The Mole Removal Story (+ LOTD)

Not that long ago I announced on my Youtube channel that I had ‘secretly’ gone off to do a spot of surgery; it was nothing ‘big’ so I had not announced it before it hand after all it was only a mole removal.  Or rather it was several mole removals. 

A lot of people have messaged me to ask about the surgery and for a number of reasons; some were out of curiosity and some were because they had done it or want to do it so needless to say there are many questions to be answered.  So if you have asked me a question I will try my best to answer them here in this blog entry. 

So if you’re wondering what moles I removed, they were the one of my nose and the ones by my eyes.  Actually many remain on my face but I got rid of the first three that annoyed me the first.  I especially disliked the one on my nose and so having thought about it since I was probably about 11 (the same time I started caring about my looks) I thought it was time to do it.  I had a good 10 years to think it over and every day I was sure I wanted it done.  So ten years later and I’ve done it.  Was it a good decision to make?  We will find out soon enough!

So I think before I go into the actual nitty gritty, I feel like it’s important to address the emotional elements of the why and how.  It’s probably considered one of the most important factors before going into any type of surgery because there is always the idea of regret or even trauma.  I know this is only a mole removal but it’s also the human face; these days, the face is what brings in the money. 

So my decisions for the mole removal was simply because I just had enough of it being there.  You can’t quite say that I was ashamed of having it or embarrassed, I just felt it got in the way whenever I took pictures or put on make up.  It seemed like it didn’t matter how great my foundation or skin looked that day, the mole seemed to represent to me a genuine flaw.  I mean I didn’t hate it so don’t get me wrong because I know it’s tiny.  I also know what you’re thinking; you’re wondering why such a small mole would bother me.  Since having it done people have said to me that they didn’t realise I had a mole on my nose and those who did thought it cute.  I’m not shocked to be honest because I’ve come to learn that what you may be very conscious about, no one else really notices or cares for that matter.  But I didn’t like it!  It was just a mole that seemed to come from no where (I Wasn’t born with this or had this as a young child!) and it seemed to get darker and more obvious.  I Just had quite enough of seeing that mole every time I took a picture. 

As for the other two on my face, I didn’t quite mind them at all but I took them away for different reasons.  Something that is hard to talk about because it’s a hard cultural boundary to cross is the topic of  Chinese facial readings.  It’s very hard to appreciate if you have no idea what it is and have never been close to this practice from a young age; there are countless Chinese people who are not familiar or accepting to this practice and so I wouldn’t expect anyone to really understand my understanding of it.  But basically in the art of Chinese face readings, it is said that moles on the nose are a bad sign of bad marriages and futures while moles around the eyes signify many tears and troubled times.  Actually in this practice moles on the face generally are not considered fortunate and while some mean more than others, it’s best not to have them.  If you want to know more about this art we can discuss this another time but it’s one of those subjects that I feel is wasted on those who are very closed minded.  If you want to know why I believe these things then it’s like asking why some people believe that there is God or why some believe in Karma…or maybe witchcraft.  It’s just one of those things and I was trying to explain this to a good friend today and he seemed apprehensive (or rather completely resistant) on the idea…and he is Chinese!  But my theory is that it’s good to believe in these things only because it doesn’t do you much harm.  I remember the saying is ‘better safe than sorry’?

So we’ve covered why I did it, when I decided to do it and the other reasons behind it.  Now I guess I Should talk about when I actually did it.  The procedure actually took place last Saturday which I believe was the 15th May 2010 and so it’s almost been a week since having it done.  I’m booked in to see the doctor a month later just to check up on things… I hope it’s heeled by then because while the ones by the eyes have done well in healing, the one on my nose is particularly having a hard time.  The procedure took approximately 45 minutes but really the actual removal is very quick.  The doctor removed all three moles are the same time so I left the surgery with plasters all over my face!

So what’s involved?  I’m not a doctor so it’s not going to be quite accurate in what I’m saying but I can tell you the basic steps.  My face was injected with a local anaesthetic and that kind of hurt.  You have many nerves on your face so it was very uncomfortable to say the least.  Then he beings removing the mole; now mole removals tend to be either ‘cut out’ therefore leading to stitches otherwise if they are small like mine then they are just ‘shaved’ off.  My mum had hers cut out because they were large and about the skin surface so she had stitches.  So after this he uses something (that I have forgotten the name of) and he will basically burn your skin to seal it off.  At this point you will smell burning flesh which made me feel quite sick but it didn’t last for the long.  The worst part of this is probably the fact that the local anaesthetic didn’t work too well on the mole on my right side of my face so I felt most of it…. I’m not usually a wimp but that really did not feel nice!

Overall the experience wasn’t too traumatising but I have to say I’m not rushing to go get more done any time soon.  I don’t want to scare you because it’s really not that bad! 

Now the question of cost popped up quite often.  Firstly I will have to say that I met this doctor when he removed my Mum’s mole and he was a doctor who she was referred to through her GP therefore it was on the NHS.  However when I asked him at the time if he would remove mine he said that as there were not a danger to me, it would be purely a cosmetics case and therefore will have to be done privately.  Therefore I did it at his private surgery which means it was done as private prices.  Now prices really do vary because there are some places that charge £200 per mole and some more and some less.  My doctor was charging £100 per mole and as with most places, the more you do the cheaper it becomes per mole therefore I paid £150 for three to be done which in effect is not too bad!  So it’s going to be different depending on where you are and who you go to. 

So if you want to get your moles removed there are firstly a couple of things you must consider.  The things I suggest you think about is how important it is to you that it is removed and what benefits it will give you when it is gone.  Then you must consider whether you feel its more a cosmetics surgery or whether you think its a danger to your health (i.e. possibilities of Cancer etc) and so if it is the latter, your best bet is to go to your GP (your local doctor) as if you are worried, they can and will do it for you for free!  I kid you not, this is a known fact and I know people who have done this.  If you state that you feel it is changing in shape, feel or colour and they agree it may be dangerous then they will remove it on the spot for you.  However if you find they do not agree, they may well refer you to someone (or themselves) who can do it for you privately.  The best thing to do is to make sure they have a good reputation and positive feedback from previous customers and don’t forget to shop around before committing yourself.  If you feel you can trust the doctor then go with it!

Now there is the topic of scarring to discuss.  According to my doctor, scarring only really occurs for those who have the larger moles and those who need stitches.  For minor moles like mine there will be very minimal scarring.  Now if there is it is quite normal and I’m actually expecting scars just because my skin seems to love to scarring.  If you’re wondering what I’m doing to prevent scarring is I’m keep the areas hydrated and I’m trying my best not to touch them too much.  It’s important not to keep them too covered up and allow it to breathe.  Once the ‘wound’ is a bit more stable I will keep applying Vitamin E oil (or gel) in order for the scar to fade and also use my usual Aloe Vera gel all over the face which I have found over the years has evened out my skin tone.  I am also taking extra vitamin C supplements as it boosts the development of collagen which I hope means quicker and neater healing!

So I think I have covered everything.  If there are any more questions you are very welcome to ask here, in my chat box, via email or even formspring.  All that is left is to show you how much i CAM WHORED* myself rocking my little plaster and new eye shadow.  I bought two baked eye shadows from The Body Shop which is in their Summer Trends collection and I picked up Jade and Copper.  They are great duos to use for quick looks and so I thought I would use Jade today.  Enjoy the pictures!

*If you’re wondering why I made a point of CAM WHORING is because someone decided to tell me I was a ‘cam whore’ and in response to that I would say that yes I am and I’m proud of it.  So eat that!

  

JADED AND COPPER

 

Peace,

Cherry x

Pale or Yellow?

As you know I've been very busy with coursework so I haven't had any time to upload videos or anything.....let alone make any videos.  But I've got a lot in my mind that I'm afraid will eventually disappear and I'll forget to mention it so I need to quickly tell you guys!

I've recently had this new revelation in terms of my skin tone. Now being oriental Asian I know, and we all know, there are a different shades within our 'yellow' skin. 

You can either be a 'pale white' yellow like Sammi Cheng

Or more mid-yellow tone like Zhang Ziyi

All of which are natural.  That's why with the Missha BB Creams you'll get two shades of 'yellow' and thats why even though my sister and I are both related (obviously) we have different skin tones; her being more yellow toned and mine a more pink/white undertone. 

