Beauty
The thing about the huge topic of beauty is that there are so many variables and alternatives involved in creating what may be considered a beautiful person.
Beauty is correctly in the eye of the beholder, meaning that what one person sees as beautiful, another may not and often that may be for different reason.
To create a factually correct and all-encompassing article on the whys and wherefores of beauty is not as easy as it at first sounds.
The truth is that because beauty is a highly subjective concept and there are so many differing opinions from different people, there is simply no "one-size fits all" solution.
However, there are at least some common areas where we can strive to improve our outward appearance. That's what I'll cover in this introductory article on the subject, while expanding on what I have learned and continue to learn in a collection of associated articles that are listed a teh foot of this page.
A Tentative Definition of Beauty
The dictionary definition of beauty is somewhere along the lines of:
"A combination of qualities, such as shape, colour, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight."
It can be thought of as the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person that gives pleasure to the senses. It could be a person that possesses the quality of being pleasing, especially to look at, or someone that gives great pleasure to the observer.
To that end, many people and especially women go to great lengths to make themselves look more beautiful than they believe they appear without any makeup or grooming. At least they do in a way that they believe will appeal to most people.
For that reason, this article just became a lot simpler.
I mean, I can simply focus on the main points where people believe they can enhance their appearance in a variety of ways by doing a variety of things that will create a beautifying vista that can be presented to the world.
This is different from good, old fashioned natural beauty, which more people than is commonly believed possess already!
So let's look at what people will do to create a beautiful outward appearance.
Beauty on the Outside
To enhance a person's appearance, there are a number of products in existence that can be used.
Most of these are manufactured by an industry that owes its wealth and stature to the vanity of millions of women (and an ever-increasing number of men) and their willingness to pay whatever it costs to look their best whenever they can!
In the main, I'm talking about makeup and cosmetics first, body pampering as well as fitness regimens second and fashionable clothing and accessories to wrap it all up in, third.
Makeup and Cosmetics
It is believed that around 44% of American women don't like leaving their home without having applied makeup.
There are wo main reasons women use makeup, according to research:
These are:
- Camouflage: Women will use makeup to hide their imperfections especially when anxious or insecure
- Seduction: Women who desire to appear more attractive use makeup to increase their confidence, assertiveness and to improve their sociability
That same 44% of women actually believe that they will be unable to achieve either of the above if they dare to show their natural, unaltered face. They also believe they will be treated differently without any makeup on.
There is a degree of science backing up the ingrained fear that causes them to put on makeup each day.
It is a fact that women are taught from an early age that being attractive will make them successful in all areas of life, including dating, job interviews, friendships and even relationships.
Although it doesn't sound fair, the Association for Psychological Science says that attractive people are more likely to be treated favorably in all areas of life. This includes things like dating, career, social events and even official situations.
The Biology of an Attractive Female Face
Two universal characteristics have been identified by researchers that contribute to a woman's attractiveness.
These are the color contrast present around the eyes and the lips.
The skin around the eyes and lips of women naturally tends to be darker. Our brains subconsciously recognize this as a sign that a woman is feminine.
The greater the contrast in color between a woman's lips and eyes, and thus her evolutionary appeal, the more feminine and feminine she is. Because they enhance these features, eyeshadow and lipstick are makeup staples.
Note: Men who are straight have the greatest effect from enhanced outer eyes and lip color, as they are biologically wired to attract women with feminine looks and fertile bodies.
Face Symmetry and Evenness
According to the Association for Psychological Science, we are attracted to symmetrical faces even though we don't see perfect symmetry.
Although you may not be aware, most faces are actually slightly asymmetrical.
Eyes may have slight differences, one side of the face may be wider than the other and one cheekbone might be less prominent than the other. The more variations there are on a face, the less appealing it will be perceived as being by most people.
Eyeliner and lip-liner can be used to make help make these features look more symmetrical, while makeup can even out skin tone.
To appear more attractive, makeup can be a powerful tool, while knowing how to make the most of the makeup you have can be a game-changer!
If you don't like makeup or have mornings when you don't feel like applying it, this tip will help you if you're going to a place where others' impressions of you matter.
Concealer/Foundation
Foundation has been found to be the most influential cosmetic on women's perceptions, according to researchers.
This is particularly important for women at work, as research has shown that makeup-wearing women have greater earnings and potential promotion. You can look tired and even sickly due to skin tone issues, tired baggy eyes and blemishes.
You may already know that foundation masks might not completely cover acne scars and other blemishes.
You won't see the full benefits of makeup if your skin isn't perfectly even. Apply enough concealer before you apply foundation to cover any blemishes.
Oily skin can also affect the skin's evenness. Powder can be used to remove the shine from your foundation. You can always reapply throughout the day by keeping a compact in your purse.
Fitness and Body Shaping/Grooming
Today, appearance is everything in this world. You don't have to be a fashion expert or spend a lot of money to update your appearance.
You can make small changes that will give you the confidence boost you need.
Start Exercising
It doesn't really matter if you do yoga, martial art, jogging, or sprints. To get fit and tone your body, all you have to do is engage in some form of physical activity.
As for muscle, get building some right away! You don't want your body to appear weak. Lift some weights and do strength exercises to strengthen your body and tone it up.
You should walk at least 8000 steps each day, preferably up and down hills to strengthen your legs and firm up your rear!
Good posture: Straight but relaxed, confident, open shoulders and friendly gaze. Regular exercise is easy to spot, whether you are running or cycling or swimming.
Start Eating Healthy
Healthy eating has many benefits. It improves your skin, your brain, and your health. This can be the best lifestyle change you could make.
Weight loss is not always possible. It is charming to have a healthy, toned body. Make sure to get enough water and rest well.
Take care of your hygiene. You should shower and brush your teeth before you go out. Always brush your teeth! If you have severe dental problems and are able to afford it, this would be a great idea. Make sure to trim your nails and clean your feet.
All of this is common sense. Let me be clear, this is all common sense stuff.
Fashion and Accessories
Your body type is an important aspect of your style. Look your best and feel confident in clothes that flatter your body.
Choosing the Right Clothes
Take good care of your clothes. This does not mean you need to buy designer clothes. You should choose clean, well-maintained clothes that are easy to iron and maintain.
You don't have to wear any brands, just flattering clothes that fit your body. Don't wear too much if your body is straight or too little if it's skinny.
You don't need to be fashion conscious if you aren't. Some people might find it helpful to look up ideas on how to dress.
Not only is it important to dress your age and be neat, but dressing in the present will also make you look more modern.
If all else fails, a shirt that is clean and has no quotes or pictures on it will work well. A pair of jeans that doesn't look like dad pants with casual shoes that you aren't for running will also be helpful.
Summing Up
I'll get more into these ideas in much more detail in separate articles collected under this topic.
There is so much to learn about how to use products responsibly to enhance your own natural beauty while concealing the blemishes and bits you don't want to seem obvious.
It's a fascinating subject, so stay with me for the ride of your life!
Latest Posts
Please see below for the list of latest article titles posted in this category: