Sunday, December 13, 2015

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (vanilla)

I splurged on a new concealer (about 3600 yen at Isetan), and man am I glad that I did. This pulls my entire routine together. The coverage is amazing. It is thick without being heavy. The color is brightening without being shiny. Covers all my under eye circles. Is great for contouring.

Holy grail product.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Maquillage Dual Color Rouge (30)

I loved my red Maquillage lipstick so much I splurged on a second, more neutral, shade. I tried the new two-in-one which was supposed to give me that gradation effect I see in magazines. I found it on Amazon for about 2200 yen, and in drugstores for about 2900 yen.

The color was nice, the darker shade is better for my skin tone. It's like 3 lipsticks in one: light shade, mixed shade, and dark shade. I couldn't notice the gradation effect at all. It doesn't bleed or make my mouth area oily. It has good staying power.

I like the red better.

Neal's Yard Remedies: Lemon and Coriander Deodorant Spray

I'm obviously on a bit of a natural ingredient beauty care kick (this happens to me every few years), so once I ran out of my Japanese Soft Stone deodorant, I decided to take the (expensive) plunge and purchase a deodorant spray from Neal's Yard Remedies. It's available online, in stores, and on Amazon.co.jp.

First off, I couldn't find the lavender scent here in Japan (which I would have preferred) so I had to make due with the lemon. It smells like lemon pledge to me. Over time I've gotten used to it, but the lavender would be better.

Second, this is just a deodorant - read not an antiperspirant. It will do nothing for sweat. This is where the certain dri comes in. It does a remarkably good job and lasts pretty much all day.

Finally, I don't know if I'm using it wrong, but I feel like it takes a long time to dry. It's now the first thing I apply during my morning routine so that I'm ready to get dressed after my morning toilet.

I wouldn't buy it again.

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

I purchased this on Amazon to take care of some stubborn hormonal acne that nothing else would treat. I have to admit that the first two times I used this, I didn't really get any result. However, the third time, when I really lathered the stuff on and let it sit for 40 minutes, really did the trick. This is a hard-core get-the-gunk-out mask. It will leave you red and dry for at least 30 minutes afterwards. But, my acne is now gone.

My plan is to use this 3-4 times a week in the morning, and the Vicco cream at night. Wish me luck!

Monday, November 30, 2015

Vicco tumeric cream and DIY tumeric/lemon mask

I recently read a glowing review of this cream over at refinery29 and decided to give it a go since it's only around $7USD a tube (I got mine on amazon).

I've been using this every night for about 3 weeks and can easily say it will be my new go-to night cream. It lessens the red marks from acne, prevents breakouts (but not completely), and even nipped a cystic pimple in the bud before it could become a huge problem. It is not as much of a miracle cream as R29 makes it sound. I still have red marks from previous acne flare-ups, but, even if it's temporary, they are lessened. And, the anti-acne properties make it a keeper. (and it doesn't seem to be staining my sheets.)

Problem is, this is hard to find in Japan. So I tried a DIY turmeric and lemon facial mask. It seems to be giving me the same benefits, but with more drawbacks: it will stain your skin and any fabric it comes in contact with. It takes a good scrub and a few cleanses with my bioderma make up remover to get the yellow off my face.

Final verdict is: buy the cream when you can. In a pinch, do the DIY mask a few times a week, when time allows.

Pore Putty BB cream (smoothing)

I see this everywhere, so at 1200 yen I thought I would give it a try. It's ok, not as great as my smashbox primer. It's about as good as the make-up for ever primer, and much cheaper... It has ok coverage, nothing fantastic...

Dove Oxygen Moisture shampoo and conditioner

Nothing too great here. The conditioner works better than the Lux, but I'm still on the hunt for a good, well priced, shampoo and conditioner set.

Maquillage Dramatic Rouge (10)

I recently fell for the pretty commercials and the rave Cosme reviews about this lipstick. It was pretty pricey (at 2700 yen), but worth the splurge! A nice ruby red color, a little shine, some translucence. I even got compliments on it. It stayed on well and didn't run. I'm going to try the double shade next!

