In the film Neon Demon, the horror lies in the fleeting nature of beauty and the monstrous lengths to which people will go to preserve it. The film starkly portrays how the fashion industry exalts a very short-lived eclipse of youth, a beauty that is praised yet unattainable for most. This obsession with youth becomes a dangerous game, where natural beauty, not manufactured perfection, is the highest currency—but also the most perilous position to hold.
In this world, makeup becomes a metaphor for the impermanence of beauty. It can enhance, but it cannot halt the inevitable passage of time or substitute for the inner qualities that define true beauty. Those who possess this natural allure are often placed on a pedestal, but the same allure makes them targets for consumption. The desire to capture and consume such beauty can drive people to extremes, transforming admiration into envy, and admiration into something far more sinister.
So, while makeup can help us present our best selves, it’s crucial to remember that true beauty—natural, unfiltered, and authentic—can be both a gift and a danger. How do we navigate a world that celebrates beauty but also seeks to consume it? Is there a way to honor our natural beauty without becoming a victim to its fleeting nature?