Beauty Information

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 improve your looks 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!

Danna Schneider, Webmaster
Provides unbiased cosmetic and beauty product reviews, along with sophisticated beauty and makeup advice, through her website http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Variety

"Beast" sure to be a 3-D beauty for Disney in 2010
Reuters - 8 hours ago
By Gregg Kilday LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Belle, the Beast and all the dancing silverware in "Beauty and the Beast" are getting a 3-D makeover. ...
'Beauty' gets 3-D makeover Variety
“The Beauty and the Beast” Gets 3-D Makeover from Disney eFluxMedia
Beauty and the Beast’ gets a 3-D makeover Monsters and Critics.com
AHN - /FILM
all 126 news articles


'Beauty and the Geek' could go to MTV
Hollywood Reporter, United States - 13 hours ago
By James Hibberd The CW's former reality show "Beauty and the Geek" is in negotiations to move to MTV. MTV wants a celebrity version of the show, ...
MTV eyes 'Beauty and the Geek' Variety
all 3 news articles


New York Times

The Dead Tell a Tale China Doesn’t Care to Listen To
New York Times, United States - 11 hours ago
The mummy known as the Loulan Beauty on display at a museum in Urumqi, China. By EDWARD WONG URUMQI, China — An exhibit on the first floor of the museum ...
LETTER FROM AMERICA International Herald Tribune
all 18 news articles


Pillars of Beauty and Strength; SEPTA's El Columns in West ...
MarketWatch - 3 hours ago
PHILADELPHIA, Nov 19, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- SEPTA's Market-Frankford El, also known as the Blue Line, is getting a splash of fresh new ...


Man ordered to stop 'blood readings' at beauty shop
Gazette Online, IA - 12 hours ago
By Cindy Hadish CALMAR - In a bizarre case, the Iowa Board of Medicine has ordered a Garnavillo farmer to cease practicing medicine at a Calmar beauty shop. ...


Fashion and Beauty Cavs and LeBron on a roll
Philippine Star, Philippines - 18 hours ago
Seven straight wins. Tying the league-leading and much-dreaded Los Angeles Lakers for the longest streak thus far in NBA Season 2008-09. And counting. ...


Beauty & Brilliance: Zander Bleck Takes the Stage
MarketWatch - Nov 18, 2008
And let us just say those genetics aren't aching in the beauty, charisma & charm department as well. Tremendous talent and inspired goods looks have taken ...


Beauty And The 3-D Beast
Radar Online, NY - 3 hours ago
Disney is about to retool its animated Beauty and the Beast in 3-D. The project is expected to take 9 months. The film will be back in theaters in 2010. ...


New York Times

Cutting Hair, While Cutting to the Chase on Clients’ Domestic Abuse
New York Times, United States - 49 minutes ago
Divas Unisex Hair Salon in Inwood is one beauty shop where stylists are being trained to recognize signs of domestic abuse. By LESLIE KAUFMAN Martha ...


Beauty and the Beast joins the 3D fad
Orlando Sentinel, FL - 4 hours ago
Disney has announced plans to re-issue its animated classic, Beauty and the Beast, in new 3D prints, in 2010. They're "re-imaging" the tale as old as time, ...

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