Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Skinny shaming

Well. just came across this article: http://everydayfeminism.com/2014/10/skinny-shaming-not-reverse-discrimination/

In short, it argues that skinny shaming is not "reverse discrimination" because the skinnies do not face oppression on a societal level. Which I really agree with, because I think most people just participate in skinny shaming so that they can indulge in their self-righteousness -_-

In order to demonstrate their "high" morals, these people stand staunch that the curvy and the voluptuous are equally, if not more desirable (which is fine, because I think everybody has a preferred body type even if society can, on a hazy faraway day, rid itself of prejudice).

However, they somehow feel the need to degrade the skinnies in the process, and the whole "support curves" thing becomes deeply ironic because they are again trying to set a social standard that we should all measure up to. There is, ultimately, no deconstruction of any ideals or binaries, but merely a shift in privilege.

But it's true though - skinny shaming just doesn't stick the same way fat shaming does. Although I do not appreciate being called a bamboo stick/chopstick/lizard/lollipop/tweety bird (...).


p.s. Of course, this view only applies to those who shame to ride their high horse. Hope your horse throws you off.

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Skincare holygrails

Hi. I am here to write about skincare because I have 2 presentations and an essay due next week. It's been some time since I've written non-academic stuff (On a side note, I just visited my previous pimple log on Dayre and I think I'm quite funny. Erm. *Buay paiseh).

I've blogged a bit of my pimple story before (here) but now I'm going to list some of my die-also-must-apply ones.


1. ASL // DrX
ASL stands for Acne Spot Lotion, not some dirty old man asking for your age/sex/location. It makes small pimples disappear, medium ones (with whiteheads) surface and drop off quick, and cystic ones (that are blind) shrink noticeably and harden over the course of a few days. Which is entirely remarkable considering that they are huge and go way below your skin's surface. However, I don't think you can completely get rid of the cystic ones with this. You'll need to go for an extraction for that and scream like you're being exorcised before you can heal from it. Also, this doesn't really get rid of scars. Excessive application may cause dryness.

This works the best for me so far, and its ingredients are not your typical over-the-counter type like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid (I think).


2. Zinc Repair Creme // Method Brigette Kettner
I use this as a sunscreen. It's not labeled as one, but Zinc Oxide reflects UV rays and heals your skin at the same time. It's great because it seems to control my oil (or at least I think it's this product) and makes your skin look fairer and more even-toned after applying it. On the other hand, application is slightly more difficult than the usual gel/water/cream based sunblock because this one has a thicker consistency - it's more like a paste than cream (you'll get use to it - I use small dab-swipe motions to apply it)

This is also more expensive (like $130+ for a tub), but it can last for a very long time. I've been using it for about half a year and I'm around halfway through it. So if you pro-rate it it's actually okay! (Yeah I tell myself this for every product I buy)



Actually I kind of forgot what other products I've tried and liked. I'll tell you what didn't work for me: IDS clinic's range. In fact, it didn't seem to work for anyone who wasn't sponsored. Hmm.

Maybe I'll do a post on treatments/ home remedies next time!