| Natural
beauty versus cosmetic beauty
Risa
Rogers,
Youthlink
Writer The
History The
first evidence of cosmetic use can be traced to Ancient Greece around 4000 BC.
Cosmetics were often used to line the areas around the eyes and redden the lips
and often contained mercury and lead. The
use of beauty treatments is also described in the Biblical book of Esther. During
the Middle Ages, cosmetics made their introduction in the Western world, but were
restricted to mainly the middle class. As it is now, the use of cosmetics was
also frowned upon by some throughout history. In the 1800s, makeup was mainly
used by prostitutes, and Queen Victoria declared it improper and vulgar. Adolf
Hitler told women that face painting was for clowns and not for the women of the
'master race'. True
Beauty? Always
remember that true beauty comes from within - from within bottles, jars, compacts,
and tubes. -
Peter's Almanac With
the passing of time, the beauty regime has become more intense. To
be deemed attractive (better yet, hot), one subjects oneself to a variety of processes.
The lifestyle of many women, and even some men, is marked by tweezing, powders,
lipsticks, false fingernails, implants, eye and facial makeup, shaving, and the
list can go on forever. The intended use of cosmetic products and procedures is
to enhance the appearance of the human body. Without the presence of cosmetic
additives, many feel 'naked' or unattractive in their natural state. Along with
the desired beautification which cosmetics provide, there can also be negative
side effects after extensive and prolonged use. Receding hairlines, damaged nails
and eyebrows which refuse to grow are a few consequences that come with the commitment
to look good by any means. We employ the use of various cosmetics to conceal our
'flaws'. True beauty is a complexity as it speaks not only to the physical but
also to character. To be truly beautiful would mean that without enhancements
or cosmetic additives, one is still an appealing and attractive person. Natural
Beauty Beauty
is in the eye of the beholder. Natural
beauty can easily translate to an acceptance of oneself. It does not necessarily
mean unprocessed hair and unshaved eyebrows (though some may argue that point).
Natural beauty is what can often be seen outside of commercialised beauty, and
while cosmetic beauty is only skin deep, natural beauty can encompass a person's
character. Marsh,
19: "I
most definitely prefer natural beauty because it not only shows that the girl
is comfortable in her own skin, but it is good to know her beauty is real and
does not lie in a bottle." |
