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

In The News:


Google News
Updated : Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:44:32 GMT

McCain, Obama get personal in final debate - The Associated Press


Washington Post
McCain, Obama get personal in final debate
The Associated Press - 41 minutes ago
HEMPSTEAD, NY (AP) - John McCain told Barack Obama to his face Thursday night, "You didn't tell the American people the truth" about a key campaign pledge as the two presidential rivals slung accusations at close quarters in the final debate of their ...
McCain, Obama tussle over backing Bush’s policies Reuters
Obama Widens Lead as Americans See `Serious' Crisis (Update2) Bloomberg
TIME - Wall Street Journal - Austin American-Statesman - ABC News
all 775 news articles

Publ.Date : Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:02:37 GMT

Omar grows into Category 2 hurricane in Caribbean - The Associated Press


BBC News
Omar grows into Category 2 hurricane in Caribbean
The Associated Press - 1 hour ago
CHRISTIANSTED, US Virgin Islands (AP) - Heavy rains and winds pummeled St. Croix on Wednesday as the outer edge of powerful Hurricane Omar drenched the island, stranding motorists on flooded roads and forcing workers to shut down a giant oil refinery.
Video: Hurricane Omar Nears Caribbean Islands AssociatedPress
Omar Strengthens in Caribbean, Aims at Virgin Islands (Update4) Bloomberg
United Press International - Washington Post Blogs - Bradenton Herald - Beaumont Enterprise
all 2,958 news articles

Publ.Date : Thu, 16 Oct 2008 01:42:51 GMT

Paramount to release fewer films, cut 25 DreamWorks employees - Los Angeles Times


stv.tv
Paramount to release fewer films, cut 25 DreamWorks employees
Los Angeles Times - 46 minutes ago
By Claudia Eller, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer Looking to cut overhead and operating expenses after the recent departure of DreamWorks co-founder Steven Spielberg, Paramount Pictures plans to release fewer films, consolidate operations and slash 25 ...
Spielberg back in fold Financial Times
Paramount cuts films, jobs Straits Times
New York Times - AZ Central.com - Bizjournals.com - Reuters
all 42 news articles

Publ.Date : Thu, 16 Oct 2008 01:58:16 GMT

FCC report: White space devices work as "proof of concept" - Ars Technica


CNET News
FCC report: White space devices work as "proof of concept"
Ars Technica - 3 hours ago
By Nate Anderson | Published: October 15, 2008 - 06:08PM CT The FCC's Office of Engineering Technology has released its long-awaited technical report (PDF) on "white space" prototype devices, and the conclusion comes right up front: "At this juncture, ...
FCC Chairman backs use of "white space" spectrum CNET News
FCC Gives Whites Spaces a Boost New York Times
CRN - NetworkWorld.com - The Associated Press - Wired News
all 271 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 23:12:55 GMT

Maddon Sticks to ‘Plan,’ Giving Ball to Kazmir - New York Times


National Post
Maddon Sticks to ‘Plan,’ Giving Ball to Kazmir
New York Times - 33 minutes ago
By JOSHUA ROBINSON BOSTON - Tampa Bay Rays Manager Joe Maddon has always disliked last-minute adjustments. So when he threw the Boston Red Sox a curveball on Wednesday by announcing that he was changing his Game 5 starter, Maddon said it was always ...
Rays will go with Scott Kazmir in Game 5 Los Angeles Times
Rays continue Cinderella story Newsday
The Star-Ledger - NJ.com - MLB.com - Tampabay.com - SI.com
all 718 news articles

Publ.Date : Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:11:08 GMT

As Rays Come of Age, Torre Likes Their Look - New York Times


Vancouver Sun
As Rays Come of Age, Torre Likes Their Look
New York Times - 33 minutes ago
By TYLER KEPNER LOS ANGELES - For the first 10 years of their existence, when they never won more than 70 games in a season, the Tampa Bay Rays faced Joe Torre more than any other manager.
Rollins leads off Game 5 with homer MLB.com
Rollins, Phillies lead Dodgers in Game 5 of NLCS The Associated Press
USA Today - WDTN - Philadelphia Daily News - Washington Post
all 325 news articles

Publ.Date : Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:11:08 GMT

Feds investigate failure of Washington Mutual - International Herald Tribune


ABC News
Feds investigate failure of Washington Mutual
International Herald Tribune - 33 minutes ago
AP SEATTLE: Federal authorities said Wednesday they have opened an investigation into the failure of Washington Mutual Inc., the largest bank failure in US history.
Federal Investigators to Examine Washington Mutual New York Times
Washington Mutual's Failure Under US Investigation (Update2) Bloomberg
Reuters - Wall Street Journal - Seattle Post Intelligencer - ABC News
all 87 news articles

Publ.Date : Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:10:47 GMT

Add RSS Feeds To My Web Pages
Increased Web Site Traffic


PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Lens Materials Found On Sunglasses

Did you know that there are multiple types of lens... Read More

Options Available for Cosmetic Surgery in India

Medical Tourism is a new and developing concept worldwide and... Read More

Do You Really Need To Wear A Moisturizer?

You just may be able to get away without using... Read More

Eyelid Plastic Surgery

Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure... Read More

Tanning Salon Equipment

Tanning salons continue to be extremely popular in all areas... Read More

Create A Home Spa

Here are 10 personal little home spa tips that will... Read More

Buying Wholesale Salon Equipment

Buying salon equipment from a wholesaler is one option to... Read More

16 Tips to Looking + Feeling Great

Do you want to improve the quality of your life?... Read More

Cosmeceuticals: The New Wave in Skin Care Solutions

Cosmeceuticals are the new wave in skin care. They are... Read More

Can You Get Fuller Breasts From Herbal Breast Enlargement Supplements?

There have, in very recent years, been a flood of... Read More

The Fountain of Youth

The fountain of youth has always been the most sought-after... Read More

The Healing Properties of Green Tea

The healing properties of greeen tea have put it in... Read More

Theatrical Contact Lenses: An Insight into the World of Cinema & Special Effects

Ever wonder how stage actors or movie characters get that... Read More

Sunglasses ? The Benefits of Wearing Shades

You can find many styles of sunglasses in stores today.... Read More

Create a Spa Retreat at Home!

In today's high-stress world, a visit to a spa can... Read More

What Causes Aging?

Although we experience the aging process as a progressive physical... Read More

Homemade Facial Mask Recipes

Have you ever calculate how much money you have spent... Read More

Does Your Skin Tell Your Secrets?

Age - It is going to affect each and everyone... Read More

The Benefits of Discount Salon Equipment

Many suppliers of salon equipment offer products that are labeled... Read More

LipoSelection? by Vaser®

Vaser® LipoSelection? is a revolutionary advance in ultra-sonic liposuction. People... Read More

Natural Prescription for Eczema

-Identify food allergies and eliminate the offending foods from you... Read More

Turning Back the Hands of Time

When you shop for an anti-aging cream at your department... Read More

Importance of Your Skins pH

One of the most important roles of our skin is... Read More

Where to Find Wholesale Hair Extensions

Many people turn to hair extensions to change their looks... Read More

Deception Wrinkle Cream

Watch this recent ABC News clip and see the results... Read More