The Revlon balms have arrived in Japan! They've brought 6 colors here, for 1260 yen each.
Citrine, RougeDeluxe, and Worship at the House of Blues have good reviews for this product, so I'm quite curious to try them out.
I will probably hold off on purchasing them in Japan, as the current exchange rate means that they're charging the equivalent of 16 USD for one, when ulta.com has them for less than 6 USD right now!
Argh, I may have to place an online order. Because, I haven't enough lip products, y'know?
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Rohto Skin Aqua UV moisture Gel
Air-light texture - no complaints so far. It's good for the daily commute and easy to apply all over. I can't really tell how good the sun protection is so far.
Ego qv lip balm
This does have SPF protection, but I find the texture thin and greasy and not really moisturizing; I prefer Vaseline over this.
editing my stuff
My closet is certainly crying out for a good weed-out.
But it takes discipline to be able to do this kind of thing. After months of deliberation, I finally threw out two pairs of uncomfortable shoes. Shoes! I threw out shoes! Even though I live in the land of "larger than 24.5 cm (8.5 U.S.) is for specialty Big-N-Tall retailers, and even 24 cm (8 U. S.) means the cute styles are out," I threw out shoes that are my size! But it is hard to hide from the fact that a shoe is uncomfortable, and I succumbed to that reality this past weekend.
However, I do have three pairs of uncomfortable shoes which are clinging on thanks to the fact that they are too new/pretty/adorable to throw away. They know their time is limited though! The next time I move, I will probably have to throw out two of the pairs. The third pair (sparkly gunmetal sandals) really is still too pretty to throw out - it is unmatched in my (meager) collection.
As they say, it's all about stopping before you start - don't buy unnecessary things to begin with.
My clothes are in more dire need of a weed-out than my shoes, as they are overflowing my closet. Right now, I've finally moved some items to the hit list:
* burgundy dress - I used to love this dress so it's hard to get rid of, but I've come to realize that it isn't that flattering. It exposes the muffin top, y'know?
* indigo skirt - it's a gorgeous soft cotton, but it's just not flattering.* long pink skirt - super flattering, but the material is prone to balling up and the pattern is a rather ugly one.
* over-sized blue fleece jacket that I've never really liked (the fleece is a bit rough) but have held on to for years because it is useful
* a flowing purple top - again, not flattering.
* grey plaid over-sized shirt - again, just not that flattering, although it's a great coverup... argh. I don't know why it's so hard to throw this thing out, even though I've been thinking about it for a year.
* 2 washable summer hats (got a new one that fits better and is bigger for 240 yen)
* a variety of pantyhose in ugly greys and too dark sheers.
More to come! Hopefully sooner than later. Let's talk about bags later. Yes, later. I promise.
But it takes discipline to be able to do this kind of thing. After months of deliberation, I finally threw out two pairs of uncomfortable shoes. Shoes! I threw out shoes! Even though I live in the land of "larger than 24.5 cm (8.5 U.S.) is for specialty Big-N-Tall retailers, and even 24 cm (8 U. S.) means the cute styles are out," I threw out shoes that are my size! But it is hard to hide from the fact that a shoe is uncomfortable, and I succumbed to that reality this past weekend.
However, I do have three pairs of uncomfortable shoes which are clinging on thanks to the fact that they are too new/pretty/adorable to throw away. They know their time is limited though! The next time I move, I will probably have to throw out two of the pairs. The third pair (sparkly gunmetal sandals) really is still too pretty to throw out - it is unmatched in my (meager) collection.
As they say, it's all about stopping before you start - don't buy unnecessary things to begin with.
My clothes are in more dire need of a weed-out than my shoes, as they are overflowing my closet. Right now, I've finally moved some items to the hit list:
* burgundy dress - I used to love this dress so it's hard to get rid of, but I've come to realize that it isn't that flattering. It exposes the muffin top, y'know?
* indigo skirt - it's a gorgeous soft cotton, but it's just not flattering.* long pink skirt - super flattering, but the material is prone to balling up and the pattern is a rather ugly one.
* over-sized blue fleece jacket that I've never really liked (the fleece is a bit rough) but have held on to for years because it is useful
* a flowing purple top - again, not flattering.
* grey plaid over-sized shirt - again, just not that flattering, although it's a great coverup... argh. I don't know why it's so hard to throw this thing out, even though I've been thinking about it for a year.
* 2 washable summer hats (got a new one that fits better and is bigger for 240 yen)
* a variety of pantyhose in ugly greys and too dark sheers.
