Showing posts with label beauty news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty news. Show all posts

You're Beautiful (It's True!)

It's not that I hate you Allure, it's just that you have some shallow qualities that need to be worked out; especially if you plan to empower women in the 21st century.  For now, let's just call it a 'growing distaste'. 

Perhaps it's just in my mind, but something in a recent article titled 'What Makes a Person Beautiful' rang off an alarm.  Perhaps I read too much (is there such a thing?) but I just finished reading an article titled Racial Disparities Threaten Economic Vitality in my Latin America course yesterday, and it talked about "racial conditioning".

You see, "when Brazil abolished slavery in 1888, the ensuing panic by a minority, white elite, gave birth to a whitening program...Brazil encouraged and subsidized massive immigration of Eurpeans, whose "superior" blood would prevail in race mixture and slowly eliminate the "inferior" black component.

In other words, instead of seperating the races and protecting their 'purity', the elite opted to eliminate Africans by means of race mixture itself."

Those white elites are still at it today, using poverty as their weapon.  The whole thing is disgusting.  But what does that have to do with Allure? 

"a new study from Cardiff University in Wales shows that people may find mixed-race faces the most attractive—and this may be a deeper, more lasting kind of appreciation. In the largest study of its kind, Michael Lewis of Cardiff's School of Psychology, collected a random sample of 1205 black, white, and mixed-race faces. Each face was then rated by a panel of participants for its perceived attractiveness to others. In a similar earlier study, a psychologist at the University of Western Australia found that when Caucasian and Japanese volunteers looked at photos of Caucasian, Japanese, and Eurasian faces, both groups rated the Eurasian faces as most attractive. Scientists do have a hypothesis for why people might prefer a melting-pot ideal—and it isn't because of a passing beauty trend. Evolutionary psychologists suggest that it's because humans may be hard-wired to seek out mates who clearly have genetic diversity and are therefore likely to be healthier."

Is it hard-wiring?  Or is it something else?  The fact is, throughout history the mixing of races has been used both for integration and 'ethnic cleansing'.  The following qoutes were taken right out of my Psychology textbook, Our Sexuality (it's a human sexuality course, and one I believe everyone should take).

"In wars instigated by ethnic conflict, as in the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, and Darfur, mass rape is used as a military strategy to terrorize and demoralize a whole population, to destroy it's cultural integrity...thereby acheiving the goal of 'ethic cleansing'."

There is always a dark element to humanity, ones that need not ever be.  This makes me sad in so many ways.  I don't think 'race mixing' is a horrible thing in itself.  If two people come together, in mutual love and create a child, well that's one of the great joys in life, no matter what your ethnicity.

But what about when it comes about through obvious force or subtle social conditioning?  Allure, I'm sure you meant well, but please remember.  We are ALL beautiful, and should take pride in who we are, whether that's Caucasion, African, Asian Hispanic, Mestizo, Native American, Eskimo, Greek, Italian, etc. or a mix of these.  Beauty is not only skin deep, it comes from the inside.

After all, what's beauty without brains?



Above quotes taken from the following texts;
Global Studies:  Latin America, Paul B. Goodwin, 13th edition, McGraw-Hill, 2009
Our Sexuality, Robert Crooks and Karla Baur, 10th edition, Cengage Advantage Books, 2008

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I-Spy...or do I?


Look closely.  Do you notice anything a little off about this picture from Allure.com?  Yep, she doesn't have a damn stretch mark on her body.  I'm not sure why, but it outrages me when they post something about stretch marks and then use a model with a flawless body.  I mean c'mon!  I know there are PLENTY of real women out there, not to mention all the celebs and models who have stretch marks.  I guarantee that it doesn't make them look even an iota less sexy.

It's ironic considering #24 in the "Allure Guide to Looking Good":

 "There's nothing positive or attractive about criticizing another woman's appearance," says self-esteem coach Laure Redmond. "Even sitting around with your friends talking about how fat a certain celebrity looks or calling women 'cougars' is destructive—and it certainly doesn't make you feel any better about yourself."

Well then Allure, don't critize our natural, beautiful bodies.  You don't have to airbrush away stretch marks, cellulite, or scars to make a woman appear beautiful.  I find a woman who is comfortable in her own skin the sexiest thing of all.

I wonder, how is refusing to portray the honest beauty of a womens body instead of this flawless-as-a-newborn-baby image supposed to make us feel any better of ourselves?

Oh and one more thing, open up an issue of Womens Muscle & Fitness, Oxygen, Shape, or any other fitness magazine and see for yourself, some women DO have real six packs.

If you'd like to read the original article (there are some good tips there) then follow this link:
http://www.allure.com/magazine/2010/05/looking_better_naked?slide=28#slide=1

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Coming up: Spartacus: Blood and Sand Behind the Scenes!



Like the rest of us die-hard Spartacus fans out there, I'm at a loss with what to do on my Friday nights now that season 1 has ended.  It wasn't just the glued-to-your-couch plot twists and action that sucked me in, it's also the style.  Every episode seems to have outdone the last in some way, and as with the rest of the show they really payed attention to detail and what would have been used at the time.


