IDIOSYNCRACIES REGARDING BEAUTY

Should we delve deep into other cultures and consider our own perceptions, shock, and surprise could well be the outcome.

In the first place, because we value current fashions in a “copycat” manner, we cannot ignore how beauty is perceived around the globe.

According to those in the industry, Hebrews and Arabs are more conservative with facial decorations, as their God and Prophet looked down on self-adornments.

Many in the west could misinterpret Indian women’s everyday makeup as being overdone. In fact, with their superb skin, long eyelashes, and generous eyebrows, little makeup is needed.

However, much elaborate facial and body adoration is the norm when a bride is being prepared. 

In comparison, the United States on the whole is quite relaxed, whereas in Europe natural beauty tends to dominate. Fairness is coveted in Asian countries whereas deep bronze skins are much admired in Brazil.

Not to be ignored, ethnic South Africans are no longer in “copy-cat” vogue with their European counterparts, and have realized there is obvious potential that “black is beautiful”.

The advantages are melanin in darker skin gives great protection against skin cancer and the deep colouring allows for the application of vivid shades of reds, plums,s and deep blues and iridescent usage; showing luminous colours that seem to change when seen from different angles.

This portion of black society [not over rigid with tradition] and seeking more modern ideas, soon found a niche to beatify avoiding criticism & gaining acclaim.

Still, on matters of culture, tattoos with their origins in Polynesia relating to tribal tradition were regarded as cheap and vulgar in Western society but morphed into a new art form.  Even allowing for temporary decoration in the way of stencils!

Being in a new year, it will be interesting to see the advancements in the beauty industry & looking forward to exploring it a little further in the near future.