For as long as ads have existed, advertisers have been striving to bring the most aesthetically pleasing images on people’s screens and in their magazines. Of course, what is “aesthetically pleasing” depends on the country or society, but it is generally an unattainable ideal that can make specifically young girls strive for this kind of “perfection.”
Now, there is a movement to increase the visibility of some other types of bodies and faces in media. This means including more people of color, people of different sizes, and people who may have been hidden form the public eye only just a few years ago.
Many people now may still be bothered by seeing individuals with Down syndrome in media, but they deserve visibility, too! They should feel beautiful and cherished!
This is part of the reason why beauty brand Benefit Cosmetics has made a 20-year-old model named Kate Grant the face of the brand!
Kate Grant was chosen as the model for their Roller Liner Eyeliner in their social media campaigns after execs saw a video of her.
“Her amazing energy was so infectious and we were captivated by her incredible zest for life and determination,” Benefit Cosmetics said in a statement. “She embodied everything we stand for as a brand so we knew we had to find a way to work with her.”
Grant has previously won the 2018 Teen Ultimate Beauty of the World pageant, striving to become the first model in Ireland to have Down syndrome. She’s not letting her DNA get in the way of her dreams!
The company added that it hopes that the ads will show people “that beauty and makeup shots can absolutely feature people from all walks of life.”
Kate was thrilled about the opportunity. “This week has been amazing,” she wrote on Instagram, “Make sure you all get this amazing liner!”
Even the response to the campaign has been overwhelmingly positive. One person wrote,
“Love this model!! I will now try the liner! I’ve never used your product before but now I’m inspired to. Thank you @benefitcosmeticsuk for celebrating all beauty and diversity!!” one person said on Instagram.
Parents of children with Down syndrome were equally pleased.
“As the mum of a child with Down syndrome, I can’t tell you how much it means to us that you have featured this beautiful girl!” said one. “Thank you so very much for your awesome gesture of inclusiveness, hope to see more of Kate.”
Don’t you just love Kate’s enthusiasm and love for life? She’s inspiring to all! Please share if you think that more ads should feature people from all walks of life!
