Sushi of the week

For today's post, I will be talking about some sushi I really like. You can find these in most Kaiten (回転寿し) sushi in Tokyo.

shrimp - ¥200-300/plate

though I have a shrimp allergy, I couldn't resist and ordered them... :P I love sucking their brains out XD... I usually don't do that for frozen shrimps but these are usually fresh enough to

combo ¥300/plate

I wasn't particularly happy about the cooked Tuna Otoro, but the えんがわ and Salmon were good :) I usually eat salmon during the colder months as they are usually more fatty (fatty = tastier)... if you don't like fatty salmon then I recommend eating them during the hotter months.

えんがわ (I finally got the name!)

oops... I couldn't resist and ate a piece before I took this picture XD... this remains as one of my favourites (perhaps almost.. ALMOST surpassing Otoro).

#testing

DHC Lip Cream review

You can see this lip cream EVERYWHERE... it can be found in drug stores, convenient stores, grocery stores... random makeup stores... It also happens to have won Cosme's The Best Cosmetics Award back in 2008 and even now, it is still considered one of the best selling cosmetics in Japan. 

This product is slightly pricey for what you get. I got mine for ¥480. As you can see in the picture, there isn't a lot of product.

This product claims to: 

MOISTURIZING LIP BALM INFUSED WITH ANTIOXIDANT-RICH OLIVE OIL AND SOOTHING ALOE

Soften your lips with this creamy lip balm infused with antioxidant-rich olive oil and soothing aloe. Wear alone or over lipstick as a gloss.

For all skin types

Key Ingredients + Benefits:

Olive fruit oil: Nourishes, hydrates and protects lips from environmental stresses

Squalane: Derived from olives; moisturizes and prevents irritation

Ginseng root extract: Boosts hydration

Lanolin oil: Moisturizes

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice: Strengthens and conditions

can you see the subtle shine?

impressions:

• very sticky (but nothing like a gloss... no hair was caught :P)
• great for immediate effect (instantly moisturizes dry skin)
• great as a lip mask for the night
• long lasting
• a subtle unwanted shine is visible
• great night lip mask
• I prefer to wear it under my lipstick so it acts as a barrier between my lips and lipstick/lip tint.

subtle shine on my hand

If you are very self-conscious and don't like to have a subtle shine, just be assured that it will go away within 10-20 mins of applying it.

pros

• no colour, pigment,
• no scent
• great for immediate effect
• can be a night lip mask as well as a daytime balm
• container feels expensive

cons

• slight shine
• sticky (but not as sticky as lip gloss)
• doesn't last throughout the day (need to reapply several times)
• a bit on the pricey side (for the amount you get)
• while it moisturizes, it can only go as far as moisturizing your lips to a certain degree
• you need to alternate it and other products (the effects easily wear off... after using it religiously for a week, I started noticing it wasn't doing as well as it did the first 4 days.)

I really like this product really moisturizes my lips. Prior to using this product, my lips were just dry skin. After the first use, I already noticed a difference and my dry dead skin disappeared. 

score: 8.5/10

website: https://www.dhccare.com/lip-cream.html


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

Barrier Repair Sleeping Pack Power of Rice Milk Review

the container

Japan winters are dry... if anyone else tells you otherwise... DO NOT BELIEVE THEM. The skin on my face has been suffering, especially when I wake up in the morning, I can see flakes of skin (no matter how much night cream I have applied.

I actually found this by accident... sort of. I was looking at another product when this one caught my eye... I had a feeling this product was going to be good.

Made in Japan

price: ¥1290 ($11.50 USD)

company/manufacturer: mandom corp

the packaging

the recommendation is: wash face, apply a moisturizing lotion, apply cream and then apply this sleeping pack.

I usually apply this product right before going to sleep.

Here is some information from their website (which is in Japanese... let me give you a brief translation)

Just apply and go to bed, it will penetrate thoroughly at night.

Use this pack at the end of your skin care routine (most Asian skincare calls masks packs, and sheet masks "mask")

The pack will last all night without any stickiness. It is intensive care while you sleep. When you wake up in the morning, your skin will feel moist, plump and ready for makeup. 

