In 18th-century Japan, ohaguro, or the blackening of teeth, symbolised beauty among the aristocracy. In parts of West Africa, intricate scar patterns across the face form a rite of passage and are considered markers of attractiveness. For the Kayan people of Myanmar, a long neck created through stacked brass coils represents grace and femininity. Ideas alien to some cultures are embraced in others-humans have accepted diversity in beauty standards for centuries.
Today, possibly shaped and amplified by social media, that diversity may be cycling backwards. With hashtags like #biglips and #browsonfleek amassing billions of views on TikTok and other platforms, these features represent a homogenised aesthetic. For Gen Z, fuller lips, a perfect smile, sharp brows, flushed cheeks and lifted lashes are not only the result of genetics or skilful makeup but are also things attainable through semi-permanent cosmetic enhancements. But for the generation that also preaches complete self-acceptance, does this stand as a contradiction?
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Denne historien er fra January - February 2025-utgaven av VOGUE India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Anupama Parameswaran knows the cost of being seen, of being a young woman in a world that's always watching. Beyond the beauty, the glamour and her young 28 years, she speaks five languages more than enough words to tell her story. The actor opens up to AKSHAYA PILLAI on the quiet details of a loud life.
ALL POWERED UP
For a long time, South Asians limited themselves to careers in tech and finance in order to make a mark away from Indian soil. Now, they are not only taking over the creative scene but also finding new ways to proudly display the identity they once felt compelled to conceal
THE PROMISED LAND
Generations of rural women have been refused a well-deserved seat at the decision-making table. Now, through upskilling and technological know-how, their daughters are taking their place at its head.
HOT!
A penchant for spice is no longer just a personal preference; it's a badge of honour, the mark of a wild, sexy, untameable spirit. It's why any Indian establishment worth its salt now takes pride in its proprietary condiments-big, bold, blazing ones that could only come from its kitchen.
DOWN TO EARTH
While grand gestures might make for good cinema, Bhumi Pednekar's real life is about making small, deliberate everyday choices for the planet
Ms. Brightside
A loved one's dementia diagnosis can feel like the person you know is lost forever. When the progressive disease came to claim their amma, two sisters found a silver lining in her changing behaviour.
A gift in time
Why do we assign some personal milestones more value than others? Perennial bridesmaid DIVYA BALAKRISHNAN demands that we reassess the definition of a 'big day'
MOUNTAIN SPIRIT
A growing cohort of Kashmiri creatives are forging new relationships with the valley by reviving lost art forms, making art out of their bodies and applying ingenious solutions to everyday items.
Didn't do it for the 'gram
Am I marrying for love or for social media? When she found herself spiralling before the big day, SHRADHA SHAHANI had to ask herself the hard question
LA DOLCE VITA
From a Sicily-inspired haldi to walking down the aisle twice for the Muslim and Sikh ceremonies, Malia Taqbeem and Abhay Dhaliwal's Italian wedding was the perfect missing piece to complete their serendipitous love story
