The Dark Side of Beauty

Issue 15: Mona Awad’s Commentary on The Beauty Industry in Her Latest Book "Rouge"

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“Rouge” by Mona Awad is a book that I didn’t quite understand initially before doing some research. As someone that enjoys looking after myself, the concept of the darker aspects of the beauty industry didn’t initially compute. Although my own incorporation of beauty in my own lifestyle are quite moderate, I do believe that there is an important message to be received through this book.

The book contains elements of fantasy, horror, psychological anticipation, as well as a broader message which can be looked into on a much deeper scale. Focusing on the message in “Rouge” by Mona Awad can show us that the beauty industry has an immense impact on our cultural narrative. Not just on the results of our appearance after feeding into the beauty industry narrative, but also to do with the impact it has on our perception of ourselves.

As you’ll find when reading the book, the protagonist consistently feeds into her desire to obtain unachiev…