Snapchat brings about a ton of laugh-til-it-hurts fun—seeing my friend’s baby in the grandma filter really set the bar high—but we can’t help but think that it also has its potential drawbacks. Because we’re constantly seeing ourselves “filtered,” is there a chance we could feel a little bit let down when we see the real thing? I’m leaning toward yes, although it’s a somber realization. The app’s “beauty” filter in particular—it basically gives you a flawless complexion with the tap of one button—makes us look so good, that when we swipe back to normal mode, we’re left with this “why can’t I look like that all the time?” feeling. You know it’s true.
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Intrigued by the story that went viral last month about Laverne Cox using the “beauty” filter, we decided to analyze the effects on our own faces, and some of the results were pretty eye-opening. Scroll through for an inside look.
Carolyn Hsu, Digital Managing Editor
Brittany Burhop, Senior Editor
“I’ll be the first to admit that I love using this filter, especially when I have little to no makeup on—it makes you look awake and perfectly put together even when you’re the furthest thing from it. The big draw for me is the difference it makes on my skin. It hides any and all signs of discoloration, which is huge for me because melasma is a struggle. It also narrows my nose a tiny bit, which I don’t mind. But, the eyes—that’s where I draw the line. It makes me look like an anime character, and I really like my natural eyes. What?!”
Danielle Fontana, Editorial Assistant
“While a clearer, smoother complexion is obvious, the filter also narrowed out my nose and made my brows appear fuller and darker. My eyes remained pretty much the same size, but the filter slimmed out my face and lips a notable amount, which made my eyes look larger than usual.”
Tatiana Bido, Special Projects Editor
