The Science of Beauty What Influences Your Look ...

My heart always gives a little leap of joy when my latest magazines hit my mailbox. You too? The beauty stories in your magazine play a huge role in your beauty routine. Not only do you get reviews for great new products that you must try, but you also get tutorials and hints about applying make-up and styling your hair. Page through your Cosmo and be on the lookout for things that influence your beauty choices.

Advertisers are so sneaky! They choose ad spots during shows watched by a certain demographic of person. That means that while you’re catching up on all the latest drama on your favorite show, advertisers are sliding in influencing messages about your beauty. Maybe it’s what kind of deodorant you choose or the sexual appeal of wearing a certain red lipstick brand. Whatever it is, be aware of it so you can make good choices regardless of what the media is telling you to do.

Yep, she might have died 50 years ago, but she’s still setting beauty standards all over the place. And she’s not the only one. Female celebrities have a lot of power when it comes to influencing your perception of beauty. Unrealistic expectations of what beautiful is are all around us, from rail thin models to the complete absence of stretch marks on someone you know has birthed three kids. If you ask me, Marilyn is a great icon of beauty because she was comfortable with her looks.

You try to let nasty remarks roll off your back, but they can really get to you. I’m the same way. It’s easy to say that some girl’s comments about your looks while you browse the newest looks at Macy’s don’t bother you, but you’d be unique if they really didn’t. I once heard an underhanded comment about a really cute hat I was wearing and never wore it again. Sad, right? Unfortunately, nasty girls can make it hard to feel beautiful. Try to ignore them when you can.

I live in America, a place where beautiful isn’t as varied as it is elsewhere. Here, blond hair, an hourglass figure and tan skin is the ultimate in beauty. Not so in other parts of the world. So if you move from one region to another, you might be surprised to find that perceptions of what’s beautiful varies greatly. That means we’re all beautiful!

I’m lucky to have a mom that doesn’t remark on my looks, but I have friends who aren’t so fortunate. It’s surprising how much influence your mom can still have on you years after you’ve left home. And it can be hurtful. But it can also be wonderful. Nothing makes you feel lovelier than having your mom say so, right? Yes, your mom does influence how you look, but you can rock whatever you feel like regardless.

The executives at beauty product companies want you to buy their products, so of course they are going to do whatever they can to influence you. That includes underhanded things like saying that this lipstick will make your life better or that face cream will get you a boyfriend. Take it with a grain of salt. What works for you is what you should be buying, no matter what anyone says.

What influences your beauty choices?