art by me 🫶🌸

Have you ever scrolled through your feed and seen those mesmerizing transformations, where one moment you're seeing yourself, and the next, a filter or a creative makeup look reveals how someone else (or even your inner self!) might perceive you? That's the essence of the 'I See U See' beauty trend, and honestly, I've been completely hooked! It's more than just a fleeting viral moment; for me, it's sparked a really interesting conversation about self-perception and the art of expression. At its core, 'I See U See' plays with the idea of duality. It's about acknowledging the difference between how we view ourselves – perhaps our natural, everyday look – and how we might appear through a different lens, be it a dreamy filter, a bold makeup choice, or even an artistic rendition. It’s not about hiding or pretending, but rather about showcasing different facets of our personality or our aesthetic preferences. I think that's why it resonates so much; it gives us permission to explore and celebrate various versions of 'us' that might not always be visible on the surface. As an artist, this trend immediately got my creative gears turning. When I first encountered the 'I See U See' concept, I started thinking about what it truly means to be 'seen.' For me, it wasn't just about makeup; it was about embodying a feeling, a spirit. That's why I found myself drawn to creating characters that represent this gentle, unique perception. For instance, I created an illustration of an anthropomorphic deer-like character with large antlers and beautiful greyish-blue fur. This character, with its gentle expression and white dots on its nose and cheeks, against a soft light green background, became my visual metaphor for the trend. It's how I 'see' the ethereal and slightly mysterious beauty that the trend encourages – a serene creature that is both seen and unseen, delicate yet striking. The white dots, for me, symbolize those subtle details that, when highlighted, completely change how you're perceived, much like a touch of highlighter or a playful freckle in a beauty look. But you don't have to be an artist to embrace the 'I See U See' trend. It offers so many fun ways to play around with your look and challenge your own beauty boundaries. You could experiment with contrasting makeup styles – perhaps one side of your face is soft and natural, while the other side is bold and dramatic, representing the 'I See' vs. 'U See.' Or, try using filters that completely transform your features, then try to recreate aspects of that filter with actual makeup. It's all about having fun with transformation and discovering new ways to express your inner self. Even choosing different colored backgrounds, like a bright blue or light green, for your selfies can subtly shift the mood and perception of your look, just like my deer character illustrations. Ultimately, the 'I See U See' trend is a beautiful reminder that beauty isn't one-dimensional. It's fluid, personal, and constantly evolving. It encourages us to look beyond the obvious, to celebrate our unique traits, and to enjoy the playful journey of self-discovery. Whether you express it through makeup, filters, or even your own art, it's an invitation to be seen in all your wonderful, multifaceted glory. So go ahead, give it a try and share how you 'see' it!