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Fiixii

February 20, 2016 lifestyle•personal

I am not a product

IS MAKEUP false advertising - i am not a product

I am not a product.

I’m not four limbs and a torso of stiff, ABS plastic, and a head of soft PVC.

I am not secured by four ties to three walls of cardboard with an acetate window to look out on coldly lit aisles

I am not stood on a shelf surrounded by my sisters and my brothers and my non binary siblings, waiting to be picked up by the hands of those who want me

I am not someone or something you provide a voice for, put in made-up scenarios, and put back when you’re done

I am not brainless or mindless

I am not tricking you with changing what is on my face from day to day, or from the clothes I wear

I am not a false advertisement because

I am not a product.

I am not a product - makeup and outfit choices are not false advertising

I am not a product. I am not a commodity because I flick my eyeliner and change the colour of my lips, or dress a certain way. It is how I express myself visually, an extension of my likes. Once that comes away I’m still the same person, I still think the same thoughts and laugh at the same bad jokes and dream the same dreams, because I am more than that day’s choice of outfit, that lip colour, that trend I tried.

I am not a product because I enjoy following sometimes, and forging my own path at others. Humans are wonderfully multifaceted, and we’re on this massive curve where it is sometimes necessary to contradict yourself in order to learn. We are not one thing, but many.

I am not a product because I do not define myself by what I have put on that day. It is not a trick or a ruse or a mask or disguise to hide behind. It is not an advertisement to or for anyone. It is not a false truth because this is who I am right now.

There is too much talk these days of makeup being a tool to ‘falsely advertise’ people. Memes like ‘take her to the pool on the first date’ or ‘why I have trust issues’ perpetuate a culture of mistrust of those who dabble in makeup or pursue it professionally. This is not some black magic voodoo that is used to ‘catch people out’ or trick you, it is a form of self expression; perhaps a confidence booster to some, or just a bit of fun for others.

Critique on the culture of painting our faces has created such a paradox. Paint and you incite ideas of fakery, trickery, excess, that too-much brand of intimidation; going bare-faced leaves people to wonder – or ask – if you’re feeling ok, are you sick, work must be hard huh, something’s happened and it’s usually negative. For the males and non binaries, the lists are expanded into makeup being an inherently feminine practice, or misidentifying. It’s a balancing act where the weights seem stacked, and the ideal or optimum is ‘natural’ for those who comment negatively.

But have you any idea how many products go into a natural face?

Sometimes I joke that if people honestly think I was born with winged eyeliner and lips that cycle through red to black then it says more about them than it does about me, but it does start the cogs whirring because why is there such a stigma around what people decide to put on their faces? Why does that extend into what people wear, when style and taste and trends are so transient, in the grand scheme of things?

I think all of us, secretly, are a little guilty of defining people by what is or what is not present on their faces, their clothing choices, the way they choose to express themselves. I know I have in the past, and the realisation that it’s a natural thing that we do in society – because society hands us a pair of judgy pants the minute we can form opinions – has me actively trying to condition myself to stop. If someone has made a choice that is good for them, their confidence, and is not hurting anyone else then why should they be met with criticism? People shouldn’t be shamed into conforming to an ideal that they do not share.

None of us are products. None of us are advertising anything ‘falsely’ because sometimes we contour, sometimes we don’t, sometimes we plan out outfits and sometimes we just throw things on and hope for the best.

None of us are products because we are all thinking, living, breathing people, with unique thoughts and expressions and most people do not falsely advertise themselves.

{this post is collaborative post with Brooke Elise, as we both felt kind of strongly on the topic; so I’d definitely suggest going to read why she isn’t a product either}

♥

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  1. Anne Krarup says

    February 20, 2016 at 9:00 pm

    This is so good I have no words!! I've always felt a little uncomfortable with the phrase, and you explain why so well!!x- Anne | annesmiles

    Reply
  2. taislany says

    February 20, 2016 at 10:44 pm

    Such great post! Love the outfit as well xHope you’re having an amazing Saturday! Kisses,BLOG | TAISLANY

    Reply
  3. Lydia May says

    February 20, 2016 at 10:46 pm

    I love this, it's so unusual but amazing!http://lxdia.blogspot.co.uk/

    Reply
  4. Meg Siobhan says

    February 20, 2016 at 11:34 pm

    Yes yes yes yes yes to all of this! The furthest I'll go with make-up is maybe lippy once in a blue moon. But the fact that people are silly enough to think women are 'false advertising'? Jog on folks if you are that stupid. It's a form of expression which I wish I could master! And I couldn't agree more with you – we all express ourselves in our own ways, and if people think colourful eyelids and lips are 'natural' and that they're somehow being tricked? Then they're thick as two short planks and also not worth your time.Meg | A Little Twist Of…

