Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Outside the Mirror badge requirements.
Info Needed: Scouts examine how beauty standards are shaped by culture and time. They learn about a beauty icon from the past and reflecting on what made that person admired and influential.
Items Needed:
- Paper
- Pen or pencil
- Computers, tablets, or smartphones (Optional)
- Books or museum brochures (Optional)
Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 30–40 minutes):
- Choose a Beauty Icon (5–7 minutes)
- Scouts pick a person from history who was considered beautiful or influential.
- The icon can be of any gender and from any culture or time period.
- (Optional) Use suggested resources or biographies for support.
- Research and Take Notes (10–15 minutes)
- Scouts find facts about the icon’s appearance, style, or reputation.
- They write down what made this person admired at the time.
- Notes may include fashion, personality, public image, or impact on culture.
- Reflect and Compare (8–10 minutes)
- Scouts write one paragraph or a short list comparing past beauty standards with today’s.
- They note one thing that has changed and one thing that feels similar.
- (Optional) Add a sketch or symbol to represent the icon’s signature look.
- Share and Discuss (5–8 minutes)
- Scouts share one part of their reflection if they choose.
- Discuss how beauty is shaped by time, culture, and media.
- Remind scouts that beauty can mean many different things, and it’s always evolving.
Suggested Historical Beauty Icons
Here’s a list of historical beauty icons, with just four options in each category. See the Beauty Icon Bio page for the full list.
Ancient & Classical Figures
- Cleopatra – Egyptian queen known for her charisma, intelligence, and iconic eye makeup.
- Nefertiti – Ancient Egyptian royal famous for her symmetrical features and elegant bust sculpture.
- Empress Wu Zetian – First female emperor of China, admired for her regal presence and beauty rituals.
- Queen Elizabeth I – Known for her pale skin, red hair, and elaborate fashion that shaped Tudor beauty ideals.
Renaissance to 19th Century
- Marie Antoinette – French queen known for extravagant hairstyles, powdered skin, and fashion influence.
- Empress Joséphine – Napoleon’s wife, admired for her grace and romantic style during the Empire era.
- Lola Montez – Dancer and actress who captivated European courts with her bold beauty and charm.
- Sarah Bernhardt – Celebrated French actress with dramatic features and theatrical elegance.
20th Century Icons
- Josephine Baker – Performer who challenged racial beauty norms with her expressive style and confidence.
- Marilyn Monroe – Hollywood star known for her platinum hair, red lips, and curvy figure.
- Audrey Hepburn – Admired for her slim frame, expressive eyes, and timeless elegance.
- Grace Kelly – American actress turned princess, known for her refined beauty and poise.
The Badge Archive 