Feb 28, 2014

Review: Curél Makeup Cleansing Gel

I tried this in autumn Japan last year when I went to bunk over at a friend's place to save some accommodation money. Awesome friend enthusiastically introduced this product to me, sharing how good and easy it was to remove makeup. She even did a live demonstration xD


You use it on dry hand and face. Just put some in your palm and gently massage the whole face. Rinse off thoroughly.  You can continue to use a facial cleanser afterwards to remove dirt and sebum.
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Name: Curél Makeup Cleansing Gel
Bought from: Borrowed from a friend’s stash!
Size: 130 gm
Price: SGD$`19.80
My Rating: 2/5

Here’s some information about the brand.

About:
Curél - Fundamental Solutions for Sensitive Skin
Mission:
Curél's Approach to Safety of Usage
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Colorant-free
- Alcohol free *
- Clinically tested on sensitive skin
- pH balanced
*Applies to all face products & selected body care products

Description:
Japan's No. 1 Brand for Sensitive Skin* is now available in Singapore!

Curel Singapore hopes to free Singaporeans with sensitive skin problems, with solutions from face and body to scalp and hair. Live with confidence and peace of mind, 365 days a year with Curél.
Formulated from Kao's extensive dermatological science research, Curél's hydrating and moisture retaining ceramide care targets the actual causes of sensitive skin and provides highly effective solutions to improve skin conditions. Curél's range of products also contain Eucalyptus Extract that vastly enhances the skin’s ability to produce ceramide naturally so sensitive skin stays moisturized longer.

*Based on INTAGE Inc SRI data, Curel is the No. 1 brand for sensitive skin in Japan from Oct 2009 to Dec 2011 “



info from:
https://www.facebook.com/Curel.SG/info



Packaging

Its packed in a simple and efficient tube packaging and Tube can stand by itself.  I would have preferred a pump container but I guess this isn’t too bad either. The back of the tube has a size indicator for the amount of product to use each wash. Naiiise~~~ =)
 
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Texture

Came out like normal facial cleanser or toothpaste actually.  Gel like consistency and transparent in colour.

Effects

I'd say it removes the makeup pretty averagely but I guess i was too absorbed by the uncomfortable tingles in my eyes to observe more.  While rubbing the gel into my face, it became very evident that this product is not for me.
 
First my eyes started to sting and I quickly wash them (WHILE I was still cleansing). After I finished cleansing, i assumed everything was fine and I went on to apply my usual Insolution sheet face masks.  After I removed the face masks my skin started to feel dry and itchy and redness around the mouth started to appear. 
 
Though I cannot remember exactly which InSolution mask I used, it was definitely something my skin was used to. Henceforth I am under the impression that my skin can only be reacting so violently towards the Curel Makeup remover .
 

Price

My first encounter with them was free but I did see a lot of pharmacies in Japan selling them. I honestly cannot remember how much they cost there but some google research tells me Singapore sells it for $19.80. That’s pretty expensive compared to the quantity you’re getting.

Then again, a small amount can go a long way since this product will foam up on your face.

Pros

Works very well for my friend who, according to herself, said she has sensitive and dry skin. The product doesn't require cotton pad to remove makeup so I guess the convenience factor is a plus.
 

Cons

It react to my skin (which is combination , sensitive and dehydrated) instantly . My skin became slightly red after one wash.
 
To be fair, it might be due to my skin's already declining condition (skin was not adapting to Japan’s dry climate well and was starting to dry out, itch and become sensitive) that such a reaction happened but the gel felt harsh on my skin and I'm not sure if it was cleaning as well as I'd like. If it could react to me , there is the possibility it could react to you too. But then again, everyone's skin is different so it might work for you. I’m sorry if I  sound contractive haha!!

