How has the idea of beauty changed over the past 100 years?

Answer 1

The idea of beauty has changed somewhat greatly due to increased technology, change of attire and social class.

100 yrs ago most women could not afford make-up and so plain faces were very common. Even if you did have it, if you were a woman you would most likely need to focus on wearing a dress and maybe even a hat (small one not a big one decked out in veils and feathers). Thanks to use of media/goods such as newspapers, opinions, culture and art the thing of beauty greatly varies.

100 yrs ago a woman in a plain dress with shoes with their hair up would be seen as very normal. Now in 2012 she may be seen as odd as most women tend to add a bit of blush or mascara and wear a form of jewellry.

For men ("handsomness") has changed somewhat. 100 yrs ago a proper man, clean shaven with a white smile would be considered handsome. In 2012 he probably still be considered so however attire may be different (instead of a long coat or even business suit to the modern jeans and t-shirt).