BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

Challenging Beauty Ideals

by Angela Legh

The Not So Beautiful History Of Beauty Standards

Looking back at the history of female beauty standards may prompt us to question the practices of past societies. However, when we compare these historical beauty ideals to contemporary phenomena such as teenagers receiving Botox injections, we're confronted with a troubling continuity in the pursuit of perfection.

While the methods and substances may vary, the underlying motivation remains the same: the relentless pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. Just as women in ancient times subjected themselves to harmful practices in the name of beauty, today's youth are often influenced by societal pressures and media images that glorify a certain idealized appearance.

In ancient Rome, lead-based cosmetics were popular among men and women. Lead was used in various forms, including lead oxide for whitening the skin and lead sulfide for darkening eyelashes and eyebrows. However, lead is highly toxic, and prolonged exposure has the potential to lead to severe health issues, such as lead poisoning.

Corsets have been used for centuries to achieve an exaggerated hourglass figure by tightly cinching the waist. While they were fashionable during various periods of history, including the Victorian era, corsets could cause significant damage to internal organs, restrict breathing, and lead to longterm health problems including misaligned ribs and spinal issues.

During the Renaissance period, arsenic complexion wafers were used to achieve a pale complexion, which was considered fashionable at the time. These wafers contained toxic ingredients such as arsenic, mercury, and lead, which were applied to the skin to lighten it. Sadly, exposure to arsenic could cause poisoning and even death.

Foot binding was a practice in ancient China where the feet of young girls were tightly bound to prevent them from growing larger than a certain size, typically to achieve the ideal of small, delicate feet known as "lotus feet." This practice caused severe deformities, lifelong disabilities, and excruciating pain for the women subjected to it.

The practices mentioned earlier were all driven by the societal standards of beauty prevalent in those particular times and places.

Positive Change For The Future

Fortunately, there is a positive shift occurring in the beauty industry. Ethical companies such as Bella Vida Santa Barbara luxury skincare are leading the way by offering women healthier alternatives that enhance their appearance without sacrificing their well-being or ethical values.

In contrast to the harmful practices of the past, Bella Vida Santa Barbara luxury skincare prioritizes ingredients that are safe and beneficial for the skin. Their products are designed to enhance natural beauty while promoting skin health and overall well-being.

By embracing this approach, women can feel confident in their beauty routines, knowing they are not compromising their health or values in pursuit of societal ideals.

As more companies follow suit and prioritize health, sustainability, and inclusivity, we move toward a future where beauty is celebrated in all its diverse forms, and women can feel empowered to express themselves authentically and confidently. Beauty is often said to be in the eye of the beholder, a blend of both exterior appearance and inner qualities. A woman may not fit conventional standards of attractiveness yet radiate a beauty that transcends physicality through her kindness and compassion. Conversely, someone conventionally stunning may lack true beauty if their heart is filled with selfishness and vanity.

When society begins to measure beauty by the content of one's character rather than superficial traits, we will truly value what is good and meaningful. It's kindness, empathy and integrity that truly illuminate a person's beauty, enriching not only their own lives but the lives of those around them. As we progress toward this understanding, we move closer to a world where genuine beauty is celebrated and cherished above all else.

Angela Legh is a best-selling author of the Bella Santini Series.