Overall

Overall to cut the story short, the curel makeup remover gel is not as mild as it says. Even though it is meant for sensitive skin, it reacted to mine instantly. I guess it removes the makeup fairly well though i needed an extra pump for around the eyes. That’s pretty unfortunate since the brand philosophy seems like such a great direction but since it reacted to my skin, this is a product i will not be touching again .
 
I must disclaim again that everybody’s skin is different and what works (or don’t work) for me might have an opposite effect for you. I hope you found this review useful. If you are a fan of the product, please feel free to comment and share your experience.














Feb 25, 2014

Review: Snailstreet Snail Cream

Name: Snailstreet Snail Cream
Bought from: http://www.snailstreet.com.sg/SnailStreet-Cream.php
Size: 50g
Price: SGD$55
My Rating: 3/5
 

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Introduction

I admit, I bought this product because of the endless raves I’ve been seeing online about the regenerative power of Snail Creams (though not all necessarily directed to this brand). Some bloggers reviewed that they notice a significantly softer and smoother skin after using this the night before.

Before I proceed, here’s some obligatory product description to let you know what the product is supposed to do.

 

SnailStreet Cream delays the aging process of skin tissues and protects against the oxidative action of free radicals. It also significantly improves the elasticity, firmness, density, and texture of the skin and enhances the proliferation and functional capability of fibroblast cells. Snail Street Cream is an approved moisturizer that delays the aging process of skin tissues & protects against oxidation action of free radicals. Ideal solution for spots, blemishes, acne, wrinkles & fine lines.

The Snail Cream is formulated using 86% snail secretion filtrate extracted from the Helix Aspersa Muller species. Clinical studies confirm that this snail secretion filtrate contains some of nature’s greatest dermatological treasures in their natural forms:

  • Natural Allantoin
  • Natural Collagen & Elastin
  • Natural Proteins
  • Natural Glycolic Acid

 

Benefits:

  • Improves elasticity, firmness, density & texture of the skin
  • When cream is applied to fibroblasts (cells that synthesis collagen), it enhances the proliferation & functional capability of these cells

  • Keeps skin soft & helps heal troubled or acne skin
  • Helps regenerate damaged skin & prevent dryness
  • Brightens skin, soften wrinkles & treats fine lines

  • Softens scars and smoothes stretch marks

 

How to use:

  • Apply cream to clean skin twice a day - In the morning and at night before sleep
  • When applying to face, cleanse well before applying Snail Street Cream
  • Softly pat your face with fingers
  • Can be used on the face before applying moisturiser or makeup

 

Ingredients:

Snail Secretion Filtrate, Xanthan Gum, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol , Glycosyl Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Methylparaben , Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Batyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lecithin, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Lanolin , Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Propylparaben , Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Dimethiconol, Fragrance, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Titanium Dioxide, Arbutin

 

Packaging

The packaging is a simple plastic jar with a pink lid. There is a layer of ‘stopper’ lip under the pink lid. Nothing to complain about and nothing to squeal about. I ordered it online from snailstreet.com.sg and it came …actually, I cannot remember how long it took to arrive. I’m guessing it was a week but I cannot remember because I bought mine in early 2013.  Took me so long to review it because I was really really busy and because I wanted to have more time with the product before reviewing it.

 

Texture & Absorption

Looks opaque white in the jar but comes out slightyyyyy sheer . I find it a little hard to describe the feel of it on the skin but … I guess you could say I could feel the slime xD It’s not the gross sort of slime-iness though (thankfully!) but it has more of a gel like consistency than cream. It is also slightly fragranced.

 

The absorption rates really depends on the amount of product you use but I feel that the rate it gets absorbed into the skin is pretty average (Maybe the problem is in my skin =_=; ) . Overall, it tends to be on the greasy and sticky side for me.

 

Effects on the skin

I found it hard to notice any difference in the elasticity and texture of my face. I found my skin drying out uncomfortably halfway through the day in an Air-con environment. In case you are not aware,  I have sensitive dehydrated skin that will immediately alert me if it doesn’t like anything I put on it or if they dry out. If they become too dry, my allergy kicks in and I start to have redness and bumps which leads to itch and flakes.

