The Beauty Industry: Overview

The beauty industry has long been a reflection of human culture, values, and aspirations. From ancient rituals to modern innovations, it continues to evolve—shaped by science, technology, and shifting social ideals.

A Glimpse into History

Beauty practices stretch back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used kohl to line their eyes, not only for aesthetics but also for protection against the sun’s glare and infections. Greeks and Romans valued pale complexions, associating fair skin with wealth and nobility. In Asia, particularly in China and Japan, skincare traditions centered around natural ingredients such as rice powder, green tea, and camellia oil.

The Renaissance and Victorian eras brought stricter beauty standards, often tied to class and morality. During the 20th century, Hollywood and mass media turned beauty into an aspirational ideal accessible to millions. Iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn influenced trends worldwide, while brands like Estée Lauder, L’Oréal, and Revlon transformed beauty into a global business.

The Present Landscape

Today, the beauty industry is one of the most powerful sectors worldwide, valued at over half a trillion dollars. It spans cosmetics, skincare, haircare, fragrance, and wellness. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have democratised beauty—allowing independent creators and influencers to shape trends as much as major brands.

Diversity and inclusivity have also become central themes. Once dominated by narrow standards of beauty, the industry is now celebrating a wider range of skin tones, hair textures, body types, and gender expressions. Brands such as Fenty Beauty set new benchmarks by offering extensive shade ranges, pushing competitors to follow suit.

Having worked as a beauty model for the last eight years, I’ve witnessed and been in the midst of change and experienced this transformation firsthand. Early in my career, campaigns often leaned toward conventional ideals of beauty, but in recent years I’ve seen a powerful shift. More brands are embracing individuality—showcasing freckles, natural curls, variety of skin tones including under and over tones and even minimal or “no-makeup” looks. The conversations backstage and on set have also changed: models are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to the table, rather than fitting into one rigid mould.

Sustainability is another driving force. Eco-friendly packaging, cruelty-free formulas, and transparent sourcing are no longer niche but expected by consumers who want their purchases to align with ethical values.

The Future of Beauty

The next chapter of the beauty industry is being written through technology and personalisation. Artificial intelligence and augmented reality are enabling virtual try-ons, tailored skincare routines, and data-driven product recommendations. Biotechnology is making its way into cosmetics, promising sustainable alternatives to traditionally sourced ingredients.

Wellness and beauty are merging more than ever. Consumers increasingly view skincare, nutrition, sleep, and mental health as interconnected aspects of beauty. This holistic approach is shifting the industry’s focus from covering imperfections to promoting overall health and confidence.

Looking ahead, the beauty industry will likely become even more inclusive, tech-driven, and environmentally conscious. As someone who has lived and worked within this world for nearly a decade, I believe the most exciting part is that beauty is no longer about fitting into a standard—it’s about celebrating individuality, creativity, and self-expression.