Aisha Ahmed
Actor
“My relationship with my skin has gone through many ups and downs. I remember feeling insecure about it during my teenage years. But, of late, I have been more accepting of it. At the moment, I don't think my skin looks as great as it could, because it seems dehydrated, and that makes me conscious. It's a constant battle, I'd say. But I also believe that we should take each day as it comes, and remind ourselves that we are beautiful just as we are.
Looking at 'flawless' faces on social media, I did get pulled into the vortex of using beauty filters. I'd turn to the ones that would conceal my under-eye area as much as possible as I am quite conscious about it. And being in the profession that I am in, I have actively thought about getting fillers to achieve a certain standard of beauty. But I feel blessed that I have some wonderful friends who have prevented me from giving into my insecurities.
Today, my idea of perfection is rooted in health. I truly believe that if one has a healthy body and skin, the shape, size, and colour don't matter. It is very important to normalise the fact that 'real' skin has texture. And the best tool to spread the word is social media. We need to talk about this a lot more, post more bare-faced selfies, and gradually, we'll get there. Isn't it ironic, though...social media is responsible for creating these insecurities, and yet, that's the platform we are turning to bring about change?”
TPU biodegradable metallic faux leather crop jacket, Bloni Atelier; bikini bottoms Shivan & Narresh
Guneet Monga
Film Director
This story is from the March - April 2022 edition of Cosmopolitan India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March - April 2022 edition of Cosmopolitan India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Is Social Media Really A Free Space?
We're always rooting for self-expression...especially on the internet. But a friendly and important—reminder to proceed with caution.
Are we all Letterboxd-pilled?
Film study grad or not, everyone's a critic now!
Burning bright
Cosmo India speaks to six creators about how they handle the grind and the toll it takes on their bodies and minds.
MATCH POINT: Polyamory & the green-eyed monster
While the concept is still more nascent than normative in India, traditionalists have one big question: what becomes of the jealousy?
Hello, 2024's dating lingo for you
Fresh ways to complicate your life this season.
Listen? You need to STOP making your crush uncomfortable
And yes, you might just be doing it involuntarily.
Fillers on your mind?
Cosmo intern Jia Noor Singh Bhandal's (very) quick and (very) easy take on the cosmetic procedure.
A nifty textbook guide to cleaning your beauty shelfie
Sorry, but it is time to finally throw away your three-year-old dried out mascara.
Hands up if you've been to forgetting apply SPF to these areas
“Raises hand* and instantly reaches for sun protection
Through my lens
Capturing freedom through the power of visual storytelling? These new-gen image-makers are making it happen.