 

I found out that this product, despite its’ name,  is really more a complimentary skincare product than the Holy Grail Moisturiser it had been marketed.  Maybe my expectations were just too high.

 

I don’t know about you but I tryyyy to minimize the amount of products I put on my face. If I put moisturiser, I’d rather not have to apply another one. Perhaps this is a product meant to specifically keep aging at bay. 

 

Price

$55 for 50ml is steep!! Especially since the product is purchased online, you’d expect it to cost lesser.

 

Overall

This product seemed to receive pretty positive reviews online however I was not fortunate enough to experience that. Not that it did any harm to my skin of course, it's just not as miraculous as I hoped. I had acne scarrings when I used to use the product regularly but I didn’t notice it healing any faster than usual. Maybe the healing and repairing effects takes a while to kick in but I don’t know… any product that doesn’t immediately improves (or de-prove) my skin just makes it hard for me to observe and justify the purchase.

 

So in short I give this product 3 star out of 5. Mainly because it’s really more a complimentary product than a life saving sort of moisturiser. I think it is best used with another hydrating moisturizer to boost the skin but that unfortunately, decreases the value of the moisturizer because I can't use it alone. 

 

It is also very expensive for a product that doesn't belong to some well known brands. And compared to other snail cream i find online, this is exponentially more expensive. 

 

Overall it's a nice product that is suitable for people who are keen to have something to repair the skin everyday and wants to keep signs of aging at bay. However I don’t think I will repurchase this product again as the cost vs benefit of this product was just not doing it for me.

Feb 13, 2014

If my life was a novel, it would be a comedy

koma_double_hit

 

Happened a few nights ago when I was fumbling with the power sockets under the table. I cannot even remember what I was doing. I only remember crammed under the table and moving inwards clumsily. And when I moved my first step, my kneecap hit me in the face. The shock of the hit then made me jerk my head backwards and then I hit myself on the underside of my table =_= Was so loud my mom asked about it.

 

And my wardrobe finally gave way -_- The rod to hold the clothes gave way one morning while I pulled it to climb up and see what’s on the top shelf. Yeahyeahyeah, I know that sounds so graceful but I always pull the rod and use it as a handle whenever I climb up. I don’t really climb over the wardrobe though, I merely step on this area at the bottom to get some height . The rod is not locked down so you just need to pull upwards to release it. And released it I did, see the photo above? The entire pile just came toppling down onto the floor -___- ;;

 

Had to rehang all the clothes and accessories again -___-;

 

 

However I think the rod is too fragile and well, they gave way again. ZZZZ___zzzzz

 

 

Dad and bro finally stepped in and helped me step up a new wardrobe rod Open-mouthed smile I love my family =)

 

 

Went to a friend's place to BaiNian last sunday and there was a piece of land that says it is state land. But apparently they still employ wild dogs to guards the place. Because there were 3 relatively big dogs (45inch long maybe?) guarding it. I was trying to find my way around and crossed over to their side of the land without noticing them. All 3 of them dashed to me like I was enemy and started barking. At that point I was so thankful that my years of “animal loving on the internet” taught me a few things about dog. I knew they would go even more berserk if I ran and I know animals usually don’t like it when you have eye contact with them. They were probably 1 meter away from me but I was so calm and collected I could be called queen lol

Feb 12, 2014

Shopping in Shibuya! (Liz Lisa!)

This was my 3rd time to Japan and 2nd time to Shibuya 109. I can't remember if I blogged about it previously (found out I did!)  but I decided this time I would lol. Our CoFesta ambassador trip was actually pretty tight and the Shibuya trip was just a side quest kindly included by our guide lol.