More to come! Hopefully sooner than later. Let's talk about bags later. Yes, later. I promise.
Aromatherapy line at Bath and Body Works
Prompted by a post by cosmeddicted:
I love the Aromatherapy line at Bath and Body Works. I really like the Lavender Chamomile scent, but I'm really addicted to the Eucalyptus Spearmint scent.
However, I've found the products themselves kind of average (body soap, lotion) so I'm going to try the body mist and scrub next. The wallflowers
I've had a pillow mist for years but haven't made a dent in it; need to start spraying the curtains again. I wait for sales though - full price is a bit too expensive for my taste.
Also at Bath & Body Works, C. O. Bigelow Lime and Coriander smells awesome! Unfortunately Bath & Body Works no longer seem to carry the hand wash, but they still have the body lotion. But C. O. Bigelow offers a candle - I may need to get that. Except that it's out of stock.
I love the Aromatherapy line at Bath and Body Works. I really like the Lavender Chamomile scent, but I'm really addicted to the Eucalyptus Spearmint scent.
However, I've found the products themselves kind of average (body soap, lotion) so I'm going to try the body mist and scrub next. The wallflowers
I've had a pillow mist for years but haven't made a dent in it; need to start spraying the curtains again. I wait for sales though - full price is a bit too expensive for my taste.
Also at Bath & Body Works, C. O. Bigelow Lime and Coriander smells awesome! Unfortunately Bath & Body Works no longer seem to carry the hand wash, but they still have the body lotion. But C. O. Bigelow offers a candle - I may need to get that. Except that it's out of stock.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Serge Lutens Tubereuse Criminelle
Bois de Jasmin review
I'm playing with a sample from a generous friend today. It's lovely so far; I didn't think I'd like it this much! I don't mind the petrol opening at all. Am I weird?
2012/9/25 update: Okay, the petrol opening is bothering me today. Did I apply too liberally today?
By the way, the Android Blogger app by Google is total crap. Do not use! It will just lose your posts.
I'm playing with a sample from a generous friend today. It's lovely so far; I didn't think I'd like it this much! I don't mind the petrol opening at all. Am I weird?
2012/9/25 update: Okay, the petrol opening is bothering me today. Did I apply too liberally today?
By the way, the Android Blogger app by Google is total crap. Do not use! It will just lose your posts.
Meshell Ndegeocello's new album
Pour une ame souveraine (For a sovereign soul) - A dedication to Nina Simone
To be released Oct. 8, 2012.
Mellow, lovely.
With a song featuring Sinead O'Connor!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Estee Lauder Private Collection
Trying out the sample I have - it's rather a heavier perfume than I'm currently in the mood for.
Also testing out L'Artisan Parfumeur Un Mimosa Pour Moi - perhaps a bit too much cucumber for my taste.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
lemming! paul & joe tote bag freebie
Oh, how I want this paul & joe tote bag freebie!
The fabric design is gorgeous!
However, apparently the quality of the bag is not very good, so I shouldn't buy it. I don't need a new tote anyway.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Distinguishing between Chinese and Japanese culture
It's 2012, and people still can't distinguish between Chinese culture and Japanese culture. Or, they can distinguish, but they don't care.
Case in point - Coldplay's video for Princess of China - Rihanna wears Geisha-inspired makeup and clothing in some of the scenes. Because the Chinese Princess lives in .. Japan? Or China = the East = Japan?
And Pupa Cosmetic's China Doll collection features Geisha artwork. Because Japanese Geishas are just another type of China doll?
Anywhoo. This inability to distinguish between the cultures is nothing new, but I was hoping that people would have more of a clue. However, the U.S. does still have national politicians who do not know basic biology so I guess I shouldn't be so shocked about cultural confusion.
Case in point - Coldplay's video for Princess of China - Rihanna wears Geisha-inspired makeup and clothing in some of the scenes. Because the Chinese Princess lives in .. Japan? Or China = the East = Japan?
And Pupa Cosmetic's China Doll collection features Geisha artwork. Because Japanese Geishas are just another type of China doll?
Anywhoo. This inability to distinguish between the cultures is nothing new, but I was hoping that people would have more of a clue. However, the U.S. does still have national politicians who do not know basic biology so I guess I shouldn't be so shocked about cultural confusion.
wow, is LinkedIn going crazy?
They just sent me an email that's worthy of spam mail: the Subject line looks like Cambodian and the text is Japanese!
