My Beauty Routine overview Sept. 2016

hey everyone,

so let's kick off September (my birthday month) with some skin care routine (I call these my beauty products because I don't use make up as much as other girls... I believe in taking care of my skin rather than covering up blemishes).

Sometimes I feel like I just keep talking but I haven't really explained what types of items I use to keep my skin hydrated... so here is a bit of an overview of the products I am using right now.

I emphasize "NOW" because I alternate products. A chemist friend told me that if you keep using the same products over and over again, your body will adjust to its properties and they wouldn't work as well.

• IMJU Naturie Skin Conditioner (Japanese)
• Clinique's dramatically difference moisturizing lotion + (French)
• It's SKIN Power 10 Fomula CO EFFECTOR with Phyto Collagen (Korean)
• Padina's Eye Lash Conditioner (American)

Whoa... so before I wrote this post, I had no idea that all my products came from different countries...

I will talk about each product briefly and then if I feel that it can be a post on it's own, I will do so in a future post.

1. IMJU Naturie Skin Conditioner (Japan)

IMJU Skin Conditioner

This product is heavily advertised around drug stores in Japan, it is almost impossible to miss this product in any drug store... and because of that... (in a small voice) I am a sucker when it comes to advertising, I bought this product.

This product has multifunctions: first, it can be used for both your body and face and secondly it can be used as 1. a toner and 2. a mask.

I use this as a toner by using it right after I cleansed my face, since I am not a fan of Cotton pads, I just pour some onto my hands and pat it on my face.

I haven't used this as a mask yet, so I can't comment as to how useful it is (when I make a full post on this product, I will do so.

As a skin conditioner for my body, I just apply it like lotion to my arms, legs and body and apply my usual vaseline or Crabtree and Evelyn body lotion over. This conditioner really helps my skin absorb the lotion better.

2. Clinique's Dramatically Difference Moisturizing Lotion + (France)

This was my mom's favourite product and it quickly became mine's too. I used to hate this product as a kid because it was scentless and it looked boring.

But, a few years ago, after washing my face the skin became so dry that I had a terrible skin tightening feeling (felt like my skin was going to rip apart. This was because of the Canadian dry climate making my skin feel so dry), my mom gave me 2 pumps of this lotion and it instantly relieved the dryness and pain. Ever since then, I fell in love with this product.

3. It's SKIN Power 10 Formula CO EFFECTOR with Phyto Collagen (Korea)

This product claims it is SKIN SAFETY TESTED and that is is "Clinical Skin Solution".
I actually have bought almost the whole set (picture will be uploaded later) because the price is affordable and it has a glass container (did I ever tell you that I was obsessed with glass containers?). I think this is a fair serum for the price you pay but it could be improved... the effects are not long lasting.

4. Padina Eyelash Conditioner (USA)

Padina Eyelash conditioner

This product was sent to me by Padina. The product claims that if you use this product for 3-4 weeks your eyelashes will grow to be fuller. The concept is putting nutrients to your eyelash follicles and help your eyelashes grow better. Unlike other similar products, this product claims to use only natural and organic ingredients.

You use this like an eyeliner and apply it as if you are drawing an invisible line on your waterlines.

Etude House Tear Eye Liner #WH901 review

Hey Everyone, I sincerely apologize for the lack of reviews... I have been stressing over a lot of things lately (personal, work, etc). So I wasn't able to focus on writing reviews (I have a lot of drafts sitting in my drafts folder waiting to be written...). But at last... I finally completely a review! :D

product

The other day, I was shopping at Lumine in Shinjuku, and I came across Etude House (I love Korean Cosmetics). I decided to walk in and see what new products they have. I saw their Tear Eye Liner and was curious... the description said it was an eye liner for your tear and under eye water line. Because this product was so intriguing, I bought it.

photo credits: etudehouse.com

Since the best selling one seemed to be #WH901, I bought it! We have all been waiting for a product like this, some times, we try to put some light shimmery eye shadow at the bottom of our eyes to brighten them... BUT... the shimmery does not last so long. This is the perfect solution, it literally stays on as long as eye liner.

applicator

The applicator was very fine, it made it easy to apply! (in fact, much easier than regular eye liner). The applicator made precise strokes.

with product

You can instantly see results... I don't have to say much... :P It really brightens up the eyes and makes you look so much more awake. You can also see how my dark circles are less obvious.

without product

Before discovering this product, I would always use eye shadows to brighten up my eyes, but after using this product, I realized how the effect is so much better than a regular eye shadow. I highly recommend it!

how product looks...

