While Kim Kardashian has been branded 'iconic' by fans for attempting the 'British chav' trend on TikTok, some women living in the UK aren't so impressed. The viral challenge sees TikTokers record a makeup tutorial with orange foundation, thick black eyebrows and pale lips to grime star Millie B's track.
In a tweet that has gone viral, one US website labelled it the 'Essex girl makeup tutorial', sparking anger at the stereotype. Emma Thomson, 32, dubbed it outdated and unrealistic, as she told the Mirror: "I find the stereotype offensive and quite annoying. I'm nothing like an old TOWIE girl. I rarely wear make up, don't have fake hair, lashes or nails; I don't wear stilettos or dance around my handbag either."
Emma, from Essex, said the derogatory 'chav' makeover isn't anything like a modern Essex girl.
"When I used to go on holiday and tell people I was from Essex, they assumed we were all easy, fake and stupid," she explained.
"I've never said 'shut up' or '100 percent' in my life and a lot of local people aren't actually glamorous at all.
"I got really good grades at school and I run my own business. All of my friends are intelligent and creative and certainly don't look like barbies.
"I get offended when people take the mic out of our accent or ask if we always wear stilettos."
As well as The Only Way Is Essex reality stars, Emma says other celebrities have come from Essex, such as Ashley Banjo, Rachel Riley and Stacey Solomon.
"Kim's TikTok reminded me of makeup all girls used to wear back in the day. It's not an Essex girl," Emma added.
Emma isn't the only one to react confused at the TikTok trend, with one person writing on Twitter: "Her original look was more like the Essex girl lol."
Another said: "I mean this was so 2019? And when is she an Essex girl to relate? Lol the Kardashians are truly running out of ideas to stay relevant."
"It's nothing to do with Essex and the voiceover is Northern for a start. It's a 2000s chav look," a third explained.
What do you think of the 'Essex girl' stereotype? Let us know in the comments.
