Beauty standards and their impact on make-up
- carolina cantillo
- Mar 18, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: May 7, 2024

Beauty standards have had a significant impact on the evolution of makeup throughout history. From ancient times to the present day, perceptions of what is considered beautiful have influenced the makeup styles and techniques that are fashionable in each era.
In different cultures and time periods, standards of beauty have varied widely. For example, in ancient Greece and Rome, pale complexions and red lips were valued, while in the Victorian era, pallor was associated with purity and chastity. In contrast, during the 1920s, the fashionable look was that of a flapper woman with dark lips and smoky eyes, reflecting liberation from traditional social norms.
Today, beauty standards continue to change over time but more rapidly due to the influence of media and social media, there is increasing pressure to conform to certain beauty ideals that are often promoted through models, celebrities and influencers. A clear example of many is the Kardashians who have popularized various styles among them big lips, due to this many women wanted to have voluminous lips so makeup was adapted to achieve that goal, applying lipsticks above the lip line or strategically applying gloss to show volume.

Every time we log on to social media we find countless photos filled with comments praising physical appearance such as: "you look beautiful", "I love your body" or "you look younger and younger". These comments, backed by numerous likes, reinforce the idea that beauty is fundamental, encompassing not only thinness, but also other standards such as defined facial features, plump lips, flawless skin and texture, wrinkle-free skin, white teeth and well-toned bodies, as dictated by society.
This has led to an increase in the popularity of makeup as a tool to enhance and transform appearance, as well as to meet contemporary beauty standards. From contouring techniques that create the illusion of more defined facial features to makeup products that promise durability under any circumstance, makeup has become an integral part of many people's daily routine in their quest for ideal beauty or to maintain an image idealized by their followers and society.

However, there has also been a growing movement toward embracing natural beauty and celebrating diversity in all its forms. Many makeup brands now focus on inclusion and representation, offering a variety of skin tones and products designed to enhance each individual's unique beauty.
Beauty standards and their impact on makeup reflect the values and attitudes of a society at any given time. As these standards evolve, so does makeup and professional makeup artists, adapting and changing to meet ever-changing demands and expectations.
I hope you enjoyed this blog and remember that "beauty and wisdom are two jewels that, when combined, create an incomparable treasure." See you in the next blog. Remember to leave a like, comment, and follow me on social media.




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