Why Asian Beauty is worth it (even for beginners)!

I am only 2 weeks into my Asian beauty commitment, but I've definitely got enough reasons for why AB is worth it. I definitely did not expect to feel so satisfied so soon. Especially today, my thoughts have been going off like fireworks. I don't know if the onset of the Year of the Monkey is tickling my inner mojo or what, but I can definitely get used to this. Anyway, it's late, I should be asleep, but I'm not. I know that if I don't say them now, I never will, because my memory kind of sucks.

A little background: I've been an AB lurker for awhile now and recently took the plunge without really having much of an expectation (especially so early into my journey). My skin has always been relatively uneventful post high-school. I get a pimple about once a month, I blot whatever oil is on my face (usually with a Starbucks napkin I acquired during my morning ritual), I see black spots on my nose that I pretend aren't there, and there's redness around my nose. Basically, this is the first time I've ever committed myself to taking care of my skin. My current routine is a 3 step cleanser, toner, and moisturizer (I don't wear makeup or sunscreen, though I have one on it's way in the mail!).

1. Increasing Awareness Due to the Gentle Nature of Cleansing

I used to think that my skin would be cleaner if I applied more pressure. It wasn't until I discovered AB that I came across foaming nets, sponges, and if nothing else, using our hands to lather up the foam. Once the foam has already been created, I was concentrating more on the application and the movement of my fingertips across the skin. I cannot stress how dramatically this has changed my awareness of the texture of my skin and the presence of things I couldn't see, but could feel. The mantras of life also apply to skin: You can't find a solution unless you know there's a problem.

Asian beauty reminds me of Yoga, except for the face -- every movement we make, we make with awareness.

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2. Equipping Yourself with Skin Knowledge

I've seen my fair share of blog/YouTube comments stating the extensive use of products in AB routines seem excessive. Why do it?  Do we just love splurging/hoarding? Do we think more is better?

I really want to stress to any readers... *cricket chirp* ahem, that while the majority of AB routines include 5+ steps, it isn't the number of steps that distinguish AB, it's the understanding of what and why each step is included. Take Hanbyul's acne routine for example.  She says, "The most important thing about acne prone skin is to use the least amount of skincare products. Using too much product doesn't mean its getting all absorbed... For younger acne problems, this should be enough *she is holding up 3 products*" (Can we all take a minute to express our platonic love for Hanbyul who is always so genuine and cute?)

The point is, AB is about introducing however few or many products as you need without compromising what you're trying to accomplish. In just the 2 weeks I've started my routine, I have noticed the dullness of my skin hasn't improved. Welps, isn't that a waste of time, then? Actually, wrong! This is just part of the foundation I need to understand what works and what doesn't work for my skin. The fact that nothing noticeable happened also means nothing bad happened. In the future, if something breaks me out, I can compare ingredients and narrow down culprits (like a badass, oh yeh!).

This is not just me trying to see the greener-and-never-been-mowed-grass on the other side (I've always imagined the other side to be maintained by an equally lazy me). This is truly the way to appreciate just how unique we are and how unique are skin is. No one else's routine is going to be the same as yours, because AB isn't about using a large number of products or using the products everyone else is using; it's about using the right combination of products that work for your skin.

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3. Having, Well, Fun!

Can we all agree mask parties are the best? Especially when everyone is trying to make everyone else laugh, and it basically just ends up being the most awesome fail party ever.

I recently moved so I don't know any locals, but I am really loving the me-time. I work 6 days a week and it's sad to say, but it's been awhile since I've felt like life wasn't just about eating, lack of sleeping, and going to work.

I'm keeping this last part short, because I think it's mostly self-explanatory. Just remember, life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's learning to dance in the rain.

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Thank you all for reading. I leave everyone with a picture of my disguised face (as I was proofreading, I read disguised as disgusted and then I realized it was my words about my own face and now I'm a little sad ;~;).

Welps. Keep calm and keep hopping! Bunny, out!

Laneige Water Bank Double Moisture Mask (the mask has 2 layers and was really hard to put on!)

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P.S. Happy Year of the Monkey (but, anxiously waiting for bunny year, again)!