In the next few weeks or so, I'll be pulling together a comprehensive guide on how to recreate the Roman/Spartacus make-up guide for the rest of us. I've been sending off some e-mails to try and get an interview with the cosmetics department, and doing a whole lot of independent research as well. 


There's a possibility I might break it up into different "episodes" for each character so I can include some of the exquisite costumes and be able to go more in-depth with each woman. I keep bouncing back and forth over whether I want to get ballsy and send some e-mails requesting small interviews from some of the actresses...Please let me know if this is something you would be interested in!


BTW, that's Lucy Lawless (Xena) as Lucretia!


I think it'll be a lot of fun, and it'll bide my time until season 2!


What would you like to see as part of this how-to series?

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Is Your Blog Carbon Neutral?

carbon neutral offers and shopping with kaufDA.de

Today I got a great e-mail from SITS that offered me an opportunity to take part in an initiative that will plant 1 tree for every domain that posts a blog about their program.  That's a pretty sweet deal, I'm a huge believer in the power of trees.  Yep, I even consider Arbor Day to be a genuine important holiday right up there with Halloween and St. Patrick's Day.

Blogging, since it's electronic, creates carbon emissions.  By planting a tree we can help offset those emissions.  Interested?  Check out this website to found out how you can join and grab one of their earth-saving badges for yourself!

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Happy Earth Day!



In celebration of Earth Day, I wanted to post up some Pachamama (that's Mother Earth in Spanish!) friendly causes and links.  Not sure which charity to get involved with?  Check out this website which lists the top 12 environmental organizations who use their donations well or visit Care2 where all you need to do to support a cause is point and click!

What's even better about Care2 is that as you click, you earn Butterfly Points which can then be used to send gifts such as "a day of safe water", "a mesquito net", "a school meal for a child" or to "plant a tree".  Don't see a cause listed that your interested in?  Then you can create one here and get the word out. 

One of the most exciting "green" projects I've read about recently is the Gaviotas project in Colombia.  In a country ridden with crime and the rainforest being cleared, 2 men sought to change the planet- by replanting the barren land with a singled tree, Honduran Pine.  The trees now support a diverse ecosystem with over 200 different species of plants and animals, and 2 villages that are using "green" engineering in amazing ways.  (More on that later).  Proof that by working together and using our creativity, we can change and restore the earth!  Interested in learning more about Gaviotas?  Check out more info. here.

Of course everyday should be Earth Day, so use today as the first stepping stone in a much larger path.  Peace!

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Giving Away Cancer


As we should all be well aware of by now, tanning beds cause cancer.  Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and can strike anyone, at any age.  We already know that tanning is bad, and SPF and good sun and skin habits are a must, but it seems that these warnings and tradegies are falling on some deaf ears.

What exactly am I talking about?  I'm talking about the "cancer as a door prize" attitude.  That's right.  Companies and organizations are giving away tanning sessions.  Sure, that seems awesome if you like tanning, but consider the cost.  Ironically, this came to my attention because my local Rec Center was offering one of these free tanning sessions giveaways.  Ironically, this is supposed to be a place dedicated to keeping yourself in health.
The FDA has regulated sunlamps for more than 20 years, but a recent report by the World Health Organization tied the devices to skin cancer...The WHO analysis showed that the deadliest form of skin cancer increases 75 percent in people who use tanning beds in their teens and 20s... Nearly 69,000 U.S. cases of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, were diagnosed last year. Also linked to ultraviolet exposure are basal and squamous cell cancer carcinomas, which affect more than 1 million Americans a year. They're usually easily removed but the American Cancer Society counts 2,000 annual deaths.
Fair-skinned people who don't tan easily are at highest risk for skin cancer. Melanoma is particularly linked to sunburns at a young age, though it is usually diagnosed in the 40s and 50s.
-MSNBC.com

International cancer experts have moved tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation into the top cancer risk category, deeming them as deadly as arsenic and mustard gas.
-USAToday.com
As if that isn't scary enough, check this out: Women who use tanning beds more than once a month are 55 percent more likely to develop malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. (cancer.gov)

I know ladies, it's hard to give up bronze skin and that good feeling that comes from laying out in the sun or under a lamp.  Our health is worth more than what advertising tells us is beautiful!  If you don't want to give up your tan, please invest in sunless tanner. 

I don't think these places or companies are intentionally trying to hurt people; far from it.  But this isn't just about a reward for participation, this is a vital health issue and the long-term effects should be taken into consideration.  This will hopefully go the way of Bella Donna eye drops and lead based foundation, but it requires knowledge and doing the right thing, which means taking the larger social consequences into consideration.

If you want to learn more about tanning and skin cancer, I urge you to visit The National Cancer Insitute at http://www.cancer.gov/.

Stay safe!

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Mix No. 6 Debuts at DSW

Today I took a much needed break from cosmetics reviews and finally sat down and did some online shoe "shopping".  It's a beautiful day.  The sun is shining, the rain sprinkled little fields of yellow dandelions across my yard (I know, I like them anyways) and I was able to open all the windows and let the fresh air breathe life back into the house.  Spring is finally here, and seeing the cute new shoes from DSW (and the intro. of an awesome new brand!) in my e-mail today has left me daydreaming even more of fragrant breezes and dewy green grass. 


