The Ashley VanPevenage makeup transformation photo went viral in early 2015 after a makeup artist shared before-and-after images of Ashley to showcase the power of cosmetics for those with skin conditions. The image quickly became a sensation on social media, often accompanied by the controversial caption 'This is why you take a girl swimming on the first date.' While the meme was initially used in a derogatory way regarding 'deception' through makeup, it has since evolved into a versatile template for showcasing radical glow-ups, the difference between social media and reality, or any situation involving a massive aesthetic shift. It remains one of the most recognizable examples of the 'Before and After' meme genre, highlighting the internet's fascination with visual transformations.