By: Jayden Yao

For over 20 years, Generation-Z has been making changes to the global beauty

industry. Many people now believe different body types should not be left out of

the beauty industry, stating the industry is not only for men with

dark hair and blue eyes.

Men with dark hair and blue eyes have generally dominated the male beauty

industry. Actors such as Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio have been the male

beauty standard for years.

The male beauty standard has changed drastically over the last 2 decades. Many

do not idolize the masculine side of men, but rather the feminine, as prove by

the South Korean K-pop group BTS. BTS is known for their make-up as well as

their vibrant colored hair. This type of beauty is sought throughout

mainstream media, as opposed to traditional male aesthetics.

Different body shapes are also joining the fun. Ben James, TikTok star and

pro-body activist says, “I’d like to see the industry improved by having different

body shapes used in never-before-seen ways. Why can’t we have a ‘dad bod’ in

a fragrance campaign, or a lead role in a film? The focus needs to shift from

these unnaturally attained physiques that even the actors

themselves can’t sustain.”

There has also been a change in attitude towards older models. Many men such

as Pierce Brosnan and George Clooney are succeeding in the industry. Orlando

Hobechi, an older model, says, “About four years ago I noticed an increase in the

use of older models. Suddenly there was interest in older people’s stories.”

Alexander Edmonds, Professor of anthropology at the University of Edinburgh

says, “Stereotypical male aesthetics and behaviors are changing.”