Russia! The largest country in the world, it has to contain some beauty tips! Like every country, Russia has it`s own culture, ways of life andperception of beauty of course. According to Intercultural Communication, Russia is a feminine country, so I will be sharing what makes a Russian woman beautiful.

Russian women are known to be strong and willing to fight for what they believe in. According to Axinia, a typical Russian residing in Russia, (Women) are strong in bearing things, in forgiving, in struggling for their and their familie´s survival, in keeping themselves beautiful despite the worst life conditions.

 A woman in Russia is considered beautiful and powerfull by her strong will. I personally believe this is very interesting and amazing, usually women are seen as the weaker sex and are to let man take charge. It is almost the opposite in Russia.


As far as the physical appearance of a Russian women, most are usually Blonde with blue green or brown eyes but according to the results of Expert magazine's March survey, neither hair, eye colour or shape was not found as important as charisma, life experience and the mind. Obviously, to a certain extent physical beauty does matter as it does worldwide. However I find this amazing that men are more attracted to women`s minds and life.
I would love to one day travel to Russia and expirience everyday life and culture.








Sources
http://masterrussian.com/russianculture/nesting_dolls.htm
http://rbth.com/articles/2008/03/20/russians_on_beauty.html
http://shaktipower.wordpress.com/2008/03/24/what-is-so-special-about-russian-women/

China!

China! Ah, what an interesting place. A place much different from Canada. Although we can find some of their culture here, we are not able to fully understand and experience their idea of beauty. This blog is focused on modern beauty in China straying from their traditions.

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This may come as a shock to some of us but in China, to be pale is beautiful, yes I said pale! This is the exact opposite from the ideal image in North America and Europe. The answer? I'm not 100% sure but I've found an interesting reason, in countries who are less developed, those living in or near poverty usually worked outside farming and what not (making their skin more tanned) and those who are considered wealthy will normally be working inside at an office. So pale could mean wealth.
Citizens (mostly women) will go to many extremes to reach that perfect complexion. Many use types of bleaches and whitening makeup and will walk around outside with an umbrella to avoid a tan. To me this seems like a lot of work, but at the same time so is trying to keep up a tan! This may just be society speaking here but I do find a nice tan very attractive (not that there is anything wrong with being white or pale!).

before&after sugery (not from experience on the left)

Another element of beauty in China is big eyes. Often, when we think about a Chinese person, we visualize their eyes as being smaller and somewhat squinted. However many modern day Chinese women do not find their natural look appealing, and will once again go to extremes to change that. Double eyelid surgery or Blepharoplasty is what it's called and is done frequently in China. I found one experience of a women who had the procedure. Overall she explained it was very painful but seemed like it was worth it (http://chienna.wordpress.com/2012/03/17/eyelid-surgery-my-experience/ her experience + details!). Although this surgery may seem odd, it is no different then breast augmentation and facial plastic surgery in North America. Personally I don't agree with any type of unnecessary surgery, but it's not my body, it's yours. Do to it as you wish. (P.S I don't recommend looking up pictures or videos of this surgery, made me cringe!

After reading about these new ways of beauty in China I'm not as surprised as I am bothered by these new looks (more so the double eyelid surgery) because it's the exact opposite of natural Chinese features.






Sources:
http://thecircular.org/the-pressures-to-be-beautiful-in-asia-china/
http://www.quora.com/Why-do-Westerners-like-being-tan-while-Asians-prefer-being-pale
http://chienna.wordpress.com/2012/03/17/eyelid-surgery-my-experience/
http://www.bkhospital.com/images/help/photo/eye2_120401_04_s(3).jpg

Modest is Hottest

 

I’ve noticed that not many teenagers believe in God, let alone follow the “rules” of the Bible, so to most of you; this blog on how Christianity sees beauty is useless. Almost every religion I can think of teaches modesty and has a clear image of how the ideal follower should be, and because I know more about Christianity it is easier to share about.

Samuel 16:7 says: But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” In my opinion, if God only looked at beauty from the inside, then it shouldn’t matter how we choose dress or express ourselves (ex: tattoos & piercings). However, it does matter.