Ingredients are taken from unpolished rice that is great for your inferior skin. 

This product is blended with a rice milk complex (for moisturizing purposes)

This product also includes Phytic acid, inositol. Which are taken from rice germ oil capsule and rice 

When your skin lacks elasticity or transparency, these ingredients will through a sleep serum prescription take care of that and give your skin its elasticity and transparency. 

The effective working rice milk supported by the "rice fermented extract" formulation. 

This product also contains Saccharomyces - a rice fermented liquid for moisturizing purposes. 

before I get to my thoughts, I want to mention just how considerate it was for them to include a spatula (scoop?). Not only is this more hygienic but it also makes it easier to get the right amount.

after using it every day for a week

My THOUGHTS!

• there is no scent 
• it is not sticky (the product immediately absorbs into your skin)
• easy to apply (did I mention the spatula?)
• you just need a penny size worth of product
• I do not notice it after a few minutes
• affordable

I haven't found a con, so let me continue with my thoughts

Pros!

• it says exactly what it does and more!
• my skin felt so soft and smooth the next day
• got rid of all my dryness problems (my skin feels moisturized, plump, smooth and soft)
• so far it has only been doing good to my skin and I love it
• the effects last the whole day, but I still recommend putting on some moisturizer 
• the more frequent you use it (I use it every night) the more you will notice your skin becoming stronger and moisturized, plump, smooth and soft. 
• I have been using this product for two months already and the effects were as good as the first week!
• a little goes a long way... I foresee my container lasting for atleast 6 months

Con

• I will update any cons (cause at the moment I can't think of any or experience any...)

After using this product for 2 weeks (keep in mind, Japanese winters are harsh to skin) I sometimes forget to do my morning skincare routine because I forgot my skin needs to... and sometimes when I forget, my skin can last a whole day (no products, and I don't use makeup) without feeling dry or having the need to use product (I don't recommend this but it is possible!)

I honestly cannot say enough good things about it... I really like it!

I highly recommend this product!!!!

score: 10/10 (when was the last time one of my products got a full score?)

website: www.barrier-repair.jp (you will have to scroll to the middle of the page to find it)

amazon link: https://www.amazon.co.jp/Barrier-Repair-%E3%83%90%E3%83%AA%E3%82%A2%E3%83%AA%E3%83%9A%E3%82%A2-%E3%82%B9%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%94%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B0%E3%83%91%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF-80g/dp/B074N637G5/ref=as_li_ss_tl?m=AN1VRQENFRJN5&s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1503282132&sr=1-8&keywords=%E3%83%90%E3%83%AA%E3%82%A2%E3%83%AA%E3%83%9A%E3%82%A2&linkCode=ll1&tag=mandom09-22&linkId=682dc74263563011abbcec5dd961907f 

(I'm not affiliated with it, just for your convenience, taken from their official website) 

Fatburger Japan review

FatBurger Japan

I always thought that as close as we (Canadians) are to the US, we should at least know all of their chains by name... even if we haven't tried them. But turns out, there are always treasures to be unfolded, and this time it is FatBurger! 

I work with a few Californians and they were SUPER excited to learn that FatBurger had opened their first store in Japan! 

Fatburger is everywhere!

It seems FatBurger is in most of the Northern Hemisphere... but I wonder why they never came to Canada...

the menu, click to see a clearer version

I took a quick look at the menu and thought the prices were very reasonable. FatBurger is known for their "Works" 

The Works means each burger has:

• mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, relish, mustard and a patty.

waiting number

I enjoyed reading their facts on their waiting number cards. They were a nice distraction... service was a bit slow though...

wet tissues and napkins and salt and pepper

you know you are in Japan when they offer wet tissues at the table XD

receipt

This was what I ordered... I wish the staff was more attentive... when I asked for the set, she said the set only includes fries and no drink... (which was weird because I was very sure it included a drink) but when I looked at the receipt, she only put in fries... which means I did not have a drink.... (seriously... I was so frustrated.... -________-||)

this shake was thick!

