For those of us who struggle with vanity, moderation is not an option, because honestly, I have no idea what that is.
If vanity is an issue, and girls, you know who you are
, the cure is to forget the make-up, haircolor, new clothes, ect, ect, ect. Just like those who struggle with materialism or greed, the cure is to give to the poor.
There was a saint whose advice on curing the passions was to do the opposite . . . can't remember who it was.
I have always had serious image issues my entire life, and when I became Orthodox, it was only natural to begin to conquer this passion. What I did was I went to Church without a single drop of make-up on.
I know, for most of you, this probably isn't a big deal, but believe me, to me, it was huge. Guess what happened? Nothing. People didn't go screaming out of the church at my ghastly appearance, but treated me just like anyone else, imagine that. I, of course, felt very uncomfortable, but the more I did it, the easier it was. I used to enjoy having people look at me, but now, it makes me uncomfortable [which, to me, is the right response, knowwhatImean]. It should be my character that draws people to Christ, and I honestly believe that I work harder on that inner part, when the outer is plain and average. When the outer is drawing inappropriate attention, then the inner suffers. Anyway, I've rambled on and on. This issue is very close to my heart.
God Bless