Skin Care and Make-Up Review Part II

I had been busy as a honey bee lately so sorry for not updating the blog. Life gets busier and more hectic by the day.

Well, the long awaited, overdue review has finally come! This came as a request, which makes me happy that people are actually interested in reading these reviews. Not sure why some of the LUSH products have a different name in Japanese but whatever. Hope you all enjoy this!

LUSH Official Website

Putty for your hands [マーガレットからの手紙] 
JPY: 880 USD: 8.95 


I have eczema and lately, my hands have been destroyed by the x amount of times I wash my hands when I leave the classroom. I had been sick on and off so constant hand washing is a must. You roll up a cherry sized amount in your hand, slightly make it moist with water, gently massage it into your hands before completely rinsing it off. This doesn’t foam so don’t expect it to. It locks moisture very well and it has calmed the eczema on my hands. I recommend this for extremely dry hands.

Helping Hands [ヘルピングハンド]

JPY: 1350 USD: 17.95

You only need a tiny amount of this stuff. I suggest you use a fingertip’s worth of this hand cream and this works well with the hand putty. Too much of this and your hands will get oily. I’ve read reviews of people complaining about how oily this stuff is or about the smell. If you ask the sales person, they only tell you to use a small amount. Besides, if you think it’s too oily then cut back on the amount. Duh! As for the smell, I have no idea what people are complaining about. It smells like natural oils to me. Good for extremely dry, chapped, and cracked hands.

Butterball Bath Bomb [バターボール]

JPY: 380 USD: 4.95

What the heck was I thinking when I purchased this?! I just wanted to make my purchase up to 1000 yen to gain a stamp and this was a bad last minute addition to the basket. This bath bomb is good if you have dry skin but it’s WAY too oily, even for me. Smelled overwhelmingly like butter and vanilla. This bath bomb leaves an oily film and it’s a pain to clean it all out of the tub. I don’t recommend this. It gets the gong.

Avobath Bath Bomb [アボバス]

JPY: 500 USD: 6.25

I bought this because my friend recommended it to me. I’m glad I listened to him! So far, this is the greatest bath bomb I’ve used so far. Lemon grass smell was nice and went well with the avocado moisturizer. It wasn’t too much of a pain to clean and my skin felt great. I recommend this to anyone who wants to unwind after a long day of hard working and soften their skin. Also, it wasn’t oily to me at all so I think that people who have oily skin can use it too.

Big Blue Bath Bomb [Rushラッシュ]

JPY: 500 USD: 6.25

Meh…I have the bar soap and I liked the smell of it but I didn’t expect a seaweed mess to come with this bath bomb. The smell was okay, lavender and lime mixed together. It would have been fine since you wouldn’t need to scrub the tub like you’d have to with the Butterball Bath Bomb, but scooping up the seaweed wasn’t fun. I suggest you put this bath bomb in a cheese cloth, garment bag, or a tea pouch before dropping it in the tub to prevent a big mess. Unless you want ambiance of feeling like you're in the ocean, be my guest.

Nature Republic Aqua Solution Skin Care Sample Set

JPY: 1200 USD: N/A

Lotion: This is a clear lotion to use as a base for the essence. You don’t need to use a lot of it, which I learned a little too late. Massage it into your skin, making sure it soaks in.

Essence: After the lotion, spread the essence evenly over the face.

Cream: I use it only at night, after I put the essence on.

My skin feels nice after using this product but it seems a little too basic for me. Summer is almost here and this will just make a person break out. I recommend using this during the spring or fall, but it’s not thick enough for winter and a little too much for summer. I think I’m going to move on to a different product. It didn’t make me go “wow” or impress me much. I’m happy I just used the sampler and not the whole line. I would have been disappointed.

 AHAVA Mud Mask (Amazon.com Website)

AHAVA Purifying Mud Mask

JPY: N/A USD: 30.00

A gift from my sister. I have sensitive combination skin, both oily and dry. Putting this mud mask on your face stings, but in a good way. This tightens pores and fine lines. Since it’s made from dead sea salt, I think it’d good for people who have skin problems.

 Hope you enjoyed this review. I'll for sure be trying out different beauty products because I'm a beauty product junkie. Stay tuned for more product reviews!

The Masala Chai attempt...

...called for a lot more spice than I used. I should have followed the recipe directly. The Masala Chai I made wasn't that bad, the spice just wasn't strong enough. It called for ten cloves, four cinnamon sticks, and a teaspoon of cardamon seeds and I thought that would be too much but after my attempt, I should have just followed the recipe.

The finished product.

 I sweetened it with honey and vanilla so it tastes fine on that end but it just needed a little more spice and maybe the tea leaves needed to sit longer than 3 minutes.

