Rediscovering Myself in Simplicity

by Lestari N., 17, Indonesia

In Jakarta, beauty often means fair skin, a sharp nose, and big eyes. I have none of those. My skin is tan, my nose is small and round, and my eyes are narrow like my mother’s. For a while, I tried to hide behind filters and whitening creams. I thought that to be pretty, I had to look like someone else.

But something changed during the pandemic. Spending time at home, away from the noise of social media and comparison, I started looking at myself differently. I saw the softness in my face, the kindness in my eyes. I began asking myself: who told me I wasn't beautiful?

I started embracing traditional Indonesian skincare, like turmeric masks and coconut oil. My grandmother used to make them when I was little. I stopped straightening my hair and let it wave naturally, the way it always wanted to. For makeup, I use soft tones—not to hide, but to express.

“Own beauty” to me means knowing that my face tells my story. I carry the legacy of women who farmed rice, taught children, and raised families with strength and grace. My beauty doesn’t need to shout—it whispers gently in quiet confidence.

I still admire other styles—K-beauty, Western trends, even glam influencers—but now I know how to admire without erasing myself. I take what inspires me, but I return to what grounds me.

Beauty isn’t about chasing an image. It’s about coming home to yourself. That’s what I’ve found. And that’s what I hope every Indonesian girl can one day feel too.