History and Beauty

Isn't it funny how this term--"beauty"--that once referred to general loveliness has become mainstream and typically defines attractiveness (make that physical female attractiveness)?

As a historian I have always been interested in the progression of what is considered beautiful over the ages. Many of these definitions of "gorgeous" and the lengths women went through to achieve them are considered ludicrous nowadays...until you re-think some of the methods modern women use including:being stretched and sewn up like Frankenstein's monster all for the sake of a few wrinkles; Having God-Knows-What injected into your face that freezes it up like a cartoon; Starving yourself. Especially absurd when in conjunction with breast implants. Those two don't go hand in hand people!!!

So yes, modern society has some deranged ideas of "beauty." But look at the past---

During the Renaissance "larger" women were the height of hotness (considered attractive because they had the wealth to consume more food).  Even cellulite was alright!

In Imperial Russia it was considered mighty pretty to dye one's teeth black. Yes, black (this was one of those instances of "because I can afford to!").

Some Victorians went a bit far to be considered beautiful, including wearing eyeshadows made out of lead.

The 1920s ushered in the popularity of the flapper, bringing with it shorter hairdos, an increase in the popularity of nail polish and heavy eyeliner, and thinner figures. However, the reign of the curvy woman returned in the 1940s and 50s (with the exception of dear, willowy Audrey Hepburn), along with heavy pan-cake makeup, bleached hair, and a myriad of beauty rules that meant regimented makeup application. 

Check out this segment from a 1959 magazine article:

"...slap on some astringent lotion, foundation cream, eyelid cream, neck cream, powder, rouge, lipstick, eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, mascara, beauty spots, eye shadow, hand lotion, invisible chin tightener [what the hell?!], nail polish, and perfume..."

Beauty sure has come a long way, and although there are others who stick to the layers and layers of product, I prefer to keep it simple in order to let me natural beauty shine through--namely, my freckles! So for me beauty is about being clean and fresh, so products are just slight improvements and enhancements. I don't want to be the girl that washes off her makeup at night, gets in bed, and has my husband scream in terror because he doesn't recognize me.  In fact, he prefers me without makeup and doesn't get why I am so fixated with products (my weaknesses are skin, lips, hair). He doesn't seem to understand the excitement of going somewhere beautiful, like Nordstrom or Sephora and eying the pretty little pots of colors, all lined up like baubles in a jewelry parlor.

 
You dot on, rub across, smell, smear, and test them until you find one that you love, one--you think--will make you achieve that look you strive for. And then you take it home and are overcome with the fresh new wave of pleasure as you unwrap it and relish the fact that it now belongs to you, and try to think of an excuse to wear it NOW ! There are many that don't understand this sensation, but to those of us that do, we are continuing in history's long tradition of devotion to beauty, and if makeup or hair masks or new nail polishes or soaps or creams are what bring you a little joy (or a lot), 

welcome to the club.