Beauty Practices Around the World

Real beauty lies within but first impressions always last. Usually, we are more interested and fascinated on things that appeal to our sense of sight. That’s why being beautiful in the outside matters. Tall, petite, brunette, blonde, fair, tanned, slim or curvy, we vary in beauty as we differ in culture and race. There is really no exact definition of what beautiful is for beauty indeed lies in the eye of the beholder. According to Meera Jain (www. skincare-news. com), â€Å"beauty is not one’s own but a reflection of one’s culture.The cultural implications of beauty are prominent in every culture and have a strong influence on the way women are perceived. Across the world, different cultural perceptions uphold an ideal of beauty that is linked to sexual appeal and social status. Making one’s self beautiful is an inborn trait. In general, the appeal of beauty is to attract a sexual partner or attain a higher social status. The process of beautification va ries in each culture but mostly it is done to be considered attractive. Beauty is a means of self- expression and a reflection of our inner spirit.The quest for beauty has changed over the years but the purpose remains to show off material wealth, social position, authority, and flaunt sexual appeal. The desire to be admired by others drives most women to perform tasks to beautify themselves and change their form. In all cultures, clothing and jewelry styles are used to be more attractive. The Western culture applauds women who are tan, tall, and slender, have large breasts, small waists, and delicate features. On the other hand, the Eastern ideal is voluptuous, curvaceous, big eyes and strong noses.Meanwhile, Asians refer to long limbs and vital statistics as minor contributors to the beautiful body, what is more important is the state of mind. For the Asian religions, the treatment of beauty as a respectful and dignified attribute is emphasized in religious texts especially in Hin duism, Islam, Buddhism, and Sikhism. For instance, religious idols and texts displayed in Western religions have not been nude and the idols are fully clothed while in Eastern religion idols are considered beautiful especially when depicted in the nude.Both cultures can admire the beauty of what is found in their houses of worship and use this to define their cultural ideal of beauty. Our views may vary on the essence of being beautiful but we all agree that for one to be beautiful in the outside, she should start by feeling beautiful in the inside. Women spend more time on pampering themselves and spend hours in front of the mirror to get the results they wanted. They also spend much on beauty products like makeup, lotion or moisturizers, spa and body treatments compared to men. Nonetheless, nothing can compare with the joy beauty brings to a person.Being branded as beautiful can boost one’s personality and self- confidence. The world has a lot to offer with the advent of te chnology and intensive researches in the field of beauty, being beautiful in the today’s generation is more affordable and practical. II. Caring for the Skin The skin is a very sensitive organ, which is the most exposed part of our body. Everyday, it is exposed to the scorching heat of the sun, dust particles, and air pollutants. We are constantly battling with the risk of getting pimples, blackheads, acne, and clogged pores to name a few. Great skin begins from within.Scandinavian women drink at least 1. 5 liters of spring water everyday but they also begin and end their day with 15-20 splashes of spring water on their face to help encourage the skin’s own natural functions. Different skincare products were launched to suit the type of skin we have. For example, in America, limejuice is used for bleaching. Other alternatives are bananas and milk, and egg white and honey combinations. On the other hand, most Asians resort to using whitening creams and soaps with papaya extract to achieve their desired skin color. In Europe, 75% of women regularly use skin care product every week.As a matter of fact their facial skin care markets up to $6 billion for 2000. It only proves that women give importance especially to their facial skin. Meanwhile, the use of sunscreen is also vital in maintaining flawless facial skin. Hispanics, African-Americans, and Asians in general apply sunscreen to help fight against dark spots and skin cancer. Italian models care for their hands as carefully as their face by mixing hydroquinone cream and olive oil to soften skin and erase hand freckles. On the other hand, Parisian models keep their skin glowing with salt rubs.They do this by taking approximately one cup of sea salt and mix it with a half- cup of peppermint tea to form a paste. Then they use this mixture by rubbing it in the shower of before bathing. Many women fear looking old thus anti-aging products were also created to keep us looking young and vibrant