Each summer my friend goes away to a Christian camp in northern Ontario. At the beginning of the two months at camp all the girls and guys are separated into separate rooms to have the modesty talk. They(the girls) are told that tight clothing, bra straps, underwear lines, cleavage, bikinis, and the list goes on, are inappropriate and there will be punishments if any of those are seen. She has previously asked me to join her for a summer but I could never do it, so many rules!  I'm sure these rules are in the campers best interest but, is the point of a religious camp to set rules or to bring people closer to their religion?

the Duggars

The TV known Christian family, the Duggars (from 19 kids and counting) are known for their modesty dress. Michelle and Jim Bob teach their children, specifically the girls that modesty is a form of beauty. They believe that natural beauty is key and will attract a certain kind of man for their girls. Each thing they do is done to please the Lord. Helping out their fellow “brothers and sisters in Christ” by not letting them “stumble” is important. By doing this they are letting their God-given beauty shine through which to them is the highest form of praise.

As I've mentioned in previous blogs, I don't believe I can tell you what is beautiful and what isn't. Therefore, in my opinion neither can a religion. A religion is a way of life, but it should not matter how you look. Modesty is beautiful... but it is not everything.

 

Sources:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2016:7

http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-beauty.html
http://duggarsblog.blogspot.ca/2013/07/duggars-in-buckeye-state.html

Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em

  I've noticed a pattern here.. the majority if not all of my blogs have been about beauty concerning women. So I guess that leads to, what makes a man beautiful? Okay, do you see my problem? The problem is, guys aren't often associated with beauty, and when we bring them together it's just awkward.

Zac Efron is beautiful :-) 

  Tall, big muscles, nice facial features, great body, nice eyes, and the list goes on! You just imagined that "perfect" man, well sorry for you but he is not perfect. With certain guys, what you see is what you get. Meaning there is nothing going on inside that head, just the outer beauty. Others, the opposite. In my opinion, men care more about their looks than girls. No, they usually don't spend hours getting ready to go out or constantly go to the bathroom to check how they look but it seems to me guys are more confident. Maybe this is why we don't hear much about social anxiety or eating disorders. Maybe they can deal with the pressure better than women.There is no need for many problems existing between man and woman. Honestly, who cares if there is a smarter or stronger sex, just appreciate what we all bring to life. I'm getting off topic here..

  It seems to be that the pressure of society is not as reinforced on men compared to women. But it's still there! Maybe the question should be altered.. What makes a man a man? Well once again, we're back to stereotypes. For example, any simple act that is "not manly" would ruin ones manly reputation. For as long as there had been both men and women, each have stood their grounds in sexuality. Therefore, it is hard to convince the world that men do have inner and outer beauty just as much as women and should appreciate and display that beauty. If you were to ask me what makes a man a beautiful person the answer would essentially be every characteristic that I would want in a partner. Same with asking a guy this question about a girl. So, once again, beauty is subjective.

  The stereotype of a man does bother me to a certain extent, beauty is not the manly-est man you've ever met but preferably a kind-hearted man.I dislike how many feel as though they need to hide from themselves and stuff away real human emotions to be considered a man. Men, embrace your beauty!



Sources:
- http://goldenagedames.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/zac-efron-beard-01.jpg
- http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/health-beauty-muscle-blood-blood_pressure_test-nurses-skinny_men-vsh0325l.jpg

Let's take a trip to.. India!

  Have you ever thought what it would be like to live in a foreign country? Or even visit a country such as India? I sure have! Learning about many cultures is very educational and interesting. India is often known for it's dedication and honor of it's culture and traditions. Many aspects about India are fascinatingly beautiful such as; the women, wardrobe, religions, scenery, and so on. There is so much to learn from!

Tradtional jewelry & makeup

  Indian women are often seen as beautiful in her country by her clothes and accessories (jewelry and makeup). Not her weight, tanned skin, or perfect curves, like in North America. To me, that's awesome, it's something different than what we are used to. Religions, culture and traditions are often the biggest influence on a typical Indian women's outfit. Accessories are a huge deal. Unique pieces of jewelry, dramatic makeup and often times henna tattoo designs complete the stereotypical Indian women's look.

