Compressed paper facial masks review

Skin sheet masks (like this one) work wonders, but they can get pricey at $2-5 each, which adds up considering you need to use them at least once a week for lasting results.  Then I found this pack of 100 compressed paper masks on Amazon.  They're basically vacuumed face sheets, but you add the liquid ingredients yourself.  Saves a lot of money and packaging plastic, and it's a good option for routine skincare.  I'm going to save the "sheet packs" for special occasions.

It comes in individual packs that look kind of like mints. 

1.  They're very small, but you can see all the little layers packed in each one.

2.  Pick whatever liquid that will benefit your skin.  We had some ginger tea on hand (chamomile or peppermint tea would also be good to use), so I steeped it and let it cool in the fridge.

3.  Plop the sheet mask in the liquid and it'll plump up right away.  Let soak for a moment.

4.  I got an aloe leaf (can be found at Asian supermarkets), cut off an inch segment, and directly swiped the gel over my face.  Aloe plants are used for healing cuts and burns, and so are a great natural skincare ingredient.  Make sure to wrap the remaining cut end with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for later use.

5.  Squeeze out excess liquid from the mask.  Carefully unfurl.

6.  Put it on for 10 minutes or so, depending on how long it takes to lose its "juiciness."  Rinse off any aloe residue and apply moisturizer.

P.S.  Shipping the masks from Hong Kong unfortunately takes around 3 weeks, just FYI.

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Redress: Rethinking fashion's eco-impact

Okay, Blogger isn't letting me post this video so I'll link it:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUgmBVI73ic

Tons of textiles and unwanted clothes are tossed each year - it's amazing how much is wasted from the manufacturing process all the way to individual closets in this fast-fashion, hoarding society.  Frankly, I've been sick of "Made in China" being an adage meaning cheap, poorly constructed, and with exploited hands, so it's refreshing to see that this movement is gaining a following in China itself.

Redress is an organization based in Hong Kong with the goal of promoting sustainability in fashion.  From challenging student scholarship competitors to use recycled fashions, to salvaging parts from donated clothes to produce genuinely fashionable quality pieces, they're finding innovative ways to build a solid reputation. "Ecochic" doesn't have to look hippie or patched together anymore.  It can be the new norm.

One reason why I've perhaps shied away from going into the fashion industry is that it can seem so frivolous and destructive and conformative.  But with groups such as this - where my serious passion for the environment in combination with style (that doesn't have to be sacrificed) - I could seriously consider such a path.  Possibly.  There are all sorts of ways to chip in and save the planet, right?

 Sorting through donated clothes and picking things that are made of quality material to reuse.

An EcoChic fashion show.  You wouldn't have known these were recycled, right?

Liora Lasalle, recent competition winner.  She transformed old worker uniforms in a totally new direction.

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Uncharacteristic

Today, I dressed somewhat unlike myself.  Sweats, and the color black.  Guess it kind of reflects my mood/mentality nowadays.

During the day (to take the GRE) I wore a pale grey sweatshirt that was free from being on the Bubble staff.  Like, a hoodie without a hood.  Doesn't sound like the most attractive thing, right?  But I didn't want to bother with looking good while taking the 4 hour test.

And for this first-time bible study/hangout at night, I didn't want to "make an entrance" so I went with black.  I hardly ever wear black (discounting some outerwear) because my hair is already black, so it tends to make me feel gothic. 

 

Outback Red Fairisle Peplum Sweater (from the Limited)

Got this sweater about a week ago.  It is actually a lot cuter in person.  The slightly metallic gold threads and heavy pattern made it feel less dark and dreary.  Plus a peplum detail and 3/4 sleeves, so I guess it still had my aesthetic, but black is definitely a rare thing to find me in.  It's sort of a "good impression, but no statement" sweater?

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The Scientist

Sometimes I look at the remnants of my teenage wardrobe and go...

Back then, none of my clothes really communicated well together.  There was no cohesion or theme of any sort, so mixing and creativity was a problem.  With such a selection, you often feel like you have nothing to wear even if it's overflowing.  I was often blinded by brands and sales, even if quality, worth, or even overall style was lacking.  Hence some things that are too big/too small that were bought because they were on sale, and several ill-fitting, boring Hollister pieces that I would have given away already if it weren't for the original price tag...

Yet, I will give myself the credit for being experimental.  I chose some voluminous jackets and pieces in interesting colors.  It's a continual learning experience in how to shop and how to dress.  And because you constantly change, so does your wardrobe.  Even if life might seem in a bit of a rut, the right clothes can slowly prompt you to get out of it.

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