The Ed.
Well-Known Member
They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder but make up artist Sali Hughes thinks our perception of beauty has become skewed in recent times. "The beauty industry doesnt have enough versions of 'beautiful' for us to see," she says. "Theres only one version of beautiful and thats a Caucasian woman under 35, whos slim and has even features."
A recent poll undertaken by (who else!?) Dove claims that women look in the mirror five times a day but a whopping 90% of them say that their reflection makes them feel bad about themselves. Almost 30% of women avoid mirrors altogether.
In an attempt to challenge these (frankly, depressing) results, Selfridges have teamed up with Dove and other big brands and are staging a six week long exhibition. The campaign - The Beauty Project - is all about exploring the modern definition of beauty and hope to inject a serious dose of confidence into the social psyche.
Sali Hughes, who is hosting debates during the campaign says, "The entire point of The Beauty Project is to put forward many versions of beauty: older ladies, ladies of colour, women with mad pink hair and tattoos. When we have a wider range of ideals to look at, women will feel better about how they look and not feel disappointed they dont look like the lipstick advert in their magazine."
In Birmingham they'll be tackling the very current and controversial issue surrounding skin lightening asking if and why ethnic women still want their skin to be two shades lighter.
I think this comes from within the community," explains BBC Asian Network presenter Noreen Khan who is hosting a debate in Birmingham. "Family members tell girls they will struggle to find a partner if they are dark skinned. I think this debate will run deeper than images of Beyoncé and Bollywood actresses looking lighter than when they first entered the industry."
Other events and debates will be streamed online and hosted by broadcasters Caryn Franklin and Stephen Bayley and cricketers Laurie Evans and Richard Jones will also lead a discussion about male beauty.
Workshops, skin analysis, a Dove self-esteem workshop for mothers and daughters, hairstraightening demonstrations and yoga sessions will be available for visitors to get involved in and stores will host pop up shops for the campaign. London will see The Fragrance Lab which will show customers how to develop a personal scent and Pavan, the world's fastest henna artist will demo her serious skills.
Jayne Demuro, Selfridges director of beauty, says, "Founder Harry Selfridge was the first to introduce a fully-fledged beauty fragrance and make up department at the centre of its London store back in 1910. Now The Beauty Project is our chance to give customers the opportunity to discover new experiences and products we know theyll love. But also to discuss topics around beauty issues and opportunities that are close to their heart."
The Beauty Project will run until June 12th.
Until then...geek on!
The Ed.
Image courtesy of Selfridges
A recent poll undertaken by (who else!?) Dove claims that women look in the mirror five times a day but a whopping 90% of them say that their reflection makes them feel bad about themselves. Almost 30% of women avoid mirrors altogether.
In an attempt to challenge these (frankly, depressing) results, Selfridges have teamed up with Dove and other big brands and are staging a six week long exhibition. The campaign - The Beauty Project - is all about exploring the modern definition of beauty and hope to inject a serious dose of confidence into the social psyche.
Sali Hughes, who is hosting debates during the campaign says, "The entire point of The Beauty Project is to put forward many versions of beauty: older ladies, ladies of colour, women with mad pink hair and tattoos. When we have a wider range of ideals to look at, women will feel better about how they look and not feel disappointed they dont look like the lipstick advert in their magazine."
In Birmingham they'll be tackling the very current and controversial issue surrounding skin lightening asking if and why ethnic women still want their skin to be two shades lighter.
I think this comes from within the community," explains BBC Asian Network presenter Noreen Khan who is hosting a debate in Birmingham. "Family members tell girls they will struggle to find a partner if they are dark skinned. I think this debate will run deeper than images of Beyoncé and Bollywood actresses looking lighter than when they first entered the industry."
Other events and debates will be streamed online and hosted by broadcasters Caryn Franklin and Stephen Bayley and cricketers Laurie Evans and Richard Jones will also lead a discussion about male beauty.
Workshops, skin analysis, a Dove self-esteem workshop for mothers and daughters, hairstraightening demonstrations and yoga sessions will be available for visitors to get involved in and stores will host pop up shops for the campaign. London will see The Fragrance Lab which will show customers how to develop a personal scent and Pavan, the world's fastest henna artist will demo her serious skills.
Jayne Demuro, Selfridges director of beauty, says, "Founder Harry Selfridge was the first to introduce a fully-fledged beauty fragrance and make up department at the centre of its London store back in 1910. Now The Beauty Project is our chance to give customers the opportunity to discover new experiences and products we know theyll love. But also to discuss topics around beauty issues and opportunities that are close to their heart."
The Beauty Project will run until June 12th.
Until then...geek on!
The Ed.
Image courtesy of Selfridges
