“Why waste a second not loving who you are? Those little imperfections make you beautiful, loveable, valuable; they show your personality, reflecting who you are.” — Natasha Bedingfield

The just-concluded Miss Jamaica Universe and Television Jamaica Miss Festival Queen (though many feel this competition is not about beauty) and the soon-to-chosen Miss Jamaica World, puts beauty in the forefront of the minds of many Jamaicans.

But, what is the truth about beauty? What is it that makes one utter the word beautiful? Is it what we see? Or is beauty a concept that engages all senses?

For many, the description of beauty is tucked into the idea that beauty is really unique to each person. For others, beauty can be described based on scales, complexion, hair, facial features, or other physical attributes. David Hume once said “beauty is no quality in things themselves: it merely exists in the mind which contemplates them.”

Beauty can be described as the charm and appeal in a person which gives an individual a feeling of happiness and contentment. It is a mixture of features that make a person attractive as well as fashionable and respected.

TEENagers usually place top priority on image as they try to figure out how best to showcase their personality. But can beauty really be found in a new box of ‘foundation’ or a new supply of teeth whiteners?

For sure, beauty cannot be bought but is instead something that one is born with. One can spend loads of money on cosmetics but that can only enhance physical beauty. The million dollar question is what is the concept of beauty that TEENs aspire to.

We know from experience that some consider true beauty to be the combination of attractive physical attributes with morally correct characteristics. WE also know that the concept of beauty is a relative one, as each definition depends on personal outlook rather than a shared idea of beauty.

As humans are dynamic, so is the understanding of what true beauty entails. More often than not, what is categorised as beautiful is influenced by the context of our surroundings.

For example, cultural standards often dictate what is physical beautiful since there is no universal standard. It screams at us from every billboard, commercial, television programme, movies and magazines, that to be valued we have to look a certain way.

For some TEENs, leaner bodies and long limbs are the epitome of beauty, and for others a plump appearance is seen as healthy and beautiful.

In our view, true beauty refers to the individual and their acceptance of not only their physical attributes but also other aspects which make them human. So inner beauty is what true beauty is all about. Beauty is not just a physical construct but culminates in an individual’s being whole.

Without a doubt, it is encouraged that as TEENs we should nurture the outward appearance but not neglect our moral characteristics. The price of being beautiful by the standards of others is often low self-acceptance, and many do not realise that the dependence on surgeries and other ‘artificial’ means of ‘looking beautiful’ does not make someone beautiful.

It is usually said that first impression is the last impression, which is true for outer beauty. But it is a sensible saying that all that glitters is not gold. It is impossible to deny that outer beauty is what catches the eye first, but it takes some time to get a full appreciation of the inner beauty.

Of course, being beautiful is not the same as being perfect. What is perhaps more import is understanding one’s self and fostering self worth and appreciation. This is never an easy thing to do.

Being labeled as beautiful on the outside is really an opinion and true beauty comprises more than opinion but a reflection of the entire person.