During the past century, the beauty industry has become dominated by a handful of multinational conglomerates. Some examples include L’Oreal, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever. Unfortunately, many of these companies continue to use toxic formulas and technologies that have been developed decades ago. These products are known to cause rashes, swelling, and other problems. They have also not committed to eliminating carcinogens from their products.
The standards of beauty vary considerably between countries and cultures. In some regions, slender bodies and tanned skin are considered attractive. In other areas, larger figures are seen as more beautiful. In most parts of the world, fairness and youthfulness are the criteria for determining a woman’s beauty.
The concept of beauty is deeply rooted in history. In ancient Greece, beauty was defined by symmetry and proportions. A perfect Greek chin had a smooth, round shape with no dimples. They were also slightly fuller than the upper lip. The mouth was also naturally reddish.
In the Victorian era, women were eager to improve their appearance by using cosmetics. They inherited the concept of feminine beauty from the Greek myth of Aphrodite. They also recognized the dangers of lead and arsenic in some cosmetics.
The idea of beauty was more complex than it was in the ancient world. For example, in the 1600s, the beauty publishing industry was established. Upper class women used thick layers of cosmetics to enhance facial beauty. Some women even replaced their eyebrows with fur. Others hid their faces behind velvet masks.
In the 16th century, Parisian physician Jean Liebault believed that a woman’s ideal face should be soft, pale, and rounded. Among the most important body features for Western female beauty are large butts, a small waist, and plump lips. In the Elizabethan era, women fashioned tooth powders from crushed fruit peel, bones, and honey. They also kept their mouths closed and avoided eating food that rotted.
In modern times, the most common beauty criteria are fair skin, big eyes, and a small, pointed nose. In addition, Western female beauty is usually defined by slim body features. The “flapper” look, as portrayed by Greta Garbo, changed public perception of attractiveness.
In the 1960s, the counterculture emphasized social protest, and feminine decorations. These trends contributed to the popularity of the punk look, which is often associated with disenchanted youth. In this context, women who wear the punk look tend to be young adults, but it is a minority standard.
In the United States, fairness and youthfulness are a priority. In most Asian countries, tanned skin is a desired attribute of beauty. In Africa, larger figures are deemed attractive. In most Latin American countries, fairness and youthfulness are also important. In South Korea, the most desirable facial features are large, oval eyes, and pale skin.
In modern times, Korean beauty standards are more influenced by the K-pop industry. Girls start carrying metal rings around their necks when they are five years old. The rings gradually deform the ribs and clavicles, giving the illusion of a longer neck. These rings are added every two years until the girl reaches a maximum of twenty-four.