In the world today, the media influence is very diverse. The technological progress over the last 15 years has allowed for the exchange, fluidity and availability of all information to almost everyone on the planet. Due to these changes, we now colloquially consider the world a “global village”. In their desire to transmit information as quickly as possible, the media often forgets their primary purpose which is to inform, educate and entertain their audience. Besides these primary functions, the media has become so influential, that today we are discussing their impact on the creation of our collective reality and the truth itself. We are often susceptible to manipulations from all types of media. The life in primarily consumer society leaves little room for happiness and contentment with what we already have, without creating the desire and need for something newer, bigger and better. This paper will deal with the influence of the media on the topic of beauty. More specifically it will look at the ways in which the media create standards, shape the picture and perceptions of our appearance, and lastly how this serves to influence our identities. The first part of the paper will look at the media and their general influence in society with the primary focus being sensationalism and its collective impact. The second part will look at the more specific trends, programs and examples in the desire to finally answer the question: What is the extent of the media’s influence in the perception of beauty?