In 2024, Dazed Beauty readers gravitated towards stories that explore the intricacies and nuances of self-image in a world obsessed with unattainable perfection. Whether that was the rise of Ozempic, Botox bed-death or the growing trend of “bald regret” after laser hair removal, this year’s most viewed pieces centered on conversations around body ideals, beauty standards, and understanding the permanence that comes with transforming ourselves. Here are six of the most viewed articles from this year.

WHY DON’T RICH PEOPLE EAT ANYMORE?

From fasting trends embraced by Silicon Valley elites to the popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, the rich now signal their privilege by abstaining from food rather than indulging in it. As they swap out banquets for supplements, this piece examines how extreme dieting and minimal food consumption have become status symbols among the wealthy.

HOW BOTOX KILLED EROTICISM?

Botox might just be the ultimate boner killer. While popular for its ability to smooth wrinkles, this article discusses how it can unintentionally hinder emotional connection and intimacy. This piece looks at whether the pursuit of aesthetic perfection comes at the cost of genuine human connection and eroticism.

WE ARE ABOUT TO ENTER THE UNDETECTABLE ERA OF BEAUTY

Welcome to the “Undetectable Era”, where cosmetic enhancements are so subtle they’re hard to catch. Using Christina Aguilera as a recent example, the article explores the complexities that come with striving for a perfection that feels both unattainable and invisible.

PAMELA ANDERSON INTERVIEW

In an interview during Copenhagen Fashion Week, beauty icon Pamela Anderson discusses her decision to embrace a makeup-free look and more. In this conversation, Anderson gets candid and speaks on the power of embracing one’s true self in a world obsessed with perfection. “Beauty is freedom to be yourself,” she says. “I think that’s what we find beautiful. I know beauty comes from within and it sounds cliché, but it’s true.”

PEOPLE TRYING TO RESTORE THEIR PUBES

The bush is back (spoiler: it never left), but for those who underwent laser hair removal during the peak of hairless beauty trends, there is a growing phenomenon of “bald regret.” This article examines the lengths people go to to soothe their bush-longing: hair transplants, growth serums, and even merkins (pubic wigs).

DESIGNER VAGINAS

This piece looks at the rise in labiaplasty among young women. It discusses how societal beauty ideals such as filtered media and porn’s portrayal of the “perfect” vulva catalyse growing insecurities in young women. The growing demand for these surgeries has lead experts to stress the importance of embracing natural genital diversity to help young women feel confident in their bodies.