Beauty is subjective and there are as many kinds as there are women and men on earth. Unfortunately, the trend is towards standardization and the criteria of beauty, whether they come from Asia, Africa or the Americas, all end up coming together.
In this article, we have decided to ignore this unfortunate globalization of beauty conveyed by the media and Hollywood. On the contrary, we focused on the perception of beauty in certain regions of the world, which confirms that there is no one truth of beauty, nor a single representation of the ideal woman or man.
Madagascar: A beautiful spirit and a pretty smile

On the Big Island, inner beauty is just as important as outer appearance. To illustrate her words, our local councilor Tahiry tells us some of the Malagasy proverbs that go in this direction: “ In Madagascar, we say for example “ Tsara ivelany ohatran’ny ny fasana ” , which literally translates as “ nice to see from the outside, like a tomb ” . We also say “ Aleo ratsy tarehy ka tsara fanahy, toy izay tsara tarehy fa ratsy fanahy “ , in French “ It is better to be ugly and good, than to be beautiful and wicked. ” By the way, “ Tsara” which means beautiful, can also be translated as good, or even good . Beyond the spirit, the Malagasy also have some parades of seductions. For example here, when the temperature reaches peaks, the women spread a mixture on the skin made of sandalwood powder and water. The “masonjoany” is first and foremost a natural protection against the sun but, over the years, it has become a fashion accessory in its own right. When we ask Tahiry, she sums up the Malagasy beauty to “pretty braids, a nice smile and beautiful drawings of “masonjoany””
China: the tradition of lotus feet

Over the years, China has had many traditions that women followed in hopes of appearing beautiful in the eyes of their peers. Successively androgynous, frail then round and strong, the Chinese woman has gone through all the fantasies. The most surprising custom comes from the Qing dynasty (from 1644 to 1912). At that time, the fashion is for thinness. The more a woman appears fragile and pale, the more she responds to the canons of beauty of the time. There is nothing original except for this: the little feet were a real asset of seduction. Thus, from an early age, the feet of Chinese little girls were bound extremely tightly in order to keep this smallness. The feet of little girls could not exceed 15 cm. By dint of bandaging, their toes found themselves under the sole of their foot, which then resembled (looking carefully) a lotus flower, a symbol of beauty and purity in China. Having small feet was, as surprising as it may seem, a guarantee of finding a good husband and thus climbing the social ladder. In the 19th century, this tradition, described as torture, began to be debated and was finally abolished in 1911.
India: we advocate natural beauty

In this country where the cities have colorful nicknames (Jodhpur, “the blue city”; Jaipur, “the pink city”,…), beauty is everywhere. In the magnificent and majestic temples superbly highlighted, in the outfits of women and men, in the jewelry, in the make-up and even in the spice markets, on their colorful stalls. Considered in India as an expression of devotion, beauty occupies a very special place in the daily life of the inhabitants. Here, the use of cosmetics dates back to the dawn of time. But although the world is becoming more uniform, there is no question for the Indians of abandoning their criteria of beauty, which are rather transmitted from generation to generation. Even today, the complexion must be fair, a symbol of belonging to a high caste. Women’s hair should be black, long and very thick. The skin should be smooth, clear and without blemishes. For this, the Indians use natural products that they make themselves based on earth or spices, rejecting all beauty products from the West. Finally, the bindi, this little red dot located between the two eyes, beyond the spiritual dimension, also has an aesthetic side. If it symbolizes the mystical 3rd eye of a person, it has now become a real fashion accessory. Women no longer hesitate to replace “kumkum” – the red powder made from leaves – with a sticker that matches their sari. rejecting all beauty products from the West. Finally, the bindi, this little red dot located between the two eyes, beyond the spiritual dimension, also has an aesthetic side. If it symbolizes the mystical 3rd eye of a person, it has now become a real fashion accessory. Women no longer hesitate to replace “kumkum” – the red powder made from leaves – with a sticker that matches their sari. rejecting all beauty products from the West. Finally, the bindi, this little red dot located between the two eyes, beyond the spiritual dimension, also has an aesthetic side. If it symbolizes the mystical 3rd eye of a person, it has now become a real fashion accessory. Women no longer hesitate to replace “kumkum” – the red powder made from leaves – with a sticker that matches their sari.
Ethiopia: the beauty of Mursi women

You have most certainly already seen them in photos; such a silhouette, it is not forgotten! They astonish and fascinate because they have worn the labret for many generations, this labial ornament which has earned them the inglorious nickname of “women on a tray”. Before the age of 10, young girls belonging to the Mursi group in Ethiopia have their lower lip pierced with a wooden peg, which is then replaced by a clay cylinder that grows with them from year to year. Some ornaments can be up to 12 centimeters in diameter. This disc, called “dhebbi”, is considered a real jewel for this tribe and is often decorated with pretty engravings. If the origin of this custom is not known by anthropologists, some have nevertheless taken the liberty of advancing some hypotheses. For some, this tradition is quite simply a sign of belonging to a group; for others, it was intended to make Mursi women undesirable so that they would not be kidnapped by rival tribes. This second hypothesis is a paradox when we know that today, these labial ornaments serve above all as a parade of beauty and seduction.
Colombia: the kingdom of beauty queens