All you need is one stroke.

impressions:

• very easy to apply
• makes eyes look so bright!
• love this product
• easy to remove with eye make up remover (even with the sparkles :D)

This is a special product and a very innovative one. Who knew that one thin stroke can make such a huge difference on our overall finished look! It was very easy to apply but I also found it annoying to get rid of the sparkles... but all that can e fixed with using an eye make up remover!

score: 9/10

website: http://etude.jp/eye/eye_liner/211030155.html

McDonald's マクドナルド - LOCO MOCO (ロコモコバーガー) burger review

Loco Moco burger (ロコモコバーガー)... is heavily advertised everywhere! If you are in Tokyo, it is hard not to see it. It is no hidden fact that the Japanese are obsessed with anything Hawaiian, so it makes sense that McDonald's would create a Loco Moco Burger (ロコモコバーガー) in Japan!

meal combo

Of course, as a blogger, why would I miss the chance to try this limited edition burger? The first things which attracted me to the burger was 1. the poster (who can resist the Hawaiian beaches?) 2. 2 burger patties, 1 slice of cheese and an egg... enough said... take my money! (:P)

this is one messy burger x.x

After doing some quick research (e.g. Google) I discovered that Loco Moco is a traditional Hawaiian dish which consists of white rice, topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy. (source: wikipedia). That explains the egg and the brown gravy contained in this hamburger.

impressions:

• very filling
• sauce had a spicy element (but it wasn't spicy...)
• gravy was not flavourful enough (a bit bland)
• the gravy and the mayonnaise complimented each other very well
• the burger was well stacked (everything was put together in a perfect ratio and amount)
• the slice of cheese did not play a big role
• quite messy... the sauce kept dripping

If you are planning to try this burger, prepare to get your hands messy... the gravy is very runny making it challenging to eat this burger without getting your hands and clothes dirty. I really liked this burger... but I think it needs a slight improvement: I wish the sauce was more spicy and flavourful and that the cheese had a stronger presence. Other than that... I really liked this burger!

score: 8/10

website: http://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/quality/basic_information/menu_info.php?mid=7000

My Japanese Toothpaste overview review

So as I mentioned on my Facebook page, I will be writing a short review on the toothpastes I currently use (yes, I use 3 toothpastes). All the toothpastes mentioned below are all "white"

Sunstar Ora2 Stain Clear 130ml

After using this toothpaste for 2 months I have noticed how much whiter my teeth have gotten. It really removes stains. It does a fairly good job cleaning my teeth... but I'm most impressed by it's stain removing power. Don't expect IMMEDIATE results... but you will notice the difference in the long run.

Another advantage is that there are many cool tastes... since I am a huge peach fan... I choose peach leaf mint. It really has a nice peachy mint taste... caution: do not swallow toothpaste! XD

back of Sunstar's Ora2 Stain Clear toothpaste

Lion クリニカ Advantage 130ml

Good for cleaning! Every time I finish using this toothpaste, I can't but notice just how smooth my teeth feel. They have a squeaky clean feeling. This toothpaste claims to get rid of plaque, gets rid of Gingivitis gum disease by killing bacteria and prevents bacteria from forming, and it also prevents the deposition of "tar tar"

This toothpaste has a citrus minty flavour mixed with a slight salty flavour (similar to baking soda toothpaste... minus the baking soda effect). There are small salty crystal pieces contained in this toothpaste... so remember to rinse until you are sure there isn't any of this toothpaste left.

back of Lion's Advantage toothpaste

Lion エチクットBreath Communication/ Etiquette 130ml

This is the perfect toothpaste if you want to get rid of morning breath (for up to 5 hours). I use this toothpaste every time I have a meeting or when I'm going to work because it gets rid of bad breath for hours (the average is about 5 hours).

The mint isn't overpowering but it is very magical, once you spit out toothpaste you can instantly tell your breathe smells good... there isn't a strong mint after taste but the bad breath is all gone! :D

back of Lion's Breath Communication/Etiquette toothpaste

Let me know if you come across any good toothpaste :P

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Dolci Cafe SILKREAM Cafe review

Hey my lovely sugar plums!

