Japanese Makeup

It's been close to a year since my Japan holiday, I've been meaning to make this post for a very long time! Due to the kawaii and kitsch nature of Japanese make up, I instantly fell in love and brought home a small haul.

Yojiya

Yojiya was founded in 1904, Yojiya is known for it's quality and craftsmanship. As a result, the brand quickly spread across Japan. Their beauty products are designed to enhance natural beauty. Their top selling product is Aburatorigami - blotting paper.

I purchased who products, which I thought were unique and would assist me in my travels.
Face powder paper to the left, there were three shades; clear, natural and pink. I purchased mine in Natural. These are so efficient, each sheet is covered with finely milled powder.  To the right, we have portable soap, there are 20 sheets of dry soap in the packet.

Make sure you check out Yojiya's Cafe if you are ever in Kyoto.

Dolly Wink

One thing I dare say is that Dolly Wink's mascara definitely lives up to it's expectations, easily one of the best waterproof mascaras I've ever used. Can't say the same about the liquid eyeliner to the right. I forgot to include my Dolly Wink highlighter pencil + sharpener, but I'll have a review post up soon :)

Sana - Pore Putty

Pore Putty is one of the makeup line within Japanese beauty giant, Sana. Pore Putty is designed to smooth out pores and rough skin. The two products I purchased goes hand in hand, base and powder! Since I don't read Japanese, I had a lot of trouble picking the right product. I've been using the BB Cream as a primer as coverage is minimal.

Canmake

Canmake founded in 1986. The brand expanded across Asian countries and was endorsed across demographics due to their cute packaging, diverse colour schemes and natural ingredients to suit sensitive skin. The bush is beautiful with great colour pay off, the concealer to the far right is not too bad. The eyeshadow palette is a little disappointing with poor pigmentation (see review here)

Farewell 2014

If you've been following my blog for the last few years, you'll know that I make a badly filmed video compilations summarising elements of my life within the year. It's mainly to help me look back in nostalgia and gasp "I feel old". The video is little bit long this year.. sorry!

Earlier this year, I traveled to Japan and China to tour and visit family, my grandmother passed away a few months after I came home, that was a dark moment for our family - I'm glad I took footage of her exercising and being happy.

You'll also see a footage of my extremely fit grandfather twirling a... dragon!?

You'll also see a couple of events I attended and places I went to, including my liberation from being incarcerated at university day, Fort Denison and Sculpture by the Sea

I paired the video with a few of my most listened to songs that helped me get through the year. It's a little bit different to my usual indie/alternative/60-70s music, potentially some new music for you as well!

A full list of the songs and artists:

Ninja Re Bang Bang - Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Super Pretty Naughty - Buck 65
Coffee - Aesop Rock
Don't - Ed Sheeran
Seventeen - Ladytron
Alright - Lim Kim

I hope everyone had a brilliant 2014 - I feel that I am more in touch with my fellow bloggers/instagramers.. people whom I have never met in real life than my small speck of friends. I really appreciate the sense of "being" you guys had provided for me, and hopefully many more years to come. I hope everyone will be showered in beauty products in 2015 ;)

Lust Have It! December 2014 - Merry Christmas!

 Merry Christmas everyone :)

This year went so fast, worked finished off yesterday, I am now on my 1.5 week break. I thought I'd transition into the holidays by enjoying a Thai massage after work. I went to Lux Thai Massage on Kent St, Sydney. I came to the realisation that I'm not cut out to be elbowed, I am very boney my scapular is prominently visible in a spaghetti string singlet top, I felt like I was being butchered with repetitive elbow diggings into my back. She also kept massaging my butt, that was a little weird. I swear that I will steer away from Thai massages from now on, it's some muscle spraining-bone breaking pain. My upper traps muscles are swollen, sore and tender. I felt like I willingly paid someone to beat me up before Christmas.

