[Beauty] Bigger eyes.. Double eyelines.. eyetalk!

I sometimes get questions like ... "Why do Asian want to have bigger eyes?"
Hmmm.. well, I thought it's unfair to think that way.
For example,  "smokey-eyes" make-up style has been so popular in the past & still popular these days, regardless to the race/ethinicity of women. Smokey eyes make the eyes look bigger and sexier, but I wouldn't necessarily say "... hmmm.. why women wants to have bigger and sexier eyes?"

In the end, the definition of Beauty is all different among us. Some people believe big eyes is beautiful, some people believe small eyes like Lucy Liu is beautiful (I think she is gorgeous!), some people believe big nose (or small nose) is beautiful, some people believe tiny feet is beautiful, some people believe skiny neckline is beautiful, ... so on.


Anyhow... I know "double eyeline" plastic surgery has been quite popular in Asia. By creating extra lines on eyelids, the eyes look bigger & softer looks.


By the way, I'm not against plastic surgery, but I'm one of those people who're scared to see bloods! .. and I'm sure lots of people are like me!
Also.. I like my eyes :P so if I get plastic surgery, it would be somewhere else...?? ;)


Ok, I kept getting away from the main topic, which is about "eyetalk".


While I was talking to my friends in Tokyo, I found out that there are lots of cosmetic products in Japan that creates natural eye lines above eyelids, resulting bigger eyes looks. After extensive research, I learned one of the most popular brand among Japanese girls is "KOJI eyetalk".


This is a cream type eye glue that 1) you apply on the eyelids, 2) wait for a few seconds until the glue becomes transparent, 3) makes the shape of eye lines.


I was so curious to find out how it's like!

 You can purchase KOJI eyetalk (above) at http://www.pinkblushtokyo.com/KOJI-eyetalk-eye-liner-glue-double-eyelines_p_54.html



0 - After Base makeup + foundataion + powder:

1- Apply small amount of eyetalk on eyelids. Make sure you leave some space between eyeline (where eyelashes are) and eyelids:

2 - Wait for a few seconds until the glue become transparent. Once it becomes transparent, make the shape of eyelids/eyelines using the Y-shaped tool (comes with the box)

Ummm.. I know it looks terrible, but it's not painful at all. It's just plastic tool used to make the shape.


Once done, you see my eyes have some natural eyelines above eyes?

Half-closed looks... LOL

I think this is useful tool if you want to have bigger & softer eyes look, or if you have non-symmetrical eyes (like me) and if you want to correct.


Based on my research & own experiences, KOJI eyetalk is the best quality eye glue product in Tokyo markets (and this is why it's actually one of top popular eye glue here!) because :
1) Doesn't irritate eyes and eyelids throughout the day
2) Firmly holds the shape throughout the day
3) Easy to remove! Dampen Q-tips with warm water, and gently brush the glue using Q-tips. It will be easily removed :)


I have sensitive skin and I wear contact lenses, but I didn't find any irritations at all. Though, it feels weird the first couple of times I tried. Haha, I guess it unnaturally creates natural looks.


Enjoy!

[Beauty] Keep up with the Tokyo fabulous girls - start with nails!

As I mentioned in "About Us" section in Pink Blush Tokyo website - http://www.pinkblushtokyo.com/ - it is still so refreshing to see how beauty-oriented this city is! Tokyo is definitely unique. In this fabulous city, women as well as men are always striving to present the best of themselves.

The good example is "nails".

I was working for financial institution in Canada for many years before I moved to Tokyo. At that time, I could easily spot girls/women who were fashionable, trendy, and well-maintained in our building, because there aren't many... Well, I'm not trying to say that most canadians are far behind Fashion at all! Even myself, after 6 months starting a new job,  life become more of routine and boring. (Well, first 6 months, I think I was also one of those fancy dressed-up girls at work) .. Unless I have some plan after work, I would just wear whatever that is clean and appropriate... Come on, I'm talking about work-fashion. Bussiness Casual, Simple and basic, black and gray... and sometimes white :P

Also, I remember there wasn't many women/girls who had fancy nails on my floor. I was one of the few girls who would go out and spend money on hot pink french nails, etc.