This isn't the more fantastic example but its the only one at hand: 

This is a picture of my brother in law, my sister, my mum and I when we were in Austria on a skiing holiday.  It's the better example I suppose because none of us have make up on (because who does that on holiday?!) but if you can see, I naturally am a bit more paler and my sister is more yellow. So needless to say I get the whiter pale from my mum and my sister gets darker skin from my dad's side of the family.  Hence why she is No.23 for BB cream and if I used No.23 it makes me brown. 


Now here is my dilemma.   What happens in the summer?  I tan like there is no tomorrow the moment the sun comes out, if the sun says hello, my skin just browns up like a turkey in an oven.  So that's annoying because I sat at my vanity table the other day and realised a lot of my foundations are not right.....AGAIN! 

So from now I'm going to have to separate my foundations (winter ones, summer ones) and it's interesting because there is a significant jump.  Let's talk MAC coding colours... in the winter I'm possibly a NC15 - NC20 and in the summer I could jump to a NC25-30.  This all depends so it's hard for me to find a good one. 

Also the reason why I began thinking this is because I was watching Gossmakeupartist recently and in his video he suggested that a woman should match her foundation to her chest - which makes so much more sense.  I've ALWAYS had this trouble with match my body because like a patchwork quilt, my body parts all different shades.  My face is darker than my legs and torso, yet my arms are always darker. 

The question is, what shade am I and what shoulder I go for?

I've decided that I'm more leaning towards the whiter pale shade a la my good friends Suzi and Lindy as opposed so my other darling friends Ling and Tiffany.

So I'm kind of in between which bugs me.  But if I look at my natural skin, once my tan has gone (which it has), I am very white, very pale (you must have noticed) and I should embrace that.  And rather than my face and chest being a different colour, I will work towards being all a whiter shade.  I used to use a more yellow toned foundation and if my chest was on show I would dust it with bronzer but now I think I will keep me one shade.  So thanks Gossmakeupartist for this revelation! lol!


Sorry, such a trivial post but I had to get it out there! 

Why Fresh Faced is sometimes the Best Face

Have a nice day everyone :)

Cherry's Morning Simple Skincare Routine Winter '09

For me, skincare is tenfolds more important than make-up.  The fact is that make up does not look good on bad skin and it can make your skin even worse.  Loving what nature gave you is important and that includes your body's largest organ - your skin.

Today I'm going to quickly go through what I use in the morning.  Looking at it, I have significantly decreased the amount of products I've been using and I think it's been doing my skin some good.  Besides what you're about to see I've also been doing well on my Weightwatchers journey and been eating healthily.  I've tried to sleep as much as I can but I think the key to good skin is being happy and relaxing as well as religiously cleaning day and night. 

Step 1: Cleanse

Why is it important to cleanse in the morning, especially if you cleansed before you slept?  This is because you can produce oil on your skin during the night as well as picking up dust and any unwanted bacteria during the sleep.  So a good clean in the morning will prepare you for the day and your skin will thank you for it.  I tend to use scrubs in the morning because it not only wakes me up but gives my skin a good flush and healthy glow. 

Right now I've reverted back to an old favourite, Neutrogena's Deep Clean Invigorating Scrub.

This scrub is particularly good for the morning as it has a great menthol feel to the skin.  It's exfoliating particles are part grainy and part beads and therefore gives a good balanced scrub.  I've recently been using this and letting my face soak in the product for a couple of minutes before I sleep.  The reason for this was because it would increase the menthol feeling so it would wake me up properly in the morning but I've foud since I've been doing this my skin has become softer; don't quote me on this but it might be the scrub - but probably not.

Step 2: Tone

Toning sweeps away any remaining cleanser from your face, balances your skin, calms it down and prepares it for moisturising.  I don't think I've used a product as continuously as I have with this one; the Botanics Rose Water Toner.

I adore this toner in every single way.  If you don't like the smell of roses, I would recommend two other toners I've listed below.  But definitely try this out if you can, it's absolutely fantastic and addictive.  I can't live without it and honestly calms my skin right down which has a tendency to flare up from many cleansers.

