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A Deep Dive on the Concept of Beauty in Different Cultures

Beauty is everywhere, but the eye of the beholder isn’t the only one in town! Women from across the Far East to the West have worn many faces and flaunted countless styles throughout time. Welcome to the wild, wonderful world of beauty in different cultures, where norms, values, and practices combine in a whirlwind of appearances for women.
Beauty for women is a concept as old as humanity itself. It has transcended time and geographical boundaries to remain a fundamental aspect of our lives. However, what is considered a beautiful woman varies significantly across different cultures and epochs.
This diversity in beauty standards for women offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate tapestry of human culture, history, and perception. We’ve covered it from different modern societies, socioeconomic status, and even their cosmopolitan structure!
What is the History of Beauty Culture?

Beauty in different cultures has a different perception of beauty. The operating theaters of the human mind during old-world civilization were diverse. Back then, numerous standards were strictly implemented, affecting social life.
The history of beauty differs from one another, even if they reside in the same country, as different regions affect their perception of beauty. It may be because of the different ethnic groups of the area, the landscape, and their religion.
For example, to be considered an attractive woman in ancient China, you must achieve an entirely different and unique appearance from the rest. Some tribes of old China value fertility and plumpness; in other parts, the beauty culture is focused on petite women.
The most notable old-world tradition was that you must have bound feet; although abolished in recent years, you can still see the implemented practice in some Chinese people.
Another example of how beauty differs in ancient civilizations was lip plates. Body modification is considered taboo in some customs, but in Ethiopia, the Mursi tribe considered a woman with large lip plates beautiful. The larger, the better.
Beauty varies in different ways, and although it might sound confusing as to why they follow a certain appearance, even if it’s painful, it is crucial to understand that if your beauty differs, it will start affecting social life and economic activities.
What is the Concept of Beauty Culture?

Beauty for women is ubiquitous in human life, yet its perception is far from universal. Across cultures, certain societies, and throughout history, what is considered beauty for women has been defined, celebrated, and pursued in myriad ways.
The concept of beauty culture refers to the set of norms, values, and practices that shape how beauty varies, is perceived, and is pursued in certain societies. It encompasses ideals of attractiveness, grooming rituals, and the products or treatments used to enhance one’s appearance.
While beauty may seem universal, different variables seem to be cross-cultural. For instance, symmetrical faces are often perceived as more attractive, a preference that seems to be rooted in biology as it reflects genetic health. Anatomical differences in appearance may seem undesirable as it means their genetics are bad.
Clear skin, healthy hair, and youthful features also enjoy universal acclaim. Pale skin or tanned skin may reflect a person’s socioeconomic status and economic activities, with different variables playing into the operating theaters of the human mind. A woman with a voluptuous body shape was the best painting of the beauty of old times.
However, beyond these commonalities, what is seen as beauty for women can diverge widely, especially in beauty in different cultures where beauty varies depending on their history and location.
New beauty perceptions unite different cultures, creating a beautiful tapestry of diverse looks. However, other cultures still practice their various traditions.
Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Standards

In ancient civilizations, people from different cultures employed various methods to attain their beauty standards, such as the practices observed among Karen women in Myanmar and the tradition of foot binding in the ancient civilizations in Chinese culture.
Just like old-world ethnic groups a long time ago, we developed various traditions and practices to achieve our own perception of beauty. In recent years, numerous surgical procedures have been created, and 12.8 million people have laid on the surgeons’ tables to get procedures done.
Today, the approach remains somewhat similar as plastic surgery has become a common means of achieving these standards. Beauty in many cultures is diverse, and in cosmetic surgery, the geographic region dictates what kind of surgery they specialize in.
In South Korea, the beauty culture is as strict as the old-world times. Their culture is focused on how attractive a person is. It doesn’t matter if it’s not natural, as long as the woman looks attractive and presentable. The South Koreans’ cosmetic surgeries focus on the nose, chin, and eyes.
In Iran, cosmetic surgeons usually operate on the nose; Iranian women typically flaunt their nose jobs by leaving the bandages on. In Western culture, the surgeons’ tables are full of Brazilian butt lifts, fox eyes, and breast augmentations to achieve their desired ‘attractive’ look.
Do Different Cultures Have Different Ideas of Beauty?

