Beauty culture is everywhere. Fashion and beauty magazines represent some of the best places to find examples of what society thinks is beautiful. For this assignment, you can use either a beauty or fashion magazine (paper or online). Go through the magazine or click through the website, paying particular attention to the images used in both feature articles and advertisements. As you view the images, consider and take notes on the following questions:

Question

How much of the model’s body is visible (i.e., is it a face shot, a full-body shot, etc.)?
What is the model’s ethnicity?
How would you describe the model’s body type?
What part of the model is featured (i.e., eyes, legs, back, etc.)?
When you are done, write an essay describing your observations. It should answer the question, “Based on this magazine, what is beautiful today?” In other words, if someone knew nothing about this culture and looked at the material that you examined, what conclusions would he or she come to about beauty culture? Your essay should be about a page in length. Bring in some of examples from the data that you have collected to illustrate your points. answer very simply and short as possible.

Answer 1

Essay on Contemporary Beauty Standards

In examining a popular fashion magazine, it became clear that the definition of beauty is shaped by several recurring themes. The images used throughout the magazine predominantly feature models showcasing a range of body types, ethnicities, and styles, all of which contribute to a modern interpretation of beauty.

Most of the images are full-body shots, emphasizing the entire figure of the models rather than just their faces. This suggests a cultural focus on overall aesthetics and physical presence rather than just facial beauty. However, there are notable instances of close-up shots that highlight specific features, such as the model's eyes or skin texture, indicating that facial beauty remains important.

Ethnically, the magazine features a diverse array of models, including those of Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Caucasian descent. This variety signals a shift towards inclusivity in beauty representation, showcasing that beauty is not confined to a single ethnicity or standard.

In terms of body types, the magazine predominantly features slim models, often with toned physiques. However, some images portray models with curvier figures, suggesting a gradual acceptance of different body shapes in the beauty narrative. This combination indicates a wider recognition that beauty can be found in various forms, though slimness remains a prominent ideal.

Specific features that are often highlighted include legs, skin, and hair. For example, advertisements frequently focus on long legs and flawless skin, implying that these characteristics are highly valued in contemporary beauty standards. Similarly, hair is often styled in ways that accentuate its volume and texture, reflecting an idealized version of hair aesthetics.

In conclusion, the magazine presents a multifaceted view of beauty today that incorporates diversity in ethnicity and body type, while still favoring certain physical ideals. Someone unfamiliar with this culture, upon examining the material, would likely conclude that beauty is a blend of individuality, representation, and a maintained emphasis on certain traditional aesthetics, particularly slenderness and flawless features. The ongoing evolution of beauty standards suggests a slow but promising movement towards broader acceptance and inclusivity in defining beauty.