Other recommendations:

 

Simple's Soothing Facial Toner

Body Shop's Seaweed Clarifying Toner

Step 3: Moisturise

The key to any skincare regime is to moisturise.  The benefits of supple skin is monumental - and I'm not exaggerating.  When there is an inbalance within your skin you will get dry skin or break outs or redness - any imperfections is due to some sort of imbalance and that's moisture included.  You can even break out because of oily so don't be fooled into thinking you're safe if you have oily skin.  The fact is is that no matter WHAT skin type you are, you need to moisturise and feed what your skin needs.  I'm so in love with moisturising; my mother is in  her 50's and she honestly has the most gorgeous skin in the world and when I say it's soft, it's an understatement.  It's better than a baby's bottom, it's taut, glowing, soft, smooth and most of all - amazing for her age.  She is the type of woman who will never really need to wear foundation.  How has she achieved that?   She tells me its through religious moisturising and using as little products as possible.

Here are the three moisturisers I'm using at the moment.  All of them are amazing and totally recommended for dry/combination skin.  I'm currently using the latter A LOT and it's my current favourite.

 

The Egyptian Magic (4/5)

Embryollise Lait Creme Concentre (4.5/5)

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Multi-repair cream (5/5)

Happy skin, everyone!

Music in corresponding YOUTUBE video:

~ Ceui - Centfolia (insturmental)

~ Azu ft Seamo - Jikan yo Tomare (karaoke)

ELF Corrective Concealer, Complexion Perfection + HD Powder DEMO PICS

Hello everyone,

I wanted to show everyone how well some of the ELF Studio Line Products have been working for me, in particular, the Corrective Concealer, Complexion Perfection and HD Powder.

I've been using the Corrective Concealer from the moment I bought it which was about a week ago and I have been  really liking it a lot more than I expected.  The beige and nudes give decent coverage and the green and pink does a decent job and evening out my skin tone.

Below is a picture of what the nudes and beiges did as an undereye concealer as a lot of people will find this area the most problematic.

I have the corrective nudes around MY left eye - it is noticably lighter.

 Here I've applied the green concealer on the left side of my face, concentrating arounnd my nose and some on my cheeks.  I have also used the pink on my chin and on the surface of my nose.  As you can see from the top picture I have some marks on my nose from a 'incident' and below its been covered fairly well from the concealer.  So far, so good.

Next up is the demonstration picture of what the Complexion Perfection can do; I've used the pinks under my chin and around my eyes, also the yellow around the eyes as well as my cheeks, the green around my nose and blue I used to dot on top of any more visable scars.  What do you think?  (Don't forget, it's the left side which is supposed to be improving!  The right is just my bare face!)

 

Below I've used the HD powder on the left side of my face.  I took the powder puff and dabbed the powder around my face and used the ELF Studio Line Kabuki brush to STIPPLE the powder in.  The finishing results are a smooth, soft and matte complexion.  Voila!

 So note:  This whole look uses ZERO foundation - isn't that amazing?  Or is it just a waste of time?  I kinda of like that it uses less foundation - actually because of this my skin feels lighter and less caked - how wonderful :)

Fun fun I've also done half a made up face and half bare - Yes, I expose what Mama gave me!

Below:  in case you're interested, my finishing look of the day:

Other products used:

~ Lancome Kohl Pencil

~ GOSH White eyeliner

~ GOSH Amazing Length n Build mascara

~ Benefit Browzing (Dark)

~ ELF studio line blusher/bronzer duo

~ ELF studio line blusher in Berry Merry

~ Maybelline Colour Sensational lipstick in Galactic Mauve

~ Maybelline lipgloss in Frosted Melon

ELF CODE: ORDER OF £25 AND YOU CAN RECIEVE A FREE MINI MAKE UP COLLECTION WORTH  £15!

ENTER CODE: AGIFT4U

Offers until 21st Dec 2009

Go to www.eyeslipsface.co.uk  to purchase now!

Music info for corresponding Youtube Video is:

Song 1 ~ Maaya Sakamoto ~ Platinum (karaoke)

Song 2 ~ Utada Hikaru ~ Beautiful World (Karaoke)

Song 3 ~ Azu ft Seamo ~ Jikan yo Tomare (instrumental)

Song 4 ~ Big Bang & 2NE1 ~ Lollipop (instrumental)

Foundation Routine Update Fall/Early Winter '09

Foundation is possibly one of the hardest make-up tools to master simply because of the constant changes in your skin, environment, brands, product quality and even budget.  While it's easy to stick to the same eyeliner everytime, foundation can be chopped and changed, mixed and applied differently for different reasons.  The trick is to find what suits you and if it suits you all year round and if not, find an alternative that makes you happy.

