Beauty is something that describes the appearance of every human, but on a deeper level, it can also suggest some cultural values, reflect traditions, and recall historical influences. Beauty is not superficial when it’s connected to culture, and it’s simply fascinating. Depending on your country, you might have seen various styles, accessories, costumes, and practices that describe your culture, your region, and your beliefs. Every country has its own vision of life, which makes beauty something deeper than just the physical appearance, bringing it to the next level and connecting this aspect to certain practices that differ all over the world. For instance, you might have seen beautiful Indian women with the mark on their foreheads, fascinating geishas, or stunning African women with their unique hair accessories and jewelry. So, we can surely say that beauty is for everyone, and it knows no geographical barriers. To get closer to the richest cultures, here are some beauty practices from around the world:
Japan
Japan is a beautiful country and a premier destination for people who want to have a spiritual, social, and cultural experience. Japanese beauty standards are a goal of many, as women can be distinguished by their natural beauty. So, what’s the secret? Japanese women are known for their glass skin, which is achieved thanks to a deep skin routine. For instance, Japanese women use oil-based cleansers for moisturized skin, rice bran powder for exfoliation, and camellia oil, which has been traditionally used by geisha to prevent aging. When it comes to makeup, Japanese women focus on enhancing natural beauty, using red or pink tints as a blush and for the lips to enhance vitality and promote a young appearance. Also, most women want to remain pale, creating a porcelain-like complexion to recall the beauty of geishas. Green tea baths are a common practice to nurture the body’s health, and this kind of tea is also used as a drink for its antioxidant properties. Overall, beauty in Japan relies on the concept of wabi-sabi, which means finding beauty in imperfection and simplicity.
India
India has a rich culture, and the beauty of women is fascinating, representing high standards. Traditional beauty practices are still followed in the modern world to maintain the cultural values of the country and recall the customs of the past. For instance, there are some specific ingredients that Indian women use in their routine. Turmeric, for example, is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s used in face masks to reduce blemishes. Traditionally, turmeric is used during weddings, and it’s put on the groom and bride for glowing skin, which could symbolize purity.
Africa
African culture is one of the richest. The beauty procedures and practices of women are deeply associated with their spiritual and cultural traditions that emphasize the use of natural ingredients for holistic reasons. The skin of African women, no matter how dark their tone, looks flawless. This is because they use special natural ingredients such as shea butter for anti-aging properties, as a moisturizer, and to heal the skin. African black soap is another traditional cleanser, and clay masks are used to detoxify the skin. Other important traditional practices are hair braids, which also have protective purposes, and, for the special care of African hair, people use natural oils such as argan and baobab. In Africa, women focus on enhancing natural beauty, so makeup is not very common, as they look flawless in bare skin. Women also use various accessories, especially for their hair. For instance, a headwrap can be found in multiple styles to match your mood and outfit. Moreover, if you have seen the traditional bright dresses of the beautiful women you might have immediately fallen in love with the bright colours and dynamic style. So, you can research the best fabrics and accessories on AfricanFabs to embrace cultural appreciation.
Greece
Greece is another top choice for travelers who want to enjoy a summer escape in a place where tradition meets fun and adventure. The destination serves all the needs of every type of traveler, and besides that, you can learn valuable lessons about beauty. Most beauty practices in Greece are rooted in ancient times. For instance, women still use olive oil for cleansing and moisturizing purposes. Honey and milk masks are other ingredients used, and sea salt is a great substitute for commercial exfoliation. For the health of the body, the Mediterranean diet seems to be a top choice for Greece. The diet is rich in olive oil, fish, fruits, and nuts. For makeup, women back in the day used kohl, which is a mixture of charcoal and oils used as what we nowadays call eyeliner. As a final touch, Greek people love natural smells, so they usually opt for herbal perfumes.
Egypt
Ancient Egyptians were the first ones who really valued beauty for physical appearance. Also, beauty was perceived as a reflection of spiritual harmony, and there were many rituals rooted in this concept. For example, milk and honey baths were beauty practices aiming to achieve clean and radiant skin, and both milk and honey are still used in commercial products with the same purposes. Egyptians were also the ones who brought the concept of depilation to the modern world, and nowadays, it remains a priority for most women who want to achieve smooth skin. Ti strengthens the body’s health and, hence, improves the appearance of the skin; Egyptians follow a healthy lifestyle, consuming vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in daily meals. Jewelry is another aspect that describes Egypt, and you will often see accessorized outfits today to recall traditional values and ancient beauty.
The bottom line
We hope this article helps you connect with the richest cultures around the world, and encourages you to embrace the beauty practices that resonate with you. Cultural appropriation and appreciation are essential to live harmoniously with others, and acknowledging cultures and traditions from all over the world is one of the key elements for acceptance.