LED light facial treatment: Emily Stone One

I really wanted a red light facial, or a red and blue light facial since I've been dealing with acne lately (STRESS!), but I have no time and they are so expensive. So I bought the Emily Stone One LED light treatment on amazon (flash deal for 7000 yen!). It has red, blue, and green LED options, plus a massage button.

I did some research on the LED light facials. For blue light, which kills the bacteria that cause acne, the frequency has to be 405 nm to 420 nm. In some clinical trials with the Tanda, participants saw a marked improvement in skin tone and acne by day 7, and an amazing improvement by day 28.

For anti-aging benefits, the red light should be between 620 nm and 700 nm. All the stars are doing it, so why not me too? Red light led therapy is supposed to reduce inflammation, even out skin tone, and boost collagen production.

So, on day 1 I did 10 minutes on the blue light setting. I noticed that my acne seemed to get WORSE. Maybe from the massage of the treatment? I then did 10 minutes of red light, which definitely brightened my face, but didn't take down the inflammation of my acne. No miracles on day one. Let's see how the rest of the week goes?

Day 3: I've worked my way up to the second setting on both the blue and the red leds. I really think the first day of the blue light made my acne worse, as the newly emerged zits have stuck around. I did some research on this, and, while it's not common to break out, it is reported in some cases. The red light is definitely brightening my skin and reducing redness. So far, I can tell that the general redness I get after washing my face, etc. is drastically reduced. I'm pretty sure this means that those "under the skin" zits are gone. I'm also noticing the very beginning of some diminishing acne scars (it doesn't matter if I pick or not, I ALWAYS get a red spot after any acne). The improvement is on the smaller and lighter scarring, no improvement yet on the big ones.

Juice Beauty: concealer and lip moisturizers

Continuing on my all-natural makeup replacement, I picked up the juice beauty correcting concealer in ivory. I got it on amazon for about 3600 yen. All I can say is, eh. It has a very watery consistency and low coverage. The color is nice and gives me some brightness under my eyes. This is no match for my NARS. Different beast altogether.

I also got the three pack of lip moisturizers. They have spf and I love a tinted lip balm. The texture is great. Very bees-waxy. Stays put! I tried "playful" first. It's kind of a beige-y purple. I like it. Very grown up. This has a much better wearability than the rms lip tint. Actually, I might apply the rms over the clear juice balm, since I love the rms color, but hate the oily spread...

RMS organic foundation, mascara, and lip/cheek tint

I decided to go all natural and paraben free this time around as I replace my makeup. I really wanted the Juice beauty CC cream, but it had to be shipped from the states via Amazon, and I needed make up now. So instead I went with the RMS un-cover-up in 22. It cost 4800 yen, and I purchased it online, but you can buy it at most Cosme Kitchen stores. (It costs more at Cosme Kitchen though!)

The color was a near perfect match. It felt a bit oily going on, and the recommended finger application was a bit odd. I usually apply with my fingers, but the foundation is hard and only a little comes off at a time. I found it hard to blend. I might finally buy a beauty blender and see if that helps.

Coverage was good.

UPDATE: the beauty blender helped a lot! it still feels kinda oily, but not as bad as before.

Next up was the lip to cheek in "beloved." This was also 4800 yen. It is more highly pigmented than the canmake, so you need less on your cheeks. However, as a lipstick it is more like a highly pigmented gloss. If you don't care about the organic/paraben free issue, the canmake is a MUCH better deal.

UPDATE: When I used this as a lipstick it really made my face feel oily. I only use it as a blush now.

Finally, I also bought the volumizing mascara for 3800 yen. It was easy to apply and a good color. It is no match for the heroine make mascara, but again, it's a different beast. If you're looking for something organic, this is nice.

Water purifier: Panasonic TK-CJ11-W

You can get this water filter on Amazon for less than 4000 yen. We chose this one because the cartridge lasts an entire year (a replacement cartridge costs about 4000 yen). And we were spending between 2000-3000 yen a month on bottled water, so this made sense.

The water tastes amazing and I love it. You can get all the specs here  (Japanese).

My new moisturizer: coconut oil from Kaldi's Coffee

I popped into Kaldi's for some coffee and picked up a jar of coconut oil. Apparently, it's the best thing out there for your skin and it has no additives so it's super safe. And, Kylie uses it, so why not.

I picked up a big jar for about 800 yen.

I applied after my shower. It was a bit oily, but absorbed into my skin well. The coconut smell was overwhelming at first, but became pleasant after a few minutes.

