Beauty standards exist in every culture across the world, but the perception of beauty does differ depending on where you are.. Obviously, beauty is subjective, but even your personal preferences can be affected by where you grow up and the subcultures you align with. Asian and Western cultures do have some similarities when it comes to beauty standards, but they are also at odds in some respects, let’s dive in.
Face
Starting with the eyes, in most Asian countries and cultures, monolids are seen as unattractive and double eyelids are highly sought after. In fact, double eyelid surgery is actually one of the most popular cosmetic procedures carried out in Asian countries like China, Korea and Japan. Big, doe eyes are thought to be more feminine, but this isn’t a concern among Western women who mostly have double eyelids anyway; instead, it is more about the colour, with Western women coveting blue eyes.
Next, the nose, Asian noses tend to be flatter and wider than their Western counterparts. However, across the board, smaller slender noses are more desirable. Rhinoplasties are equally popular in both cultures. Although, in Western societies, dermal fillers are becoming more popular to straighten noses, create an upturned or button nose and provide a different profile.
Western women are very into lip filler at the minute to plump their lips and make them look fuller; they can also be used to change the shape and create more of a cupid’s bow. It is important that you choose the right clinic, like City Skin Clinic, however, to ensure that you achieve the right look. The same zealousness for lip filler doesn’t exist among Asian women.
Skin
Lighter skin is incredibly popular in Asia, with a lot of women taking sun protection incredibly seriously and others trying skin-whitening products, which can be incredibly dangerous. Fair skin has ties to class and privilege, but it can make those with a darker complexion feel inferior and ugly. In Western cultures, having a tan is preferable, which has seen a huge boon in the instant tan market; although tanning beds are still somewhat popular, the potential for skin damage and other issues has put people off.
Body
Generally, most cultures see petite, slim bodies as the beauty standard. Asian cultures have held strong to these ideals; plus-size bodies are not really acceptable or celebrated. Western countries have made baby steps in the right direction, but generally, the ‘best’ bodies are still on the slimmer size, although curves – as long as they are in the right places – are also seen as attractive. Interestingly there are other elements prized in Asian cultures that do not carry the same weight in Western cultures, like small feet. Foot binding was a common practice in China, and small feet are still the most ideal, but in Western cultures, the size of your feet doesn’t hold the same credence.
To Conclude
In essence, the truth is that there are so many factors which can affect how you see and value beauty. If you don’t fit the beauty standards in one place, you might be in another. However, placing too much emphasis on the beauty standards around you is a recipe for disaster anyway; there is always going to be something that you feel is lacking. Beauty comes from within, and you can create your own definition of it.
Disclosure: This is a featured post.