Asian Beauty vs Western Beauty

This entry is not supposed to offend anyone. It is just my view on Asian and Western concepts of beauty, and why they are so different. 

So, what are the main differences between Asian and Western concepts of beauty and why?


1) Skin: white vs tanned

We all know Westerners love to bake in the sun, to the point where most of them look orange and strange. I never understood that "healthy glow" that the sun is supposed to give you; if anything, I think being tanned makes you look older and weird. Plus, it promotes wrinkles and premature aging. And if that wasn't enough, baking in the sun can increase your chances of getting skin cancer or melanoma. 

Whereas in Asia it's quite the opposite. They aim to be as white as possible. And the most common missunderstanding among Westerners is that they do that in order to achieve a "Caucasian" look. That doesn't make any sense at all. That's like saying that all White people that bake in the sun are aiming to be like black people. Probably no one would claim that. And yet, they insist Asians want to be white like Westerners... like if all Westerners were white! There's all sorts of colors in the Western, ranging from pasty white to light olive. 

So, what is the reason behind that quest for pale skin? Until not so long time ago, both European and Asian cultures coveted pale skin as it was an indicator of high social status (people that didn't have to work outside so their skin remained pale). The only difference is that in the 20th century, with most people starting to work indoors, having tanned skin started to become associated with being able to afford vacations, and thus, higher status. That only happened in the West though. In Asia, the old standard of "pale skin= higher status" prevailed. So it has nothing to do with wanting to be Caucasian, it's more about social status. Also, there's the fact that Asians tend to get sun spots easily and are prone to melasma, so the wise thing would be to avoid the sun as much as possible. And that's what they do. 


2) Eyebrows: straight vs arched

Having straight natural eyebrows is a trend that started in Korea. Its main goal is to make eyebrows look as natural as possible. They are often thick and a bit bushy and have this characteristic straight shape, and they are shaped with some scissors and a tiny razor. Koreans think straight eyebows give you a clean and cute look. 

In the West you can see all kinds of eyebrows, but one of the most popular shapes is having them arched. They are supposed to emphasize the eyes and give you a sexy look. Personally, I was into this kind of eyebrow some years ago, but now I find it a bit too bold. Plus, eyebrows that are too thin or too arched can actually make you look older. 



3. Makeup: minimal vs bold

Westerners like to use tons of makeup, and they often overdo it. I just get shocked every time I see Western girls wearing some heavy foundation 3 shades darker than their skin color, their eyes covered in some sparkly eyeshadow all over their lids up to the eyebrow, with tons of shimmering blush and bronzer on their faces, and, if that wasn't horrible enough, with some unflattering lipstick that is rather too bright or too light (kinda like the girl in the pic). Of course there's Westerners that do a more subtle and natural makeup, but I see girls like the one in the pic everyday, and they are just disturbing :s

I feel Asians are more on the soft side: they prefer a more natural look that often consists of light foundation or BB cream, black eyeliner, mascara and some natural lipstick. And of course I have seen Asians overdoing their makeup too (like some Japanese girls wearing tons of blush and 2 layers of fake eyelashes that were too obvious and too bad glued) but, in general, I have the sensation they prefer to go for a "no-makeup" makeup. 

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So I think these are the main differences between the Asian and the Western standards of beauty. While I truly like the Asian standard because it emphasizes being natural above all, I also dislike the fact that in Asia seems like there's just one standard of beauty. That would be someone with a small, oval-shaped face, big eyes, a well defined nose and a super thin body, with almost no shapes. In the West seems like there's more than just one standard of beauty, and that's good, but, again, media tends to idolize being skinny and tanned above all, and that makes tons of girls to choose unhealthy lifestyles, like starving themselves to achieve that super skinny body and going to tanning saloons every week to be as orange as their idols, given that having a pale complexion is viewed as "unhealthy". Some people are being insulted in the West for being too pale and never getting a tan; whereas in Asia that is viewed as pretty and desirable. Such a weird world, right? The grass is always greener on the other side. 

[Review] Revlon Colorstay Foundation

I've been using this foundation for almost a year now, so I think it is about time to make a review.

I got this in the Normal to Dry skin version, since the Normal to Oily version contains a high amount of alcohol. Also, the smell of this one is not as strong as the Normal/Oily version.

