The concept of beauty has evolved greatly throughout history. From the ancient Greeks’ idealization of youthful beauty to the contemporary focus on inclusivity and diversity, beauty standards have been constantly changing and being redefined. In recent years, with the rise of social media and the influencer culture, the definition of beauty has become even more fluid and diverse. In this blog post, we will explore the evolution of beauty and highlight 42 influencers who are leading the way in this ever-changing landscape.
The Ancient Greeks believed that beauty was a reflection of inner goodness and perfection. They valued youth, symmetry, and physical perfection in both men and women. The ideal female beauty was embodied by the goddess Aphrodite, known for her youthful appearance, delicate features, and perfect proportions. However, this standard of beauty was limited to a certain group of people and was heavily influenced by societal norms and expectations.
During the Renaissance period, the definition of beauty shifted to a more realistic and humanistic approach. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo depicted the human form in a more natural and lifelike manner, breaking away from the idealized perfection of the Greeks. This period also saw the rise of the concept of inner beauty, with the belief that a person’s character and personality were equally, if not more, important than their physical appearance.
Moving into the 20th century, beauty standards became more diverse and inclusive, with the emergence of different beauty ideals in different parts of the world. The 1920s saw the rise of the flapper style, with women embracing a more androgynous look and shorter hairstyles. In the 1950s, Hollywood’s golden age popularized the hourglass figure and glamorous looks, while the 1960s brought about the Twiggy-inspired thin and androgynous beauty ideal. The 1970s and 1980s saw a shift towards a more athletic and toned body type, with the rise of fitness and health culture.
However, it wasn’t until the 1990s and early 2000s that the concept of beauty truly began to evolve and diversify. With the rise of the internet and social media, beauty standards became more fluid and inclusive, with people from different backgrounds and body types being celebrated. The term “plus-size” entered the mainstream, and models like Kate Dillon and Crystal Renn challenged the traditional skinny ideal.
Fast forward to the present day, and the definition of beauty has become even more diverse and inclusive. Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube have given rise to a new generation of influencers who are challenging traditional beauty standards and promoting self-love and acceptance. These influencers come from all walks of life and represent different body types, skin tones, and gender identities, making beauty more accessible and relatable to a wider audience.
One of the influencers leading the way in this new era of beauty is Harnaam Kaur. Born with polycystic ovary syndrome, Harnaam has a beard and embraces her body hair, challenging the societal norms of femininity and beauty. She is a body positivity advocate and uses her platform to spread messages of self-love and acceptance.
The Evolution of Beauty: 42 Influencers Who Are Leading the Way
Another influencer changing the game is Winnie Harlow, who has vitiligo, a skin condition that causes patches of skin to lose their pigment. Winnie has become a prominent figure in the fashion industry, breaking barriers and promoting diversity and representation. She has also used her platform to speak out against beauty standards and the pressure to conform.
In the world of makeup and beauty, influencers like James Charles and Nikkie de Jager (also known as NikkieTutorials) have been instrumental in challenging traditional gender norms and promoting self-expression through makeup. James Charles, a male makeup artist, has become one of the biggest names in the beauty industry, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for other male makeup enthusiasts. Nikkie de Jager, a transgender woman, has also used her platform to promote inclusivity and diversity in the beauty world.
Influencers like Ashley Graham and Iskra Lawrence have been at the forefront of promoting body positivity and challenging the traditional beauty standards of thinness. Both models have become advocates for self-love and acceptance, using their platforms to spread messages of body confidence and inclusivity.
In the world of fashion, influencers like Aimee Song and Chiara Ferragni have been redefining the standards of beauty by embracing their cultural heritage. Aimee Song, a Korean-American fashion blogger, has been breaking stereotypes and promoting diversity in the fashion industry. Chiara Ferragni, an Italian influencer and entrepreneur, has used her platform to showcase her Italian heritage and challenge the traditional Western-centric beauty standards.
In the world of fitness, influencers like Massy Arias and Simeon Panda have been promoting body positivity and breaking stereotypes by showcasing different body types and the importance of self-love and acceptance. Massy Arias, a fitness trainer, has been open about her struggles with body image and has used her platform to promote a healthy and balanced approach to fitness. Simeon Panda, a bodybuilder, has also challenged traditional beauty standards by promoting the idea that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
Influencers like Jazz Jennings and Laverne Cox have been using their platforms to promote diversity and representation for the transgender community. Jazz Jennings, an activist and YouTuber, has been open about her journey as a transgender woman and has become a role model for many. Laverne Cox, an actress and activist, has been breaking barriers in Hollywood and using her platform to advocate for transgender rights and visibility.
The beauty industry itself has also undergone major changes in recent years, with brands becoming more inclusive and diverse in their marketing and product offerings. Brands like Fenty Beauty, created by singer Rihanna, have been praised for their wide range of foundation shades and commitment to diversity. Other brands like Glossier and Milk Makeup have also been promoting a more natural and effortless approach to beauty, challenging the traditional heavy and caked-on makeup look.
In conclusion, the evolution of beauty is an ongoing process, and these 42 influencers are just a few examples of the diverse and inclusive voices leading the way. With the rise of social media and the influencer culture, beauty standards have become more fluid and diverse, with people from all backgrounds and body types being celebrated. It is essential to continue to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote self-love and acceptance for all forms of beauty.