The concept of beauty has undergone a dramatic evolution over the past six decades. In the 1960s, beauty was dictated by Hollywood’s silver screen, favoring a polished aesthetic embodied by figures like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot. The 1970s and 1980s brought a mix of natural and bold looks, reflecting cultural movements that emphasized individuality. As media diversified in the 1990s and 2000s, supermodels like Cindy Crawford and Gisele Bündchen redefined beauty with athletic, sun-kissed looks. The social media revolution of the 2010s introduced a new era of Instagram-driven aesthetics and aspirational lifestyles. While past decades idolized a Eurocentric archetype, the 2020s have celebrated a wider range of beauty standards influenced by global cultures. At the same time, debates emerged over the pressure social media placed on young individuals feeling the pressure to conform to digitally enhanced beauty.

Once the primary arbiter of beauty ideals, cinema has adapted to these societal shifts by embracing greater authenticity in its portrayal of women. The era of airbrushed perfection in film is slowly shifting to more realistic and diverse representations. While Hollywood still upholds conventional glamour, independent cinema and streaming platforms are broadening the beauty spectrum. Beauty in the 2020s is more inclusive and dynamic, but work still needs to be done.