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!

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.

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!