Beauty standards have always played a significant role in society, shaping perceptions of attractiveness and influencing people’s self-esteem.
Over the years, these standards have evolved drastically, influenced by various factors such as, cultural ideals, fashion trends and celebrity influence. This cover story will take you on a captivating journey through the timeline of beauty standards, highlighting iconic celebrities who embodied these ideals. Additionally, we will shed light on some of the toxic beauty standards prevalent in modern times, focusing on the controversial practices of Ozempic and the BBL trend.
Historic Evolution
The Flapper Era
The 1920s marked a significant shift in beauty standards, with the rise of the ‘flapper’ culture. Women embraced a more liberated and adventurous lifestyle, rejecting the constrained ideals of previous decades. Iconic figures such as Clara Bow and Louise Brooks represented the epitome of beauty during this era. Their short bobbed hair, dark, smokey eye makeup and bold red lips became iconic symbols of the time.
The Golden Age Of Hollywood
The rise of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s brought forth a glamorous era of beauty standards. Figures like Marilyn Monroe embodied the hourglass figure, with ample curves and a seductive allure. Women aspired to achieve this idealised shape through corsets, waist trainers, and body-enhancing undergarments. Flawless skin, plump lips and perfectly styled hair became the epitome of beauty.
The Twiggy Revolution
As the 1960s rolled in, the fashion industry embraced a more androgynous aesthetic. British model, Twiggy, with her slender figure, pixie haircut, and doe-eyed look, became the face of the ‘Swinging Sixties’. Her waif-like appearance revolutionised the beauty standards of the time, inspiring a generation of women to strive for a more slender physique and challenged the previous notion of curvaceous beauty.
The Supermodel Era
The 1980s witnessed the rise of the supermodel, with figures such as Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista dominating the fashion industry. These women epitomised the concept of ‘perfection’ with their long legs, toned bodies, and glamorous looks. The era glorified a more athletic and toned physique, leading to a surge in fitness and exercise trends.
The Era of the ‘Perfect’ Face, Body
With the advent of social media and the rise of reality TV, beauty standards in the 2000s became more focused on perfection. The ‘ideal’ face was characterised by flawless skin, defined cheekbones and plump lips. Celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry were revered for their stunning features, often becoming the benchmark for beauty.
Toxic Beauty Standards of the Modern Era
Ozempic: The Controversial Weight Loss Drug
In recent years, the pressure to attain a slim figure has led to the emergence of dangerous weight loss practices. One such method is the use of Ozempic, a prescription drug originally intended to treat type 2 diabetes. Ozempic works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and suppresses appetite.
However, the misuse of Ozempic for weight loss purposes poses serious health risks. Side effects include nausea, vomiting and potential long-term effects on the pancreas. While it is important to prioritise health over appearance, some celebrities have been rumoured to have used Ozempic to achieve rapid weight loss. It is crucial to emphasise the potential dangers associated with such practices and promote a balanced approach to wellness.
BBL Trend: The Quest for the “Perfect” Backside
The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) trend has gained immense popularity in recent years, fueled by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, who are often associated with their curvaceous figures. BBL involves fat transfer from one part of the body to the buttocks, creating a fuller and more rounded appearance.
Despite its popularity, the BBL trend carries significant risks. The procedure involves liposuction and fat grafting, which can lead to complications such as, infection, fat embolism and asymmetry. The pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards has driven many individuals to undergo this risky surgical procedure, often with devastating consequences.
Examining the Influence of Celebrities
The influence of celebrities and public figures on shaping societal beauty standards is undeniable. While many use their platform to promote body positivity and self-acceptance, there are also instances where certain celebrities have been known to promote toxic beauty standards. Here are a few examples:
Kim Kardashian: Kim Kardashian has been criticised for promoting unrealistic beauty standards through her heavily edited and curated social media presence. Her emphasis on a flawless appearance, including exaggerated curves and flawless skin, has contributed to the normalisation of an unattainable ideal. This perpetuates the pressure on individuals to achieve and maintain a certain physical appearance, often leading to negative self-perception and comparison.
