Unhindered Conversations: 4 Women on Loving Their Curvy Body

In a society that hails thin, modelesque women for having the “ideal” body type, it sure can be tricky to be someone with a curvy body. Every day, you wake up reminded that your body doesn’t measure up to the largely media-generated standard of beauty. Your boobs are too big, your butt too chunky, your hips too wide, your body too full. But clearly, there’s more than one way to look beautiful and feel sexy, and having a rounder figure is just one of them. 

Decades ago, the term “curvy” would conjure up images of bombshells with hourglass figures – generous busts and hips cinched by tiny waists – flaunted by retro pinup girls like Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren. But while this definition is still true today, the word “curvy” has become associated with fuller figures regardless of proportion. It includes plus-size babes, pear shapes (or women who are more blessed at the bottom), apple shapes (fuller at the middle), inverted triangles (fuller at the top), and all sorts of curvy variations. Does any of these sound like you? Whichever category you fall under, one thing is true: You should celebrate and love your body! Here, four women share what they love most about their curvy bods and why you should, too. 

Louise Marquez, a 26-year-old Filipina based in Canada, was slim and petite as a teen but blossomed into a curvy babe as she became a full-grown woman. And while she’s dealt with commenters on her fuller figure, she’s grateful that her body is the way it is. “A lot of girls get plastic surgery just to achieve the curvy body they want because they think it’s sexy,” she says. “But here I am, blessed with natural curves. It makes me appreciate my body even more!”

She also feels completely fine shopping in higher size ranges versus striving to fit into a size XS or XXS. “It means there are fewer chances of my favorite clothes being out of stock!”

For freelance photographer Zophie Nicole, 29, being curvy comes with a distinct sense of power and confidence. “It took a shift in perspective, but it’s empowering to go from trying to fit into the cookie-cutter mold to being your own kind of kween,” she says. Admitting that she’s always had a complicated relationship with her body, she says she’s come to fully accept who she is – and now feels stronger and more confident than ever.

“This body has gone through a lot and has remained strong, so it deserves to be celebrated,” says Zophie. “Being a big-ish girl is beautiful – and we deserve to smile while looking at the mirror like everyone else.”

“My body has physically been through a lot, and I am so grateful,” says 29-year-old Bianca Alecxis, a fashion and beauty writer. “Not going to lie, I used to hate it a lot. It’s not easy with how people love to comment on it, but our bodies – my body – is so beautiful and strong, and resilient, and takes me to places, and lets me enjoy many things.”

For Bianca, what’s important is that she’s healthy, with her womanly curves as a bonus. “I try my best to give my body the love and appreciation it deserves.”

“All my life I was led to believe that there’s an ideal body type for women,” says mom of two Nouelle Sanchez, 33, who adds that this made her feel very insecure growing up. But the years – and motherhood – taught her that her body is perfect the way it is. “Learning to embrace my curves freed me from the relentless need to change how I look so I could please people.” This mindset also helped her shift her perspective on why she exercises. “I used to think exercise will change my appearance so I can fit myself into smaller clothes and get compliments,” she says. “Thankfully, I have outgrown that mindset and learned that I need to work out so I can be strong (physically, mentally, and emotionally) for the people who depend on me.”

The secret to having a healthy relationship with your body – curvy or not – is simple: Saying yes. Yes to these boobs, yes to those thick thighs, yes to that butt, yes to the va-va-voom life! Nouelle perfectly encapsulates the importance of this wisdom in one sentence: “Loving oneself is a very necessary step towards appreciating everything else in the world.” 

To do this, of course, you also need to be mindful of how you take care of yourself, starting with what you eat and drink, how much rest and exercise you get, and to the products that you use for self-care.

Stay moisturized all over with the Vaseline Gluta-Hya Serum Burst Lotion Flawless Glow, which has 10 times the brightening power of Vitamin C for healthy, radiant skin. For a deep cleanse, you can use Eskinol Deep Cleanser Calamansi not just on the face but also on body parts prone to discoloration, like the neck, elbows, and knees.

For confidence all day long, use Rexona Women Natural Brightening Fresh Sakura Roll-on Antiperspirant Deodorant, which prevents sweat and odor while gently brightening your underarms.

Want hair with just as much body? Use Dove Botanical Silicone Free Shampoo for Fresh Hair Clarify. This gets rid of buildup on your hair and scalp, making your locks softer and lightweight.

Remember: Your curvy body – or any kind of body – is beautiful, and it’s high time you give yourself the love and care you deserve.