Unreal beauty

Is the Hollywood standard of beauty affecting the average Kiwi girl?

Faking it...

Feeling the pressure to live up to the Hollywood standard of beauty is something that is normal for Aria, 17, and Laura, 15.  "As a teen, you do feel pressured to look your best at all times," says Aria. Laura agrees. "Celebrities are always looking so glamorous that it's kinda hard not to notice... and that puts pressure on us," she says.

University social worker and lecturer, Dr Nicole Moulding, says there's more pressure than ever before for teens to look good.  "We are constantly being exposed to thin celebs and this alters our perception of what beauty is," says Dr Moulding. She also says that the Hollywood ideal of beauty is unrealistic because most stars have personal trainers, stylists, a hair and makeup team, and chef, to help them achieve "perfection". The reality is that as celebrities embrace artificial beauty, they are creating an unrealistic idea of what teen girls should look like.

Must-have makeovers

For the average girl, a makeover means buying a new outfit, a MAC lipgloss, and getting a haircut. But if you're a young celeb in Hollywood, you'd be booking an appointment for cosmetic surgery instead. Take The Hills star Heidi Montag. She has made some dramatic changes to her looks since she first appeared on TV - including a breast job, hair extensions, nose job and skimpy wardrobe. Ashley Tisdale and Ashlee Simpson are some other stars that have gone under the knife in order to meet the Hollywood perception of beauty.

It's hard to say if this is rubbing off on Kiwi teens. When asked if she would consider plastic surgery Laura says it's something she wouldn't rule out. "If I had the money and I was unhappy with my body I would definitely consider making some changes" she says. What happened to loving yourself for who you are? Remember, perfection is boring!

Celebs that don't care

Who could forget Pink's 2006 "Stupid Girls" video? She publicly took a stance against the Hollywood stereotype of beauty, by paying out excessive fake tanning, breast implants and the size zero trend. On the other hand, America Ferrera, Kat Dennings, Scarlett Johansson and Ellen Page have all embraced their curves and unique looks, instead of starving themselves to be stick thin or going under the knife.

Get real beauty

Ignore the Hollywood messages and love yourself silly.

* Nurture your body by eating healthy foods and enjoying exercise.

* Stop criticising yourself and others.

* Surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good.

* Take down all the negative role models in your life and replace them with the good kind (you know who they are).

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