Beyond Modern Glamour: Eccentric Beauty Trends of Yesteryears

Introduction

Fashion trends may evolve over time, but the quest for beauty has led to some truly eccentric practices throughout history. From erotic piercings in Victorian England to pointy heads in ancient Maya culture, these unconventional beauty trends reveal a fascinating glimpse into the past. Join us on a journey through the annals of history to uncover the strangest beauty trends that once captivated societies worldwide.

1. Victorian England: Nipple Piercings and Chains

Beneath the layers of conservative Victorian clothing lurked an unexpected secret—erotic piercings. Wealthy women in Victorian England shocked their contemporaries by piercing their nipples and even connecting them with chains. This unconventional practice, albeit fleeting, added a dash of rebellion to the prim and proper era.

2. Ancient Greece: Unibrows as Symbols of Intelligence

In ancient Greece, the pursuit of beauty led to the prominence of unibrows among women. A unibrow was considered a sign of intelligence and purity. Those not naturally blessed with one would draw it on with coal pigment, embracing this bold and distinctive look.

3. The 17th Century: Cleavage and Translucent Skin

During the 17th century, a fascination with cleavage and pale skin emerged. Women vied for cleavage prominence while also aspiring to achieve an extreme level of paleness. To mimic this trend, blue veins were artfully drawn onto the chest, creating the illusion of translucent skin.

4. Japan: Blackened Teeth as a Symbol of Beauty

In ancient Japan, post-marriage beauty entailed blackening one's teeth. This practice symbolized beauty and a commitment to marriage. Despite its unconventional appearance, it persisted through the 19th century as a symbol of marital dedication.

5. Renaissance: Gummy Smiles and Tiny Teeth

The Renaissance era had a peculiar beauty standard—women aspired to have gummy smiles with tiny teeth. Long legs, wide hips, narrow waists, and minuscule teeth were among the 30 specific traits deemed beautiful. This uncommon focus on dental proportions defined Renaissance beauty.

6. Middle Ages to 18th Century: Men's Calves as Fashion Statements

From the Middle Ages through the 18th century, men's calves took center stage in the world of fashion. To showcase well-shaped calves, men wore stockings and sometimes added padding to impressively fill them out. Even King Henry VIII was renowned for his remarkable calves, setting a standard for leg-based beauty.

7. Beauty Patches and Their Secret Meanings

In the 18th century, beauty patches were all the rage. These small pieces of fabric concealed blemishes but also conveyed secret meanings. Placement mattered—a patch near the mouth hinted at flirtation, while one on the right cheek signaled marriage.

8. Long Foreheads in the Renaissance

During the Renaissance, a bizarre beauty standard involved large, curved foreheads for women. A wide, curved brow was considered a sign of beauty and grace. Women with smaller foreheads would pluck or shave the front of their heads to create the illusion of an elongated forehead.

9. Ancient Maya: Skull Modification as Beauty

Ancient Mayans practiced skull modification, shaping the heads of infants. This intricate process involved strapping boards to children's heads as they grew, creating elongated and pointed skulls. This practice wasn't limited to Mayans and appeared in various cultures worldwide.

10. Chinese Tang Dynasty: Full, Round Faces

The Chinese Tang Dynasty favored full, round faces as the epitome of beauty. Plump figures, round faces, big cheeks, and wide foreheads were highly desirable. Women with these characteristics were considered the most attractive, diverging from today's beauty standards.

11. Edwardian Era: The S-Bend Corset

The Edwardian era introduced the S-bend corset, a revolutionary garment designed to ease pressure on the waist. However, it had unintended consequences, bending the wearer's spine unnaturally and causing an exaggerated sway while walking. This peculiar corset both shaped and distorted women's bodies.

12. The 20th Century: Painted Legs During Nylon Shortages

During World War II, nylon shortages prompted creative solutions for achieving shiny, tan legs. Leg painting products hit the market, allowing women to mimic the appearance of nylon stockings. Some even used household items like gravy for a glossy effect.

13. Ancient China: Elaborate Eyebrows with Grease Pigment

In ancient China, women displayed their creativity through elaborate eyebrow shapes. They used black, blue, or green grease pigment to fashion their brows into various trends. From sharply pointed Vulcan brows to sorrowful arches, the artistry knew no bounds.

14. The Dark Ages: Erasing Eyelashes

The Dark Ages saw a stark contrast to today's emphasis on long eyelashes. Women of this era aimed to erase their lashes completely, opting for a bare-faced look. This unusual beauty trend signaled a departure from the current fascination with full lashes.

Conclusion

Beauty standards have always been subject to change, and history is rife with peculiar beauty trends that challenge contemporary ideals. From nipple piercings in Victorian England to elongated foreheads in the Renaissance, these practices remind us that notions of beauty are culturally contingent and continuously evolving.