Exploring the Evolution of 80s Beauty Standards: How Far Have We Come?

Introduction

The 80s was an era of excess, characterized by bold colors, big hair, and shoulder pads. This was also a time where beauty standards played a significant role in shaping society’s perception of what is beautiful. The 80s beauty industry was dominated by a very specific set of beauty ideals, with models sporting voluminous curls, dramatic makeup, and exaggerated features.

Since then, there has been a gradual shift in aesthetics, and what we consider beautiful has evolved over the years. So, how far have we come since the 80s in terms of beauty standards, and what does this evolution mean for us today?

The 80s Beauty Standards

In the 80s, beauty standards were heavily influenced by pop culture icons such as Madonna and Whitney Houston. People sought to emulate their fashion choices, including bold makeup and hairstyles. The ideal look was the quintessential “power dressing” aesthetic – bold and confident.

Women were expected to have big and voluminous hair, often achieved through perming and excessive use of hairspray. Makeup was characterized by bright, bold colors, thick eyeliner, and overdrawn lips. Fake tans were also popular, with people seeking to emulate a sun-kissed glow.

The media at the time portrayed this particular set of beauty ideals as the ultimate standard of beauty, and many people felt pressured to conform to it.

The Evolution of Beauty Standards

Over the years, beauty standards have shifted dramatically. Today, we celebrate individuality and diversity, and the “one-size-fits-all” beauty standard of the 80s no longer applies.

Nowadays, we see more representation in the media, with models and influencers of different races, body types, and ages being celebrated as beautiful. People are embracing their natural features more, opting for more minimal and natural makeup, and hairstyles.

Social media has played a big role in this shift, with many people using it as a platform to showcase their unique features and challenge traditional beauty norms.

Why Has the Perception of Beauty Changed?

The shift in beauty standards can be attributed to several factors. One of the most significant factors is the rise of feminism and the desire for women to be seen as more than just objects of desire. Women have found their voice and are rejecting archaic notions of femininity that restrict them to a particular set of beauty ideals.

The rise of social media has also democratized beauty standards, allowing people from all walks of life to showcase their beauty in their own way. Additionally, there has been a growing trend towards wellness, with people focusing on holistic health as opposed to strict beauty rules.

What Does the Evolution of Beauty Standards Mean for Us Today?

The evolution of beauty standards has brought more inclusivity and diversity in the beauty industry. People are now able to define beauty on their own terms, and this has led to greater self-expression and self-confidence.

However, this evolution is not without its challenges. There is still a long way to go in terms of true inclusivity in the beauty industry, with many brands only paying lip service to the idea of diversity. There is also the issue of beauty standards being tied to capitalism, with many people being pressured to buy into a particular set of beauty ideals to feel accepted.

Conclusion

Beauty standards may have come a long way since the 80s, but there is still much progress to be made. The shift towards individuality, diversity, and inclusivity is a positive one, but we must be mindful of the challenges that still exist. We must continue to push for true inclusivity and embrace beauty in all its diverse forms.

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