I'm not an online shopper but Japanese fashion lacks true personality to me. I've noticed a lot of my friends have been shopping more often over the net rather than going to boutiques or stores nowadays. In Japan,  people tend to dress up like they're in costume. Or to put it in SoCal terms, they're posers. A person could dress up like a punk rocker but be the sweetest person. Someone could dress up like Snoop Dogg but totally lack the swag or dress scandalous but is totally goodie-two-shoes. Say what?! Don't pose, just be. o_O

Also, I want to stand out from my co-workers. It's so boring to be dressed like everyone else. I think it's because I'm not one to wear beige or "old rose pink". Not sure if "old rose pink" is an actual color but the color just reminds me of a pink rose all dried up. I'm also tired of seeing stripes, polka dots, and flower print stuff. That's all I've seen sold the past few years and it's gotten to the point where people think I like stripes, dots, and pink. No, I don't like stripes, dots, and pink. I just buy the print because I'd rather wear that than dress in flower print upholstery. I don't mind if other people dress in it, I just refuse to wear it.

Well anyway, I started my Japanese class recently and our homework was to think of a superstition and I've been stumped thinking of one. All I could think of are urban legends.

Japanese class has been quite challenging, which I appreciate. But I realized that I need to purchase a grammar book to help me out in class. I've also been walking around with my study materials as well, forcing myself to study after work. I just need to make sure I don't overdo the studying like I did last year. Studying for three hours a day did not help me but at least I have some guidance now.

Thought for the day: Do you believe in superstitions?

-P.Bear

Wonderful World of Tea

Tea and scones in Kusatsu

I love coffee as much as I love tea. It's hard to believe that I love both near equally but I when I usually go to cafes, I tend to choose tea over coffee.

My first experience at a Tea Room was when my sister brought my mother and I to Lovejoy's Tea Room, in San Francisco. That's where I experienced High Tea for the first time.

In Japan, it's common to go to cafes to drink tea. Japanese people love tea so they have many tea houses that have become mainstream. One being Afternoon Tea which I see more of in Kanto (Tokyo and Yokohama) and Lipton Tea House which mainly exists in Kansai (Kyoto and Osaka). They serve so many different teas so I try as many blends as possible. I always end up choosing black over green tea.

Then I met a friend who loves tea. I guess he has schooled me in the ways of making tea properly and would slap me with a tea cozy if I didn't boil water from a kettle. And just so you know, he's British so it'd be a proper slap in the face!

Recently, I've been craving Masala Chai. It actually looks difficult and whenever I have a cup, I'm only disappointed because the Chai ends up being very weak. Japanese people in general aren't used to spices, so spices are often watered down. I've been hunting for a Masala Chai recipe on the internet in hopes of having a decent cup of Chai but I'm not sure if I can find cardamom seeds or cloves at my local grocery store.

Well, when ever I finally make a decent cup of Chai, I'll post the outcome. If that turns out well, maybe I'll attempt to make Moroccan Mint Tea! But for now, research will have to do.

Thought of the day: Tea or coffee?

-P. Bear

TGIF!

Seriously. I was so exhausted today. When I got home, I collapsed and slept for three hours. It's not work related, but more from my lingering cold. It's making me tired and I hope it doesn't turn into bronchitis. AGAIN.

After watching the season finale of The Voice on YouTube, I was surprised but happy that Jermaine Paul won. I really thought Juliet Simms would take it home. From background singer to a front man. That was a great achievement.

Also on nbcthevoice's YouTube channel, I was able to see a performance by my favorite four male contestants on The Voice. They performed "I Want You Back" by the Jackson 5, which they killed. I like James Massone because he's just a cutie pie. He went from a really shy singer to a singer with swag. All because of Cee Lo. I think he went a long way in terms of growth compared to Pip and Jamar. Jermaine went a long way too but in a different way.

I also saw a performance by Cheesa, Kim Yarborough, Naia Kete, and Sera Hill. The performance wasn't as moving as Jermaine and Co. but I did like Sera Hill's dress. Something I wish they sold more often in the land of the rising sun. I'm currently looking for Sera Hill's type of dress for a friend's wedding, which happens to be on my birthday.

Sera Hill, second from the left in the green dress.

 There are some foreigners who enjoy Japanese fashion and will take it to the outer limits, even if it isn't very becoming on them. That is where I put my foot down. Fashion fits a person's personality and not fashion fits the person. For those who know me, you know I would never wear this:

A normal dress for a wedding or formal dinner in Japan.

And it comes in different colors! NO. This is the type of dress that I've seen at stores. This just makes me look pregnant. There are other dresses out there that are a little better but I don't want to blend in with people at the wedding. My friend teased me and said I shouldn't up show the bride but hey, like I said. It's my birthday!

For more dresses, click here: http://global.rakuten.com/en/category/women_apparel/dresses/

Now you know what kind of fashion I need to deal with. ::shudders::

Thought for the day: Would you wear that ribbon and frill dress? (Yes, it's misspelled as "furill in the ad.")

-P. Bear

Under the weather...

I've had another slight cold that lingered from strange weather we've been having in Yokohama. It varies between warm/humid, rain/thunder, and random tornadoes. Yes, tornadoes. Everyone is coughing from the sudden change in weather and I'm not happy with this at all. It's draining when teaching children of a wide range. But I wasn't the only one affected, my students were under the weather as well.

