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.