This Fall I've been using a number of different foundations and have been paying particular attention to a lot of Maybelline products.  This Fall has been the first time I've ever used Mousse foundation and while it's been out in the market for some time, it's still relatively new in terms of innovation.  Maybelline's Matte Mousse foundation and concealer has been working wonders for me and for various reasons I've been using it non-stop.  For what I thought was going to be a disappointment, this product has impressed me a great deal and is definitely blog mention worthy.

Below is a step to step guide of my most recent foundation routine and how I apply.  This is not going to work for everyone but perhaps will give you some new ideas for what you can buy and achieve this Winter.

Step 1:  Start with a clean face

I like to start with a clean face and this is achieved by using your usual face wash or exfoliator. Below is a picture of me with no foundation on - yes my bare face - and I think it definitely needs a bit of perking up.  So lets begin...

Step 2:  Tone your face

Really this can be done with very cold water or even home made remedies such as rice water, lemon water or even green tea, but I like to use Botanic's Rose Water Toner.  This is just a personal favourite, find one that suits you best.

Step 3: Moisturise your face

For me it's crucial to have a good, moisturised base to the skin not only for your skins sake but also give the foundation something to stick to.  It's also important to form that barrier between your skin and the make up.  I'm currently using and in love with Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre (24 hour miracle cream) as it's been keeping my face extremely supple and can be used day or night.

Step 4: Apply a face primer

Honestly I think this step is optional.  Some find it imperative to use a primer and others can't see a difference.  I like to use a primer simply because it makes my foundation application easier and flawless.  It also gives my foundation a good base to work on!  Currently I'm using L'Oreal Studio Secret's Mattifying primer which is comparable to GOSH's Velvet Touch Foundation Primer however this one is supposed to mattifying your skin.  I'm not sure how far that actually goes but I do love how smooth it makes my skin feel, it definitely makes applying foundation much easier!

Step 5: Apply concealer

Some may argue that concealer should be applied after foundation but really I've been alternating this all my life and I don't see too much of a difference.  Right now I'm into using two types of concealers, one to even out skin and another highlight my undereyes.  The first concealer I use is for all over my face to cover imperfections such as uneven skin tone and redness.  I use Maybelline's Dream Mousse Concealer and I apply that around my eyes and all the areas of my skin that need covering.  The key to concealer is not to over-do it and use a patting motion to keep an air-brushed effect.  I also think concealer can be applied in any way you like; I personally favour using my fingers but feel free to use brush or sponge.

Step 6: Apply foundation

Next I use the Dream Matte Mousse foundation and that is just dotted all over the face and then smoothed into the skin.  I tend not to use too much of this foundation as little goes a long way.  It seems like a lighter version of Maxfactor's Miracle Touch Foundation which I adore; with that product is requires a sponge and a little working.  With this product it's much quicker and just requires moisturised skin and fingers.

Step 7: Apply highlighting/undereye concealer

Again, depending on your preference, you can skip this part or choose to include this.  I like to apply a undereye concealer which has highlighting properties on the dark areas of my face to give me an overall flawless complexion.  I will apply this under my eyes, around my nose and mouth and even on on my chin just under my lip.  I blend this in with my fingers usually or sometimes a sponge.  Right now I'm using Mememe's Flawless Concealer but I'm also a big fan of No7's Instant Radiance concealer.

Step 8: Apply powder

I will always apply powder to finish off my foundation but really with the mousse products it's not completely crucial.  A lot of foundations have a powder finish but I like to use a powder anyway to seal everything away.  I find buffing a thin layer of powder on top really makes all the difference and means applying blusher and bronzing becomes easier.  I'm currently using a Nars pressed powder in Eden.

The End Result

The key to foundation application is practice.  Finding the products and the right techniques can take a little time and effort.  Good look everyone and I hope you all enjoyed this blog entry.

