Vanessa Blake Cosmetics

WIN! 3x mother & daughter custom blend foundation sessions

Vanessa Blake Cosmetics

Where make-up is skincare

We all know how difficult it is to find the perfect foundation to suit one’s complexion and it’s a little wonder, as everyone of us is completely unique!

The Vanessa Blake Mineral Blending Bar in Camden offers an invaluable solution by providing a highly specialised service which enables absolutely any foundation colour to be created – the result, is a perfectly matched mineral liquid foundation to suit your exact skin tone.

HOW TO ENTER
Share a favourite childhood memory of yourself and mum.

Three winners will be selected:It’s simple!! Send us your article entitled: ‘Mothers’ Love’ interpreting this theme any way you wish…

We’ll look out for stories that are fun, original and inspirational. Our three favourite entries will each win one fabulous ‘Mum and Me’ bespoke liquid foundation colour blending session courtesy of the Vanessa Blake Mineral Blending Bar.

THE PRIZE
Bespoke Mineral Foundation Colour Blending Service.

3x lucky mothers and daughters will receive a customised liquid foundation colour matching session from Vanessa Blake Cosmetics.

Sessions including consultation lasts about 45 minutes per person. Each winning mother and daughter pair will get their own foundation tailored to suit to their lifestyle needs using only the highest grade minerals and botanical ingredients to complement their individual skin type and tone.

Guidelines:
1. One entry per person. 2. 600 word limit. 3. Please include your name, age, occupation and contact details. 4. Entries must be sent to: team@flawlesswomenmag.org 5. Only send original work! We will be checking. 6. Entrants must be 18 years or older. 7. Closing date 12/05/2013.

Good Luck!

Ora Naturals Collection

Ora Naturals Collection: Is an indulgent collection made up of Argan Body Scrub, Revive Bath Oil and Revive body oil which contains rare organic Argan oil and vitamin E for nourishing and moisturising the skin leaving it silky smooth. (oranaturals.co.uk)

Kadria Skincare

Kadria Skincare: It might be mother’s day but we believe mothers to be should be pampered as well so why not gift this Kadria mum-to-be gift set? The entire range is completely natural and ethical using many Fair Trade and certified organic ingredients. (www.kadriaskincare.com )

Lola Rose Calming Amethyst Collection

Lola Rose Calming Amethyst Collection: Infused with Amethyst extract, renowned for its relaxing and balancing effects, and combined with luxury extracts of white truffle, pearl, cashmere and rich, natural softening ingredients to cleanse and moisturise whilst bringing about a sense of calmness and clarity to the mind, body and soul. This debut Lola Rose Bath and Body collection from Heathcote & Ivory is the ultimate in pampering and relaxation. The Collection   is free from parabens, sulphates and petro chemicals which is music to our ears.  (www.heathcote-ivory.com)

Eminence Rose collection

Éminence Rose Collection Tube: Made up of the Sweet Red Rose Cleanser, Rosehip & Maize Exfoliating Masque, Sweet Red Rose Treatment, Rosehip Whip Moisturiser, Sweet Red Rose Whip Moisturiser and full size Couperose C-Serum. This collection is organic, luxurious and leaves the skin deeply hydrated and replenished with a youthful glow. (www.theskinsmith.co.uk)

Nahbi

Nahbi Gold Range: Mum deserves nothing but the best which is why this skincare infused with 24ct Pure Gold is perfect for mother’s day. The range features mask cleansers, a toner, a serum and moisturisers.  Using nano-particles of Gold, Beau Choix’s Nahbi skincare helps active ingredients to penetrate into the skin, boosting production of new cells, so that the skin becomes healthier and fuller with fewer wrinkles. (www.beauchoix.co.uk)

Holistic Essentials

Holistic Essentials Premier Spa Range:

This all natural and organic range of cosmetics is designed to suit the individual body-type-constitution (or Dosha). The range which includes moisturisers, skin toners, exfoliating creams, and a lot more are hand-made according to Ayurvedic principles, which states that ‘everything you put on your skin should be safe enough to put on your tongue’. The range has been described as ‘orgasmic’

so indulge your mum with the collection or better still send her to a Holistic Essentials spa for an unforgettable experience. (www.ayurvedapura.com/holisticessentials)

Radox range

Radox Mother’s day Range: Make Mother’s day memorable this year with Radox. Created with the feel of a rejuvenating spa in mind, this delicious smelling collection made up of a Spa Soothe Bath Soak, Eastern Spirit Bath Therapy, Radiant Shower Scrub and our personal favourite, the Shower Smoothies Soul Soother is full of natural herbs and nutrients that will leave mum feeling revitalised and uplifted.

