Beauty is a complex concept that has evolved throughout time. It has become a social construct, a means to power. While the standards for beauty vary from culture to culture, there are a few common themes. These include gender, race, and age.
Although many individuals agree that certain women are beautiful, their perceptions of what makes someone attractive can be very different. For example, some people feel that Martha Stewart is not the most beautiful woman in the world. In contrast, others believe that Oprah Winfrey is the most attractive person in the world.
The standard for beauty has evolved over the course of history, and its influence on the ideal appearance has varied from society to society. As more and more societies became dominated by capitalism, the ideal appearance changed, too. Today, good health and a symmetrical body are among the key factors in being considered beautiful.
According to the classical conception of beauty, a person is beautiful if the parts of their body are in proportion to each other and harmonious. A woman’s face should be symmetrical, with eyes that are proportional to her head and nose that is proportional to the chin. Also, her lips should be a certain width.
Other criteria for the ideal appearance included an eyeline that started at the tip of the nose and was proportional to the mouth. Also, a chin that was slightly fuller than the upper lip was considered the perfect chin. Another common attribute of the Greeks’ face was that the mouth was smooth, without dimples.
The Egyptians used facial packs made of crushed cypress, olive oil, and wax to reduce wrinkles. Their faces were also enhanced by thick layers of cosmetics. They also used henna to colour their lips.
Early racial theorists defined “white” as the most beautiful race. This standard was brought to other cultures, where it served as a way to exploit the racial differences between different races. However, it also managed to creep into the concept of beauty itself.
Some cultures used piercings, henna, or bamboo slivers to enhance the shape of their bodies. These practices allowed the use of perfume, incense, and even cosmetic surgery. There were also potions and lotions sold at fairs.
In the 16th century, a Parisian doctor named Jean Liebault was known for his theories of what constituted the ideal face. He believed that the most beautiful women should have a double chin, soft cheeks, pale faces, and big eyes.
The 1960s counterculture emphasized feminine decorations, androgynous looks, and social protest. Likewise, in Germany during the 1930s, cabarets favored punk looks.
Today, consumers want to feel like they are connecting with a live person. They want to be engaged and to have the credibility of an influential influencer. Consumers also want to be authentic. With the rise of social selling, people are reaching out to large groups of people. Many of these groups are looking to make a statement about their identity, while others are more introverts.