Korean Beauty Products and Skin Care "Secrets"

No, this isn't a post dedicated to a scene of Eyes Wide Shut.
This isn't the Korean Zorro either.

This is a mannequin demonstrating the various treatment masks for all parts of the body.

Front and back.

I don't know about you but I just hate it when my saddlebags get a bit dry.

Except this mannequin wasn't displaying one of my favorite moisturizing mask types.

In case you are questioning yourself, that mask is specifically in regards to moisturizing under your buttocks.

Actually, you probably looked at the mannequin and noted that they missed the mask for nipples but alas they have that too.

This doubles as a mask for lips and nipples.

Koreans have led the way in the last decade in all things cosmetic and the Japanese and Chinese are the biggest export markets with American slowly growing year on year.

France used to be the innovator for the cheaper range of cosmetics but now it seems in Asia at least that 
Koreans have overtaken that niche.

Moisture mist sprays are considered essential and most women have one in their bag and they spray their face at every opportunity.

There are more high tech products other than spritzed water such as mini versions of red light and blue light hand held devices meant to stimulate collagen or kill bacteria that could cause spots.

They not only have all sorts of moisturizing packs for the body

and for different ages such as these masks that have animal faces for young mothers to entertain their children

but they have safety air filtered masks that also have uv protection.
This isn't something you get at your local chemists in Europe or America for that matter.

Different types of masks depending on your preference that you didn't know you had.

Now that I have discovered cuticle and finger masks - 
I will find it hard to live without these.

Why isn't lipstick with two colors the norm? 
I don't' know about you but I rarely use one whole tube of lipstick.
This is so clever and I feel like I am getting value out of this product.

No Korean would stick a finger into a pot of cream and most people use spatulas to retrieve the amount of product for hygiene issues.  Any flare up or spot just isn't worth the risk.

Most Korean women have a special fridge by their vanity table where they store cosmetics to keep the products fresh.  They also find that the coolness makes the experience of cleansing and moisturizing the face more pleasant. 

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Quick but essential tips for those interested in skin care.

Double cleanse.
 Double cleanse.
Because of pollution and prepping the skin for absorption of moisture this is the second most important step.

Most women will cleanse with an oily balm and massage the face and then cleanse again with a SLS free soap like cleanser.

Put a blue light pulse ( kills bacteria) on sections of the skin that need it.

They tone at least once if not twice.

They acid tone and/or moisture tone.

Serum is essential and for all ages and not something that 40 plus year old women do.

Put the red light pulse( increase collagen) on the areas of skin that need it.

Eye cream is another essential - 
I have been doing this since I was 18. 
No ifs ands or buts.

They do moisture/special masks at least twice a week. 

Even those with oily skin do it this because it is possible to have dry and oily skin.

They don't do proper facials as often as 

western women do probably because they do all of the above as part of their normal routine.

Korean women go to the dermatologist for facials

and like expert advice or treatments 

that they can't do themselves at home.

Another huge must is sunscreen - 

if it's a sunny day, they will apply sunscreen on at home.
They will also apply sunscreen in the winter and on a cloudy day because the aging rays of the sun filter through regardless of clouds or not.

Korean women are known for nice skin in Asia but all my Korean friends will admit that it isn't always something you are born with but good habits they develop and maintain for a lifetime.

For those interested in beauty and skin care, here is a link that will open many more links.
It is for a show called Get It Beauty which is one of the most in depth and informative Korean TV shows - it has subtitles!
PS I have tried to keep this short because I could have gone on and on and on...

Tanning Tips According to My Mother

It will seem incongruous to some to give out tanning tips in the age of SPF 50 and repeated campaigns of Slip Slop Slap.  

In some circles, tanning tips might seem akin to tips on how to smoke like a 1940's movie star.  

But alas, sun worshipers like smokers still exist.

But I find it always amusing to see people's acquired holiday suntans particularly while living in the UK.

The "serves you right for wearing your cap on backwards after the age of 15" tan.

 The Neapolitan ice cream tan.

I have been guilty of the "why did I keep my watch on holiday when all I had to do was flip over and eat" tan.


  Three pics above via  

There is an art to sun tanning and 

I don't mean the simplistic avoidance of the sunburn and/or increasing melanin in your skin.

One summer during my late teens while lounging around the pool, 
I remember reading a book under the trees.   
My already bronzed mother who was meticulously positioned 
to tan her body but not her face nor hands insisted 
I get some sun.

For those who may not be familiar,

 Asians normally don't tan and and try to stay fair but my mother has her own quirky ways. 

I put my sunscreen on (we wanted to be brown not wrinkled) and laid out but mother was still not done nagging guiding me. 

She told me laying on my side or at an angle to shade my figure was the optimum position while sunbathing.  Another option was the Brazilian way of tanning which is standing up which is not as relaxing.