with lif e. In the United States Jolene Edgar of Redbook said that in order to restore radiance, an acid peel at the spa is recommended. It only takes twenty minutes for the mild mix of glycolic and salicylic acids to dissolve skin cells and impart a fresh- faced glow.Antioxidants also help skin aging by fighting skin aging radicals. In Japan, green tea is the beverage of choice to speed calorie- burning metabolism and to keep the face line free. Skin gets thin as one gets older due to a low collagen and elastic tissue which are responsible in keeping the skin firm and supple. This is the inevitable thinning of our skin and accounts for only 10% of the aging process. The sun’s penetrating rays have a direct effect on skin, thus injuring the cells and their contents.The skin shrivels and wrinkles as it lose moisture. If one likes to tan, expect a 20% reduction in collagen levels in a lifetime. Too much sun accounts for 90% of aging. Because of this, the use of sunscreen is highly recom mended to act as a shield for the sensitive skin of the facial area and preventing the growth of dry dead skin. For example, Mediterranean women use olive oil to soothe and soften dry, irritated skin and also in treating sunburn. III. Makeup and Cosmetics Every woman wants to look for a best and it all starts with makeup.According to celebrity makeup artist Shalini Vadhera, choices in makeup for women of color are better today than they were a few years ago since companies have expanded their hands to include women of different cultures and formulated products to work on different skin tones. Women with Asian skin tone are advised to apply yellow- based products like the foundation to reveal a natural, flawless look. For paler Asian skin, mixing one’s regular base color with yellow-based foundation can do the trick. Asian women also look really nice in smoky color eye shadows like purple, lavender, pink, gray, and charcoal.For Asian eyes to stand out, highlighter is applied u nder the brow. The most important factor in deciding what color and how to apply eye shadow is to take into consideration the amount of fold you have above the eyelid. If you posses a fair amount of fold, then you can boldly apply dramatic colors such as black, deep turquoise and navy blue for night time wear and utilize the technique of multi-layering colors. Colors that are especially flattering for daytime wears are bronze and light colors applied close to the lashes while more intense colors are blended on top.However, www. ultimate-cosmetics. com mentioned that women with dark skin should stick to warm, earthy colors like gold, bronze and maroon while mauve, pink and silver on fairer skins. Lipsticks with medium dull shades and matte finish are also advised for lack-skinned women. Peachest blushers work best too while reddish tints should be avoided. In American and European countries, when the focus is on the eyes, lips look best nude. They do this by choosing a shade similar to their lip color and smooth a little gold lipstick or shimmer on top.The golden shade adds shimmer and makes lips appear fuller. Whether they wear foundation or not, they can play up their eyes with eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara top create a futuristic look. Whatever makeup one wears, correct application and choice of color must be put into consideration to attain best results. IV. Hair Care The hair is a reflection of one’s health and personality. They are important contribution to your total look and given the right care they can make you look beautiful. However, if neglected it can be distractive to your appearance.Hair is an integral part of the structure of your skin and like your skin, it changes with passage of time (www. womenfitness. net/beauty/hair/hairstruc. htm ). The hair and scalp needs proper care now and always. Negligence over a period of time may result to the formation of dry brittle hair, split-ends, hair fall, dandruff and many more. There are three types of hair namely oily hair, dry hair and combination hair, which commonly include hair with oily roots and dry ends. In addition, there are many ways to take care of hair according to type. Oil hair have separate strands and stick to your head.To keep it healthy, use mild shampoo, as often as necessary even if that means everyday. Use only very little shampoo and put a conditioner on the ends unless the hair is very oily. Then don’t use too hot a hairdryer and don’t also brush or comb more than necessary. On the other hand, dry hair tangles and brittle easily. To protect hair from being dry, shampoo your hair every 4-6 days using a mild shampoo. After which, use a cream conditioner combing it thoroughly through the hair and leaving it on for a few minutes before using. Meanwhile, the same guidelines apply to combination hair type.Hair, like beautiful wood, can be shaped, mounded, colored and, if properly taken care of, can be made to shine with