Shahnaz Husain
Despite the “back to nature” trends, there is an increase in the demand for cosmetic surgery and other invasive treatments. Women are going in for laser therapy for hair removal and men are having hair transplants. Then there are older people, especially in show business who go in for face lifts, liposuction, removal of eye bags…. for a more youthful look. Perhaps, it is still a small segment of our population due to the prohibitive costs of surgery. Indeed, it is not within the means of the average person from the middle income segment.
I think in all surgical procedures there is a certain amount of risk involved, so one should first look at natural solutions. For those who want to go in for surgical alternatives, like a nose job, or wanting fuller lips, here are some natural options. Make-up, for instance, can also help to deal with some complaints.
To make a broad nose look slimmer, you would need a dark foundation and a lighter one, apart from your normal foundation, which is as close to your skin colour as possible. Apply the dark foundation on either side of the nose, from eyebrows to nostrils and then use the light one down the centre of the nose, from the bridge of the nose to the tip. If the nose is very broad, use a powder on the nose which is two shades darker than the one you use on your face.
Dermatologists and plastic surgeons also use injections to plump up the lips. The skin of the lips is thin and delicate. That is why certain ingredients can irritate the lips and make them swell slightly. So why inject? Ingredients like camphor and menthol are used in lip plumpers, because they cause a slight swelling of the lips. They are first applied on the lips and when lipstick is applied over it, the lips look fuller. Lip gloss also makes the lips look fuller.
Essential oils, like cinnamon and ginger, when applied on the lips cause blood to rush to the lips. This makes the lips swell up slightly and look fuller. However, essential oils should not be used by themselves. Look for lip balms or lip creams containing such essential oils. The effects of such products are temporary. They need to be re-applied in order to maintain the look for a longer period.
Before thinking of liposuction, try to lose weight by exercise and an appropriate diet. Spot reduction exercises are also useful. Many women go in for liposuction after pregnancy to trim down the abdomen. Instead, after taking your doctor’s advice, do some spot reduction exercises for the abdomen daily. First, lie on the floor on your back, with feet together and arms at the sides. Lift the legs about six inches above the ground and hold the position for a count of ten. Then lower the legs to the floor. Repeat this 3 to 4 times and increase gradually. For the second exercise, keep lying on the floor, the same way. Bend the knees and keep feet flat on the floor. Raise the body to a half-sitting position, holding the arms stretched out before you. Lower body to the floor and repeat 3 or 4 times.
To reduce the waistline, sit on the floor with the legs spread slightly wide. Raise the arms up and keeping them straight, bend from the waist, first towards the right, then front and then to the left. Come back to position. Repeat this five times, starting with the right side and then five times, starting with the left side. Another exercise is to stand straight, feet slightly apart and then bend sideways to the right. The right arm should relax by your side and the left arm rests on the head. Bend as far right as possible. Come back to position and do the same towards the left, reversing the arm positions. Do this five times on each side.
Improving the appearance boosts self-confidence – a necessary factor in the competitive career world. But, I think it is all round personality development that has greater influence while seeking jobs.
So look at natural beauty solutions before going under the knife!
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