Permanently Beautiful

Utter the magic word “Chanel” and what do you think of? Hot haute couture fashions flaunted by supermodels like Carmen Kass and Claudia Schiffer. Or you may think of Chanel’s signature quilted purses, emblematic Chanel No. 5 perfume and signature little knit suits.  

But there really was a Chanel who started it all. Her name was Coco Chanel. We have a lot to thank her for. She’s the one who put women in pants and knee length skirts. And her classy comfortable suits. Just imagine. Before Coco Chanel, all women went around dressed like extras from the cast of Mary Poppins! 

Rumor has it that because Chanel, the child of a prostitute, was sent to Catholic boarding school, clerics’ garb was the creative child’s inspiration for the famous black and white women’s suits she designed. And the little black dress.

But there is one Chanel innovation that we’d all be a lot better off without today - the chic suntan. There really is no such thing. When Chanel started hanging out on the French Riviera with the jet set, she decided that a deep tan was just the ticket to set off her white summer wear.  

What Chanel could not have known is that a tan is really your skin’s response to an injury caused by ultra-violet radiation. That means the rays of the sun. Even if you don’t look burned, the damage is done. And the damage is cumulative. It builds up. So someday you are going to be wrinkled. Seriously wrinkled. 

Tanning beds also are bad news. As bad for you as the a direct hit from the sun itself. Go instead with a self-tanning cream or brush-on bronzer. And give your face some extra pop with permanent make-up.  You’ll look fabulous even when you’re in the water!