Otherwise if you just tanned front and back,

 she called it the ice cream sandwich tan which 

she thought was a bit vulgar and very amateurish. 


 
My mother having artistic tendencies said we must aim for chiaroscuro which means the use of light and dark and shadows in overall composition in most art forms. 

Via

But alas make up artists who work on swim suit shoots always put a dark foundation patch on the sides of the body.

Even dresses such as the body con dress by Stella McCartney  that shave off an inch on either side of the silhouette are highly flattering.

But all idiosyncrasies aside,
I know the risks of skin issues as I have lived in Australia.  
In Asia I was surrounded with the exception of my mother 
by women who were obsessed with acquiring a neon white complexion.  The "Facekini" might seem a little excessive for some but I know a lot of Asians who will look at this picture and think - fair enough.

Via

But I have reached my own personal method for bronzing.  
I rarely stay in the sun if I don't aim to have a proper suntan.  Any direct sun is purely for Vitamin D replenishment or a premeditated holiday pursuit.
  I freckle due to my father's side so even when I do suntan 
I keep a hat on and stay under an umbrella.  It takes longer to develop a color but it also stays for longer. I also apply for purely cosmetic reasons extra sunblock on my face and my hands and decolletage. 

Via 
I also put on solid pancake foundation as a physical barrier as 
I find that I still develop loads of freckles even when I apply high SPF factors.

And don't forget there is always spray tan!

HRH Kate and her roots (not ancestry but her hair)

 Completely last minute post here!

Via

This isn't a love her or hate her post, I am actually on the fence about her but I do try and show some respect to the crown. 

But this isn't necessarily about her but her roots.

Not about her mining / French Hugeonot roots;

 I mean her hair.

As you may have seen depending on which country you are in, Wills and Kate made a quick visit to their local tube station today and she was pictured with her latest hairstyle.

Looks like she called in her hairdresser but only for a blow dry and not to touch up her roots.

Via

Now I haven't forgotten she gave birth a few months ago.

I am not a mother but I can only imagine how little sleep she is getting even if she has a nanny because I am sure that a mother's instinct to look out for a baby is overwhelming.

But for some reason, I was a little disappointed and almost sad.

(Only being honest...)

I guess I do expect certain people always to look groomed and polished.  I just didn't realize she was one of those people I had any expectations of. 

I myself am in dire need of a haircut but just can't face making chit chat with my hairdresser but then again I am a civilian.  

But does she have a duty to always look good?

Am I being unrealistic or am I just afraid she might fall into that slippery slope of becoming "mumsy" which she is entitled to do as she is a mother now. 

Or have I just gotten used to this postmodern phenomenon of women giving birth and doing a photoshoot days after?

I don't actually have a definitive opinion on this which is odd for me!   I guess I am just thinking out loud...

 Would be interested to know your thoughts on this...

The Mayr Clinic - Why I go again and again

Some of you may know that I have recently spent several weeks at the Mayr Clinic in Austria.

Via ( My camera got boxed up somehow so I had to use someone else's pic.)

Now I have been there four times and the reason I keep going back is because it works - for me.  But this isn't that unusual as the Mayr clinic also has one of the highest return rates out of any spa /clinic.  I met someone who has gone every year for 40 years!!

I have already written about what happens there and the daily regime in these posts.

I must say that what I am about to write is purely my own experience and if you are interested in it then you should talk to your doctor about it or ask the Mayr association directly about any serious questions.  I am only sharing my time there but I will try and answer any questions you may have to the best of my knowledge or direct your inquiry accordingly.

The first thing I have to stress is the Mayr clinic is not a fat farm! 
If you want to lose weight then I urge you to go to something like Weight Watchers which has the best proven track record for weight loss.

The Mayr Cure is a detox method.
I will write about the methods and how to do your own Mayr Cure for those who can't make it to Austria in my next post.

I will also be giving away three books also in my next post I got at the clinic but in the meantime I will be sharing my results.

Greetings from the Mayr clinic in Austria

Grüß Gott or Grus Gott as they say round these parts.
It means something like may God greet you. 
You are supposed to respond if I see him, Wenn ich ihn sehe or hopefully not too soon, Hoffentlich nicht so bald.

I have been a little quiet on the blogging front as I arrived here last Thursday for a duration of 24 days.  I am doing my annual physical MOT at the Mayr Clinic.  Some of you may have heard of it recently as plummy Plum Sykes did a feature in US Vogue about a Mayr Clinic just two miles down the road from where I am. 

There are quite a few clinics in Austria that follow the Mayr Cure.

Roman Abramovich famously hired the Lanserhof Clinic when he was going through his divorce.  Another great Mayr Cure based facility that some of my friends went to and I would have joined except I went off to Southeast Asia in March is the Park Igls.