While the shake was EXPENSIVE... it was really delicious... I'm not sure whether it is worth the huge (¥800) price tag though... if the staff didn't mess up my order, I would have had a drink... grrrrr....

the burger... drools

This is what the burger looked like. It was delicious.

To be honest, I thought the serving looked slightly small (as I was starving). But towards the end, I found myself struggling to finish it. (and I don't think it was because of the fries or shake...)

The burger was juicy and loaded with flavours, each "works" item was very prominent and played its role in the burger.

Sometimes, especially in Japan, I find the need to add additional sauces (ketchup) or salt/pepper. But for this burger, I didn't feel the need to.

fat fries

I was really impressed with their fat fries... they were crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They were very filling. And it is very unique to Fatburger!

the burger again :P

Before I end this review, I want to comment on the location of the store. I do find it slightly out of the way as it is located in Men's 109. And what I felt was very unfortunate is that it is located next to Shibuya crossing... and yet, there are no street views... or windows... for that matter. 

score: 8.5/10 will definitely go back again (I prefer Fatburger to Shake Shack in Ebisu)
website: https://www.fatburger.com/japan/

Canmake Creamy Touch Liner review

Canmake's Creamy Touch Liner

 In 2018 I discovered eyeliner. Once you see yourself with eyeliner, you can't go back. It is life-changing. It makes you feel awake and without it, you always seem to look tired.

Since I am still very new to all of this, I am constantly on the lookout for eyeliners (you will see my reviews on other eyeliners as I find ones that really stand out (good or bad)).

Canmake's Creamy Touch Liner was one of the first that really impressed me.

The promotions at the drugstore said that it is a gel liner in a form of a stick, making it easy to use.

There are two colours: dark brown and black. I have used both and both are good

dark brown on the left and black on the right

and a disclaimer, this product is new but very popular... I had to go to 5 drugstores to find them.

pros:

• glides on your eyes
• easy to control the consistency
• stays on and lasts all day
• doesn't smudge (but will fade if you rub your eyes)
• easy to use (I'm still a beginner and it was easy to get the shape I wanted)
• clean (just turn the dial and get 
• always sharp and stays the same diameter
• it is a gel eyeliner but you don't have to carry a brush and container with you, only a stick!

cons:

• easily dries out
• once you have gotten too much product out, you can't put it back in the stick (so be careful)
• you never know how much you have left
• not waterproof
• if you rub your eyes too hard, it will transfer (but you can still see the product on your eyes, faded)

I will definitely repurchase. Since I am still quite new with eyeliners, I can only give a score based on my limited experience with eyeliners.

score: 8.5/10
website: http://www.canmake.com/en/eeye/item_eye080.html

Twinings of London Peach & Orange tea review

I love tea. I mean... I love coffee... but it is something about growing up Chinese and the fact that it is in my blood, that I love tea, especially fruit teas. 

While shopping at Kaldi's, I came across these two teas (I will do the Apple one later).

I usually don't buy tea bags because they have given me such frustrations with quality... but since Twinings (of London) is known for their quality in teabags, they are probably one of the few brands I would actually buy my teabags.

I really like the packaging

type: red tea

country of origin of tea: China and Argentina

they recommend that this can be drunk: straight, with milk or cold

I drank half of it before I remembered to take a picture

impressions:

• very smooth (I wouldn't have thought it came from a teabag)
• peach and orange are a good mix
• only takes two minutes to make (follow the instructions and it will work)
• didn't have a rough aftertaste 
• Happy and Lively (it does live up to its description)
• quenches thirst
• given the taste, it will taste good with the recommended: straight, cold, with milk
• leaves a nice peachy aftertaste

I'm not sure whether this product is only limited to Japan because I couldn't find the specific product on their UK website.

My one and only complaint is that it seems the flavours were not from dried peaches/dried oranges. It would have been perfect if it were (might be wrong, but the packaging says "aroma").

score: 9.8/10 (that is very high)

website: https://www.twinings-tea.jp/products/peach-orange.html (in Japanese)

Saratoga Springs Made in USA Kettle Cooked Cheddar & Onion chips review

chip bag

While shopping at Kaldi's, the words "Kettle Cooked" caught my eye. For those of you who live in Japan, you know the frustration of finding kettle cooked potato chips... they are rare. So without giving it much thought, I went ahead and bought Cheddar & Onion. (I also bought Black Pepper, I will talk about it in another post).