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Nars blush: Orgasm

A cult classic for a reason. I love it and will never go back.

Make up forever Ultra HD Foundation and Skin Equalizer (Smoothing) Primer

I FINALLY ran out of my Addiction foundation, Evangelist BB cream, and Smashbox primer. Let me just say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Evangelist BB cream and the Smashbox primer. I'll buy them again and again.

But I wanted to try something different.

The make up forever ultra HD foundation is better than the addiction foundation. The coverage is more even and the formula is less heavy.


However, the make up forever primer is not as good as the Smashbox. But I can't find Smashbox in Japan (and Sephora won't ship it to me!). I'll finish this tube, and then find a way to get my Smashbox!

The combo set me back 1 man. But, I got color consultation, which I DEFINITELY recommend, as I ended up being 3 shades darker than both I and the salesgirl thought!!!!

Kanebo Suisai face wash powder

I picked up this face wash powder for about 2000 yen at Yamada Denki.

You empty the capsule into your hand, add a bit of water, rub your hands together, and it turns into a lather.

It's ranked very high on cosme and won a best face wash award in 2014. But it was really drying for me. I'll use it when I travel (no liquids!), even though I prefer my Bifesta cleansing sheets for traveling.

Canmake Candy Wrap Lip Gloss





I picked up the Canmake Candy Wrap lip gloss in Lady Strawberry at Yamada Denki in Tokyo for about 600 yen.

I LOVE the color and the gloss. It's super "garu." Since it's a gloss, it doesn't last long. My only complaint is that it caused acne around my mouth.

I'm going to try it again with a lip pencil.

Monday, August 17, 2015

Daiso's nail polish: Espoleur

I've been trying to trim down my beauty budget, and one way has been to do my own manicures/pedicures. To not feel completely impoverished, I treat myself to a new 100 yen nail polish (almost) each time.

The other day I stumbled upon Daiso's new nail polish line. I have to say, it's pretty great. There are many colors to choose from - from wild and crazy to my new favorite beige (#2 light nude ライトヌード). The first coat goes on very sheer, but the color builds nicely. It dries quickly with no gumming.

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Datsumo Labo: visits 4 and 5

This is where it got real for me! Last weekend, after visit 5 at Datsumo, I went to the beach. I did not have to landscape! It is so freeingly wonderful to not have to worry about grooming!

Face: hair is definitely growing back less and at a slower pace. I usually have to wax my upper lip every two weeks, and that is because hair is THERE. I have noticed no new hairs.

Underarms: A significant reduction in the amount of hair. The hair that does grow there is much finer. I went about two weeks without having to really shave.

Arms: I can still feel hair there, but I can't see it.

Bikini line: I can go a week without shaving. No razor burn.

Legs: I can feel some hair there, but can't see it.

Fingers and toes: I can feel some hair there, but can't see it.

Verdict: After five treatments the results are noticeable and make it worth the discomfort (so cold, and so many people touching my body)! I'm finally slowing my visits down to once a month!

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Datsumo Labo: Visit #3

I've completely given up thinking that I can save the 1000 yen shaving charge. No matter how diligently I shave before my appointment, they shave me anyway.

I'm going every two weeks (they said that would be ok for the first two, maybe three months. After that, they recommend only going once a month). Below are the results to date:

Face: hair is definitely growing back less and at a slower pace. I usually have to wax my upper lip every two weeks, and that is because hair is THERE. I noticed I only have a few stray hairs by the end of week two.

Underarms: A significant reduction in the amount of hair. The hair that does grow there is much finer. I went about a week without having to really shave.

Arms: I can feel hair there, but I can't see it.

Bikini line: Here is my big problem spot. This process has definitely reduced the razor burn I experience from daily shaving. There is a significant reduction in the amount of hair. The hair that grows is still dark and coarse. I can go about 3 days without having to shave at all. After a week, shaving is necessary.

