Beauty in the Real World

We live in a digitally enhanced world, so what we see on t.v., in movies or in magazines these days is always going to be an altered version of the truth. So many young girls look to magazines for inspiration, only to find desperation in their own looks that don’t match up to the perfection that they see in magazines before them.

What everyone needs to realize, is that everything we see in a magazine has been photo-shopped. EVERYTHING. No one is that perfect. Even the most beautiful actress, model or celebrity is never printed without Photoshop fine-tuning the details.

This industry standard isn't meant to deceive the viewer, but only to show a better version. While I have nothing against enhancing an image, I do think the perception of trying to sell that perfection as "natural" is misleading. Anything is possible with Photoshop from the simple removal of wrinkles, dark circles, blemishes, hair color, teeth and eye whitening, thinning out limbs, to completely altering features is possible and SO much more.

If we have a healthy attitude on what we believe to be "natural beauty" and understand that what we see is not always real, we can learn to enjoy the images as simply being entertainment exceptions to the rule...and not the standard. Never to compare. Nothing to look up to.

I personally love seeing before and after celebrity photo-shopped pictures because it makes them more real to me and see that they are just like us...imperfect.

New Year. New You.

"Out with the old and in with the new", as they say. Time to clean out your makeup drawer and start fresh for 2010. New outlook, new products, new attitude, new you. This is the year for change and what better way then to shake up your beauty routine...or better yet, start one! No matter how young or old you are, there is never a bad time to start taking care of your face.

So, invest in some products that work for your skin type and condition. Make that appointment with the Dermatologist to address and fix those issues. Wash your makeup off before bed no matter how tired you are. Cut back on alcohol intake which can wreck havoc on your skin. Increase water consumption for a refreshed complexion. Toss out liquid products that have chemically separated. Try that new lipstick color. No matter how subtle or insignificant you think the change will be, just do it, because sometimes even the slightest change makes a big impact.

Continue to be happy, healthy and beautiful for 2010.