Next Foundation update: Late December

PS.  I've now added a 'cbox' on my blog.  You may notice when you scroll down there is, on the left, a blue-ish white box in which you can now leave me quick messages and questions!  I will be sure to check them and reply :)

Lots of love,

Cherry x

Music from corresponding Youtube Video:

~ Yuki Kajiura - Epitaph

~ Yuki Kajiura - Sweet Memories #2

~ Azu ft Seamo - Jikan Yo Tomare

Cherry's Green Tea Facial Steaming

My Skin has been feeling quite dull, flaky, dry, lifeless and tired lately and most of all I've been breaking out due to my chaotic hormones - damn being a girl!

I've been wonderful why this is and then I realised I’ve been neglecting a once regular routine of mine and now I’m going to kick back my old habit – facial steaming

Facial steaming is the process of allowing steam to open up your pores and deep cleanse all the built up dirt and oil. It also encourages circulation and can therefore improve your complexion, detoxify your skin and begin the healing process of any cuts or blemishes.

If done in the correct way it also hydrates the skin and can leave once flaky and scaly skin feeling like a babys bottom.

Firstly you will need a facial steamer. Steamers do not have to be at all fancy, as long as it does the basic job you're good to go. Alternatively you can use a big bowl of hot water and a hot towel over your head - this is perfectly fine but just be careful. The advantages of a facial steamer is the heat regulating features so it won't go cold before the 15 minutes are up! Steamers come very cheap nowdays and can be purchased from many regular stores. Mine is from Argos and only cost £10!

Besides Green tea there are many other alternatives; you can use anything such as chamomile, peppermint or even lavender.

Green tea is packed with anti-oxidants and really helps to detoxify and cleanse the skin, not only this it is great for toning and keeping skin supple and firm. You can

use either loose green tea or if using a big bowl of water you could even pop in a tea bag.

I like to add rose buds to add a therapeutic note to the experience but this is totally optional.

Step 1:

Start up your steamer by adding water and also your extra ingredients, again this is optional. if you're using a bowl, put the kettle on.

Step 2:

Whilst the steamer is heating up you can begin prepping your face. Apply a thin layer of moisturiser to your t-zone area and a nourishing oil or product in your dry area, for me this would be my cheeks. (For some reason lately they've become very dry and scaly - honestly I swear when this was over the scalyness HAD GONE! For a while I thought it was a reaction from that Henna Hair Dye - but no...Just needed to steam)! Now apply an eye gel or cream and also a lip balm. This prepping keeps the steam from being too harsh on your skin as if you have dry skin it can make it worse. So if you have dry skin it is SO SO important to prep your face. Also the steam will allow the products to absorb into your skin therefore its a win win situation.

Step 3:

Now your steamer is ready to go and place your face above the steam and just relax. Try to rotate your face from time to time if the steam is not reaching your entire face. You can steam from as long as 5 mins to 15 but 15 should really be the maximum. You don't want to overdo it and reverse the effects and totally dehydrate your skin. it's a simple matter of osmosis. If you find its beginning to get too much you can take a breather.

step 4:

Now that you've finished steaming its time to take advantage of the open pores. Dab your face with a towel or muslin cloth. Now I like to apply a moisturising face mask. Use which ever mask you want but i recommend something nourishing and cleansing. I'm also apply an undereye mask. Now go relax for another 15 minutes until dry.

Step 5:

Prior to all this I had popped my facial toner in the fridge to keep it cool. Apply the cold toner to cotton pads to swipe off the face mask. It feels so amazing - I'm looking to get a mini fridge for my vanity room to put my nail polishes and toners in! The reason why I would not recommend running your face under water is because tap water can actually dry out the face, especially the water in Britain.

Once the fask mask has been cleared off you should reveal glowing skin. It will feel so soft!

Step 6:

That's not the last thing. The vital part is to drink a glass of water after this routine; I've mentioned that steaming can cause skin to dehydrate; to be on the safe side drink a refreshing glass of water just to top up your system.

Now lets go to bed

Enjoy x

Products used in the video:

• Visiq Facial Steam
• Loose green tea leaves
• Dr Organics Tea Tree Lotion
• Botanics Ultimate Eye Lifting Gel
• Nivea SOS lip salve
• Montagne Jeusse Mask
• Botanics Rose water toner
• Jojoba Oil