The Real Truth About Beauty study was commissioned by Dove, one of Unilever's largest beauty brands, to further the global understanding of women, beauty and well-being -and the relationship between them.It had its genesis in a growing concern that portrayals of female beauty in popular culture were helping to perpetuate an idea of beauty that was neither authentic nor attainable.Dove was concerned that this limited portrayal of beauty was preventing women from recognizing and enjoying beauty in themselves and others.The company was also aware that -in a world where female beauty is highly valued -this situation could also impact women's well-being, happiness and self-esteem.Dove's mission, in commissioning The Real Truth About Beauty study, was to explore empirically what beauty means to women today and why that is.Further, Dove wanted the study to assess whether it was possible to talk and think about female beauty in ways that were more authentic, satisfying and empowering.The Real Truth About Beauty findings detailed in this White Paper are based on quantitative data collected from a global study of 3,200 women, aged 18 to 64.StrategyOne -an applied research firm based in New York -managed the study in collaboration with Dr. Nancy Etcoff and
Ellen Rutten (Thu,) studied this question.