After I moved to Tokyo, I also worked at financial institution until recently. When I just started working, it was culture shock to me how FABULOUS my female coworkers' nails were like... (Oh, needless to say, they ALL were dressed up very nicely and smartly..!)

In fact, I rarely saw a woman who doesn't have nice nails .. You know what? I didn't even see a women with just basic colour nails either... 
Yes, I'm talking about nail arts!! - Everyone had AMAZING nail arts - flower pattern, glitter gradation, bows, crystals, polca-dots french, fabulous patterns, etc.   People create arts on their nails here, using UV-gel technique. 
Whether I go grocery in front of my house, shopping in major streets, or go work, most of japanese women had beautiful nails.

In fact,  when I see a woman who wears basic shirt with basic skirt/pants, but with well-maintained nails, I get an impression like "that woman is very stylish and fashionable person, and today must be her tone-down day"

But when i see a woman who's dressed up very fancy, but with no nail-care, it just looks like something is missing... The entire looks seem to be incomplete.

So I started taking care of my nails well since I moved to Tokyo. (Maintainance costs goes up sky-high here, *Sigh.... )

But sometimes... I'm too lazy and cheap.  Because I still need to "fit-in" this society and fashion culture, I had to find some alternatives... Well, thanks to fake nails :P
Whenever I feel like to have some blings on my nails but don't want to get Gel nails done from salon, I use - "La-Magie Luxury Nails", which is pre-made gel nails arts :

I picked one of the most fancy design because it feels like holiday seasons ♥...

What I like the most about this brand is
- Easy-on Easy-off!  Just paste glue wait 30 mins ... I usually paste the glue first, then get ready, put on make-up, etc. Once 30 mins passed, just stick the nails on my actual nails!  
- these fake nails are very thin! so it doesn't bother me when they are glued-on my actual nails.

(Click pictures to check enlarged photos)

I intentionally cut my right-hand index finger nail shorter so that it would be easy to take off contact-lenses at night..

Hope you all have great day!

[Beauty] ClearLast.. the Miracle Face Powder!

Available at

http://www.pinkblushtokyo.com/ClearLast-Face-Powder-High-Cover-12g_p_32.html

 The first time I saw this item in the middle of busy Tokyo city, I didn't even bother to try the tester. The case was too simple, budgeted design that it didn't have any attractive point. The "appearance" matters to me a lot... :P

It didn't take too long to notice that this has ALWAYS been ranked NO.1 in face powder section @ ranKing ranQueen store. Whichmeans this has always been TOP POPULAR face powder! ... Well, then I really had to check what makes this powder so special.

Due to limited colour option (and all 3 colours - Light Ocher, Pearly Ocher, Mat Ocher - seem to have almost same colour..?) I hesitated which colour to try at first. Then I found many beauty bloggers mentioned that it suits most of yellow tone base skin type and natural beige with pink base skin type. 
Well, fair enough. I have yellow-base skin, light to natural beige colour, with some pink/redness here and there because I have sensitive skin... LOL

Mat Ocher (above) absolutely WOW-ed me.
I thought the puff is usually used for loose powder. However, the silky pressed powder was evenly applied to my face when I used this puff (which is included in the case)..! It softly but drastically conceals pores, redness, aging spots and acne scars. I actually felt my skin like baby skin. I'm not joking!

I've also tried Pearly Ocher - The pearly soft sparkles gives cute and lively looks. Also, many people commented that my skin looks great. I think the pearl effect provides healthy looks.  

It's really up to your preference, right? ;)
I personally like Mat type more, because I add other sparkles to my face, like highlighter, cheek blush, eye shadow... So i like to keep  "base colour" simple :P

ClearLast Face Powder is available at http://www.pinkblushtokyo.com/ClearLast-Face-Powder-High-Cover-12g_p_32.html

♥♥♥

Hmmm.. I'm a bit ashamed, but decided to show you before and after shot :P

1) After washing face using Shiseido White Clear Foam, I applied skin care products (Kanebo suisai Moist Force Cream) - All can be purchased at http://www.pinkblushtokyo.com/

Well, it's quite clear that i don't have perfect skin... LOL!
My problem is... uneven tone skins, redness (sensitive skin), enlared pores, sun damage marks (brown spots), acne scars, etc.... :'(


2) After applying base foundataion SHISEIDO Integrate Gracy Eessence Base BB:
- SHISEIDO Integrate Gracy Essence Base BB - http://www.pinkblushtokyo.com/SHISEIDO-Integrate-Gracy-Essence-Base-BB-40g_p_64.html

This posting is all about ClearLast Face Powder! So, I intentionally chose this foundataion because its light-weight formula provides low to medium coverage... I evenly applied over my face using small sponge.