    Reply
  5. Carina Chung says

    February 21, 2016 at 1:58 am

    YES GIRL. YES.YESSSSSSSSSSSS. Cannot agree more. I don't understand how people associate one with being a product or the concept of "false advertising" just because somedays they prefer one thing and other days another. Or they're fake, just because they use make up. just. no. We should be allowed to do what we want, wear as much make up, or not at all, and NOT be judged for either.<3 Carina

    Reply
  6. Street style city says

    February 21, 2016 at 9:44 am

    Great text!! My blog: Street Style CityAlso have a look at my photography page: Photography

    Reply
  7. The Forest Mermaid says

    February 21, 2016 at 1:23 pm

    This is brilliant, I love how you've approached this subject. I rarely wear makeup, and I've definitely had negative reactions to that, especially at work, and especially from men. It also seems to really confuse people that other days I'll do a full face of makeup with colourful eyes and lips, and that I'm actually fairly good at doing makeup. It just depends on how I feel, and what I want to express that day.Also, my (male) partner wears makeup more often than I do, and has had a lot of abuse for it in the past, so thanks for including the bit about men and non-binary people!

    Reply
    • Fii Cridland says

      February 21, 2016 at 5:33 pm

      Thank you aah for your really kind words. And no problem! I feel that this thought of expressing an interest in makeup or fashion being an inherently female practice is really quite dated, and as we grow and learn as a society it's important to be inclusive <3xo

      Reply
  8. Lizzie ♥ says

    February 21, 2016 at 1:52 pm

    This post is on point!It annoys me when people say, "Oh you look so different with makeup on!" like come on do you really think I'll spend ££££s just to look the same? People need to grow up :PLizzie Bee // mysticthorn.com

    Reply
  9. Francesca says

    February 21, 2016 at 9:26 pm

    This is probably one of the best posts I have read since I started blogging Fi! As we both know, I'm pretty opinionated and I too am guilty of judging people on the type or amount of makeup that they wear and it's completely wrong. Blogging has actually helped me to become a lot less judgemental because at the end of the day, what people choose to put on their face or what they don't is absolutely none of my business and it is their choice to make. Just as it is my choice as to how I wear my own makeup. The message of your post is definitely one that needs spreading more 🙂 xxxwww.francescajayne.com

    Reply
  10. Martha Edwards says

    February 22, 2016 at 12:09 am

    I have no words for how epic this post is. I HATE those swimming pool memes etc etc. and I definitely feel that the shock which is often expressed on seeing a woman without makeup for the first time reveals a lot about how certain representations of women are normalised. I'm reluctant to be seen without makeup, and I suppose that means I'm perpetuating this idea. But I'm blonde and my eyebrows and lashes are genuinely invisible unless I colour them in using pencils and mascaras, and I don't know whether that's a problem or not. I definitely don't see it as 'false advertisement' and think that's a bullshit ideology to have, but I do feel sad that I feel unable to wear my natural face sometimes, or even that I prefer my face with makeup on. Food for thought! xMartha Jane | http://www.marthajanemusic.com

    Reply
  11. Alyssa G says

    February 22, 2016 at 2:57 am

    Thank you for this post, this is definitely something I needed to hear :)xx Alyssavisionsofnyc.blogspot.com

    Reply
  12. Heather Chambers says

    February 22, 2016 at 8:08 am

    This is such an amazing post, with such powerful words! You are so right, none of us are products so why must society treat us this way. I can also admit that o have been guilty of doing this in the past, but as I get older and I continue to learn and grow, I do it a lot less, I pre judge a lot less and I accept and celebrate all the different forms of expression we have in life including make up, fashion etc. This was such a great post Fii! :)Heather Xx100waysto30.co.uk

    Reply
  13. Jemma Morgan says

    March 5, 2016 at 6:16 am

    Quite simply… I love you <3

    Reply
  14. Emmajane. says

    April 10, 2016 at 9:19 pm

    Such a cute outfit! Love the content of this post too, super important to have a positive view of ourselves! XKylie Jenner style inspo over on -hailandharmony.blogspot.ie// BLOGLOVIN

    Reply
  15. Samantha P says

    April 12, 2016 at 2:51 pm

    This was an interesting read and not at all what I was expecting, in a totally good way. S .x http://ramblingsofayoungprgirl.blogspot.com/2016/04/shows-im-hooked-on.html

    Reply
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fiixii

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Fii 🐶 style inspo & kbeauty
#협찬 Using the right sunscreen for your skin ty #협찬 Using the right sunscreen for your skin type is *drum roll* actually very important -- and I'm not just talking about SPF levels for different skin tones. 