health. (www. pg. co m/science/haircare/hair__twh__2. htm ). Indian women are known for their thick, long, lush hair. They do a hot oil scalp massage once a week using coconut oil. Meanwhile, Spanish women use cranberry juice as their final rinse on their hair to give them fabulous natural highlights. For blonde, they use lemon juice instead of cranberry. Shampooing is a matter of cleanliness and hygiene, but also a matter of feeling style, and convenience (www. ourstorygueson.com/lhc/shampooing. htm). The more hair is washed, the more friction is applied and thus wear and tear. Be gentle to your hair if you want to cultivate it and be with you for many years. Brushes are more appropriate and convenient to use for short hair. They put a lot of control into short hair. It is difficult to use brushes with thicker and longer hair because it is difficult to get the brush through the hair and it also tends to catch the hair, possibly twisting, pulling, stretching, and even breaker than hair. However, combs a re greatly preferred to brushes for longer hair.Usually, combs with wide teeth are preferred to those with narrower teeth. Combs are used to detangle hair, to aid in drying, to spread with oils along the shaft, and to arrange the hair after it is dry. Also, the larger the teeth and the wider apart the teeth are, the more gentle the comb is in the hair. Furthermore hair can become stronger and shinier if coupled with a balanced diet. A well- balanced diet, rich in silica, calcium, and iron, will help reduce or prevent hair loss while green leafy vegetables are good mineral sources.The hair is comprised mostly of protein, therefore to encourage hair growth, adhere to a diet rich in protein (www. womenfitness. net/hair-care-tips. htm) Choosing the right hairstyle can be the most important factor in one’s appearance. It balances your body, frames your face, and complements your clothes and lifestyle. When choosing a new hairstyle you should look carefully at the shape of your fac e. For example, if you have a round face you should aim to add length by avoiding a neat bob with a fringe. On the other hand, a heart shaped face should avoid a heavy slab of fringe that will make it look like a triangle.Meanwhile a short perky bob will go very nicely for oblong faces. Spa and Body Treatment Most people experience less leisure and more daily stress as they juggle work and career, family and friends. Nowadays, people no longer have to go on a cruise or hit the best beach to get the relaxation they deserve. Now, the key to a relaxing experience is just a phone call or a ride away, all because of the birth of spas. Asian spa focuses on harmony between the mind, body, and spirit through traditional massage, meditation, and herbal medicine.Ancient herbal remedies, steam compresses, natural ingredients, and simple principles based on a combination of Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese dominate Asian Spa. Many of the herbal treatments used in the spas are coupled with European remedies to soften the skin and nourish the soul. In Switzerland, spas are classified according to their degrees of stimulation. For example spas located in areas with an altitude of 1550- 3410 feet have soothing effects on the nervous system while those situated in 3720- 5890 feet simulates the nervous system and production of blood.Meanwhile in Monte Carlo, Monaco, spa centers provide manual therapy such as fascia therapy, shiatsu or reflexology, physiotherapy, kinesitherapy and sophrology. Furthermore, Ireland provides both luxury and serenity in their spas like the Elysium Spa, which includes an ozone deck level pool, Jacuzzi and steam room, needle shower, and a fitness room for Pilates, exercise and dance classes. On the other hand, most spas are open- air in Tahiti. These are located in garden areas facing the lagoons. Soothing lagoon waters, vanilla and flower scented breezes and the scenic beauty of Tahiti add to the appeal of the spas.In Mexico, spa services include hydroth erapy, body scrubs, all types of facials and massages, aromatherapy and herbal baths, lymphatic and ocean front massages are some of the services offered. They also offer reflexology, Zen shiatsu, Anma Shiatsu, Reiki, stretching therapy, chiropractic and Iris diagnosis and full hair care. Massage is considered as an essential element in maintaining good health and restores the well being of both mind and body. All forms of massage follow the principle of restoring natural balance by ensuring the easy flow of â€Å"Chi† the energy of life force of the body.Massage from Bali or India use aromatic oils to stimulate the sensory system. Moreover, the pressure applied along the body’s meridians and yoga postures can also enhance one’s well – being. Besides massage, spas also offer body baths. In Indonesia, the Mandi Susu or milk bath makes skin soft and pure to the touch. Modern formulations of this ritual, which is from