Legs: I can feel hair there, but can't see it.

Fingers and toes: no real difference here. I still have the same amount of hair that regrows in two weeks.

Verdict: After just three treatments the results are noticeable and make it worth the discomfort (so cold, and so many people touching my body)! I'm continuing to go every two weeks until the hair regrowth makes that unnecessary.

Monday, July 6, 2015

LUX Super Rich Shine Damage Repair

I'm still on the hunt for a good conditioning mask to fix my fried hair. I chose this Lux damage repair due to great ratings on Cosme, and the fact that it cost about 500 yen at my local drugstore. You leave it on for about 20 minutes after shampooing. It is a weekly treatment, but I've been using it after each shampoo (just on the ends), and haven't noticed any terrible build-up.

It's better than the Laggie conditioner (which comes in cute little individual packets- perfect for traveling). But, it hasn't solved the problem. My Japanese friend swears by using Nivea cream lotion in her hair - I'm trying that next!

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Laggie Rich Repair treatment

The double process straight perm Watanabe gave me totally fried my hair, so I'm desperate for treatments to disguise the damage. Since Aki san didn't reply to my email request for products he recommends, I picked up the highly rated Laggie Rich Repair mask (4 treatments for about 500 yen).

It definitely helped - I can get a comb through the ends, gave it a silky texture, and it doesn't look horrible, but you can still tell the ends are frayed and dry. I'd recommend this for a normal weekly treatment, not a salon-gone-wrong-fix.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Dieting: Konyaku jelly and Black vinegar

I'm trying to shed a few kilograms and a friend suggested konyaku jelly. Konyaku is one of my favorite foods, I regularly put it in rice or serve it up with shiitake. Little did I know it is also a candy!

Konyaku is made from vegetable fibers and water, so it is known as a diet food that will flush out your system. It was pulled from production a few years back because a number of people died from choking on the candy. However, it's back, and my friend said it is perfectly safe (just don't freeze it). Sales of konyaku jelly are prohibited in the US. It sells for about 100 yen (in individual servings, like the one above, or in a gel pack) and can be found in most grocery stores and drug stores.


The other little secret is black vinegar, which can be drank straight, mixed with club soda (my favorite), or purchased with flavorings added. It's also about 100 yen a drink box and can be found in most supermarkets. It is touted to burn fat, which I like!


Thursday, June 18, 2015

Akasuri: scrubbing off the dirt and grime

In the summer I try extra hard to keep nice and squeaky clean. Japanese summers are so hot and humid I always feel the need for multiple showers a day. When you add in the sweat, lotions, and UV protection, I can get pretty grimy. So, I head to akasuri.

My usual spot for this treat is Gokouyu, a sento by Gojo Omiya. The basic scrub course (Course A) is 2500 yen for 20 minutes. You can make a reservation by phone (Japanese only) or at the front desk of the sento.

You'll be given a special numbered bracelet and told to be in the waiting area a few minutes before your appointment. Once you've soaked for 15-30 minutes, head to the second floor and wait in one of the plastic chairs outside of the akasuri room. A woman will invite you in, ask you to lay face down, and scrub you down like an elephant in the zoo. She will thoroughly scrub everywhere, including your I-line and O-line, so this is not for the faint of heart. At Gokouyu, the akasuri room is private.


However, since akasuri is not always available at Gokouyu, I sometimes go to Hana no yu. In addition to having rotemburo (outdoor bath), it also offers massage and akasuri until midnight. You can buy a ticket in the lobby (15 minutes for 2200 yen) and then make an appointment at the massage/akasuri counter on the first floor. The scrub here isn't quite as good, and the room can accommodate 5 people, but it's effective.

Daiso's hair drying glove


At the moment, Daiso's hair drying glove is all the rage here in Japan. For 100 yen you get this (ugly) glove that you use when drying your hair. Since it's basically just a towel, it works.