The color I got is 110 Ivory. Previously to this I used Buff, which also seems to fit me. The problem is, Ivory is too much pink undertoned and Buff is too much yellow undertoned. I wish Revlon made more neutral undertones for their foundations. But since you have to blend them a lot, it doesn't really  matter as the undertone is not as obvious when it's on your skin. 

One thing that really bothers me about this foundation is that it comes without a pump! Seriously, I dunno what Revlon people were thinking when they came out with this, but this is really annoying since the lack of a pump doesn't give you any kind of control about how much product you are pouring, and because of this I tend to pour way too much. So I always end up wasting too much product. I know that in Japan they sell this foundation with a pump (as far as I know, the only place where they do that) and I wonder when Revlon will start making their Colorstay foundation with a pump for the rest of the world, lol. 

The color itself is a beige with some slighty pink-peached undertone. It looks a bit dark at first but when you blend it, it looks really natural. 

Blended.

This foundation has a medium coverage that can be build up to get a full coverage. Usually, it takes 2-3 layers to achieve that. It has a matte finish and even if you do not set it with loose powder, it has a really long stay power on the skin, which is what I really like this foundation.

I don't really like wearing heavy coverage, and usually I prefer to wear BB cream or some tinted moisturizer, but when I have an special event then I like to use Revlon's foundations since they give me the best coverage and staying power. And on top of that, they are affordable!

Would I buy it again? Yes, in fact, this is the second tube I'm using.

[Review] Naruko Apple Seed & Tranexamic Acid Night Gelly

Naruko is a brand that never fails to impress me. Their products are very gentle on skin yet efective; almost all their products have whitening properties (among other good ingredients such as antioxidants); they try to avoid harmful ingredients as much as they can, and, still, they keep very reasonable prices with their products!

I bought this five months ago because I was in need of some whitening night treatment. I was so impressed when I saw the list of ingredients that I had to order this on ebay!

This is the list of ingredients. The whitening ingredients are highlighted:

Tranexamic Acid 3%, Purified Water (Aqua), Apple Seed Extract, Phytoferulin® [Kalanchoe Spathulata Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Scutellaria Alpina Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Peucedanum Ostruthium Leaf Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Artemisia Umbelliformis Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract], Snow Fungus (Tremella Funciformis) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alpha-Arbutin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Saccharide Isomerate, Phragmites Kharka Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Jojoba Oil/Simmondsia Chinensis, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Galactoarabinan, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ethyl Alcohol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sclerotium Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Essential Oils of Lavender, Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis)

So, as you can see, this has 6 whitening ingredients! Alpha-arbutin is particularly one of the best whitening ingredients, along with licorice. Tranexamic acid is supposed to have some whitening properties too, but I haven't heard a lot about this ingredient yet. 

This has a tiny amount of alcohol and lavender, so they shouldn't suppose any concern for the skin. 


So, what is a night gelly?

If you are familiar with Korean sleeping packs, you probably know they are a product in gel type that you are supposed to massage into your skin before going to sleep, and it has to be rinsed off the following morning. I think night gellies are exactly the same: they have a similar texture and a similar finish: they never sink into your skin, they just set as if they were a mask. They usually have moisturizing, smoothing and whitening properties, and they can improve skin with constant use. 

Texture: it's a gel type and very runny. A little goes a long way, so this gelly can last for months. 

Smell: it smells kinda botanical and medicinal at the same time... it's a bit strong at first but fades away fast. Naruko believes in aromatherapy, and adds essential oils to most of their products. In my humble opinion, I would enjoy the products more if they were fragance-free (I just don't like having fragrance on my face). 

Performance: This is supposed to whiten/brighten your skin with constant use. However, I haven't been very constant with this (I'm using too many products at the same time) so I only use it once or twice a week. I have seen an improvement in my overall skin tone, but I believe it is due to my overall use of whitening skin care ;)

Would I recommend this to a friend? Yes. 

Overall rate: 4/5

[Review] Revlon Colorburst Lipbutter

Since they were released in Spring 2011, Revlon's lipbutters have proven to be extremely popular and raved by all the beauty community. I have to admit I fell in love with the packaging and the beautiful color range so I couldn't wait to try them too!

I got this in Raspberry Pie, Cherry Tart, Tutti Frutti, Peach Parfait and Crème Bulée.

From left to right: Raspberry Pie, Cherry Tart, Tutti Frutti, Peach Parfait and Crème Bulée.