Colombian women have the reputation of being the most beautiful women in the world and it is true that they are very close to universal beauty criteria: long hair, tanned complexion, plump buttocks, generous breasts, small or even thin,… This quest for the perfect figure is also considered for some Colombian women as the key to success and the secret of their social ascent in the country. Being beautiful is a privilege for many things and undeniably contributes to obtaining a good situation. “City dwellers spend a lot of time in nail and hair salons. At least once a week and that’s a minimum! They are real “girly” à la Eva Longoria! “, says our specialist in Colombia Elodie.“These are the dictates of Colombian beauty. On the other hand, in the countryside it is different and in the Indigenous communities, it is still another world”.Result: the practice of cosmetic surgery has exploded in major cities for several years in Colombia, propelling the country to the rank of the biggest follower of this practice in the world. Just like the beauty contests that trigger great enthusiasm in Colombian cities, the “reinadas” are the national sport here. Each public structure – school, university, prison – and each neighborhood organizes its own beauty contest: miss tourism, miss cocoa, miss banana, etc. Fortunately, some cities are beginning to concern themselves with the image of women conveyed by these “misses”. which do not reflect reality and some have even decided to limit them, if not to ban them.
Asia: the cult of white skin

On our side of the world, we say of someone who is pale, that he doesn’t look well, that he has a pale complexion or that he seems sick. In Thailand, on the contrary, to say of someone that he is “dam-tap-ped” (in English: “dark like the liver of a duck”) is an insult and “khwaaw suay” (“pretty white”) , the most beautiful of compliments. In Asia, tanning is excluded and we protect ourselves with the help of large umbrellas on days of too much sun. China, Korea, the Philippines, Japan, Thailand, all these countries are unanimous: the beautiful women are white. This light complexion, symbolizing purity, wealth and well-being, has been valued for many years in Asia but seems to be experiencing a revival today with the influence of Hollywood stars and Korean pop. The mannequins that adorn city walls on huge advertising posters are frighteningly white. It didn’t take long for the mighty cosmetics industry to take hold of this phenomenon. Today we challenge you to find a cream without whitening or bleaching agents in Asia. All products that promise whiter skin are selling like hotcakes. Is it really necessary to underline the impact of these products more than negative on the body? Some even go so far as to inflict injections of “whitening jabs” which literally poison their bloodstream. The expression “to suffer to be beautiful” takes on its full meaning here… It didn’t take long for the mighty cosmetics industry to take hold of this phenomenon. Today we challenge you to find a cream without whitening or bleaching agents in Asia. All products that promise whiter skin are selling like hotcakes. Is it really necessary to underline the impact of these products more than negative on the body? Some even go so far as to inflict injections of “whitening jabs” which literally poison their bloodstream. The expression “to suffer to be beautiful” takes on its full meaning here… It didn’t take long for the mighty cosmetics industry to take hold of this phenomenon. Today we challenge you to find a cream without whitening or bleaching agents in Asia. All products that promise whiter skin are selling like hotcakes. Is it really necessary to underline the impact of these products more than negative on the body? Some even go so far as to inflict injections of “whitening jabs” which literally poison their bloodstream. The expression “to suffer to be beautiful” takes on its full meaning here… Is it really necessary to underline the impact of these products more than negative on the body? Some even go so far as to inflict injections of “whitening jabs” which literally poison their bloodstream. The expression “to suffer to be beautiful” takes on its full meaning here… Is it really necessary to underline the impact of these products more than negative on the body? Some even go so far as to inflict injections of “whitening jabs” which literally poison their bloodstream. The expression “to suffer to be beautiful” takes on its full meaning here…
Brazil: the “corpo de violao”

The myth of the Brazilian, beautifully tanned with wild hair, lounging in undress on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro is ultimately not so far from reality. Since here we live outside all year round, having a beautiful body is an essential criterion of beauty for Brazilians. There is also a ready-made expression to describe a perfect body according to them: “corpo de violao”, in French “guitar body”. Very colorful, it is easy to guess on which parts of the body the Brazilians set their sights. A slim and slender body is not the definition of a beautiful body in Brazil. On the contrary, a woman with a rounded buttocks and a generous chest is much more valued. Unfortunately, this image of the ideal body pushes many Brazilian women to turn to cosmetic surgery, thus making the country one of the hubs of this practice. In addition to their bodies, Brazilian women take infinite care of their hair, coating it with oil so that it is always longer and silkier. On the other hand, they engage in a fierce fight against any other hairiness. Being in a bathing suit for a good part of the year, it is inconceivable for them that the slightest hair sticks out.
Japan: bring out its childish side

