Sunday, January 31, 2016

Cleansing Towelettes: Neutrogena and Burts Bees


The Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes are super nice. They are thick and get the job done. Also, a nice big towelette. And they trump my Japanese brand! You can buy them on Amazon Japan. Search for ニュートロジーナ 詰め替え用メイク落としシート


I also picked up these Burts Bees cucumber sage towlettes for about $6. They work, but not as well. And the smell is really cucumber-y. That just makes me think chemical. Burts Bees products are widely available on Amazon Japan. Search for バーツビーズ

Earth Science Natural Deodorant, Tea Tree Lavender




This is my new deodorant. I love it. Works better than the softstone. Smells amazing. Keeps me nice and fresh. It's about $7. My new go-to!

Dry Oil: NUXE, Neutrogena




Really. This stuff is the best. My favorite after bath oil (Tiare is a close second, then Neutrogena). But why a glass bottle, filled with oil? Why? It's $29 for 1.6 oz, but it turns a regular shower into a fancy spa experience.





The Neutrogena body oil is a far second. It also absorbs into the skin quickly and has a nice smell, but nothing like the Nuxe. You can get a huge bottle at Nordstrom Rack pretty cheap ($20ish).

Benefit Cosmetics Erase Paste Brightening Concealer


I love my NARS concealer. But, I've been stressed. And tired. And I have some serious under eye circles.

This is more of a color corrector than a concealer. And it works. And a little dab will do you.

It's added to the "staple" list. I put the NARS concealer on top and it's perfect. Perfect!

You can get this at Sephora for about $26.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Sleeping Cream


BEWARE! I got a sample of this, used it, and woke up to 3 huge zits.

NEVER AGAIN

Sephora LED make up mirror


I am a superfan of the tweezerman LED magnifying mirror but was persuaded to switch it up when I noticed this (cheaper) version from Sephora. I'm a convert. It's bigger and more sturdy.

I'll still keep my tweezerman for travel, but in my bathroom I'll have the Sephora!

Drybar hairdryer


So, I'm doing a quick tour of the US and stocking up on beauty supplies. First up was a new super duper hair dryer.

I went top of the line since this is an item that I use daily and only buy once a decade.

This thing is major. It has POWER. It is heavy.

Does it make my hair shiny? No. Does it dry in half the time? No. Do I feel like a rock star when I use it, yes.

So, worth the money? No. Do I recommend it? Yes.

Friday, January 1, 2016

HOKUROKU SOUSUI lotion



I was strolling around Tokyo station the other day and stumbled (actually, was drawn in by the amazing smell) upon Hokuroku sousui. The smell of their lotions and soaps is absolutely out of this world. It's like bringing a super high end spa right to your room (or handbag, should you buy the hand cream).

I purchased a small hand cream for 1650 yen in hinoki scent. It is my absolute favorite. Although I also liked the yuzu. (All labeling is in Japanese.)

I will be back to this store! And I will be buying many, many things!


d'icila powder



I was given this d'icila powder and hand cream as a gift. The rose powder (top) goes for 10000 yen! When you open it, you think there is no way it is worth it. The packaging is not luxurious and the powder is pink, pink, pink. However, since I've been using it I've been getting compliments on my skin. People tell me my skin looks velvety and flawless, so WIN!

The hand treatment/lotion is really silky and nice, but the smell is overpowering.

If you want to try these products, there is a store locator on the website (Japanese only).

Gold salon: Tokyo


I moved to Tokyo for a bit before I head back to the US and I took the opportunity to get my hair cut at Gold Salon, probably the most famous salon for foreigners in Japan.

I booked, in English, on the web. Everyone spoke fluent English to me. My stylist, Hiro, gave me an extensive consultation and cut my hair to my specifications. He wanted layers, I said no. He cut my bangs millimeter by millimeter to get them just right.

My only complaint is that there was no head spa or massage included, and it was a bit pricey at 1 man.

But, I'm getting compliments on my hair and it looks and feels healthy. This is my new salon when I'm in Tokyo!