Yay! skin colour is now evenly balanced. Now, it's time to drastically covers all pores, scars, and dark spots, and show off the ultimate skily smooth skin using ClearLast Face Powder!

3) Applied ClearLast Face Powder (Mat Ocher)
- Available at http://www.pinkblushtokyo.com/ClearLast-Face-Powder-High-Cover-12g_p_32.html

Now, You see why i mentioned above - "It softly but drastically conceals pores, redness, aging spots and acne scars. I actually felt my skin like baby skin" ?!
While it provides such HIGH COVERAGE, it is still so light-weight and soft. I don't feel any heaviness on my skin!



By the way, if you have acne problem skin, you can use ClearLast Face powder Medicated Face Powder http://www.pinkblushtokyo.com/ClearLast-Face-Powder-High-Cover-Medicated-12g_p_31.html

Enjoy!

[Beauty] Kiss Me Mascara from Tokyo

Actually, Mascara was never my top priority until I came to Japan. The reason I used to skip mascara was..

1) the difference before vs. after was too minimal.. I have very thin, normal length eyelashes. I tried both Volume and Lengthen maximizing mascara from variety of brands, high-end to low-end, but wasn't much feeling a big difference...

2) Since my skin type around eye is very oily, it gets very VERY smudgy after 2~3 hours... I look like racoon :'(  It became necessary to re-apply eyeshadow and powder under my eyes...

I heard of Kiss Me mascara from my best friend while I was in Canada - she was so much in love with this brand. (Actually, if you are a BIG masacara fan, you would already know the reputation of KissMe Mascara..) But again, i was like.. "meh.."...

Then I moved to Tokyo, and things have changed....

Well, first of all, I wanted to know how Shibuya girls (*Shibuya: one of the most fashionable, trendy town in Tokyo) could keep their beautiful heavy makeup throughout a day, like a doll. I mean, WHAT KIND OF STUFFS TO THEY USE...????

In fact, I do trust the products that Shibuya girls buy! ;)  and everywhere I go in the city, I see this mascara, literally everywhere! Actually.. I didnt' know that "Kiss Me" was "Made in Japan" item until then.

Just help you understanding how popular this mascara is in the city... note that it was awarded No.1 Customer choice award in 2010. Moreover, This has been always ranked No.1 in ranKing ranQueen store.

I hate advertisement that b/s with before and after shot, so here is my very honest before and after shot.. LOL

Too sad that I don't have many eye lashes :'(  This mascara would've made a real HUGE difference if I did. But still, I LOVE the difference it creates.

While I'm writing this post now, it's been 6 hours passed since I put on mascara - But the smudgeness from mascara is very little to none at this moment. Very exciting news to me!

I will definitely keep using this mascara ♥

If you reside in North America, you can buy this product @ http://www.pinkblushtokyo.com/KissMe-Mascara-Long-Curl_p_14.html

[Beauty] BCL Tsururi Ghassoul Soap

BCL Tsururi Ghassoul Soap is made from Morrocan Lava Clay and Charcoal. It's also called Magic Black Soap, as it significantly removes blackhead and dead skin, resulting cleansed and reduced pores...! 
You can purchase this item @ http://www.pinkblushtokyo.com/BCL-Tsururi-ghassoul-Soap-blackhead-removal-80g_p_36.html

I've been thinking about buying this soap for a while...

In fact, Sometime ago, I went to spa for facial near my house, and the specialist told me NOT to use facial scrub. She told me the reason i have severe blackhead & pore issue is because the way I use facial scrub... She said "I know it feels good right after you scrubbed your face, especially T-zone. I know the blackhead/whitehead seemed to be removed once you use facial scrub. But Trust me, you're making your face worse. The way you abuse facial scrub resulted pores to be even bigger... and the cycle keeps repeating. So, for your skin, i recommend you not to use facial scrub at all."