Choosing the right sunscreen helps to avoid irritation, breakouts, and makes you more likely to apply it regularly, which gives your skin the best chance at avoiding things like melanoma (skin cancer) and premature aging. 

Determining your skin type >>
For me, finding my skin type was super easy. S E N S I T I V E. I'm horrifically eczema prone (have a whole series on my blog about this), and lean towards a routine that is simple but hydrating, staying away from too many actives. It's the reason I take forever to put up skincare reviews, because I have to check for reactions, or develop contact dermatitis from different ingredients. 

BUT - that's not all. See, I lean towards Sensitive-dry, which is why my skin care, and my sun care, focuses more on hydrating products. 

What determines your skin type? How much oil (sebum) your skin produces daily. 

Dry >> 
Does your skin feel tight? Less elastic?  Does it become rough or flaky easily? Dehydrated? Not a lot of shine in your T-zone? Then your skin type is probably dry. 

Oily >>
Do you get really shiny during the day? (Especially in your t-zone) Do you suffer from (manageable*) breakouts, blackheads and/or whiteheads? Then your skin type is probably oily. 

Normal >> 
Is your skin neither oily throughout the day, and doesn't feel dry, or tight, or often irritated? Your pores aren't too noticeable, and you rarely have breakouts? Then your skin is probably normal! Lucky you :) 

Combination >>
Are you oily in your t-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and dry or normal skin on your cheeks? Then you have combination skin <3. It's a little harder to care for, because you're often trying to battle with contrasting products 
(my tip: you're gonna want a sunscreen that's suitable for 'all skin types' ;))

So, now you know more about skin types, scroll through for my picks for each, and my current favourite sun screen <3 

Let me know your skin type AND your current sun screen in the comments below, and don't forget to #applysunscreenaddprotection <3
벛꽃 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

📍 @seoulism_official 

☁️ ☀️ ☁️ ☀️ 
#벛꽃🌸 #seoulkorea #seoultravel #서울벚꽃 #잠실 #visitseoul
#협찬 Q: what’s the most important skincare s #협찬  Q: what’s the most important skincare step?
Fii’s answer: SUNSCREEN!!!!!!!!!!!! 

This is a question i get asked quite a bit, and my answer has been the same for ages. The step in my skincare I absolutely never skip is: sunscreen. 

So I’m really excited to be taking part in @wishtrend ‘s #ASAPchallenge: #applysunscreenaddprotection 😊 This challenge is to help build the habit of applying sunscreen DAILY for 5 weeks. It takes 28 days to form a habit.. so let’s do this together ^^ 

There are some great perks for wishtrend users for taking part with me too! For everyone who posts content during this challenge, you get 1,000 wishtrend points and 3 promo codes to pick up your favourite wishtrend products 😊 And!! we get to protect our skin from sun damage and early signs of aging 😚

what do you say? 
Also what’s your ‘never skip’ skincare step? 

☁️ ☀️ ☁️ ☀️ 
#wishtrend #koreansunscreen #sunscreen #spf #nurilounge #선케어 #kbeautyroutine #kbeautyblogger
월요팅 💪🏻 감사합니당 @jssa0_1 📷 월요팅 💪🏻 

감사합니당 @jssa0_1 📷 

⛅️ ☁️ ⛅️ 

#whatfiiwore #seoulfashionweek #styleinspiration #y2kaesthetic #softaesthetic #서울패션위크 #스타일 #여자스트릿패션 #외국인모델
lol but ghostly 

감사합니다 @_inho.w 

☁️ ⛅️ 
#서울패션위크 #외국인모델 #촬영문의dm #seoulfashionweek #whatfiiwore #styleinspo
when will my prince return from war 🙃🥲

