Modern beauty standards are like a revolving carousel. They’re always evolving, shifting with the flow of cultural tides, technological advancements, and global conversations around what’s beautiful. They’re not rigid rules — they’re fluid expressions of particular moments in time.
In this post, we’re taking a deep dive into these changing ideals. We’ll walk through the evolution of beauty standards, what’s trending right now, and finally — the ways in which we can feel these changes, both personally and societally.
Image: Adrienn/Pexels
The Evolution of Beauty Standards
Beauty standards are constantly in flux. They evolve and adapt, making what was once chic seem like ancient history. So, what drives these changes? Here are a few factors:
Cultural Trends: Different eras place value on different things, so it’s only natural that ideals of beauty change to reflect that.
Technological Leaps: From the near-silent screen stars of Hollywood’s silent golden age to Instagram filters, technological leaps often dictate society’s idea of beauty.
Economic Influences: Society directs its idea of beauty according to what it embraces economically. Rough economic times spur on simplistic chic while prosperous eras give way to the glitz and glam they’d been deprived of.
Health and Wellness Trends: The '80s brought on an aerobics craze that turned the concept of beauty into one that was based on fitness. Today, the beauty concept pendulum swings toward the natural, holistic approach to health and wellness.
Current Trends in Beauty and Fashion
Sashay into the dynamic world of beauty and fashion and you’ll find that some of the most exciting trends don’t stop at looking good—they reflect deeper societal values like inclusivity, wellness and authenticity.
Natural and Minimalist Makeup
The minimalist makeup trend is more about stripping down and paring back than it is about hoarding every nude eyeshadow palette in sight. It is about embracing individuality and owning our flaws. It's a breath of fresh air from complex routines and an overdue celebration of what is beautiful about being real and being ourselves.
Inclusive Beauty
Finally, the beauty industry is peeling its gaze away from a narrow slice of humanity and taking in the whole breathtaking spectrum. This is not just about broadening shade ranges – it's a call to make room for everyone deserving in this great, colorful array of beauty that we each are—regardless of where we come from, what we do, and who we love.
Athleisure and Comfort Wear
More than just a trend, this style is about showing up to look good without compromising on coziness. It's here to show that we value gliding through our days with ease as much as we do with a skip in our step. It gives us a way to have our leggings and silky trench too, and really, isn’t that the way life is—about having it all, beautifully and simply, as we please?
Vintage and Retro Styles
We find our fascination with times past to be very now. Vintage styles draw from a time when the rules of fashion were only beginning to flex their muscles. When you sport a retro style, the timeless classic sits next to your killer new style, as together they scheme to remind you that fabulous is forever and that style transcends time.
Personal Grooming and Self-Care
When the world is constantly in fast forward, personal grooming and self-care are acts of self-love. Here’s how these practices play a huge role in meeting modern beauty standards while keeping you sane.
Routine Practices
A solid beauty routine centers around the basics—clean, moisturize, and protect your skin, each step customized for you.
Skincare: A routine that’s made specifically for your skin and keeps it looking its best. Clean, moisturize, and repeat.
Hair Care: Finding the right products and routine for your hair type can be life-changing.
Hygiene: Bath time can feel like self-care and aromatherapy can easily be added to your routines so daily hygiene starts to feel a lot more luxurious.
Image: George Milton/Pexels
Lifestyle Changes
Keeping up with beauty standards might inspire broader lifestyle adjustments, like a new exercise regimen or wellness practices. For some, considering a weight loss procedure might align with their health and aesthetic goals, representing a step towards aligning their outer appearance with their inner vision of themselves. These changes should prioritize your health and happiness, reflecting a desire to improve yourself on your terms, not just to mirror a trend.
Sustainable Beauty Practices
Sustainable beauty is a move towards choices that work for us and the planet. It involves rethinking what we do as part of our beauty routines, taking into account the environmental impact and choosing sustainable actions and habits.
Eco-Friendly Products
The beauty industry is buzzing with products that are kind to the planet, packed with ethically sourced ingredients and with recycling-friendly packaging. Not only are you pampering yourself as you use these products; but you’ll also be engaging in a little bit of self-care for the planet as well.
Conscious Consumption
Being a conscious consumer when it comes to beauty means a focus on less consumption — buying fewer products and reaching for those with multiple uses — as well as prioritizing brands that offer refill services. Choosing a more minimal approach to beauty means not only less waste but also a more sustainable approach in general.
The Impact of Social Media on Beauty Perceptions
Social media reflects, distorts, and sometimes amplifies our perceptions of beauty. Its impact on our own self-image and our perception of others is as powerful as it is complex — democratizing beauty on the one hand and driving an unhealthy obsession with perfection through retouching on the other. Whether or not we admit it, we’re all walking through a forest of physical ideals and filters with nearly every swipe.
Conclusion
In today’s modern beauty standards, we’re constantly balancing staying true to ourselves while keeping up with the latest trends. Whether it’s switching up our grooming routines or adding a few trends to our closet, getting in sync with the current beauty landscape is one thing – but not at the expense of our individuality or personal wellness.
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