The term beauty evokes a wide range of feelings. Whether you are trying to define what beauty means, or trying to find a way to make your own beauty, it is important to understand how the concept of beauty has evolved over time. It is a multifaceted concept, and the meaning of beauty can vary depending on the culture, society, and time period. Here are some insights into the history of beauty standards and the evolution of the ideal appearance.
The quest for the perfect look is as old as time itself. From Greeks and Romans to the Japanese Geishas, women have painted their bodies, faces, and hair to create the ultimate in beauty.
Over the centuries, beauty has evolved into a concept that provides the aesthetic and moral faculties with an experience of pleasure and satisfaction. But it also has become a tool of power. Through this power, people have been able to exploit the natural attraction of others to get what they want.
While most people would agree that certain people are beautiful, their standards for the definition of beauty are ever-changing. For example, Oprah Winfrey is not considered attractive and Jack Welch is not considered a beautiful person.
A person’s social status plays a large role in the concept of beauty. Traditionally, the upper class used thick layers of cosmetics to improve their appearance. These makeups were sold at fairs, or they were used at home.
In the ancient world, women learned to smear wax on their wrinkled skin. They also used lye to relax their hair. This allowed them to create elaborate styles. Lye was then burned into the scalp.
Another popular way to enhance the appearance of women was to use piercings. Kayapo people of the Amazon used piercings to distinguish between their social classes. Alternatively, women would use a leather mask to hide their faces. Some even went so far as to cover their faces with silk.
One of the first records of the idea of beauty came from the ancient Roman poet, Ovid. He wrote a manual on how to properly care for one’s face.
During the 15th century, the concept of beauty entered a new phase with the introduction of the Italian Renaissance. Women from the East began to covet the Western ideal of beauty. Among these were the famous socialite Maria Gunning. She was poisoned in Venice with lead.
Throughout the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, the Western world created a standardized version of beauty, which allowed for the expansion of American nationalism. This was done by convincing other races that they were less attractive than white people.
Beauty has also been impacted by the evolution of capitalism. Today, consumers want live interaction with beauty products and KOLs. Many beauty companies rely on the insecurities of their consumer base.
Beauty has evolved from being a concept to reproducing with into a means of power. Today, companies market their beauty products as individualistic and empowering. As a result, a large consumer base has formed for these products.