Korean beauty practices have gripped the imagination of many western women in recent times. So too has another eastern beauty ritual that is regularly practised in Japan: face-shaving. This is actually nothing new; women have been shaving for thousands of years, with everyone from Cleopatra and Marilyn Monroe to Elizabeth Taylor reported to have been partial to whipping out the razor on occasion.
So why would anyone want to do this? It seems strange, in a world where there are plenty of other longer-lasting hair-removal treatments such as wax, laser and IPL. Because of its masculine connotations, most women will never admit to shaving their faces. However, women with hormonal issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the menopause often find that the amount of hair on their faces increases, and this can mean that face-shaving becomes a more attractive proposition. It also appeals to women who experience reaction to hair-removal techniques such as waxing.
Vellus hairs are the fine, light-coloured, downy hairs that everyone has on their faces. In most cases they are virtually invisible, but some of us have furrier faces than others, and when make-up is applied over these tiny hairs, it has the effect of making them thicker and more visible. The hated “foundation moustache” is a direct result of vellus hairs being coated in foundation and then topped with a layer of powder, which makes them stand out proudly in 3D relief.
Lathering up with a Mach 3 and rasping a five-blade razor across delicate lady skin is not necessary as specialist, one-blade razors are used to gently trim hair. Brands such as Tinkle produce tiny razors very cheaply, and a pack of three will set you back less than €5 on Amazon.
Face-shaving is carried out in salons too and is known as “dermaplaning” or “blading”. Removing vellus hairs should only really be avoided if you have acne or breakouts. To get around this problem, apply your foundation in a downward movement, and try mineral make-up instead of liquid (this will not coat the hairs as thickly).
Face-shaving enthusiasts, and there are many, proclaim that the procedure leaves them with softer skin, exfoliates and ensures make-up goes on more smoothly. Some people claim that men have better skin than women as they age because of a lifetime of shaving, but this is simply not true. Men have thicker, oilier skin, which means their skin is stronger and not as prone to signs of ageing as women’s, so we can throw that myth out straight away.
Unfortunately, this phenomonen is introducing another level of paranoia and insecurity relating to the way women feel about themselves. Do we really need another issue to feel self consious about? Before you reach for the razor bear in mind that the only person your downy facial hair might be visible to is, well, you.
Aisling is on Twitter @aismcdermott
Contact beauty@irishtimes.com
AISLING’S PICKS OF THE WEEK
Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet
(€12.50) I really like these lip colours and have worn them since they landed on counters last year. The shades are perfectly matte, easy to apply with the lipgloss-style wand and have smooth, long-lasting coverage. Put lip balm over the top when the weather is bitter and the colour will last all day.
L’Occitane Shea Butter Cleansing Oil
(€20) This skin-softening cleansing oil is perfect for normal to dry and dehydrated skin. It contains 5 per cent shea butter, and it dissolves make-up completely and washes off to leave skin ready for moisturiser.
Aldi Carino Miracle Oil
(€3.99) Spread a few drops of this serum through wet hair before styling to keep frizz under control. If you are a fan of L’Oréal Miracle Oil, you will like this limited edition.
Dermalogica C-12 Pure Bright Serum
(€101.45) Even though we are thankfully seeing a grand stretch in the evenings, skin still needs help to awaken from its winter slumber. Brightening serums such as this are great for sloughing off dead skin cells and evening out skin tone.
Kiehl’s Precision Lifting & Pore Tightening Concentrate
(€56) Now here is a potion that will interest anyone who is concerned with sagging and enlarged pores. Almost immediately, skin will feel firmer, fine lines smoother and pores will appear smaller. Another winner from Kiehl’s.
AISLING LOVES . . .
Daisy Marc Jacobs Sorbet Edition (€61) I love the iconic flower-topped bottles of the Daisy scents. Sorbet is fresh and juicy, with pear and passion fruit top notes, which settle down into a warm, long-lasting fragrance.
ASK AISLING: YOUR BEAUTY ISSUES SORTED
Q I am in my 50s and I have been using skincare and make-up since I was a teenager, which is why I feel really silly asking these questions: what does a serum do, and when should I put it on – over or under my foundation?
A Don't feel a bit silly. The amount of new skincare products flooding the market is enough to confuse anyone, but I promise: once you try a good serum you will never look back. Think of it as a concentrated booster to increase moisture and to firm and brighten skin. L'Oréal Age Perfect Intensive Re-Nourish, or Clarins Double Serum, or, if you have money to spend, SkinCeuticals Resveratrol BE, all work well. Put serum on after your cleanser and toner, if you use it. Let it sink in for a couple of minutes, then apply moisturiser and finally foundation. Send your beauty queries to Aisling on Twitter @aismcdermott or email beauty@irishtimes.com