☁️ ☁️ ⛅️ 🌧️ 
#한복스냅 #한복대여 #한복드레스 #한복촬영 #외국인모델 #seoultravel #seoulkorea #hanbokkorea #hanbokdress #hanbokrental #공가는여우 #패션위크 #촬영문의dm #촬영모델 #whatfiiwore #princesscore #princessaesthetic
hands up if you like cafes! 🙌🏻 hands up if y hands up if you like cafes! 🙌🏻 hands up if you like cafes with cute mascots 🙌🏻🤭🤭🤭 

then i have a cafe recommendation for you~~ 

this cute (deceptively large) place is @for_tourists_dotori_garden by Anguk station, and i had a great afternoon enjoying the atmosphere with great company and great baked goods and i’m not at all noting the aesthetics for my own future cafe 🤭

꿀팁 - if you search 분좋카 on instagram then you’ll find a bunch of very aesthetic cafes around seoul that all have a great atmosphere (분•위기 좋•은 카•페 = 분좋카) ❤️❤️ 

📌 dotori garden // 도토리가든 
🗺️ 서울 종로구 계동길 19-8 1층

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changing room mirror selfies and a tiny headed bea changing room mirror selfies and a tiny headed bear. 🐻 

(yay for no winter coat weather) 

☁️ ⛅️ ☁️ 

#패션룩 #whatfiiwore #패션코디 #패션모델 #패션스램 #룩스타그램 #룩북모델 #룩스타 #룩스타스램 #옷스타그램 #옷스타그램일상 #옷스타그램daily #패션블로거 #촬영문의 #데일리룩 #데일리룩코디 #외국인모델 #stylehunters #stylefiles #ig_korea #fashionkorea #stylebloggers
{ #ad #협찬 #gifted } Vegan skincare is on the r { #ad #협찬 #gifted }
Vegan skincare is on the rise, and I received these beautiful Vegan Lip Butters from @melixirskincare_kr ❤️
Melixir is vegan, sustainable, and cruelty free, that has a range of products that are great for sensitive skin like mine :) 

I’m absolutely loving the easy wearability of “04 Dewy Rose”, and the agave infused formula is great for my lips (guess who doesn’t drink enough water…). 

“05 Red Velvet” is a buildable red, that isn’t too harsh or bright for those days you want a little colour, but don’t want to faff about with lip liners ❤️

📌 you can find melixir products at Amazon (worldwide), or if you’re in Korea, Olive Young and Melixir’s website ❤️

What’s your favourite lip product these days? 

☁️ ⛅️ ☁️ 

#melixir_veganskincare #melixir #멜릭서 #veganskincare #veganlipbutter #crueltyfreeskincare #veganproducts #스킨케어 #skincarereview #beautyreview #koreanskincare #kbeautyreview #kbeautyroutine #kbeautyblogger
👸 👑 (hanbok from @palace.fox - my #1 rec f 👸 👑 

(hanbok from @palace.fox - my #1 rec for hanbok rental ❤️) 

☁️ ☁️ ☁️ 
#한복대여 #한복드레스 #한복스타그램 #한복스냅 #whatfiiwore #hanbokkorea #hanbokdress #hanbokrental #palacefox #데일리원피스 #경복궁한복대여 #visitseoul #스타일 #여성한복 #visitkorea #princessaesthetic #princesscore #princesscoreaesthetic #softgirlaesthetic #softgirlstyle #궁가는여우
we went blonde 💅👸 ☁️ ☁️ ⛅️ # we went blonde 💅👸 

☁️ ☁️ ⛅️ 

#whatfiiwore
#협찬 #광고 skincare for glowing skin when yo #협찬 #광고  skincare for glowing skin when you don’t have time for extensive routines? i’m loving the @klairs.global fundamental line :) 

named because it’s formulated to take care of your skin’s fundamental needs, this is a great line to reach for when you’re busy, or just need something simple to satisfy your skin. 

cream: 
the fundamental water gel cream is super light weight for easy absorption into the skin. it’s packed with green tea for vitamin e, antioxidants and calming, which with the way my eczema has been recently i def need.

mist: 
the fundamental ampule mist os a great product to have to top up when your skin is feeling dry, or as layered with 7 skins. it’s got so many nutrients to make your skin feel refreshed and hydrated. 