This is a great collection, with a low or mid price range depending on your viewpoint.  I've never heard of Mix No. 6 before, but I'm impressed with their selection.  These pieces look comfortable, and keep a feminine edge to even their gladatior sandels without being extreme or cliche. 

I especially love the lines and curves of the Mia jelly sandal; a multi-purpose flat that gives me the same options as my flip-flops (and more) for $19.95, making it the most affordable piece in the collection.  A once sneakers of sandals (and I mean flip-flops) girl, I've finally grown comfortable into flats and I love their versatility that my sneakers could never give me.  I love jelly sandals, they remind me of sunny childhood days splashing around in water and drenched in the yummy smell of that Coppertone Baby sun block.  Still one of my favorite scents ever.  You could wear these with a swimsuit, dress, jeans, romper, or practically anything else you want and still look downright adorable and a step above the crowd, too.

Most of these sandals come in multiple color choices as well.  This is great especially for anklet-sandels like the Flora beaded flat, which comes in 4 colors.  As a woman with thick calves, I have a hard time finding anklets that fit, and who wants to worry about their jewelry coming off at the beach?  I love effortless pieces that add a lot of style, which make this a top pick in my book.  While one reviewer did complain that "The strap between the toes rubbed against my second toe and really hurt." she had also been wearing them for a un-sandal like amount of walking ("out shopping to test them out", which seems like a good idea but can actually hurt your shoes (and your feet), you wouldn't wear stillettos shopping to break them in).  Other reviewers called them " the comfiest things ever" and "pretty comfy" though another reader also offers up that "They don't have any arch support- but that could be fixed with a gel insert or something. " I like the boho-chic attitude of the majority of these sandals.

Gladiator shoese have been "in" for a while now, and recently I've even dared to wear them.  I love the additional security the strap provides, even though people with thick calves are supposed to stay away from ankle straps, as long as they're low strung I think they look great.  To me, these sandals scream shorts and dresses or skirts.  I found several styles of these that I love, but if I had to choose one it would be the Mix No. 6 Bunch Gladiators.  It comes in just the right shade of gray, and I love the way the soft bunch flowers take it from gladiator to fashionista. 

With a unique twist on basic designs, these shoes are yet another one of the reasons why I love DSW.  Whether you're looking for something tribal, girly, or somewhere in between, chances are you'll find something to love in the Sandal Shop.  I know I can't wait to grab some of these for myself! 

Have you tried any of these?  What are your thoughts or favorites from this collection?

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Kim Kardashian, What Were You Thinking?

I got this in my email today...

It made me sad and disappointed.  Ok, I'm not a big follower of Kim Kardishian; I mean, I never watch her show or anything.  I know her mostly through my magazine addiction, where she has represented the beauty of a womans body (by that I mean CURVES) and I had always applauded her for not letting her cellulite be airbrushed a while back.  That actually gave me the final push to stop hiding my legs all the time and stop critizing my body so hard.  I saw that magazine spread, she looked great.  I thought, hey, cellulite can still be sexy!  I've always loved hips, and let's face it my thigs aren't going to go anywhere anytime soon!  I'm happy with that though.  As long as I take care of my body, keep it strong and healthy, then I should feel sexy.







Of course, I don't feel like that all the time.  None of us do.  But this is why I'm upset to see Kim being a spokeswoman for diet pills.  The message that we should be happy, confident and sexy in our *own* bodies is something so badly needed right now, and she has effectively killed her role in representing that truth.  Must every woman with a little curve and weight be "fixed" and skinny?  NO!  I'm sick of the before pictures looking better than the after.  What happened to "This is the real me, I love my body."? 

Does Kim really need the money to have to do these ads?  I doubt it.

So why then?  I won't give up on myself-confidence and self-acceptance are part of a long journey, of course there are road-blocks on the way.  But what about others, those who haven't reached that mile marker?  Those who are too young and won't get a positive message?  She looked fantastic, there was absolutely no reason to advertise for these.  Diet pills ruined my body so much that my body became unable to sustain pregnancy and my youngest son was born 3 months early.  I worked at a nutrition store for almost 3 years, and I have seen heart attacks in teenagers, permanant thyroid and kidney/liver damage in women and men alike, and a host of other side effects.  These "all natural" diet pills don't help, they hurt!  The whole industry lies and preys on the cultural pressure on women to fit in with the media's popular images.
Speaking of, isn't Khloe a new mom?  These are women in positisions of influence.  They shouldn't be sending that message.  Yes, social responsibility is absolutely real.  Studies and history prove it again and again.


Tell me, is what you notice the cellulite?  I know the things I notice about myself are things no one else is looking at (even though it doesn't always feel that way).  These pics. are proof that you don't need to be super-skinny or have a mannaquin body to be sexy or confident.
  
Well, sorry Kim, but I'm not all beauty and no brains.  My girl crush has worn off and it's time for me to move on.  Here's hoping you do the same.  If we want to be happy with our bodies, we should change our mindset; not change our bodies to try and make ourselves happy.

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