BANDWAGON OR BAND-WINGING IT?

bandwagon

ˈbandwaɡən/

noun

1. 1. 

   (especially formerly) a wagon used for carrying a band in a parade or procession.

   "the colourful bandwagon was later purchased for use in circus parades"
2. 2. 

   an activity or cause that has suddenly become fashionable or popular.

   "companies sought to strengthen their share prices by jumping on the dot-com bandwagon"
   
   I'm gonna ignore the first definition and jump straight on the second one... 

   
   

   

   (Ms Moss, the proponent of many a bandwagon.

   Image via: The Daily Mail)

   
   

   There are few bandwagons that I jump on. There was that slight dalliance with the 90's-esque tattoo choker mini-trend but let's not talk about that... I also flirted with the 'mom jeans', but gaining a permanent camel-toe by choice, made me question the aesthetics of my crotch - and sanity - waaay more than is strictly necessary or healthy. There were other bandwagons that were kinda thrust upon me, like brushing my teeth, where no elective was necessary. You just do it, or at least I hope you do?!  

   
   

   Now whilst I'm not rescinding oral hygiene, I am calling into question our (general) unwavering desire to follow the newest 'in' thing AKA, the fad. There are some things worth sticking to, like the aforementioned teeth brushing - without it we would be plagued by cavities and halitosis. On the other hand, mom jeans, regardless of the en masse hype they've garnered, are universally unflattering. Take also the 'man bun' that reared its 'hair piled high' head late last year, and is undeniably just plain bizarre, the bizarrest actually. However, might I offer up a shade of grey, an intermission in my so far black and white analysis of all things faddy?

   
   

   What if a fad actually lived up to all the hype surrounding it? Is it still considered a fad or does it move into the more legitimate field of 'cult' item? Is it even worth trying out all of the potentials; facing all of the disappointment that is to be expected with trial and error, in the hope of one day finding the one? If I'm completely honest, I'm not sure. 

   

   (Image via the genii that are 'Into the Gloss')

   
   

   Despite my uncertainty and obvious hesitancy of buying into things based on hearsay, I decided - after much thought - to delve right in and procure a face brush. For those not initiated into the 'Into The Gloss' portal of all things health, beauty and cosmetic-y, face brushes are the new thing. More thorough than just plain old soap and water but less harsh than some of those scratchy exfoliators that feel more like a brillo pad than a gentle deep clean. Replacing what was hailed the year of the facial oils and serums (apparently they're sticking around for 2015 though), the facial brush is a girls go-to for glowy skin.

   
   

   The first mention of brushing my face left me bemused, understandably, I'm sure you'd agree? It was called the Clarisonic and after a google search I became intrigued. I mean who wouldn't want a handy little gadget that accomplishes what regular face washing doesn't, right? So I wished hard enough and Father Christmas answered with the No7 face brush. Though not the Clarisonic, (a cheaper alternative is a safe test-driving option and Father Christmas is nothing but monetarily conscious and just plain savvy) it has bristles that spin at the push of a button, spring cleaning my pores and resulting in a cobweb-free complexion.

   
   

   I removed eye make-up as instructed, lathered on some cleanser and whirred it into action. I felt buffed and a tad delirious but ultimately, I felt deep down clean. The only slight debacle I had was when my baby hair got tangled in the bristles. It does however say in the blurb, to keep hair well back and I'm living proof that this is not something to overlook. Other than the loss of my prepubescent hair follicles, I have no complaints. 

   

   (Love thy face.

   Image Source unknown)

   
   

   I guess expectations are a funny thing, especially those founded upon the word of others. Personal trial and error is the only truly effective means of discovering what works and what in years to come will leave you cringing and your children laughing - at you. Making informed decisions is wise but trying out that 'live and learn' thing is good also.  

   
   

   You can take my word for it, but it's better if you don't.