Woman's Pic Before-And-After Makeup Gets Real About Flaws Social Media Hides

Beck Lomas has a lot going for her. The 22-year-old Australian woman posts Instagrams to nearly 200,000 followers, inspiring them with her dedication to fitness and a brilliant smile.

But, as you've probably realized by now, it's easy to hide your flaws behind a filter. A few weeks ago, Lomas got real with her fans, posting photos of her makeup-less face. It was covered in acne, with a few bleeding pimples.

She wrote in the caption:

THIS is my current situation. A pimply, bleeding, sore face. It doesn't look THAT bad, but it feels prettttty bad... But just because I'm not completely confident with my skin, doesn't mean I'm not a confident person. I've come a long way from the girl who used to cry every single night about the way her skin looked.

For people with acne-prone skin, pimples never get any easier. Society tells us smooth, pore-less skin is the ultimate goal. If yours looks less than perfect, you're automatically a failure.

So, we pretend we're flawless.

As women, we might have the luxury of hiding our imperfections under foundation and concealer, but that doesn't mean we don't feel ashamed anyway. We're just better at hiding it, particularly in the realm of social media. A filter can wipe all those blemishes away in mere milliseconds.

Lomas went barefaced out of a desire to be honest with her followers. Although her day-to-day might seem perfect, she's dealing with her own issues.

Social media is a place for your best days, not the moments you feel insecure. She joins the growing list of ordinary women aiming to talk honestly about their body issues.

One week ago, Lomas uploaded another post as a follow-up to say her skin had been looking better thanks to careful care and routine.

But, she explained, her self-confidence has taken its own journey.

Lomas said:

For the past 10 years I've felt self conscious in singlets, backless dresses, strapless tops — anything where my back is exposed because I know my biggest insecurity will be there for the world to see... But it's getting better, it's all constantly getting better. I've come a long way from a girl who literally used to cry every single night as she took off her makeup.

Sometimes, it's OK to be honest on social media because sharing more of yourself allows others to provide a support system. Lomas is teaching a lesson we all should hear.

Citations: 'A lot of Instagram influencers have flaws but they don't show them': Blogger hailed for refreshingly honest photos of her bleeding, pimply face (Daily Mail UK)