The Badge Archive

Beauty Icon Remix

Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Outside the Mirror badge requirements.

Info Needed: Scouts examine how beauty standards are shaped by culture and time. They should be familiar with what a historical beauty icon is and how appearance, style, and cultural reputation reflect time and place.

Items Needed:

  • Printed bio pages or QR links to digital versions (See Beauty Icon Bio page for a list)
  • Worksheets with fill-in sections (Name, Era, Style, Why They Were Admired, Remix Idea).
  • (Optional) Dress-up props, photo booth backdrop, or art supplies.

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 20–25 min):

  1. Choose a beauty icon (3–5 min)
    • Scouts browse the printed bios or digital list.
    • They select one figure based on interest, appearance, or style.
  2. Complete a snapshot summary worksheet (5–7 min)
    • Fill in key facts: name, era, what made them admired, and one signature style element.
    • (Optional) Encourage doodles or color-coded highlighting.
  3. Remix your icon’s image or message (10–12 min)
    • Scouts create a quick reinterpretation of the icon’s look or motto for today’s world.
      • Example: Draw a modern outfit for Frida Kahlo or a phone case for Oscar Wilde.
      • Example: Write a quote the icon would post on social media.
      • Example: Act out their expression or stance in a mini photo area.
  4. Share reflections (3–5 min)
    • Volunteers share their remixed icon or discuss what they discovered.
    • Prompt questions: “Did beauty mean something different in their time?” or “Would this person be admired today?”

Sample Beauty Icon Remix Worksheet

Name of Beauty Icon:

Time Period / Era:

Region or Cultural Background:

Visual Style or Signature Look:

  • (Optional) Sketch or describe a style detail:

Why They Were Admired or Influential:

  • (Could be about their appearance, personality, message, or reputation)

Remix Idea – How would you reinterpret this icon today?

  • If this icon lived now, what might they wear, say, or do differently?
  • Would their look still be admired today, or how would you modernize it?

Name of Scout:

(Optional) Date Completed:

Tia Kennard