Starface makes star-shaped, Instagram-ready pimple patches that aim to bring a little fun to acne treatment. As the behavior of beauty consumers shifts from hiding insecurities to championing self-love, the stigma surrounding skin conditions seems to be fading.
American brand Starface has launched a line of hydrocolloid patches that treat pimples and speed up recovery by absorbing fluid and keeping bacteria out. Its most distinctive feature is the design, with the playful yellow stars offering “endless opportunities to turn your face into a constellation.” In contrast to traditional patches, which are designed to be as invisible as possible, Starface patches draw attention and frame pimples as something not to be ashamed of.
Pimples are being normalized as the stigma surrounding acne and skin conditions begins to fade. With Justin Bieber declaring that “Pimples are in” and model Louisa Northcote establishing the #freethepimple hashtag to encourage young people not to be ashamed of their acne, the representation of real skin seems to be moving past outdated beauty ideals. This reflects an overarching shift in the beauty industry, with more people using cosmetics to champion self-love rather than hide insecurities. As women increasingly seek out empowering brands, diverse representation in the industry is now expected. For example, Squish Beauty has responded by celebrating people of different ethnicities, genders, and body types in its communications, while CTZN Cosmetics has aunched an inclusive makeup line promising the right shade of nude lipstick for everyone.
Hannah Septoff is a member of Canvas8’s editorial team and has a degree in social anthropology and politics from The University of Edinburgh. She’s passionate about the intricacies of human gender, sexuality and love and when not at work can be found on the rugby pitch or eating hummus.
