The widely known proverb ‘Beauty is Pain’ has been heard from far and wide. But how painful could this platitude ever become?

The aesthetically pleasing concept has encompassed a multitude of personal, societal and cultural values that have evolved over the years and as advancements continue to surge, so will our idea of beauty.

In the 1940’s, Hollywood Glamour rose to the standard. The soft yet defined features were sought after even during the great depression and world war 2. Beauty products were commonly introduced and beauty routines were firmly established.

During the 1950’s, the era of Marilyn Monroe. The idea of a ‘perfect’ housewife was presented as well as the ideal suburban lifestyle. Gender roles were reinforced and the fantasy of the ‘ideal feminine’ were generally desired.

In the 1960’s, the women began challenging societal norms and incorporating creative and individualistic looks. Beauty upheld bold and unique styles and this was just the tip of the iceberg.

During the 1970’s, the legendary disco-craze era of Michael Jackson came into fruition. When the child star rose to stardom embracing the suave glamour of the disco movement. The vibrant and vivacious trends of this time were embedded into history. The era of experimentation and expansion were truly among them with the world renowned afro coming into mainstream aesthetics. As sequins and patterns dazzled the dirty dancing night clubbers they two-stepped to the beat in their best wide-flared trousers, tailored jackets and platform shoes.

In the 1980s-1990s, big hair and bright make-up bedazzled us. Where boldness and bravery took centre stage in beauty.

In the 2000s, the great glamour and fierce femininity was a forced to be reckoned with, the athletic aesthetic and cool couture took over the Hollywood scene and mainstream media. The emphasis of ‘feminine perfection’ was sternly stamped into society and was made as a luxury that was far-fetched yet highly heeded to.

In the diverse decade of the 2010’s where the unique looks and styles of pop stars were invited onto our screens with the rise of skincare and the layers beauty were taken aback and not just appreciated when applied but also taken care of. Social Media began to slowly navigate into the introspection and inclusivity of beauty, celebrating individualism in aesthetics, fashion and art.

In the current 2020s, there is a continuous emphasis on expression and beauty in all forms and aesthetics. As generations of gender norms water-down into fluidity and as the rise of technology swiftly grows, it’ll be intriguing to witness how beauty steadily advances and evolves.

How has social media changed the beauty standard?

  1. The influence of beauty has become a newly found career in which beauty products such as skincare, haircare and make-up have been uploaded and posted online in forms of reviews, tutorials and honest or (not so honest!) opinions that have been marketed to a wider audience mainly influencing younger generations on platforms such as:
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
  • Instagram

2. Which brings me to my next point, the infamous ‘unrealistic beauty standards of social media.’ The pressure of perfection have been deep-rooted in human nature for many centuries yet this degree of influence, accessibility and interconnection as a society has curated an online presence which has highlighted insecurity like never before. The concept of competition on the who has the most ‘followers’ and ‘likes’ has perpetuated an unprecedented ‘Internet Beauty Pageant.’ We are living in a facade of filters and the use of over-editing which may come across seemly harmless at first. Although, I believe this has encouraged more damage than we have accounted for. The rise of aesthetics and cosmetic surgery has risen to new highs, even unsafe and unregulated practices are being performed all under the name of ‘Unrealistic Beauty.’

3. The ever-shifting beauty and its standards are moving with the times with the boldness and creativity of make up such as: eyeshadow and eyebrows and a plethora of hair styles to recreate as a variety of viral videos appear right on our algorithm. These trends have travelled all across the world through our very phones, promoting the idea beauty is unique yet also easily altered.

Body Dysmorphia in Social Media:

As we take in our own self-image and the beauty standards of today we are altering our brain chemistry. Where dysmorphia is already genetically predisposed, the heavy influence of social media would affect even those who are the least susceptible. As the internet is populated with impressionable young girls and boys of whom’s brains have not yet developed to have a full understanding of themselves to manoeuvre the impressions of beauty and social media.

The Dark Side of Beauty:

Growing up, it is normal to feel insecure sometimes. I believe it was taboo to talk about and vulnerability wasn’t always easy… especially if you came from homes or grew up in communities and areas where you are told be strong and not show emotion or ‘weakness.’ This along with social media breeds a contempt and a belief in yourself that you may not be ‘enough’ in certain aspects of your being. I used to feel like this until I had come across a concept called the ‘The Dark Side of Beauty’ being attractive has always been seen as a plus. But what about when you don’t see it… and others do?

The Dark Side of Beauty attributes to:

  • Boundaries constantly being pushed and tested.
  • Lust over Love.
  • Being sexually objectified and harassed.
  • A lack of respect towards you and your autonomy.

How will technology advance the beauty industry?

I believe technology and beauty will further advance our needs and will appear more personalised and tailored to us when it comes to skincare, haircare, dental care and make up. The innovation of artificial intelligence will revitalise beauty in ways in which we did not expect.

At last, the famous proverb ‘Beauty is in the eyes of the Beholder’ will always remain a honest word spoken. No matter how much cosmetic or aesthetic surgery you undergo or how much make-up, filters or editing you apply. Inner beauty shines from our heart and soul and that is a trait not even the best of beauty standards can implement.

** photo not mine credit to the rightful owner **