Cosmetics Speaks Volumes For Women In Iran, Even Going Against Islamic Traditions

For Iranian women, cosmetics speak volumes on such a level, they are willing to go against Islamic traditions for it.

In a related report by The Inquisitr, Iran is witness to the situation happening between Iraq, Syria, and ISIS, since they are neighbors. They even promised Iraq they’ll protect Shiite shrines, probably as an act of good faith among Shiite brothers. Besides, they don’t have anything else going for them since they’ve been taken out by Argentina in the World Cup.

Anyways, Iranian women have reportedly taken a lot of stock in cosmetics because their face is the only part of their body they can truly show off unrestrained. In the Muslim world, women need to wear a compulsory veil and dress modestly. Therefore, any form of expressing one’s beauty is both a rarity and a welcome privilege. As a matter of fact, everyday wearing of cosmetics is quite common in Iran, according to an article by Yahoo News. It can even be said that the using of cosmetics is far more utilized than some liberal western countries too.

With the female population of more than 38 million, Iran is the second-largest market in cosmetics in the Middle East right behind Saudi Arabia. When it comes to the rest of the world, it is actually the seventh-largest in market. Tina Zarinnam, a fashion designer, had this to say about Iranian women using cosmetics:

“Iranian women wear makeup as soon as they get up in the morning. Even if they feel ill, they know that they must look beautiful in the street.”

Originally, cosmetics were banned in Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Morality police used to patrol the streets and they would either fine or arrest offenders. However, the strict rules have eased up after the 1980 to 1988 Iran-Iraq war. In another report by Times of Malta, once the ban was lifted, Iranian women took to cosmetics and made sure to doll up before hitting the streets, especially the younger women.

Still, most beauty products are either imported or smuggled into Iran because the country produces little to no cosmetics for its vast customer base. Popular international brands, like Yves Saint Laurent, Guerlain, L’Oreal, and Bourjois, are available in the high echelon malls and trendy stores in Iran’s upscale cities and large towns. Nevertheless, this is a progressive step for Iranian women, especially with all the strictures associated with women in the Islamic world.

[Image via Bing]