The Chinese are normally known for their extreme levels of progress and knowledge of anything and everything. When you see a powerful new product on the market in the United States, likelihood is it is made in China. Let’s face it, in everything from clothing to technology, the Chinese are ahead. Or so it seems.
What is Face-now?
So what are the latest trends/products that are so advanced in China, you may be wondering? Face bikinis. This is a full head mask also known as a ‘present-face’, which is generally accompanied by a long-sleeved bodysuit to protect against the sun’s UV rays worn on Chinese beaches. Yes, you read that right, a bikini for your face. The Chinese named this “trend”, Face-Kini. Bikinis for your face are real, they’re really strange and a little bit creepy. This unflattering piece of beach accessory was devised nine years ago in China as a way for people to protect their facial skin from the sun.
Face-Kini originates from Qingdao, Shandong Province, East China. The mask was initially meant to block sunlight, but users have also found that it protects them from insects, jellyfish, and algae.
Dr. Philip Miller, Facial Plastic Surgeon located in New York, New York shares his insights on sun protection face masks, “An interesting fashion statement but most likely no more effective than the protection of a good sunscreen lotion, much less uncomfortable and no matter what you try stop it, the inevitable tan line is very strange.
Face-Kini also comes with a body suit for full body coverage. Because who goes to the beach to sunbathe, right? These masks come in a number of colours and designs and retail for 15 to 25 Yuan ($2.44 to $4.07). They are normally handmade from materials such as old swimsuits or even underwear.
If you are willing to risk jellyfish stings for a few tan lines and a day in your swim trunks/bikini after a hard year of working in the gym to get that awesome body, I suggest staying out of China in the summer. Or you might be the only person at the beach not wearing a Face-Kini – sticking it out like a sore thumb.
