Daiso's Nail Polish remover review

Daiso's nail polish remover

While shopping at Daiso, I came across this nail polish remover. I have heard good things about these types of nail polish removers (where you dip your nail in and turn it a few times and the polish is completely off)


​
Pros:

• Doesn't irritate skin (no stinging)
• Works! (Even for glitter nails)
• Nice scent
• Vitamin C
• environmentally friendly- 
• cheap (only ¥100)

instructions

Cons:

• No hard surface to rub
• Left a weird sticky residue on fingers/skin

inside- soft sponge

score: 10/10

no website

Neutrogena anti residue shampoo review

The bottle is big... it's just that my hands got used to holding my Nexus 6

Recently, I started to feel my hair acting up... no matter how many times I use shampoo... my hair just seems so "dead", "oily" and "dry" I even tried to use hair serum and hair mist... but the results were the same. While shopping at Costco, I came across this "Anti-Residue" Shampoo by Neutrogena. 

What it does/claims:

• Removes residue from shampoos, conditioners and styling products
• cleans hair thoroughly, easily rinses clean.
• mild formula won't cause irritation
• suitable for all hair types

information

I just use this once a week... If you use it more, it will be too overwhelming for your hair. It would do more damage than good...

impressions:

• hate the smell (smells like Nizoral shampoo, medicated smell)
• very thick
• gives you a squeaky clean feeling both on scalp and hair
• Works the way it claims
• affordable (this product lasts a long time and only costs around $20)

This is affordable... Don't let my hand deceive you (I own a Nexus 6 phablet and I play the piano so I am used to holding wide things with one hand and stretching my hands) there is a lot of product (946ml) and if you use this once a week... It will last you a very long time (mine's has lasted me for more than a year :O).

I really hate the smell... it smells medicated... but luckily the smell doesn't linger in your hair. I recommend using a conditioner or hair mist if you are bothered by the smell.

This stuff is thick, keep that in mind when you are using it, don't use too much.

I love the squeaky clean feeling it gives... (which is why I don't recommend using it for more than one a week... as recommended). It strips away everything in your hair and scalp including the necessary oil used to protect your hair and scalp. Once, I used this two times a week and I noticed dandruff forming as well as pimples >____<.

Conclusion

I really like this product... it does what it claims... I just don't like the smell... but other than that, I really like this product, it clears my hair from residue and gives my hair a refresh feeling.

Score: 9.8/10

Website: http://www.neutrogena.com/product/anti-residue+shampoo.do

Ippudo Ramen (一風堂ラーメン) review

Let's start this month out right with another ramen review :D

Ippudo has been highly praised and ranked as #2 best ramen shop (chain) in Japan this year. It even beat ramen giant Ichiran which ranked at #5 this year. Unlike Ichiran, which strives to displays its Chinese/Japanese roots, Ippudo goes for a contemporary, simplicity theme (it is very evident in their logos. Ichiran's logo, as well as their shops have a red and green while Ippudo's is modern, simple and white).

Ippudo's lights

The Atmosphere

When I first walked into a nearby Ippudo I wasn't quite sure whether I was in the right place or not. The moment I walked into the shop, I was surrounded by American Pop/Jazz music. Unlike most Ramen shops, Ippudo was very clean, spacious, modern and simple. The staff were very attentive and I was quite impressed by the servie.

Toppings/seasoning

Loving the toppings. My favourite was the sprouts... and I clearly wasn't the only one. As soon as customers left, I saw the servers taking their sprouts containers for refills... they were so tasty! The other two were sweet ginger and a special preserved vegetable from Hakata. I highly recommend their sprouts, it is well marinated and goes perfectly with their ramen.

I found the shape of the bowl fascinating

Tonkotsu Ramen

I opted for their most popular, recommended Pork Bone Soup Ramen. To my surprise soup base really reminded me of Fu Ryu Ramen's soup base/broth. They were literally almost identical with the exception that Ippudo's is slightly more richer than Fu Ryu's. Ippudo also has a bigger meat portion. I felt Fu Ryu's is much cheaper and worth every yen because we can get 2 free noodle refills, while Ippudo does not provide such an option. Fu Ryu is also cheaper as well.

I finished!

Regardless of the price, I think both are very identical. From the thin noodles to the broth. But in terms of topping choices, I prefer Ippudo's. Compared to Fu Ryu's Tonkotsu Ramen, Ippudo's Green Onion (nagi) and Fungus ratio was more balanced.

The ramen had big portion... it took some effort but I managed to finish my bowl! :D It was delicious! :D

Dumplings

I also decided to get some dumplings... they were nicely fried and were crispy but the inside was too sweet and bland. I didn't like them. For those who prefer sweet meat dumplings, you might enjoy them.

the table... honestly it doesn't feel like a ramen shop

conclusion

Not that it was a bad thing, I just found it strange that they didn't have the same feel as other ramen shops in Tokyo. It felt very contemporary. I feel their aim is to attract a younger crowd (younger = young career). This is great for those of you who prefer a quieter, cleaner, modern place to enjoy your ramen.

