Beauty

The term beauty can be defined as a characteristic of an idea, object, person, or place, wherein a perceptual or visual appearance creates meaning, pleasure, or satisfaction for an individual.  Today, the term refers to various segments of both the retail and service industries, e.g. beauty treatments, cosmetics, hair care, and make up.

However, from a more aesthetic angle, it can also refer to a person’s inner beauty.  This relates to the positive features of something or someone that is not physically visible.  Despite the fact that physical attraction is normally based on pheromones and physical traits, individuals will often tout this quality of their mates.

The concept of the ideal beauty refers to an individual (normally female in gender) who is publicly or widely admired because of the physical features that they possess.  These aspects can be attributed to particular cultures as a result.  There have been a number of historical people that have become “icons of beauty”, so to speak ---
Marilyn Monroe or Helen of Troy are seen as examples.

Subjective experiences involving beauty involves interpreting an entity or individual that is seen to be in balance and harmony with nature.  This often leads to attraction and well-being.  An object of beauty would be anything or anyone that reveals or reflects certain personal meanings.