02/21/2025
I finally watched The Substance, and as an aesthetics practitioner, it hit me hard. This film speaks to so many aspects of my work—and my experience as a woman in this world.
A big part of my job is handing clients a mirror. I see you observe yourself, notice what you don’t like, and I know that feeling too. We’ve been conditioned to have this self-critical gaze. The Substance lays bare this reality and our collective pursuit of transformation.
Aging brings wisdom, confidence, and strength—but society pressures us to resist it. The chase for youth can become an addiction, blurring the line between self-care and self-worth. Watching Demi Moore’s transformation in the film made me reflect deeply on the ethics of aesthetics: Where is the line between empowerment and obsession? Between choice and conditioning?
I don’t have all the answers, but I believe awareness is key. If we stay conscious of these forces, we take a step toward self-acceptance—even if loving ourselves is a lifelong journey.