My Gesundheitszentrum ja wohl!

Blogger trouble...Paris pharmacy post take two!

Hello everyone.

Blogger must have had a technical issue because it hadn't updated my latest post so I am posting this again with a link below.  

I would have just copied and pasted except 2 people already commented on it by accessing via facebook or bloglovin.

She has seen it now - what next?

http://naomipicks.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/already-seen-eiffel-tower-then-go-to.html

Many thanks.

Already seen the Eiffel tower? Then go to Paris for the pharmacies.

She has seen it now - what next?

I am going to be very controversial for a few of you and then there will be those who will be high fiveing me cyber-spacially.  
But I am not that crazy about Paris. 

Anymore that is. (Gasps, I hear?) 
 

We all have different experiences of any place right? 

I loved it when I was 17.
Mind you I loved Renoir then as well. 

Things change.

Pun very much intended.
( To any Parisian readers, I apologize and I am sure you are the exception.)

Taking the waters - at home.

I look at baths as one of life's big equalizers.

There are anecdotes of calming people who are about to meet or deal with famous people asking them to imagine them on the loo or without clothes on.  It is a very simplistic way of reminding some that everyone is human.

So easy to add a few flowers - if you are so inclined.  Very photo-shoot ready.

I look at baths in the inverse way.  It is one of the few pleasures that most people can manage.

Miners after a long day at work.

It's an aquatic massage.  The levity, the buoyancy, and warmth enveloping your body is enjoyed by both a labourer and a hedge fund manager at the end of a long day.  I take one every day as a form of meditation: either shutting out the world or running through the day's events.

Not many things are better than reading in the bath.

Finally have a chandler! Not the one from Friends.

As you all might have guessed, I really like candles.  

It is something I use everyday and I can't believe it has taken this long for me to find a chandler.  I like saying that word - chandler -  or otherwise known as a candle maker. 

Through a friend, I discovered Rachel Vosper - a proper artisan and chandler.  I love that in this day and age there are still craftspeople out there producing products in store.  She has the cutest boutique that would not have been out of place in London during the 1700's.  I took some pictures for those of you who might be too far away to visit her store anytime soon.

How cute is that - you can sit on the chairs while deciding which candle you want.

It is located opposite one of my favourite resturants, Salloos, and next to a cute pub.

She has an amazing range of scents that are distinct and her range of glassware is diverse and original.

The vessels themselves are beautiful and would make a lovely decorative addition to any home.

How beautiful is the long white one - perfect for the dining or coffee table.

Images taken from her website where there are more beautiful options with many unique scents.  
You can even design your own!

But what really sets her apart is her refill service.  

This is truly revolutionary.  

I know I have so many empty glasses once the candle is done.  

I think almost everyone I know including myself and most blogs I read have an empty Diptyque or Cire Trudon candle that doubles as a makeup brush holder.  But you only need so many utensil holders right?

I love glass as a material - I collect it in many forms.  

I have this gorgeous green whiskey goblet that I adore but as I don't drink whiskey I end up just looking at it.

I took it to Rachel so she could do her magic. 

Before the makeover but still pretty right?

This glass does not have a bad side.

So after a few days with Rachel - she turned it into a beautiful French Lavender scented candle.

I love that I had a big part in making this unique candle.  

Here it is - Voila!

She is so clever she used two wicks for more even burning.

Action shot - isn't the two flames pretty cool?

She really can refill most vessels - if unsure just bring it to her and she will let you know if she can make it into a candle or not.  She is so nice that she even refills empty candles from other brands so don't worry about bringing them into her. 

I have already decided on my next new candle which is this soup tureen!

Soup tureen from the Nil pattern collection from Hermes

I can't wait to show you after it becomes transformed. 
She is having a sale at the moment - 25% off candle refills until end of February so now is a perfect time to try! 

 If you don't live in or near London, you should find your local chandler and see if they can transform a piece in your home that is staying idle.

Candles rule. Candle rules.

Just a bit of trivia before we begin

Bougie is the French word for candle.  Did you know that the term bourgeoisie  was derived from the word Bougeoir which means small candlestick with out a foot, with a ring or a handle? The bourgeoisie were the only people who could afford so many candles so the term stuck to those who could and would use candles all the time.

Please excuse the second post about candles immediately after yesterday but they have been part of my daily routine especially as the days are getting shorter.  I am lighting candles all over the house and I just want to create that "hygge" feeling, that notion of coziness the Danes do so well.

Burning the candle at both all ends

I remember when scented candles were really burgeoning as a perfumed home fragrance and replacing Glade sprays in the mid nineties. Since then, it has gone from luxury splurge to part of one's weekly or monthly shop.  I buy more candles than lip gloss now whereas it used to be the other way around.

