Beauty standards in the United States are heavily shaped by the media, pressuring many women to feel they need to look like the Photoshopped models in magazines.
However, this desire to attain physical perfection isn’t exclusive to American women – it’s a global issue. Sometimes, the urge can be so extreme that it leads women to undergo bizarre surgical procedures or try every beauty trick possible.
In turn, Romanian photographer Mihaela Noroc created an international project called “The Atlas of Beauty" to show that beauty is subjective and can be found everywhere.
The 29-year-old told Little Things that she was inspired by a trip to Ethiopia in 2012, where she encountered women who seemed proud to flaunt their culture and individuality. Since then, Noroc has traveled to 37 countries and photographed various women within her age group.
"[M]any people that have access to mass media and advertising feel a pressure to look in a certain way, to feel beautiful," she said. "But the good news is that there are also many people that remain natural and authentic, understanding that the best thing is to be yourself."
Noroc also said she hopes to raise funds online to continue her project.
“My goal is to continue for many years and to study beauty in all countries of the globe, if possible, making this Atlas a project known around the world and an inspiration for all women that try to be themselves,” she wrote on her website.
View some of her diverse photos below and make sure to SHARE this self-empowering message with your friends!
1. Iran
Photographer Mihaela Noroc captured a photograph of this female in Iran, a country that has been dubbed the nose job capital of the world.
2. Brazil
She also traveled to Brazil, which topped the list of countries with the most cosmetic surgeries in 2013.
3. San Francisco, U.S.
The U.S. was second on the list.
4. Colombia
And, Colombia was fifth.
Go to the next page to see more diversity from South America!
5. Peru
Noroc's photo series shows just how distinct beauty is in South America.
6. Chile
Even if the countries are close in proximity, beauty comes in great variety.
7. Romania
This is also the case with the European countries she traveled to.
8. Riga, Latvia
She also photographed this blonde woman from the Baltic region.
9. Oxford, U.K.
And, look at this beautiful redhead from England!
See what the photographer captured in Asia on the next page!
10. Tibetan Plateau, China
She also traveled to China, a country where skin lightening is a popular trend.
11. Yangon, Myanmar
Yet, skin whitening is also common within many countries in Southeast Asia.
12. Sumatra, Indonesia
A survey conducted by the research firm Synovate revealed that 40 percent of women in various Asian countries use skin-lightening products.
13. Omo Valley, Ethiopia
Noroc also traveled to Africa and captured this woman wearing colorful jewelry.
Make sure to SHARE these amazing photos with your Facebook friends!