Words by Elsie Boateng

Motherhood, everyone already has pre-conceived ideas about what motherhood is, isn’t, and needs to be. Yet, it’s probably more likely that no one really knows until they get first-hand experience.

Even then, the scale of emotions involved makes it hard for us to encapsulate into words what it means to be a mother. The feelings revealed when a mother sees her child for the first time transcends any attempts to put that breathtaking moment in words.

The recent announcement of the eminent arrival of a Royal baby means Britain has been taken over by ’baby fever’ while on the other side of the Atlantic, things are similar with pop royalty, Beyoncé, now seen as the embodiment of motherhood

It seems the world is currently in awe of the new league of ‘perfect women’, who have managed to balance life as public figures and motherhood, an ideal that our society now expects of women today.

But while celebrities like Beyoncé, Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow look like super women because of the ease with which they have embraced motherhood, women in the real world have to contend with the everyday struggles of being a woman which includes motherhood.

In other words, these representations reinforce the pressures women feel to be perfect, be able to to-do-anything, and be everything.

There’s a reason why volumes of research has gone into what forms a mother and child bond. Biology and Psychology for instance place a lot of importance on the natural disposition and intelligence mothers have when it comes to their children. The importance of a mother’s intuition is further acknowledged by organisations such as Baby Lifeline and LIFE who support and promote the special relationship between a mother and child.

Such representations unfairly belittle the millions of mothers out there who do above and beyond what is necessary and are superheroes in their own right.  The media conveniently forgets that to be a mother is to be superhuman.

So don’t let anyone or anything get you down when it comes to being a mother because regardless of whether you’re working mum or a stay-at-home mum, you are the right mother for your child.

When it comes to motherhood, it all comes down to confidence. Trust your instincts and all will be well. Forget about the supermoms being shoved down our throats by the media, you’re a superhero in your own right and as long as you believe that, it is all that matters.

Words by Ruhana Akthar

Most of our society is geared towards the number “two”. Single room apartments and one-portion meals are starting to crop up here and there, but overall life is all about achieving ‘couple’ status and then keeping it. Without stable adult couples it can be tricky to get paperwork sorted, sort out seating plans and even to get promoted! In all seriousness though, what are the real things women are looking for in the relationship?

For many women, their relationship shapes a large portion of their lives. How they feel and what they do while in a relationship have a direct influence on their state of mind, quality of life and self-esteem. Women can find themselves constantly on the lookout for ‘The One’, the fabled Prince Charming of the fairy tales. With one look, you are swept off your feet and into a Happy Ever After of dreamy days and naughty nights. Are female priorities dependant on the individual women, the situation she finds herself in or are they universal to us all?

Ideal qualities that women will look for in a relationship generally fall into one of these three categories: Superficial, Specific and Spiritual. There is nothing negative about any of these categories; different people will place different emphases on each one. Interestingly, I think you can determine ‘The One’ when you discover the perfect balance between all three categories

The superficial elements of a relationship are these; attractiveness of your partner, their job prospects, their style of house and car, their overall wealth and to some degree, their health.

The specifics that women look for are along the following lines; how their partner deals with others, what their ambitions are, their personal likes and dislikes.

The spiritual aspect of a relationship is not related to religion, but to the feelings of connection, trust, support and friendship that are inherent in all the best long-term relationships. Without these cornerstones, your relationship cannot weather any storm or outlast turbulent periods.

What women want is simply to feel wanted by their partner. To be admired and trusted, supported and above all, loved. To find these qualities in a partner is truly the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Words by Emily Roche

Articulate, witty, passionate, political, driven, wheelchair-master are all words to describe 23-year-old Australian Member of Parliament Kelly Vincent. However, by no means do any single one of them solely define who this fiery little red head is.

