This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s senior fall editorial intern Lauren Sanchez. Find her on Instagram at @lauren.sanchezz. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Picture this: You’re at a coffee shop, and the barista slips a free pastry to the girl with perfect hair and a model-worthy smile. Or imagine, you’re standing in a never-ending line for the city’s trendiest bar, only to watch a group of drop-dead gorgeous girls breeze past the velvet rope without even a glance at the bouncer. Coincidence – or the not-so-secret power of pretty privilege at work? It’s the unspoken rule of society: the better you look, the easier life seems. But is it really that simple?
Pretty privilege is more than just a TikTok buzzword – it’s a kind of beauty bias shaping our everyday lives. If you’re chronically online like me, you might’ve heard the phrase “face card never declines” exploding on TikTok, turning the idea of good looks into a kind of social currency. At its core, pretty privilege highlights how society places value on physical appearance, often rewarding those who fit conventional beauty standards with unspoken advantages. So, what’s the truth about this so-called “pretty pass,” and how does it influence not only social media but the beauty industry as a whole? Let’s deep dive into the truth about pretty privilege.
What is Pretty Privilege?
Pretty privilege is like having a VIP pass to life’s velvet ropes, no questions asked. It’s the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) perks that come from fitting into society’s ever-changing beauty standards. Think compliments, extra smiles, or even being seen as smarter or more capable – just for looking the part.
In the real world, it can mean better job offers, higher pay, or more leniency when things go wrong. Over in the beauty industry, it’s the secret sauce behind flawless ad campaigns, million-dollar influencer deals and the endless cycle of products promising to help you “glow up.” Simply put, pretty privilege is the currency that keeps both society and the beauty business rolling.
How Can You Tell If You Have Pretty Privilege?
So, how can you tell if you’ve got pretty privilege? Start by asking yourself: do you notice people treating you differently based on your looks? Maybe you get extra attention in social settings, or people tend to offer you favors – like jumping to hold the door open or giving you a seat at a crowded place. Maybe you’ve noticed that people tend to be friendlier toward you, offering compliments or going out of their way to be helpful without any clear reason. In social settings, you might get VIP treatment – whether it’s getting into a club without waiting in line, being invited to events or getting free drinks at the bar.
On social media, pretty privilege might mean more followers, comments, and likes, sometimes even when your content is no different from others. You might also notice that people are more inclined to trust you or assume you’re competent based solely on your appearance. But, pretty privilege isn’t just about being “hot” in a traditional sense, though. It’s about whether your appearance makes life a little smoother, whether it’s in at a coffee shop, in a workplace, or even just on a date. If your looks seem to open doors in ways that others don’t experience, you might be reaping the unspoken rewards of pretty privilege.
The Role of the Beauty Industry
The beauty industry has always thrived on one thing: perfection. But the reality? Perfection isn’t just a look—it’s a business model. From airbrushed ads to the endless stream of skincare routines promising flawless skin, the beauty industry has built an empire on society’s deepest insecurities. It’s not enough to feel good in your own skin; you’re told you can look perfect, too – if you just buy the right products. These idealized standards are meticulously crafted and marketed to make you feel like you’re one product away from achieving the “perfect” you.
In today’s social media-driven world, influencers are the modern-day gatekeepers of beauty. With millions of followers, they’re the ones dictating what’s hot and what’s not, often promoting the very ideals of beauty that lead to pretty privilege. While influencers may not explicitly say it, their content often implies that looking a certain way (flawless, ageless, and always photogenic) is the key to success, popularity, and influence.
And it’s no secret that the beauty industry loves a certain type of face. “Conventional beauty” still reigns supreme, especially in advertising campaigns. Think about the faces you see in top cosmetics ads: tall, slender, clear skin and European features. Luxury labels often showcase thin, ‘classically beautiful’ faces, reinforcing beauty as an exclusive ideal. Even when brands like Fenty Beauty push the envelope with diversity, they often market their most “mainstream” products toward a particular type of beauty – the kind that feels universally aspirational.
The Double-Edged Sword of Pretty Privilege
While pretty privilege may seem like a free pass, it comes with its own set of pressures. Those who benefit from it often face constant scrutiny to maintain their appearance – whether it’s keeping up with the latest beauty trends or worrying about aging. Even regular people benefiting from pretty privilege can feel the strain of keeping up with the idealized versions of beauty they see on social media and in the media. The pressure to be “on” all the time can feel overwhelming, and one bad hair day or an unfiltered photo can lead to public criticism.
But it’s not just about maintaining beauty; there’s also a deeper issue of being judged for more than just appearance. Attractive people often find themselves underestimated when it comes to their intelligence or skills. The assumption is that they rely on their looks to get ahead, which can result in them being dismissed in professional or academic settings. Similarly, models or influencers might be praised for their looks but rarely for their hard work or creativity. In this way, pretty privilege can inadvertently limit someone’s recognition for their true talents, reducing them to nothing more than a “pretty face.”
Can We Challenge Pretty Privilege?
Let’s be clear: there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being conventionally attractive. Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and shades, and everyone has their own unique version of it. But when we reduce someone to just their looks, we’re missing the bigger picture. Diminishing people’s accomplishments and goals to their appearance is not only unproductive – it’s downright dehumanizing. By embracing a wider definition of beauty and celebrating personal achievements, we can create a world where everyone’s worth is seen for what they do, not just how they look!
What do you think about pretty privilege? Do you think it exists? Let us know in the comments below!
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