Our Story- The Heart Behind Embrace Beauty

Remember the dog filter on Snapchat? She was iconic. But then came the beauty filters and suddenly, every photo we posted looked the same: a petite nose, lifted lids, chiseled cheekbones, big eyes, long lashes, and of course, flawless skin. Basically, society’s beauty standards wrapped up in a digital mask. 

It got to the point where I couldn’t take a photo without using a filter. I’d even edit my face with apps just to feel confident enough to share it online. But what does that really say?

I’ll be honest, I’ve made changes to my appearance through fillers and surgery. And no, I don’t regret it. This brand isn’t here to tell you not to dye your hair, wear makeup, or get cosmetic work done. That’s not what Embrace Beauty is about. But I can admit now, I was changing myself for the wrong reasons. I wanted to be accepted in a world I never really felt part of.

Working in the beauty industry, I started noticing something else: the lack of real skin. Skincare brands were obsessed with the idea of “results,” but often, those results were misleading. Models already had flawless skin. Lighting, editing, and retouching did the rest. The reality? The product rarely lived up to the perfection being sold.

So my university project in 2021 was all about fighting back at the AI filters and brands not being real. I loved creating Embrace Beauty, and there was always this gut feeling inside that she needed to be real... 

I wanted to create something different, a brand that celebrates skin in all its stages and seasons. Not just when it’s “Instagram-perfect,” but also when it’s breaking out, red, textured, or healing. When we see more authenticity, we feel more confident. That’s the goal behind Embrace Beauty: not just great skincare, but helping you embrace who you are, at every step.

For me, it’s even deeper. I’ve struggled with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Before I understood what it was, it controlled me. I was obsessed with my reflection, picking apart my face, writing lists of everything I needed to “fix,” researching surgeries I thought would finally make me love myself. I believed no one could find me beautiful as I was.

I remember traveling with a friend, and she pointed out how I would zoom in on my face for hours. To me, that was normal. But it wasn’t. When I started therapy and was diagnosed with BDD, everything changed. It was hard, I felt ashamed at first. But learning how my mind worked gave me the power to shift things. I still have hard days, but for the first time in my life, I feel confident. I feel in love with myself.

That healing journey inspired me to bring Embrace Beauty to life.

At 24, while going through a difficult heartbreak, I developed adult acne. My hormones, stress, and anxiety were at an all-time high and my skin reflected it. I felt broken inside and out. Like so many of us, I turned to harsh products that promised quick results. But they left my skin dry, sensitive, and stripped. My skin barrier was damaged, and even my towels were getting bleached. It was a wake-up call.

I started researching. There had to be a gentler, more thoughtful way to care for our skin  especially during moments when we need comfort the most. That’s when I started formulating products focused on healing ingredients: things our skin recognises, ingredients that hydrate deeply, rebuild our barrier, and bring back that healthy, happy glow.

Finding the right manufacturer in the UK was a must for me. I wanted to visit in person, meet the people behind the process, and create something real. And now… we’re here. She’s real. Embrace Beauty exists.

Our first product range is all about long-term results. Gentle, hydrating, barrier-supporting skincare that works with your skin, not against it. No stripping. No over-promising. Just honest, nurturing formulas that help your skin thrive.

This brand is also inspired by my love of nature, especially golden hour, the most magical time of day. That’s why our packaging glows gold. It’s a nod to the light within all of us, and our belief that beauty radiates from the inside out.

I’d love to hear what you think about our story and our products. Your voice matters here.

With love,
Lauren x
Founder of Embrace Beauty