In 2010, Kelly dipped her toes in the political pool and fell in head first, becoming the elected member of the Dignity for Disability party after its leader at the time, Dr. Paul Collier, passed away nine days before the state elections. She went from being your average conscientious 21-year-old to becoming the youngest member ever elected to the Parliament of South Australia, the youngest woman elected to any Australian parliament and the first disabled politician in South Australian State Parliament.

Kelly spoke to Flawless Women about life, politics and what makes Australia’s youngest female MP tick.

You identify as having Spastic Triplegia Cerebral Palsy. How has Cerebral Palsy (CP) affected your life?

I use a manual wheelchair to get around, which comes with its own set of physical and social challenges. I experience a lot of hypertension or tightness in my affected muscles. I have trouble with fine motor skills, which makes things like buttoning a shirt difficult to do unassisted.

I also have a low sense of spatial awareness, which means I find it difficult to comprehend things like complex shapes, distance; and direction. It is probably the thing about my CP I find the most frustrating because it can make trying to get from place to place pretty interesting.

Being in a chair is, to me, just as natural as the colour of my eyes; it isn’t as though I go around thinking about it all the time, just as you probably don’t wake up every morning thinking ‘hey, I’m able bodied today’.  So it can be frustrating when I meet someone new and I just want to interact with them as a person, and then I realise that for them, the chair is some kind of barrier to that.

Do you think having a disability has contributed to you wanting to follow such a pro-active career path?

There’s no doubting that my interest in disability rights issues is not separate to my own experience with disability. It seems to often be the case that many of us are somewhat blind to how many injustices exist in our word, until we experience it ourselves.

I don’t want to be seen as ‘inspirational’ but as a hard-working, dedicated law maker who stands up, yeah, I know: it’s ironic, for the rights of people in the  strong, opinionated, powerful community that she loves; a community whose voice has been ignored by governments for far too long.

You’re obviously brilliant at what you do and are following an amazing career path, but have you found it difficult being so young?

It can make life within Parliament House itself pretty isolated in some ways, if I’m honest. I’m lucky to have a handful of good friends around the building though. Of course, it can get a bit awkward if one of them starts talking about something their kids or even their grandkids are doing. I find myself thinking “Now… what can I contribute to this other than ‘don’t worry. I was doing that kind of stuff not very long ago, and I’ve turned out well’…?”.

Really, though, the only real challenge my youth brings to my job is getting my head around all these bits of legislation and all these bizarre parliamentary rules that were put in place before I was even born.

How did you get involved in politics and was it something you always saw yourself doing?

I suppose my journey into formal politics began in 2009 when I was struggling to get the new wheelchair I needed. I began a Facebook group, which asked people to write to the minister for disability.

I soon learned that I was not the only one in this state or this country going without appropriate aids and equipment; nor was this the only problem in the disability sector. The more I learned, the more passionate I became.

One day I was contacted by Dr Paul Collier who ran the Dignity for Disability Party looking for candidates to run in the 2010 state election.

Then, just nine days from election day, Paul died from a brain haemorrhage, meaning that once the party gained a seat in parliament, I was appointed. It was a strange, profound, heartbreaking experience for many of us. We miss him very much.

I’ve more or less always had what my mum calls a ‘social justice conscience’. I have always been interested in societal issues and erasing inequality, so maybe I’ve always been political. I just didn’t expect to get political ‘with a capital P’

What does your role in parliament entail?

Typically, the role of a member of parliament revolves around trying to influence positive change in the areas they represent. This is done by meeting with people, hearing their views and their ideas, and taking action to drive change in a political sense.

Also, I personally seem to get a few more public speaking gigs than your average MP, from disability stuff, to youth committees and women’s forums. I guess that’s largely due to the number of boxes I tick.

What do you feel is the most fulfilling part of the job?

On a personal level, I love to meet new people and hear their stories. I love the friends I’ve made through this job, especially my staff. We’re a real team.

