Monday, April 29, 2013

Loved and Used Up - Empties #1

I've been squirreling away my empties for a few months now, and finally I have a decent amount which is post worthy!


Let's work it from left to right, top to bottom!

1. スペインの匂い (Spain Bath Salts) - I had originally planned to do a review of this but as it was less than ordinary, I have shunned it to the one conglomerate product post. The smell is generic, promising to smell of "Spain", obviously roses are the theme. I found it overpowering and not that pleasant. I didn't have very high expectations as it was ¥100.

2. ハーバリズム Herbalism from LUSH - This is the 3rd pot of Herbalism that I have gone through and although I used to enjoy it, I didn't find it did anything note worthy to my skin. The reason I kept re-purchasing it was I couldn't make up my mind what else to buy, I was desperately in need of a cleanser, so I'd just end up re-purchasing what I knew wasn't bad. The scent is okay, very fresh smelling, it's difficult to describe! I found that the version they make in Japan is a lot smoother than the one in New Zealand. It's supposed to be a gentle exfoliant for sensitive skin, and I agree with that claim. It never left my skin feeling stripped or tight, and I loved the fact that it was vegan, cruelty-free and other crapola-free. Unfortunately, the search for a superduperspecialsparkly cleanser goes on!

3. Schwarzkopf Professional BlondMe Blonde Brilliance Intense Treatment - And a century later the product name is finally typed out...So, this hair treatment I liked! He was nice, was there for me when I was in a state of distress, but unfortunately this is where we part. There was just something missing, the chemistry just wasn't there. I will look back at our times together with fondness. Girls, if you've got blondie locks, which also happen to be curly and fine, this may be the treatment to tide you over while you're looking for ~*the one*~. Think a review is in order.

4. Gucci Rush EDT - This is definitely a perfume that seems to be in the category of, you either love it to bits and want to bathe in it, or you hate it and stay away from it like it's petrol. I am most, most, most, most definitely in the former group. I just absolutely adore this smell, I think it's just so sexy and feminine and a total head turner. I love the stark red video cassette shaped box the perfume is housed in and I love wearing it to make myself feel "grown up" and "sexy". It's sweet, but in a sophisticated way, and the floral notes meld so well with the vanilla and patchouli, it's just divine (ooh, look at me just throwing out notes there). Needless to say, I repurchased as soon as I ran out, definitely would never be without it.

5. Vitacost Ultra Hair Formula - Forever seeking the perfect hair, you know what I'm talking about, long voluminous locks that cascade down your back like you're a mermaid, and when people touch it, it makes them want to recite poetry (what, this isn't what everyone aspires to?), I am constantly trying different things. I have always been very wary and suspicious of supplements, wishing that they'd work, but not really believing they'd do anything. In a desperate bid during the cooler months to help nourish my poor dying locks, I invested in these Ultra Hair Formula supplements. Probably should've continued taking them as they recommend taking any supplements for at least 3 months for results to be apparent, but the site Vitacost, jacked up international shipping prices so I found bigger and greener pastures in the form of another site. Conclusion: would not repurchase, did not really work for me.

6. Korres Japanese Rose Shower Gel - I desperately wish this was available in perfume form because it's absolutely divine. I loved, loved, loved using it during summer (did I mention I loved it?). It's a very sweet fruity rose smell and I look forward to using it during my happy shower times. I love Korres, and this smell is just amazing. Free of the nasties you don't want on your body or in your drain, and a beautiful product from Greece, can you say win?

7. Burt's Bees Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil - Bought during winter time to soothe my chapped and dying lips, I am so proud of myself because I have actually used this all up without losing it first! Featured in my Feb faves.

8. Maybelline Baby Lips Soothing Cherry Lip Balm - Another lip balm that's been used and abused without being lost, woohoo! You go Glen Coco. It's a lovely fruity smell and taste, and whilst it doesn't give you baby soft lips, it does help relieve the chapped pain for a little bit.