Aside from the physical trauma, I was in awe that my LHI pack arrived before Christmas, good work guys :)

 The Cosmetic Kitchen Raw Chocolate Clay Mask

Not sure if this is full size or not?

50g for $24.95

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I love love love seeing The Cosmetic Kitchen products in LHI. TCK is 100% Australian owned, made, vegan and not tested on animals. That ticks all my boxes. They have a shop in Newtown which you guys should definitely check out if you're in town. Initially I thought we got sent some hot chocolate mix for December. I was almost tempted to drink this until I saw Pink Australian Clay in the Ingredients. You're meant to mix a teaspoon of the mask mix with olive oil, water and avocado. Personally, I love my avocado so much that I feel like it's a waste if it's not going in my belly. I'd be more than happy to have the mask on my face while I eat an avo.

 The Cosmetic Kitchen Raw Chocolate Bath Salts

200g Limited Edition Full Size

$18.50

 Another product that took me by surprise... did anyone else think this was a packet of cereal? These are bath salts, no, not Cathinone. Pop these in the bath for a festive detox! These bath salts are coated in raw cocao to provide high doses of antioxidant. Since I don't bathe and dislike prune fingers (Shame shame shame!).... I will be giving this to my boyfriend.

 Designer Brands Extend a Brow

Full Size

$12.99

I was excited to see this product in the pack, I am currently obsessed about having nicer brows and started using this product as soon as I saw it. I love that it adds a dash of colour to my brows, but the fibres are not very efficient. They don't stick onto my brows... they fall onto my lashes and later into my eyes. The fibres will go everywhere, I've been blocking fall outs by placing a business card under my brows during application. Model Co has a similar product, except it's in gel form.

 

 Inika Pure Primer

Deluxe 30ml samples

50ml for $60

Yes!!! Another Inika product :) I'm so happy! I don't prime... but I will now :P

Inika products are certified organic, I feel safe using their products. 

Lonvitalite Whitening Mask

Full Size 

$9.95

 

I still have a couple of Lonvitalite masks from my mother's day prize. I really like their masks, so I'm very happy to see this in the pack!

 

 

A top pack overall and a great way to kick off Christmas.  Great job ladies :) 

 

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Empties: December 2014

I can't believe it's so close to Christmas! We went to Carols in the Domain last night, had a great time as always!

Here's a compilation of products I used up in the past couple of months. As you all know, I'm a snail when it comes to finishing off products.

Avene Micellar Lotion : I honestly can't tell the difference between all these Micellar lotions - Bioderma or not, they all work the same for me. Great for removing minor grime, powder and left over foundation.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo - Gel based formula, quite hydrating. I used this as a night cream.

Lust Gorgeous Facial Moisturiser - This moisturiser was gorgeous indeed, I used it at night, unfortunately my skin is so dry I had to apply two layers of this moisturiser to ensure my skin remains hydrated. This would be excellent for oily skin - no grease.

Biore Eye Cream - Definitely not one of my favourite eye creams, it would roll off my skin if I accidentally rub my eyes during the night. I feel like this cream acted as a barrier rather than a product that would deeply hydrate my under eye area.

Shiseido Hydro Compact Foundation - Great foundation for dry skin, medium coverage. Which is probably why I have 2 more of these as back ups. Shiseido makes great foundations.


Shiseido perfect mascara full definition - I actually hated this mascara, the little fibres were meant to extend my lashes, but it would either fall into my eyes or onto my cheeks over time.This mascara did not hold curls and was quite useless for my wimpy lashes. The only pro I can think is that it can be easily washed off with warm water. I will be keeping the container for the next benefit's mascara swap ;)

Indio Serum - This is my first serum, I did wake up with more plump any dewy skin, I like having an undercoat before I apply my night cream as my skin is extremely dry and dehydrated. I will be using more serums, thanks Indio.

Ocean Essence crystal lip patch - This is a lip spa treatment to plump your lips. It didn't find it plumping per se but the tiny lines around my mouth disappeared a little.

