Religion AspectsBeauty is in the eye of the onlookers. Our idea of beauty is settled by cultural influences and imaginations of aesthetics determined by fashion narrates of that era. Women, and sometimes men, often go to scary heights and a lot of pain to get that special beauty ideal. Is your idea of perfection worth the expense?

Ideal in Europe

The search for perfect looks has been as old as time itself. However, culture plays a big role in our perception of beauty. For instance, “looking young” is the beauty goal in America, while naturally, glass skin is the beauty ideal in Europe. Fairness is coveted in most Asian countries. A curvy figure, long bouncy hair, and tanned skin is considered beautiful in Brazil. Having a slim figure is considered an important beauty criterion in most parts of the world. Whereas in Africa, a filled-out stoic figure is considered beautiful. As the world becomes smaller and connectivity increased, people began associating beauty with happiness and prosperity. As a result of which, women from the East began to covet the Western ideal of beauty. Being long, fair, slender, having light eyes and light hair, and having Aryan features became the platinum standard for beauty.

Religion Aspects

Women across the world have been experimenting with cosmetics and beauty aids since time immemorial. The goal is to look boldly attractive in order to attract the most suitable mate as a provider for one’s yet-unborn progeny. There are social and financial restrictions as well. We take a lot of effort to beautify and change our appearance in order to look more well put and sophisticated. Religion influences beauty as well. Hinduism always portrays its Goddesses as beautiful. Therefore being beautiful is considered a godly quality. Actually, courtesans were often shown in the nude in Hindu art. The Abrahamic faiths on the other hand, abhor nudity and stress on chastity and the veil.

Every timeline in history has held its own perceptions of what is and is not accepted as beautiful. In the early times, European explorers showed disgust and disbelief at the tattoos, piercings, and feather decorations of the natives. They seemed it rebellious and barbaric. However, they considered their own top hats, powder wigs and corsets as high fashion!

Let’s travel a bit back n dwell upon ancient styles to understand our obsession with being pretty.

Different Cultures

Various cultures have used their own indigenous products. Egyptians used powdered coal to Bolden their eyes, and henna to give color to their lips and nails. Razors and pumice stone were used by men and women to clean their heads bald, and used beautiful wigs instead. A face pack made of olive oil, incense, crushed cypress and wax was left on the face for 6 days to lessen wrinkles. Baths and hammams became common. Unlike Europeans, Egyptians had high regard for cleanliness and hygiene and bathed each day.

Hebrews and Arabs

The Hebrews and Arabs were sophisticated with cosmetics as their Prophets looked down upon self-adornment. But the use of henna, kohl, incense, aromatics and perfume was allowed and encouraged.

Greeks

Greeks went easy on products as well. Makeup was only used by the low class and prostitutes. They made emollients using beeswax, rose water and olive oil. Some time later, Ponds used the exact same formula to create the world’s first “cold cream”. The Romans were a lot more extravagant and experimental. Various cosmetics were used to enhance the skin, hair, bodies and nails. Light hair was coveted, and women used various dyes and bleaches to beautify their hair. However, this usually led to severe hair damage and baldness.

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