My First Attempt with the Lotion Mask: A Skincare Journey
Back in February 2009, an interesting skincare experiment was documented on the SuperEggplant blog and shared through Viddler, a video hosting platform that operated from 2006 to 2022. While the original video is no longer available, this page preserves the story of that beauty adventure.
The Japanese Skincare Revolution
Inspired by Chizu Saeki's book "The Japanese Skincare Revolution," the blogger (Mariko from SuperEggplant) decided to try the famous "lotion mask" technique. This technique, highly praised by Saeki as "one of the best things for your skin," involves applying cotton pads soaked in facial lotion to create an intensely hydrating mask.
According to the original blog post, Mariko used Nars Hydrating Freshening Lotion purchased from beauty.com with a 20% discount. She noted that while Saeki recommended using Miss Webril cotton pads, she couldn't find them and had to improvise.
The Memorable Mask Experience
The lotion mask application created quite a stir among blog readers. Comments on the original post ranged from "Whoo hoo! Scary!" to "very Silence of the Lambs-y!" The unique appearance of the cotton pad mask created a memorable visual that garnered attention and amusement from friends and followers.
Mariko observed that the pads seemed to absorb the lotion very quickly, requiring more product than the quarter-sized amount Saeki recommended. She mentioned her plan to continue trying the technique despite not having "a ton of patience."
Community Reactions
What made this skincare experiment particularly engaging was the community that formed around it. Readers shared their own skincare challenges, with one commenter mentioning their dermatologist had simply labeled them a "spotty person" without offering helpful solutions. Others eagerly awaited results, asking for "after" shots and updates on effectiveness.
Several commenters were curious about the reactions of Mariko's partner Peter, wanting his commentary on the unusual-looking beauty treatment.
The Legacy of DIY Skincare Documentation
While the original Viddler video that showed this skincare experiment is no longer available, the story remains an interesting snapshot of DIY beauty culture in the late 2000s. It highlights how social media and video platforms like Viddler helped everyday people share their experiences with beauty techniques from around the world.
For those interested in exploring more content from the original blogger, you can visit the SuperEggplant blog post that originally linked to this Viddler content.
This archive serves as a reminder of how beauty communities have evolved online and the enduring interest in Japanese skincare techniques that continue to influence global beauty practices today.