Selena Gomez, wearing Bindi

  A Bindi, or otherwise known as a "paki dot" (we've all used or heard this saying without really knowing it's meaning) is a small decorative circle warn in between women's eyebrows (often red) and has many symbolism's. The stereotype is that, Indian women wear these. This is because Bindi's are a symbol in the Hindu religion and many Indian's are Hindu (although there are many other nationalities who are Hindu!). Today, we find many american's wearing their own types of "Bindi's". Although they are most likely not wearing them because of religion but for fashion, the idea had to come from somewhere (India)! I'm not sure if i agree with this or not, it is a great look but it is most likely only warn for the "look".

  I personally love their attire, it is modest and catches your eye, the many colors and unique designs are unlike anything we are used to seeing around the city. It seems to be a way of expression. To me, these women that are true to their cultures and traditions are beautiful. They're inspiring in the sense that they haven't been warped into the newer society.



Sources
- http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_large/hash/03/0c/030ceadb1b2ec989785b43150aa3d946.jpg?itok=7Y-IsInQ
- http://hinduonline.co/HinduCulture/images/silk-saree.jpg
- http://www.mapsofindia.com/culture/india-culture.html

- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bindi_(decoration)

Beauty comes from within, not without

  As the majority of us constantly struggle to appear physically beautiful, we are often forgetting the spiritual aspect of beauty. It's not that we do so by purpose, but that we are conditioned to do so (majority of the time).

  From personal experiences, people repeatedly claim to notice inner beauty before outer, or prefer it. Is that the case? Yes, we do not want others to think we're shallow so we say this. However, outer beauty does matter to a certain extent. Don't get the wrong idea here! I'm not saying that what is presented in today's society is correct, but I hope you get the idea!


  The complication with inner beauty is that, who is the superior being that defines good from wrong? One can ever so easily believe they are a beautiful being from within, on the contrary another wouldn't see them as spiritually beautiful due to diversity in morals, also considering how one is raised. Let me put it this way; if you are a religious character and follow the "proper ways of life" written by your religion, you will be considered beautiful and pure from another devotional person. Although, a skeptic, for example, would not see eye-to-eye and defiantly has their own descriptions of "what makes you a good person".

  On that note, all I can do is suggest some ways to be open-minded and to find inner peace. I find that being happy plays a tremendous part in being beautiful from within.
No one can object that an open minded being has an advantage, and one who is at peace can find beauty in others (not only in people!) with ease.

  Yoga! Meditation is a great way for one to be at peace. Whether taking a class or practicing at home it is still beneficial. Yoga helps to give a sense of clarity and self-awareness
. Some suggest meditating daily for at least 10 minutes to experience a better life style. Some poses are: Shavasana (corpse pose) = laying down back to the floor arms to the side. Lotus position= typical yoga pose, sitting down legs crossed. Being constantly stressed is an issue for most today. Even teenagers are experiencing high levels of this. It is important to free your mind and body in order to be free from stress and to be happy. Take the time needed to better yourself. Yoga will help to control your mind, being able to find true beauty in even the most unsightly things.

  There`s not one person that can tell you what makes you a good/beautiful person without being biased. All I can leave you with is, stay true to yourself. Yes very cheesy, I know! However, being at peace with yourself is one step closer to being at peace with the rest of the world.
 Be positive! Be happy! Be beautiful!







Sources:
http://www.wendydown.com/can-your-spirituality-make-you-beautiful
http://www.how-to-meditate.org/why-learn-to-meditate.htm/
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41fsBjbqFFhxRETHcb2HZxEjGbwGrvXXniZdsoNoKf7JQjmBp7pHY7fb6V6ZBFTUisHArNWBO62TfMNTlLzqlkx_5enstkIuP31oCD4EHyHYLbFKSIIQU3LbJwUpqgkC023jbByp7mLo/s1600/inner+beauty+quotes.jpg

Beauty in the eyes of society

  Before we begin travelling beauty throughout the world, my first blog will give you an idea on beauty in the eyes of society. By blogging about society's view on beauty first, I will be able to refer to the standards in this first blog while talking about foreign countries, the ways of the past, and religions in my other blogs.



