What is beauty? In the 1900’s it was having a lady-like and clean face– makeup was improper. In the 1950’s it was pale doll-like skin, dark eyeliner, dark eyebrows and bold red lips– think Marilyn Monroe. In the 1990s it was matte skin, brown lipstick, thin brows and smudged eyeliner. And now, its effortless beauty–a perfect complexion without looking like makeup. For so long we have criticized our past outlook on makeup while hypocritically doing the same thing. The question is—is our crave for beauty poisoning us?

Historical Criticism 

Back in the 18th century having pale white skin was seen as a symbol of power and beauty. Women would wake up early in the morning to apply white powder to their face– all for the sake of being beautiful. This powder was called Venetian ceruse or Spirits of Saturn, made by mixing white lead (lead carbonate) with vinegar or water. People knew the powder  was poisonous as early as the 1st century, but it wasn’t fully banned until the 20th century — meaning women kept using deadly products for nearly 2,000 years in the name of beauty. 

But why? The makeup visibly caused skin corrosion, hair loss or even death. Just think of Queen Elizabeth I; she is often remembered for her white face, red lips, and elegant style, “Queen Elizabeth I contracted smallpox in 1562 at 29, leaving her skin covered in pockmarks. As a result, she lathered her face in a thick layer of white, lead-based makeup called Venetian ceruse, which according to a 1688 recipe, included a mixture of water, vinegar and lead. There are even some indications that when she died at 69, it could have been at least partially due to lead poisoning” [1]. Knowing the make up was so dangerous, women around the world still wore it for the sake of fitting standards. Makeup wasn’t just about beauty — it was about respectability and social survival, especially for noblewomen. Any flaws could ruin their reputation and damage their chance of a man taking their hand in marriage.

For years, we have criticized their way of living and mocked their choice of beauty over life despite living the same way ourselves. We disapprove of how they painted their faces with poison, calling it obscenity or ignorance. But the truth is, we’re not so different today. Modern society still hides behind a modernized mask  — only now instead of lead filled powders, it’s made of filters, filler, contour, and serums. We shame the past for using deadly powders while we damage our skin barrier and spend thousands of dollars chasing the illusion of “effortless perfection.” There is a distinct hypocrisy: beneath the glow of ring lights and “clean girl” foundation, the message remains the same: a woman’s worth is still measured by how flawless she appears, no matter the cost.

Beauty Standards Today 

Social media shows influencers with flawless skin and long luscious lashes and sets an unattainable standard that their followers chase. People are stuck in a vicious cycle of self criticism, comparing their natural skin to the filters they see online. Many admit they are unable to post a picture without a filter  or a full face of makeup – in fear of gaining a bad appearance or being criticised. “On average, women spend $1,064 per year to maintain their looks, while men spend $728. These costs are too much for some, as 1 in 6 admit to spending more on beauty and wellness than they can afford. Despite the financial strain, 1 in 3 Americans plan to increase their spending on appearance in 2025 compared to 2024” [2]. This endless chase comes at a cost far greater than money: it fuels comparison, anxiety, and the belief that natural beauty is never enough.

At the same time, the industry makes thousands off this insecurity, advertising subtle enhancements like lip blushing, Botox, fillers, lash extensions, and chemical peels, all designed to look effortless—-but never truly are. It’s a modern hypocrisy: we praise self-acceptance and authenticity then turn around and douse our faces with expensive products and serums to cover up every pore.

What is beauty?

This brings us back to the question of what truly is beauty? Is it having a flawless complexion with a slim nose and high cheekbones or is it something else? Maybe attractiveness has nothing to do with physical appearance – maybe we have been chasing after the wrong thing. Perhaps true beauty isn’t something we can see at all, but something we create through confidence, kindness, and authenticity—-qualities no filter can replicate.

References

[1] https://www.discovermagazine.com/deadly-beauty-the-poisons-used-in-makeup-through-the-ages-44253 

[2]  https://www.advdermatology.com/blog/americas-beauty-budgets/