provided little space for examples of real beauty in the past. But body positivity movements are growing bigger and stronger, and there are obvious signs that people are tired of fakery.

In fact, in recent years, there has been an important and necessary shift towards embracing body inclusivity in the fashion and beauty industries. Body inclusivity is the belief that all body types should be represented and celebrated in the media, regardless of size, shape, ability or gender.

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This shift has been driven by a growing movement of individuals and organizations who are committed to making fashion, beauty and media more inclusive and representative of a wider range of body types.

#10

80s Supermodel Wants To Reject Anti-Aging Culture And Prove That Beauty Gets Better With Age

80s Supermodel Wants To Reject Anti-Aging Culture And Prove That Beauty Gets Better With Age

Hardluck-Woman Report

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JoMeBee
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How brave. Except not all of us win the genetic lottery. Edit: I'm saying it's rather disingenuous to add her to this list of truly courageous individuals overcoming physical limitations or obvious nonconformity to beauty "standards" [don't bite my head off!] when she not only looks better at 56 than most of the population at their best AND she participated in/benefited from the industry that created havoc with self esteem issues to begin with!!

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#11

This Lingerie Brand Using Women Of Different Ages And Letting Them Actually Have Some Wrinkles Made Me Really Happy

This Lingerie Brand Using Women Of Different Ages And Letting Them Actually Have Some Wrinkles Made Me Really Happy

savwonders Report

The aim of body inclusivity is to challenge the traditional beauty standards that have long been perpetuated by the fashion and beauty industries. This movement seeks to create an environment where all body types are seen as beautiful and worthy of celebration.

The fashion industry has recently begun to embrace body inclusivity in a number of ways. Many brands have started to cast models of all shapes and sizes in their campaigns, which has helped to create a more diverse representation of body types in the media. Additionally, many brands are now offering extended sizing to better accommodate a wider range of body types.

The beauty industry has also taken steps towards body inclusivity. Many beauty companies have begun to expand their shade ranges to include a wider range of skin tones.

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#13

Look At These Swimsuit Models

Look At These Swimsuit Models

WinterPlanet Report

#14

Sported For Shoe Store Advert ♥️

Sported For Shoe Store Advert ♥️

sportfueledblonde Report

#15

Nice To See A Well-Known Clothing Brand Not Editing Out The Model’s Arm Hair Or Skin Texture!

Nice To See A Well-Known Clothing Brand Not Editing Out The Model’s Arm Hair Or Skin Texture!

makeuathrowaway Report

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

Women have hair on their bodies and I love to see that being embraced more

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“Everybody deserves to feel beautiful no matter where they are in their journey. This is why body positivity and inclusivity is so important,” Pua’Nani Owens, a lifestyle influencer and body positivity advocate told Bored Panda. Owens said that there are “literally thousands of curvy influencers and plus-size fashionistas on every social media platform.”

Owens argues that the very representation of girls with bodies like hers is “what gave me the courage to claim my spot as a curvy lifestyle influencer. What started as a movement to love ourselves turned into a lifestyle of breaking the boundaries of both the beauty and the fashion industry to create and promote inclusivity.”

#16

French Jewelry Brand Uses Gray-Haired Model

French Jewelry Brand Uses Gray-Haired Model

anawkwardsomeone Report

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

I’ll still be wearing stuff like that when I get older. Hell, I’ll still have my conch, tragus, and cartilage piercings in.

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#17

This Photo Of Her Was Taken In 2003 And Not Photoshopped

This Photo Of Her Was Taken In 2003 And Not Photoshopped

LeTrak5 Report

#18

A Breath Of Fresh Air

A Breath Of Fresh Air

ahanaahana Report

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

I swear half the workout is just getting the sports bra on. If that zipper makes it easier, yay!

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Importantly, Owens believes that body positivity is crucial for not only curvy women but women and men of all sizes. “It’s just that curvy bodies are currently leading the way with the movement!”

“I feel as though true body positivity starts on the inside and with each individual person. I’m a firm believer that if you love yourself and have a positive outlook on life, that it is contagious and will boost others on their individual journeys within their own lives,” Owens explained.

#19

A Little Joy Seeing A Tummy And Legs That Look Like Mine While Scrolling For Bikinis

A Little Joy Seeing A Tummy And Legs That Look Like Mine While Scrolling For Bikinis

Forever_Yawning Report

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

Stretch marks are nothing to be ashamed of…be proud of your beautiful body

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#20

Famous Actress Who Doesn’t Feel The Need To Filter Out Skin Texture

Famous Actress Who Doesn’t Feel The Need To Filter Out Skin Texture

emmath20 Report

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay but I want those dragon toys XD EDIT: Google Image Search to the rescue! They are from the Paw Patrol Rescue Knights gift pack! XD

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According to Owens, body positivity comes from evolving as a person so that you can accept yourself. “Evolving through self-esteem, self-confidence and realizing your worth outside of what your body can physically or visually offer others, and instead what your body can do for you.”