Pantene Extra Damage Care Shampoo and Conditioner

I've been focusing my beauty budget on big ticket items lately, so I decided to try out the Pantene Extra Damage Care Shampoo and Conditioner. It's been working just fine, so, bye Ahalo Butter!

Sun screen: Biore Aqua Rich

Since I'm starting the Datsumo Labo hair removal process, I have to be extra careful not to get any suntan or sunburn this summer. I picked up another can of the Parasol UV spray (570 yen) I used last year, and that has been working well. However, I love a spray UV at the beach (no sand!), but I prefer a lotion at home (I can apply after the shower). Cosme ranked the Biore UV Aqua Rich sunscreen as the best, so I bought a tube for 758 yen.

It has worked well and has the consistency of a lotion. The formula is really light and not sticky, perfect for everyday use under clothes.



I also tried the "watery gel" version, which has the consistency of a sun block lotion. Same results, different feel.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Hair Removal: Datsumo Labo (Step 2: The first appointment)

This process is not for the faint of heart. I had never even had a Brazilian wax before. Now, I have no shame.

So, I woke up the morning of my appointment, showered, and shaved. No lotions or oils. I had shaved my face and arms with the bi-hada razor two days before. I got my neck shaved in that beautiful maiko-san swallowtail at Beauty Face the day before (900 yen).

I thought I was hair free and wouldn't incur any shaving charges: wrong.

I arrived and was escorted into a very run down, hospital-feel, room. There was a massage table covered in plastic and the hair removal machine. I was given a terry robe and told to undress completely and put the snaps at the back. I had my hair pinned up.

The staff member came in and instructed me to lay face down. She placed a towel over my head. She then unsnapped my gown to do a shaving "check", including my O-line (for those of you not in the know, that means my butt). Although I removed the O-line hair well enough (thanks Veet!), I apparently was not aware that I have hair on my back. And, although I shaved my arms, I apparently did not do it well enough. So, I was shaved. (1000 yen)

Then they applied a freezing cold gel on my back, went over the area with the laser, scraped off the gel, wiped off the residue, and wrapped me in a cold towel. Repeat this for every area on my body. Including my butt, fingers, toes, bikini line, and face. At times, there were three women working on me. I felt like a dog at the groomer.

The entire process lasted two hours. I got dressed, paid my shaving fee, and made my next appointment.

For the rest of the day I was freezing cold - I could not get warm. I took a hot shower, but was cold afterwards.

Results: It's been three days since my appointment, and I still have to shave my legs everyday, but they are much more smooth than normal. I think perhaps some hair was destroyed. When you touch my arms you can feel there is some hair regrowth, but it is not visible. No hair regrowth is visible anywhere else.

Saturday, June 6, 2015

I shaved my face (and arms): KAI Bi-hada shaver

Since I'm starting the Datsumo Labo hair removal process, I have to shave EVERYWHERE before I arrive for my first appointment. No waxing.

Datsumo Labo basically made me swear on my life that I would use this type of Japanese shaver. So, I went out and bought one for about 800 yen.

First, I prepped with my Tend-Skin. Then, I shaved my arms. Then I shaved my face, especially my cheeks. It was weird. I had no idea I was so hairy. I finished with Tend-Skin and a bit of my Embryolisse.

I have to say, I liked it. My skin is super smooth. As long as I don't get ingrown hairs, and since I should soon be hairless anyway, I will continue to use it!

Hair removal: Datsumo Labo/ SSC hair removal (Step one: The consultation process)


I finally took the plunge and signed up for six sessions of hair removal at Datsumo Labo. All hair, everywhere, gone. Cost is about 160000 yen. (There are other plans available, including site specific removal.)

The sign up process was pretty complicated if you are not comfortable with your Japanese. First, you apply for a consultation online. Then, you get a phone call with some basic questions. Finally, you go in for an hour consultation and choose your plan.

