topic Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection in Beauty

Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

Bird mama — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 19:15:19 GMT

I'm copying this from the Fashion forum for Shanus:

Maybe when women started taking selfies, or was it YouTube makeup tutorials or maybe HD TV.....I see an unattainable quest for perfection. Most foundations are full coverage leaving faces one color & flat (not realistic from this artist's POV). Dimension and color must be added back w/ bronzers, blush, contouring and highlighting.

When perfection is still not achieved, there are color correcting powders and creams and products to take down shine or add back that youthful glow.

If shading doesn't correct lines from nose to mouth or moisturizers and brush on products that dry over crow's feet fail to flatten them out, there's BOTOX and fillers.

I fear the result will be erasing our individuality. What example is that setting for young girls? Will they feel that who they are and what they look like is never good enough?

Your thoughts?

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

Shanus — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 18:20:44 GMT

@chrystaltree. Skincare, makeup, youthful lifting & perfecting products are sold to us with all kinds of tactics. Yes, some of us are savvy, but most are on the quest for youth and perfection. If that were not true, none of these products would be selling so well.

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

jaxs mom — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 18:22:23 GMT

I don't think selfies are the source of the issue. It's been going on forever, each time and culture ( including subculture) has their own definition of beauty. The problem isn't so much it existing, but that some people like to tell others that they don't qualify to be part of the group based on age, body type ect.

I don't see everyone trying to look the same either. There are tons of different looks and styles out there that represent different standards of beauty, if you look outside of just mainstream movies, tv commericals or magazines.

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

Shanus — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 18:23:15 GMT

@mollyuggs. That was my point. There are even filters so selfies erase flaws, right?

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

chrystaltree — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 18:28:06 GMT

@Shanus wrote:
@chrystaltree. Skincare, makeup, youthful lifting & perfecting products are sold to us with all kinds of tactics. Yes, some of us are savvy, but most are on the quest for youth and perfection. If that were not true, none of these products would be selling so well.

Perhapst most of the women you know are silly like that but the vast majority, if not all of the women I know buy those things because they want to look better, not perfect. I don't know any women who think that something that comes in jar or tube can make them look perfect. The women I know have brains that actually work. It's no different than seeing a size 00 model in an outfit. We all buy it because we love the outfit but we aren't so witless that we think we are going to look like that 23 year old size 00. Make up works the same way.

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

Shanus — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 18:30:55 GMT

@jaxs mom. We live in a youth driven culture. Models are sometimes as young as 14. Estée Lauder is now pushing a line w/ Kendall or Kylie Jenner (can't keep them straight) as spokesmodel. Even my BB which used to appeal to women Bobbi's age (30 when she began) & even before she left the company, models on her site were 18-20, eyehadows became sparkly for that age group & EL who took over that line has been introducing "line blurring sticks", etc. That's trying to sell the promise of youth and perfection.

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

Sweet_Serenity — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 18:40:31 GMT

I refuse buying into anti aging. Sure let each to their own! For me stopped fancy lotions serums, one day looked in the mirror said enough is enough. Do care for my health without being driven. Should also let you know, Living in Hollywood 30yrs had to work at staying youthful. Love my life quiet and peaceful. Except for work never was heavy makeup lover. Simple routine works best for me.

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

Snowpuppy — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 18:42:56 GMT

@Bird mama unfortunately, women are their own worst enemy.

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

Pook — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 18:44:29 GMT

While some may take it to extremes (but that might be who they are), there is nothing wrong with trying to make yourself look much better. No one should feel (and most do not) theyhave to do anything. Since no one will ever achieve perfection why bother doing anything like fixing your hair, using shampoo to make your hair more managable, good smelling shower gels or soap to mositen, any type of moisturizer,coloring hair, manicures, pedicures, nail polish and even clothing. Might as well just shower quickly, don't worry about getting products that might make you feel better, don't bother fixing your hair and just throwing on anything old thing to be covered up - after all we're never going to achieve perfection so why bother!!??? A lot of what we do to improve ourselves is displaying our individuality. While I love my makeup and have ever since I was a teenager many do not like makeup and do not use it but still care for their hair, etc. That is individualism. My look is not like anyone elses' and defines me specifically, If no one cared about their appearance and didn't even try, we would all be cookie cutter awful looking messes!!! I sure would not like a world where no one cared about improving their looks in any way and we all care depending on our own likes and dislikes. There are extremes on both sides - those who try to fit a certain mold and those who don't care much for doing much to improve their looks.

I actually don't see anything different about today's world than there was when I was growing up in the 60's and 70's. The only difference is that there are many more fantastic products avaialble. The attitude back then was to doll yourself up to get a man and then when you did you didn't have to bother as much. That part has pretty much changed in a good way.