Absolutely. Beauty for women is a profoundly cultural concept, and beauty varies depending from one culture to another. While there may be some shared universal traits that humans tend to find attractive, such as symmetry, natural beauty, and clear skin, specific beauty standards can differ widely because of different cultures.
Artistic representations and historical texts play a significant role in painting beauty ideals. Renaissance paintings and traditional depictions of beauty in different cultures have a lasting influence on the perception of beauty now.
New aesthetic perspectives are now cross-cultural. Before, beauty in different cultures differed per ethnic group, tradition, and country. Let’s take, for example, the anatomical differences of bodies preferred in Asian and Western cultures. Asian women prefer petite bodies, while Western women prefer voluptuous bodies.
But in recent years, women have been exposed to multiple “attractive” levels from different countries, creating multiple cross-cultural beauty standards.
How Do Different Cultures Define Attractiveness?

Have you ever wondered why what’s considered stunning in one part of the world isn’t quite the same in another? It’s because beauty is a chameleon, changing its colors to fit in. The perception of beauty in different cultures is often entwined with societal ideals, which historically often revolved around wealth and prestige.
Historical beauty standards frequently mirrored the trends of the affluent and bourgeois. These standards often set the stage for societal expectations of beauty. Here’s a brief glimpse into how beauty in different cultures varies and a quick explanation as to why:
Western Perception of Beauty

In numerous Western cultures, a slender and fit physique, often accompanied by features such as high cheekbones and full lips, is commonly regarded as aesthetically pleasing. Throughout history, beauty ideals have evolved, transitioning from lighter skin and voluptuous figures glorified during the Renaissance to the preference for more androgynous models and sun-kissed skin in recent decades.
Here’s a more detailed description of different geographic regions and their beauty ideals within the Western context:
North America
The historical American beauty standard has typically favored characteristics such as tanned or sun-kissed skin, blonde hair, blue eyes, and a tall, slim physique. This idea has also embraced a curvier yet toned figure, appreciating attributes such as a prominent derrière, ample bosoms, and long legs.
The new aesthetic perspectives in North America are typically linked to a life of wealth and health. As sun-kissed or tanned skin usually means that you’re a traveler, you have an active lifestyle, and you look healthy. That’s why women typically use tanning machines and tan sprays to achieve their desired skin color.
South America
Beauty standards in South America often celebrate diverse characteristics. Common ideals may include a preference for sun-kissed skin tones, voluptuous yet toned figures, and appreciation for features like full lips and dark, luscious hair. The concept of beauty here often embraces a blend of different cultural influences, resulting in varied perceptions across the continent.
Europe
Every geographic region across Europe has a different perception of beauty. In some parts, there’s a reverence for fair skin, petite frames, and refined features. Other regions embrace a more diverse range of features, appreciating natural and distinct beauty characteristics such as expressive eyes, fuller figures, and a celebration of individuality.
Asian Beauty