The market has grown to such a point there are so many brands to choose from.  I just wanted to share with you the pros and cons of some popular brands at the moment.

Cire trudon

This is the mother ship.  Look at their wall display in the picture above - simple but effective.  The oldest candle making firm since 1643 that used to make candles for French royalty during their heyday in Versailles and Napoleon.  They blow everyone out of the water.  They use hand blown Venetian glass as seen in the picture below.  The vessel itself is of such quality with deep rich colors. I tend to use them as mini vases or utensil holders when the candle is finished.  The wax is so pure and clean that it burns evenly. You never get pockets of wax on one side with left over wax stuck on the other side of the candle.  The staff in their boutiques are very knowledgeable and teach you how to light and treat the candle for most effective use.  The scents are interesting and complex.  The only negative I can say about this is that it is very expensive at £60 for a standard sized candle.  This makes Diptyque look a bargain.  8/10, if it were cheaper it would be a 10.

 

Jo Malone

One of the earlier makers and I was a loyal fan of their candles.  I used to go to their original shop when it was the size of a small bedroom on Walton Street in Chelsea.  They were the pioneers of modern scents.  Beforehand, candles were either Jasmine or Lavender.  Lime, basil, and mandarin was groundbreaking.  So much so that it was the equivalent of Giorgio of Beverly Hills, CK One, and Ralph Lauren: scents that started out intoxicating but became so ordinary.  I feel that the firm has stalled a bit and are not being as adventurous but that is probably because it is now owned by Estee Lauder so they are just flogging a proven formula. But the scents are dependable and comforting.  The price point is in line with other luxury home candles but the wax is inconsistent.  Some candles burn evenly and clean while others dont and there is nothing more annoying that having wax on the side of a candle.  At £ 38, one does not want to leave a wad of wax on the sides of the candle!  But I must say I don't know anyone who would mind receiving this as a gift. 6/10

White company

This company really is the Boden of the homewares world.  It is dependable and just works.  The candle scents here on average are what one would expect.  They are middle of the road and appropriate for non special occasion home use; midweek stay at home in the evening use.  But there is one huge hit scent that I come to White Company for - Winter spray.  It is the sweetest, nostalgic and comforting blend of orange, clove, and cinnamon.  It is its most popular scent and never on sale - unless you have a voucher.  It comes in every conduit of scent possible - including Winter spray Christmas wreaths.  The candles are fine and do the job.  But at £ 20, one should not expect the rich release of scent that the more expensive ones have.  But I use this in conjunction with the home spray.  7/10

Diptyque

This brand has almost gone the way of Jo Malone.  They used to come out with some really original scents that were an olfactory sensation.  The fig scent, called Figuier was a huge hit.  People were going nuts over the scent. At one point almost every home I visited had this candle burning.  Recently, it seems they have realized they must constantly be innovative and have brought in new packaging and scents. Wax burns relatively evenly so less wastage.  At £38, they should not be resting on their laurels.  A dependable brand that whilst I may no longer buy as frequently unless I have my figuier craving, I always love receiving as a gift.  6/10

 

Yankee Candle

This is at a cheaper price point that the other luxury brands.  I must say that I think there must be some sort of colluding of prices on the luxury brands because most seem to be £ 38...But that is another story.  Yankee candle is an American brand and always come out with flavors that would make a great chap-stick or perfumes that 7 year old girls would adore.  It brings out the child in me and I light these candles with abandon and without guilt.  These are also candles that go on sale once in a while so I always try and bulk buy them when possible. Yankee Direct and QVC also have some special deals on them so try and catch them while they are on sale.  Cranberry chutney, apple cinnamon pie, blueberry milkshake anyone?  7/10

Mmm, no thanks.

There is a place for luxury and a splurge and there is plain old waste of money.

This is my mini list of non recommendations and options instead.

1)  Diptyque scented ovals

32 pounds for perfumed wax.  Now I know candles are slightly more. But lighting a candle, seeing the flicker of the flame, scenting the air inside the whole room.  All of a sudden, 38 pounds is starting to seem value for money!  I bought this once and I decided I would rather buy a subscription to a magazine I rarely read instead; at least I could share it with someone after I was done with it.  It just hangs there like old fashioned soap used by the military locked up inside your closet with your clothes smelling like expired Glade.  There is no shared experience.  

What I do instead is buy my favorite soap from a perfume line.  I buy Chanel no 5 soap and stick them in my drawers and my closet.  At 17 pounds, it is almost half the price of one scented oval.  You can get two for the price of one.  Chanel, a bargain!  If there is a soap version of your favorite perfume, then you could try this to scent your clothes or room subtly.  If you want to make the scent go further, you could grate the soap with an apple peeler and put in a small, empty lavender pouch and place where desired.