The Perfection Question

When it comes to beauty, what is perfection? Is it the attainment of an ideal? That’s a dangerous idea, since Dove has so powerfully pointed out that society’s “ideals” are often manipulated images and not based in reality.

It’s understandable that the word perfection can evoke very charged reactions. Yet the notion of reaching the ultimate level of beauty (be it perfect skin, a perfect body, a perfect smile, etc) is undeniably alluring. So it’s no wonder that the “P” word keeps popping up in product names. Here’s a look at some of the products promising perfection.

Origins’ A Perfect World Line

We all know that the world is full of free radicals that can damage your skin, and antioxidants can protect you from that damage. This line of face and body products features Silver Tip White Tea, a super-charged antioxidant. They say that “A Perfect World™ creates a protective bubble around skin so that no static, stress or toxic grime can age your skin before its time. And by helping repel negative forces, skin is free to renew, repair and protect itself in the way nature intended.” There are 9 products in the line and I’m itching to try the Firming moisture treatment with White Tea for Eyes.


Creative Scentualization’s Perfect Perfumes
Creative Scentualization's Perfect Perfumes line features nine signature fragrances that were created to meet the demand for both nature-identical florals and new interpretations of classic favorites such as vanilla and "clean." I’ve had the chance to try four of them, thanks to the nice folks at Fragrances & More.

* Perfect Veil: The ultimate skin scent, it’s slightly musky and can be worn alone like a soft blanket over the skin, or to enhance your other perfumes.
* Perfect Vanilla: My perfect vanilla would capture the spice’s mystery and warmth, without being too cloying or sweet. With hints of blood orange and tobacco in it, this one does it.
* Perfect Gardenia: You wear it and you’re looking around to find the flowers, it’s that faithful.
* Perfect Bliss: The perfumer designed this one to smell like her wedding bouquet, with an initial dash of fruits balanced on a sexy, warm base.

Per-fect Beauty Skin Perfection Gel
Two “perfects” in the product name – let’s see what they have to say! “Per-fekt Skin Perfection Gel is a silky smooth, sheer color gel that 'per-fekts' and enhances the skin. This advanced formulation glides on effortlessly to instantly improve skin tone plus smooth enlarged pores and fine lines. Alpha lipoic acid improves skin clarity and vitamins A and E help repair, protect and prevent future skin damage. This oil- and fragrance-free formulation helps maintain hydration, leaving skin with a healthy glow.” It sounds like a supercharged primer and comes in Translucent plus four tints. Please post a comment if you’re tried it!

Nick Chavez Perfect Plus Hair Products
“Perfect” is a tall order as it is, but here, Hollywood hairdresser Nick Chavez is promising us Perfect PLUS! Woo-wee! Sorry to burst the bubble, ladies, but my great-aunt bought this stuff on QVC and it’s pretty cheap and nasty – it left my hair rather straw-like, not all poufy and full of body as promised.

Perfectil Triple Active Beauty Nutrition Tablets
Hmmm… perfection in a pill? I certainly agree with them that “certain nutrients are vital to help maintain healthy looking skin, hair and nails in both women and men." They go on to claim, "Their effect is of greater importance than even the most expensive creams and conditioners because they are delivered via the bloodstream, at the very deepest level. Perfectil is designed to complement your daily skin and hair care routine with a range of over 20 micronutrients specially formulated for utilization by nails, hair follicles and the skin's lower dermal layer.” I wonder if this could help me grow out that bad haircut any faster?

So, we’ve just scratched the surface of the great beauty perfectors! Let us know if you’ve tried any of these products and whether or not you were perfectly pleased.