Cosmetics are a huge business here in Saudi Arabia. Historically, culturally, and religiously, a female in Saudi Arabia had only one chance to make a good impression on a potential suitor - and it has always been largely based on physical appearance alone. When I first met my husband many years ago and I was learning about his culture, I remember asking his friends what was the most important thing they would look for in their future mate. All of them, without fail, said physical beauty. I would say, well what if the woman is not so smart or a real bee-yotch - and they would that didn't matter at all. Arranged marriages are still pretty normal here, but many families are allowing the couple to get to know one another better before they marry now.
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