At $38 a pop, this cleanser isn’t a reasonable option for all of us. But PeaceBang was having such trouble with blotchy, irritated skin last spring she asked the cosmetic goddesses at Sephora for advice (warily, because although they act like your Concerned Aunt Mabel, they’re working girls and guys trying to make a commission, and we must be wise as serpents about that reality). A young creature with eyelashes as long as my arm recommended this product, I purchased it with hope in my heart, and within a week or so my skin was noticeably calmer and less red. I love that it dissolves eye make-up with ease, and that one uses so little of it that it lasts for a couple of months.
Darlings, please consider thinking more seriously about your skin care routine. I still notice a very high incidence of Serious Drabosity at religious gatherings, and if I didn’t know better I’d think that we were all taught in seminary that dull, blotchy skin, bags under the eyes and lank hair were signs of Christian virtue. They are not. Check Paul: “drab face” is not in there. Ask yourself this: have I convinced myself that lack of grooming and skin care make me seem somehow more gentle, loving, compassionate, and a better representative of the Kingdom of Heaven? Do I believe that eschewing these vain concerns makes me truly more humble?
If so, PeaceBang must tell you a hard truth: it doesn’t read that way to the people you work for and with. A wan, splotchy, maybe even flaky-skinned or scraggly face doesn’t say “humble” anymore. Maybe it did at one time. Maybe at one time it said, “groovy” or “counter-cultural” or “Jesus-like.” Times have changed. They’ve changed a lot. Nowadays that same visage reads “uncared for,” “unhealthy,” “can’t be bothered” and even “disrespectful.”
Surprised? Don’t be. Pay attention to 2008. While counter-cultural once may have meant skipping lipstick and letting our hair go au naturel it now means things like foregoing Botox, considering plastic surgery as too extreme, and reflecting on how toxic to the environment a product, perm/chemical straightening, hair color or nail polish may be. Do you see what I’m saying? Just as exegetical methods change style over time, so do visual images and their meaning. You are not only a spiritual being with a great big heart and brain, you are a public figure and a visual image.
What visual image are you projecting on behalf of the work of ministry in 2008?
No great soy- or God-based insights to share, I just wanted to say that I’m so excited BTFM is back! I’ve got a big review of beauty products on my own blog along with an announcement of your glorious return.
I love this stuff! After a couple of years of using it I’ve decided to start using a more acne-ridding kind of cleanser on the daily (dang adult acne, boo). But I still keep some of this around for makeup removal. Even when I used it every day a bottle usually lasted me about 3-4 months, so the cost evens out. Fresh has really great stuff, their supernova mascara is THE best.
Their products are rather expensive, but in my experience the things I have splurged on last a long time.