I needed to find something IMMEDIATELY that can replace facial scrub, improve my pore issue, and reduce blackhead!
Then I remembered this soap - it was always listed in top ranks in Cleanser section / pore cleansing section at ranKing ranQueen; Moreover, I've read so many beauty bloggers pages that testified how amazing it works.

So it`s time for me to find out! :P

 I bought the soap from ranKing ranQueen.
The box has a soap in plastic case, and a plastic net.

  Well, at first, i couldn't figure out how to get the soap out of the case..!
Open the lid, and slowly pushed the bottom of case... ta-da~ soap is out :)

Insert the soap into the net.

Hmmm.. it's not really solid as it looks. It quite jelly-type. Be careful while handling it!

With warm water, rub the soap in the net to make foam. I started having too much fun with this simple action so... i over-did it.

Now, apply the foam on the face. I focused more on T-zone, though. Leave it for 90 seconds and wash with warm water. Don't leave it for more than 90 secs.. It may cause redness because it dries out your skin too much. Also, if you have sensitive skin (like me) then 30~60 secs should be enough too :)

My review ♥
Since it's 100% natural base, I find this very gentle on my face while DEFINITELY improved my pore/blackhead issues. I see pores on & around my nose a lot more reduced looking. I'm not sure if the size is actually reduced, or if cleansed blackhead makes the pores reduced looks.

Well, I now understand why so many beauty bloggers were going crazy with this black magic soap.... Absolutely LOVE it!  I strongly recommend it to people who suffer(?) from blackhead problems.

More important thing is,  I finally found a perfect replacement for facial scrub!!!

Oh, by the way, LOVED the herbal-like smell!

[Beauty] ranKing ranQueen

The true treasure I found in Tokyo is the store 'ranKing ranQueen'. This is a store that stocks top 3 most popular items in japan at given time based on sales data and top sellers of various department stores and shops. The ranks are real-time based; such ranking is listed in various beauty product sections such as Cheek Blush, Mascara, Eyeliner- liquid, Eyeliner-Pencil, foundataion, BB cream, Powder, eye-shadows, Nail products, other beauty products,.... as well as Books, CDs, etc.

Above is ranKing ranQueen store @ Shibuya station in Tokyo... Shibuya is one of the BUSIEST subway station in tokyo.  I come here at least twice a week to learn what's the most current HOTTEST items :P

Once I spot new items in top ranks among cosmetic sections, I don't hesitate to buy and try.. Well, my background is in mathematics.. and i know statistics don't lie!

If you reside in Canada/ US, you can purchase most of top ranks items @ http://www.pinkblushtokyo.com/

[Life] My favourite line from hubby

I just visited my family and friends in Canada and came back to Tokyo last weekend.

Ever since the big earthquake and tsunami happened, family and friends are still worried that we live in tokyo... 

I remember my aunt, who was deeply concerned and frustrated over radiation threat, saw on news that a deformed rabbit was born somewhere in Japan. She paniked and called my mum in Canada to tell her about this... and of course, my mum got really, really, freaked out!! so she called me (in Japan) and asked me & my husband to leave the country right away.

I was at work when i got the call. (yeah, there was a time that i used to be employed...  Well, employement is so overrated.)

Again, i freaked out over the story my mum brought. I mean, we don't have a kid yet!! and i started having doubt whether it is safe to live here....

I'm a drama-queen so I called my husband. I think I cried, paniked, and yelled while i was telling him the whole deformed rabbit story.

and he said:

Babe I think fked up rabbits are born all the time.  Its just now its headline news. did u know there are lots of frogs born in US with both male and female parts?  i mean sht, if anything happens there all the men will leave the country after newspapers start showing that on front pages

Well, he knows how to calm me down.... whew!


Time to go out and eat my favourite ramen @ Ippudo in Roppongi.  I was gonna talk about my new purchase in Shibuya - Black Soap that removes all blackhead/dead skin.  Will continue in next post!