eye cream
i’m always a bit hmm over eye creams that don’t have actives (like retinol or derivatives) but i’ve been reading about the benefits of using peptides for the under-eye area specifically and i’m not saying the results are magic, but i’ve seen an improvement when i’ve been using peptide formulated products in that area. so. jury is still out but i’m not mad. 
#the formula of this cream is also super thick and creamy so it feels really nourishing 😇🫶 

overall it’s been a great experience so far, and it’s definitely made me remember why i liked klairs products way back when i started blogging ❤️

products courtesy of @wishtrend via @nurilounge.official ❤️❤️

#skincare #kbeauty #kskincare #skincarereels #veganbeauty #veganskincare #dearklairs #스킨케어 #dearklairs #klairs #skincare #kbeauty #kbrand #nurilounge #mynurilounge
✨ fiicore ✨ the princess / abandoned castle ✨ fiicore ✨ 

the princess / abandoned castle vibes are strong here

⛅️ ☁️ clouds

#reels #reelstrend #reelstrends #coreaesthetic #princesscore #princesscoreaesthetic #softgirlaesthetic #softgirl
things i carry on the daily: 💼 @marhen.j kai things i carry on the daily: 

💼 @marhen.j  kai bag in urban black 
beauty products 
@romandyou waterfit cushion 
@keepintouch_makeup jelly lip plumper in bloody wine 
@espoir_makeup water splash cica tone up sun cream 

ipad cover is from @from.pick 

not pictured: work badge -,-, lip balm, assorted receipts 😅

🐰 🐰 🐰 🐰 
#stylereels #whatsinmybag #whatsinmybagtoday #marhenj #마르헨제이 #스타일링 #가방스타그램 #패션블로거 #패션블로그 #패션스타그램 #fashionstyle #fashionreels #fashionreelscreator #fashionstylereels
새해 복 많이 바드세용~ 🐰 happy lunar 새해 복 많이 바드세용~ 
🐰 
happy lunar new year from me and the floof and the personal growth we’ve been doing so far this month ☺️😊😌

🐰 🐰 🐰 
#corgisofinstagram #웰시코기 #웰코 #웰시코기그램 #corgistagram #corgisrule #corgigram #corgipost #코기러브
i don’t do these challenges but this was one cut i don’t do these challenges but this was one cute 

☁️ #reelschallenge
#kawaikutegomen #고멘챌린지 #릴스댄스 #릴스챌린지
pov: you’re cafe hopping in seoul ❤️ tell pov: you’re cafe hopping in seoul ❤️ 

tell me a place and a time and i’ll come to hang out ❤️🥰 

📍 cafe seongbukro/ @seongbukro 
it’s beautiful~~~ 

☁️ ☁️ ☁️ 
#cafetour #cafétour #seoulcafe #seoulcafehopping #whatfiiwore 
#서울카페 #서울카페추천 #카페릴스 #retroaesthetic
finally got a silky wrap skirt and it makes me fee finally got a silky wrap skirt and it makes me feel like i’m about to go to barre again 🩰 

skirt @dollsattitude 

☁️ ⛅️ ☁️ 

 #whatfiiwore #패션그램 #패션코디 #패션스램 #룩스타그램 #옷스타그램일상 #옷스타 #패션블로그 #패션블로거 #오오티디 #데일리룩 #옷스타그램 #cottagecoreaeathetic #softgirlstyle #fashionkorea #옷스타그램daily #wearingtoday #ootdpost #outfitblog #outfitidea #todayiwore #mystylediary #mylooktoday #discoverunder7k #dollsattitude
2022 was uh… a year (if u saw me trying to pos 2022 was uh… a year 

(if u saw me trying to post this already, no u didn’t 😂😂🤡🤡🤡🤡) 

☁️ ⛅️ ⛅️ ☁️ 
#2022년 #2023 #2022roundup
when ur as excited for coffee as u are for christm when ur as excited for coffee as u are for christmas and also music show broadcasts bc i am that girl now 😌😌😌😌😌 u only live once and all ✌️ 
merry holidays i hope ur day is merry and bright ⛄️ 

☁️ ⛅️ ⛅️ 🌧️ 

#크리스마스 #크리스마스코디 #whatfiiwore #성북동카페 #데일리코디 #데일리룩코디 #일상옷 #패션그램 #패션코디 #패션스램 #룩스타그램 #옷스타그램일상 #옷스타 #패션블로그 #패션블로거 #오오티디 #데일리룩 #옷스타그램 #stylehunters #fashionkorea #옷스타그램daily #whattowear #유튜버  #wearingtoday #ootdpost  #atinyselcaday #에이티니
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