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A combination of physical and personal attributes gives a real boost to self-confidence, the quality that helps us to project ourselves in the best possible way. Believe me, this is not inherited. It is learnt and cultivated. A sense of accomplishment can also give self-confidence. To be a special person, you have to be “somebody”. Today, women have made their mark in almost every field. And, never before have so many opportunities been available to women. Yes, a measure of success in the outside world goes a long way in building a positive self-image. This can come through the profession or vocation, or through creative talents. I think every person has a facet, an interest, a talent or ability that can be developed. Even a hobby can be so projected as to add an important dimension to the personality. It can help to open up a whole new world.
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A beautiful woman is not necessarily one who has been endowed with classic features, but one who has learnt to value herself physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually. She has a radiance, a quality of "aliveness" that comes from sheer good health. She has energy, vitality, a flawless skin, shiny hair, a slim and supple body, self confidence and self-assurance. This, in turn, enables her to use her personal qualities, talents and creativity to her best advantage.
One of the best things which has happened in recent times is the increasing awareness and interest in physical fitness and natural care. We are in the process of rediscovering what was accepted centuries ago…..that nature has the answers to our problems. Today, there is a worldwide trend towards rejecting lifestyles, treatments and substances which go against the human body, replacing them with that which is natural. Recent research has also made so much information available to us. We know that our habits, diet and lifestyle have much more to do with good looks than we can imagine. We also know that there is no shortcut route to beauty. It is not a question of a fad diet or crash-course. Rather, it is a matter of bringing about a change in the way of life, bringing good nutrition, exercise and relaxation into the lifestyle. Here, the ancient Indian traditions of yoga and meditation play a vital role. Only then can the results be long-lasting, both in terms of looking good and feeling good. You will be better equipped to deal with your day to day life. On the other hand, fatigue, listlessness, nagging aches and pains take all the joy out of living and show up on the skin, face and eyes.
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A flawless skin, lustrous hair and a slim, supple figure are the outcome of routine care with products that are suited to individual needs. We are living at a time when so much information is available on beauty and body care. We can take advantage of advanced techniques in skin and hair care. Today, protective, preventive and corrective cosmetic-care are available. Take advantage of professional guidance. The special woman is never caught off-guard and is able to cope with each stage of her life and the changes her body goes through.
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When we talk of regular care, the most common excuse is “lack of time”. The woman who looks her best is not one who has time on her hands, but one who has made time for herself. No matter how busy she is, she organizes her activities in a manner that allows her enough time for her daily exercises and beauty-care routine. In fact, efficient time-management is the secret behind the appeal of the special woman. The external appearance also includes top to toe grooming, where no details are overlooked. So, time-management is of much importance, to make sure that your hair, hands, feet, nails, clothes and accessories are taken care of at all times. The knowledge that you have taken care of the smallest details helps to lend self-confidence.
Beauty may have different aspects, but it is the final presentation that counts. The look that is projected is a total one – a definite whole – rather than the different facets. Of course, one has to take care of each aspect, like the skin, the hair, the figure, clothes, make-up and so on. But, it is important to know how to put everything together into one attractive whole. This is where presentation counts. It is the art of good grooming and it helps to blend all the facets together.
I have never been one to follow fashion trends blindly, because I think style is more important than fashion. Style is something more individual. It is a personal touch, which goes far beyond fashion. With today's naturalism in make-up and fashion, there is more freedom to follow styles which really suit your individuality. Today’s trend is also a combination of functionality and fashion. Comfort is a factor that must be taken into consideration. You must feel comfortable in whatever you wear, so that you can carry yourself well, with confidence. If you keep fidgeting with your clothes, or have shoes that pinch, how can you feel or look confident?
I think good taste is the foundation of good grooming. All of us have taste, but it needs to be used and developed. The woman with greater sensitivity to her surroundings, to colours, forms and lines, is one who learns to exercise good taste. It is possible to increase this sensitivity when your eyes and mind respond to one another, whenever you see colours and fashions around you, or in magazines and books. It is a matter of visually selecting some things and rejecting others. When you choose clothes, make-up and accessories, it is this process which should work. It is also necessary to relate what you see to yourself, to your likes and dislikes, your plus and minus points. Some colours and styles may appeal to you and you should know the reason why. You may find that you are afraid to experiment and keep choosing colours that are ‘safe’. For instance, a woman with a quiet, withdrawn personality may find that she chooses colours, which are drab and dull, when vibrant colours may actually help to bring her out of her shell. So, get to know yourself and you can be liberated from your own blind spots, fears, fads and prejudices.
What you need to do is to keep certain rules of proportion in mind and relate them to your clothes. A few basic rules, about the effects colours and lines can have on the eyes, will help you. For example, vertical lines help to make you look slimmer, while horizontal lines tend to add weight to the figure. A thin person would look good in horizontal stripes. Another simple rule is that dark colours help a person to look slimmer. On the other hand, light colours, specially white, adds width to the figure. An over-weight person should avoid large prints. One-coloured outfits would be more flattering. Clinging fabrics tend to accentuate figure defects. Similarly, tight clothes accentuate bulges. In fact, in tight clothes, a thin person looks thinner, while it adds weight to an overweight person. If you wish to look slimmer, avoid heavy fabrics. Keep to simple patterns. The neckline should be simple. A V-neckline suits overweight people. Sleeves should be long and straight. Avoid puffed sleeves, frills and flounces.
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Thin people look nice in crisp cottons, high necklines, collars and even frills. Avoid clothes which “hang down” and wear clothes with detail, like a touch of lace, gathers, pleats and so on. Avoid long dangling chains or beads. Short people can “dress tall” by wearing one coloured outfits, or by avoiding contrasts. For instance, it is better to wear a skirt or pants and top of the same colour, as this adds height. Short people should avoid bulky clothes and details. The designs should be simple, without large prints. Wear jewellery which is also neat and small, rather than large and decorative. Short people like to wear high heels, but the shoes should be light, with thin straps, rather than heavy and bulky. If you keep these simple rules in mind and add a bit of your imagination with accessories and colours, you can look fashionable. In fact, accessories help us to put the finishing touches to our grooming. They help to add colour, flair and style to it. Shoes, handbags, jewelry, scarves, belts, all come under the category of accessories. Here too, one can use creativity to add individuality and style to one's look.
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What is just as important as these basic rules is your attitude. Much depends on how you see yourself and how happy you feel about the way you look. On this attitude depends whether you can carry yourself with self-confidence. In fact, many women have made the most of their forms by the way they carry themselves, with poise. A tall woman can look regal, a short woman can look delicate and cute. Remember to preserve your individuality and not be afraid to wear a particular style even if it is not in fashion. It is the final effect which counts.
Poise is a quality that helps you to feel comfortable in any situation. This again comes from having greater sensitivity to people around you and by being aware of others as individuals. It gives you the knowledge of the right way to act and the right things to say. But, first you must be at ease with yourself. It allows you to be in control. Poise is what gives you the ability to handle any situation with dignity and grace, in a way that makes others also feel comfortable. In fact, it is the way others respond to you that makes you “special”.
Most of us seem to be trapped by the stresses and strains and even the monotony of everyday life. But, the special woman is much more aware of life and sees the plus points. She has a sense of joy in life and living, because of her positive attitude. Her secret lies in keeping an open mind, so that she keeps learning new things and keeps developing her personality. This helps her to accept change and actually look forward to challenges. There must be challenges in life, for they have a refreshing and renewing effect. They also help us to strive for newer levels……… yes, everything is within reach for the special woman.
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