So, what do the current western beauty standards look like? Typically, a curvy figure, tanned skin, big eyes, plumpy lips, thick thighs, large busts, and big butts are the main aesthetic appeals for a female.
In order to be perceived as beautiful, individuals must conform to these unattainable standards, characterized by a skinny waist, an hourglass figure, big lips, a thigh gap and a flat stomach. Body standards are a social construct that are enforced in day to day interactions and are perpetuated by social media.
Authentic hair and beauty in Australia
Aussies are also raised to be sun smart, but instead of seeking a pale complexion, their beauty ideal is a safe, glowing tan achieved by an outdoorsy lifestyle coupled with the very best of sun protection. Needless to say, Australian women are also experts on after-sun care.
The definition of beauty has changed throughout the years and it differs throughout the world. Although, in today's society, beauty means having an attractive appearance.
Beauty in the 1920s featured an androgynous look for women. They wore bras that flattened their chest and wore clothing that gave them a curve-less look. Women even shortened their hair, leaving behind the long-held belief that long hair signified beauty and desirability.
The 1990's look suggested that women should be extremely thin with bones protruding out from the skin. Collar bones, ankles bones and other protrusions were glamourized. This ideal included height, in that women who were very tall were considered more beautiful.
Clear faces, bright eyes and tinted lips were desirable, but everything had to look natural. It was believed that cheeks painted with blush had to look flushed, and lips had to look bitten rather than painted.
Toxic beauty standards are those that promote a narrow definition of beauty, often based on Eurocentric features and body types. These standards are often perpetuated by the media, celebrities, and influencers, and can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem in those who do not fit the mould.
“Modern beauty is knowing what you want and the kind of beauty you want in your life (and the mirror) and never settling. It's about your own idea of perfection, mixed with kindness to yourself. And great skin and lashes—those help too.”
While scientists may hold the stance that evolution has caused beauty standards, many other aspects of society have impacted the ideal appearance. Ranging from racism, to capitalism, to media, beauty has become a way for people to lose agency to a social system.
From peculiar rock formations, bubble-gum pink lakes, idyllic waterfalls and crystal-clear ocean vistas, here are some impressive Australian natural wonders to add to your travel bucket list.
Surprisingly, the new kite shape and traditional heart - together representing over 40% of the population - typify the 'average' Australian face shape. The oval and round - the most commonly misdiagnosed face shapes - are 13,5% and 11% respectively.
In addition to having light, clear skin, Japanese beauty standards value having large eyes and a double eyelid, or 二重 (futae). While there are many Japanese people who are born with a double eyelid, others go to great lengths to achieve the look.
In 2015, a global survey by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons placed South Korea in the top ten of countries who had the highest rate of cosmetic surgeries. Korean beauty standards prioritize a slim figure, dewy skin, v-shaped jaw, pale skin, straight eyebrows, smooth skin, and large eyes.
In Summa Theologica, Aquinas wrote that beauty consists of three elements: consonantia, claritas, and integritas. That which is beautiful has proportion, clarity, and integrity.
The Female Form
The number one criteria for beauty according to scientists and researchers comes down to symmetry. A beautiful face exhibits perfect symmetry. One side mirrors the other. Think proportionate when it comes to the body and face.
If you describe something as timeless, you mean that it is so good or beautiful that it cannot be affected by changes in society or fashion.
Like a beautiful portrait, a face is complimented by the skin (canvas), hair (frame), and teeth (matte). In my opinion, a beautiful face combines facial features that are (1) harmonious, (2) shapely, (3) balanced, (4) elevated, (5) symmetri- cal, (6) highlighted, and (7) in volumetric proportion and relationship.
We developed it as a way of empowering you with transparency and choice by creating a list of five standards — Clean Ingredients, Cruelty Free, Vegan, Sustainable Packaging, and Positive Impact — to clearly categorize products and make it easy for you to find products shop with the values that are important to you.
Unrealistic beauty standards
Social media platforms often feature images of people with seemingly perfect faces and bodies, often using filters and photo editing tools to enhance their appearance. This can create unrealistic beauty standards, leading to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem in both women and men.
Several studies have proven that beauty standards directly contribute to anxiety and depression. And, they can even trigger eating disorders and body dysmorphia.
The Renaissance ideal of beauty was fair hair, a pallid complexion, bright eyes and red lips. Elizabeth was tall and striking, with pale skin and light red-gold hair. She exaggerated these features, particularly as she aged, and other women sought to emulate them.
The ideal nineteenth century beauty had pale, almost translucent skin, rosy cheeks, crimson lips, white teeth, and sparkling eyes. She was waspishly thin with elegant collarbones.
The ideal 1970s beauty was tanned with flowing hair and a slim, toned body -- an athletic look with minimal or "natural" makeup. Actress Farrah Fawcett was considered one of the decade's most beautiful women. The '70s also saw the rise of anorexia nervosa as larger numbers of women strove to be thin.