America has a culturally accepted norm of what makes someone beautiful. A standard that is hard to meet. Being light-skinned, blonde and blue-eyed is the benchmark of beauty, of what is most desirable. But is that really what it takes to be attractive in America?
South Korea has become one of the beauty capitals of the world for male beauty. In contrast to the West, it is still a misconception that the South Korean beauty industry exclusively focuses on women.
As we step into 2025, the beauty industry is poised for even more growth, innovation, and excitement. Trends like minimalism, sustainability, AI, inclusivity, and bold makeup are shaping the future of beauty.
In the exhibition I explored the theme of beauty standards - beauty standards are social norms and expectations about physical appearance that are considered desirable in a particular society or culture. They are often perpetuated by media, advertising, and popular culture, and can have a significant impact on individu.
A conventionally beautiful woman was neither too tall nor too short, neither “too thin” nor “too plump”, with a long neck, large breasts, and a tapered waist. Much like in ancient Greece, a prominent nose and small lips were considered to be very beautiful, as was a round face with a slight double chin.
America has a culturally accepted norm of what makes someone beautiful. A standard that is hard to meet. Being light-skinned, blonde and blue-eyed is the benchmark of beauty, of what is most desirable.
Heterosexual men tend to be attracted to women who have a youthful appearance and exhibit features such as a symmetrical face, full breasts, full lips, and a low waist–hip ratio.
To be “conventionally attractive” means to fall within common beauty standards or to have features that society as a whole deems desirable. In the United States, conventionally attractive features include clear skin, a symmetrical face, and a fit body, among others.
Today's beauty standard is fluid, diverse, and inclusive. Gone are the days of a singular, restrictive ideal. In 2023, beauty is seen in all shapes, sizes, colors, and identities. It's a celebration of authenticity and individuality.
Pretty privilege, also known as beauty bias, refers to individuals who are considered conventionally attractive getting preferential treatment and advantages in various aspects of life due to their appearance.
Society's “Ideal” Female Body Type
Their responses varied slightly. However, they largely shared the same viewpoint on the "ideal" female body type. According to their responses, the "ideal" woman would be 5'5", weigh between 121-130 pounds, and have a 25 or 26-inch waist.
Societal pressure also plays a huge role in Gen-Z's beauty spending. This generation is growing up in a world where appearance is closely tied to success and social acceptance. The pressure to look a certain way isn't new, but it's intensified with social media.
The concept of a “perfect” face leans heavily towards symmetry and balance. Typically, features such as larger eyes, a slender nose, pronounced cheekbones, plump lips, and overall harmonious proportions are deemed attractive.
Another possible cause for this phenomenon is South Korea's classist culture, where looking 'wealthy' is a beauty standard. Fair, flawless skin is idealized because even in the past, wealthy people did not work out “in the fields”. In contrast, tanned skin is associated with the working class.
unrealistic beauty standards refers to specifically for women - an hourglass figure, small nose, big plump lips, high cheekbones, big breasts. They are considered unrealistic because only around 5% of women in the world are naturally blessed with these features.
Instead of heavy makeup, they lean towards a minimalistic approach and prioritize skincare. Similar to millennials, Gen Z believes beauty is synonymous with self-care and wellness. They place more importance on healthy skin rather than concealing flaws.
In conclusion, the American standard of beauty has historically favoured being White, blue-eyed, thin, and young. This specific set of requirements is limiting Americans to desire an unattainable standard of beauty.
Women generally relate the ideally thin body to positive life outcomes such as happiness, confidence, and romantic success, and consequently a majority of women value the thin ideal to some extent.
Japanese beauty standards are firmly grounded in the principles of simplicity and a natural appearance. Traditionally, pale skin, dark hair, and refined features have been esteemed, with an emphasis on enhancing natural beauty rather than concealing it with excessive makeup or drastic changes.
Hourglass figures are often considered the "ideal" female body shape, with a balanced upper body and lower body and a narrow waist. If your bust and hips are nearly equal in size and you have a noticeable waist, you likely have an hourglass shape. Your goal is to highlight your curves without overwhelming your frame.
This is supported by a study showing that breast size is positively associated with estrogen levels, which may, in turn, indicate higher potential fertility (Jasienska, Ziomkiewicz, Ellison, Lipson, & Thune, 2004). Consequently, men are expected to be attracted to women with relatively large breasts.
Studies show that men find faces with attractive and radiant skin most attractive. A symmetrical face, luscious lips, expressive eyes, and defined cheekbones can also add to the allure. While these are general complexes, don't use them as an archetype of what true beauty is all about.