Skincare

My one-month attempt to get a V-shaped face – here’s what I discovered

26.06.2019

By Gwen Ong

My one-month attempt to get a V-shaped face – here’s what I discovered

Do kids say the darnest things? Yes, I’m inclined to think kids can be brutally honest. I was called ‘muka penyet’ or ‘flat face’ by my peers when I was young. You see, my face was round with neither high cheekbones nor tall nose. I was at best a deflated basketball. For years, I was teased for my lack of facial definition. Lucky for me, my facial structure started changing when puberty set in. I finally got a somewhat 3D face at last!

My face is more proportional now but I’ve never quite lost the baby fat around my cheeks. The first sign of weight gain and PMS bloat is really apparent on my face. Sigh. About a month ago, I embarked on a ‘V-shaped’ challenge with the new Clarins V Shaping Facial Lift. I wanted to see if I could “manipulate” my features. This is what I discovered…

The quest for ‘V’

Since its introduction in 1998, the Clarins V Shaping Facial Lift has been a consistent bestseller, favoured by many women (and men) to help achieve a more defined look. So you can bet I want a slice of the cake too!

The latest fifth generation serum by Clarins is still all about facial contouring but now, it comes with an updated formulation that not only work against facial roundness and excess water retention but also the pull of gravity. Admit it, many of us have less than desirable lifestyle habits that can affect our skin’s health. E.g. walking in the sun without protection, using our phones in a questionable condition, etc. Clarins researchers found that UV rays and pollutions can cause as much as 70 percent decrease in collagen and hence, contribute to the loss of skin elasticity and face contours, and the onset of sagging skin, double chin, etc. Yikes!

The new serum treatment contains a selection of unique plant extracts including the star ingredient – agropyron. This plant basically has superpowers—one that translates to big holding power to fight against gravity. Of course, I hope I could give my face some super lifting too! The contouring serum also has other key plant-based ingredients such as zerumber ginger extract, horse chestnut escin, arabica coffee shrub, guarana, oat and sunflower, which you can read more about here.

The first week

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First impression – the Clarins V Shaping Facial Lift has a lightweight texture that absorbs easily into the skin. I love the smooth lotion and fresh scent that makes it pleasant to apply. It’s mild enough to not trigger any reaction. My skin is fairly sensitive so this was a plus point in my book. I studied the Clarins’ Auto-Lifting massage technique to ensure that I was giving my skin the best treatment. The idea is to activate fluid release and pat away the puffiness, water retention, etc with the gentle pressure.

While I like the idea of a less bloated appearance, this technique meant that I would need to spend an extra 5-10 minutes on my skincare routine every morning and evening. It’s already taking me about 20 minutes to layer on my toner, eye cream, serum, moisturiser and etc. Now I need to take into account the extra precious minutes ticking by. But I was game to see better results – I convinced myself that being “extra” is essential to my gain. Seven days is a short amount of time to tell of any difference but my colleagues did notice that my skin looks smoother and more radiant. I’m off to a winning start!

The first month

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Four weeks in and the Clarins V Shaping Facial Lift has become a promising part of my morning and evening routine now. Admittedly, there were a few times that I skipped the manual massage as I was pressed for time. But I do make up for it with a mini facial some nights – when I’m feeling a little motivated, I used a jade gua-sha tool to further help in detoxifying and firming up the skin. Again, I think the extra effort will show.

I don’t think I’ve scrutinised myself as much as I do since I started this ‘V-shaped’ challenge. There is a subtle difference in terms of how my skin feels smoother and tauter now. This is the most positive “lifting” effect I could see. I went into this challenge without expectation, so I’m pleased that my skin condition is looking better these days. Also, the ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos above do tell the difference. I’m shook! But here’s the thing, Clarins V Shaping Facial Lift is an aid to refine your features and not a miracle worker. It’s best to remember that your bone structure has a lot do with how much it can do for your desired V contour. I’d say use this if you’re battling with puffiness and your skin is lacking radiance – the serum’s super ingredients combined with the manual massage will help to keep the bloat at bay and enhance your glow. See being extra will really benefit you.

Clarins V Shaping Facial Lift is priced at RM335. Find out more about the new contouring serum at the Clarins V Shape Studio happening at Mid Valley Megamall this 1 – 7 July 2019. There are various activities taking place, which you can pre-register for here.

 

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