Monday, September 10, 2012
some mini-reviews to save you time and money
"Japanese Women Don't Get Old or Fat" - to be honest, I found this book boring and lacking in content. For more detail, reviewers at Amazon have been quite clear about the book's shortcomings.
I'll update when I remember the other items that I was going to review.
sunscreen reviews
I just noticed that I devour sunscreen reviews like nobody's business; having used up my Neutrogena dry-touch sunscreen, I need a Japanese replacement. I'm using Allie Extra UV Gel Mineral Moist N SPF50+ PA+++ (review at Of Toys and Tokyo), but as Of Toys and Tokyo points out, it's a bit heavy for the humid Tokyo weather so I end up looking quite greasy.
I'm going to try Hada Labo UV Moist Emulsion SPF50 PA+++ next. Since chemical (or is it physical sunscreens?) sunscreens lose effectiveness over time, I like using up a sunscreen before I move on the the next one. If only I could be so disciplined about my other makeup products!
In beauty news, I'm lemming the new cream blushes from Visee and Canmake Whip Mousse Lips.
In general, I've started a major house-cleaning that is rather daunting in its scope so I keep procrastinating:
* need to clean
* need to weed stuff out
* need to throw stuff out
* need to organize so that cleaning is easier in the future
I was hoping to get everything done by the end of Sept. (typo: meant to write Aug.), but that didn't happen! Anyway, like most things, it's good to just take one day at a time.
On my current playlist:
Teedra Moses - Another LuvR
Tamia - Beautiful Surprise
Crystal Kay - Forever
Brandy - Put It Down
Melanie Fiona - This Time
Miguel - Adorn
Youtube has too many ads. Time to switch.
I'm going to try Hada Labo UV Moist Emulsion SPF50 PA+++ next. Since chemical (or is it physical sunscreens?) sunscreens lose effectiveness over time, I like using up a sunscreen before I move on the the next one. If only I could be so disciplined about my other makeup products!
In beauty news, I'm lemming the new cream blushes from Visee and Canmake Whip Mousse Lips.
In general, I've started a major house-cleaning that is rather daunting in its scope so I keep procrastinating:
* need to clean
* need to weed stuff out
* need to throw stuff out
* need to organize so that cleaning is easier in the future
I was hoping to get everything done by the end of Sept. (typo: meant to write Aug.), but that didn't happen! Anyway, like most things, it's good to just take one day at a time.
On my current playlist:
Teedra Moses - Another LuvR
Tamia - Beautiful Surprise
Crystal Kay - Forever
Brandy - Put It Down
Melanie Fiona - This Time
Miguel - Adorn
Youtube has too many ads. Time to switch.
Friday, September 07, 2012
bags!
I love this orange clutch available at ninewest!
Adorable, but really, don't need it :(
This one is pretty snazzy too. Trendy, though.
However, I feel that this one would be the most practical for work. This pale gold metallic one seems more functional but the color is a bit too frivolous. The price is so good though!
I love the way this orange striped one looks, but reviews of a similar style mention that the straps started cracking, so quality is not so good. Still, I could replace the straps with cloth later. More worrisome is the fact that one reviewer mentioned that the color came off on her shirt! That would be really problematic.
Adorable, but really, don't need it :(
This one is pretty snazzy too. Trendy, though.
However, I feel that this one would be the most practical for work. This pale gold metallic one seems more functional but the color is a bit too frivolous. The price is so good though!
I love the way this orange striped one looks, but reviews of a similar style mention that the straps started cracking, so quality is not so good. Still, I could replace the straps with cloth later. More worrisome is the fact that one reviewer mentioned that the color came off on her shirt! That would be really problematic.
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
U.S. news organizations are whack
I like how they can treat Romney (scary, unable to actually explain position adequately) as a viable candidate, while ridiculing Ron Paul (sane, clearly explains and justifies stances) as a lunatic.
more links:
*shakes head at the mysteries of the world*
more links:
- http://libertycrier.com/government/doug-wead-another-media-lie-about-ron-paul/
- http://silverdoctors.blogspot.jp/2012/01/cbs-ridicules-ron-paul-over-taxpayer.html
- http://www.infowars.com/corporate-media-lies-about-attendance-at-ron-paul-uc-davis-rally/
*shakes head at the mysteries of the world*
FYI: silica is different from silicone
Silica is silicon dioxide.
Silicones are produced from silica.
Not to be confused with the metalloid chemical element Silicon.- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicone
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