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What is the definition of beauty? It differs across the world. But one thing is consistent: it is not easy to achieve the beauty standards of a society. For some, a little pain is worth the sacrifice to be considered attractive. For others, it is a lot of pain.
1. Eye shape
Big eyes have become desired by women everywhere. This has particularly affected the standards in many East Asian countries. One of the most popular plastic surgeries in those countries is to fold the eyelids back. This creates a crease in the eyelid that is considered attractive. It also makes the eyes appear larger and more doe-like.
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2. Skin color
In many Western countries, it has become a fad for lighter skinned people to tan their skin. This can be accomplished by sitting out in the sun for hours, baking in a tanning bed, wearing bronzing makeup, or applying spray on tanning on your skin. Even though tanning beds have been linked to causing skin cancer, the trend has not slowed down. Meanwhile, skin lightening treatments are popular throughout several Asian and African countries. Lightening creams are very dangerous for the skin. Why can’t people just be happy with their natural shade?
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3. Body modifications
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Whether or not body modifications are considered attractive depends largely on culture. Scarification is a common practice in many African tribes. The scars can be used to determine status in the community. Stretching the earlobes is practiced among the Masai in Kenya. Stretching the lips is practiced among the Mursi in Ethiopia. In New Zealand, the Maori tribes decorate their faces with swirling tattoos called Moko. Nose piercings have been a long standing tradition in India; it has roots in the traditional Hindu marriage ceremony. Tattoos and piercings were considered subversive in many Western countries but are slowly becoming more mainstream. In some cultures, there are even stigmas against tattoos. In Japan, for example, tattoos are often banned from being visible in public baths.
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4. Body shape
In current Western standards, women are often pressured to be skinny. But they are also expected to have a full bust and hips like an hourglass. Men around the world feel pressure to be muscular. This Western standard has been affecting countries, such as India where being thin was not the traditional beauty standard. However, it has not reached all of them. In Brazil for instance, the ideal figure is called “the guitar shape.” This means having a smaller bust and a larger backside. In Mauritania, being heavier is considered the most beautiful. There are even “fat farms” that help women become larger.
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5. Bone structure
Facial symmetry is often important in beauty. Nose jobs have become popular in many Middle Eastern countries. They can also be important status and wealth symbols in some places, such as Iran. Strong jaw lines are considered ideal for masculine beauty. In a few African and Asian cultures, long necks are considered beautiful. Many women of the Kayan people of Burma wear neck rings to make them look more stretched.
SEE ALSO: 9 Extreme Body Modifications You Can Blame On Culture.
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