Self Improvement...

You see them everywhere - in upscale malls, in trendy neighborhoods, and in the nooks and crannies of large department stores. They are the salons and consultants who promise to turn Cinderellas into princesses for a fee. Indeed, makeovers have turned into a thriving industry.

Partly a result of our aging population and increasing competition in the workplace, more and more women are seeking out the glamour specialists. There is a growing demand, not just to create a better image, but a "brand new me". Not only do people want to improve on mother nature, they want to learn how to do it themselves.

But whatever the cost, the beauty-conscious public continues to support the makeover industry. Clients get a set of color swatches to help them choose makeup colors and wardrobe, and an individualized "paint by number" chart as a guide. There are special times when people want a makeover, normally an event that in some way marks a change in someone's life. "It's often a definite birthday like 30, 40 or 50. Or someone may have had a few children and have decided to re-enter the workforce.

But it's not always the client who makes the decision to have a makeover. Increasingly, corporations are hiring makeover artists to spiff up their staff, It's not unusual for someone's boss to call the salon and say "I've got a wonderful secretary, but what can you do for her looks?" Receiving a makeover as a gift, however, isn't always appreciated. When a man gives a makeover to a woman, she doesn't often take it as a compliment.

Still others who have had the makeover experience often wonder why they didn't do it earlier. But, it's difficult to look at a magazine and determine how a look is achieved. Models are usually very young and it's also difficult to duplicate the same look on a woman who is 10 or 20 years older. Everybody should have her own, personalized makeup routine.

Lately, the makeover craze has spilled over to the large department stores where major cosmetics firms offer free makeovers. These cosmetic firms respond to the demand for self-improvement by developing special in-store areas for makeup and skincare instruction. These companies introduce new makeover products and their sales have benefited as a result. The average customer who gets a complimentary makeover will spend between $150 and $200 on the products

However, like all retail ventures, much depends on repeat customers. Some companies make follow-up appointments for their clients after the initial consultation. Others recommend clients visit the salon at least twice a year to get updated. Trends change so quickly that today's newest look will soon be outdated.

But, there are also many instances of worn-out housewife who is transformed into an elegant, stylish woman with the help of beauty and fashion experts. She goes home, feeling reborn, only to have her confidence shattered by disparaging remarks from her family. She wipes off the make-up, brushes out her new hairstyle and changes back into her old clothes. She wonders if she had looked good, after all. Always, try to get over these kinds of remarks and go easy with a makeover that makes you feel confident.