1/20/2013

Little Bundles of Joy!

Special delivery! A swap (kind of), a Christmas gift, and a random gift :)

The other day, I hung out with my friend, Chiaki, and she surprised me with these lashes..yay for lashes!

A surprise package from Ari, filled with loads of Christmas goodies.

Ari, words cannot convey how much I value you, and our friendship. You're a sincere, generous, beautiful person, who dances to the beat of her own drum; and I LOVE that about you! Thank you for you, woman (by the way, our two year anniversary is coming up :P), and I love you <3333

Justine, I'm so glad you found me on So Lonely in Gorgeous. From that initial contact, we've continued to speak to one another almost everyday, swapped a few items, and yours is another friendship I cherish :)

As soon as I saw the discount prices of the Tarina Tarantino beauty line, I knew the brand would be making it's exit from Sephora. So, I asked Justine to pick up a few of the Eye Dream Hyperliners. I also pleaded for a few other beauty goodies that I don't have access to in the JP :) Thank you for keeping me beautiful darling <333

What have you recently received in the mail?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

1/15/2013

Running on Empty: The Lost, Yet Found, Empties!

December's empties almost didn't happen. You see, Aki and I have been rearranging our apartment, and the bag that housed the empties went missing. I found the box stuffed in a corner under some kickboxing pads.

Nexxus Pro Mend Split End Binding: I would use this leave-in treatment after a deep conditioning treatment. The results were not dramatic, but I did see an improvement with my split ends. I really enjoyed this product, and would buy it again next time I'm in the states.

Redken Smooth Down Conditioner: My hair can't live without this brand!

Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel in Strawberry Tangerine Twist: I've been using this product for a long as I can remember (different scents of course), and I will always repurchase!

Dry Idea Advanced Dry Unscented Deodorant: I can't deal with scented deodorants! Dry Idea is my favorite brand, and the only one I will use.

St.Ives Apricot Scrub Blemish & Blackhead Control: I love the entire St.Ives scrub line, and I'll always repurchase.

Delon Premium Cotton Rounds: You wouldn't believe how difficult it is to find cotton rounds in Tokyo! I purchased a box that contains four packs of cotton rounds at Costco.

Colgate Maxfresh with Mini Breath Strips Toothpaste: My favorite toothpaste :D

Mac Opulash: One of my favorite mascaras, and I'll always repurchase.

Honorable mentions :)

Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate: I've tired this concentrate before, and although I really enjoy it, I don't think I'd purchase it.

Le Metier De Beaute Replenishing Daily Solution SPF 30: I did not like the scent of this moisturizer at all. A mixture of rose and dirt. Unfortunately, the scent was so overbearing, I wouldn't purchase a full size of this product.

Lancome Renergie Lift Volumetry Eye Cream: I found this eye cream very moisturizing. I may purchase a full size in the future.

Jack Black Lip Balm in Natural Mint: I don't know how I came across this lip balm. I got a bunch of them in a box my friends sent me. I dislike this lip balm!!! I found it did NOTHING for my lips. Wouldn't recommend nor purchase!

Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum: I've purchased this product before, and although I don't have spots, I do like the brightening effect this serum gives my skin. I'd repurchase it again.

What have you finished recently?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

1/14/2013

So Lonely in Gorgeous Takes A Vacation!

Here are the photos of my New Year's weekend retreat to Kawaguchiko, near Mt. Fuji. For the last eight years (excluding 2011 and 2012 where Aki and I went to the states), it's become a tradition, for my friends and I, to rent a place around Yamanashi Prefecture and celebrate upcoming New Year. This year, we rented this cozy little town home.

Our cute little porch.

Breathtaking view.

Love the clouds rolling off Mt.Fuji.

After we checked out we headed to the lake.

After 10 minutes of blistering cold winds, we packed it in and headed out to the Ice Caves.

We're going in!

Aswe explored, I couldn't help but think of the film 'The Descent' :P

During the Edo period, people used to serve this ice as an offering to the bakufu (a government run by the shogun).

Mizue (in the blue jacket) is taking a picture of Take-chan. The further we went down the tighter the space was.

With no signs of any blood thirsty subterranean monsters, we existed the cave, and went to...GOTEMBA PREMIUM OUTLETS!!!

Okay, this is when I felt sheepish: I've been to the GOTEMBA PREMIUM OUTLETS three times now, and I just discovered The Cosmetics Company store...sheepish, indeed! All disgrace aside, I walked away with two Estee Lauder blushers, and a Bobbi Brown Lipstick :)

I guess we do have CCOs in Japan :P

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

1/12/2013

Makeup...The Miracle Cure!

