THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

If you were to look up the meaning of beauty, you’d probably stumble upon a generic definition that says: The quality of being pleasing to the mind or senses. But who decides what is beautiful and what isn’t? Beauty standards are often guided by superficial criteria but that doesn’t mean they are set in stone. At some point in history, each body shape, size, complexion, or any other physical attribute has been considered beautiful. It is a mindset that is influenced and changes over time, which in turn results in different aesthetics and opinions. Join us on this journey through the decades to look at the perception of beauty in each era, and how it has shaped new-age beauty standards.

1950s

‘‘In the ’50s, women discovered pancake makeup, rouge, and eyeliner. Hair was always in place with sugar-water setting lotions.’’

A post-war period, the ’50s witnessed a boom in the beauty industry.