BEAUTY /
THE EXPERTS
December 1, 2014
Series: Michiko Fujiwara February 2012 | Amazing Results?! New Face Washing & Massage Techniques!
February 2012 | Revealing the "Three Sacred Treasures" for an Amazingly Deep Clean and Refreshing Feel
The New Way to Wash Your Face & Massage!
Lately, I've found myself doing more in the bath: washing my face and massaging. While that might sound obvious, it's not just any ordinary cleansing and massage. It's a method I devised after acquiring three specific products, and I'm so pleased with it that I can't help but praise myself. "This is wonderful!"
Photo & Text by FUJIWARA Michiko
The Synergistic Power of a Turban, Washi Paper Cleansing Cloth, and Platinum Electronic Roller with Carbonated Water!
It all begins with wearing a "Lift-Up Turban," which I found online by chance, like a headband. This headband has three strong, thick elastic bands that pull up any sagging in the face. It's particularly effective around the eyes, lifting them so much that it makes you look about five years younger. However, the turban's primary purpose isn't just lifting; it's to improve blood circulation by raising the skin and to open pores thoroughly. In other words, when you cleanse your face with this turban on, it removes dirt effectively, and when you apply skincare, it penetrates deeply. It's a fantastic helper item.
So, with the turban on, I start with cleansing. For wiping it off, I use the second product I'm introducing today. A friend, a stylist, gave me this washi paper fiber cleansing cloth from the brand "Fuga Style," saying, "This is really good!" There are two types: one with a waffle texture on both sides, and another (newly released in April) with a silk 100% knit surface on one side. I prefer the latter. What's wonderful about this product is its exceptional absorbency; it removes eye makeup cleanly. The washi fiber also removes only excess sebum, so it effectively cleans areas prone to oil buildup, like the T-zone. When I gently wipe off the cleanser with the wet waffle side, I can visibly see that it's coming off much cleaner than usual. Of course, the turban's effect also contributes to this thorough cleansing.
After cleansing, while in the bath, I use the knit side. I gently massage in circular motions. The key here, which I think is a brilliant idea, is to splash carbonated water from the hose of the "Awaizumi" microbubble and artificial carbonated spring bath system (featured in the July 2011 column) onto my face as I massage. After all, the combination of the washi cleansing cloth, carbonated water, and turban is boosting blood circulation. The result? My skin feels incredibly smooth and supple, with a noticeable boost in clarity!
But it doesn't end there. Next comes the "ReFa CARAT" platinum electronic roller. I've introduced "ReFa" products before (May 2011), and this is their new model. Its most impressive feature is its incredible kneading action. When I had several people try it, they all exclaimed in surprise, "What is this! It's amazing!" The roller is spherical, so it glides smoothly over the skin, feeling wonderfully pleasant. While in the bath, I focus on massaging my face, neck, and shoulders. My jawline and chin instantly feel firmer and slimmer, and my stiff neck and shoulders relax, bringing a blissful feeling. The trick here is to use it in the carbonated spring bath with the turban on, aiming for even greater synergy. On days when I have more time, I also massage my legs and arms, which is also incredibly satisfying.
After getting out of the bath...
After getting out of the bath, I do my skincare routine, still wearing the headband. After all, one of its purposes is to enhance the penetration of cosmetics. And after skincare, before removing it, there's one more thing. I use the "Kyoto Premium" scalp massager, which I also introduced previously (November 2011), to massage my scalp. The turban's instructions mention that "immediately after removal, the scalp's blood circulation is enhanced, so stimulating it with a massage right away revitalizes hair follicles and leads to lustrous hair." While the turban has various benefits, it has one drawback: due to its strong elastic, it tends to slip off easily. So, I've devised a way to wear it. After putting it on, I gather my hair into a ponytail at the nape of my neck and secure it with a band to prevent it from riding up. Then, I use two large clips to fasten the sides of the turban near my eyebrows downwards. This makes it a bit less likely to slip off. Oh, and another minor issue is that it can easily create a crease in my bangs. But considering the results, I feel it's a small price to pay!
This is how I've been washing my face and massaging lately, combining various products. The results are certainly showing! ... Or at least, I think so. What do you think?
