Discourses of Perfection: Representing Cosmetic Procedures and Beauty Products in UK Lifestyle Magazines

This book explores the normalization of cosmetic procedures and beauty products in UK lifestyle magazines through critical discourse analysis, thematic analysis, and content analysis. It investigates the societal climate that contributes to cultural perceptions of the body, masculinities and femininities, and the marketing of cosmetic procedures and other beauty products to different audiences. It also examines the continuum view of beauty products and cosmetic procedures and their implications for the regulation of the cosmetic surgery industry.

Format: Hardback
Length: 178 pages
Publication date: 22 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate discourses surrounding cosmetic procedures and beauty products in UK lifestyle magazines, providing a holistic understanding of their normalization and the societal context that has fostered specific perceptions. By employing a multi-faceted approach, including Critical Discourse Analysis, Thematic Analysis, and Content Analysis, the author, Hermans, explores the multifaceted ways in which cosmetic procedures and other beauty products are marketed to diverse audiences. The book also examines phenomena such as the problem/solution rhetoric and the evolving beauty advertising discourse, particularly targeting men. Furthermore, it investigates the continuum view of beauty products and cosmetic procedures, shedding light on the implications of these blurred boundaries for the regulation of the cosmetic surgery industry. This groundbreaking contribution to research on the representation of cosmetic procedures and beauty products in the media will captivate scholars engaged in the exploration of language, gender, individualized body projects, and sexuality.

Introduction:
The media plays a significant role in shaping cultural perceptions and attitudes towards cosmetic procedures and beauty products. UK lifestyle magazines, in particular, have been instrumental in promoting and normalizing these practices, often through editorial and advertising discourses. This book aims to explore the multifaceted discourses surrounding cosmetic procedures and beauty products in UK lifestyle magazines, providing a comprehensive analysis of their normalization and societal context.

Societal Climate and Cultural Perceptions:
The volume examines the societal climate that contributed to cultural perceptions of the body as object and project, as well as the constructions of masculinities and femininities as context for developments in lifestyle magazines' content on beauty and cosmetic procedures. It explores how the media, in particular, has played a role in perpetuating stereotypes and norms related to beauty and body image, which have had profound implications for individuals' self-perceptions and body projects.

Marketing Strategies and Target Audiences:
The book delves into the varying ways in which cosmetic procedures and other beauty products are marketed to different audiences. It explores the problem/solution rhetoric employed in cosmetic advertising, as well as the emergence of beauty advertising discourse specifically targeted at men. The author examines how these marketing strategies shape perceptions and attitudes towards cosmetic procedures and beauty products, particularly among different demographic groups.

Continuum View of Beauty Products and Cosmetic Procedures:
The book also investigates the continuum view of beauty products and cosmetic procedures, highlighting the blurring boundaries between these two domains. It examines how the media and society have perpetuated the idea that beauty products and cosmetic procedures are interchangeable, leading to increased demand for these services. The author questions the implications of this continuum view for the regulation of the cosmetic surgery industry and explores potential solutions to address the ethical and safety concerns associated with these practices.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to research on the representation of cosmetic procedures and beauty products in the media. By examining the societal context, marketing strategies, and continuum view of beauty products and cosmetic procedures, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the normalization of cosmetic procedures and the societal perceptions that have fostered them. The book will be of interest to scholars researching at the intersection of language, gender, individualized body projects, and sexuality, as well as those interested in media and cultural studies.

Weight: 418g
Dimension: 237 x 156 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367432355