Summary
Highlights
Safiya introduces her video where she aims to explore and test high-tech Japanese beauty gadgets, inspired by the abundance of such devices online and a video by Mrwhosetheboss showcasing a Japanese tech store. She expresses her susceptibility to anti-aging fear-mongering and her preference for gadgets over cosmetic surgery. She and her team decide to visit a well-vetted tech store in Japan to purchase and test these futuristic devices.
Safiya takes a moment to introduce her collaboration with Homesick Candles, creating three unique scents inspired by memorable locations from her past videos: Spa Theme Park (Japan), Vegas Casino, and Ice Hotel (Sweden). She highlights the natural, cruelty-free, and non-toxic qualities of the candles and encourages viewers to snag them before they're gone.
Safiya and her team head to Bic Camera in Yurakucho, a massive multi-floor electronics store, after initially trying to film at Yobodashi Camera. They are joined by RinRin Doll, who serves as their expert on Japanese beauty gadgets. The store is described as an expansive wonderland of technology, including a dedicated beauty floor with a vast array of gadgets like LED masks, hair tools, and various skin-improving devices.
Safiya explores different categories of beauty gadgets, including LED light therapy tools and EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) lifting devices. She learns that EMS devices stimulate facial muscles to improve tone and provide a lifted appearance. After considering various EMS products, she decides on stick-on EMS patches for the under-eye area, seeking a solution for under-eye circles and a lifted look, despite initial apprehension from RinRin about at-home EMS.
Safiya then investigates multitechnology wands and hairbrushes, but is particularly drawn to devices utilizing ions. She learns about the concept of ions in beauty, including positive and negative ions used to clean skin and enhance product penetration, inspired by the Japanese trend of seeking negative ions from natural sources like waterfalls. Based on RinRin's recommendation, she selects a Panasonic ion wand.
The final beauty gadget Safiya considers is a shower head, specifically the famous ReFa shower heads that feature micro or nanobubble technology. These tiny bubbles are touted to cleanse pores more effectively and leave skin softer. After testing different modes at a shower head testing station in the store, she is captivated by an orb-shaped model with a fine misting mode, feeling convinced by the potential benefits and the marketing.
Back home, Safiya begins testing the ReFa microbubble shower head. She notes that the normal mode provides a uniquely soft yet firm water pressure, attributing it to the microbubbles. The mist mode, while creating a spa-like, dense fog effect, proves ineffective for rinsing due to its wide dispersion, making it more an 'at-home special effect' than a functional shower. Despite the mist's impracticality, she praises the normal mode’s luxurious feel and how soft it leaves her skin.
Next, Safiya tests the Panasonic ion boost wand, an enigmatic device that promises deep cleansing and enhanced product absorption through low-level electrical currents and ions. She follows a 13-minute routine, starting with clean mode using toner, followed by boost mode to open skin pathways. She then applies essence in moist mode and vitamin C serum in brightening mode, both using ions to push products into the skin. The routine concludes with a cool mode to calm skin and seal in ingredients. She immediately notices her skin feels smoother, and her foundation applies flawlessly, making her an 'ion believer.'
Finally, Safiya tests the Yaman EMS under-eye patches, which deliver electrical pulses to the under-eye area for a lifting workout and massage. Despite their slightly intimidating appearance, she finds the vibrating sensation surprisingly relaxing. She notes the disorienting effect of her eyes moving out of sync and the overall bizarre but enjoyable experience. Post-treatment, she observes an immediate, temporary lift in her under-eye area, which EMS devices are known for. She plans a month-long test to assess long-term effects.
After using the Yaman eye patches three times a week for a month, Safiya sees a noticeable difference, though she acknowledges EMS effects are temporary and require consistent use. She highlights adhesion issues with the patches, needing workarounds like refrigeration or specific serums. Overall, she is happy with her haul; the shower head has become her favorite, and she intends to continue using the ion wand. She briefly mentions testing a high-tech hairbrush that didn't yield drastic results and expresses a desire to return to Japan for a full-face lifting device, playfully reiterating that 'Japan is living in 2050.'