Beauty

Beauty Standards Around The World: Spain

Spain has long been thought of as one of the most beautiful nations in Europe. Not only do people flock to Spain to revel in its Mediterranean beaches, stunning cities, and astounding architecture, but they also consider Spanish women to be among the most beautiful, citing their sensuous flair.

By Julie Mastrine2 min read
penelope cruz Beauty Standards Around The World: Spain

What’s Seen As Beautiful in Spain?

Long, thick, brunette hair is characteristic of beautiful Spanish women, as well as natural and subtle makeup that emphasizes dark, sultry eyes. You won’t see Spanish women hitting the streets in sweatpants, sans makeup, like we do in much of America! Spanish women focus on class and natural beauty. 

Spain holds some of the same beauty standards as the rest of Europe: women are seen as beautiful when they’re slim, have light complexions, and are dressed well. Plastic surgery isn’t as popular in Spain as it is in countries like Brazil or the United States.

The Most Beautiful Spanish Women

Americans have long been captivated by the beauty of Spanish women, especially when it comes to some of our top actresses and models.

Penélope Cruz has long enchanted the American imagination, rising to the heights of cinema in the United States. Known for her luxurious dark hair, Cruz has modeled for Ralph Lauren, Chanel, and L'Oréal. She’s married to actor Javier Bardem, another pillar of Spanish beauty in the U.S.

When it comes to classic Hollywood glamour, Spanish women made their mark on America in 1940s and 1950s cinema too. Carmen Sevilla was born in Seville, Spain, in 1930. The dancer and actress starred in a number of classic films and was nominated for an Academy Award. Her looks combined girl-next-door charm with classic Spanish sultriness. 

Spanish Beauty Through Movement

We’d be remiss to discuss Spanish beauty without mentioning the Spanish art of dance. Traditional dances are part of the rich fabric of Spanish culture and heritage. Romance, bright colors, and sultry guitar inform traditional dances such as flamenco, zarzuela, zambra, and paso doble. Ranging from energetic to passionate in nature, these traditional dances lend elegance to Spanish culture. Not only that, the associated costumes emphasize passion with their cheerful and vibrant colors.

Beauty in Spanish Architecture

Many Spanish cities have preserved their historic architecture, giving them an old-world, romantic feel. Looked on from above, they appear almost like a dreamscape; a vibrancy emanates from their modest yet tasteful stature and beautiful ornamentation. 

The streets of cities like Madrid and Barcelona lack the towering glass skyscrapers that make many modern cities in America feel harsh and imposing. Instead, Spanish architecture uplifts the soul. The streets are colorful and pleasing. Seville, in particular, may be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

 

Baroque is a highly decorative and theatrical style of architecture that first appeared in Italy and then spread across Europe, including to Spain. Spanish Baroque architecture is eye-catching and pulsating with energy.

Many Spanish buildings are also in the art nouveau style. The Casa Villaescusa, Orihuela offers a beautiful example.

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Spain also boasts many beautiful cathedrals. The Basílica de la Sagrada Família, or Sagrada Família, is an unfinished Roman Catholic minor basilica in Barcelona that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Closing Thoughts

From sultry women with flowing brunette locks to beaches to dance to architecture, Spain is a colorful and vibrant country. Its beauty standards reflect an adherence to class and style that are shared by many other European nations.

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