Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
I have been given this great privilege by the GulfWeekly to write a column on beauty and well-being … given the fact that I used to do this in the past for a well-known beauty and fashion magazine, for a renowned finishing school, a television network and finally for an airline.
Now, I feel that this is yet another opportunity to share simple yet interesting facts and tips on beauty and well-being … a few tips on fashion will also be offered once in a while.
I hope you will like this column and find it useful to your everyday lives. But always remember that beauty is from the inside that reflects on the outside.
You are what you project!
The models that I have been privileged to work with have one trait that causes them to stand out in a crowd – the attitude they project to the world.
All women can be truly beautiful. The sad fact is that there are some potentially lovely women out there who are holding on to some very old myths. Some women who decided to throw all their beauty, health, and diet routines away because the routines were too self-indulgent or complicated.
So what do they do during their extra time? They spend it adorning their homes or families. Hello? What about adorning the inner house?
It is not necessary to give-up yourself to love someone else; it is only when you truly love and respect yourself that you can give to others freely.
Make the time
Create precious time for yourself by setting the alarm clock 30-minutes earlier than usual. Begin rituals for yourself that will become as important to your breathing.
If you really don’t think that you have enough time during the day, then take it from the minutes wasted on phone calls, shopping, or mindless TV surfing.
Keep it simple
Begin a “housecleaning” on your body, closet, handbag, cosmetics, and anything else that keeps you from feeling good about yourself and your life.
Stand up straight
This sounds so ridiculously simple, but it’s one of the most evidential traits of those women we so admire.
Stand against the wall with head, shoulder blades, and heels touching, and behind pushed into the wall. Walk away without changing this position. A great posture is a wonderful beginning for your attitude adjustment.
Be the star of your own show
You should be what people notice. Your cosmetics and clothes should not compete for attention with each other, or with you. Stay with the basics, but invent your own style.
If you like the colour red (like I do), then use it as a consistent accent piece in your wardrobe. Do you have special collection of pins or bracelets? Show them off; make them your signature. Make sure you do not wear two pieces at the same time … not unless you can swing it – or carry it perfectly!
Have it your way
After years of telling us what to wear and how to wear it, designers have finally given in to the acceptance that women are not going to be dictated to any more.
Finally, after huge rebellions (along with lagging retail sales) in department stores across the country or else-where in the world, there is a choice in hem lines, fabrics, and so much more. The result? If you have great legs, feel free to show them off!
If you have a lovely waist, accentuate it with a long and elegant ensemble. Play up your good features, hide away those “less-than-perfect” areas.
Learn to trust your mirror
Most of us believe only what others tell us, not what we see in the mirror.
That’s why we desperately seek compliments and depends on other people’s feedback.
Real “beauties” rely on their mirror and accept everything they see. When they behold great hair, they enjoy their “good hair day.”
You won’t find these women concentrating on the two pounds they gained from last night’s dessert.
Don’t be so modest
While we are encouraged to go out and look our best, we’re not supposed to admit that we’re trying. Going that “extra yard” for beauty is perceived as prideful vanity. In addition, some women worry that they may attract the wrong attention. Wallflowers belong only to walls!
Don’t act or dress your age
Every beautiful woman that I have interviewed or worked with seemed to possess that same trait: agelessness.
If I hadn’t been privy to their background, I would have been hard pressed to put a “number” on them. You know who these women are: you see them in a magazine or on TV.
You know them to be your age, but they look so much “better.” Don’t necessarily jump into conclusion that they’ve had extensive plastic surgery. That is not always the case.
How do you begin your own “timeless” appearance? Pick up a magazine that might be geared to a different age demographic. Shop at a different store or department than your usual route. Find a mentor; someone whose style you’ve always admired to help develop your new look.
On that note I end this week’s column by saying … Make an effort – you owe it to your self-esteem, your family, and friends to try! After all, you don’t like to look at a messy house or office all day, do you? Don’t you really love and admire majestic artwork? A lovely flower arrangement? Become your own canvas and recreate yourself.
● Sidney R Fortun is the public relations manager at The Gulf Hotel and Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