Victoria’s Secret Angels: The yearly Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and its lineup of ‘Angels’ became synonymous with a narrow and unrealistic beauty standard. The emphasis on extremely thin bodies, often achieved through intense dieting and exercise, sent a harmful message to young audiences. Critics argue that this perpetuated unhealthy body image ideals and contributed to the prevalence of body dissatisfaction and eating disorders.
Celebrity Weight Loss Endorsements: Numerous celebrities have endorsed weight loss products and programmes that promote quick fixes and rapid weight loss. These endorsements often fail to address the importance of sustainable and healthy practices, instead focusing on unrealistic body transformations. Such endorsements create a false narrative that achieving an ideal body is solely dependent on using these products, disregarding the importance of proper nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being.
Certain Fashion Magazines: Several fashion magazines have faced criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards through heavily airbrushed and photoshopped images. By digitally altering models and celebrities to create unattainable perfection, these magazines contribute to a culture of comparison and dissatisfaction. This perpetuates the belief that flaws and imperfections should be hidden or eliminated, further damaging self-esteem and body image.
Social Media Influencers: With the rise of social media, influencers have had significant impactover beauty standards. Some influencers promote a narrow and unrealistic definition of beauty, often showcasing idealised lifestyles and edited images. This curated online presence can lead to feelings of inadequacy and the belief that one must conform to these beauty standards to be accepted or valued.
Impact Of Unrealistic Beauty Standards On Society
The effect of beauty standards on individuals and society can be both profound and alarming. While beauty ideals have the power to shape perceptions and influence self-esteem, they also bring about numerous dangers and negative consequences. Let’s explore some of these dangers and how they have impacted society.
Firstly, the unrealistic and ever-changing beauty standards perpetuated by media, advertising, and celebrity culture can lead to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem. When individuals feel they do not match up to the prevailing beauty ideals, it can result in feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and a distorted body image. This constant pressure to conform can have severe psychological effects and contribute to the development of eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
Moreover, the pursuit of these unattainable beauty standards often leads to unhealthy and dangerous behaviours. Extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and the misuse of weight loss drugs, as mentioned earlier, can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. These practices can lead to nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, weakened immune systems, and even organ damage. The impact of these dangers is not limited to individuals alone; society as a whole bears the burden of the healthcare costs and emotional toll associated with these harmful practices.
Another aspect to consider is the economic impact of beauty standards. The beauty and fashion industries thrive on promoting and capitalising on these ideals. The constant pursuit of beauty leads to an increase in consumer spending on products and services promising to fulfil these standards. This not only perpetuates the cycle of unattainable beauty but also reinforces the profit-driven nature of these industries. The emphasis on appearance as a measure of value and worth fuels consumerism and perpetuates a culture of materialism.
Additionally, beauty standards have also contributed to a lack of diversity and representation in the media and entertainment industry. Historically, certain ethnicities, body types and physical features have been underrepresented or marginalised. This lack of inclusivity reinforces harmful stereotypes and fosters a culture of exclusion, where individuals who do not fit into the idealized standards may face discrimination and limited opportunities.
Beauty standards have evolved over time, reflecting the cultural, societal and celebrity influences of each era. From the liberated flappers of the 1920s to the slender figures of the 1960s and the ‘perfect’ faces and bodies of the 2000s, these standards have shaped perceptions of beauty. However, it is important to recognize the toxicity associated with certain present-day beauty standards, such as the misuse of Ozempic for weight loss and the risks associated with the BBL trend.
As individuals, it is crucial to prioritise our health and well-being over societal pressures. Embracing diversity and promoting body positivity can help redefine beauty standards, fostering a more inclusive and accepting society. Let us strive for a future where beauty is not confined to narrow ideals but celebrates the uniqueness and individuality of every person.