I find it fulfilling to think that I’m contributing to getting disability in the forefront of society’s mind. That I can be a voice for people whose needs have been ignored or treated as ‘secondary’ for so long. It’s so important that people realise that disability a) affects us all, and b) isn’t as simple as ‘oh yeah, you give someone a wheelchair, guide dog or a hearing aid and then they’re fine’.

What do you find the most challenging?

I’m trying to forget the word ‘challenge’ and replace it permanently with ‘opportunity’. Cliché as that may be, it gets me through. But if I had to pick something… being the sole parliamentary representative of a minor political party means that the workload is very heavy.

As I am the only one, responsibility for all of the 50-something portfolios – from disability and education to mining and aquaculture – falls solely on me and my staff. So time management can be a pretty big challenge.

Parliament House underwent some changes to accommodate you and your wheelchair. Has this been your experience across the board?

Somehow it took getting a member of parliament who uses a wheelchair to make people realise that it’s not much use having a wheelchair-accessible toilet on the very top level of the building.

While it’s great that these changes have happened, we have a long way to go before we’ll have a truly accessible society. It’s fine to talk about accessible workplaces, sure, they’re vital, but the fact is that there are many people who can’t even seem to get a suitable job because of their disability. We’ve come a long way, but we’ve much farther to travel

 Obviously your parliamentary work is only one aspect of who you are. What does Kelly Vincent do when she’s not making history in parliament house?

My friends and family take up a fair bit of my spare time; as they should. I’m actually quite shy in some ways and don’t tend to do big parties or the clubbing thing, you know. I love seeing theatre; live music; art exhibitions, all that stuff. I play a bit of piano and have been experimenting with that a little of late.

I love to learn. At the moment I’m doing a course in counselling, which I’m finding really interesting. Anything that involves art, politics, good company, good food, or a good book tends to suffice.

What drives you to do what you do and be who you are?

We could get into the whole ‘nature; nurture thing’, or I could just say that I suppose I’m me because being me is, at the end of the day, the only choice I have. And I’m the only one who has the opportunity to be me, so I’d be silly to miss it, I guess.

If there was one woman that you could say has inspired you in your life, who would it be and why?

In this moment I’ll say it’s my best friend, Chantel. She was the first person who made me feel completely understood and accepted exactly as I was. She’s love and patience personified and she helps keep me grounded.

All she needs to do is look at me and I know what she’s trying to say is “okay, Kelly. If you feel like throwing in the proverbial towel, go ahead and throw it. Then we’ll talk this out, eat some chocolate, put the towel in the wash and hang it out so it’s dry and ready to be picked up again tomorrow.” She makes the crazy times easier and the still times less empty and terrifying.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years time?

Well, I still have six years left in this term of office, so that’s the five years taken care of. As for where I see myself in 10 years’ time…

I’m currently of an age at which I frequently find myself in an internal monologue debate over the many dreams and hare-brained schemes I hold in this heart of mine.

Not to mention the on-going debate with my ovaries as to whether I should, you know, use them. I do love kids, so that’s in the maybe pile. Who knows? I suppose I’m waiting for the day when I realise I can pursue many paths without conflict.

What is flawless about Kelly Vincent?

Absolutely nothing. I’m a nerdy, socially awkward, anxious-natured, arty-farty, ginger-haired bookworm who just happens to be hard working and a little bit charismatic.

Nothing is flawless about me. But you have to understand that I actually hold a rather great deal of affection for parts of me, which could be defined as ‘flawed’. Of course, at times, they get me down.

My flaws have been great teachers, and, being as I am a nerdy, socially awkward bookworm, teachers are my favourite thing.

Words By Alice Welby

Whether people love or hate Kardashian sisters, no one can deny that their flourishing business empire is only a testament to their sisterly bond.

The long-awaited arrival of the Kardshian Kollection in the UK is set to launch on the 8th of November, available exclusively in over 250 Dorothy Perkins stores. The Kardashians have expanded their retail empire internationally with a range of clothing and accessories at affordable high street prices. Kim, Kourtney and Khloe have four reality shows as well as ventures in clothing, make up, fragrances, exercise tapes and various other lines. The sisters are highly successful entrepreneurs in their own right but at the same time prove how important is sisterly bond.

