Beauty, Inside or Out?

by Dale Harcombe | More from this Blogger

02 May 2008 06:25 PM

An article in Southern Cross magazine declared that, 'on any given day, the average Australian woman draws from a collection of $100 to $400 worth of cosmetic products to look after and make up her face.' I was astounded and horrified when I read this statement. But what about this one? 'One of the three women interviewed by the Herald Sun for a "face-off" of beauty products and their costs admitted the total contents of her make-up drawer are worth over $5000.'

Don't get me wrong I'm not suggesting Christian women should not wear make up. I don't feel dressed without make-up and perfume. But amounts like those mentioned above stagger me. I find it incomprehensible that women can spend those amounts on cosmetics.

On one of Sherry's blogs she talked about the unrealistic advertising and prices of clothes. I mentioned the amount reputedly spent on cosmetics, laughingly adding that someone obviously had my share. I couldn't imagine ever spending anything like that on cosmetics.

I wear powder, blush, mascara, lipstick and eyebrow pencil with a base of Oil of Olay, which is also my moisturizer. That's it, apart from a little nail polish which 'I've only recently started wearing since the nails grew long enough. It helps strengthen my nails too.

Yes, when I was a teenager I wore more eye make-up. It was the era of Dusty Springfield eyes. As I got older it looked wrong.

Have a look in your cupboard. Put a monetary evaluation on the cosmetics in there.

I know a lot of Christian women, particularly young women, who don't wear make up. I,m not suggesting that. But should Christian women spend a lot of money on cosmetics?

The bible urges us to not to adorn ourselves 'with braided hair and gold or pearls,'1 Timothy 2:9. Surely costly make-up falls into the same category? Similarly Peter cautions women to 'not let your adornment be merely external' 1 Peter 3:3.

My question is do you spend more time on looking for, buying, and making up your face, than you do on making the best of 'the hidden person of the heart.' Are you working to develop those qualities of 'a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God'? 1 Peter 3:4?

Are you spending time on 'good works, as befits women making a claim to godliness?' 1 Timothy 2:9. Are you seeking to become beautiful on the inside, by becoming godlier? Or is too much attention focused beautifying the external you?

Bible verses from The New American Standard Version

Please visit these related blogs

Are you a jekyll and hyde?

When are you the most attractive?

Clean, but for how long?

Learn more about Dale Harcombe

Dale has a passion for books and writing. She writes in various forms, from articles to poetry to fiction for children and adults.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger

Penny Steed (336) 02 May 2008 10:31 PM

$5000!!!! I am still looking for the parts of my jaw that just shattered on the ground. Could they be including the face cleanser stuff as well as actual make-up? Even then, they must also have part of my share in their drawers as well.

Dale Harcombe (10373) 04 May 2008 02:35 PM

Exactly! Glad to know I wasn't the only one had that jaw drop reaction.