Beauty standards change with time, influenced by culture, environment, and society’s ideals. Today, we can look back on beauty trends from different eras and wonder how well we might have fit in. So let’s hop through time and see if you’d be a head-turner in ancient Egypt, a Greek goddess, or maybe the fairest of the Victorian age.
Ancient Egyptians were all about luxury, and beauty rituals were a major part of their daily life. Both men and women adorned themselves with black kohl eyeliner to create that iconic cat-eye look, a style that’s still associated with high glamor today. For them, makeup wasn’t just for aesthetics; it was thought to protect against evil spirits and the harsh desert sun. Egyptians also loved rich scents, often using frankincense, rose water, and honey to moisturize their skin and perfume their bodies.
In a way, this look could be compared to modern-day beauty enthusiasts who embrace luxurious makeup routines. Think of it as an ancient version of today’s “full glam” beauty standard, where layering on products isn’t just about enhancing looks—it’s a lifestyle. If you love experimenting with bold makeup looks and layering on luxe products, you’d have thrived in ancient Egypt’s beauty scene.
The Greeks valued beauty as a reflection of one’s inner virtue. Physical symmetry and a strong, athletic build were seen as signs of divine harmony, so Greek women and men sought out proportional features and toned physiques. Unlike the Egyptians, the Greeks preferred a natural look, but they still celebrated the body through athletic competitions that highlighted fitness and strength.
This standard parallels the “sun-kissed and athletic” beauty ideal that surged in the 1990s, when glowing skin and a fit, active lifestyle were in. If you’re someone who loves a bronzed glow, minimalist makeup, and time at the gym, you might have embodied Greek beauty ideals! Just picture yourself as a Greek statue: perfectly sculpted, sun-tanned, and ready to compete in the Olympics (or maybe a beach volleyball game).
Romans were fans of that classic pale-and-dramatic look, seeing fair skin as a mark of wealth. To get this coveted look, women often used lead-based powders, which we now know was quite harmful. Red lips were achieved using vermillion, and even teeth-whitening was on the menu—done with ammonia-rich substances like urine, of all things!
In some ways, ancient Roman beauty standards mirror the “classic Hollywood glam” vibe, where a pale complexion, red lips, and dazzling smiles are timeless symbols of beauty. But thankfully, today’s products are much safer than those ancient cosmetics. If you’re into a vintage glam look, you would’ve fit right in at an elite Roman banquet, brushing on white powder and swiping on crimson lipstick (minus the urine, of course!).
During Japan's Heian period, beauty meant long, flowing hair and a serene expression. Noblewomen were known for their exceptionally long tresses, sometimes extending down to their ankles. Blackened teeth, known as ohaguro, were also prized, as they were thought to enhance beauty and indicate a woman's maturity. This look celebrated femininity and grace, a timeless standard in Japanese culture.
If you've ever admired the sleek, polished styles popular in the world of high fashion, where models with flowing hair and an almost ethereal presence walk the runway, you’d have made a stunning Heian beauty. Imagine pairing modern hairstyles with this look—a fusion of long, luxurious locks with today’s shine serums and treatments. For those who love a touch of elegance in their beauty routine, the Heian era might just be your style.
In medieval and Renaissance Europe, pale skin was still all the rage, seen as a sign of wealth and purity. To achieve this look, women would apply mixtures of vinegar and lead to their skin, and some even used leeches to drain their blood, giving them that “delicate” appearance. With the goal of looking ethereal and untouched by the sun, many women embraced a look that could seem almost ghostly by modern beauty standards.
It’s a bit of a goth vibe, don’t you think? Just like how goth culture celebrates the pale and otherworldly, medieval beauty embraced that same vibe—minus the safe, cruelty-free makeup! If you enjoy pale skin tones and dramatic contrasts, you might find yourself right at home in medieval beauty culture. But thankfully, there’s no need for lead-based powders these days, and today’s goth makeup routines are all about safe products that still pack a dramatic punch.
The Victorian era adored a delicate, almost fragile appearance. Women aimed for slender waists and faint blushes on pale skin, achieved through tight corsets and light makeup. Dark under-eye circles from lack of sleep were seen as romantic, giving women an “I-just-read-a-love-letter-until-2 a.m.” look. Corsets exaggerated their hourglass figures, but the practice often came at a high price to their health.
This look has a slightly eerie, romantic quality, much like some modern fashion that plays up delicate silhouettes and minimal makeup. If you’re a fan of softly draped fabrics and wistful, almost ghostly aesthetics, you’d fit right into the Victorian style. Just think: a pale, lacy gown, a soft blush, and a faint shadow under the eyes—a perfect fit for today’s Halloween celebrations, too!
From kohl-rimmed eyes to corseted waists, beauty standards have always reflected the cultures they belonged to, each with its own blend of style and sometimes shocking methods. While modern products are thankfully much safer, there’s something fascinating about imagining ourselves in another time, wondering how our own looks would stack up. So this Halloween season, take a stroll through history and consider what beauty ideals you might have embraced—or avoided!