Jennifer Aniston was recently voted People's 2016 World's Most Beautiful Woman. This is the second time that the hugely popular and likeable film star has made the list. Her first win was back in 2004. With her warm smile, toned body that seems to defy age, and famous hair, it's a well-deserved recognition.
Of course, we all know that there isn't just one woman who rightly holds the title as the world's most beautiful woman. There are thousands upon thousands of women equally worthy.
What is beauty? Is there one standard? Two bigger and more important questions are: what does beauty mean to you, and do you think you're beautiful?
You are the most important person to accept that you are beautiful. Sadly, I think many women are too self-critical, focusing on flaws instead of strengths. Here are some ideas to help cultivate your own unique beauty.
"The absence of flaw in beauty is itself a flaw." - Havelock Ellis, Writer.
Celebrate what makes you unique.
Banish the word flaw from your vocabulary when describing yourself. Model Cindy Crawford admitted in an interview that she used to hate her mole. As a young girl, she wanted to have it removed. Her mother talked her out of it, convincing her that the scar would be worse. It's now her most distinguishing feature and helped to launch her career as one of the world's most successful models.
Barbra Streisand's nose, Kim Kardashian's curves, Lauren Hutton and Georgia May Jagger's gap-toothed grins...these and countless other women have turned what may be considered a flaw into a beautiful advantage.
"Character contributes to beauty. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude, and integrity can do a great deal to make a woman beautiful." - Jacqueline Bisset, Actress.
Create a list of what you like about YOU.
Make a list of what you like about yourself. Not just your looks or your clothes but all of you: your personality, values, interests, hobbies, passions, friendships, etc. All these things contribute to your sense of self and beauty.
Some of the most beautiful women to me are Meryl Streep, Gloria Steinem, and Christiane Amanpour. They may not have those classic features typically defined as beautiful but they have courage, strength, conviction and compassion. When I see them in action, they are some of the most beautiful women I know.
"Create your own style ... let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others." - Anna Wintour, Fashion Editor.
Create your own sense of beauty and style.
This is an exciting time for women. There is so much more access and awareness about fashion. We are able to pick and choose from our favourite designers, make-up and cosmetic lines to create our own look. Some of the most beautiful and stylish people I know mix it up. Whether you're into vintage, classic, modern, sophisticated, hippy or a blend of all of these, experiment with clothes and styles until you find the look that feels right for you and lets your best self shine through.
" I do not think about being beautiful. What I devote most of my time to is being healthy." - Ann Bancroft, Actress.
Beauty is health: be healthy!
This is probably the most important thing. Beauty is health and health is beauty. In her interview with People, Jennifer Aniston was asked when she felt most beautiful. She said it was after a great work out. I totally agree. Increasing your heart rate, activating your sweat glands and releasing endorphins pumps positive energy throughout your body. The foundation of beauty centers on health, fuelled by physical activity and eating well. I know that when I'm eating well and exercising on a regular basis, I feel much more radiant.
Beauty: another word for love?
While I congratulate Jennifer Aniston on being voted as People's 2016's World's Most Beautiful Woman, I also know that each one of us has a unique sense of beauty that we should cultivate and celebrate. I love these two quotes from actresses Audrey Hepburn and Liv Tyler.
"The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides." - Audrey Hepburn.
"There is no definition of beauty, but when you can see someone's spirit coming through, something unexplainable, that's beautiful to me." - Liv Tyler
I couldn't agree more. Beauty is mysterious, elusive, ever changing. Beauty rests in the heart.
What makes you feel beautiful? Tweet me @NatashaNKPR or leave a comment below.
xo Natsaha