Beauty Beyond Borders

by Niran P., 18, Thailand

When I was younger, I thought beauty was about fitting in with what everyone else expected—fair skin, big eyes, and a slim figure. Living in Bangkok, surrounded by social media influencers and beauty ads, I often felt pressure to change myself. But as I grew older, I started to question these narrow ideas.

I realized that true beauty isn’t about meeting someone else’s standard; it’s about embracing who I am, including my natural features and my culture. My warm skin tone, my dark eyes, and even the small scars I have from childhood—all of these tell a story that is uniquely mine.

Thai culture teaches respect and balance, and I try to bring that into how I view myself. Instead of hiding flaws, I treat them as part of my own beauty. I also love traditional Thai makeup styles—soft, natural, and elegant—which connect me to my heritage.

Makeup for me has become a form of self-expression and self-love, not a mask. I experiment with colors that make me feel alive and confident, blending modern trends with cultural roots.

I believe that when we celebrate our differences and honor our stories, we contribute to a richer, more diverse world of beauty. My own beauty is a journey of acceptance and pride—one I hope others can find in themselves, too.