Welcome to the delightful world of Asian beauty standards! Picture a land where cuteness reigns supreme, and the pursuit of looking ‘adorbs’ is all the rage. In many cultures here in Asia, the ideal beauty recipe involves a pinch of lighter skin, a sprinkle of delicate facial features, and a dash of traits that scream, “I’m sweet and youthful!”
Here’s the generally universal consensus on beauty: fair and pale skin is like the ultimate treasure, and a “V-shaped” face with a pointed chin is the crown jewel of cuteness. Big, expressive eyes and those charming double eyelids? They’re the cherries on top of the cuteness cake, adding that touch of innocent charm that’s oh-so-desirable.
The different regions affect their perception of beauty, especially their old traditions. Let’s take, for example, the tradition in China, where foot binding was considered the norm as it’s a symbol of richness.
Many Asian countries have diverse beauty standards, but the consensus in Korean, Chinese, and Japanese beauty standards is almost identical. But there are many Asian countries, and most have different cultures and traditions. Here are some of them:
Japan
For a Japanese woman to be considered a “beauty,” they must have wide, expressive eyes. A woman with this feature is highly sought after as a primary element of beauty. Along with the preference for light, clear skin, Japanese beauty for women focuses on the significance of having large eyes and a desirable double eyelid, known as 二重 (futae).
Furthermore, a unique trend in Japanese beauty standards includes an admiration for features resembling a canine. This trend has led to an increased demand for cosmetic procedures to achieve such characteristics, resulting in a surge of surgeons specializing in these alterations.
Japanese women love to avoid the sun; they constantly use sunscreen. They have a specific beauty routine to achieve their desired complexion. Women in this country typically wear their hair in a neatly designed look.
Regarding makeup techniques, the Japanese approach emphasizes accentuating facial features with a touch of natural beauty. Their makeup includes subtle blush, lighter skin-tone foundation, and glossy lips, creating an effect that brightens and emphasizes the eyes. These makeup methods highlight a more understated and soft aesthetic, in line with traditional Japanese beauty ideals.
China
For women in China, the prevalent beauty standards for women emphasize the appeal of fair or pale skin, a slender physique, and specific facial features such as large eyes with double-fold eyelids, along with what’s referred to as a “goose egg” shaped face.
A pointed chin is also considered an attractive trait in defining these beauty ideals. The trend for larger, more prominent eyes has become incredibly popular in China. A unique “douyin makeup” style was developed to accentuate this feature.
This technique aims to enlarge and emphasize the eyes by adding a lower eyeliner below the eye and incorporating a lighter shade between the eyes and makeup, resulting in an optical illusion of bigger, brighter eyes.
Chinese women wear their hair fashionably and cutely, using intricate designs to showcase their aesthetic.
Moreover, the demand for surgical procedures, notably double eyelid surgery, is prevalent among women seeking to achieve these specific eye features that align with the beauty standards in China.
South Korea
Korean beauty standards are among the most rigorous in the world, highly valuing specific physical attributes. The ideal Korean beauty for a woman entails a preference for a small, V-shaped face, fair skin, symmetrical eyebrows, a slender physique, and double eyelids. These features are considered instrumental in creating a look associated with innocence and youthfulness.
The pursuit of pale skin remains a dominant trend in South Korean beauty culture, reflecting the overarching preferences within their society. Korean women rigorously follow their K-beauty routine; they always avoid the sun and always use sunscreen.
Korean women have different styles of hair and hair colors; they love to accentuate their beauty. With that in mind, they also have a specific hair care routine. The desirable body shape typically involves a petite, slim figure with an average bosom, derriere, and a thin waist.
The strictness of these standards has led to a prevalence of plastic surgery in South Korea. With the intense societal emphasis on these beauty ideals, plastic surgeons have developed and improved surgical techniques to cater to these standards.
Philippines
In the Philippines, pale skin is the name of the game. A woman is considered attractive if they’re tall, petite, has pale skin, and a pointed nose. Some also consider women with short hair and slanted eyes beautiful.
Typically, women in the Philippines avoid sun exposure, as the sun usually causes tanned skin. We follow a multitude of skincare routines that mostly focus on skin whitening. Here, women usually use lighter shades of foundation, skin powder, cheek and lip tints, and light mascara.
African Beauty

