I really enjoyed this book and learned a lot. Even if you don't consider yourself a Korean beauty aficionado, its beauty culture has touched you.
I know not all girls care about beauty but the book did make me wonder what I would do if I had daughters who fell into the beauty industry vortex (unlike my sons whose main beauty treatment is taking a shower). It seems so hard to try to instill wisdom, self love and just plain common sense into creatures who are so susceptible to marketing and the notion that being a woman = working on your body and beauty.
The first thing I learned with my daughter (now 23) is that lectures — or anything even slightly preachy — usually backfired. The next thing I learned is that I needed to deal with my own body issues because the example I set mattered more than what I said. A practical thing that helped was simply having her buy her own stuff as soon as she had a part-time job in high school.
But I have less influence now. And I think the 20s is a really vulnerable decade, because expectations are so high. But really anyone, at any age, can be vulnerable to falling into the “beauty industry vortex” — good descriptor.
I was not aware of the “Escape The Corset” movement in Korea. Amazing. This interview really picks apart the nuance of K-Beauty culture. Can’t wait to read Flawless.
Great interview! I’m excited to read this book. I couldn’t help thinking about the connections to Jessica Wilson’s work, discussed in her book, It’s Always Been Ours, and your interview with her.
I can’t wait to read this. So many overlaps with what we choose to wear and why. Jessica Defino said in a recent interview something to effect of: in this culture, we can’t make any choices “just for me”, we’ll always be affected by so many societal factors, and I’ve been thinking about that a lot.
I really enjoyed this book and learned a lot. Even if you don't consider yourself a Korean beauty aficionado, its beauty culture has touched you.
I know not all girls care about beauty but the book did make me wonder what I would do if I had daughters who fell into the beauty industry vortex (unlike my sons whose main beauty treatment is taking a shower). It seems so hard to try to instill wisdom, self love and just plain common sense into creatures who are so susceptible to marketing and the notion that being a woman = working on your body and beauty.
Thank you so much for connecting us! I loved your interview with her as well. And agreed, it's a LOT to navigate with kids.
The first thing I learned with my daughter (now 23) is that lectures — or anything even slightly preachy — usually backfired. The next thing I learned is that I needed to deal with my own body issues because the example I set mattered more than what I said. A practical thing that helped was simply having her buy her own stuff as soon as she had a part-time job in high school.
But I have less influence now. And I think the 20s is a really vulnerable decade, because expectations are so high. But really anyone, at any age, can be vulnerable to falling into the “beauty industry vortex” — good descriptor.
I was not aware of the “Escape The Corset” movement in Korea. Amazing. This interview really picks apart the nuance of K-Beauty culture. Can’t wait to read Flawless.
It might be my favorite non-fiction book I've read so far this year...
What a great interview! I just got the audiobook so I can read Elise's book this month!
Oh I bet it's a great listen-read!
Great interview! I’m excited to read this book. I couldn’t help thinking about the connections to Jessica Wilson’s work, discussed in her book, It’s Always Been Ours, and your interview with her.
YES. So many intersections!
I can’t wait to read this. So many overlaps with what we choose to wear and why. Jessica Defino said in a recent interview something to effect of: in this culture, we can’t make any choices “just for me”, we’ll always be affected by so many societal factors, and I’ve been thinking about that a lot.
Thanks for highlighting this book. I just requested it from the local library!