Daisy Ridley says her self-esteem is a big issue and that’s OK

If you’re active on Instagram, you’ve probably seen at least two celebrities post #NoMakeup #NoFilter photos today. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably caught yourself looking at those photos and calling BS. Today is our lucky day because Daisy Ridley has revealed the truth behind those “I woke up like this” photos.

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The Star Wars actor posted a photo that claimed to be both #NoMakeup and #NoFilter, but then immediately said in the caption neither of those things are true. Her aim was to shed light on the fact that social media creates a strange, fake world that we all buy into and stressed the importance of checking ourselves every now and then.

She wrote in her post, “Self esteem is a huge issue for people around the world. My skin isn’t great so I don’t post no make up selfies, much as I’d like to; I have a trainer urging me on in workouts and don’t include all the times I say ‘I can’t do it’ and I don’t smile all the time but I like to share the pictures where I am. But I actually do love myself, I try to think good thoughts always and am surrounded by the most wonderful people, so I’m keeping it balanced (like the Force, obvs).”

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I have to say, reading such a genuine post from a celebrity completely unprovoked by scandal or product endorsement was a little unnerving at first. How often do we get to hear them (or anyone) admit that they aren’t perfect and that their profiles are carefully crafted? Ridley exposed what we all know to be true but are too afraid to admit. But now maybe that can change.

Maybe all we needed was permission to admit sometimes we’re not out having the time of our lives. Sometimes makeup is the only reason we can go out in public and sometimes we feel so good about ourselves we wonder why we ever bought makeup. All of those things are OK. All of those things should be celebrated and shared on social media.

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It sounds obvious, but we all clearly needed a reminder. Thank you, Daisy, for giving that to us.