There are definitely a few things I miss: real cheddar tasting snacks, onion tasting snacks AND Kettle chips... so this already had my name on it. 

As they claim, these were made in the US, a quick search on Google told me that Saratoga chips are famous and very well known. 

According to their website:

Saratoga Chips Original Kettle Potato Chips are as crisp and delicious as Chef George Crum intended when he invented the potato chip at the Cary Moon's Lake Lodge in 1853 in Saratoga Springs, New York.

I guess I was really lucky and made the right decision to buy them!

Their chips claim to be:
certified gluten-free no trans fats allergen free 100% all natural no cholesterol also non-GMO Verified.


The description on the bag also says

According to culinary legend, the potato chip originated in 1853 at a fashionable New York restaurant when railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt sent his potatoes back to the kitchen, complaining that they were too thick. Annoyed, chef George Crum scornfully sliced some potatoes into a kettle of boiling oil and fried them to a crisp. The result was a hit and the potato chip was born.

In succession to this traditional recipe, we kettle-cook select potatoes in small batches using vegetable oil. We use totally natural ingredients, hand-rake every batch, and test chips at every stage of preparation to ensure quality and taste. Enjoy our traditional kettle cooked potato chips. 

So after knowing ALL about these chips, how do they taste:

impressions:

• very solid 
• very crispy (even after leaving them out for a day (by accident) they were still very fresh)
• oily to the fingers
• cheddar and onion taste was very mild
• perfect combination with avocado
• does not leave you with onion breath but there is a slight onion flavour lingering

and last but not least, the ingredients:
potatoes, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil and/or safflower oil, maltodextrin whey powder, sea salt, dried cheddar cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), whey, buttermilk, disodium phosphate, lactic acid), natural & artificial flavours, onion powder, yeast extract, extractives of annatto, sugar, citric acid, lactic acid, garlic powder, extractive of turmeric. 

score: 9.5/10
website: http://originalsaratogachips.com/ 

Lion's feet and legs soothing sheets resting time neat foot review

Kyusoku Jikan - Lion Corporation

I threw away the actual box, but if you take this picture to any drugstore in Japan, they will know what you are looking for. The box looks more colourful.

As I have started working and officially an office lady, I have no choice but to wear heels all the time. When I get home at night, my feet would cramp (super painful). 

I found these (which by the way are one of the more popular souvenirs in Tokyo) and decided to give them a try. 

Description:

• A moisture-rich sheet that cools your legs through the vaporization of water, helps to care for your tired legs after a long day of standing, walking, wearing high or doing sports. 
• Formulated with 5 aromatic oil fragrances, it also relaxes your senses while pampering your legs. 
• The adhesive is gentle on your skin and adheres firmly to the leg till the next morning.

Directions:

1. Use it after showering or before going to bed.
2. Ensure skin is dry and clean before using.
3. Remove half of the transparent film and affix to the required area i.e. calf, sole or ankle. Remove the other half of the transparent film.
4. For best cooling results, refrigerate it prior to use. Do not store in freezer.

pros:

• easy to apply
• slight minty smell
• works! 
• gets rid of foot cramps (on heel days)
• self-adhesive
• works on leg muscles (you will feel the difference the next day)
• affordable - ¥700 (approx) for 18 sheets

cons:

• smell
• easily slips off of feet (especially when you walk) 
• need to be absolutely still

I put them on my feet/legs before I go to sleep (so I don't have to use my legs and feet as much) and when I wake up the next day, my feet and leg muscles feel much more soothed.

Sometimes (depending on the season and your body temperature) you will slowly get a minty cooling sensation which also helps you relax. (I haven't tried storing them in the refrigerator before... so I'm not sure whether that would enhance the cooling feeling).