Kuu Konjac Deep Cleansing sponge -  I used this little fella for about 3-4 months before it started disintegrating. I was able to use it with/without cleanser. I love that it is 100% natural, however I prefer something with more longevity. I'm currently using a different cleansing tool, which I'll show you guys in another post.

A lip tint product I received from one of the beauty boxes, it just wasn't for me and it's time to meet the bin.

The Face Shop Facial Mask, this is the thickest mask I've used, it recharged my skin like no other mask I've used to date. love it. Natio Mineral BB Cream, medium coverage and easy to apply, I mixed it up with Palmer's BB Cream, as Palmer's was a little too dark for me.. also lesser coverage. Revlon Nearly Naked sample was a bit of a failure for me, none of the shades matched my skintone, I did however manage to use up the samples by mixing everything together. Glacial Clay Spa, a clay facial sheet mask, this is not something I'd willingly use again, it's a mask soaked in watery clay and it got quite messy. I refer squeezing my clay masks out of a tube.

Here's a photo for all the Harry Potter fans out there, in celebration of Harry Potter's new home at Universal Studios Japan :)

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Lust Have It! - November 2014

Well, November is done at dusted. I am geared up for Carols in the Domain and hounding my boyfriend to come up with picnic basket ideas.

I was absolutely ecstatic to find my Lust Have It pack on my door step coming home from work on Friday.

Let's take a closer look

Essenzza Fuss Free Natural Japanese Facial Treatment Masks x2

FULL SIZE

$4.95 each

I love facial masks, so much that I have got my boyfriend into it too. We now mask every weekend. From the information card, this mask is less messy than traditional face masks. We will be putting this to good use next week!

 The Cosmetic Kitchen

FULL SIZE

$34.95

I am really happy to see this product in the pack! So far, I have loved every single Cosmetic Kitchen product. They are Australian made and owned with no nasties. In my opinion, blush is the most aesthetically pleasing beauty product. I picked the shade in Sherbert because I don't have a lot of coral blushes.

Aveda Colour Conserve Daily Color Protect

SAMPLE SIZE

This product helps preserve coloured hair. A little disappointed to see this, I love Aveda products but I never colour my hair!
 

 Natralus Paw Paw Pure Gel

FULL SIZE

$6.15

I will be taking this everywhere I go since I'd get weird and strange insect bites all over my arms and legs during summer.
 

 Jelly Pong Pong Caribbean Sun - Bronzer and Blusher

FULL SIZE

$35

I've been wanting to try Jelly Pong Pong for a VERY long time. I've heard so much about this UK Brand in the past few years. I don't know how LHI managed to get JPP involved... but you guys are amazing. I am all about multi-purpose products that will help me to save time in the morning. This product does not contain fragrance, mineral oils or Phthalate. It is great for sensitive and suitable for oily skins. No comedogenic

Overall, I am very pleased with my LHI this month :)
Just hope that we will get our December box in time for Christmas!!!

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Sun Safe and Summer Ready: Your SunSense Sunscreen Guide

Beach culture was a big part of my teenage-hood. When I was 15, my friends and I were out on one sole mission - a flawless tan all year round. We'd spend hours cooking under the sun, lying to our parents about how we applied sunscreen every hour and coming home red, burnt and peeling. 

I started to notice freckles and severe sun damage to my forehead a couple of years after high school, it was a terrifying experience for a 19 year old. I have been taking good care of my skin for the past 5-6 years, and nurturing it with quality skincare products and the right sun protection. I still have sun damage on my forehead and freckles on my face, but I was able to minimise further damage by taking precautions and using sunscreen all year round.

As much as I love Mean Girls' Don't-Have-Sex-Because-You-Will-Get-Pregnant-And-Die approach, I thought I'd provide you guys some reasoning as to why Sunscreen should be in your makeup stash all year round. 