African beauty standards are as diverse and vibrant as the continent itself! Imagine a celebration of curves, strength, and history dancing in colorful harmony. In many African cultures, the ideal figure for women embraces voluptuousness with wide hips and full breasts, not just as beauty but as symbols of fertility, femininity, and an embodiment of maternal power. It’s like saying, “Hey, our curves tell a story!”
But that’s not all. Traditional African beauty standards go beyond the surface, spotlighting their natural appearance. Dark skin? Absolutely adored. Fuller figures? Embraced and celebrated. Sun? Thriving in it.
And let’s not forget the magic in those unique hairstyles, mesmerizing body art, and those unmistakable facial features that tell tales as ancient as time itself. Each twist, braid, or pattern isn’t just decoration – it’s a history book in the form of a canvas!
Now, as we hit modern times, African beauty for women keeps evolving. It’s like a remix of tradition and today’s trends. Picture a scene with minimal makeup, letting natural beauty shine, and a preference for a slender yet curvaceous figure, coupled with a love for radiant, healthy skin.
But here’s the twist – these modern vibes, much like the diverse cultures within Africa, might shake and shimmy differently across regions, creating a kaleidoscope of beauty that’s always on the move and always, always fascinating!
Middle Eastern Standards

Middle Eastern beauty standards prioritize modesty and sophistication, often intertwined with attire and cultural norms. Women in many Middle Eastern countries commonly wear garments like hijabs or burkas, covering the majority of their bodies while leaving their faces, hands, and feet exposed. Within this context, beauty in the Middle East is characterized by specific facial features and traits.
Generally, an oval or round face shape, fullness at the temples, pronounced and elegantly arched eyebrows, and large, almond-shaped eyes are highly favored. Moreover, well-defined, laterally full cheeks, a small and straight nose, full lips, a well-defined jawline, and a prominent, pointed chin are also attractive within Middle Eastern beauty standards.
These cultural ideals often highlight facial features that reflect sophistication while adhering to the conventions of modesty prevalent in these regions. These standards, while having certain common elements across the Middle East, can still exhibit variations across different countries within the region, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry.
Iran
Iranian beauty standards also emphasize specific facial characteristics within the context of cultural norms. Common ideals include an oval or round face, distinctively arched eyebrows, and large, expressive eyes.
Additionally, the beauty ideal encompasses a small, straight nose, full lips, and a well-defined jawline. The Iranian beauty standards often prioritize these particular features, which vary slightly from those seen in other Middle Eastern countries, reflecting their unique cultural heritage and preferences.
United Arab Emirates
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), beauty standards for women typically align with the wider Middle Eastern features, prioritizing specific facial traits. Desired features include an oval or round face shape, well-defined cheeks, covered hair, and elegantly arched eyebrows. Large, expressive eyes, a small, straight nose, full lips, and a well-defined jawline are also favored.
These standards underscore a shared preference for sophistication and certain facial characteristics, although with regional variations influenced by the diverse cultural tapestry within the UAE.
It’s generally universal in the UAE to wear a hijab. The beauty standards align with the Middle Eastern emphasis on modesty and sophistication.
In today’s interconnected world, beauty standards from one culture often influence others. The rise of social media has further accelerated this process, making beauty trends, fashion, and cosmetics easily shareable and imitable worldwide.
Beauty ideals can have a profound impact on individuals and society. People may invest in cosmetic procedures and products to conform to these standards, and those who do not fit these norms can face discrimination and stigmatization.
The concept of beauty in different cultures is not static. It evolves with time, influenced by societal changes, politics, and global trends. As society becomes more inclusive and diverse, there is a growing appreciation for different forms of beauty, challenging traditional standards.
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Final Thoughts

Beauty culture isn’t a dusty relic of the past; it’s a vibrant, ever-evolving concept that keeps changing with the times. In our world today, as we become more inclusive and diverse, the definition of beauty broadens. Traditional standards get a makeover, and beauty truly knows no bounds.
So, whether you’re sashaying down a Parisian runway or sporting a Maasai necklace, remember that beauty is as varied as the cultures celebrating it. From the Far East to the West, powder paints to piercings and tints, the world is a playground for every beautiful version. So, put on your explorer’s hat and venture into the kaleidoscope of beauty culture – a dazzling ride you won’t want to miss!

Meet Alex, a finance grad with a makeup palette as diverse as her investment portfolio. When she’s not crunching financial data, you’ll find Alex reading about beauty and makeup, proving that numbers and glamour can coexist in one fabulous package.