Even in ancient times, the concepts of beauty and aesthetics played a central role in the daily life of society, at least among the well-heeled. Nothing has changed over the centuries. On the contrary: beauty has now become a huge trend. Entire branches of industry depend on it these days, from the fashion industry to cosmetics and medicine, everything revolves around “perfect beauty”. But how did it actually come about?
In ancient Egypt, great importance was attached to beauty. It is therefore not surprising that one of the most famous make-up trends of our time originated there: black eyeliner to emphasize the eyes, also known as the cat-eye. In addition, aristocrats and the wealthy were quick to try to distinguish themselves from the suntanned working class with a light complexion. This trend, which continues to this day, was first pursued in Egypt with make-up containing lead white, which is very harmful to health , and later in Italy with more natural face powders.
Beauty today
Today’s beauty products are subjected to countless health and allergy tests before they are launched on the market. This means that not only well-paid models like Leni Klum, but also normal earners can afford high-quality cosmetic products in every price range. In addition to top brands such as Chanel, Shiseido and Dior, for which Leni Klum has just become brand ambassador, there is a huge range of cosmetics from countless companies. The prices range accordingly from a few to well over a hundred euros.
The daughter of the famous top model Heidi Klum, who is just 19 years old, has thus carved out a rapid career as a model and fashion designer while still going to school “on the side”. It takes a good dose of ambition and hard work, discipline.
But not only top models earn their money with beauty, Hollywood plastic surgeons also get rich by making it possible for their clients to achieve an ideal image. There are now also renowned clinics and cosmetic surgeons in Switzerland. One of them is the world-famous plastic surgeon Dr. Adrian Palma. After completing his medical studies, the specialist in aesthetic surgery underwent further training in the best domestic and international clinics to learn the art of cosmetic surgery. With great success, as Palma himself now trains international doctors in search of the individual beauty ideal at his aesthetics center in Zurich.
In search of the term “beauty”
What exactly is “beauty”? To get to the bottom of this question, we need to take a detour into philosophy. The renowned Max Planck Society examines this question in detail in an article published by its Institute for Empirical Aesthetics in Frankfurt am Main. She compares beauty, elegance, grace and sexiness and summarizes: The entire spectrum of beauty is represented between the two poles of grace and elegance on the one hand and sexiness on the other. The “reserved, subtle and exquisite” side of beauty versus the “extroverted, exciting, hot and colorful” side. Beauty itself is as wide-ranging as this attempt at a definition and has fascinated people of all cultures for thousands of years.
So how will the beauty ideal of the future develop? It is difficult to predict what impact Instagram, Facebook and the like will have on individual perceptions of beauty. There is already a dangerous trend towards the “perfect body and face”, which is to be realized with every conceivable technique. Critics warn of a new beauty craze: under the title “Baustelle Ich”, the sometimes questionable methods and the consequences for health and the psyche are examined. Experts warn that the risks are particularly high for young people. Therefore, “beauty at any price” should always be carefully considered.
Teaser photo & photo: © Pexels