The body positivity advocate concluded by saying that we can all love ourselves a little more; that way, we can love and accept each other as a community within society.

#22

Its Amazing That A Lingerie Brand Shows All Types Of Bodies

Its Amazing That A Lingerie Brand Shows All Types Of Bodies

millie_81 Report

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

As they should, because we all have different body types and different looks.

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#24

Love This Polish So Was Glad To See This When Browsing

Love This Polish So Was Glad To See This When Browsing

olmagpie Report

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

And short nails too! As a lifelong nail-biter (it was so bad that it was a form of self-harm in my childhood) I appreciate seeing short nails!

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#26

Just An Appreciation Post For This Beautiful Actress Aging Gracefully And Showcasing It By Posting Unedited Instagram Pictures. I've Always Thought She Was Beautiful

Just An Appreciation Post For This Beautiful Actress Aging Gracefully And Showcasing It By Posting Unedited Instagram Pictures. I've Always Thought She Was Beautiful

seanceknowles Report

#28

Same Legs Different Lighting For This Fitness Influencer - It's Time To Love Your Lumps And Bumps

Same Legs Different Lighting For This Fitness Influencer - It's Time To Love Your Lumps And Bumps

LavenderLady_ Report

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Jaekry
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please no downvoting, it's 'fair'/respectful to the model imho. So here: Tbf, it's okay to turn your body a bit for better lighting. Same as a type of smile, or a better body pose. You wanna look nice. In the past I have edited out pimples on a face. Person had never pimples, but exactly on that day, big pimple. Told her to forget about it, and be the person who she would be on any other day, otherwise we would have NO images or someone really self aware... Not worth it imho. So... I edited out (more downgrading, still there but more subtle) the pimple. I don't regret it. But big retouches, never done it, unless by specific request of model.

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#29

This Is A Glorious Photo. Love That We Are Seeing More Natural Bodies In Advertising

This Is A Glorious Photo. Love That We Are Seeing More Natural Bodies In Advertising

abees_knees Report

#31

Hip Dips (Aka Normal Body Anatomy), Skin Texture, Rolls, Stretch Marks. Models Are Still Clearly Slim But Not Edited To Oblivion

Hip Dips (Aka Normal Body Anatomy), Skin Texture, Rolls, Stretch Marks. Models Are Still Clearly Slim But Not Edited To Oblivion

narlymaroo Report

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

I thought hip dips were called saddle bags. Well, that's what mine have always been called! Hip dips sounds waaaaay nicer!

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#32

She Just A Rare Natural/Unedited Pic, Refreshing

She Just A Rare Natural/Unedited Pic, Refreshing

clutchkickmurphys Report

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#33

Artist At An Event A Couple Weeks Ago With A Tummy Just Like Mine

Artist At An Event A Couple Weeks Ago With A Tummy Just Like Mine

jslnb Report

#35

Aging Skin, Natural Teeth And Brows, Skin Texture, Model Variety... *chef's Kiss*

Aging Skin, Natural Teeth And Brows, Skin Texture, Model Variety... *chef's Kiss*

smashedaura Report

#36

Glad To See The Magazine Didn't Edit This Out

Glad To See The Magazine Didn't Edit This Out

youknowmeasjess Report

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Na Schi
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Refreshing indeed... However I've got the suspicion that this is a paparazzi shot, published by a magazine to possibly body-shame JLo. (Edit: to acknowledge the comments below she is indeed in fantastic shape. Anyway as a women reading ("toxic") women magazines since the 90s, I can tell you that this would be a bodyshaming post. Pointing out how her skin "wraps" over the waistline of her jeans (either because she's too fat or too skinny), to have 16 pages later the ideal workout to get a bum like JLo... Since Covid I've mostly stopped reading those... hope they'd become better in the meantime.)

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#37

It Wasn’t Until I Saw This Post That I Realized How We Are Never Shown A Variety Of Arm Sizes In Makeup Swatches. Also Love Seeing Real Skin!!

It Wasn’t Until I Saw This Post That I Realized How We Are Never Shown A Variety Of Arm Sizes In Makeup Swatches. Also Love Seeing Real Skin!!

jennifercheckk Report

#39

This Polish Singer I Recently Found Who Doesn’t Edit Her Wrinkles Or Pores Away, Was So Refreshing To See This!

This Polish Singer I Recently Found Who Doesn’t Edit Her Wrinkles Or Pores Away, Was So Refreshing To See This!

xxpurplemoonlightxx Report

#40

Inclusion To A Level I’ve Never Seen By Very Popular Clothing Store

Inclusion To A Level I’ve Never Seen By Very Popular Clothing Store

linzkisloski Report

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Amy Semenov
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can never decide if I think it's genuine or performative. Both?

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Note: this post originally had 98 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.