 Many aspects concerning the image of beauty in today's society aggravate me. I find it hard to distinguish society`s influence on myself from my own thoughts. I can admit, the pressure is real and I often find myself being controlled by the media. I strongly believe we are striving to reach this image of perfection that does not and cannot exist. It is sad to think that what we believe to be beautiful has been subconsciously modified. In today`s society, the word beauty is more so associated with the visual aspect of people, which is very unfortunate.



  Today, more than ever, the concept of being thin is what makes you beautiful.. Also, being tan, having long hair and showing off some skin is today's way to be seen as "sexy". While looking at models today and comparing them to the models we had 10 years ago we notice a big change. This change is most certainly for the worse. In my opinion, most models today are not beautiful. These models are all skin and bone and look like they might even suffer from an eating disorder. Unfortunately, many people are affected by this ideal image. With the advancement of today's technology it is easier than ever to photoshop many things. While watching a television add or seeing a photo of a model trying to sell a product, countless people are unaware that these people have been modified. (this even occurs with food!)

   The beauty industry takes precedence over other issues of national or even international importance (such as current political climate in Ukraine). Magazines for instance are displayed everywhere and find it necessary to share ''The Best Beauty Looks of the Week: Show Stoppers'' (found in Vogue, article by Catherine Piercy). Regrettably (more women than men) are taking part in this ''priority'' taking away the light from what truly matters. Women are spending more time and money to fit the illustration of beauty rather than concentrating on other, more meaningful particulars (for instance, education, morals, family, etc.)

Here are 101 things that are more important than having the perfect body! (check out #13!)

http://thoughtcatalog.com/brianna-wiest/2014/02/101-things-that-are-more-important-than-what-your-body-looks-like-2/

  There is no denying that society has dominated our minds in some way, even the slightest bit. I do not look forward to the outcome of our current generation or those to follow. I challenge you to go against the norms of the general public and just do you!

Sources:
http://www.vogue.com/vogue-daily/article/best-beauty-looks-of-the-week-show-stoppers/#1
http://www.tcu360.com/opinions/2012/04/15205.american-society-holds-warped-view-beauty
http://my-purple-dreams.blogspot.com/2012_08_01_archive.html

 

To be or not to be... beautiful.

Welcome to all!

  To start off I'd like to ask you a question; in your eyes what is beauty?
Nature? Women? Purity? The supernatural? Love? Intellect?  Many different answers are expected from this question for the simple reason that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.


  Throughout my blog, I will be tossing around the words "beautiful" and "beauty" vaguely, while giving my perspective of those words.
The definition of the word "beauty" according to Webster's Online Dictionary is as follows:


Gwyneth Paltrow named 'most beautiful'
in People's Magazine 2013 

"An assemblage of graces or properties pleasing to the eye, the ear, the intellect, the aesthetic faculty, or the moral sense." 

Society has it's own definition which unfortunately reaches every part in the world. There is no way to escape society's pressure of being beautiful. Everything concerning media has an impact on the way we should look, act, dress, react and so on. This has some negative effects on many teenagers today. But, what most people fail to understand is that WE ARE society and if we don't agree with something we have the right and the power to change it.
*Kudos to you if you are not fazed by what the society pursues as beautiful*

Beauty according to religions is often seen as purity from within. Meaning, to be free from sin and to follow the words of god(s). Although, most religions contradict themselves (in my opinion) because of the importance of a how one should physically appear and shouldn't.

I will also be sharing the descriptions of beauty in many countries across the globe. The best way to learn is to travel (wise words of EJL French teacher M. Hebert). This can change your perspective on everything. Learning new ways of life and seeing the beauty in opposite parts of the world. Making you a better, more open minded and beautiful person from within. But hey! Who am I to say what makes or breaks you as a person?

Overall, the point of my blog is not to make you believe what is beautiful (according to me), but to open your eyes and minds to the several outlooks on beauty around the world!

References:
http://www.webster-dictionary.org/definition/Beauty
http://meetville.com/quotes/tag/beauty/page97
http://kimberlyhites.blogspot.com/2013/06/french-beauty-secretsgwyneth-paltrow.html