Beauty Today: All Smoke and Mirrors?
Did you ever notice that the bar is continually being raised on
exactly what physical characteristics define beauty? As I sit in
front of the TV, I am bombarded by beauties with pouty lips,
perfect bone structure, flawless skin, more "voluptuous" upper
regions, size 2 waists, and hair that resembles spun silk.
Take these same beauties and plop them back in time 20-30 years,
when the advent of modern cosmetic technology had not even begun
to reach its full potential. Do you think they would have had
those same attributes you find yourself longing for when faced
with these images? My guess is probably not, or at least not to
the same extent.
True, genetics play a role in physical beauty, but with the
likes of Total "extreme" makeover reality TV (The Swan, Extreme
Makeover, Dr. Beverly Hills) and abundant publicity, we see that
beauty and cosmetic improvement can now be achieved by a few
thousand dollars and a good plastic surgeon. Not only that, but
cosmetics in general are now so technologically advanced, you
can dramatically improve your appearance by personal makeup
application and home treatments.
There are now do-it-yourself cosmetic treatments such as home
microdermabrasion kits, chemical peels, "botox" creams and gels,
teeth whiteners, hair removal treatments, cellulite treatments,
professional hair straighteners and colors, self tanners, lip
enlargers, acne treatments, and the list goes on and on.
Cosmetics marketers and science have joined forces to give women
everything they ever wanted to be their most beautiful, and feel
better about themselves. Women are benefitting by so many
companies competing for a piece of these fairly new markets by
lower, more competitive prices.
Not only are there new breakthroughs in the world of cosmetic
science, but there are constantly new studies and discoveries in
the field of nutrition, fitness, and wellness. Combine this with
the new wave of technologically advanced cosmetics, supplements,
and treatments, and you've got a recipe for a healthier, longer,
more satisfying life for those of us who decide to take
advantage of the advanced knowledge of our time.
So, does your desire to be your best and most beautiful self
make you shallow, less credible, or somehow jeopardize your
feminist agendas? Unless you've somehow compromised your
integrity, morals, or core Beliefs along the way, the answer is
ABSOLUTELY NOT! As long as you are not putting yourself at high
risk for physical harm, obsessing endlessly, or spending your
life savings, investing time and money into your beauty
ultimately is an investment in your well being, self esteem, and
many times, mental and physical health.
Feeling beautiful is part of what makes us women. Come on, it's
just plain FUN to experiment with different looks and different
products! It feels good to be noticed, and when you feel
beautiful, you tend to radiate confidence and power. It is
inherent in our nature to want to feel feminine and look and
feel our best, and there is nothing wrong with it, as long as it
is not all-consuming.
As a self-proclaimed "product junkie", I can attest that many of
these newly engineered products really do work, as I have tried
nearly all of them in the quest to look and feel my best. I
can't wait to see what they'll come out with next, as every new
product seems to top the last. Hey, women have come a long way,
and we deserve to feel sexy and confident - beyond smoke and
mirrors