I really liked the ramen. It was delicious! It was really identical to Fu Ryu's, so if you are looking to save a few bucks (or yen, in this case), or you aren't sure whether you like Hakata style Tonkotsu ramen, I would suggest you start with Fu Ryu.

and... so... I saw this...

7 Eleven, Nissin and Ippudo

So... this is something that is slightly off topic... but... WHAT!?!?!? Ippudo is from New York?? That would probably explain it's contemporary style... but still... is it really from New York!?!?!? If anyone can tell me what is going on... much appreciated...

score: 8.5/10
website: http://www.ippudo.com/ (find one near you :D)

Tokyo Ebisu Shake Shack review

photo credits: Shake Shack

People have been raving over Shake Shack for... for a long time, it seems to be the pride of New York among New Yorkers especially when they talk to Californians about In and Out. There are numerous Shake Shack vs In and Out on Youtube. Even in Tokyo, there is a rave over Shake Shack, there are 3 in Tokyo. My friends told me there was a 1-2 hour wait during their first few months in Tokyo.

After hearing so much about Shake Shack and finding it in Tokyo, I couldn't help but go and give it a try. I went on a Sunday night, around 8:00pm, to my surprise, there was no line.

menu

A quick glance at the menu suggests that this place isn't cheap. While burger prices are reasonable, shakes and drinks are extremely overpriced. 

receipt and buzzer to notify you when your food is ready to pick up

restaurant atmosphere:

simple, quiet and food court style. I wasn't impressed with the service here. Unlike most places in Tokyo, their service was extremely minimal. Other than doing what they were supposed to (e.g. finding you a seat, giving you your order and taking your order at the cashier, etc) they did not make any extra effort (e.g. smile) to make your dining experience more enjoyable. 

Other than that, the place was clean, well lit, and enjoyable to hang out with friends and doing work. 

Shack Burger ¥680 (tax not included)

After contemplating I decided on the Shack Burger.

Here is the description: CheeseBurger with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce

Shack Burger ¥680 (tax not included)

(waiting time: 10 mins)

first impressions:

• very small... 
• cheese /shack sauce is really delicious
• patty was a bit dry
• it was very considerate of them to provide a cup of water for each customer

I had mixed feelings about this Shack Burger. Honestly, other than the Cheese / Shack sauce element I wasn't impressed with the burger. One, it is really small... for ¥680, it was far from being close to filling. Two, the patty was dry, for a 10 minute waiting time, I would have expected the burger to fresh... but it didn't feel fresh, just normal... it was hot but not fresh (like out of the pan fresh).

I appreciated their cup of water, it was necessary... the burger was dry. The patty was so dry that none of the tomato "water" leaked... but was soaked by the patty.

I tried my friend's sesame shake (price: ¥480 for Small size). It was extremely thick and filling. The black sesame taste was really strong.

conclusion

While Shake Shack's Shack sauce (try saying that 10 times XD) was extremely tasty (it was the highlight of the burger), I thought that the burger was overpriced. It was on the expensive side yet it did not deliver the quality. I would probably not return for more burgers... unless if they change the quantity and quality. I was not impressed with their service either.

score: 6/10
website: https://www.shakeshack.com/


please check out my personal blog and follow me around Tokyo :)

居酒屋 かまどか (Kamadoka) short review

If you have been following me on Facebook, you would have already seen this post about my short review of this place. But since there were requests to (and I feel the need to) write a longer review... here it is!

Since I wasn't the one ordering (everything is written in Japanese... not very foreigner friendly), I was in for surprises. We started off with drinks and we were given salads as appetizers. 

Steamed Tofu with Soy Sauce

This was a surprise. I actually thought it was going to be sweet, but it turned out to be salty. It was nicely steamed. It literally had the consistency of pudding... but in a form of a savoury steamed egg taste.

Edamame

This is a very typical Izakaya food in Japan. I can't comment much other than it was tasty... I really liked how they added a dish of salt on the side so we can control the savouriness of these Edamame beans.

The sashimi was really fresh. I liked how they seared the Salmon slightly giving it a nice taste. Since this was a daily special, you might not get the same fish we got. The sliced raw fish were nicely prepared.

Grilled Chicken Leg

This was really delicious. This grilled chicken leg was very well marinaded (something that is quite uncommon in Tokyo) with salt and grilled perfectly giving a nice grilled taste. The cabbage was used to wrap the pieces of chicken leg so it wouldn't feel so oily. Overall this was a very decent dish. I highly recommend it. I was also in awe how this chicken leg was so big too.

