In response to a question about the futility of body-identification versus the booming cosmetics industry, Acharya Prashant offers a direct course of action: "Do not fall for someone who loves cosmetics." He explains that the term "cosmetic" fundamentally means artificial. Therefore, people who are themselves "cosmetic" or artificial on the inside—meaning they do not live by their inner truth—will inevitably promote cosmetics in some way. This can be through using, manufacturing, selling, advertising, or even being attracted to those who use them. The central principle is "cosmetic inside, cosmetic outside." If a person is fond of makeup, they are a "made-up" person. The speaker distinguishes between personal hygiene, which is taking care of the body for health reasons, and the act of decorating oneself to attract others or to appear as someone you are not. This latter act is a form of deception. Cosmetics sell because people lack the eyes to see reality. They are fooled by a decorated face, which becomes a proxy for the mind they cannot see. Instead of rejecting this artifice, they find it attractive. Someone who is totally "made-up" comes before us, and instead of rejecting them, we find them more attractive. The solution to this unhealthy trend is to cultivate real value within oneself. When a person is inwardly barren, they try to compensate by looking outwardly colorful. However, this does not change the inner barrenness. The speaker uses the analogy of a sportsperson, who is valued for their inner skill, not their external appearance. Their clothes may get soiled during the game, but they are applauded for their effort because their real value is not in their looks. When you have real value in life, the misplaced emphasis on looks and cosmetics will naturally diminish. However, he cautions against deliberately appearing unkempt, as that too can be a trick of the ego.