I highly recommend it!

score: 9.5/10
website: http://www.lioncorp.com.sg/Kyusoku%20Jikan/kyusoku-jikan.html

OPI Top Coat review

a disclaimer: this won't be a long review. (you will see why)

Before I get to my review and thoughts on this product, here is what it claims:

Product Description

• Top coat for regular lacquer shades.
• Used as the final step in a manicure service to seal in color and extend wear.

Benefits: 

• Protective, high-gloss shine
• Prevents smudges
• Non-yellowing formula

This is what I think: 

This is possibly one of the worse nail products I have bought this year.

I am very disappointed because I thought OPI is known for its quality (especially when you look at its price).

For ¥1500, I bought this Top Coat believing it will protect my nail polish from chipping, fading... or at least... function as a top coat.

None of that happened.

I first noticed something was seriously wrong as I applied it to my already dried nail polish was it starting to wipe off my already dried nail polish...  the top coat's brush starting collecting all my nail polish as if it was drenched in nail polish remover. It completely smudged my nail polish :(.

After the catastrophic event, I decided to leave my nail polish on and see how the top coat will protect it. After a few days, my nail polish began to chip and chunks of nail polish were falling off.

I tried not to panic and thought it might only be a random Revlon nail polish which might not be compatible with it (for some reason) but after testing it on a few other brands... the same thing happened... so my verdict is... this top coat is bad.


score: 0/10
website: https://www.opi.com/nail-care/top-and-base-coats/opi-top-coat

紅茶花伝 Craftea review

I finally bought it! I give in easily to advertisements and good looking bottles XD.

first impressions:

• 9% juice (whoa...)
• Minute Maid
• The drink was rough (they over brewed the tea)
• Loved the combination of orange/Apple tea

I liked this drink... the only downside was that the tea was completely over brewed... and tasted very rough...  other than that, I really liked the taste.

score: 7/10
website: https://c.cocacola.co.jp/kochakaden/craftea/

- I listed this as a Coca-Cola because it is owned by CocaCola.

also... if you are interested, please check out my personal blog and follow me around Tokyo :)

Egg Tempura review

egg tempura - 卵天ぷら

If you ever get the chance, I would highly recommend you to try egg tempura!... it is unbelievably good!

egg tempura 卵天ぷら

I was skeptical at first because how can egg tempura be good? it sounds so... gimmicky... but my taste buds told me otherwise! 

You can think of it like Onsen egg but covered in crispy tempura batter... 

Look for this word: 卵天ぷら if you are interested in trying it.

I ate this at 天ぷら定食まきの at 武蔵小山(Musashi Koyama). (I will do a full review of this place soon)

Address: 品川区荏原3-8-5 東京都, 142-0063

UHA 味覚糖さけるりんご review

I have found an interesting candy! It is stringy candy... and it is apple flavour! (They also have grape, mango and melon). They also explicitly say that you must keep this gummy in an environment of 28 degrees Celcius or lower. 

Before I get into the fun part, let me give you an overview of what is inside this stringy candy. (speaking of fun, check this page for weird commercials about this gummy... there are 11 episodes!)

They claim they use apple juice from Aomori apples. For those that do not know, Aomori Apples are known to be one of the best apples in the world (taste and size). 

Ingredients: (Aspartame · L-phenylalanine compound, acesulfame K), coloring agent (carotenoid), vitamin C (carotenoid), sugar, vegetable processed oil, starch syrup, collagen, concentrated apple juice, apple / cellulose, acidulant, emulsifier, , (Some apple / gelatin is included)

*I'm surprised! while it isn't the most healthy candy...

Here are the nutrition facts:

Energy 18 kcal, protein 0.3 g, lipid 0.7 g, carbohydrate 3.0 g, salt equivalent 0.001 g / collagen 240 mg per standard nutrition labeling (4.7 g standard)

Allergic substances included in raw materials (out of 27 items) Apples · Gelatin 

※ This product is manufactured with common equipment with products including milk.

there are 7 of these little packets inside

So now that is over with and the ingredients haven't scared you... here is the fun part!

 When you remove the packaging, the gummy is flat with a lot of ridges. You basically pull the gummies from their ridges. They aren't super easy to take apart, but once you get the hang of it, you will know how hard you should pull and where you should pull from.

tada!

This reminds me of Cheesestring, but it is sweet apple flavoured. The taste was really good! It was sweet but not very sweet. I highly recommend it!


score: 9/10!! (because there were only 7 inside T_____T)
website: https://www.uha-mikakuto.co.jp/catalog/gummy/gu106.html

an 11 episode story about this gummy: https://www.uha-mikakuto.co.jp/sakeru/ <-- check this page for the crazy advertisements they have for these gummies! (videos are located at the bottom of the page)

Shakey's Pizza guide and review

For ¥1480, you can eat as many slices of pizza as you can at Shakey's for 90 minutes... It might not seem like a lot of time, but it actually is... I get super full every time... in fact... I can hardly use up all 90 minutes (I usually stop after 65 minutes or so). Please check their website on different prices they have throughout the week.  (This post was NOT SPONSORED)

They have traditional pizzas like Pepperoni, cheese, Italian sausage.. etc 

they have stranger pizzas like Caesar Chicken, Alfredo pizza... (which sometimes can be good...)

and then they have super strange pizza like Apple Pie, Marshmallow, Strawberry and other savoury pizzas (which by the way is surprisingly good! I was doubtful... but after trying them... I was sold)

You also have other options like soup, spaghetti, pasta, salad, curry rice and corn chips (to take a short break from all that pizza)

Is it worth it?

I would say YES! It is very afforable... and a deal for all the pizza and food you are getting. They always refill the pizza and add new ones so the table is never empty. I also like that they had a variety of food for everyone ... from health edamame beans to jello to ... well... pizza.

This place is great for parties... but try to book in advance or go not at the prime time of lunch or dinner (which can get quite busy)

Everything is self-serve, so prepare to get your own water, utensils, napkins, etc.

Score: 9.5/10

Website: http://shakeys.jp/store/SHIBUYAUDAGAWA/en/

also... if you are interested, please check out my personal blog and follow me around Tokyo :)

Win2 Garlic Bread review

I found this at my local supermarket. I love Garlic Toast, so for me to see Garlic Bread Crisps (which is quite similar) I got excited and bought it.

These are from Indonesia, and I really liked them.

contains: 100g

481 calories per bag

Ingredients: Wheat Flour, Palm Oil, Rice, Corn, Sugar, Garlic Seasoning, Corn Starch, Salt Yeast, Calcium Carbonate, Seaweed, Synthetic Food Colouring (tartrazine E102)

the only concerns I have from this list are the Palm Oil and Calcium Carbonate.

image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/369928556867564764/

These remind me of Calbee's roasted corn snacks with garlic flavour (the ones you can find in HK... somehow I have never seen them in Tokyo.

impressions:

• addictive
• strong garlic taste but not overwhelming
• will give you garlic breath (beware!)
• very crispy
• the seaweed felt very unnecessary... didn't contribute to the taste at all
• seaweed flakes were caught between my nails and cuticles a few times

aren't they cute? 

score: 8.8/10

website: http://www.kobebussan.co.jp

Japan McDonald's Spicy Chicken McNuggets review

Something caught my eye while I was looking through the menu board at McDonald's... Spicy Chicken McNuggets!!!

tada!!

impressions:

• the original Chicken McNuggets taste is there
• has a light chilli sauce taste
• the heat builds up (but very slowly)
• perfect to be paired with coca cola

There were two new types of dipping sauces to choose from (aside from the usual Mustard and Barbeque sauce), Sour Cream and Onion and a spicy sauce. After some contemplating, I chose the Sour Cream and Onion as I felt I couldn't take Spicy Sauce on top of Spicy McNuggets.

The sauce and the Chicken McNugget turned out to be a perfect pair and I loved the combination!

Overall, I was very satisfied with the spicy version of one of my favourite sides, Chicken McNuggets, and was glad the spicy version made it taste much better! Be aware that the spiciness does build up though.

score: 9.5/10 (that is high!)

website: http://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/quality/basic_information/menu_info.php?mid=6470