The Beauty Culture Has Begun.

Healthy Verses Beautification

      It's odd to me how the definition of beauty has changed through the ages. And what's even stranger to me, is the fact that no matter how plain or bazaar, we follow right along with it. How about you? Are you trendy or classic?  Is there a particular Age or Era that you feel like you have been snatched accidentally from and landed here in present day? If so, you are not alone.  Most of us have a favorite era. See if one of these appeals to you.

      The Middle Ages is the period when women stopped wearing makeup on their eyes. They only wore it on their cheeks and lips. And for anyone fortunate enough to afford them, fragrant oils were used after bathing. Now for all of you reading this and feel that you can't go out of the house without those smoky eyes, this would not be your era. 

      The Renaissance Era followed closely behind. It was not much different from the Middle Ages except the use of cosmetics and perfumes became more popular. But the use of any cosmetics on the eyes was still discouraged. Not only did they not wear eye makeup, they would shave or tweeze the eyebrows completely so that the forehead looked more prominent. This was supposed to make a woman look more intelligent. Today if you came into my spa and I had my eyebrows shaved, I am sure you would find your way to the door as quickly as possible. During the Renaissance Era, blond hair was a sign of beauty. Bleaching the hair was very popular and still is today. What comes to your mind when you see a woman with blond hair?  Do you automatically see beauty?

      Next was the Age of Extravagance. Of course only women of status were able to enjoy this lifestyle. They took baths in strawberries and milk( strawberries, rich in vitamin C and milk contains lactic acid). The women wore brighter makeup and more of it. They discovered ways to hide skin imperfections, and big hair was the fashion, or I should say high hair was the fashion.

      Last but certainly not least, The Victorian Era. During this era, something that I feel is lost today in our culture was greatly valued..... modesty. From their clothing to hair and makeup the style became more simple. This was also the era when people began realizing that health and beauty go hand in hand.

      This brings me to a question from yesterday's blog.

" In what ways can we help our clients to realize the importance of healthy skin as opposed to beautification? This is not only a great question but an important one as well.

      Most women would love to be able to put a little Burt's Bees on their lips and give one or two swipes with a mascara wand and be out the door. But because of the condition of their skin it seems impossible. They need help from you to be able to understand how to have healthy skin. Without that knowledge, they feel their only choice is to cover with makeup. You have to give them facts. Don't just sell products and services. Teach your clients. Tell them why and how. When it makes sense to them then they will realize the importance of healthy skin and soon see that healthy skin is beautiful skin. Fair skin is healthy or your natural skin tone is healthy. Overly-tanned skin is unhealthy.  Until we see crow's feet, wrinkles, age spots or sagging skin, we just keep on with the tanning ritual. 85% of skins damage is from UV exposure. Until we see our pores getting larger, more blackheads and rough skin texture, we may not understand the importance of cleansing our face before bed.

      Educate your clients and guide them through the process. Don't just sell band-aids. Raise the bar and show them that you care. After that, the choice is theirs.

            The Twentieth, Twenty First, And Beyond

      Each decade has had it's own style, but when it comes to skincare the twentieth century gave us Retin-A, Botox, chemical peels and cosmetic procedures. So the struggle between natural and chemical begins. But what is great about all of this is that we have the choice. 

      So is there a particular Age or Era that appeals to you? If so, be patient it will eventually roll back around. As the saying goes... what's old is new. But try to remember,                         

    

  .                       HEALTHY SKIN NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE!