Cheap Clarisonic or Pro-X or Clinique Sonic

No, I'm not selling those products at reduced price. Just wondering why would one spend money on buying a pulsating, electric brush and face wash. Can't normal face washing do all the job?

Well, I've tried Clinique Sonic once at a booth, it's in one of my earlier post. It's divine! I can feel my skin breathing. But the price inhibited me to buy one.

So, I came up with an idea. Why not use an electric toothbrush and use natural face cleanser? To me, using electric toothbrush is not worth it. The replacement is still expensive. I use a regular toothbrush then.

I brush my face with lemon. Thinking of using yoghurt but again, it's not worth putting yoghurt on my face (I'm still a cheapskate Asian... just kidding). Actually, I'm out of yoghurt and driving to the shop just to buy one, maybe later... I just want to have my me time. Yoghurt is a good cleanser too. I've tried it before.

The verdict
My face feel fresher. I can see that the brushing action lifted up dirts from my face. Girls wearing make up, don't be surprised if you have tons of dirts on your face especially if you're a girl who doesn't remove make-ups regularly.

Try using a soft brush, I used medium because I'm a 'tough' guy. On a serious note, use a soft brush to minimize damage. Exfoliating should do more good than hard. Abrasion is ugly. Nothing happens overnight, so be patient and do this regularly. Don't expect instant result. Cheapos can't be a chooser.

When using lemon, beware of the sun. Well, maybe that's why vampires are so fair but sensitive to sun. They do facial like me. Lemon and sun doesn't mix well. First hand experience when I tried to highlight my black Asian hair with lemons. I burn faster.

Brushing also could improve blood circulation to your face. If you want a glowing complexion, go ahead. Brushing stimulate vasodilation. Heat do improve circulation too. That is why, steaming your face is also good for your complexion.

I think lemons have BHA (beta hydroxy acid) which is commonly used in skin exfoliation. I first heard of BHAs when I was 16. It was 'a-must' ingredient in face wash back then.

Well, if you have enough money to spend, Body Shop do sell face brush and it is soft. I had them before but it's not available in our local branch.

Don't forget to apply regenerating oil after each session. I use Rosken. It's a bit expensive than BioOil but I like the consistency.

Well ,when life gives you lemon, do facial...

skincare vs makeup

skincare vs makeup?

I grew up with basic skincare regime. exfoliating, scrubbing, toning and more... only basic. It's quite unusual for men in this region to practice basic skincare. A silly cousin of mine washes his face 3 times daily, or as soon as his face appears greasy... yup silly. the more you wash your face, the more you strip off your sebum, the more sebum would be produce to compensate the loss. All he needs is actually moisturizer.

Men doesn't like to tone their face. I am no exception. I tone less frequent that I moisturize. Hmmmm... It's troublesome for us.

But I believe, good skincare is the foundation of a nice looking skin.

Back to the question, skincare vs makeup. If prevention is better than cure, skincare is the prophylaxis then. A good skincare ensure good looking, supple, glowy skin. Makeup just mask the flaws. and it is not permanent. Some don't even bother to remove their makeup before going to bed. That is really REALLY bad habit girl.

Despite the fact that I don't encourage makeup, I do have some makeup item. CONCEALERS. They are my best friends, if only you can carry your best friends in vanity bag. But, again, I use them only when I need to. To conceal black eyes, blemishes or to accentuate my pencil moustache or eyebrow... Hey, don't mock me. I discovered my identity during METROSEXUAL craze... just ask my CARGO and GQ magazine mate. (more story on him later, I promise)

I could not emphasize skincare more. Using makeup and not removing them properly is a recipe for disaster. Most makeup are comedogenic,

To conclude, good skincare regime is better than makeups. and if you have to use makeup, remember to remove them thoroughly. Always moisturize, and drink enough water. Use sunblock. it's common sense. (the thing about common sense is it is not common... misnomer)

Another thing I don't understand with most Asian is their obsession with porcelain white skin. I don't care about white skin. Tanned skin are beautiful too... actually, glowing skin looks better than white, dull skin. Blame that on Chinese opera actor/actress. They set an unbelievably high standard to flawless skin.

Flaw is not always bad. Some flaws are beautiful. Think of, Claudia Schiffer's gap teeth, Cindy Crawford's mole or Tyra Bank's high forehead. (I have to confess, I like watching ANTM... :P )

But again, it's not wrong trying to look beautiful, or handsome in my case. But don't overdo it. Be sensible.

I was at the mall this morning and I stopped by a booth selling skincare products. I had a great chat with the sales promoter. We agreed on how important good skincare is. She complimented on my face. Yup... I'm very flattered. I should have brought an anchor to prevent me from floating in euphoria. That, my friend is a result of good skincare and good diet. Unfortunately, I have stressors. Otherwise, I have the Holy Trinity to good skin.

Love and peace
not-so-'el feo' today.
toodles