Phew! So that's it, ladies and gentlemen, my first empties over and done with. What did you think? What's something you've used up recently that you're dying to repurchase? Share and care below!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Canmake Colorful Nails #10 Lavender Milk Swatch + Review

I've never really been the girl that was into nail polishes. Sometimes a certain colour took my fancy, but very rarely did I buy them. 

Until now.

Of course, living in Japan, it's all about the long eyelashes, big eyes and pretty nails, so there are many different brands of nail polish available to the average Japanese girl. After lusting after many a pastel coloured nail polish featured on various beauty blogs, RosyChicc's post on Essie's Lilacism polish really was the last straw for me. I was going to have a beautiful purple pastel coloured nail polish in my life, if it was the last thing I bought!

I went to Daiwa, a big department store, as I recalled them having some Essie nail polishes, but unfortunately the selection was teeny and Lilacism wasn't there. Before I caught the train back home, I went to browse in a beauty shop in the big mall next to the station when, lo and behold!, a beautiful pastel purple polish twinkled out amongst the other non-pastel polishes! At under 400 yen, it was an easy and quick purchase.


I am really not with it when it comes to popular beauty brands in Japan, but I've seen the Canmake Colorful Nails a few times, so I imagine it's a well-known brand. They had an array of other colours, and I may have to go back for the pastel green and yellow that I also spotted.



The colour is called 'Lavender Milk' and I believe it to be quite an apt name for the shade; a very light and creamy lavender colour. Not so sure about the description of it:"A gentle, sweet lavender like the Little Mermaid." 
Oh Japan. It sure is like the Little Mermaid...


I am sorry about the light, in the late afternoon light, it looks a lot darker than it actually is. During the day time it is a very light colour. The application wasn't bad, I found that I didn't get enough polish often, and because it dried so quickly, I'd get angry at the obvious horrible layering I'd done. It was still very streaky with 2 coats, so 3 coats it was. Even with 3 coats, I still felt a bit underwhelmed with the formula, but I love the colour.


So, I've got myself my first spring nail polish, how about some of that spring temperature, ay, Japan?

What is your spring nail colour this year? Any recommendations? Should I be worried that my nail polish addiction will get worse?
 

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Love for the Gemstones

I've never felt a particular fondness for quartz and other gem stones you see used in jewellery; mainly because I think I associated it with older women, and it just didn't appeal to my "hip" side. However, since working in a jewellery store for 3 years, I learnt a fair bit, and I developed a wee love for some stones in particular.

Alexandrite



I was cleaning a very lovely girl's ring, and when I exclaimed how beautiful it was, and how it was incredible because I could have sworn it'd changed colours, she told me the story behind it. It's a fairly "recent" discovered stone, found in 19th century Russia, and was named 'Alexandrite' in honour of Tsar Alexander II. This stone is believed to bring good fortune and love, and I can understand why, it's just absolutely stunning. They are expensive, but I am definitely going to invest in one in the future.

Sapphire

 
Bet you thought sapphires only came in that vivid blue colour, amirite? Well, I'm going to break that common stereotype right here and now, sapphires come in an array of colours! The only colour the sapphire doesn't come in is red - that is a ruby. My other half gave me a stunning ring with a dark blue sapphire which I absolutely love. It's been passed down within the women in his family, so it's even more special to me.

Mystic Topaz



Can you tell I love multi-coloured things? As much as I want the usual blue topaz, I also want to own the mystic topaz. The name is awesome, let's not deny it!, and I've rarely seen other women wearing it. The stone is coated with a thin layer of titanium to the underside through a process which changes the way the stone absorbs and reflects light. Because it's man-made (the colours), it's considered semi-precious.

Amethyst



It's name is derived from Ancient Greek which means "not intoxicated", because the ancient Greeks believed this stone protected its owner from drunkenness! In terms of spiritual and healing properties, it's believed that the stone brings peace, aids restful sleep and eases stress. My grandmother wore a necklace made out of little bits of amethyst, and I always think of amethyst in fondness because of this. I love it in its natural state best, I love running my hands over the cool, jagged lines.

Emma from Beauty and Rags is currently running a giveaway for an absolutely exquisite gold dipped amethyst necklace, and I would absolutely, absolutely love to win it! *fingers crossed* Hop on over and check it out here.

