Beauty Blog

At last the ancient Asian secret to perfect, porcelain skin has been revealed, (drum roll) please….
NIGHTINGALE DROPPINGS!!!

Yes you read right, bird poop folks! No wonder its a “secret” …

It’s called “Uguisu no Fun” talk about irony that the words “no Fun” are in the Japanese translation!

“Uguisu” is the famous Japanese nightingale whose distinctive call adds an exotic note to any forest walk or mountain hike. The noble nightingale was and is appreciated for another, less obvious reason. Somehow, and I can’t even imagine how or why it first happened, nightingale poop became a beauty enhancer for women.

Uguisu no Fun’s main effect - that being bleaching and exfoliating the skin - is a result of Guanine, a naturally occurring enzyme found in nightingale droppings. Kabuki actors and high-ranking geisha girls have always prized it as the best way to remove their heavy makeup while leaving their high-priced skin smooth and supple. (Source: Beauty Treatment from Japan)

Word of the unusual yet effective face treatment has spread to other countries as well. “We have been trying the nightingale facial out and it has been an unbelievable success for treating tortured, dull and sun-damaged skin.” So says Hari Salem, owner of Hari’s in Knightsbridge, West London. “The droppings, which are applied as a mask with Japanese white clay, are completely safe and treated under UV light to remove bacteria.” They are also (supposedly) “fragrance free”… thank goodness for small blessings!

If you are interested in trying or purchasing “Uguisu no Fun” products they are reportedly not cheap. Click on the following link for more information: Chidoriyaworld

Smarter Beauty contributor, Evette, and I were lucky enough to get the chance to try out some TESS (Teen Everyday Skincare System) products, even though neither of us fit into the teen category. Despite that, we were willing to test drive the line because it’s paraben-free and made with natural ingredients such as fruit and botanical extracts, aloe vera, lavender oil, green tea, and chamomile. Not to mention, we’re into the message of the company, which is all about promoting confidence in young women–the packaging is filled with written affirmations like “Dare to Be Different,” “Take Charge,” and “Be Brave.” We can go for that.

Here are our takes on TESS:

Tester: Valentina
Product: TIME FOR SOME ZZZs Vanilla Nighttime Moisturizer ($14)
Rating: 4 out of 5 (it was a little hard to get out of the bottle)

Promise: It’s suppose to “nurture skin” and “renew hydration.” The vanilla scent is said to be relaxing.

The Smell and Feel: I’ve become obsessed with the vanilla bean smell. I didn’t put it on my face, since I’m devoted to cold cream, but I did slather all over my bod before bedtime, and it really does relax you with that luscious smell.

The gist of it: I’ve been using it for a week and my skin, including my super dry legs, has been noticeably more supple. That may have happened with any moisturizer, but it’s easy to be consistent about using this one since it’s so yummy.

Tester: Evette
Product: OOH-REFRESHING Apple Face Toner ($10)
Rating: 5 out of 5

Promise: This alcohol-free toner is suppose to tingle, nix excess oil, and have a “deliciously fresh apple scent.”

Smell and Feel: It smells like fresh apples, fresh apples just picked off the tree in the middle of summer. Haha. It felt great. Didn’t dry out my skin but still removed the excess oil. The very first time I tried it I had been in the car for a 5-6 hour long car ride to Vegas. I just needed to freshen up my skin before going out, and you can imagine how greasy my skin was due to the hot humid weather.

The gist of it: I was very satisfied.

Find the whole range of TESS products by clicking here.

I got this Bioelements Pumice Peel by accident.  My husband had some money left over on a gift certificate to Burke Williams or some place like that, and kindly bought it for me (he supports my love for exfoliation).  I’m glad he did because this stuff is really worth the $48, and since you shouldn’t exfoliate your face more than 2 times a week, it’ll last.

Every time I use it, I’m amazed at how fresh and clean my skin feels. It’s a real complexion booster and helps even out my skin tone, which is cursed by blotchiness.  You’ll glow.