Beauty Beyond Measure

A part of living life to the fullest includes knowing who you are and being content with that person. Real beauty cannot be measured, it is not your size, weight, height, length of your hair or eyelashes. Clearly, the media can affect someone’s perspective of beauty, value and self-worth so let's learn about some of the tactics used.

In the following video Models are Made, Australian Stephan Bollinger demonstrates three major steps that transform a regular girl to a supermodel. The steps are professional hair and makeup; lights and angles (ever got all prepped and primmed by a makeup artist, look into the mirror and you look amazing and then you go outside into natural light and realize you look like a clown with all that red blush or you try the exact combination at home with your regular bathroom light and don't have the same effect? It's all about lighting); and Photoshop and retouching.

Granted, some people are just more photogenic than others- it is what it is. The point is do not compare yourself to the “made up” version of anyone. Work with what you have and love you!

Here are some of my own pictures (just in my bathroom, no retouching or special lighting, etc)

Now let's see the power of Angle. Notice my cheekbones in the side profile?

Angle: notice how much taller and slimmer I look in this picture...

 ...than I do in these two? All taken on the same day!

Professional hair and makeup ; Photoshop and Retouching

(Look how much lighter my face looks in the green dress- so not my real complexion!)

Watch these enlightening videos on how models are made, the power of make-up and celebrity before and after pictures


Dove Self-Esteem Video: Evolution

Transformation

Power of Photoshop - notice how the shape of someone's face and can be altered!

The Power of Make-up

Model Myths

Watch the video below to hear the story of Kylie Bisutti.
http://gma.yahoo.com/video/fashionbeauty-26594250/lingerie-model-discusses-shocking-exit-off-runway-28244133.html
The fastest way for a model's career to summit is by landing a spot in the Victoria's Secret Angel Runway Fashion Show. Kylie Bisutti runs away from the stage being careful not to release Victoria’s secrets but stating that her choice
is to honor her husband with her body and her commitment to the Lord. Kylie threw away her Angel model wings for a more angelic journey in her Christian faith.
Personally, I think that there is a time and place for everything. I believe that women should dress modestly because we respect ourselves and to leave something to imagination! I think it is perfectly fine to wear swimsuits on the beach, at the pool or in a fashion show. I don’t think it is appropriate to wear clothing that looks like swimsuit as everyday wear. Kylie will continue to pursue her career as a CLOTHING model and more wholesome modeling! Kylie received her “wake-up call” when her 8 year old cousin was watching her do her makeup and commented that she was
going to stop eating so that she can look like Kylie.

At the age of 8, she has adopted the mindset that being beautiful is an outer issue and comes in one size. Kylie has achieved her biggest goal of becoming the Angel runway model but she is sure that her desire to turn her back on lingerie modeling will allow her to be a better role model and wife.

I don’t have a lot of “hang ups” when concerning clothing (anymore), my real concerns are three -fold:
1. Objectification of women- If you are advertising a car or beer,
there is no need to have a woman in a swimsuit unless of course you
are en route to a water related activity!
2. Media definitions of beauty as one shape, size, height and weight –
the media perpetuates an image of beauty and women who don’t fit that
standard tend to develop self-esteem issues. This is why I have
partnered with Dove to teach girls about beauty beyond measure!
3. Model myths- many female models are described as one of the more
common stereotypes:
a. Beauty without brains (dumb mannequins)

b. Starving Barbie

c. Drug addict


In summary, wear you bikini, tankini or one-piece when it’s appropriate. Love you for who you are because only you can give someone permission to make you feel inferior!