The entire thing is in Japanese, and there are some pretty non-standard words being tossed around, so it's not for the faint of heart. (Although everyone is really nice.)

You can pay by credit card, cash, or bank transfer. You will need to sign a contract, and they insisted I use my hanko and not simply sign my name.

The take home message is: it takes about 18 visits to be hair-free. For the first 3-4 months, you can go twice a month. After that, it's once a month.

Before you go: shave completely, if you don't, they will shave you for a charge (either 1000 yen or 1500 yen); don't use any lotions or oils; don't get a tan.

After your appointment: don't take a bath (shower only); don't drink; don't exercise. You are also supposed to refrain from hair removal in between visits. I'm not sure how that will even be remotely possible for me...

I had to wait a week to book my first appointment, it's apparently VERY popular in Japan.

A basic English website exists for Datsumo Labo Singapore.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Facial moisturizer: Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre

I love my SKII stem power, but for the price I expect more results. Therefore, this month I switched over to Embryolisse, available on Amazon Japan for about 2000 yen.

It is definitely heavier on the face than the SKII, but it seems to be moisturizing just as well. I have acne prone skin and this made me break out a little, but it could be from something else or simply just because of the change. It is a nice base for make-up, so unless it causes me to continue to break out, I will stick with it!

UPDATE: This is clogging my pores, especially around my T-zone. The money I save on lotion would go to facials!! I'm changing over to my trusty Cetaphil with UV protection and relegating the Embryolisse to my decolletage!

Monday, June 1, 2015

Fillers: Tokiko Clinic

I decided to do something about my laugh lines, and that something was fillers.

I made an appointment (in English) through the Tokiko clinic website. The doctor emailed me in English (sometimes obviously through Google translate - it made no sense.) She was to have someone at my appointment to either speak or translate English.

I got to the clinic for my appointment and the intake form was in both Japanese and English. That was the last English I would hear or see.

The doctor gave me a nice consultation in Japanese and we agreed on our plan of attack.

Then, a staff member came in to explain the price structure and get me to sign some forms that I had things explained to me and I understood (again, all in Japanese).

Next, a staff member led me to a private room with a "massage table." My picture was taken (for before and after purposes). I laid down, the staff removed my makeup and applied a topical analgesic that stayed on for 30 minutes.

Finally, the doctor came in, removed the analgesic, gave me some medicine and ice to suck on, and did the injections. I was allowed to reapply my makeup, paid, and left.

Easy! I'll be back again to do some more fillers under my eyes and in my neck!

Monday, May 25, 2015

Addiction Tinted Skin Protector

I received a sample of this with my Addiction eyeshadow order and decided to give it a try. Oh my goodness. It's wonderful. It gives perfect coverage while still allowing your skin to shine through. There seems to be some illuminizer in it, so there is a dewy effect, but it's not overwhelming. Plus, it has SPF50+/PA+++. It really downplayed my pores and unevenness in my skin tone.

I liked it so much I bought a tube (in color 03), from the Addiction website (Japanese only) for 4860 yen.

UPDATE: I am trying desperately to cover a zit and this stuff just doesn't cover as well as the Evangelist BB cream.

Addiction eyeshadow: Pink Sky

I was so happy with my recent Kate eyeshadow I thought I would pick up another brand in another color. Cosme ranked Addiction eyeshadow as the best, so I gave it a whirl, selecting Pink Sky (pearly type) for 2160 yen (available on the Addiction website- Japanese only).

I was thoroughly disappointed. The color looks like any brand and had no shine at all. I'll be sticking with the Kate brand!

Friday, May 22, 2015

deodorant and antiperspirant: Certain Dri



A few days ago I posted about the number one Japanese deodorant and antiperspirant, Soft Stone. It just doesn't do the job on the antiperspirant side of things. So, I'm really happy that I picked up Certain Dri from Amazon (about 1300 yen).

You put on Certain Dri at night, and it works for about 72 hours. In the morning I use Soft Stone to deal with odor. The combination has been great so far!

