Cynical celeb ads target teens on social media
YOUNG women are being targeted on social media by beauticians who convince them to have lip filler treatments.
They are given the impression that having fillers will make them look like their favourite celebrities.
Holly Spedding, who has more than 60,000 followers on Instagram, advertises by using pictures of Katie Price, left, and American reality TV star Kylie Jenner.
Miss Spedding’s company Flawless Cosmetic posted a picture on Instagram of Miss Jenner when she was 17 and announced she had her lips treated.
The photo was posted alongside the quote Miss Jenner gave at the time: ‘I have temporary lip fillers, it’s just an insecurity of mine.’ The Flawless Cosmetic account added: ‘So many of my clients tell me how much more confident they feel after getting lip filler. It’s amazing how much a bit of filler can give some people such a boost.’
Miss Spedding offers free 1ml lip fillers or £100 gift vouchers to those who share her page with friends.
For one deal, she wrote: ‘Tag or send me your favourite #lipselfie. Best one wins £100 gift voucher.’
The booking process is made as easy as possible for those who might be nervous about going ahead with the procedure.
Once on Miss Spedding’s social media page, they simply have to click call or text a number to arrange an appointment. They are then sent a text with a list of dates and locations to choose from.
The text explains that the procedure takes just 20 minutes, adding: ‘You could get it done in your lunch break.’ The messages do not ask for any proof of age or identity.
Last night, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook declined to comment. Miss Price declined to comment. Miss Spedding’s spokesman said the suggestion that she actively seeks business from young girls ‘is entirely without foundation’.
He added: ‘Our client states clearly that treatments are only for those over 18, and requires written confirmation of that when the client attends. Marketing is targeted at women in their 20s and 30s, who are active users of social media.’