FEATURE STORY 6

Is beauty only skin deep? And does it only lie in the eyes of the beholder?

There is no one woman in the world who does not want to look great and beautiful. But of course, beauty has a different definition from one person to another. In fact, it is a totally subjective issue and nobody has the most correct answer to it.

For a native African man, Scarlet Ortiz or better known as Maria Clara of NTV7’s Secreto De Amor, is ugly and unappealing because their definition of beauty is black-skinned, hard, curly hair with only a small piece of cloth covering the below private part. If you ask a Malaysian man, he might say that she is drop dead gorgeous, someone he might be dreaming of in his sleep every night. But try asking another Latino man. You might be surprised at his reply. He might just say that she is OK-looking, simply because women around him are all “Maria Clara” look-alikes.

When we talk about beauty, there is so much to touch on. Too wide a topic to be discussed in just a few lines. Too many things to cover – from head to toe. But it never failed to inspire women all over the world whenever the topic is brought up, be it at the workplace, at home and even during casual chats over a cup of coffee.

Some may consider Normala Samsudin as the most beautiful woman in Malaysia. Why? Because after three kids and approaching 40 years of age, she still looks as stunning as 20-year olds. Or maybe you’d prefer Aida Radzwill (formerly known as Aida Rahim), who is gorgeous and sexy at 40 +? And moreover, she married a much younger man! Anita Sarawak may also be on your list. At 50+, I think she looks superb! Ever wondered whether we would look like that (or maybe a little like that) when we reached 50? Well, I believe the answers are all in our hands. How we shape our lives today, will influence how we look tomorrow.

So, for this issue, I want to bring you into the most talked about beauty scenario – the Botox injection. It has been going around rapidly I could see. Whenever someone looks good, say after many childbirths or after a certain age, people will associate them with Botox. What is it actually? Is it bad to do it? Is it immoral? Is it against the religion? These questions kept playing in mind. I even thought of having one after I read about Kris Dayanti, the beautiful Indonesian singer-actress who did it and was not ashamed to admit it. What does it do really?

Botox is hailed as the fountain of youth in a syringe, as I quoted from The Star dated April 7, 2004. It works best especially in smaller, thinner muscles, such as those around the eyes, on crow’s feet or vertical lines between the eyebrows rather than on the wrinkles around the mouth, chin or neck. But, not everyone can go through this procedure successfully.

It is just like slimming pills in the market. For example, I might tell you that you should try taking the traditional capsules which contained traditional herbs to slim you down because it worked on me. Then, you gave it a go. And it didn’t work on you. It is different for each individual. The reaction is dissimilar. Same goes with this Botox injection. It was perfect for Kris Dayanti but it might just be the opposite for you and me.

For your basic information, you should not even dream of having Botox done if you are pregnant or breast feeding. You also could not have it if you are currently taking medications like calcium channel blockers which are used to treat high blood pressure. Please make sure that it is 100% safe for you and your future. The only side effect it should have on you is making you look younger, better and more beautiful than before. So, if it is the reverse that happened, then you should just forget about it or not even consider it in the first place!

Another important factor that you have to remember is to have it done with a qualified professional. Meaning, you should go to a plastic surgeon or the dermatologist, as they can determine whether the procedure is safe for you. Never ever put the word “cheap” anywhere near when considering whether or not to have Botox. This will lead you to just settle with a spa-like facility or storefront salon where the injection will be given by a non-professional like an aesthetician or a cosmetologist. You must also keep in your diary that the injection has to be repeated every three to six months to maintain the youthful results.

How does it sound so far? Are you already half way in deciding to have Botox some time after this month’s pay check? Whatever your decision is, just ensure that it is truly what you want. After all, trying something once would not hurt so badly. The one due in the next three months should just pass you by, then. Appearing perfect for 3 months would be inexplicable. Outstanding the crowd for just 3 months would give a tremendous boost to your self esteem.

I wonder how I would look like after Botox. I wonder what are the obvious changes it will bring. I wonder how it would affect me emotionally. I wonder whether it really is a short cut to a more youthful and beautiful me. Keep wondering because it keeps your mind working. So Botox, are we meant to be? And is it true after all that beauty is only skin deep? Does it only lie in the eyes of its beholder?