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Concealer: Sheer Eye zone concealer (Shiseido)

My trusty Rimmel Natural concealer is no longer anywhere in my local drugstores, so I took that as a sign from the gods to move forward and try something new. Ranked at #3 on cosme's recommended concealers is Shiseido's Sheer eye zone concealer. I bought this from the Shiseido website (in 101, very light) for a little more than 3600 yen.

The color is great, and it seems to have some sort of luminizer in it, which is nice, but this is definitely too sheer to be called a concealer. It provides only minimal coverage.

And, I have to say, I'm not a fan of the applicator brush.

I'll continue to use it until it's run out, but then I will try something else.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Summer lotions: Nivea Premium Milk

I needed a new lotion to add to my summer arsenal, since my favorite Tiare oil is too oily for a quick shower and change. I picked up the Nivea premium milk based on its number one ranking on Cosme. It's a nice lotion, a good consistency for summer, and very hydrating, but THE SMELL is overwhelming. Such a fake flowery stench. It cost me about 600 yen.

I'll switch to the regular unscented version once I'm done with this bottle.

The beautiful scent of my Tiare oil has spoiled me!

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

RMS living luminizer

I've never really liked luminizers because they just make me look sweaty, but this one is different. I love it. It is the perfect shade and goes on sheer and light. I use it in combination with my NARS orgasm blush.

It's about $38.

Benefit brow zings

I got my brows done a while ago and my stylist talked me into the shadow and wax they sell. I like it much more than the brow mascara I had been using. I find that the shadow is enough of a filler for day-to-day use, and the wax gives me extra umph for the evening.

It costs about $36.

Best Buys: End of winter wrap-up

Here are the things I will continue using/ doing into spring:

Shampoo and Conditioner
Ahalo (switching to the premium scalp/ pure scalp next time around)


For ingrown hair prevention:
Tendskin


Facial Cleanser:
Bioderma


Facial moisturizer:
SK-II stempower (but I'm going to try Embryolisse when I am done with this jar)


Body moisturizer:
Nivea


Hand cream:
L'Occitane (switching to Yuskin when I run out, I don't like all the artificial fragrance in the L'Occitane)


Eyelashes:
ProCare extensions


Base makeup:
Evangelist BB cream


Nails:
Jin Soon Nostalgia

Breaking up with:
Apps Ep Shampoo and conditioner (too expensive)
Cleansing wipes
Fancl facial oil
Face masks
Heroine make mascara (I like the convenience of the extensions)
Nivea hand cream
Uniqlo underwear (not high enough quality, and not sexy)




Kate dual blend Eyeshadow (gold)

My Japanese girlfriends all wear sparkly pinky silver eyeshadow everyday. I'm not sure if that color would go with my skin tone, so I picked up the new Kate dual blend eyeshadow when I was at the drugstore yesterday, for about 1000 yen.

It went on nice and smooth and stayed put. I really liked the gold color, lots of sparkle. I contoured with the dark brown today, and felt it blended nicely. Not bad for a random purchase. It will last forever - there is so much!

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Japanese deodorant: Soft Stone by DeoNatulle (デオナチュレ ソフトストーンW)

I finally ran out of the American deodorant I brought with me, and, since Kyoto has decided to skip spring and launch full-on into summer, I thought this was a great time to try a Japanese brand. According to cosme, this Soft Stone deodorant is the best on the market, for a number of years running. I got mine on Amazon for 667 yen, but I've seen this in just about every drug store in the area.

(The best thing about Kyoto drug stores is that they put the most popular seasonal products right out front! The worst thing is that they completely hide - or stop selling - off season products. So, I grabbed an extra winter Nivea lotion when I found a lone one on the shelf the other day. Never know when I will have extra dry skin before next winter!)

The deodorant went on clear. It kept me nice and fresh all day long, but I did notice perspiration. I have the Patti Stanger Certain Dri on order, so I'm hoping the combination will keep me fresh as a daisy all summer long.

