Mirror/Mirror: Women’s Reflections on Beauty, Age, and Media

Women want to see more realistic images of themselves, at all ages, in beauty product advertising, according to a recent AARP study. The annual study focuses on women’s attitudes about beauty + grooming, aging, and portrayals in advertising.

The 2021 edition includes the impact COVID-19 is having on women, especially in regards to health and physical appearance. AARP released reports surveying Black women’s and Latina’s attitudes towards beauty and advertising too.

Key findings include:

  • Shifted focus on health and inner peace over appearance
  • Changing beauty and grooming routines and buying habits
  • Unmet beauty needs, especially related to perimenopause and menopause
  • Lack of accurate representation in ads, as well as products tailored to age, skin tone, and hair type.

In 2022, AARP shares a series of infographics showing the discrimination women experience in the workplace and in everyday life, as well as the impact it has on their wellness.

Segments include:

  • Women 50+
  • Working women 18+
  • Black women 50+
  • Latinas 50+
  • Asian American and Pacific Islander Women 50+.

All infographics can be viewed here.