Japan, a country both schizophrenic and of legendary complexity, once again rises to first place in terms of unusual beauty standards. In a country where “kawaii” is a religion and where depictions of the most beautiful men and women are manga, it’s no wonder that beauty standards are a bit eccentric. To stick to the guns of Japan, it is enough that the Japanese follow a very simple rule: to appear as childish as possible. There are several techniques for this. The first: big innocent eyes, the bigger and rounder the better! Some women do not hesitate to have cosmetic surgery to have their eyes debrided. Second technique: be mannered with a small high-pitched voice and capitalize on its “cute” side. Third technique, strangest: having crooked teeth and in particular prominent canines. Yes yes, you read that right. This phenomenon even has a name in Japan: “yaeba” which means “multi-layered”. Misaligned teeth give the Japanese that childish side that the Japanese love so much. There are even orthodontic practices that agree to twist the teeth to obtain this type of result. Finally, the skin must be white and pure, even if it means using products that are dangerous to health. There are even orthodontic practices that agree to twist the teeth to obtain this type of result. Finally, the skin must be white and pure, even if it means using products that are dangerous to health. There are even orthodontic practices that agree to twist the teeth to obtain this type of result. Finally, the skin must be white and pure, even if it means using products that are dangerous to health.
Central Africa: the cult of curves

Although we cannot put all the countries of the continent in the same basket, a trend still stands out in Central Africa in terms of beauty criteria. To be considered beautiful, a woman must have curves, even be frankly overweight. Here, thinness is associated with malnourishment and disease, while a plump woman is, on the contrary, associated with wealth. Because beyond being an undeniable criterion of beauty for the African, it is also the testimony of the social success of her husband. Today, many beauty contests are organized in several African countries rewarding strong women with a natural and harmonious body. A Moorish proverb even says “that a woman occupies a place in the heart equal to its volume”. Unfortunately, each fad has its drifts. In Mauritania or the Republic of Congo, a phenomenon of force-feeding appeared a few years ago, consisting of fattening oneself or pre-pubescent little girls with vitamins for animals with a view to a rich marriage. Fortunately, today this practice has almost disappeared and campaigns against obesity are beginning to circulate in the countries of Central Africa.
Burma: To be beautiful is to be good

According to the Burmese, to be beautiful means that one has arrived at an advanced state of spirituality and that one has risen to a higher level in the ladder of reincarnation. Thus, to say of someone that he or she is physically beautiful is similar to saying that he or she is a good person. In Burma, a woman must above all be very feminine, and to the tips of her nails please! Having long straight hair down to the buttocks is highly valued. The Burmese are no exception to the Asian rule advocating fair skin and complexion. This is one of the (many) reasons why they apply a white/yellow colored cream called Thanaka every day. This vegetable mixture is made from round wood that you can find in any market. Its use dates back more than 2000 years. First used for cosmetic purposes, it is readily credited with several benefits such as natural protection against the sun, against acne and against all kinds of insects. Burmese women generally apply the Thanaka in a circle on their cheeks or those of their children, but it is not uncommon to see women with more worked patterns. They then use it as a parade of seduction. Try it to see, you will most certainly get some nice compliments on your way. but it is not uncommon to see women with more worked patterns. They then use it as a parade of seduction. Try it to see, you will most certainly get some nice compliments on your way. but it is not uncommon to see women with more worked patterns. They then use it as a parade of seduction. Try it to see, you will most certainly get some nice compliments on your way.
Tanzania: Maasai beauty

Their slender silhouettes, draped in large red clothes can only find favor in the sharp eyes of the greatest fashion experts. The Maasai are a people who are very concerned about their appearance and have mastered the art of accessories to perfection. Their jewelry and their body adornments hold a central place in their appearance and in their perception of beauty and seduction. The women in particular wear large necklaces of multicolored pearls which they like to pile up in layers around their neck, like a ruff. The vast majority of them (both women and men) have large holes in their ears through which they pass all sorts of metal, pearl or wooden ornaments. The creation of these ornaments is an integral part of the tasks that Maasai women must carry out and the technique is transmitted from mother to daughter. Their dress is also very codified. Maasai women and girls, for example, shave their heads. Long hair being reserved for warriors to symbolize the lion’s mane, women with close-cropped hair symbolize, logically, the lioness. In terms of clothing, the men, half-naked, wear only red, in reference to the ocher that surrounds them on a daily basis. Women, on the other hand, are allowed to add pops of blue and green to their draping. women with close-cropped hair logically symbolize the lioness. In terms of clothing, the men, half-naked, wear only red, in reference to the ocher that surrounds them on a daily basis. Women, on the other hand, are allowed to add pops of blue and green to their draping. women with close-cropped hair logically symbolize the lioness. In terms of clothing, the men, half-naked, wear only red, in reference to the ocher that surrounds them on a daily basis. Women, on the other hand, are allowed to add pops of blue and green to their draping.