Watch Not So Pretty

Not So Pretty is a docuseries that takes a critical look at the beauty industry and its impact on society. Premiering on HBO Max in 2022, the four-part series examines how beauty standards, products, and procedures that are often marketed as empowering can also be toxic and promote unrealistic ideals.

The show begins by providing historical context, tracing the origins of the modern beauty industry back to the early 20th century. It explores how beauty norms have been shaped by factors like sexism, racism, and ageism over the decades. Key figures and events that influenced beauty ideals and practices are discussed.

Not So Pretty goes on to scrutinize various sectors of the beauty industry today. One episode focuses on the cosmetics world and investigates issues ranging from photoshopping in ads to potentially hazardous ingredients in products. Another episode looks at the diet and weight loss industry, analyzing the questionable claims and extreme regimens pushed on women in the name of attaining the perfect body.

The series also examines the complex role social media now plays in propagating beauty standards. How filters, editing, and comparing oneself to influencer imagery online can negatively impact mental health and body image is thoughtfully addressed. The pressures of performative perfection on Instagram and TikTok are critiqued.

Not So Pretty takes care to highlight the voices and perspectives of diverse women across race, age, gender identity, and more. Candid interviews provide first-hand accounts of how restrictive beauty ideals have harmed self-esteem and led to mental distress. The docuseries aims to push back against the notion that worth is tied to appearance.

While the show has a critical lens on the beauty industry, it also strives to be nuanced. Potential upsides of beauty practices as creative self-expression are acknowledged. The aim is to encourage more conscious, empowering engagement with beauty rather than rejecting it altogether.

With an eye-opening look at what fuels today's demanding beauty standards, Not So Pretty prompts viewers to rethink their own relationship with beauty. The docuseries raises thought-provoking questions about how we can work towards more inclusive, ethical, and holistic approaches to beauty in the future.

Not So Pretty is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between April 14, 2022 and on HBO Max