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SPECIAL SECTION: BEAUTY The Power of Beauty Trends Written By Crystal Han Before we step out the door, most of us perform the ritual of self-grooming. Whether it’s a skincare routine, a full face of makeup, or a stunning hair style, we all go to great lengths to look good and keep up with the ever-changing beauty trends. While some might view keeping up with beauty trends as a sign of vanity or conformity, there are many positive benefits to making an effort to look your best. On a surface level, beauty trends emphasize looking healthy and our efforts to look healthy can actually help us achieve a better state of health. Beauty products such as preventative and treat- ment cosmetics help improve conditions like dry skin and acne. They keep your skin hydrated and nourished so that it doesn’t just look smooth and healthy; it is smooth and healthy. Coupled with sun protection products, you get the double benefit of healthy skin that’s also protected from wrin- kling, premature aging from sun damage, and skin cancer. Many of the products that help achieve radiant hair or stronger nails, or any healthy look, do so by adding vitamins and minerals that your body might be lacking. GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN But beauty trends are more than skin deep. They can also have a strong psychological and sociological impact on an individual. The use of cosmetics gives us the ability to own how we present ourselves to the world. How we care for ourselves and the products and styles we use tell others how we want to be regarded. When we feel good about the way we look, it heightens our self-esteem and improves our performance, which positively influences how others think of us. For many people, beauty products serve as a kind of battle armor, giving them the confidence to handle whatever the world throws at them. Physical appearances serve as a vital source of information. It only takes a fraction of a second for us to form an impression of someone based on their face and appearance. Multiple studies show that people assign positive characteristics to those who are deemed physically attractive. Regardless of whether this is achieved through the use of cosmetics or otherwise, physically attractive people are more likely to be hired, get offered higher salaries, and be seen as more competent and trustworthy. Continued on page 52 august/september 2019 gmhtoday.com 45