From the intricate henna designs done by brides in India to the traditional tattoos of the Inuit people, North American beauty rituals can be found around the world. These unique beauty practices reflect the diverse beliefs, customs, and heritage of each culture and provide insight into the different standards of beauty that have been found and embraced for generations. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that North American beauty rituals have crossed borders and been shared with other cultures around the world.
1. Revealing North America’s Hidden Beauty Secrets
It’s clear that North America is a land of stunning beauty, but few people know of all the hidden gems the region has to offer. From natural landscapes to enchanting cities, this continent has many secrets, both great and small, just waiting to be discovered.
Crystal clear beaches
Nothing can compare to the feeling of strolling along the silky sand of some of the rarely-visited beaches of North America. Here, the warm sea breeze and spectacular sunsets will make visitors feel like they’ve been transported to a different world.
Magnificent National Parks
You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to appreciate North America’s breathtaking national parks. From Utah’s Zion National Park to Canada’s Banff National Park, these natural gems offer plenty of adventure activities, camping spots, and unforgettable experiences.
Urban Marvels
Although nature is North America’s strong suit, the continent is also home to several vibrant cities. From the iconic monuments of Washington D.C to the French-Canadian charm of Quebec City, North America’s cities will never cease to amaze.
Spectacular Sights
Wherever you go in North America, you are likely to find some of nature’s most astonishing spectacles. Grand canyons, thundering waterfalls, deserted deserts, active volcanoes – it’s all here, just waiting to be found!
2. International Influence of North American Beauty Rituals
North American beauty rituals have infiltrated other cultures across the globe, becoming both adopted and adapted. While traditions of makeup, hair care, and skincare have ancient roots around the world, North American beauty is held in special regard. Its influence in the beauty and fashion industry shapes the way people look at beauty, no matter where they live.
The idea of thinness, or the “thin ideal” that is popular in North America has definitely been exported over the years. Publications, commercials, and movies have propagated this ideal, making it seem like the only viable option for “true beauty.” The same holds true for makeup trends. In many cultures, makeup is seen as a way to enhance a woman’s natural beauty, not to cover it up.
In terms of hairstyles, the influence of North American trends is equally evident. Styles like cornrows and box braids originated in Africa, and are now a big part of American culture. The idea of “good” and “bad” hair is a direct result of colonialism, where lighter hair colors were considered better. Women around the world are conforming to this idea, coloring their hair to fit this standard.
North American beauty traditions are also transferred through skincare products and practices. Women in other cultures are now bleaching their skin, using skin lightening creams, and following North American methods to achieve a more “perfect” complexion. As the North American and western idea of perfection has gained traction, many other cultures have adopted it as their own standard of beauty.
It’s clear that North American beauty rituals have had a lasting effect on the world. Despite the good and bad caused by its influence, North American beauty rituals will remain hugely popular around the globe.
3. A Globalized Appreciation for North American Beauty Standards
Beauty standards exist in various forms – by culture, time, and location. North American beauty standards are no exception, and there is no denying their presence in popular culture. In today’s globalized world, this appreciation for a set of physical characteristics has surpassed national boundaries and has become part of the global consensus.
Where The Acceptance Is Coming From
- The media’s glorification of the ideal North American body shape
- Social media’s representation of North American beauty standards
- Celebrity endorsements of a particular North American beauty style
These, combined with personal preference and exposure to a particular cultural influence, have helped create a shared desire or admiration for what is considered beautiful in North America.
The Impact of a Globalized Appreciation
The impact of North American beauty standards going global means that many other standards have been overshadowed. The emphasis placed on physical attributes can cause problems for people seeking further acceptance in more archaic societies, where appearance and aesthetics are seen as more important than life experiences or qualities.
The globalization of North American beauty standards has also seen a dramatic spike in sales of beauty products that are designed to create a “North American look”, removing any sort of uniqueness from any given culture. It’s a dangerous trend, one that forces people to give up their identity in favor of a homogeneous view of beauty.
Taking a Stand Against Globalization
Despite the prevalence of North American beauty standards on a global scale, there are those who are making a stand and declaring that such standards should not be the ideal or benchmark. There is a need to appreciate beauty in its many forms, and diversity should be celebrated, not discarded in favor of a single standard.
The acknowledgment and understanding that beauty standards are to some degree based on preferences, ideals, and values, and that they have little bearing on who people truly are, is vital. By accepting these differences, we can create a world where everyone feels seen and accepted, despite their physical differences.
4. Redefining Beauty: An Exploration of North American Beauty Rituals Abroad
As we travel abroad, we’re often looking for ways to understand the customs and traditions of the places we visit. One topic of global interest is exploring how beauty rituals—from makeup trends to spa treatments—diverge in accordance with the cultures we’re exposed to.
Beauty rituals in North America contain a certain set of preconceived norms, but when we venture out into other places, new ideas about beauty and appearance start to emerge. After having the opportunity to experience the cultural nuances of beauty rituals overseas, North Americans often come home with a re-defined perspective on what original beauty looks like.
One of the biggest revelations, when comparing North American beauty customs to those found in other countries, is the emphasis on patience. In many Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, beauty is an experience that requires patience and dedication. Many treatments take several applications over an extended period of time—as opposed to the quick-fix mentality seen in North America.
What’s more, globally, beauty routines often recognize the importance of sustainability and natural remedies. Even high-end luxury items are being crafted with natural ingredients, and DIY treatments are often encouraged. In many cases, global rituals prioritize natural products over synthetically derived ones, stressing the importance of sustainability and efficacy.
When it comes to cosmetics and makeup, North Americans may be accustomed to bright colors, trendy palettes, and carefully-crafted experimentation. But when we move abroad, beauty rituals can take on the look of something much more simplistic and practical. There, the idea of beauty is one of self-expression, simplicity, and joy—rather than an aspiration to amass a collection of wildly-hued shades.
- Patience is something that many global beauty rituals prioritize
- While synthetics are still widely available, natural ingredients are favored
- Beauty abroad is seen as natural, simplistic, and joyful
From traditional sweat lodges of North America to spirited Kola nut rituals of Africa, experiences in beauty are full of culture and insight. This exploration of North American beauty rituals has shared the richness of these cultures from the peaks of Mount Rushmore to the sunbaked steppes of Morocco. Knowing the varying beauty rituals of cultures around the world leads to enhanced understanding and appreciation.
