MAC’s New “Strength” Line

On January 8, 2013 by Juliet

I’m surprised there hasn’t been much commentary on MAC Cosmetic’s new “Strength” Collection. The ad displays a gorgeous model in a black gown with a lat span that would put most birds to shame. Her physique is nothing shy of impressive.

MAC ad

For one, I am glad that they have taken a step to branch out, past the skin and bone model look, to bring about a different kind of beauty. It’s a step I hope more companies start moving towards. My gripe (of course there is a gripe ;P) is the irony behind the image and the title of the line.

While I would wage that this model is stronger than your average female (and certainly more so than your average model), I find it incredibly ironic that most people would have to lose strength to obtain such a level of leanness. Almost anyone will tell you that at your strongest, you will not also be at your leanest. Of course there are exceptions, perhaps in the elite, but not for most folks and certainly not for me.

It is also concerning that this is yet another ad that pushes women towards unrealistic body goals. Can some women achieve this look? Hell yea f*cking right, they can. Can most women achieve this look? With a lot of work, time pain, probably a lot of whining, and maybe some metabolic dysfunction. JACKPOT! I don’t want to belittle the goal of getting lean for any woman if that is her ambition – it is not up to me to determine another’s goals. I am simply pointing out that, for the average woman, it is a goal that could possibly do more harm than good.

What about a woman, with average leanness but strong body, squatting, deadlifting, carrying, dragging, pushing, pressing, or pulling in a gown?

I think beauty comes from inner strength. The strength to revel in the process of getting stronger right now – doing the best you can in every minute and not to living to be some future version of you that may or may not ever come to fruition. So, while this model is undoubtedly gorgeous, let her enjoy how she looks and you enjoy how you look.

I hope both you and her pick up heavy things, put them back down, and work to pick up something heavier next time.

Category :
Beauty, fat loss, Motivation, Strength Goals
  • April Doherty

    Wow, i’m not sure how I didn’t see this collection. Most of MAC’s stuff is kind of down that “unrealistic” realm. I mean before my bachelorette party, I knew exactly where to do to get obscene makeup that made a statement. I think that is the big thing with MAC: to make a statement.

    I totally agree with Joob here. This time it is the other end of the spectrum. Instead of the super skinny model, this one is totally buff (and hot I may add!). But, she’s right, this chick–who knows even how much she is airbrushed…… is an exception, an extreme. I like to be real. I like to know that although i’m currently on an Adventure in Wonderful w/ the Whole30+ that I will eventually again splurge and have a wonderfully delightful dessert. :) I love my body even the little squishy parts that seem to elude tightness sometimes….. yep, there it is.

    Here’s the BIG statement: YOUR journey is ONLY about you. It doesn’t matter how much I can deadlift, or how much Juliet can deadlift but that YOU DEADLIFT with good form and do what YOU CAN!!!! :) Set goals for yourself and continue to evolve your own strength INSIDE AND OUT!! WHOOP WHOOP!!!

    • http://heyjoob.com Juliet

      Yup. And I won’t talk down anyone’s goals… I just like to point out what *I* believe is unrealistic. Well said!!! <3

  • http://www.sweatlikeapig.com/ Tara @ Sweat like a Pig

    Awesome post, Joob! I was so excited when I saw this ad, but I was obviously too excited about the fact there was a chick with muscles in mainstream media that I didn’t think of the negative aspects of this. I love MAC and I love Jelena Abbou so I am biased :)

    • http://heyjoob.com Juliet

      Oh don’t get me wrong, she’s hot as hell. (no clue who she is LOL) I’ve never used MAC products so I can’t talk about that, but I’m sure they’re great!

      • http://www.sweatlikeapig.com/ Tara @ Sweat like a Pig

        Haha she is a figure competitor. She was in the Olympia in 2012 and 2011. I don’t know if you followed it at all, but she was the one who fainted during pre-judging and had to be taken off stage. Just goes to show how weak she really is when she is lean!! I’ve only just started using MAC products but they are awesome :)

        • http://heyjoob.com Juliet

          Nah, I stopped following all that stuff a while back and I wasn’t much big into it to begin with. Interesting!!

  • Stephanie

    Great post Joob! Although I do have to say I love this picture… It’s such a strong, beautiful photo and I Just love seeing a model like this instead of the waif-thin ones we usually see! I do get your point 100% though, we just go from one unrealistic extreme to another, and neither of them are attainable (or healthy) for most women!

    • http://heyjoob.com Juliet

      Oh, don’t get me wrong. I love the photo too and I think it’s a bada$$ idea. I also think your conventional models are gorgeous too – both are equally unattainable. Ya dig? <3

  • teri

    Couldn’t agre more–awesome to see a new look thats strong and buff but you are sk right–its another ideal that people are chasing instead of embracing their own (inner and outer) beauty and strength
    Good post!

    • http://heyjoob.com Juliet

      Glad you liked it! thanks!

  • Tianna

    I love that – let her enjoy how she looks and you enjoy how you look. That is so important and I fear I will always be working at it. But, ya know what? It’s a good fight & a peace of mind worth fighting for!