“Elegance is the only beauty that never fades”
Audrey Hepburn
If you had a clear definition of beauty, what would it be? Clothes, hair, makeup, jewelry, shoes, and face/body image are all notions we as a society identify today as beauty. Even in the 20th century, particularly for women, there has been a colossal rise in the reputation laid by Western culture on physical beauty. The idea of beauty has sincerely changed within the last century and will continue to change throughout history. Keeping up with our current beauty times can be pretty challenging, knowing that once a beauty standard is no longer the norm. While we might have beauty standards that revolve around the latest trends, it is evident that it profoundly influences women’s thinking and character of beauty.
What is Beauty?
If beauty were a person, she would not be straightforward because she goes by various attributes. Beauty, by definition, is generally depicted as a showcase of entities that makes these entities gratifying to recognize. But the true meaning of beauty is described of qualities in an individual or thing that conveys delight to the feelings or satisfyingly elevates the spirit or mind.
Why is Beauty Important?
Beauty commences at the beginning of creation because all actual creation branches from love. The world is constantly bombarding mixed messages about beauty and appearance to women of all ages. Unfortunately, with numerous outlets of a relentlessly negative barrage, it is challenging for women to have a healthy outlook of what beauty is. In 1 Peter 3:3-4, it proudly exclaims, “Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God” (NLT Version). Of course, it is not wrong to wear nice clothes and jewelry or to style your hair prettily. But it is somewhat more pleasurable to see women work on becoming beautiful on the inside first – the kind that lasts eternally.
20th Century Beauty
In the 1920s, brand-new femininity was all-encompassing the modern world as ladies dressed in unisex styles, short skirts, and short hairstyles. After World War I, women referenced newfound freedom in straight lines, dresses, and curvy waists.
Between the 1940 – the 50s, the natural look changed from thin eyebrows to thick eyebrows, which lipstick and face powder was crucial to the perception of beauty at that time. Feminine hourglass silhouettes appeared as clothing for women, which Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn showcased this new trend on the big screen. In addition, average women wore makeup more commonly as television ads displayed a plethora of new beauty products.
The 1970s wad all puzzled in terms of style. Long, straight hair or big natural curly hair became more of an overall natural look and a boldness in eyeshadow shades and lip gloss.
By the 1980s rolled around, cheekier makeup and great hair identified the decade of extravagance, while in the 90s, countless dresses at the time highlighted straight lines like the slip dress. Way before skinny jeans were everyone’s popular denim style, wide-leg and flared designs ruled absolute in the 1990s. Mysterious makeup shades resonated with the soundless film stars of the 1920s. A variety of hairstyles, from pixie cut to long hair straight or curly, suggested a look for every individual to embody.
21st Century Beauty
The most significant change I see in the 21st century in terms of beauty is how the media influences the ideal “body type” and “fashion style.” In the early 2000s – 2010, skincare and natural ingredients became more of a matter for many customers over the last two decades even till now.
Unique coloring treatments for hair became very fashionable for younger women in the 2010s.
Today, social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube became significant promoting tools for beauty bloggers and influencers. Also, more varied body types are being identified as charming. Models from other disparate backgrounds and demographics are granted openings to become beauty symbols.
Over the 21st century, there have been numerous fashion styles or trends, including vintage, artsy, chic, casual, bohemian, tomboy, elegant, or sporty.
As young adults in this current generation, developing your sense of beauty or fashion can be challenging because of the various aesthetics and styles presented. Beauty is a way of individualistic expression, not your source of identity.
What era of beauty do you love the most? What are your opinions about beauty? Please share your ideas in the comments below and let me know what you think!
My dear what a beautiful thing that you are doing I applaud you. Our young adult really needs but to limit anyone else.
Beauty comes from within it’s not merely an outward appearance, it’s also a reflection of who you are.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I couldn’t have said it better myself!
Salomon’s favorite wife was a beauty. The proverbs 31 woman was a beauty . The woman by the whale was a beauty.
Creation itself is a beauty! Era can never changes the definition of beauty. I believe your external beauty is a shadow of your internal beauty.A woman who wants to grow in all area of her life, is a beauty.I wonder can a 21st century woman uses her worldly accessories to glorify God’s name?
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come” (Proverbs 31:25, NIV). You said it perfectly! Your beauty not only displays your outward appearance, but it mirrors who you are inside.
Very well written my dear Debbie! How I wish I knew this truth in my younger years. How blessed you are!!
Growing up in the late 80s and early 90s, no one around me was talking about beauty from within; thus I was left in the dark. Praise be to God, the gospel doesn’t simply deliver us from sin, but also opens our eyes to truth… the truth of God’s love for us, the truth of how valuable we are in His eyes, the truth that we have worth!!! Yes, once we recognize that we have worth, then we no longer feel compelled to fit into the culture around us. We are free to develop our inner beauty while trying to find which modest fashion we prefer. Modesty becomes a joy, and beauty flows from the inside out, from the words that we speak, to the tone of our voice, to the clothes that we wear, and even the food that we eat.
Romans 12:1-2 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:1-2 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.12.2.ESV
Thank you so much! It is important to know that our worth and identity don’t come from materialistic things but from the word of God.
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