Beauty Standards Of Japan In Olden Times

Beauty Standards Of Japan In Olden Times

Linked squarely to Japan’s cultural history, the concepts of beauty evolved over centuries. From aristocratic elegance during the Heian period through dramatic change during the Edo era, Japanese notions of beauty constantly reflected the era in which they existed and would generally disclose influences of sociocultural and religious conditions prevalent at the time. The article focuses on beauty standards that shaped the lives of both Japanese men and women in olden times, pointing out all those intricate rituals and symbolism that defined their aesthetic ideals. Heian Period, 794–1185: The Pinnacle Of Aristocratic Japan Beauty The Heian era is conventionally considered the golden age of Japanese culture, comprising an efflorescence of literature, art, and courtly life in all spheres. In the Heian era, the model of beauty was provided by the aristocracy and more particularly the ladies at court since their outward aspect was to be representative of their status and culture in every respect. Pale Skin And Long Hair:  Pale, blemishless skin and highly valued for showing purity and nobility. Women used white face powder made from rice flour to make their skin look ghostly pale, so unlike any natural skin color. Long, straight hair was another feature of beauty; women grew their hair to incredible lengths, often reaching the floor.    Oshiroi And Hikimayu:  Oshiroi was a white face powder applied to the neck and hands, as well as on the face, to give an ethereal touch to the body. Another distinctive feature was hikimayu, or the shaving and plucking of natural eyebrows to paint on thick black brows high on the forehead. This gave the face a serene, almost doll-like expression-ideal for a woman. Ohaguro And Thin Lips:  Ohaguro or blackening of teeth was done by the aristocratic women and later by the married women in general. A black stain made up of iron filings mixed with vinegar was applied to the teeth. Believed to increase the contrast between black and white and express loyalty in marriage.  The Kamakura And Muromachi Periods: The Beauty Of Simplicity And Elegance There was a lot of time in between the gap between the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, and within that period, Japan saw the rise of the samurai class into prominence. With this came the change in the concepts of beauty. The sense of the aesthetic turned grave and quiet, much like the vibes of the stern disciplines of the warrior class. Natural Beauty: Although pale skin was still considered the most beautiful, it was a movement toward natural beauty. Women began to wear less makeup and revealed their ‘natural’ faces. Extravagantly curled hairstyles of the Heian era gave way to simple ones, many times worn pulled back and out of sight or in a small bun. Kimono And Colors:  Clothing also was important in the expression of the beauty of a woman. A woman’s status, age, and what season it was would be determined by her kimono color and pattern. The sophisticated, soft colors, such as pastel shades and earth tones, were used rather than gaudy colors as in the Heian period.  The Edo Period: Transformation Into the Modern Era, 1603-1868 The Edo period in Japan has been a transformation into the modern era socially and culturally. With the emerging merchant class and the thriving urban hubs such as Edo, which is modern-day Tokyo, ideals of beauty are becoming increasingly diverse and reachable.    The Allure Of The Geisha:  Geikos were accomplished entertainers who were beautiful, graceful, and artistic; thus, they soon became the icons of beauty in the Edo period. Their large hairstyles, complete with the elaborate hairpins and combs, topped by their brightly colored kimonos, became ultra-fashionable.  The Idea Of The Courtesan:  Central to this beauty culture, too, were the oiran, or high-ranking courtesans. Their theatrical appearance was given to grand hairstyles-mostly supported by great wooden combs and multi-layered kimonos with bold patterns. The oiran were the trendsetters, and their looks were emulated by women of all classes.     Changing Concepts Of Beauty:  The subdued grace of the previous age yielded a more vivid and demonstrative form of beauty in the Edo age. Women, therefore, began experimenting with newer and bolder means of makeup-such as red lipstick or Beni and white foundation or shironuri, on occasion.  Conclusion:  Beauty standards in olden Japan were not exactly about the physical but were highly symbolic, as they brought out the values, social structures, and cultural practices of those times. From the serene surreal beauty of Heian court beauties to bold and expressive styles, the standards of Edo have left an indelible mark on Japanese culture. It is interesting to note that certain features of those ancient practices show up in current Japanese aesthetics as a residual from a timeless past.  

