WHAT’S IN A SMILE

Whether it’s “your smile lights up the room,” or “a smile is worth a thousand words,” these sayings emphasize the beauty and happiness found in one’s smile. Every smile has the power to tell a story unique to each individual. However, with society’s focus on altering smiles rather than embracing natural features, the purity of a smile can be lost. A smile is a universal symbol, but each smile itself is different and representative of one’s true self. So, what exactly is a smile?

Lips. Whether they’re to apply lipstick to, kiss a friend on the cheek with or to hold a lollipop with, lips serve many purposes. While their functions may not vary much from person to person, all lips are different. Lip colors differ from person to person, and depending on that person’s lip color, different shades of lipstick may either pop against one’s complexion or be more understated. These differences bring great variety to beauty routines. Finding the undertones of one’s lips allows them to figure out the best lipstick or lip gloss shades that will best amplify their natural beauty. For some, confidence is found in a natural glossy look and for others, a bold blue lip makes them feel most like themselves. Smiles bring out one’s personality, so they should be customized. While lips are important to one’s personality, the main feature comes behind the lips: teeth. Many influencers and Hollywood stars are known for their straight, dazzling teeth. However, in recent years, the beauty world has pushed natural smiles to the forefront of their campaigns to normalize different types of teeth. Gaps, chips, and uneven teeth are now celebrated. This newfound dental diversity pushes for an accurate representation of all smiles, not just those that have been whitened or straightened. Characteristics of each tooth creates a distinctive imprint; the color, shape and size allow new ideas of what beauty and selflove can look like.

Individuals are often insecure about their teeth. Even after having braces, people look in the mirror and still find something wrong with their smile. It’s easy to focus on physical aspects rather than appreciate their uniqueness. Just like our teeth, the road to accepting who we are can be bumpy, jaggedy and different from those around us. But maybe that’s not such a bad thing after all.

The final element of a smile is expression. Humans are capable of expressing at least 21 separate emotions. Whether mad, happy, surprised, perplexed or sad, a slight change in one’s face can give it all away. Expressions, especially smiles, are typically easy to differentiate. The nonverbal impact of a smile can let a person across the room know what you are thinking. This is done through micro-expressions, facial movements that last for under a second which can involuntarily expose one’s emotions. A flash of sadness in your eyes can be seen, even if it is soon covered by a laugh. Some smiles bring out dimples. The eyes may crease with a grin. A flash of sadness in your eyes can be seen, even if it is soon covered by a laugh. Some smiles bring out dimples. The eyes may crease with a grin. When someone smiles, the divots in their face make up their expression and complete this central feature.

Whether your smile features a gap, lipstick smudges or your favorite flavor of gum, it is your own. Loving your smile is another aspect of working to define your independent standard of beauty, rather than adjusting to what society dictates is acceptable. The best way to continue your journey to self-love starts with one step: a smile

STYLE: PEGGY SMITH WORDS: PEGGY SMITH PHOTO: LAUREN SNYDER GLAM: VICTORIA RACKERS