Why we’re examining modern beauty—and how it matters for women

Women have long been judged on their looks in ways that men have not. Now ‘we are moving toward a culture of big-tent beauty,’ says writer Robin Givhan.

This story appears in the February 2020 issue of National Geographic magazine.
This content is Subscriber-Exclusive
You must have a National Geographic subscription to explore this article.

More from this issue

Meet Flamingo Bob, the poster bird for conservation
Two visions collide amid push to restore Montana plains
America’s last slave ship stole them from home. It couldn’t steal their identities.

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet