Finished! March 2012

 

Finished!  Stila Lip Glaze in Seashell

A little bit sticky, but very long lasting.  Sheer in color, but adds a lot of shine!

 

 

Finished!  Skinfood Peach Sake Pore BB Cream SPF 20

Smells fantastic, provides excellent coverage for being a BB cream.  I will miss this one!

 

 

 Finished!  Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus

One of the best ever mascaras I have ever used!  Instant volume, instant length, retains curls like no other, and minimal smudging!  I've already told Mr. P that I'm stocking up on this when I go back to Taiwan, even if I means hitting up 5 different Watsons!!

I'm trying so hard to keep my makeup and skincare stash from ballooning out of control!

Product Review: Chanel Precision UV Essentiel Multi-protection Daily Care SPF 50/PA+++

I got this from China Airlines' Sky Boutique back in September 2011.  I was going to get only the Dior sunblock at the time, but then I thought, "What the heck, why not?" and got the Chanel sunblock too.  I'm glad I did.  One thing I really appreciate about this product is that it's so milky and liquidy.  I can pat this into my skin like toner, which really saves my skin from extra tugging.  

This picture is linked to Chanel's website

The thing about doing Product Reviews on sunblock and sun screen is that you can't really tell the effectiveness of it until decades down the line.  But I will do my best!!

So, what are the claims?

Provides invisible daily protection
It's invisible for the most part.  I'd have to say that I can tell I have sunblock on my face at certain angles in certain bright lights.  As far as the daily protection goes, it's hard to tell because you can't really see the benefits of sunblock until you're a lot older and have visibly younger-looking skin as compared to your peers.

Oil-free, lightweight formula safeguards skin against environmental pollutants
What I really like about this formula is that it feels hydrating even as it dries to a powdery and smooth finish.  It takes about 2 minutes to fully absorb.  It's great under makeup too!  It feels like it protects my skin against environmental pollutants but again, it's hard to say definitively.  It's just a preventative measure.    

Help diminish and prevent the appearance of dark spots and signs of premature aging
I don't think that it diminishes or prevents dark spots.  Maybe it looks that way because of the slightly white cast I get on my skin from using this, but at the end of the day, my dark spots look just the same as before.  However, in terms of premature aging, specifically the appearance of new fine lines and wrinkles, I think that it may be working because I haven't noticed an increase in the number or depth of the fine lines I have.  *knock on wood!!!* 

Repurchase?
Yes.  I like this Chanel sunblocks milky texture and how it's so smooth on my skin after it absorbs.  ^_^

Product Review: Mizuno Tenshi Flower Moisture Gel

 

I bought this Mizuno Tenshi Flower Moisture Gel from Sasa last August but only got around to using it now.

 

 

Likes

Gel-based and very light

Moisturizes without feeling greasy, oily, or generally overbearing.

Absorbs completely into my skin.

         Thus, wonderful under my Chanel sun block and makeup.

Dislikes

I don't think this is very moisturizing around the eyes.

         I guess you can't win them all.

So, according to Sasa, here is the product info:

Let the product review begin!!

Being a toner, milk lotion, and essence
It feels light enough to be all three of them.  

Claims to be a whitening essence
I always take this with a grain of salt.  To date, I've only come across 2 products that visibly whitens / brightens.  One of them is the Paul & Joe Whitening Serum, and the other is the TonyMoly Tomatox Magic White Massage Pack.  I haven't noticed any difference to the color of my skin while using the Mizuno Tenshi Flower Moisture Gel.  My age and acne spots are still there and the same dark/light -ness.  But I can't say for sure that this product isn't doing something in this department.  I'm not willing to say it does or it doesn't whiten...it's just too hard and miniscule to really tell.

Can be used as a makeup base

It absorbs so completely and dries matte.  I've used it under makeup and haven't had any issues with it.

Relieves dry, dull and rough skin  

This statement is true if your skin was dry, dull, and rough before you applied this Flower Moisture Gel.  However, you will still need an exfoliation regimen.  This product will not cure everything.

Restores skin's luminosity and moisture
Only as far as initial application goes.  I haven't noticed my skin becoming more luminous from using this alone.  I've acquired the luminous effect only after exfoliation.  As far as moisture goes, for my face, this is moisturizing enough for the warmer months.  However, no matter what time of year it is, I don't think it will be moisturizing enough around the eyes.  You will need a heaver product for the eye area.

Suitable for all skin types, and dry and delicate skin
I honestly can't see how this will be moisturizing enough for dry and delicate skin.  For my oily skin, this is perfect.  But I think for people with naturally drier skin, I think they will want something heavier.

What are my thoughts?
I think if you wanted to use this as a summer-time light moisturizer, by all means go ahead!  But I don't think you should expect too much out of it.  Thank goodness I got this 40% off!  If I repurchase this at all, the purpose would only be to moisturize in the summer.  Other than that, I probably won't repurchase.

If you've used this before, what are your thoughts?

Kogi Korean Taco Truck

Last year at about this time, the rage was to track the famous Kogi Korean Taco Truck.  Part of their advertising campaign was to NOT advertise where they would be.  You needed to track them via Facebook or Twitter to find out where they were last seen.

Anyways, Mr. P and I were able to get our hands on Korean-Mex fusion foods when we moved into our first apartment together.  Kogi Korean Taco Truck was right there at the leasing office!  Of course, we could NOT pass up the opportunity.

This is some sort of kimchi pork burrito.

Kimchi enchilada

Spicy pork taco (left), and spicy beef taco (right)

It was so tasty and so spicy!  It really was awesomely delicious but the spiciness burned a hole in my stomach.  Not literally, of course, but that's what it felt like.  It's too bad that we never saw Kogi Korean Taco Truck again.

TonyMoly Tomatox Magic White Massage Pack

March 13, 2012                   *Impressions Post*

Hi Everyone!  This isn't a product review yet because I've only used this mask a handful of times.  I am just so excited about this mask!

It's supposed to detox your skin, whiten, and hydrate.  According to the sales lady, this is the #1 best-selling product in their store and in Korea.  *I'm only repeating what she said.* 
 

I bought this with my cousin in Taipei at the beginning of the year.

Side note: I can't believe how fast time flies!!

Anyways, we got this together and I told her I would blog about it as soon as I could.  However, I haven't had a lot of time for masks so I've only used this a handful of times.  Therefore, I feel as if I don't have all the facts for a detailed product review.  But when I do feel ready to do the product review, I will update this post, okay?

I think the packaging is extremely cute.  I will keep this tomato even after I finish all the mask in it and use it for something else.  Maybe storing jewelry or something else.

Please excuse my blemishes.  Regular readers know I have been battling with some allergic reactions to certain skincare products.

May I direct your attention to how my face looks like it turned white?!?!  It looks like my skin got bleached!  There is a difference between white and pale.  White is white, and pale is your natural color but lighter.

While I do enjoy the idea of whitening products, I also want to see a gradual progression towards paler skin.  I don't want to look like I got White-Out slathered on my face.  LOL!

So, without flash, this is what my skin looks like after using the mask.  It looks natural but a little whiter than normal.

So far do I like this mask?  Yes and no.  I like the packaging and I like the hydration. 

Do I like the whiteness?  Not really.  I would prefer a more natural progression towards lightening my skin. 

But is it effective?  Hands down, yes!

Scam? Legit? Anyone got an invite from PureBloggers *dot* com?

Here is the email I got from them:

Hello, someone liked your blog at http://kusanagigirlbeautyblog.blogspot.com and sent you an invitation to http://purebloggers.com . Pure Bloggers is a social-network for bloggers and companies. Need more traffic? Want to sell Bannerspace or links? Offer services at your blog? Want to get more readers? Or just share experiences with other bloggers? Get in touch with 1000s of Companies and Bloggers! http://purebloggers.com is the right place for you. Sign up for free now and join the biggest blogger and companies network!

I've gone to the site and there is virtually NO information about this blogger networking company.

Secondly, in order to get more information, you will need to sign up to get in.  In this day an age everybody had better be careful about just signing up to anywhere.

To top it off, if you Google Purebloggers(dot)com + review, the top three hits show plenty o' skepticism toward this site.

Here's one of them: http://justificationbygrace.com/2012/02/21/pure-blogger-dot-com/

How scary!!

 

Product Review: Merle Norman Day Creme with HC-12

Hi All,

Today I'm going to do a product review on the Merle Norman Day Creme with HC-12 that I've been using in my current skincare routine.  My Kindred Spirit gave me this product for a Christmas present back in 2010 but I finally got around to using it in late 2011. 

For more information about the company, brand, history, and products, please click here. 

Product Claims and Description:

For Normal to Dry skin types.
Natural botanical complex of 12 hydrators and skin conditioners including Coneflower, Shea Butter and Evening Primrose Oil keeps skin beautifully hydrated throughout the day. Worn easily under makeup, it helps restore skin’s natural moisture balance while helping maintain elasticity.

Keeping Skin Hydrated Throughout the Day
YES!  In the winter I feel as if this product does a magnificent job of keeping my skin hydrated even while being exposed to drier, colder air, and heaters.  It goes on a little thick and heavy, but it absorbs completely into my skin and dries smooth.  I wouldn't wear this in the summer because I think it'll be too heavy for my skin.

Worn Easily Under Makeup
Yes.  In the winter, this product eliminates any dry patches I might have so my makeup usually goes on smooth.  In the summer I might expect to see some makeup slipping and sliding around my nose and chin.


Restores Skin's Natural Moisture Balance
I'm not sure how to measure that but I will tell you that my skin hasn't felt too dry nor too oily all winter long.  

Maintaining Elasticity
YES!  Since using this product from late autumn to present, I've felt as though my skin has gotten a little bit more firm than before.  Well, maybe I'd use the word "supple."  My cheeks feel like they bounce back after I tap them.  Don't be misled though, I'm not talking about dramatic changes here so don't think a 30-year-old's skin is going to feel like a baby's bottom.  I'm just talking about my skin feeling like it did at 26...maybe 24 pushing 25.

Other Notes
I have to say that this product doesn't have the most pleasing smell to me.  It kind of smells medicinal and old, like something from 2 or 3 generations ago.  However, the scent disappears after the product absorbs into your skin so it's not a big deal.  Anyways, for how well it works, I think it's worth the smell.  ^_^

Would I purchase this product on my own?
I definitely would purchase my own for winter-time use and only once I finish going through all the other moisturizers I've amassed.  Those two things are really the only things that are stopping me.

I hope you found this review helpful.  If you have any questions, please leave me a comment.  Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Cute Blog Award (Tag)

I want to thank Linh (from Blushology) for tagging me for the Cute Blog Award.  I didn't expect it but I sure appreciate it!  ^_^

For this award you:

1. Link back to the person who nominated you.

2. Answer the award questions.

3. Tell something about yourself you haven't told anyone on your blog yet.

4. Award as many blogs that you think are worthy of this award.

5. Make sure you let those you gave the award to know that you awarded them.

Award Questions:

1. What is your go-to makeup product? 

Daily things that I absolutely cannot function without are my Maybelline eyebrow powder (or any powder that can fill in my eyebrows) and foundation (or bb cream or tinted moisturizer) to even out my skin tone.

2. What was your favorite fashion trend of 2011? 

Even though I wore skirts for most of 2011, I have to say that enjoyed the throwback to the 80’s with leggings and loose tops.

3. What is your favorite dessert? 

Anything with dark chocolate is ideal, but I've also just discovered the deliciousness that is red velvet cake!

4. Favorite color? 

I'm alternating right now between baby pink and forest green.

5. What is your middle name? 

I don’t have a middle name. 

6. What was the last song you listened to? 

Kimi Ni Aitakute by Gackt, who is the most beautiful man on this Earth (after Mr. P, of course!)  ^_-

Something you don't know about me yet:

I didn't even know about this myself!  I always thought that I was 100% Taiwanese in blood, meaning an xx% of Chinese and xx% of aboriginal Taiwanese blood.  But my cousin ran a DNA/RNA/mitochondrial (it's one of the three and if I'm wrong, just know that it was a test that involved the smaller parts of a cell) test at UCLA and we found out that we can add Japanese and Dutch blood to our heritage!

Tagged!
Hatako47 - I think her personality is really cute and fun, and it reflects in her blog.  I love that her blog is down-to-earth and quite positive!