Philips has released the results of its fifth annual Global Beauty Index, surveying over 12,000 women across 12 countries. This comprehensive international study delves into women's attitudes and perceptions of beauty, revealing how they define it and its role in their daily lives.
The 2019 index finds that 60% of women worldwide consider themselves beautiful—a slight dip from 65% in 2018, yet a strong 13-point increase from 47% in the inaugural 2015 survey, indicating a sustained positive trend. Experts attribute this shift to women's growing holistic approach to beauty, with 88% prioritizing a positive mindset and 84% valuing emotional balance as key to feeling beautiful.
Over six in ten women already adopt this holistic mindset, and 44% anticipate even greater emphasis on health-enhancing beauty practices in the next five years.
Women Turn to Trusted Sources for Beauty Insights
As technology evolves, beauty advice abounds online, yet women most rely on personal connections. The study shows 49% seek guidance from friends, family, or colleagues—a figure rising to 63% in Korea and 60% in Turkey, surpassing global social media reliance at 37%.
Notably, 25% of women discover new brands via bloggers or vloggers, outpacing traditional celebrities (15%) and underscoring influencers' rapid rise.
Looking ahead, women are eager for personalized beauty tech: 65% welcome tailored advice for hair and skin health, with 85% in China and 81% in India leading enthusiasm. Mobile apps hold strong appeal—58% favor skin-scanning tools for moisture, pores, lines, and wrinkles, while 57% desire customized hair solutions based on type, texture, and goals.
