The Evolution of the Beauty Icon: From Marilyn Monroe to Kylie Jenner
Beauty standards and ideals have been evolving over time, and so have the beauty icons who embody them. From Marilyn Monroe’s iconic red lips and blonde curls to Kylie Jenner’s plump lips and heavy contouring, the beauty industry has seen a significant shift in the past decades. In this article, we’ll explore the evolution of the beauty icon and what it tells us about the beauty standards of our time.
The Classic Beauty Icon: Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe was and still is one of the most famous beauty icons of all time. Her signature red lips, blonde curls, and winged eyeliner have inspired countless women throughout the ages. Her timeless beauty is a symbol of female liberation during the 1950s, an era when women were encouraged to look feminine and glamorous.
However, Marilyn’s beauty ideals were not without flaws. Her curvaceous figure and hourglass shape were celebrated, but they also placed unrealistic beauty standards on women. Her beauty was highly sexualized, and her image was often used to sell products to men rather than inspiring women.
The Millennial Beauty Icon: Kylie Jenner
Fast forward to the present day, and the beauty industry has undergone some significant changes. Social media has completely transformed the way we perceive beauty, and it has given rise to a new breed of beauty icons. Enter Kylie Jenner, the youngest member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, and the new face of beauty.
Kylie has a somewhat controversial reputation when it comes to her beauty standards. Her heavily contoured look with plump lips and flawless skin has become her signature, spawning the “Kylie Jenner challenge.” While many young women adore her beauty style, others criticize her for promoting unrealistic beauty standards.
The Changing Face of Beauty Standards
So, what do these two beauty icons tell us about the changing face of beauty standards? Firstly, it shows us that beauty standards are constantly in flux and that what’s considered beautiful today might not be tomorrow. Secondly, it highlights the power of the media and its ability to shape our perception of beauty.
The rise of social media has allowed average people to become beauty icons in their own right. Instagram and YouTube have given rise to the beauty influencer, where everyday people with huge followings recommend and promote products to their audience. This newfound power has shifted the power dynamic of the beauty industry, allowing average people to influence beauty standards.
Conclusion
From Marilyn Monroe to Kylie Jenner, the beauty industry has seen a significant evolution in the past few decades. While beauty standards have shifted, the beauty ideals remain largely unrealistic for most women. What’s important to remember is that beauty ideals are subjective, and everyone has the right to their own interpretation. The world needs more diverse beauty icons who represent a broader range of beauty standards that everyone can aspire to.
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