My skin really is super soft now.

Hair removal at Azabu Clinic

I tried out Azabu clinic in Tokyo because they have a wide range of cosmetic dermatology services and an English speaking staff. I started out with the laser hair removal for two reasons: 1) I was due for a treatment and couldn't use my American spa (which is still my favorite), and 2) I wanted to try a service I was familiar with before jumping into new territory (Thermage!)

So, staff speaks English well and there are a lot of foreign clients. Staff prefer to speak Japanese, so we did. There is a doctor who checks your skin and hair before treatment to recommend intensity of the laser. She spoke perfect English and was having none of my still-learning Japanese.

I selected two areas (face and hygiene) and did the trial price (came to a total of 4 man) for one treatment (due to my travel schedule). I found out later a groupon would have been MUCH cheaper, so you should do that.

I bared the areas to be worked on. The staff drew lines and confirmed hair patterns. Then she applied a cool gel and started with the laser. The laser was MUCH stronger than the one used at Datsumo Labo but I don't think it was as strong as the one I get in the US. There was some stinging, but I bore out the high intensity laser the entire time with discomfort only in the sensitive nether regions.

All in all, I would go back, especially if I just needed a dermatologist (she can write prescriptions for acne medication and anything else you need). The prices are a bit high, so the groupon is perfect. However, for the price you are also getting doctor supervision, so it's not so bad.

Hair removal: GenteLASE Pro

I loved my hair removal process at Datsumo, and it has greatly decreased the time between shaving, but I hate that I still have hair despite 8 visits.

Here in the states I took advantage of a groupon for area specific laser hair removal with a different machine, the GenteLASE Pro. I booked a large area at 6 visits for about $250.

Wow. The experience is totally different. No cool gel. No two hours. To do a Brazilian and upper lip treatment takes less than 7 minutes (I timed it). The sensation is like a quick snappy burn.

And my goodness does it work.

On the first visit I had shaved the area. The regrowth wasn't thick, but it was there and noticeable. About two weeks after my treatment the hair seemed to grow back, but apparently, it was just shedding. Seriously. If you brushed it, it fell out. For 6 more weeks I was hair free (in most areas).

I just did my second treatment. I'll let you know how it goes!

This machine is apparently also in use in Japan: http://www.syneron-candela.jp/ but i haven't found a specific clinic yet...

Return to Japan! Santa Marche Deep Cleansing

My regular bioderma regimen just wasn't getting all the grime off my face, and when I used my Cure exfoliator this morning I was shocked at how much I was able to exfoliate. So I picked up cosme's #1 rated cleanser for sensitive skin (no oil!). I bought mine for about 1600 yen at yamada denki.

Per Cosme's amazing new English-language cleansing webpage, this product is supposed to be "One product for that exfoliates and removes makeup all at once, while the green tea extract hydrates and moisturizes the skin."

When I used it I was happy that it took off my eye makeup and didn't leave my skin feeling dry. It's a good buy!

Return to Japan! Canmake cream cheek #14 (apple cream red)

Ah, home sweet home! I'm back in Tokyo for a short stay and the first place I headed to was the Yamada denki beauty section to see what is going on!!!

I recently ran out of my lovely Nars orgasm blush and decided I would buy the #1 cosme rated blush when I got to Japan. That happens to be the canmake cream cheek! And at 580 yen, it's so much cheaper than the Nars.

I picked up color number 14, which is a bright, yet brown undertone, pink (instead of the bright red). I have to say I'm liking it. It has a nice texture, is easy to apply, and has a bit more color than the Nars. Also, it's not as bulky as the Nars - fits so much nicer in my cosmetic bag.

So happy with my first "return home" beauty purchase!

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail polish

This product promises gel-like hard shiny nails, but without the buffing or harmful removal process. So, I picked up a beige color (640 Totem-ly yours) and the gel topcoat (total $20).

The color was nice. Not my favorite beigey nude (that is still Daiso!) but not bad either. The polish dries quickly. The gel topcoat gives a good shine. If you get a little on your skin, it doesn't turn into concrete and easily washes off.

However, it doesn't last any longer than normal polish. On to the next product!

Eye cream: RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

I wanted a rather inexpensive eye cream with some over the counter retinol and picked this up on a whim ($23). Just a little goes a long way. I've seen some minor results, it's not a miracle, but it's not useless either. It goes on well under make-up.

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.

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!