The Kardashian sisters are a true portrayal of the loyal, loving yet somewhat trying relationship sisters share. They bicker and fight, be it over a man, their mother’s affection or a fragrance deal. A sibling can make your blood boil like no one else, they know exactly where to stick the knife to hurt you most. This is what makes the sister relationship so confound and intense.

As the model sisters they always come together as one. Lovers may split and friends may come and go but sisters are forever. A sister is someone who truly knows you as you know her. A confidant with whom you can share your innermost thoughts, worries or secrets without fear of judgement. She’s someone who has shared your childhood and memories and will always see the child you once were. She’s someone to laugh and go crazy with like when you were kids, but someone who also wipes away your tears. She gives you the freedom to simply be yourself. She is a soulmate. Sisterhood though, is a condition you sometimes have to work at. The Kardashian sisters are a testimony to this, They are different flowers from the same garden. Typically, Kourtney is known as the ‘sassy’ one, Khloe the ‘funny’ one and Kim the ‘beautiful one’. They are alike in many ways and share similar interests but they do also differ in lots of ways too. …

The Kardashian sisters have let us into their world with their reality series and retail lines and in doing so have shared with us their most intimate sisterly moments and shown us a true reflection of just how testing and volatile a sister connection can be, but above all else they show us the ineffable love and affection sisters are bonded by. They are each other’s biggest support, best friend and are a true inspiration to any female sibling relationship. Their roots say they’re sisters but their hearts say they’re friends. We may love them or hate but who wouldn’t like to have such sisters – to fight but also to love.

Words by Keeley Brand

As a stay at home mother of two young children, Madilyn (2 years) and Jamison (8 months), I have about 70% less time to play with my makeup and “beautify” myself every morning than I did a couple years ago. After having my first child, I found myself wearing less makeup and focusing more on finding the right skincare products to make my skin happy and flawless. This gave me more confidence in wearing minimal makeup and concentrating on enhancing my features and natural beauty. I now have a 15 minute basic routine that makes me feel beautiful and flawless all day and into the night. If I am lucky enough to have some extra time in the mornings, I can easily amp up this beauty routine to add some trendy liner, bright lips or even a pop of color on the eyes. Finding the right combination of products can really extend the wear time of your makeup from a standard 6-8 hours to a reliable 10-12 hours, as most mothers have a full day (and night) of errands and work.

1. I maintain my eyebrows natural shape; with a little clean up and trimming, they are always ready to go. My eyebrow tool kit includes a pair of Revlon angled tweezers, mini brow trimming scissors, Chella razor (designed for brow grooming) and my Sonia Kashuk spooly wand. TIP: After using the Chella razor, keep the skin around the brows well hydrated with a heavy crème, this will prevent dryness and flaking.

2. After my morning skincare routine, I spritz my face with the E.L.F. Mineral Mist to hydrate my skin before applying any makeup products, I let this air dry. Using my fingers, I apply the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer to my entire face and neck – everywhere that will have makeup applied. This will create a smooth canvas for the products to adhere to and will also help extend the wear of my makeup.

3. I use a medium coverage foundation, MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 (NC 20), using my fingers to apply, I dot it all over my face and gently blend it into my skin. This will instantly even out my skin tone.

4. I use the Veil Cosmetics Illuminating Complexion Fix on my undereye areas, brow bone, center of forehead, around my nose and on my chin. This Complexion Fix pen acts as a concealer and highlighter, camouflaging the darkness under my eyes and neutralizing any redness my skin has. I apply with the pen and blend with my fingers.

5. I use the E.L.F. High Definition Undereye Setting Powder to lock the makeup under my eyes in place; this will eliminate the makeup from migrating into my fine lines, which can cause creasing to appear. This setting powder will last all day so I never need to touch up. To apply, I use a fluffy eye shadow brush; here I am using the Crown Brush IB109.

6. I complete my face makeup by setting it with the E.L.F. Tone Correcting Powder in Warm, this will aid in neutralizing my skin tone while keeping my skin matte and shine free during the day. Here I am applying it with the Sonia Kashuk Powder Brush to press the powder into my skin.

