Do you have any thoughts on the different standards of beauty between dwarves, humans, city elves, and Dalish? Like could a character be considered ugly or plain by the standards of one culture and beautiful by the standards of another? If so, what do you thing the differences are?
So this is everything I’ve found for the time, I’ll come back and add more if I come across more.
Different human cultures have different standards of beauty across Thedas, and are mocked in others. (I.e. Fereldens think Orlesians are ridiculous dolled up, and Orlesians think Fereldens are barbaric.) Some known ideals and practices per nation…
Cosmetics are widely used by all genders of all status, even chevaliers. It’s described as being heavy and layered. The quality and rarity of makeup, such as uncommon hues, is prized and speaks of one’s status.
The makeup that bards wear at noble gatherings is so thick that true blushing is impossible to detect. As such, they may paint their cheeks red to give a pseudo effect.
Nobles and servants alike paint/powder their faces white under their half masks as a sign of status. (Briala comments on how this makes a “sea of pale faces” all looking identical.)
Lips may be painted bright red.
Eyes may be lined with black kohl (not gender exclusive).
There is both masculine and feminine makeup, but outsiders may have a hard time telling the difference.
Nobles have their makeup applied for them by servants.
It is a faux pas for stray hair to fall under one’s mask.
Men with long angled faces “speak of noble blood.”
Blonde hair is ideal and brown hair is seen as plain or ugly.
Colourism exists in which darker skin is a source of embarrassment. 😒
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