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

Shanus — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 18:45:52 GMT

@Sweet_Serenity. Agree completely w/ being "anti" anti-aging. It doesn't mean doing nothing, but rather taking good care of my skin, diet and health. No fancy creams, lotions and potions with false promises for me. 3 or 4 easy skincare steps day and night & easy natural makeup. No chasing youth for me.

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

ALRATIBA — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 18:46:46 GMT

I've been trying to figure out just who QVC has in mind when selecting beauty products to sell.

I don't know anyone who has all these skin and hair issues - and we are all older, retired women. None of us are in need of "industrial strength" products.

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

LexaMom — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 18:49:24 GMT

This is nothing new.. The whole purpose of makeup is to improve one's appearance. Human nature will always try to do that. I don't see it as "perfection" - more as "enhancement".

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

Sweet_Serenity — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 18:52:11 GMT

@Snowpuppy wrote:
@Bird mama unfortunately, women are their own worst enemy.

No truer words!! Never before this year thought badly about aging. Lost few close friends and husband (ex) unexpectedly. Right away! Realized wow! You never know. Where do I want my treasures? I enjoy TCM very much so, research actors and actresses. Often many sad tragic personal stories. Makes me think of my twin so driven built successful lucrative business. No time for children in fact ended her pregnancy sigh!! Now going through divorce which truthfully love ended long ago. My point! What does it mean? Tell her how much money is enough? Mean really? Ooh sorry got off track.

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

jaxs mom — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 19:32:10 GMT

@Shanus wrote:
@jaxs mom. We live in a youth driven culture. Models are sometimes as young as 14. Estée Lauder is now pushing a line w/ Kendall or Kylie Jenner (can't keep them straight) as spokesmodel. Even my BB which used to appeal to women Bobbi's age (30 when she began) & even before she left the company, models on her site were 18-20, eyehadows became sparkly for that age group & EL who took over that line has been introducing "line blurring sticks", etc. That's trying to sell the promise of youth and perfection.

So what? Stop buying fashion magazines that are aimed at the 14-32 demographic if it bothers you or if that look doesn't represent your idea of beauty. Seek out other sources, they're out there. There are fashion magazines ( if that's what you're into) that cater to the over 40 demographic if that's the look you prefer. There are tons of alternative fashion icons and styles.

I'm ot sure why so many people, especially on this board want anything they don't like to be erased from the universe. Focus on what you like instead of what you don't.

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

Sweet_Serenity — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 19:01:25 GMT

Today ordered few makeup items. Do use IT Natually Pretty pallete eyeshadow. Not into heavy makeup No thanks! Want to look like myself. Soft natural simply uncomplicated. Own very small amount of makeup. Society has always been youth obsessed, You do know why? Mortality! Simply put youth is elixer, trust me. That's why men and women have midlife crises.

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

SeaMaiden — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 19:10:50 GMT

Turning 60 was the best thing for me. I became less obsessed with achieving and being perfect. It is refreshing to not have to feel like I have to look a certain way.

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

MarieIG — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 19:14:23 GMT

Makeup has been around since before Cleopatra, so that's nothing new. Obviously the businesses are pushing their products, and the majority of the models are tall, youthful and photoshopped. It is up to consumers to determine what they want to accomplish vis-a-vis particular products. I am an average-looking middle aged woman. That's fine. I try to incorporate some common sense and my goal is to work with, and enhance, what I have. Nobody is perfect, and I certainly would not put such pressure on myself.

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

Bird mama — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 19:14:47 GMT

@Snowpuppy

Not my discussion. Copied it over from another forum for Shanus.

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

SahmIam — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 20:48:38 GMT

I responded in the other thread of the same title.

Summary: It's not a new trend; it's just a newer way of expressing and seeing it.

Re: Unfortunate Trend Towards Perfection

kate2357 — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 21:27:18 GMT

@SeaMaiden wrote:
Turning 60 was the best thing for me. I became less obsessed with achieving and being perfect. It is refreshing to not have to feel like I have to look a certain way.

Not yet 60 ... but already feel the same way about not obsessing about how I look all the time. I think part of it is, at least IMO, older women kind of disapear in the minds of other people. You know ... the people watchers ... they tend to focus on younger women or the outrageously dressed person. (And I include myself in people watchers at public events/airport/shopping, etc).

As for makeup ... my routine simplified a few years back. I use a gentle cleanser, couple of Dr Denese items for skin care. For makeup I use a BB cream, a touch of BM summer bisque, brow liner and mascara ...maybe a bit of lip stain. My whole routine probably takes under 2-3 minutes. Spend more time taking it off.