Playful pin curls, a voluptuous body and pale skin were once trademarks of beauty. Today, flowing long hair, an ample derriere and plump, pouty lips are symbols of attractiveness. Of course, in every generation there are exceptions to the standards of beauty.
There are also starlets from today that mimic many of the prized body and facial features from eras long ago, proving that beauty is at once universal, and resistant to time.
Beauties of Yesterday
Jean Harlow
Many think that Marilyn Monroe was the iconic blonde from the early 1900s but in fact, Jean Harlow was known as the “blonde Bombshell” and the “Platinum Blonde.” This curly coiffed and racy actress was known for making sexual statements and writing explicit material. She had dramatic penciled in eyebrows, snow white bleached hair and full rounded hips.
Modern Counter Point: Singer Christina Aguilera
Greta Garbo
This Swedish film actress who was nominated for multiple Academy Awards was known for her trademark accessory: hats. This accessory added to the mystery and allure of her magnetism. Reddish brown, slightly curled hair along with highly arched, rounded eyebrows and pale, flawless skin were her calling cards. She preferred to wear her thinner lips in a matte shade and keep her eye makeup subtle and sophisticated.
Modern Counter Point: Diane Kruger
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Elizabeth Taylor
Arguably one of the most striking women ever found on film, Elizabeth Taylor had the perfect doll-like face features: slim nose, big blue eyes and full dramatic eyebrows. Taylor’s body was perfectly proportional: full bust, slim waist and thin arms and legs. Known for her shiny raven mane and almond shaped eyes, this Cleopatra star was married eight times (which goes to show, even beautiful people aren’t always lucky in love).
Modern Counter Point: Angelina Jolie
Audrey Hepburn
This slim shaped British ballerina had tiny, delicate features along with bushy bangs and full fuzzy eyebrows. She gained notoriety for her roles in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Roman Holiday and Sabrina. Doe-eyed with full cheeks and cutesy expressions, Hepburn remains one of the most imitated icons in history.
Modern Counter Point: Natalie Portman
Beauty Icons of Today
Beyonce Knowles
A natural beauty, Beyonce frequently wears her mane long and flowing, showing off its full volume. She’s known for her beautiful cocoa colored skin, shiny wide-set brown eyes and naturally plump lips. Beyonce’s body is strong—muscular arms and legs compliment a taut, toned midsection. She doesn’t aspire to be stick thin, but instead, embraces her natural curves and isn’t afraid of showing off what God gave her. She’s playful with her makeup and loves celebrating her feminine flair.
Kate Middleton
Known for shiny, chocolate-brown locks and fit, sporty body, this British beauty has transformed from average tomboy into regal Royal Highness. Kate Middleton defies the usual British stereotype of bad teeth and shows off her pearly whites at many engagements and events throughout the UK. Furthermore, she compliments her button nose and cherubic cheeks with minimal makeup and often styles herself from head-to-toe. She’s the ultimate oxymoron: a low-maintenance princess.
Dakota Fanning
Exuding the girly look with a bit of a rock ‘n’ roll edge, Dakota Fanning is always covered and modest while looking absolutely amazing. A young lady that loves being who she is, Dakota is comfortable in her own porcelain skin and bleached blonde hair. She is true to herself and always remembers to embrace her uniqueness through her character. She has a very positive outlook in life and aspires to bring that positive mindset to her fans all over the world.
Beauty reveals itself in unexpected and unique ways. There isn’t a single formula to define what is beautiful. Natural beauty, accentuating favored attributes and modesty has stood the test of time. So, when you find yourself comparing your beauty to that of another, remember that your beauty is one of a kind and grows ever stronger with each passing hour.
