The rate of change in fashion and beauty ideals closely parallels the increase in
information dissemination through our media sources. Fashion trends changed slowly in those days where the only sources of new
media were weekly newsreels at the cinema and monthly magazines. As television emerged, and grew in popularity, people were
suddenly able to see images in their own homes and the need to keep the viewers interested meant that television stars were
constantly appearing with new looks to maintain their appeal. This gives our society a constant stream of new looks to envy and emulate.
Cause and Effect
Modern cosmetic uses are generally directed at emulating the looks that are currently
fashionable. Apart from the basic aesthetics – such as clear skin, and symmetry of the facial features – make-up is used to emulate
an evolving array of looks. When Marilyn Monroe was the star of the silver screen, women all over the country were peroxiding their
hair and using eye pencils to draw in beauty marks on otherwise unblemished faces. Today, Angelina Jolie has sparked a flurry of
efforts to increase the dimension and fullness of the lips. Women are undergoing procedures from chemical peels to collagen to get
the full, glossy look that Ms. Jolie makes effortless.
Often the changing ideals result in advances in cosmetics. For example, the desire for
tanned skin and the dangers inherent in prolonged UV exposure have led to the creation of a wide array of chemical self-tanning
solutions and spray-on tans, not to mention cosmetic bronzers and toners to give a mild sun-kissed look to the skin. Sometimes, it’s
the invention of a product that creates the fashion trend. Would big hair styles have ever become quite so prevalent if the blow
dryer had never been created?
Still, the most common driver of invention is need, and problems common to many women will
found cosmetic solutions. We have creams for lightening, removing and minimizing unwanted hair. We have mineral powder make-up to
minimize the signs of aging and uneven skin tone. We even have sun block in all sorts of products because we now know that sun
exposure is cumulative and damaging to the skin.
From day to day and week to week, new products are hitting the market with claims to
address any number of issues. Some of them are legitimate, some are not, but these innovations all serve the purpose of helping
people feel better about their selves. And hopefully, even if they aren’t legitimate, they can be a stepping stone to another product that delivers on its promise.
Often the changing ideals result in advances in cosmetics. For example, the desire for
tanned skin and the dangers inherent in prolonged UV exposure have led to the creation of a wide array of chemical self-tanning
solutions and spray-on tans, not to mention cosmetic bronzers and toners to give a mild sun-kissed look to the skin. Sometimes, it’s
the invention of a product that creates the fashion trend. Would big hair styles have ever become quite so prevalent if the blow
dryer had never been created?