UPDATE: I'm a few days in, and I have to say, this is keeping me fresh and dry. This is a winner!
FYI: one stick lasts about two months.

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Gel nails: Gelish starter kit

I love the long lasting indestructible-ness of gel nails, but I hate the price of a gel manicure and don't want to ruin my nails and hands with the gel-off process. So, I took a little plunge into the world of at-home gel nails.

I got a basic starter kit (different than the one above) at Tokyu Hands for 4500 yen. A bottle of color gel polish was about 1000 yen.

The first try was a bit of a disaster. I found I'm not a very good manicurist, and it is EXTREMELY important to not get any polish on your skin, as it really just turns into superglue. In addition, I got some weird bubbles on a few nails. I had to take it off immediately since it looked pretty bad. I soaked off in acetone for about 30 minutes total. Not optimal.

For my second try I decided to do a gel nail top-coat over regular polish. According to this article in Allure, this method is possible if you allow your regular polish to dry for 24 hours. This is perfect for me, since I love my Jin Soon nostalgia color, and have 24 hours to clean up any polish that is on my cuticles or skin. After drying the topcoat and wiping with the cleanser, I got that great gel nail shine!

I usually get about 5-6 days of chip free nails with a regular manicure. I get 2 weeks with a good gel manicure (and could even go longer if I could stand that "grow-out" portion at the base of the nail.) I will update on how long the gel topcoat over regular manicure lasts!

UPDATE: the experiment failed. the regular polish chipped and peeled off within a day of the gel top coat. : (

Friday, March 13, 2015

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel

I took the plunge and bought a 30 day supply of the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta peel. All I can say is that I wish I had done it earlier. My skin looks amazing, after only 2 days.

This product is worth the money. I would buy this over all of the facial masks I've tried over the past year (SK-II mask included). Also, it works as a cleanser (although I use my bioderma first). So, in reality it is cheap: you don't have to buy any expensive cleansers or masks, this does it all in one product.

This will become a staple!!!

UPDATE: I stopped seeing results after the second day. I'm still using the product, but I don't think I will buy it again (especially because of the cost).

Adventures in hair: Nabige (GO HERE!)

I finally found it. A Kyoto hair salon that did what I wanted. No mistakes. No thinning shears. No too-short bangs. Nabige. And my new favorite man on earth, Akihiko IMAMURA

 
I made my appointment on hot pepper, since I prefer online booking. Straight perm and a cut. First thing in the morning. I noted that I prefer a quiet experience and that I speak Japanese.

Be forewarned, the experience was in Japanese only. But, Imamura-san spoke to me like a child, so it was easy enough to understand. He was quiet and understated with me, but laughing and joking up a storm with another client - so he can give you either experience.

He sat me down for a consultation. He confirmed the date of my last straight perm, and that I had no negative reactions. He then asked about the cut - I told him I wanted to keep the length and my bangs were still too short. He said he would just take off the damaged ends and shape up the bangs, allowing me to grow out my cut. Perfect.

Then, he gave me the best shampoo I've ever had. Really. I wanted some privacy. : )

He confirmed that I understood this would be a 3 hour extravaganza. Then, he directed my attention to the wall of fashion magazines (Japanese). When I told him I had no clue, he described them in terms of age-appropriateness and suggested I take at least two. Then, he and his assistants got down to work.

Everyone was gracious and lovely.

When he gave me my final touch-ups he also gave me some tips on how to lessen the heat damage to my hair when I blow dry and flat iron.

All around win.

My new salon! I'm so happy!

UPDATE: The straight perm didn't take. I thought it had fewer steps than the one I got at Watanabe, and obviously, it did. I won't get the perm at Nabige again.

I went back for a bang trim, but asked for tons of extra stuff if he had the time, and he did, so I also got the dead ends cut off and my neck shaved into a lovely line. All went smoothly and without disaster!