7. To add some color back into my skin, I apply the Youngblood Luminous Crème Blush in Plum Satin onto my cheeks with a small stippling brush; this one is the Crown Brush C404. The crème blush will last me all day and its luminous finish will add a healthy glow to my complexion.

8. I curl my lashes with my Bobbi Brown Lash Curler and apply a coat of Sephora Le Waterproof Extreme Resistance Mascara. I use a waterproof mascara to avoid smudging and it also helps my lashes hold that curl all day and night. I apply this to my bottom lashes as well.

9. To brighten up my eyes a little, I apply the Youngblood Eye-Lluminating Duo. I use the shimmer end on the inner and outer corners of my eyes and the highest point of my brow bones. I use the matte end on my waterline to make my eyes seem more open and awake. I simply use my finger tips to help blend out this creamy pencil.

10. Going back to my brows, I use the E.L.F. Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara to tame the hairs and shape them a little cleaner than their normal state. This gloss has a great hold and lasts well into the night; I never need to worry about “crazy brows”.

11. To add some color and shine to my lips, I use the N.Y.C. Liquid Lipshine in Fashion Avenue Fuchsia. This gloss has a little pink tint to it and it lasts on the lips for hours, plus it’s easy to apply without a mirror when I am out running errands.

12. Finishing off my beauty routine, I set my entire face with the E.L.F. Makeup Mist & Set spray. This setting spray will hold my makeup in place for hours, giving it that “just applied” look all day and into the night; no fading or smudging.

The key to my 15 minute beauty routine is choosing products that are long wearing. I never have time to check my makeup or touch up throughout the day, and with all these products playing together, I don’t need to worry about my makeup melting from the heat or getting smudged from playing with the kids.

Words by  Krystal Caracol

When therapy gurus – such as Dr. Phil – suggest to a woman who’s depressed that plastic surgery on the bags under her eyes would ‘freshen’ her up, what is the average woman supposed to think?

I, a woman over 60, a former model, and occasional actress, was recently confronted by my daughter, who buys the media messages. “Mum, how can you stand it?”

“What?” I said.

“All your wrinkles. And your hair. You should dye it. You could still be sexy.”

Hmmm.  Sexy? I don’t think of myself as over the hill. I enjoy a satisfying sexual relationship with my husband. He tells me I’m sexy. Do I need to do more to prove to the world I still am?

Being attractive has more to do with outlook than anything. Like Queen Elizabeth II, I’m locking arms with nature, letting autumn and winter take its course. I’m not going to pretend to jump out of helicopters like she did during the Olympics’ Opening Ceremonies, but I’m going to try to live my life with grace and humour.

Though growing older isn’t always pleasant, it’s better than the alternative. Ageing is a gift, a blessing, and not a curse.

Words by Diana Stevan

Once a taboo topic, cosmetic surgery is increasingly becoming an accepted route to achieve sought after perfection. But is it necessary?

‘Nuala Campbell investigates’.

atural Beauty can mean different things to us all. For me, it means stripping our faces bare, no make-up or false lashes; simply a blank canvas and a healthy glowing complexion. This kind of pure natural beauty is almost universally appreciated.

Sadly, very few of us are fortunate enough to be blessed with a flawless bone structure, even skin tone and perfect complexion.

When striving for natural beauty it is best to concentrate on what you do have and not what you don’t.

Instead of trying to reshape small lips with pencils to make them appear fuller, try highlighting your beautiful cheekbones or move emphasis to your sparkling eyes instead. By drawing attention to our stronger features, we can minimise the appearance and visibility of our imperfections.

Having great skin is certainly a huge head-start as we strive for natural beauty. Instead of loading our skin with harsh chemicals and products, why not try a simple back-to-basics natural cleanser/moisturiser. Try this easy and inexpensive recipe for keeping your skin clean, clear and moisturised naturally.

Make a 50-50 blend of olive oil and avocado oil (if you suffer from dry skin, simply increase the amount of avocado oil in your mix slightly, or vice-versa for oily skin). Simply mix the two oils together, apply to your face and then wipe with a cotton bud. 