It was hard to motivate my students, who suffered from dreary weather syndrome. They said they were sleepy, tired, and hungry. So I had to bring out the big guns early into the lesson: Aloysius Snuffleupagus.

The Culprit

 The creation of Snuffy at the work place: I went to sesamestreet.org and printed out this exact picture and cut Snuffy out. I laminated him and taped him to a handle I made from an old wire coat hanger, where I use him as a mask or as a pointer to point at flash cards on the board.


Anyway, that brightened up my sixth grade students. Yes, you read right. Sixth grade students! When I pulled him out, they all went, "Snuffleupagus! He's out! The mammoth's out!!!" And soon they were excited to get into groups and play the game.


I'm not sure what the magic is behind having Snuffy around. Kids of all ages love him. He was the character I loved the most as a kid because he was nice and wasn't selfish. I thought it would be good to introduce him to the students. Besides, the Japanese people have a problem of pronouncing "f" and it sounds like a "p" or an "h" sound. His name is a good way to separate the constants. Now they can say words with an "f" sound with no problem.

The students requested I make more of him, walking, eating or sleeping. I thought about introducing more characters but I haven't decided on who and if I should stick to Sesame Street or not. But I think because I only use him, it makes class all the more magical.


So that was my day. A cloudy rainy day that became bright and sunny because of Snuffleupagus.


Thought for the day: Who is your favorite Sesame Street character?


-P. Bear

Lost in Aoyama

The Prada building with it's funky architecture.

A friend and I decided to explore southern Aoyama in Tokyo to see where the chic and sophisticated do their shopping. It's not that far from Shibuya and Harajuku but this area is geared toward those who are well into their careers. I just wanted a changed of scenery as I was tired of going to the same old places. I also knew that it wouldn't be too crowded in the area as this was the last day of Golden Week.

Not too sure about how I feel about Prada's current line for Spring 2012. I'm not a Fashionista but I'll tell you one thing, I do not think that colored jeweled stones that decorate a jacket, dress, shirt, or shoe is attractive. I will save your eyes from such an atrocity. More power to the person who could wear the outfit but still, that was one horrible mess.

I also went to Comme des Garcons and it was okay. I had no idea that the cashier area wasn't coat check in. Not like I walked over to check in my coat or anything but I just thought it was a part of the art display. Two things I walked away from that store though: 1) I would not pay for a piece of cloth worth nearly 30,000 JPY (375.70 USD) for a funky print of "Where's Waldo." 2) My grandmother sewed rice sacks into dresses due to lack of materials and clothing during WWII.  I will not pay X amount for a dress made out of grain sack material.

That's one big Kannon

As my friend is an avid temple/shrine enthusiast, we stumbled upon this temple where they have the Buddhist statue of Kannon. We never expected to run into this place, much more a quite large wooden statue of Kannon. Bought a good luck charm as a donation towards the temple to maintain it. This particular temple houses monks (not all temples house monks) so it was for a good cause.

After a stop at a cafe, we walked all the way back to Shibuya window shopping. We dodged the rain a couple of times and explored a new shopping mall that opened. I'm not entirely sure as to what age range this new mall was targeting but we came to the conclusion that it was for women in their 30's, who make a sufficient amount of money and want to wear Mediterranean looking clothing. Or to sum it up, boring clothing.

We ended our journey at LUSH of all places and made a few small purchases. I enjoyed the day, even with the random downpour, the thunder, and that random tornado that happened in a neighboring prefecture.  Hope everyone in the tornado struck area is okay.

Thought for the day: If there wasn't a disaster, would you buy a dress made out of sack material for the sake of fashion?

-P.Bear

Spring Cleaning

Today was yet another gloomy day. Dark skies and eventual rain.

I decided today would be Spring Cleaning Day (which actually is Greenery Day in Japan). Went grocery shopping but realized that my supermarket lacked the type of cleaning supplies I needed. In the end I ventured off to the next station to get the supplies left on my list.

It was crowded in the mall. I ran into several of my students and a co-worker. I had decided I only needed to get what was on the list, and look for a Mother's Day gift. I only realized it was Mother's Day a few days ago so now my mom will be receiving a late Mother's Day gift.

One thing that does irk me from time to time is the amount of shoving that goes on when I'm out. Not sure as to why people shove when there's plenty of space, whether you're on the train or in a store. I'm not sure if people up in the over glorified capital area just think there is no need to be polite or what. But the lack of apologies amaze me since Japanese people are stereotyped as polite. I've noticed it's not only in Japan but no matter where you go or how old you are, common courtesies rarely exist nowadays. No need to shove people. Plenty of clearance for everyone. Especially in the train, fill out the aisles and stop blocking the entrance/exit.

Anyway, I ended up walking away with a small purchase for myself. Beneficial to everyday use since I like to drink tea in the morning. Bought myself a new red thermos. It'll help keep my drink cold during the sweltering summer and warm during the frigid winter.

I'm left a happy bear.

 

As for the cleaning, it went smoothly. Have a lot more to do but that's why I decided to do it during my vacation.

Thought for the day: What would you do if you kept getting shoved in a non-crowded area?

-P.Bear