Foundation Project

Beauty Standards
TOPICS
• Definition of Beauty
• History of Beauty Standards
• Beauty standards today
RESEARCH
• Definition: a set of societal norms that define what is considered attractive or desirable in terms of physical
appearance.

• The History: In 1930-1940 fleshier bodies were idolised, curves were more desirable.

• The ‘Marilyn Monroe’ effect - her confidence and natural beauty, with a realistic body type is an influence to many
and portrayed as an icon to this day.

• Change occurred in the 20th century with the rise of culture and media. By having constant exposure to edited
bodies, filters all of which has caused severe low self-esteem & a false identity.

• The major shift in mainstream body aesthetics e.g. plastic surgery and “tweakments” have been popularised and are
now classed as the ‘norm’.
THEORY / CONSEPT
• My theory comes down to the media, predominantly social media and how it reflects
unrealistic beauty standards, especially toxic beauty standards. The media promoting
“surgery” and tools on several social media sites to edit how you look is the key to lead
women & also men to have such low self esteem.

• How society pressures shaping perception of beauty and body image. By being bombarded
with unreal expectations of what their body should look like.
 ARTIST RESEARCH
Elina Ulen – Beauty standards in society – reflection in Radostina Bogoslovova– Toxic beauty standards – low self
the mirror, thinking you look a certain way or worse. esteem and how it can trigger mental health.
 MATERIALS
• Scrap Magazines to experiment
with layering and collaging
• Poster based, either going to do
it digitally or by hand
 AUDIENCE
• Traditionally, the beauty industry was primarily marketed towards women. In recent years,
there has been a shift towards inclusivity and diversity, with many brands now
targeting men/non-binary individuals and all ethnicities.
• But for this project, I want to focus on the female beauty standards as its personal to me
and many other women.