The beauty ideal is defined as an amalgamation of qualities that delight the eye or other senses. Defined more narrowly, beauty can be described as a rating of attractiveness subjective to cultural standards (Alam and Dover). Beauty is said to be seen through the eyes of the beholder, varying drastically across centuries and cultures. There is no specific origin for the development of the idea of beauty, but it has been noted that beauty ideals emerged during the ancient times of the Egyptians and Romans. As societies developed from their previously nomadic ways, a drastic cultural change occurred. Civilizations broadened their focus from survival and developed social constructs such as class stratification and religious deities, as well as complex forms of communication through developments in language and later writing. From ancient times to the Middle Ages, beauty developed into an ideal attainable only for those of the wealthier classes. Ancient Egyptian women used kohl to enhance their eyelashes and used copper and lead minerals to create the world's first cosmetics (Stolnitz). In ancient Rome, the berries were used as a lip colorant, and the urine was used to fade freckles, which at the time were often considered unsightly blemishes that marred perfectly pale skin (Stolnitz). For centuries, beauty was seen as a form of power, and not even terrible living conditions could deter those who were committed to practicing the beautification efforts mandated by their culture. Examples of this include the Kalahari Bushmen of southern Africa who applied animal fat to moisturize their skin during famines, and 18th century French nobility who dusted their wigs with flour leading to famines and riots (Stolnitz). In the past, beauty was... ...at the heart of the card......identity and equality. Ultimately, beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. What is attractive to one person may not be attractive to another, and what might have been attractive at one point in history may no longer be attractive today. The idea of unattainable beauty has continually evolved over the centuries, arguably becoming more extreme as technology advances, but the definition of beauty has also evolved to mean more than just a person's physical appearance (Alam and Dover). Beauty arises from familiarity, as explained by psychological principles such as the mere effect of exposure, but is not necessarily confined to an established social standard (Gangestad and Scheyd). There is still a long way to go in terms of how beauty can and should be defined and appreciated, but it has certainly expanded to encompass more than just a rigid, proportionate standard.
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