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:

At-Home Beauty Devices Drive Industry Excitement
MarketWatch - 23 hours ago
The most dynamic trend for the beauty industry in 2008 has been the emergence of at-home or do-it-yourself (DIY) tools -- especially those that offer ...


Houston Chronicle

Twilight goes for beauty over substance
Houston Chronicle, United States - Nov 20, 2008
Twilight goes a tad heavy on the beauty products. At the screening I attended, the audience burst into awkward giggles at the first sight of Peter Facinelli ...
Review: Twilight -- Eric's Take Cinematical
'Twilight' Los Angeles Times
'Twilight': Teen Anemia, By Kurt Loder MTV.com
Salt Lake Tribune - Examiner.com
all 961 news articles


Canada.com

"Beast" sure to be a 3-D beauty for Disney in 2010
Reuters - Nov 19, 2008
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
Katzenberg: 3-D vision goes beyond animation Hollywood Reporter
Monsters and Critics.com - AHN
all 166 news articles


‘Dr. 90210’ shares his 7 beauty secrets
MSNBC - 18 hours ago
Well, today he's left the knife at home and is sharing seven household beauty secrets that will enhance your looks and help you preserve your youth. ...


RTT News

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. Reports Solid Results for Fiscal 2008 ...
MarketWatch - Nov 20, 2008
"Sally Beauty Holdings had solid results in fiscal 2008, ending the year with same store sales up 2.6%, gross margin expansion of 70 basis points, ...
Ann Taylor Reports Third Quarter Results MarketWatch
all 412 news articles


Los Angeles Times

ig-Beauty 4
Los Angeles Times, CA - 12 hours ago
Brazilian bikini waxes should be outlawed, like cockfights. Besides, who endures such agony after shelving the bathing suit? The Bikini Perfect Deluxe ...


Los Angeles Times

ig-Beauty 5
Los Angeles Times, CA - 12 hours ago
Whether your arches are golden or brunet, Anastasia’s Brow Tool Kit ($95) will keep them in check with stencils, tweezers, powders, brow gel, ...


Wet your thistle with this blue-headed beauty
Indianapolis Star, United States - 8 hours ago
The flowers then expand the plant's beauty. The tiny, metallic blue flowers develop on stiff stems from July through September. The flowering period can be ...
Frosty-looking foliage makes delightful addition to garden TheNewsTribune.com
all 2 news articles


Los Angeles Times

ig-Beauty 8
Los Angeles Times, CA - 12 hours ago
Hair grows about half an inch per month. The Oscar Blandi Pronto Colore root touch-up and highlighting pen ($23) covers those stray grays and pesky roots ...


Los Angeles Times

ig-Beauty 1
Los Angeles Times, CA - 12 hours ago
The beauty industry — spas and salons included — has responded with do-it-yourself alternatives that promise professional results. Here’sa sampling from the ...

Beauty - Google News

home | site map
© 2006