My third experiment with trying to remove a facial mask in front of the camera involved using a peel-off mask that contained Tea Tree, Witch Hazel, and Canadian Willowherb.
Figure 1: My 7th Heaven. Tea Tree Peel-Off. 2017
The image on the packet indicated that the mask was much greener than it actually turned out to be.
The application of the mask was easy and it dried quite quickly once on. There was a tingling sensation as it was drying, due I believe to the tea tree content. This did concern me due to previous allergic reactions to masks. Unlike the previous masks I have tried, this one peeled off quite easily.
The aim of the shoot was to replicate what it feels like when we are removing the masks that we wear. There was no pain associated with the removal of the mask, but for someone who does not use masks due to sensitive skin the mask did feel odd at times when being removed.
Even though the mask is transparent and you can still see my face below it, it felt like I was hiding behind a much thicker mask. I felt secure in it. Removing the mask I felt more and more aware that I had nothing to hide behind. The removal of the mask was tricky. Not only did it come off in bits, it also made me question myself more. Who was I at that point? I felt more vulnerable and was concerned about the portrayal of myself (something I hadn’t thought about at the start of the session).
It is interesting how this experiment had an impact on my feelings and confidence levels. This is something I will explore further through additional work.
IMAGE SOURCE
My 7th Heaven. (2017). Tea Tree Peel Off | 7th Heaven | Montagne Jeunesse. [online] Available at: https://www.my7thheaven.com/product/tea-tree-peel-off/ [Accessed 25 Nov. 2017].
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