The Filter Factor
Tatler Singapore|October 2022
Creators in the beauty sphere are continuing to push the boundaries of online filters, using them for creative expression and as practical tools, and changing the way we approach make-up
Amalissa Hall
The Filter Factor

decade of facial filters on photo-sharing apps has moved them from digital decoration to a cultural norm but does this change in use mean a shift in mindset? The first foray into filters began as cartoonish masks of floppy-tongued pets that were used to make Snapchat selfies more playful. Then they became beautifying tools for editing photos on Instagram to make skin smoother, lips fuller, and jaws slimmer. This phenomenon was developed into full-blown apps that are still popular, particularly on Chinese and South Korean social media.

Several studies in recent years have pointed to the damage that social media can do to mental health due to the constant barrage of "perfect" bodies and faces-often created using filters. In 2020, an article in the JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery journal reported that cosmetic surgeons were seeing an increase in patients requesting procedures to make them look more like their "filtered" selves. But not all associations are negative.

Post-2020, make-up filters have infiltrated video in the form of TikToks, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, changing the way beauty content is being made. They include the likes of wheels that randomly suggest unique eyeliner shapes, every colour of lipstick imaginable, and vibrant blushes with emoji-shaped freckles.

This has captured the attention of the beauty community, and by extension anyone who wears make-up, as filters have moved away om concealing appearances to celebrate creativity and explore the potential of make-up application.

"Four years ago, I worked on a fashion show in New York where the make-up concept was a commentary on how people manipulated their face by using beautifying filters," says Regan Rabanal, a Hong Kong-based make-up artist and the educational director for Mac Cosmetics in Asia. "We applied contour, highlight, and powder but left it in an unblended state. It was a statement."

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2022 من Tatler Singapore.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2022 من Tatler Singapore.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من TATLER SINGAPORE مشاهدة الكل
Old-World CHARM
Tatler Singapore

Old-World CHARM

Professional photographer and content creator Zipeng Lee takes off to Switzerland to experience some of the country’s most storied heritage hotels

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi
Tatler Singapore

THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi

Renowned Noma chef René Redzepi and executive producer Matt Goulding unpack Apple TV's new eight-part docuseries, Omnivore, and its exploration of humanity through food

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
COURAGE OF CONVICTION
Tatler Singapore

COURAGE OF CONVICTION

Tatler speaks to Bing Chen, Prabal Gurung and Kevin Lin to discuss how their non-profit Gold House is changing the future of the Asian diaspora

time-read
8 mins  |
October 2024
INDUSTRIALI
Tatler Singapore

INDUSTRIALI

Exploring the important sustainability efforts taking place beyond obvious industries

time-read
8 mins  |
October 2024
THE BALL'S INHER COURT
Tatler Singapore

THE BALL'S INHER COURT

China's most celebrated tennis star Li Na opens up about her career, influencing young athletes and her continuous learning journey

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
Love Story
Tatler Singapore

Love Story

Set in Paris, Graff's new bridal campaign marries the timelessness of love and diamonds

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Over the Rainbow
Tatler Singapore

Over the Rainbow

The inspirations behind Hermés creative director for jewellery Pierre Hardy's latest and gorgeously colourful high jewellery collection surprise and delight

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
Twist and Turn
Tatler Singapore

Twist and Turn

Bvlgari's debut Tubogas jewellery collection reimagines a classic technique with 16 stunning creations

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
Game On
Tatler Singapore

Game On

From diamond‑set carabiner‑inspired clasps to a carbon fibre cuff, Chanel knocks it out of the park with Sport, an audacious and innovative high jewellery collection unlike any other

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
The Wrist Taker
Tatler Singapore

The Wrist Taker

Shipping scion and basketball team owner Hendi Widodo unlocks his vault of rarefied timepieces

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024