(ginger) Tempura

This tasted like fried ginger. I wasn't sure whether this was green onion/spring onion. But it tasted like ginger. It was very interesting and quite tasty... the veggie in question was extremely fresh.

Soba

It was my first time having Soba in an izakaya. It was very delicious. The Soba was very soft and cooked to perfection. Unlike soba restaurants, the soba was extremely smooth. The soba was also very fresh. I liked the presentation of this soba... it was very Japanese: simple yet elegant.

I had a wonderful time at this Izakaya. I will definitely be coming back. The only down side (like most Izakayas) they did not separate smoking and nonsmoking. As a nonsmoker, I wasn't very happy when the table next to us started smoking and contaminating our air.

score: 9/10
website: http://www.kamadoka.com/

Diane Hair Oil Moroccan Argan Extra Damage Care review

Quantity: 100 ml
Made in Japan
Price: ¥1814 (tax included)

I have been dying to try this hair oil... so I was so happy when my friend gave it to me! Diane is known for its quality in hair products in Japan and they tend to be slightly pricey. e.g. A 500 ml bottle of shampoo can cost ¥700 - ¥900

Claims:

• Preventing split ends and hair breakage 
• Fixing unmanageable, unruly hair 
• Taking care of dyed hair

first impressions:

• very oily
• light scent
• works
• a little (literally one pump) is all you need for all of your hair...

one pump... it was extremely hard to capture this clear oil on camera

All you need is one pump, I keep saying this because it is true... the first time I used this, I thought it was like most hair oils and started using 3-4 pumps, that was WAY too much! After trial and error I came to realize that one pump is more than enough. This oil is heavily concentrated so by using more it would make your hair all oily and gross.

I have long hair and all I need is one pump

This hair oil did wonders to my hair, because of the pollution in Tokyo, I constantly have to wash my hair... this causes split ends and my hair is fragile. After combing my hair, my sink would look as if some hairy monster decided to settle there...

yes... all you need is one pump!

After using this hair oil for about 3 days, I started noticing a significant difference to the health of my hair. My hair felt much stronger and didn't snap easily. It also had a natural shine and became more manageable.

I highly recommend this hair oil! Remember... one pump!


Score: 9.5/10
Website: http://www.moist-diane.jp/en/product/hair_item04.html

Revlon Ultra HD White Matte Lipcolor Obsession review

product

Revlon has been heavily marketing this product all over Tokyo. It was quite hard to avoid seeing it so I gave in and decided to test it out. I chose Obsession because I am a big fan of pink lip colours.

applicator

claims:

Revlon's Ultra HD Matte Lip Color is a lightweight, high definition, matte color with a moisturizing velvety feel.

Benefits:

100% wax-free, gel formula
Plush velvety applicator
Creamy mango and whipped vanilla fragrance
Many high definition shades to love

ingredients:

Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isododecane, Vinyl Dimethicone / Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Silica, C30-50 Alcohols, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Diisostearyl Malate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bis-(C12-14 Alkyl PPG-4) Hexamethylenediurea, Kaolin, Bismuth Oxychloride, Silica Silylate, Parfum (Fragrance), Methicone, Sodium Saccharin, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, BHT, Benzoic Acid, Limonene, Linalool. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Red 6 Lake (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 27 (CI 45410), Red 27 Lake (CI 45410), Red 28 (CI 45410), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 33 Lake (CI 17200), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985).

with and without the tint

first impressions:

• contains A LOT of ingredients @.@
• colour pay off is incredibly high
• applicator was really helpful to spread the product
• colour is extremely vivid
• the product is very thick
• weird/artificial sweet coconut smell (it says it has a mango and whipped vanilla fragrance)
• rubs off easily (transferable)
• easy to spread product
• not matte
• gives a flawless finish

vividness of this lip color

I am quite in love with product... but I would still prefer using my Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balm because this product is slightly too thick for comfort (contrary to it's claim of lightweight). When I apply it, it is hard to pretend I am not wearing anything on my lips because I can feel it. It is extremely transferable because it does not fully dry. It felt like I was wearing layers of lip stick... that being said, I was impressed with the colour it produced and I was surprised how long lasting it was. It also does not tint nor stain lips at all.

after drinking a whole cup of coffee

Pros:

• hydrates lips
• sturdy container
• gives a flawless finish
• easy to spread product
• the applicator glided the product on smoothly
• colour lasts for a long time (even after food!)
• colour pay off is high and vivid
• no lip tinting or staining (this can be a pro or con)

Cons:

• transferable
• not matte
• strange artificial smell (can be a good or bad thing... I wasn't a fan of the smell)
• doesn't fully dry
• despite it not drying, if you aren't careful and make a mistake, it is hard to correct because of the thickness of the product
• sticky
• very thick
• not lightweight at all!!!!

Score: 9/10
Website: http://www.revlon.com/products/lips/lip-color/ultra-hd-matte-lipcolor#309978161028||0