Contemporary pundits and social critics decry the beauty and fashion industry for the national obsession with physical appearance and the social pressures foisted upon young girls to achieve the right mix of physical proportion and artful presentation. These critics claim that young girls are expected to achieve unrealistic and often unhealthy standards of beauty. They implore us to seek self acceptance and forgo attention to, or effort in, the pursuit of the cover girl appearance.
Fortunately there is no plot by the beauty industry to make us feel bad about ourselves. What is frequently neglected in any discussion of beauty is that it requires work, usually hard work and sometimes a fair amount of money. There is no such thing as a natural beauty who arises from slumber looking glorious.
The beauty industry is not the problem, but is part of the solution. There is no such thing as a true natural beauty. A beautiful physique doesn’t appear without effort. Aphrodite didn’t rise from the sofa after polishing off a quart of ice cream in while parked in front of the television in sweat pants and dirty tee. A real stunning beauty is normally the result of discipline not unlike the study and practice of an athlete or musician.
Beauty is a form of artistry requiring knowledge and effort. Hair, skin and nails are the fabrics on which beauty is built. A cosmetologist studies the nature of color, symmetry, style and definition. A skilled cosmetologist can help a client see possibilities by knowing what shapes and colors highlight an individual’s features. Equally important, a cosmetologist understands a client’s needs and desires, helping a client achieve the level of “natural” beauty within the time constraints and financial capacity of the individual. Certain styles and colors require a more demanding maintenance schedule than other styles.
The capacity to acquire beauty – like any other discipline – is both democratic and egalitarian. Put in time and effort the desire results will follow. Seek help from an accomplished cosmetologist realize beauty.