Beauty, We All Have It

by Bolette Rahder
on Friday, August 26, 2011 12:00 AM

Every woman knows that impending feeling of self-loathing when you look in the mirror and dream of a flatter stomach, longer legs, fuller lips, better skin, etc. The truth, however, is that there is no such thing as perfection, and nor is there a universally-accepted definition of beauty. Any individual has their own ideal because they are just that, an individual. Knowing this, why is it that we're constantly disappointed with our reflection in the mirror? How do we learn to love what we see? And how do those who work in the beauty industry define beauty?

According to beauty consultant Sharon Shen, general manager of Sharon Beauty, you can be well on the road to loving the person you hate in the mirror, simply by following a few easy steps. "Beauty is individuality. The first step is to have confidence. You have to understand yourself, from the inside, in your mind, to the outside of your body" explains Sharon. "When you're happy everything in your body feels and looks good. You have to talk to yourself and your body." Sharon believes that the mind is key to a happier and more confident you, and that listening to that little voice in your head which relentlessly points out all your flaws is only self-defeating. Which is why, according to Sharon, the second step towards becoming a more beautiful you is clearing your mind. Take time to relax and enjoy yourself.
Forget about your body hang-ups and focus, for once, only on your positives. The sooner you accept the universal truth that beauty takes on more than one form, the sooner you'll be a happier and more comfortable individual.

Convincing evidence that beauty begins within can be seen in the mature-aged beauties in the world. Just as ones ‘mental age' is tied to outlook on life, personality, confidence and energy levels, so too can beauty. "In China, on the street, you don't see many beautiful Chinese women over 50 and I'm very sad for that" Sharon refers to the difficult times of revolution when people didn't have the luxury to care about anything other than making enough to survive. Her parents are from this generation, but her grandmother, a 93 years old Shanghainese woman, isn't. She is from a bygone era when people took pride in the way they presented themselves and wouldn't leave the house with one hair out of place. "She's beautiful and elegant, just like a lady should be. Every day she's very clean, the hair is done, everything is taken care of". Now it's probable that Sharon's grandmother is not a size zero front page model, but she's beautiful nonetheless. She's a woman who makes an effort with the finer details and knows how to make the best of what she's got. Surely this is a more attainable, sustainable and desirable beauty ideal.

Sharon herself sees age as no barrier. "Don't be scared to become old. Welcome age. I'm 40 now and soon to be 50". She takes care of four kids, a husband, her own business and yet manages to keep fit, read, meditate and take time out for herself, all of which are contributing factors towards feeling like a more healthy, happy, motivated, confident and ultimately, beautiful you.