What it means and how to enhance it

Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. That’s why the Western concept of beauty doesn’t necessarily apply to us Asians. Our features are different, and so does our skin color and texture. We don’t age the same way as well. So how do we define Asian beauty? Is it okay to follow Western trends in beauty? How can we enhance our features with or without surgery? 

If you want to know the Asian definition of beauty, just take a quick look at local beauty websites and magazines. Among women, you’ll always notice big and bright eyes, a prominent nose, a V-shaped face, a whiter complexion, youthful, smooth, and spot-free skin. This is in contrast to Western standards of beauty, where a strong, sexy, and confident vibe is preferred over feminine, gentle features. This means tan skin, big eyes, full lips, and a defined jaw line. The differences between east and west can be seen in make-up too, wherein Asian make-up aims for a “no make-up” make-up look to look fresh, youthful, and glowing. On the other hand, Western make-up aims to look sexy and powerful, finishing with bold eyes, sculpted features, and a rich-colored lip. Men aren’t spared from this standard too. In fact, male Asian beauty standards include a whiter complexion and softer features than Western males where standards include angular features, a chiseled facial structure, stronger jaws and square chins.

For Filipinos, our influences from our Spanish conquerors who ruled the country for centuries have made us aim for a standard of beauty that is leaning more toward a Western standard—with taller and slimmer noses, straight hair, and fairer skin. But with the advent of the internet and social media, we’ve also grown to appreciate other beauty standards as well.

So what if you weren’t “born with it?” Adapting to a beauty standard that you desire will always depend on the current features that you have. Instead of changing your features to adhere to your preferred beauty standard, aim for subtle changes that enhance your current features instead. This can be achieved by a combination of treatments, such as:

• Lasers, peels, and microdermabrasion naturally encourage collagen production to keep the skin fresh and glowing.

• Botulinum injections and fillers can instantly lift and contour the skin. It can also add volume in different areas (fillers), or reduce the appearance of wrinkles (botulinum injections).

• Face liposuction involves removing fat from certain areas to gain a more sculpted look.

Since aging is inevitable, our facial features will also change with time. To slow it down, other treatments would include:

• Wearing sunscreen all the time to minimize the effects of harmful UV rays that can accelerate aging.

• Retinoids and other topical solutions can help heal and rejuvenate the skin.

• Practicing a healthy lifestyle is always important to minimize inflammation and keep the skin and body healthy inside and out.

Among women, you’ll always notice big and bright eyes, a prominent nose, a V-shaped face, a whiter complexion, youthful, smooth, and spot-free skin. This is in contrast to Western standards of beauty, where a strong, sexy, and confident vibe is preferred over feminine, gentle features.

Nobody is perfect. The truth is, we all have our own flaws, and it is up to us to accept it, embrace it, or even show it off! On the other hand, enhancements are fine too, as it helps you feel more confident about yourself as well. But remember, real beauty is not about having the most symmetrical face or having “standard” Asian features. At the end of the day, it’s about how you take care of your skin that truly matters. Because when it’s healthy and glowing, you naturally look and feel good with how you look—and that’s truly what makes others take a second turn.