The Badge Archive

Beauty Message Runway

Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Outside the Mirror badge requirements.

Info Needed: Media often sends hidden messages, especially in ads and entertainment. They suggest people must look a certain way to be happy, loved, or successful. These messages can be harmful or helpful depending on how they’re used.

Items Needed:

  • Global Beauty Standard cards (2–3 per small group).
  • Media Callout Checklist (1 per group or projected).
  • Open space to serve as a “runway.”
  • (Optional) Small props or accessories from around the meeting area.
  • (Optional) Phone or camera for photos.
  • (Optional) Slips of paper or sticker dots for Runway Recognition Labels

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 40 min):

  1. Split scouts into small teams and distribute beauty cards. (Estimated Time: 3 min)
    • Each team receives 2–3 Global Beauty Standard cards and one Media Callout Checklist.
  2. Beauty Message Hunt. (Estimated Time: 10 min)
    • Teams read all their assigned cards.
    • Use the Media Callout Checklist to spot common traits that are admired or expected. For each card, discuss:
      • What does this culture say is “ideal” appearance?
      • Based on that, what kinds of looks might be shown in their ads, magazines, and entertainment?
  3. Create counter-slogans for each country. (Estimated Time: 10 min)
    • Teams brainstorm one empowering message to challenge the beauty expectations for each card.
    • Each slogan should promote pride, diversity, and confidence.
    • Example: “Flawless skin isn’t a requirement for fierce,” “Real beauty doesn’t come from symmetry.”
  4. Select one country to represent on the runway. (Estimated Time: 5 min)
    • Laydown the challenge to the scouts. Clear the runway as they are now recruited to be models to walk the runway for a chosen country. They pick the country from their cards they want to boost. They have 5 minutes until showtime.
    • All scouts will walk the runway. They choose which slogan(s) to present and decide how the group will speak:
      • Each scout delivers a full line, or
      • Each scout says part of the slogan in sequence.
  5. Walk the runway as representatives of the country. (Estimated Time: 12–15 min)
    • Each team walks one at a time.
    • Scouts walk individually and each group decides their own order to go out.
    • As each scout reaches the end of the runway, they strike a pose and say their line.
    • As the first scout reaches the end of the runway and says their line, the next scout begins their walk. They’ll cross paths halfway—just like real models clearing the runway.
    • Pause briefly after the last scout in a group returns before the next group begins so each country gets its own spotlight.
    • Leaders or fellow scouts take photos and cheer!
  6. Group Wrap-Up and Ratings. (Estimated Time: 5–7 min)
    • After all teams have walked, gather for a short huddle. Reflect:
      • Which countries had the most challenging beauty messages?
      • Which counter-slogans felt powerful or proud?
    • Leaders, teams, or individuals can choose one superlative from the Runway Recognition Labels list (See list below) which fits each group’s presentation.
    • Encourage light applause, high-fives, or fun nicknames to close out with energy.

Media Callout Checklist

Use this list to spot beauty messages in ads. Circle at least 5 you see.

Face and Skin

  • Perfect skin (no blemishes, wrinkles, scars)
  • Very pale or very tan skin
  • Shiny or glowing skin
  • Smooth or filtered look
  • Long lashes or big eyes
  • Bright or perfect teeth
  • Heavy makeup or contouring
  • Natural skin tones celebrated (e.g., melanin-rich skin)

Hair

  • Shiny, thick, or long hair
  • No frizz or flyaways
  • Styled perfectly (curls, braids, blowout)
  • Unnatural hair color used for effect
  • Natural hair textures celebrated (e.g., afros, braids)

Body Shape and Size

  • Very thin or extra muscular body
  • Tiny waist or extra long legs
  • “Ideal” curves or proportions
  • No body hair or stretch marks
  • Curvy bodies celebrated

Pose and Camera Tricks

  • Glamorous or powerful poses
  • Angle that makes body look slimmer or taller
  • Body parts exaggerated or reshaped
  • Facial expression carefully chosen for effect
  • Symmetry emphasized

Clothes and Style

  • Trendy or expensive outfits
  • Clothes that show off body shape
  • Brand logos featured
  • Matching colors or coordinated accessories
  • Cultural attire or traditional clothing

Lighting and Background

  • Glowing light or soft filters
  • Fancy setting or background
  • Edited sky, walls, or scenery
  • Background blurred to make person stand out
  • Natural settings or everyday environments

Message or Feeling

  • Beauty = happiness
  • Beauty = popularity or love
  • Beauty = success or coolness
  • Message tries to sell a “look,” not just a product
  • Confidence and self-expression emphasized

Runway Recognition Labels

Teams or individuals can choose one—or be awarded one—for their unique style.

  • The Boldest Message – Made us feel empowered and unstoppable.
  • Most Unexpected Style – Totally original and refreshingly unpredictable.
  • Coolest Group Vibe – Brought the energy and teamwork to the runway.
  • Most Confident Delivery – Owned their words like a pro.
  • Most Creative Expression – Mixed message, movement, and meaning like an artist.
  • Best Positivity Power-Up – Spread genuine kindness and body pride.
  • Strongest Statement – Slam-dunk message with heart and impact.
  • Most Standout Representation – Highlighted their chosen country with pride and flair.
  • Runway Radiance Award – Glowed with confidence, charm, and poise.
  • Trailblazer Title – Broke beauty expectations in the most inspiring way.
Tia Kennard