Valen’s Vanity Square

Knowing that Taiwan is a great place to shop for skincare items, I asked my sister who went to Taipei last month to get me some facial masks.

The budget I gave her was a miserly RM50, hehe, and she brought back 17 masks totaled at RM41. So on average they cost RM2.40 each (prices ranged from RM1.70 to RM6.60).

Facial masks bought back from Taiwan. They are all sheet mask except for one which is an yogurt mask. Oooh, I have never tried putting yogurt on my face!

Most of them are exclusively made for Watson (Rose, Cucumber, Chamomile, Aloe extract, Pearl extract and Lavender). I did spot the Chamomile one in our local Watson stores recently, but I didn’t check on the price. From the price list my sister jotted down, most of the Watson masks cost less than RM2 in Taiwan. That is cheap, right?

I like facial masks like these; I use them two times a week to mainly boost up my skin hydration. And while I am traveling, I will always have one or more of them in my bag, depending on the number of days I’m away from home. They are so convenient to be stuck into any part of the luggage and between the clothes, without adding on significantly to the bag’s weight.

Looks like I have a sufficient supply of mask to last me for about 2 months. I wonder if my sis will be going to Taiwan again soon….

If you are wondering what dermabrasion is about, read this:

“Dermabrasion is a cosmetic medical procedure in which the surface of the epidermis of the skin is removed by abrasion (sanding). It is used to remove sun-damaged skin and to remove or lessen scars and dark spots on the skin. The procedure is very painful and usually requires a general anesthetic or twilight anesthesia, in which the patient is still partly conscious. Afterward, the skin is very red and raw-looking, and it takes several months for the skin to regrow and heal.” – Wikipedia

As scary as it may sound, I believe many Hollywood superstars are using it to rejuvenate their look. Well, they can afford it (and are willing to go through the pain, ouch).

But for you and I, may be we should be contented with Origins’ Modern Friction, which they claim to be the nature’s gentle dermabrasion.
 

 

• Age-erasing exfoliation without irritation
• Skin-refining rice starch rapidly removes sluggish cells, uneven patches, signs of skin damage and discolorations
• Aloe to keep skin calm and comfortable
• Signs of fine lines and size of pores appear to shrink in size
• Skin looks perfectly polished, smooth and luminous
• No redness or flaking follows

I totally agree with the last 3 points!

I started using this product end of last year because my skin was really dull-looking with an uneven skin tone. The first few times I used it, the before and after difference was amazing, just as described above. And I love the aroma of Bergamot! It is very uplifting, makes you happy while exfoliating away dead skin cells from your face, haha!

For normal skin, it is suggested to massage the paste over dry, clean skin; then add a splash of water to work into a gentle lather before rinsing it off. But for people with sensitive skin, it is advised to massage the paste over damp instead of dry skin. I’ve tried both ways. Since mine is not a sensitive skin, I stick to the first way coz it actually shows a more significant difference.

Previously I used this product up to two times a week, now I only use it once a week, more as a ‘maintenance’ regime for my skin.

And to make this regime complete, I will follow with Origins’ Drink Up 10-minute mask for skin hydration.

• Thirst-quenching Algae extracts deliver an extra helping of hydration
• Emollient-rich apricot kernel oil acts like “a fountain of youth”
• Spread a generous layer over clean face, avoiding eye area. Wait 10 minutes and then rinse off. Use once a week, more often if skin is dry.

I’m quite satisfied with this hydration mask, except that I think its sweet fruity aroma is just too much for me. Feel like am putting on mashed fruit pastes on my face, haha!

Image source: www.origins.com

I am not obsessed with whitening products, but I do use Kose’s Sekkisei Herbal Esthetic massage cream mask once a week.

A unique massage cream mask that hydrates and whitens the skin, increasing the skin’s translucency in just two minutes.

Contains oriental herbal extracts.

Suppresses melanin production to prevent sunspots.

To apply, you use the spatula provided to scoop out about 2 grape-size amount of the cream (more if you like to). Then gently massage it onto your cleansed and dried face for about 1 minute. Avoid eye area, lips and hairline (but I find it rather difficult not to get the cream onto the hairline). Leave the cream on for another minute before you remove it.

To remove, first use the spatula to scrape away the bulk of the cream from your face, then wipe off the remaining cream with tissue paper. You will see that it is not easy to totally remove the mask from your face, so now you need to rinse with water to make sure there is no residue left on your face.

That’s why I usually use it after I clean my face AND just before a shower, coz I find that this is the most convenient way to use it. I can actually save the tissue papers and straigt away go under the shower to wash off the cream.

I love the scent of oriental herbs of the cream. Every time I use it, I feel like I’m receiving a luxurious treatment. And every time after I use it, I can immediately see a brighter face in the mirror. It’s different from the ‘cleaness’ of post-cleansing.

If you are out in the sun for the whole day, you definitely need some skincare product that could replenish your skin’s hydration and revive its translucency. I read once in a magazine, saying that women who use this product can regain lighter skin tone more quickly even if they got tanned after a beach holiday. Well, I can’t prove that coz I’ve never got a chance to get tanned!

;) Why not try it yourself?

Image source: www.neobeauty.com