Olive oil acts as a cleanser. It works by dissolving and absorbing dirt and impurities from the skin. Avocado oil is an excellent moisturiser, packed with natural nutrients and vitamins such as Vitamins A, B1, B2, D, and E.  The sterolins in avocado oil also help reduce skin blemishes and relieve damaged skin. Even people who suffer from conditions such eczema and psoriasis can benefit from using avocado oil on their skin. 

For skin care purposes, avocado oil helps to increase collagen production naturally. In other words, it helps to form a natural barrier against wrinkles and many other signs of aging skin.

To radiate as a natural beauty, it is important to keep it simple. When faced with the choice of using products featuring petroleum-derived oils (like most over-the-counter skin care products currently available) or natural skin care products with nourishing ingredients like avocado oil, it’s an easy decision to make.

For me, natural skin care is the secret to natural beauty.

What do you see when you look in the mirror? A reflection of yourself or a warped version of something so far from what you consider to be ideal. Have you set foot on the road of discontentment to remedy it? The truth is we are all

different shapes, sizes AND builds. DR FARHANA SAFA investigates.

There is no denying that we are a product of our environment. My most prized possession as a child up was my ‘Tropical Barbie’ doll. She had long blonde hair, tanned shapely legs and miniscule waist. My sister had a Cindy doll who was pale, with a larger face and bigger in size. Shamefully, I didn’t seem to think that Cindy was as attractive as my svelte Barbie doll.

This reflexive attitude gives rise to some disturbing questions. For example, are you more likely to pick up a magazine with a perfectly airbrushed image of a beautiful woman on the front cover?

Have you ever asked yourself why? Is it a fascination that we all have with something that deep down we know is unattainable, or is it a goal that we are all secretly

striving to achieve?

The projection of super-skinny, perfectly airbrushed women by the media has become somewhat of a benchmark that we regular women pitch ourselves against a thoroughly unhealthy and unrealistic target.

The backlash to over-airbrushed images being churned out by the media is not just recognised by the general public but has been campaigned against by political

figures with more influence.

Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson recently complained about an advertising campaign by cosmetics giant L’Oreal, leading to a ban following an investigation by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). It was also deemed that the heavily airbrushed images of Julia Roberts and Christy Turlington promoting foundation products by Maybelline and Lancome did not accurately represent what the foundations could achieve.

It was surprising to not see the Trading Standards investigate this but perhaps they had a lot on their hands. Even mascara advertisements declare the use of false lashes (in a minuscule font at the bottom of the page) so we are not duly misled that the product will have us turning the pages of the newspaper we are reading with our super sized lashes.

Perhaps these flawless foundation campaigns should take a leaf from Ronseal’s book and start doing ‘exactly what it says on the tin’, by showing us some realistic images of what we can expect to achieve. The resulting disappointment once we purchase these products only compounds the vicious cycle of low confidence and self esteem that so many women suffer from.

The outrageous airbrushing doesn’t stop at flawless skin but more damagingly, digitally-manipulated Barbie doll figures that do not exist. It seems that no celebrity can escape the magic wand of the airbrush with even ‘perfect-figured’ pin-ups like Jessica Alba being airbrushed to look thinner than in reality.

Shockingly, a recent Vogue cover featuring multi-award winning singing talent Adele, showed no full length images of the size 16 singer just perfectly airbrushed shots of her face. Why is there such a need to hide the reality of what women actually look like?

It is about time we recognised that these images of idealistic beauty can be destructive to a population of women where one in four already feel depressed about their body image.

According to Disordered Eating and Mind Charity approximately 1.1 million people in the UK suffer with an eating disorder and as many as one in 20 women will have an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime. Given what we are exposed to, the results certainly do not surprise.

The battle against obesity is just as important as the battle against images that induce unhealthy ideas and behaviours to attain a size zero. Apparently less than one per cent of real women look like supermodels, but who decided what a supermodel should be? And when did supermodel equate a superwoman? There is more merit in a flawless character than in a flawless figure. It is time to shift our focus.

WORDS BY DR FARHANA SAFA