Skin care and beauty products were never much of a priority growing up; for a while, had never used anything outside of shampoo and soap for showering. By high school, was introduced to face wash, which has since become a regular habit. After college, began using an exfoliant on alternate days and that’s just about as far as it went for a few years.
After moving to the Philippines, encountered a completely different climate, along with new products, since a lot of the brands used in the United States were not available at the local mall. It was in the Philippines that a real interest in K-Pop and Korean dramas bloomed; before, it was merely enjoying a song or two and catching an occasional series. Have learned, a part of being immersed in the genre also exposes one to an array of beauty products an average male would not typically think about.
At some point, began regularly watching the tvN show “Get It Beauty,” at the time, hosted by former Miss Universe-Korea Lee Hanui. One episode was focused on guys and recommended beauty products for men – with some demonstrations showing how makeup is used for men. Have not delved into cosmetics, but, today, the skin care feature has engrained itself in daily life.
At first, it was just finding a moisturizer and using it nightly before going to bed; of course, after using a good face wash to rinse the day away. That went on for a while before learning about toner, which is used after washing the face as a means of getting rid of excess dirt and to reduce pore size. Shortly after, both the morning and evening routine included applying a toner and moisturizer after a shower.
On a visit to New York City, stopped into Nature Republic, a popular Korean beauty store, and picked up a handful of face masks – literally, they were on promotion for “Buy 9, Get 10 free.” Half of the masks were bamboo-based and the others were chamomile, both intended to moisturize and relax the skin. Face masks have become a weekly habit. On those days, forego the moisturizer as the masks provide the same effect, but to a higher degree.
Another item taken for granted while living in the US is sunscreen; it was rarely used, even when out in the sun all day. Yet, despite the local population utilizing umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun, finding a decent sunscreen is difficult to find (beyond the ones that are severely overpriced for small quantities) – one would imagine sunscreen would be a commodity for a culture so averse to the sun. In the end, found a place selling an American brand sunscreen and currently use it regularly to avoid the aging effects of direct sunlight.
A visit to Seoul, a personal mecca for beauty products, stopped into Nature Republic again (in the Myeongdong District, they’re literally at every corner) and was introduced to an all-in-one toner. According to representative, it’s only available in Korea and provides both a toner and moisturizer; picked up a bottle of the stuff, along with lip balm and more face masks. Something very much appreciated with the store (and with most cosmetic stores outside the country), they almost always have free samples with every purchase. In addition to the items bought, also went home with samples of toner; scalp cooling serum; sunscreen; and a couple snail solution face masks, which are said to be “ultra-moisturizing.”
Sadly, the beauty franchises in Bacolod City never offer free samples.
As the progression towards obsession continued, also found a need for face mist. Currently, am using two types, one is a general mist for a regular “perk up” and another with collagen, which firms the skin.
Currently in desperate need of more face masks, had the opportunity to sit back and evaluate what this “routine” has become. In no way was it been a regretful progression, but moreover one that has been educational; along with offering an opportunity to take care of one’s self, which, in these hectic days, is often neglected.
Today, beyond work life regimented six days a week, so is the “beauty routine.”
Every morning and evening, I do a face wash, the current variety is a cleansing foam infused with aloe; on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays (the “T days”), an exfoliant is used in the evening in lieu of face wash. After showers, in the morning, the all-in-one toner is used; while at night, a traditional toner and moisturizer are applied. After the “bathroom” products are applied, the collagen spray is used both day and night.
Working from home, most days are spent inside, with the exception of morning visits to the gym, but on days going out, also apply sunscreen before leaving the house – whether it’s a sunny or rainy day.
Saturdays are face mask days. After exfoliating and applying a toner, sit back for 20 minutes as the mask does its work.
In addition, the regular face mist and a lip balm are typically at the ready. The mist helps when that extra moisture is needed, especially on those hot and humid days; and the balm keeps the lips from going dry.
Taking an inventory of it all, it is a lot of extra time and money, but have found the process does offer a self-esteem boost, along with providing an overall positive outcome./WDJ