Faux pas

I have been thinking a lot recently about peoples constant quest for the artificial.
Woman (and men?) who wear fake nails, false eyelashes, fake tan, hair extensions, breast implants and veneers etc.
People who have a photograph of wood, or 'laminate' for its official name, on their floor.
Artificial flowers, pre-faded jeans, vintage 'style' furniture.. My list could go on (it already has enough).

When did faking it become acceptable? Desirable, even?
On a recent shopping trip, I became stuck in a lift with a very well dressed and respectable looking lady. It was my worse nightmare. Not just the small,enclosed, claustrophobic space, but because of the aforementioned woman's scent!
It was over powering. It invaded my nostrils and I could taste the harsh chemical artificial 'floral' stench for hours after. I felt like directing her to the nearest 'Simple' counter in boots and telling her take a shower before she caused anyone else a migraine. Perhaps she was hoping to stand close enough to a man so he would pass out and she could kidnap him and claim him as her own. 

I value authenticity in my life. When one scratches the surface, or pulls an eyelash, nothing flakes away. My jeans are faded because they are my favourite pair and I want to get as much wear out of them as possible. 
And I smell like a clean person, not nitrous oxide.