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Also because NHK Studio Park was walking distance to Shibuya hahah. Yamamote-san guided us there by foot and it was a very interesting experience. Even though I've had Singaporean friends who live in Japan brought me around before, it was still a novel experience to walk from one seemingly isolated  place to another hippy area.

Feb 10, 2014

How to travel on Buses in Kyoto (Japan)

So I went to Kyoto alone recently and experienced first hand how travelling solo in a foreign country is. I went on many wasted paths and had to learn everything by myself.

So I'm going to share everything I know about the Kyoto Bus systems with you guys, hopefully this is helpful to someone!


kyoto on bus


Why take the Bus? :

Compared to Tokyo, moving around is a very different ball game in Kyoto. In Kyoto, it's all about the buses and you can reach pretty much any attractions with the buses. For in-depth explanation about transporting in Kyoto, you can go to Kyoto City's website.

I'm going to briefly explain the bus system in Kyoto and then explain how to use the Kyoto City Bus Map.  I will also share some hands-on tips not found in other tourism website .

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Rebellion (fangirl ramble)

Ok. So I watched the movie yesterday and had some time to think through so I'm here with my fangirl rambles. If you want a spoiler free overview and some event photos of the exclusive screening at SIngapore Orchard Cineleisure, pop over to the TheCosplayChronicles by clicking here.

 

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Take note that this entry is ladened with spoilers , if you don't want to be spoilt don't read on.

 

Ok. I feel so torn with my opinions and the ending. Overall I thought it was a good movie and the graphics are stunning. I really liked the team work and happy-go-lucky life in the beginning. It might be a labyrinth but it was satisfying to watch.

I kinda feel like I might have misunderstood some parts and definitely look forward to rewatching it again. There's so much twists and big ideologies I think I had trouble understanding. 

But why did homura had to do that?! I found her final action unnecessarily extreme and yes I am a Homura fan but this movie made her out to be so selfish! Throughout the beginning of the show, you see homura desperately trying to uncover the truth behind the perfect world they live in. Getting into a cut throat fight with Mami and Sayaka only to discover at the end of her investigation that she was the witch that created this labyrinth and trapped the others within it.

Thefight between magi and homura was pretty epic and exciting. I kinda wish it was a bit slower though then I'll have more time to catch up with the movement. I always found it weird that Homura uses normal human weapons against witches. Aren't those witches supposed to be a manifestation of intensely negative emotions? 

I really liked how the animators did this part though. They allowed the viewers to slowly peel the truth apart along with Homura. It really allowed us to feel Homura's sadness and desperation on a personal level and took us by surprise. At that point it was hard not to sympathise with the strong and level headed girl who had been trying her best to protect madoka only to discover that in all her loneliness, she had unconsciously slipped into those she hunt. A witch.
Then the whole conspiracy with kyubeh comes in and blahblahblah. Kyubeh is as evil as ever=_=. I found the whole theory of a magical girl being able to reach her finalised form and still take victims from the world while trapped in the isolated void hard to comprehend. Yes yes kyubeh says it is by invitations only but if your body and spirit is trapped in an isolated capsule how do you reach out to invite?!

Am I missing something?

rebellion_1-640x358 
Photo credit: Desu Ex Machina


The fight between Mami and Homura was pretty epic too. I've always wondered how Homura's weapons work as it seems like she is just using normal human weapons (we saw her stealing them in the anime) against her foes. But aren't her enemies witches? And aren't witches and wraiths the manifestation of intensely negative emotions (and Magical girls)? And if so aren't they supposed to be a spiritual sort of being that technically cannot be penetrated by bullets?

