I Feel Pretty!

While we study history and economics and discuss the trade deficit with China I thought I would take a moment to ponder something truly important—eye shadow. According to Chinese sourcing news the beauty industry is growing in China.

“Using cosmetics in China is relatively new; historically women did not wear makeup and so there is very little education on how to use it," said Wang. "Now with more Western influences, women are showing a greater interest in learning how to wear makeup, and there are even TV shows in China that teach women how to apply makeup. More and more department store counters have enlisted sales people to help women use and try makeup, and it's been well-received. We believe there is a lot of growth in this emerging market in China." http://www.chinasourcingnews.com/2008/01/21/30112-skincare-drives-prestige-beauty-industry-in-china/

I am not sure it is true that historically women did not wear make up or if it was lost during the Cultural Revolution and it is now making a comeback. In the book Wild Swans Jung Chang talks about watching the changes her mother had to make. The year was 1964 “ Out went my mother’s fluffy bobs; in came short, straight hair. Her blouses and jackets were no longer colorful or figure hugging. They were made of plain quiet colors and looked like tubes. My grandmother, now in her fifties, kept more signs of her femininity than my mother. Although her jacket-still in the traditional style-all became the same color of pale gray, she took particular care of her long, thick black hair. She always kept her hair tied up in a neat bun at the back of her head, but she always had flowers there. She could get away with it because she lived in the compound.”

Fashion and femininity were one of the first casualties of the Communist party both in China and the Soviet Union. Fortunately it looks like the wall has fallen and missionary work is resuming but this time it will come from Mary Kay and Bobbi Brown.