Altered Image Shows How Perception of Beauty Changes Around The World

woman in bikini walking on beach

The concept of beauty is inherently subjective, varying greatly across different cultures and regions. A fascinating project that explored this diversity of beauty standards around the globe is the “Altered Image” study conducted by the online doctor service OnlineDoctor.SuperDrug.com in collaboration with the content marketing agency Fractl.

Revealing the Diverse Definitions of Beauty Worldwide

The original image

In 2014, the Fractl team took a stock image of a woman in her underwear and sent it to graphic designers in 18 countries, ranging from the UK to Syria. They asked the designers to “make the woman beautiful” according to their own cultural perceptions of beauty.

The results were strikingly diverse, showcasing just how vastly beauty standards can differ across the world. While some countries like China and Italy opted for an extremely thin and airbrushed look, others such as Colombia and Spain maintained a curvier and more natural appearance.

From Skin Tone to Body Shape: Exploring the Nuances of Global Beauty Ideals

perception of beauty - The US decided a thigh gap was an obvious choice along with a flatter stomach and a very airbrushed face.

The alterations made to the original image were telling. The Philippines designer made the model’s hair darker and skin tone slimmer, aligning with their preference for a thinner, more delicate appearance. In contrast, the US designer focused on creating a “thigh gap” and flatter stomach, reflecting the Western obsession with extreme thinness.

Interestingly, the Colombian designer kept the model’s curves, just adding subtle changes like more hair and less orange skin tone. Meanwhile, the Egyptian designer opted for an orange hue, tiny waist, and black hair – a stark contrast to the original.

Produced the most altered image, estimating the model's weight as close to 100 pounds. Changes included the face, hair, underwear, and overall body transformation.

The Subjective Nature of Beauty: Challenging Universally Accepted Standards

These diverse interpretations of beauty highlight the subjective and culturally-specific nature of aesthetic ideals. As the Fractl team noted, “Some designers in North, South, and Central American countries produced an exaggerated hourglass figure,” while those in Europe and Asia tended to render the model extremely thin.

The project serves as a powerful reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all standard of beauty. What may be considered the epitome of physical perfection in one region might be viewed as unattractive or even undesirable in another. This diversity challenges the notion of a universal beauty standard that we are often bombarded with in mainstream media.

Maintained a curvier design, with subtle changes such as more hair and less orange skin

Embracing the Beauty in Diversity

The “Altered Image” study is a poignant testament to the fact that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. There is no way for any individual to conform to the myriad of beauty standards set by different cultures around the world. Instead, the key is to embrace one’s own unique features and be true to oneself.

Celebrating Our Differences, Celebrating Ourselves

As the article aptly concludes, “The major takeaway from this infographic is that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. There is no way we can reach every standard set by the world around us. Instead, it’s best to accept and embrace who you are and be true to her as much as you can be.”

In a world that often promotes a narrow and unrealistic definition of beauty, the “Altered Image” project serves as a powerful reminder to celebrate our differences and individuality. By recognizing the diversity of beauty ideals across the globe, we can free ourselves from the shackles of societal pressure and learn to appreciate the inherent beauty in our own unique selves.

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