 

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Photo credit: GeekXchange

 

What about Magical girls? can they be physically hurt too? As demonstrated by Sayaka in the anime it seemed like magical girls possesses some zombie like abilities and won't die from physical wounds. If so then why did Homura have to take the trouble to shoot Mami's leg when she can self regenerate in less than 10 minutes? And why was Mami was worried about Homura shooting herself? That 'suicidal' scene was very good though and a very smart attempt at getting away from Mami's ribbon. Though the screen was too fast for me to figure out how the bullet hit mami's ribbon and how Homura was hit but then later appears totally ok. Can someone fill me in on these ?

madoka_movie_homura
She looks fine to me…

 

Mami had a much bigger role this time and we finally had more chance to get to know her. It does appear that Mami is the strongest in combat amongst them all. I love how she managed to get away from Homura’s bullet and even captured Homura with her ribbons.

rebellion_2-640x358 
Photo credit: Desu Ex Machina

 

Oh and sayaka! It's very good to see her walk out of her attachment to Kyosuke and even "gained life experience". She played a much bigger role in this movie and like I mentioned in my overview review on TCC , it was nice to see the real sayaka beneath all those anger and frustrations shown in the anime. And it was nice to see how she seemed to be able to harness her witch power as needed and still keep it under control.  It was also very nice to see her reciprocating Kyoko at the end. Kyoko was much more lovable in this movie and felt like a very reliable friend.

Well the ending was... I don't know. I guess I can't say I love it.

 

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I honestly felt that if they had ended it with Homura as a witch and then being rescued by Madokami and the other girls, it would have sat better with me. But of course, this is pmmm and they like being rebelliously weird and they like to troll people so they just had to twist the plot again.

I felt it was very selfish of Homura to take a part of Madokami away to stay with her in this enclosed space, and along the way taking sayaka , bebe , kyoko , mami and the rest of the usual gang in. I can't help thinking that what Devil Homura did was like coming back to what the Witch Homura did ...only now she had power even over the Incubator (Kyubeh) and in her (Homura) own opinion, she protected Madoka.

Homura mentioned that she only took the part that identifies Kaname Madoka but I seriously dont get how it all works out. How do you take a part of a supposed higher being away ? Even if she claims to be the devil...I don't know, in my religion, my God is all mighty and the devil stand no chance lol.

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Ok so Homura transformed beyond a witch in her enclosed space and became a devil due to her immense love for Madoka. She could do that because she holds this emotion that no one else can understand.  When it came to this part I rolled my eyes lol. Love as an emotion is not exclusive to you lei Homura,  maybe your weird lust for madoka lah but =_=;;

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Was it because she jumped time periods so many times it increased the 'unfortunate' in her own fate? Coupled with the loneliness of her knowledge and then pushed by her extreme passion. Did all those negative emotions accumulate into immensely high and destructive Mana? Was these what made her the devil equivalent ? Coming here with my blog entry I realise... that those are also the very same factors that turns human into demons =\ 

Oh and the final part, I thought Madoka was going to remember her true form!!! But she ended up not /_\ I think I’ve written too much and I should stop LOL. And oddly enough, I  feel like cosplaying the devil version of Homura XD

Feb 6, 2014

Hostel review: Hostel Mundo (Kyoto, Japan)

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Name: Hostel Mundo
Address: 596 Tenbin-cho Shimodachiuri agaru Higurasidori Kamigyo-ward, Kyoto city, Japan 602-8105
京都市上京区日暮通下立売上ル天秤町596番地
Tel: +81 75-811-6161
Email: backpackers@hostel-mundo.com

Website: http://en.hostel-mundo.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hostel-Mundo/107791299276658

Nearest Bus stop:  Horikawa shimodatiuri (Take Bus number 9 or 50 from JR Kyoto Karasuma-chuo-guchi Bus bay B1 or B2 )
Nearest Railway: JR Kyoto Stn or JR Enmachi Stn
Nearest Attraction:
Pretty close to Arashiyama
Price/night : varies according to date & room type (1667 Yen – 3500Yen)

 

Rooms:

 

They offer 4 beds dormitory and Private rooms of various sizes. None of them have toilets attached and all the rooms have tatami mat. 