I'd love to hear what your favourite gem stones are! Leave a comment down below with your favourite stone and why you love it.

 

Tag Along!

Konnichiwa beauties!

Although I'm constantly lurking in the blogsphere, the weather has prevented me from being able to take pretty much any photos of things I've bought recently (and not so recently!) and review them. Boo. How did I pick one of the most precipitate places in Japan to live? So I was tagged by the lovely, amazing Monica from The Total Opposite to do this tag, and heck, I'm gonna do it.

Copy and paste THE RULES:


1) You must state this tag was created by Megan at TheBeautyPier.

2) You must tag at least one person to do this. However, the more the merrier!

3) Let the person know you tagged them with a comment on their blog.

4)Title this post 'Influences of the Internet TAG!'

5) Enjoy!




1. Did other blogs convince you to start up your own?


Yes, for sure! I would never have thought of starting up a beauty blog prior to reading them. Unfortunately, a couple of the people I first started following have stopped blogging, like, Tali from The Gloss Goss, but luckily, Laure from the Liparazzi blog is still here and has really developed since I first started reading her posts!



2. Have you joined a site because someone else in the blogosphere did?


Yes...I was never really someone that was into Twitter, but I liked the fact that I could keep more on top of what my favourite beauty gurus were up to! (Stalker, much?)



3. Is there a tip/regime you've gotten from the internet that you now use?

Too many to name, actually! They're all beauty related - I was a complete beauty noob prior to entering the world of beauty blogs. But a recent regime I have taken up is using oils on my face - I love supporting New Zealand brands so the Antipodes Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum (phew, what a mouthful!) is the one I'm currently using.




4. If your favorite YouTube/Blogger personality likes a product, will that make you buy it?


Ohhhh yes, I think 99% of my purchases are beauty gurus recommendations/loves. But I always make sure I read a trillion reviews before purchasing.



5. What do you look for in a blog that makes you want to follow?

Content and personality. I like a blog that shows what kind of person behind the screen is. Whilst I do love an eye pleasing set out of a blog, I don't mind if it's not the best if the person is interesting.




6. Have you ever been deceived by a product that you ordered online? (e.g you thought it would be pink but it was coral)


Not really, that's why I look at the photos of swatches and FOTD's.



7. Have promo pictures and press releases given you the impression that a product will be better than it is?

Of course, the marketing team will try to talk up a product as much as possible. I don't actually pay any attention to new products, if someone is talking about it, I'll go check out reviews of said product.



8. Is there a product you could give a 'cult' status for being so good that you discovered through the internet?


YES, I HAVE ONE. (I was thinking about this for so long). The Possets oil perfume Ribbands is actually the most amazing scent, it's LE so you can only get it during Christmas, and my word, if it's not the most delicious thing you've ever smelt, then I'm a fool. It smells of chocolate and juicy raspberries, like, for real face. This absolutely deserves cult status, in my opinion.



9. Is there a product you have tried and hated, but others have loved?


Same as Monica, Maybelline The Falsies Mascara! I bought it because my sister said all her friends love it, but I tried it on, immediately took it off and swapped her it for her Covergirl LashBlast Fusion mascara. My HG mascara! (Review here).



10. Is there a Blogger/YouTuber that influences your fashion style? If so, who?


Yes, so many of them! The two UK Laura's dress exactly how I'd like to! Laura from buy now, blog later just has impeccable, classy taste and I drool over every fashion post of hers, and Laura from Liparazzi has this edgy, chic but still professional look that I also adore. Corrie from Dizzybrunette3 is so pretty, and I love her for her love of shorts! The drop-dead gorgeous Eastern European beauties: Zorana from Zorannah's Fashion Corner definitely has a look I would love to have, very edgy and rock, and Tamara from The Glam and Glitter is just stunning and chic. And how can I leave out Shannon from shaaanxo, she is gorgeous, funny and wears a lot of things I'd love to own (and she's from New Zealand, yay!).