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 Where To Buy Korean Products In India

Where To Buy Korean Products In India

The charm of Korean beauty has swept through the world’s consciousness, and India is no exception. Innovative formulations, cute packaging, and pro-healthy, glowing skin-all these attributes combine to make Korean products highly coveted additions to beauty routines. So where do you even begin to find those jewels here in India? Fear not, fellow K-beauty enthusiast! What’s about to be shared with you below will be a surefire guide to the best online stores where to shop for genuine Korean products to bring a bit of K-beauty magic into your homes.  Korean Products in India:  Maccaron: Your One-Stop K-Beauty Shop Maccaron is a paradise for K-beauty lovers based in India. They have an extensive collection of popular and niche Korean brands to suit all skin types, concerns, and wallets. One can navigate through their user-friendly website either by category, brand, or concern to find the right product easily. So here’s what makes Maccaron stand out: Extensive brand selection: From cult favorites like Laneige and COSRX to hidden gems like I’m From and Pyunkang Yul, Maccaron hosts a comprehensive collection of Korean brands. Free shipping: Free shipping above a certain amount makes it a great budget option. Curated kits: Not sure where to start? Maccaron curates kits for skin concerns, which helps create a routine targeting specific skin issues. Gwang BioCare: Guaranteed Authenticity Gwang BioCare is the one you can depend on for original Korean skincare and makeup. It has focused itself more on curating quality brands that have come to be effective and innovative with cutting-edge ingredients. If there is something specific that you are looking for, perhaps off-catalog from Korean makers, then Gwang BioCare may prove to be your answer. Here is what distinguishes them: Authenticity First: Gwang BioCare has set a top priority of sourcing directly from Korean brands to ensure that you get authentic products. Exclusive Brands: Some Korean brands, not very much available elsewhere in India, are offered by Gwang BioCare. Free Samples: On purchasing some items, you are given free samples to have a first experience with the product before going for the full size. BeautyTalk: Expert-Curated Selection BeautyTalk is not just an online store; it’s a community of K-beauty enthusiasts. Their website features product reviews, in-depth blog posts, and expert advice that will help any beginner in K-beauty. On this site, you’ll find carefully chosen and very popular sets of Korean skincare and makeup brands. Here are some reasons why you should check out BeautyTalk: Expert Reviews and Recommendations: Get valuable insights and recommendations from pros in skincare before you purchase. Skincare Centered: Though they sell makeup, too, BeautyTalk is more about skincare products with scientifically backed ingredients. Regular Promotions: Watch out for regular promotions and discounts across your very favorite Korean brands. Limese: Pamper Yourself with K-Beauty Essentials Limese is another online store, very popular among customers, with a great variety of Korean beauty products. The store will please both skincare and makeup lovers by its decent assortment of popular brands and trend items. Here is what Limese brings to the table: Variety of Brands: From well-known, established names in Korea to new up-and-coming labels. Makeup Haven: Limese caters much to makeup lovers with a host of Korean makeup brands known for their very vibrant colors and innovative formulas. Quick Shipping: Fast delivery options to get your K-beauty fix quickly Points and Rewards Programme: Point earning on purchases and redeeming them in future discounts make it a great option for regular shoppers. Kindlife.in:  Kindlife.in is way more than K-beauty. It collaborates with the company to purchase a variety of Korean health and wellbeing products in association with cosmetics. The e-commerce website is fantastic for those who wish to try supplements or other lifestyle products from Korea, or even look at their variety of healthful snacks. What differentiates Kindlife.in is that it caters to holistic wellbeing: Find what is good for you with Korean products for general wellbeing and not just beauty. Curated selection: Health supplements, dietary products, and lifestyle products that go with your K-beauty must-haves. Focus on Natural Ingredients: Engage in the realm of Korean products formulated with natural ingredients and traditional practices, next to their K-beauty offerings. Useful Content: Kindlife contains useful guides and articles related to the trends of wellness in Korea, and there’s a “K-Beauty Guide” section that helps one navigate the vast world of Korean skincare. Embrace the K-Beauty Journey! The world of K-beauty is huge and interesting. Backed by these e-tailers, with a little homework, you will head into a very fulfilling journey toward finding the perfect Korean products for your needs. More importantly, remember to have fun and experiment! So go ahead, indulge in some pampering, and let the K-beauty magic get a hold of you!  

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