Check out their website for more details

 

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For my stay, I stayed at the only single private room and really liked it. Most of the room is tatami mat flooring with some wooden flooring. Your bed is a Japanese mattress (futon) you have to lay down yourself before you sleep. 

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The room has an electronic fan and an air conditioner that functions as both a cooler and a heater. There is a small wooden table, a foldable chair with no legs and a table lamp. There are 2 electrical outlet but no cabinet. The only thing to hang your clothes is some wall hooks.


 

Beds:

 

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The futon mattress was thick and comfortable and the quilts kept me toasty. But I'm picky with my pillows and found theirs a little too soft so I slept with a scarf under it.

 

Toilets:

There are around 2 toilets and a  single shower room at the back of the building where all the sinks and mirrors are located. Hair dryer is available and you can bath anytime you want. One thing I quickly noticed in the chilly autumn was that there was no heater in the washing area. That made every wash up session a teeth chattering period for me. 

 

Cleanliness:

Satisfactory and nothing for me to jump on :)

 

Amenities & Facilities:

Hair dryer available. The kitchen with microwave , stove and hot water is available for all guests to prepare their meal. Coffee and tea is available the whole day.  Take note that Credit Cards are not accepted.

The lights out time seemed to be 11pm. I haven't tried going out of the place after lights out though so I'm not sure how things work. 

 

Breakfast:

 

No food is provided but there are 2 supermarket around (most notably Fresco that is along the main road) and you can get a lot of prepared food at pretty affordable prices.

 

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Staff & Misc:

 

I stayed there for only 2 nights but very much enjoyed the coziness and Japanese setting of the place. 

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The staffs were friendly and Midori-San was nice enough to lend me a towel. They own a big black dog called Tidus too and he was very obedient.  For the 2 nights I was there, there always seemed to have some sort of gathering at the living /common room .

 

Travel Directions :

 

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Getting to the place can be a little confusing especially if you are coming after dark. From JR Kyoto train station, go to the bus interchange ( it's right outside its main entrance) , take either bus 9 or 50 from bay B1 or B2 and alight at Horikawa shimodatiuri. According to them, the journey usually takes about 24 minutes.

Your landmark for alighting is Fresco; a supermarket with red signages on your right side. 

 

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To see the above Google map, click here http://goo.gl/maps/YcSdk

Walk down the small road on the left and keep going until you spot a bicycle shop on your  right . It's really hard to spot it after dark but I guess you can look out for a shop with a mirror signboard going vertically down in the middle. That's the bicycle shop. On seeing it, turn right and Hostel Mundo is the 3rd building on the right. They usually have a small red light in front of the porch. 

 

 

Overall:

 

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Every night the guests would gather in the living room to chat or have a party. The vibe going on every night is fun and enjoyable, highly suitable for travelers who enjoy mingling with others. Unfortunately for me , I never managed to hang out with them because I was always busy with something in my room #foreveralone. And I could hear their joyous bustling loud and clear much to my dismay ( I'm so missing out T_T! ). 

Like many of the other reviewers on hostel.com I agree that the walls are thin and does not trap sound well.  Towels are not included and it was not stated but midori-San was nice enough to lend me one T. T

To be honest, the location of the hostel is not exactly the best. The nearest JR station is Enmachi and you have to take 2 bus to reach it (220yen from Horikawa Shimodachiuri to Horikawa Marutamachi then 220yen to Nishinokyo Enmachi ). Enmachi the station itself is so well hidden it took me a loooooooooong time to find it =_=; I did however, discover that Hostel Mundo sort of have a straight bus to Arashiyama!

If you stay at Hostel Mundo and intends to go to Arashiyama for a day, you can  walk to Bus stop Horikawa Marutamachi (just a few streets away), take bus 93 and it would take you straight to the heart of Arashiyama (Bus stop Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae) . One important point though, Arashiyama is outside of the Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass zone so you cannot use that. The bus ticket  should be 240 yen, which is slightly more expensive but worth it for the time and effort saved. Some websites did highlight that during weekends or holidays, Bus should be avoided due to traffic jams.

