Beauty trends change. In a world where we are constantly bombarded by information, it is important to be open-minded and take on subversive views. The mass media and fashion magazines, as well as televisions and magazines, have stereotypes about what beauty is. In addition, different cultures have different standards of beauty. Both Americans and Chinese have their own beauty standards.
Skin tone is the first thing that can make a difference. While both American and Chinese societies maintain a certain skin tone, they have different skin tones that are preferred. In ancient time, everyone was chasing after the perfect white tone. The American preference for skin tones has gradually changed from white to brown due to social and fashion reasons. Zoe Diana Draelos conducted a survey of 4000 female teens under 19 years old in the USA. She found that over 30% of them used tanning booths at least three times. In China, however, the trend of growing in the dark skin is still popular. Skin-whitening products are estimated to account for 60% of all skin-care sales. Skin tone preferences also influence daily behavior. On the street, you can see Chinese girls with long sleeves, sunglasses, hats and umbrellas. They are protecting their skin against UV light for health rather than to prevent tanning.
Second, body shapes are viewed differently in China and the US. The Chinese and Americans both appreciate a variety of body shapes. Beauty standards are different for everyone. The body shapes that are popular among Americans and Chinese people differ, particularly in social media. The American public is most interested in a body that reflects their gender. In the Kardashian culture of internet, women strive to achieve a curvy physique by regularly working out at the gymnasium or accepting a cosmetic surgery. Chinese people have a more strict stereotype. Chinese girls are mainly interested in a slim body. Sing Lee’s survey of Hong Kong University students found that nearly all female students who had a body mass indices above 20.5kg/m2 followed a diet even more unhealthy to shed weight.
The American and Chinese makeup styles are very different. Many Chinese and American women apply their perfect makeup before attending parties or conferences. American women often strive for makeup that is so perfect, it appears to be airbrushed. People prefer a heavier makeup look, which includes concealers and foundations. American girls prefer to choose foundation creams with a warmer tone than their skin. Some countries, however, prefer a more organic look. Chinese girls often use brighter colored foundations to draw attention to their faces. Chinese girls prefer to use a brighter color foundation that highlights their faces. The fact is that there are many different makeup styles. The most popular trend in China and the US is quite different.
It can be concluded that American and Chinese individuals have different views on beauty. This is true when taking into account skin tones, body shapes, and makeup styles. Both Americans and Chinese have different concepts of beauty. However, both are pursuing beauty in their eyes. The globalization has brought together all different types of beauty, and they are all respected.
Citing sources
Draelos, Z. D. (2009). The allure if tanned body. The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology recently published an issue that contained two articles about advances in the field. This issue provided insight into the latest developments in dermatology related to cosmetics.
Leong, S. (2006). Who is fairest out of all the girls? Hong Kong TV ads for skin whitening cosmetics. Asian Ethnicity, 7(2), 167-181.
[bookmark: OLE_LINK3][bookmark: OLE_LINK4]Lee, S. (1993). How normal is the desire to be slim? A survey on eating behaviors and attitudes of Chinese students in Hong Kong. Psychological Medicine, 23(2), pp. 437-451, was an article that investigated the psychological effects of various medical conditions.
Senseney M. & Senseney M. 8 American Beauty Trends that are bizarre to other cultures.
Lee, S. (1993). How normal is the desire to slim down? Survey of eating habits and behaviors among Chinese students in Hong Kong.