11. Is there a Blogger/Youtuber that influences your attitude each day/lifestyle?


Recently, there have been a few fitness blogs that have really changed my attitude towards healthy eating and how to get the kind of physique I've always wanted. I follow them on Instagram, so if you follow me on there, you'll be able to see who I'm following.


12. How much time do you spend on the internet daily?


I'm not going to tell you because you'll actually just choke on your spit reading it the answer, and then you'll try to take my death grip off my laptop. Let's just say LDR suck.


So, that's it! I tag each and every single one of you who wants to do this. I'd love it if you linked me to your post, just leave a comment down below!

Rausch Moisturizing Body Butter for Very Dry Skin Review

Lovely ladies of Europe,

I have discovered a must-have product for you. Last year when I was visiting my aunt in Switzerland, I came across this beaut of a product. My aunt is into natural hair and skin care products, and she's a devotee of Rausch, a Swiss company which use natural, raw plants and herbs in their products to provide people with the best care for their scalp, hair and skin. They have a large range of various hair care products, but the product I have been in love with is their body butter for very dry, flaky skin.


It smells absolutely heavenly! It contains extracts of barley, oat milk and Tahitian monoï oil. Barley extract is known to soothe and moisturize skin, promote replenishment of the skin’s protective barrier and renewal of cell membranes. Oat milk is high in Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that protects and repairs your skin. Tahitian monoï oil acts as an emollient for your skin (emollients are lubricating agents that have a soothing and softening effect on your skin and prevent water loss). So it's jam packed with absolute goodies for skin that is in dire need of TLC.

I burnt myself to a crisp during my holiday in Greece, and while I was suffering I was using this religiously, and it definitely helped to keep my skin soft and completely prevented peeling, which is amazing because I've always peeled after I've gotten sunburnt as bad as I did that time.

Look at how much I've been loving it, almost all gone!
The consistency is very creamy, and although it has a scent, it's not one that I find overpowering. For something that is such a heavy duty body butter, it blends in so quickly to the skin, and there's absolutely no trace of "greasiness" which I adore.

This is a wonder product and even though it is a tad pricey, I would wholeheartedly recommend it to all the beauty gurus out there in Europe who have easy access to it, it's amazing!

Beauties, have you used any products by Rausch? What do you think of this body butter?

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Peachy Goodness: The Body Shop Vineyard Peach Body Butter Review

The plum blossom has blossomed on trees in Japan, and the cherry blossom are about to make their debut. Pretty exciting stuff, this spring weather. Unfortunately, whilst it has definitely become warmer, it's still not time for me to put away my winter leggings and jackets. So my legs have been suffering, and after getting a whiff of the peach body butter in The Body Shop, I knew it was coming home with me come next pay day.

Pay day came and went, and this bad boy ended up coming home with me after I joyously discovered that TBS were having a wee sale. Yes!, cried my wallet, and off I hopped off with this glorious body butter in my bag.

I'm a big fan of fruity, gourmand smells, so of course, this is completely up my alley. Slathered across my desert dry legs, this provides wonderful moisture to them, and I was ever so surprised how quickly this sinks into the skin.

Is that a pumpkin in my fruit bowl? Why yes, yes it is.


 Many of you who are reading this post will already be familiar with TBS body butters, so I don't need to go into too much detail. This body butter is designed for dry skin and it claims to leave your body all hydrated for 24 hours, and I would have to say that I am happy with the state of my skin now that I've been using it. I would even go so far to back the 24 hour hydration claim.



This is a pretty big tub of this peachy goodness, and the cream is super thick, so it would take you yonks to work your way through this whole tub. And did I mention how amazing this smells? Because, oh my lawdie lawd, this smells ever so divine. When I put it on in the morning, my clothes absorb the smell, so even after I take them off, I can smell this wonderful body butter. YUM!

Think I've gone peach crazy and this post by the amazing Cassi from Thrift Thick is definitely not helping. (Srsly guise, go check her out, her posts are incredible, and her videos hilarious!).

Body Shop, you've done it again, another glorious product to add to your ever expanding collection.

So, what products do you think are peachy keen? What's got you sniffing your arm like a dog every 2 seconds? Do share!