Con of the contour
The question on last week’s cover was brilliant ( Apr 22), challenging the ongoing speculation about contouring. Those on the ‘ au naturale’ bandwagon argue that changing facial features using makeup doesn’t help one’s self- esteem; that it validates beauty standards and emphasisesstereotypical notions of facial perfection. But, I think — as wknd. rightlypointed out in Contouring: The Art of Transformation — techniques such as contouring ( and, more recently, ‘ tantouring’ and ‘ strobing’) are simply enhancers. Contouring is a temporary technique using makeup, un- like plastic surgery, which is a permanent alteration. I refuse to believe that just because chiselled cheekbones and plumper lips are ‘ in’ today, it will be the same two decades from now. The 90s were all about delicate brows à la Kate Moss. Over the past couple of years, it was the ‘ Cara’ look, with even the salesof tweezers dropping! However, people are now talking about amorenatural brow, and putting down their brow pencils. All this only proves that beauty standards are dynamic and subject to change with society, one's identification with society and age. I recently read that People’s Most Beautiful Woman, Jennifer Aniston, wishes her now chiselledhi l l d visagei wouldl d go backb k to being round, as it had been when she was younger. So, if you want a slimmer nose for your selfie, contour it. If you have a round face, don’t go to the cosmetic surgeon for a jawline or cheekbones; contour it. Your 47- year- old self will thank you for it. Nasheeda, by email
Pink Ribbon Pakistan, a non- profit campaign, is raising awareness for breast cancer and helping women from lower socio- economic backgrounds to save their own lives through an innovative breast cancer self- test contained within a bra. The Pink Bra borrows from a common gesture in the subcontinent, where women tuck money in their bras to keep it safe and turns it into a breast cancer self- test exercise. The bra’s strategically placed pockets have raised tactile guides to help women self- examine and when they spot something unusual, they can call the Pink Ribbon hotline number for free expert advice. The easiest way to tackle breast cancer is by detecting it early, and many women in Asia — almost 65 per cent — only visit a hospital when the cancer is in the third or fourth stages, when treatment is too late.
Pink Ribbon is calling on UAE residents to support the movement by gifting Pink Bras to women in need
To help, visit www. giveapinkbra. com.