The entire building is made to look traditional and authentic which is its main attraction to me. If you are traveling in a group I highly recommend the private rooms because they looked so spacious and comfortable. Toilets are not ensuite but for the price, authentic Japanese setting and space, I'd say its a good deal ! 

Jan 14, 2014

Big Eyed Gyaru makeup

So early this month I filmed a 3 minute makeup challenge video. Now I’m back with another instalment! Not exactly another 3 minute makeup challenge but more like what I did AFTER the screwed up 3minute makeup hahaha. Click here to watch the funny 3 minute makeup challenge.

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Eyes open

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Eyes closed

This makeup is a dramatic big eyed Gyaru-ish look that looks fresh and natural on camera. The overly dramatic lashes made it a bit over the top to see in real life but if you swap the lashes this can be a very naturally looking look.

 

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Side angle.

Captured Videos

Obligatory comparison photo of the BEFORE and AFTER. The lashes make SUCH a big difference for me! Without them I look like I have no eyes –___- |||

And yes, I forgot to apply lip colour  /_\

Makeup used:

  1. E.l.f Studio Flawless Finish Foundation
  2. Canmake Color Stick Concealer 01
  3. Za Perfect Fit 2 way foundation
  4. E.l.f Studio 85-Piece Complete the Look Palette
  5. SKINFOOD Sugar Bloom Shadow Box
  6. Dolly Wink black liquid Eyeliner
  7. Top Lashes (random brand)
  8. Dolly Wink Eyelash Fix Adhesive Glue

For really proper Gyaru Makeup, bottom lashes are actually very important. But as I was initially going for a natural everyday look, I skipped that step. But then it dawned upon me that my lashes made it looked too dramatic and not ‘everyday’ at all LOL. Like I explained in the video, I choose that pair of lashes in the beginning because I wanted to use it in the 3 minutes makeup challenge to offset any bad eyeshadow application I’d do in my rush so…. yeah. It’s okay, I normally skip bottom lashes if I’m not cosplaying since I never have time for them @_@;

Remember to leave a comment and tell me what you think! If you tried this makeup, remember to show me a photo of it on twitter (@Kaika_TCC) or facebook xD!

Jan 8, 2014

Review: TheFaceShop Aqua Sun Gel

Product Name: Aqua Sun Gel SPF40PA+++
Bought from: TheFaceShop (available here too)
Price: $16 – $18 (varies)

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Photo credit:
http://international.thefaceshop.com

 

My Experience & Thoughts:

I’ve been using this for 2 years and more. Bought it due to pressure from the store assistant and it turned out to be one of my best TFS purchase ever.

It is a gel based formula henceforth it is good for combination or/and oily skin.

Like I mentioned in the video, prior to using this, I was actually using Za’s sunscreen which is cream based. What I like best about this product is how, unlike traditional sunscreen which tends to feel heavy and thick, this product feels super lightweight on my face.

Due to my dehydrated skin and bad allergy history, I tend to need to pile a lot of hydrating and moisturising product onto my face to prevent it drying it out (then risk allergy-ish reaction returning). Previously with my old sunscreen, I return home everyday with a face full of blocked pores. Everyday I exfoliate with Ginvera’s exfoliating gel and manually pick out blackheads/whiteheads or whatever disgusting gooey oil stuffs from my face with a picker tool. I know it’s gross of me to say but my face used to be so blocked that just a gentle squeezing with my nails can bring the oil stuffs (pus lol?) up. After using this sunscreen I found myself with a lot less oil and dirt and a harder time picking my face everyday haha

It is SPF 40 too which means it can shield my skin from the sun 40 times longer than if my skin didn’t have it. I googled the meaning of PA+++ and essentially it refers to the “Protection Efficacy” for protection against UVA. It’s a rating system and the more + means the higher the rating.