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
(http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com/best-skincare-products-reviews.html ).
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 is the webmaster of the beauty
review and advice website CosmeticsGalore.com ( http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com
). She is a cosmetics and beauty product researcher and enthusiast.
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