Lets go through some FAQ, I did some research and came up with some interesting answers.

Physical Vs Chemical

 Physical sunscreen protects your skin by blocking sun rays and prevents your body from absorbing harmful rays. Physical blocks often utilise ingredients such as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, these are less likely to provide you with a white over-cast after application.

Chemical blocks interact with your cells, the ingredients will act as a filter and reduce UV penetration. Some chemical block contains UV absorbing chemicals that may also scatter UV rays. Common ingredients in chemical blocks: Octylcrylene, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone, Homosalate, Helioplex, 4-MBC, Mexoryl SX and XL, Tinosorb S and M, Uvinul T 150, Uvinul A Plus.

What is SPF?

SPF = Sun Protection Factor. It is a comparative measure to indicate how long it may take for you to get sunburnt (red) with/without sunscreen. For example, I get red after 5 minutes in the sun, an SPF of 30 will allow me to remain in the sun 30 times longer than it would usually take for me to get "red". 

UVA (Ultraviolet A) and UVB (Ultraviolet B)?

Both UVB and UVA rays may contribute to skin/eye damage and skin cancer. Therefore sunscreen should be a crucial part of your daily routine as UVB and UVA rays have the ability to suppress your immune system. 

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UVA rays account for up to 95% of UV radiation reaching the earth's surface. UVA can penetrate the subcutaneous layer (which is the layer under your dermis), as a result, it penetrates deeper than UVB and contributes to general cumulative sun damage and pre-manture aging. UVA also has the potential to initiate and contribute to skin cancer. This is the ray that increases our melanoma and tans our skin.

UVB targets the epidermal layer (the more superficial layer of our skin), it is responsible for redness and sun burns. The intensity of UVB rays are scaled based on location, time of the day and season. UVB can damage your skin during all four seasons, it assists in developing skin cancer and contributes to pre-mature aging.

How often should I re-apply my sunscreen?

The cancer council recommends reapplication every 2 hours (this includes water-resistant products), however, if you begin to notice some redness or tenderness within 2 hours, reapply immediately.

What to look for in a Sunscreen?

1. Photostability - Physical Blocks are "photostable" this means that it won't break down. However, some chemical blocks containing Avobenzone is not particularly stable.
2. Broad Spectrum Protection - Protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Physical block can filter both UVA and UVB rays. Chemical blocks are able to filter both rays, however this is based on their ingredients. Most product would indicated whether both rays are protected against.
3. SPF - The SPF in your foundation is often inadequate during summer. It is recommended to use protection that this above SPF 15.
4. Irritability -  Overall, Chemical blocks are known to cause more irritations than Physical blocks. However, You might want to avoid Physical Blocks that contains Titanium Oxide if you react to mineral makeup as it may potentially trigger break outs. If you have sensitive skin, try a test patch on your wrist.
5. Dryness - Dryness is caused by the high alcohol content from certain sunscreen. Alcohol is added so that the texture is less greasy. If you have dry skin like me, stick with sunscreen with less alcohol ;)

SunSense Clear Gel SPF 50

• Protects against both UVA and UVB rays
• Chemical block
• Preservative free
• 60 minutes water resistant

Comments:

Clear gel sunscreen. This is mum's favourite. If you're scared of the white over cast on your face after you've applied sunscreen. This is the right product for you, no white residue guaranteed!

Ingredients:
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 5.0%, Homosalate 5.0%, Octocrylene 10.0%, Octyl Methoxycinnamate 10.0%, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate 3.0%

SunSense Sport

• Protects against both UVA and UVB rays
• Physical block
• Convenient tubes and roll on sizes handy for carrying & application.
• 4 hours water resistant.
• SPF 50+
• Sand and Sweat resistant.

Comments:

Initially, I thought this would be heavy duty... by heavy duty, I mean thick and greasy. My usual sport sunscreens are comparative to smearing lard over my arms. This was surprisingly light and fluffy. Two thumbs up!

 Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Isostearic Acid, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Benzophenone-3, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Aluminium Stearate, Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Magnesium Aluminium Silicate, Polyacrylic Acid, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Propylparaben, BHT, Parfum

 

SunSense Clear Mist

• Protects against both UVA and UVB rays
• Chemical block
• 3 hours water-resistant
• Multi-directional spray for ease of application.

Comments:

This is an excellent spray for those with facial hair, my boyfriend is in love with this sunscreen because it doesn't get caught in his beard! I like to spray and rub. Anyone with any skin can use this spray, just be a little cautious if you are using it on your face. You want some blotting paper or loose powder handy if you are spraying this on your face and you have oily skin. Mum has oily skin, she looked like she was ready to fry some chips after she sprayed this on her face.

 Ingredients 
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 5.0%, Homosalate 5.0%, Octocrylene 10.0%, Octyl Methoxycinnamate 10.0%, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate 3.0%

SunSense Daily Face

• Protects against both UVA and UVB rays
• Physical block
• It is fragrance free and oil free.
• Non greasey
• Sheer tint for an invisible matt finish.
• SPF 50+

Comments:

Another excellent product for normal to dry skin. The consistency may be a little greasy for oily skin. I would recommend loose powder after application. For me, the tint did not cover any flaws or uneven skin tone, but it's a great base for powder foundation.

 Ingredients 
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Titanium Dioxide, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Benzophenone-3, PVP, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Isostearic Acid, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Aluminium Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Magnesium Aluminium Silicate, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, CI 77492, Propylparaben, PEG-4 Laurate, BHT, CI 77491, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate

 SunSense Moisturing Face

• Protects against both UVA and UVB rays
• Chemical block
• Light, non-greasy.
• Moisturising base for dry skin.
• Can be used under make-up.
• SPF 50+ 

 Comments:

Hands down the BEST facial sunscreen I have ever used. I know it's designed for dry/normal skin, but I would highly recommend this for oily skin as well. It dries matte! No grease, no oily residue. Excellent to use alone or act as a fantastic make up base. HG product right here. If you're looking for the perfect facial sunscreen this summer, THIS IS IT.

  Ingredients
Aqua (Water), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cyclomethicone, Glycolic Acid, Isostearic Acid, Niacinamide, PEG-100 Stearate (and) Glyceryl Stearate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ammonium Hydroxide, Magnesium Aluminium Silicate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone, Decyl Glucoside, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Propylparaben, Tocopherol, Propylene Glycol

SunSense Lip Balm

• Physical block
• Soothes and moisturises dry and chapped lips.
• Smooth glide-on applicator provides an even distribution over both lips.
• Suitable for all skin types.
• SPF 50+ 
• UVA &UVB protection
• Low-irritant formulation, free of PABA, PABA derivatives, lanolin and contains no preservatives.

Comments:

A creamy balm in a tube essentially. It is super moisturising and fantastic for my dry chapped lips. I've been using Palmer's Sunscreen Stick previously. It was a little waxy and provided OK moisture. This product topped off the game. I'm converted, let me join your clan.

Ingredients:
Bemotrizinol 1.0%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.5%, Octyl Methoxycinnamate 3.0%, Oxybenzone 1.0%, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate2.4%, Titanium Dioxide 0.7%

*These products were provided for my consideration, all opinions are my own. 

Do you use sunscreen everyday?
 

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Sculpture By the Sea - 2014 {Picture Heavy}

Just wanted to share some photos from Scultpure By the Sea. A mixture of amazing art works from Bondi and Tamarama Beach.

A view of Bondi

Bondi Beach

THESE ARE LIPSTICKS! (Fake of course)

We're Fryin' Out Here!

"Wood Whale" Thanks to Loz from Polish and Patterns ;)

Grounds of Alexandria's pop up store!

Creepy babies

Gotta get this on Instagram!

Street Art

Street Art