Beauty is an aesthetic value characterized by positive attributes that give meaning and satisfaction. These qualities are contrasted with ugliness, which has negative qualities. It is an important facet of power and has evolved into a means of power, particularly in the context of cosmetics and skin care.
While beauty is an ideal in its own right, its definition varies according to the historical period, social environment, and societal standards. These standards have been exploited by many groups to gain power, including the Westerners who introduced them to other cultures. As a result, perception of attractiveness has changed over time.
The ideal face is symmetrical, with perfect proportions of the eyes to the chin, the lips to the nose, and the brow to the cheeks. This is the earliest concept of beauty, and was developed by ancient Greeks and Romans. They believed that a perfect face should have a round chin, a thin line of skin between the nose and the mouth, and a smooth line of brow.
In the 16th century, Parisian doctor Jean Liebault formulated a set of rules for determining what an ideal woman’s facial features should be. He thought an ideal woman should have a pale complexion, dimpled cheeks, a double chin, small ears, and a full mouth.
Over time, the concept of beauty evolved into a highly selective one. A person who is considered beautiful in Pakistan may have the same characteristics as someone who is considered pretty in the United States, but their level of pressure and social status may be considerably lower.
The idea of beauty shifted in the 15th century with the emergence of the Renaissance. In Italy, a new concept of feminine beauty emerged. The Madonnas of Botticelli displayed a delicate, destructible, and maternal quality.
In the 1960s, a countercultural movement emerged, which emphasized androgynous looks and social protest. This movement rebranded beauty products and sold them to a new consumer base. One of the main benefits of these changes was that they allowed for the proliferation of cosmetic surgery, as well as the introduction of plastic surgery.
Beauty has become a lucrative business. Companies sell everything from cosmeceuticals to skin cleaners and perfumes. Those with capital and social power profit most from it. However, there are limited studies on the effectiveness of cosmetics. Furthermore, the market is very competitive, and companies are able to manipulate consumers with ads and marketing techniques.
In recent years, the Internet has opened up the market for beauty products. These products are sold online and include everything from make-up to skin cleaners. Their advertisements are designed to entice buyers to purchase their products, believing that their purchase will improve their overall quality of life. There are no independent studies on the effect of these products, and government research entities have no interest in funding large, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.
Because of the influence of beauty standards, the media has also played a role in shaping ideal appearances. Advertisers often use social activists and celebrities to spread their messages. Some of these people are not regarded as particularly attractive, but their actions have helped to create a more positive environment for others.