They come in a very luxurious packaging that actually shows you the color you are getting. These glide on easily and have a very sheer color that can be build up until you get the coverage you like. They are quite moisturizing and they feel great on the lips. If I remember well, they are around $7 each, which is a very good price for such a good quality product. 

Raspberry Pie is a gorgeous deep berry color. This is actually quite pigmented and one of my favorites!

Cherry Tart is a red hue with a subtle shimmer that looks really flattering on lips. This is my second favorite. 

Tutti Frutti is a bright orange that looks scary at first but is actually quite sheer and looks really pretty. 

Peach Parfait is a soft pink-orange-y color. It is very sheer and it has a lot of glitter which, unfortunately, can feel gritty on lips.

Crème Bulée is a very very sheer beige color that needs at least three coats to show off. It's my least favorite since it is the less pigmented lipbutter I own.

Overall, my favorite colors are Raspberry Pie, Tutti Frutti and Cherry Tart. They are the most pigmented and just look gorgeous with any look!


PROS:

-Moisturizing, sheer lip balm.
-Colors can be build up.
-Beautiful color range.
-Good price.

CONS: 

-You have to reapply every 2-3 hours since they don't last a lot on lips.
-Some colors have way too much glitter.


Would you repurchase? Yes! I plan on getting more! ;)

Clarisonic dupe: Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Brush

I've been wanting to try Clarisonic for a while, since I can only hear people praising it and saying how it changed their skin for better. I have to confess I've been intrigued by people claiming that this device helps to reduce your breakouts. That is apparently due to the daily exfoliation, which makes your pores cleaner and without all the gunk that can potentially clog them and make you breakout. If that's true, seems like Clarisonic is the thing my skin has been always waiting for! I really wanted to try this... until I saw the price! Seriously, I cannot justify the $130 price tag... even if it works as promised... this is just a rotating brush that helps to exfoliate your skin. I don't believe this brush should be more than $30. But of course, the company stuck to a high price tag to create a sense of exclusivity of this product. 

So because I wanted to try the goodness of rotating facial brushes, I've been looking for a dupe everywhere. Needless to say, I found tons of dupes, and even if they are not as expensive as Clarisonic, they still have high price tags. Then Boots, one of my favorite drugstore and pharmacy chains, announced they would release their own cleansing brush under their brand No7. I was super excited and I grabbed mine as soon as it was released. 

This was released on January 23rd with a promotional price of £15, but the normal price will be £25 by the end of February. So I think this is a bargain!

From what I have seen, the main differences between Clarisonic and this are that the No7 device is somewhat bigger (compared to the Mia models) and that this works with batteries inside. And unlike Clarisonic, there's only one model to choose from and just one color (white). That doesn't bother me at all, though I have to confess the Clarisonic Mia design is rather cute. Another difference is that the Boots device doesn't come with a lid or a storage poach, so I just use a makeup bag for keeping it safe from dust and other stuff. 

Prior to using this, I was scared that the bristles would be too hard and would damage and tear my skin.... but turns out they are super soft! I didn't experience any harm or anything (just if I pressed too hard) and it didn't leave my skin red and flaky as I thought it would. I've been using this brush with my all-time favorite Tamagohada AHA+BHA cleanser, and I think it works best, since this cleanser is very very creamy and foams easily. 

After cleansing my skin with this, my skin is super soft and clean. I don't experience any redness and looks like my moisturizer absorbs better! I don't use this everyday since I've somewhat sensitive skin; however, it you have normal to oily skin then it's probably fine to use it everyday. I've decided to use this 3 times a week just for the sake of keeping my skin well exfoliated so I can prevent breakouts. I can't wait to see if that's true. 

I will update my thoughts on this device after I've used it for a longer time. 

Update 1 (20/02): I've been using this for three weeks and so far, I haven't had any breakouts, which is a record for me! I think using this 3-4 times a week helps to keep clear skin. Also, I like the fact that my skin feels soft and that my serums and creams seem to absorb way better. Will continue updating soon!

Update 2 (21/03): I used too much pressure so I ended up with one of my cheeks being red and flaky for two days... ouch. It was really painful.   Fortunately, my cheek has recovered now and I have learnt the lesson: never use too much pressure when using this or you will end up with red and rashy skin. I think staying gentle is the key.