I am so sorry for being M.I.A. for such a long time... don't worry, I haven't abandoned this blog... I have just been occupied :( if you miss me, please follow me on my FB where I update every day (after all... writing posts are much quicker than full reviews).

anywayz, here's my review of this place:

Dolci Cafe Silkream Soft Service Ice Cream

How many times do we past by gems only to discover them when we are being told? "ME!" ... I was introduced to Ice Cream place by a friend and it has been one of my favourite ice cream places in Shibuya... errr... in Tokyo ever since. 

The exterior is modest and easy to miss... how I remember this place is that it is right underneath T.G.I. Friday's (Shibuya). It's actually quite embarrassing to say that I pass by this place EVERY week... and dined at T.G.I. Friday's for... 1, 2, 3... err.... many times... but I didn't notice this place AT ALL!

interior of Dolci Cafe

The interior is really nice... I forgot to take a picture, but there are a lot of Moomin decorations placed around the cafe. The interior reminds me of a relaxing western cafe located in the outskirts of town. When I'm in here, I forget I am in the busy parts of Shibuya... it's the perfect place to relax and refresh yourself.

Besides, their main ingredients are from Hokkaido.

menu

They have an incredibly small menu selection... it was either coffee with ice cream or ice cream with difference sauces (e.g. strawberry sauce), drinks, crepes... they do have some pastas... but who wants that? :P (just kidding). We both decided on Cremia with Langue de Chat Cone. It is one of their (or rather, only) signature dishes! 

There is even a drink set (not written on the menu)... if you added ¥300 , you can choose a coffee, orange juice or tea (regular price is ¥500-600).

Their pastas are more reasonably priced.

we watched as our ice creams were being made and prepared

To be honest completely honest, this place is slightly pricey. If you are looking for a quick snack before dinner, I wouldn't recommend you to eat ice cream here. One of the reasons why it is a bit more pricier than most ice cream places is because of the relaxing environment it provides so you can relax.

¥820/ice cream

impressions:

• very creamy
• melts very fast
• very filling
• cone is so tasty!

The Ice Cream was SO GOOD!... it actually reminded me of the Ice Cream I had in Hong Kong at Sweet House Cha Cha.They both taste so similar... but this one melts faster than the one in HK... I don't know why.

After trying the cone, I can tell immediately that this cone was made (and not bought in bulks). It was very crispy (and luckily not warm). It slightly melted in your mouth. It had a crispiness of a waffle cone yet the taste of a sugar cone! (I really liked the cone). It was perfectly paired with the ice cream.

here's our Cremia ice cream!! 

I loved the atmosphere, you can even choose where to sit (during their less busy hours) and each place: Living Room, Dining Room and Terrace are all slightly unique. (I was sitting in the Living Room, if you were wondering). The living room was nice a cozy :).

Address: 東京都渋谷区神南1-19-3 ハイマンテン神南ビル1F

Hours: 11:00am - 9:00pm

Score: 8/10 (really great ice cream but a bit on the pricey side)

Website: http://www.nissei-com.co.jp/silkream/sp/index.jsp

Daiso's Socks Glue review

sock glue from Daiso

Sock Glue.. is it a gimmick or does it really work?

A few years ago (when I was still studying Japanese), my Sensei (or professor) told us about a product called Sock Glue, he explained that in Japan, female students are required to wear knee high socks as part of their uniform, but sometimes and very often... their socks will fall. In order to prevent this from happening, Japanese companies decided to create a product which will glue the socks on their legs so that their socks won't fall (cool product huh?).

Because of this information, I was fascinated about this product to this day. One day, while I was shopping at Daiso, ta-da, I found it! It was only ¥100 so I got it... 

I decided to test it out...  I tried them for my knee high socks and some camisoles (I sometimes find them a bit too revealing). I was excited...

BUT... it didn't exactly work...

firstly, it felt like glue for paper... just as thin and just as watery... 

secondly, you need a lot of it... you literally have to soak the fabric with it or else it wouldn't even stick... the fabric kept absorbing all the glue... so it was difficult to stick it on your skin. 

thirdly, because your skin "moves", this causes the glue to loosen its grip and end up peeling off all together with your fabric (sock/camisole).

unfortunately this was a great idea... but it didn't work at all... absolutely disappointed...

score: 1/10... (I guess it is a good glue for paper...)

classified: GIMMICK
website: no website

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