beauty spots — not to be confused with birthmarks or freckles — are associated with a dark spot, usually on the face. Historically they have been seen as a mark of beauty, highlighting and identifying an area on the face such as on the cheek-brow, near to the mouth, or near the chin. The placing, either naturally or artificially, of the beauty spot, is thought to enhance the natural features of the person, making them more attractive, more sexually wanton and, therefore, more beautiful.

The history of fashion and the wearing of make-up runs parallel to the evolution of the beauty spot. Originally the beauty spot was artificially worn in the guise of patches and paint. ...