The Victorian period was, in many ways, an exercise in opposites. Bodybuilder Eugen Sandow. This is why Victorian beauties of the higher classes tried not to put on excessive amounts of makeup which concealed their natural looks. Now, however, we see the beauty standard for women becoming curvier in some areas such as the bust and butt, and staying thin, toned, and tucked in other areas such as the waist and the thighs. "He has a simple and beautiful nature," (Picture Location 194) according to the painter, Basil, who is inspired by him. The turn of the century was also notable for the end to the Victorian mores against vanity and narcissism. Of course, women could think for themselves just as they do today, so personal grooming would have come in all foms. Beauty. It marked a pivotal time in Britain's history and around the world. but do you know what? 1930s; 1938 Mae West - 1930s. The ideas prevalent in the second half of this period can be understood as the foundations of a modern culture in which men are dying. 44 The dominant beauty . The standard of beauty: A dangerous ideal - The Beacon Women started getting more creative with their clothes because of the lack of resources. The following explores Victorian men's fashions from the pre-victorian 1830s to the late 1890s. Long, gentle curls were used to accent the face at the sides or even in the back. updated September 6, 2017. Feminine Beauty Standards in Renaissance Italy. 6. Beauty History: Cosmetics in the Edwardian Era - Beautiful With Brains While this characterization is not terribly realistic, it was the societal ideal and for many authors of the time, their heroines could only marry such men and thereby secure a happy life. The Standards of Beauty - From Ancient Times to Today. With her full figure, she brought about the end of the slim figure trend that emerged during the Roaring Twenties. The Victorian period, which was the latter half of the 19th Century, was marked by a strong class consciousness in which beautiful, well-bred women were expected to do no physical work whatsoever.