goat, sheep or cow’s milk, have e liminated the taste and smell of milk while maintaining its nutrients with protein that softens skin.An alternative for this ritual that can be done at home is by pouring fresh or powdered milk in with the buttermilk are also good alternatives. Another body treatment is the Ocean bath, which focuses on the healing properties of unrefined sea salt, which is effective in removing toxins from the body. Sea salt nutrients are also easier to absorb by the body. Aromatherapy oils are also effective in relieving stress. A drop or combination of essential oils into warm water are absorbed into skin while the rest evaporate and inhaled which soothe muscles and mind.Oils like chamomile, lavender and rose can calm the body while ginger, sage, rosemary detoxifies it. Furthermore, ylang-ylang, geranium, and sandalwood can ignite passion while grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, peppermint, and pine have brain boosting ingredients. The body is not the only one that needs to be pampered but the face also deserves some special treatments from time to time. According to Anitra Brown the most popular treatment is a salt glow or sea salt facial scrub done with coffee grounds, finely ground pecan shells or the Napa Valley grape seeds. V. Cosmetic SurgeryDon’t we all want to look like the models that we see on television or magazines? Many people want to look better that some resort to surgery to make them look prettier and sexier. Some people want to get rid of fats immediately and without the rigor of strict dieting and regular exercise. Liposuction is a special surgery that sucks fats from the body. Liposuction is one of the most wanted surgeries in the world wherein people get a leaner body shape by losing inches rather than pounds. It is done by a doctor who makes small cuts in your skin and then puts tubes into the cuts.These tubes connect to a machine that sucks out fat from under your skin. Liposuction is an artistic expression that practices practical application of scien tific knowledge in pursuit in beauty and making people feel happier and contented with what they see in the mirror. In Thailand, doctors utilize the revolutionary Tumescent Liposuction since it does not require general anesthesia and has a faster recovery time with the same results. In Tumescent Liposuction; areas with excess fat are injected with a large amount of anesthetic liquid before liposuction is performed.This liquid enlarges the compartments of fat, which makes the liposuction canella to travel smoothly beneath the skin while the fat is being removed. It also provides pain relief after the procedure. The common areas covered by liposuction include the neck, stomach, back, face, lore handles, hips breasts, calves, thighs, upper arms, buttocks, and knees. However, liposuction does not promise a well- sculpted body shape forever. The fats removed will still come back if one eats more exercise less than necessary. Moreover, it is not suitable for people who are too heavy or tr ying to lose weight.Liposuction is also prohibited to those who have a disease that would affect healing or those under medication that would affect the healing process. Furthermore, liposuction costs much and most health plans do not cover this kind of surgery. Another pitfall of liposuction is asymmetry and rippling or bagginess of skin. Also, skin injury occurs and pigmentation changes. Many women also undergo breast augmentation which enhances the size of breasts using inflatable implants filled with saline. Surgery takes one hour to two hours only. Patients may experience temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, and bruising.Moreover, the breast becomes sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks. Breast augmentation may also result to the formation of scar tissues in the breast and it may also decrease or increase the sensitivity of the breast area permanently. The breast lift is another procedure which can improve the shape of women’s breasts. The surgery helps raise and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning remaining tissue and nipples. Temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, dry breast skin and permanent scars are just some of the side effects of this form of surgery.Another high risk is the loss of feeling of nipples and breast including having uneven location of nipples. Another method of making skin look younger is the chemical peel which restores wrinkled, blemished, unevenly pigmented, or sun-damaged facial skin, using a chemical solution to peel away skin's top layers. It works best on fair, thin skin with superficial wrinkles. Presence of temporary tiny whiteheads ; infection; scarring; flare-up of skin allergies, fever blisters, cold sores, abnormal color changes and a rare chance of heart irregularities are just some of the risks one has to take in undergoing this treatment.Dermabrasion is another method involving the skin. It is the mechanical scraping of the top layers of skin usi ng a high-speed rotary wheel. This surgery softens sharp edges of surface irregularities, including acne and other scars and fine wrinkles, especially around the mouth. One may experience temporary tingling, burning, itching, swelling, and redness in this form of surgery. The facelift is another favorite of old women since it improves sagging facial skin, jowls, and loose neck skin by removing excess fat, tightening muscles, and redraping skin. This is most often done on men and women over 40.Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness and tenderness of skin; a tight feeling and occurrence of dry skin are some side effects of this surgery. While for men, permanent need to shave behind ears, where beard-growing skin is repositioned. Facial implants can also renew the structure of one’s face by changing the basic shape and balance of the face using carefully shaped implants to build up a receding chin, add prominence to cheekbones, or reshape the jawline. After surgery, shifting or imprecise positioning of implant, or infection around it, may require a second operation or removal.Excess tightening and hardening of scar tissue around an artificial implant (â€Å"capsular contracture†), can cause unnatural shape. The face is not the only issue addressed by plastic surgery but other body parts as well like the ears. Ear surgery or otoplasty sets prominent ears back closer to the head, or reduce the size of large ears. This is most often done on children between the ages of four and fourteen years. Temporary throbbing, aching, swelling, redness, and numbness accompany otoplasty. Furthermore, excessive scarring may occur and cartilage may be infected during the process.It can also result to mismatched or artificial looking ears. In these cases, repeat of surgery is required. Another twist is the browlift or forehead lift wherein forehead creases, drooping eyebrows, hooding over eyes, furrowed forehead and frown lines are minimized by removing excess tissue, altering muscles and tightening the forehead skin. It may be done using the traditional technique, with an incision across the top of the head just behind the hairline; or with the use of an endoscope, which requires three to five short incisions, which is most often done on people over forty.This can cause itching and hair loss. Furthermore, the method can injure the facial nerve which will cause loss of motion and muscle weakness. Nowadays the hair can already undergo surgery through the hair replacement surgery. The surgery fills in balding areas with a patient's own hair using a variety of techniques including scalp reduction, tissue expansion, strip grafts, scalp flaps, or clusters of punch grafts. This works best on men with male pattern baldness after hair loss has stopped.A patient may experience a temporary ache and a tight scalp after surgery including an unnatural look of the hair. We also have the nose surgery which reshapes the nose by reducing or increasing size, remov ing hump, changing shape of tip or bridge, narrowing span of nostrils, or changing angle between nose and upper lip. It is also done to relieve some breathing problems. Infection and small burst blood vessels resulting in tiny, permanent red spots are some of its side effects. Incomplete improvement however, may require additional surgery.People have a lot of alternatives when it comes to plastic surgery. Due to the advent of science and technology, being and looking beautiful is made easy so long as you have the money and the confidence to face its consequences. VI. Conclusion Being beautiful takes a lot of time, effort, and money. The different beauty practices around the world cater to our needs to become the best of what we can be and to make us contented and happy of our physical attributes. We need to be aware and updated of the latest techniques and practices in keeping or maintaining our beauty.The world has a lot to offer especially with the help of science and technology i n providing us with our needs. However, we should not only focus on materials or practices that can make us beautiful in the outside but also in the inside. To be considered beautiful, we have to balance both so our real beauty may shine. BIBLIOGRAPHY Wild, Russel (June 1998) 8 Easy Ways to Beat Fatigue, Reader’s Digest, pp. 31-33. Parachin, Victor (May- June 2002) The Daily Grind: Ways to Ease Up on Life’s Pressures, Health and Home Magazine, pp. 30- 31. Evangelista, Ianne (November 2006) Style Checklist, Cosmopolitan, p.80. White, Kate (August 2002) The Best Beauty Buys for Summer Travel, Cosmopolitan, p. 98. White, Kate (August 2002) Max Out Your Summer Sexiness, Cosmopolitan pp. 216- 219. Adolphe, Nicole (July 1999) BeautySpot, Dolly, p. 46. Kramer, Cheryl (September 2003) Keep Your Skin Sun- Kissed, Redbook, pp. 69-70. 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