Hello dolls,

I've been sick for the last three day with a painful sinus infection (my first sinus infection!). Can I say, sinus infections are NOT fun; it's pure PAIN when I wash around my nose area...ouch, ouch, ouch. Anyway, although I've been sick, the show had to go on (especially in Japan). So, with my makeup and surgical mask in tow, we managed to survive the week :)

I'm off for the next two days; so, hooray for a rest, relaxation, and swatching bonanza!!

I've been thinking of hosting another giveaway :) Maybe a mix of Addiction, three, and laduree goodies :0 Let me know what you'd like to win in the comments :D

Well, I'm off to scrounge for some food in my vacant kitchen. Until tomorrow!

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

1/08/2013

It's Better to be Fashionably Late Than on Time. With That Said, Here's My New Year's Eve Look!

You know that saying "waste not, want not." Well, I'm going to excuse that expression with this EXTREMELY late post...my New Year's Eve look :D

Last summer, I purchased Chanel's Bombay Express de Chanel, and knew I wanted to recreate the beautiful Indian-inspired looks from the Chanel Paris-Bombay Metiers d’Art Show for New Year's Eve.

From left to right: 85 Mirifique Illusion d’Ombre, Routes des Indes de Chanel, Brume D’Or Joues Contraste, Empreinte Rouge Coco Shine.

I was glad to see Brume D’Or released in the collection; first, I already owned it (translation, I don't have to shell out $43.00), and second, Brume D’Or is a stunning blush that needs to be introduced to the WORLD!

Question: Do any of you other lovelies get a feeling of relief when a collection features an item/items that you already own? Or am I, and my pocket book, the only ones?

Products used:
Face:
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2).
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Chanel Joues Contraste in Brume D’Or.
Chanel Routes des Indes de Chanel.
Eyes:
Mac Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC30.
Chanel Joues Contraste in Brume D’Or (blended into the crease).
Chanel 85 Mirifique Illusion d’Ombre (on the lid, blended into the crease, and lower lashline).
Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Onyx (used to tightline, line the inner corner and waterline).
Chanel Inimitable Intense Multi-Dimensionnel Sophistique Mascara in 10 Noir.
Red Cherry False Lashes #138.
Lips:
Mac Lip Pencil in Spice.
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in 437 Empreinte.

You probably can't tell, but I cut 5 Inches off my hair and fringe...bad idea :( Thank god, my hair grows fast!

One last photo before washing my face.

What did you wear on New Year's? Also, did you buy anything from this collection?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

1/06/2013

Chanel's Diwali Nail Laquer, Truly A Festival of Lights

Diwali is a richly pigmented, shimmery, pale silvered-champagne gold with a foiled metallic finish.

Almost opaque in one coat, I can't help break my habit of always needing to apply a second coat (you know, for safety measures :P ).

I truly adore Diwali! Diwali is a chic metallic polish that can be worn throughout the year, and also by a wide range of skin tones. Also, Diwali was the polish I wore on New Year's Eve :D In my book, this polish is definitely one of the best Chanel lacquers released in 2012.

What are some of your favorite Chanel polishes released in 2012?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

1/06/2013

Bath & Body Works' Shower Gel, 'Snow Kissed Berry'

January's shower gel is Snow Kissed Berry. I purchased this shower gel last year, while I was on holiday in Los Angeles; I had never tried this scent, so I decided to give it a go. BBW describes Snow Kissed Berry as a "festive blend of juniper berry, sparkling cranberry, amber and musk." Snow Kissed Berry is a sugary sweet blend of an icy vanilla, amber, and berries. To be frank, I couldn't imagine using this strong sugary scent during any season other than winter; this shower gel would most definitely give me a horrible migraine during warmer seasons. I'm really not a fan of this particular shower gel. I'll probably use an excess amount of this product during each use, just so I can be rid of it sooner!

What is your favorite Winter bathing product?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

1/05/2013

Phantom of the Isetan...Or Holiday Displays Below Shinjuku's Isetan

I was going through the photos from my recent trip, and I found the pictures I took of the Holiday window displays at Shinjuku-sanchome Station under the Isetan in Shinjuku.

I love the fantastical theme of these displays.

Store your tea in one of these luxurious canisters.

These Sergio Rossi Heels can be yours for only ¥153,300 ($1809.57).

Fushigi yugi anyone?

This is probably my favorite of all the window displays.

Now that the Holidays are gone, I'll miss all the wondrous decorations and displays.

What will you miss from the Holiday season?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

1/01/2013

Cheers to Another Year of New Beginnings and Opportunities!

For those of you who are wondering why Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma are holding coin purses, on New Year's day in Japan, parents (along with grandparents and other relatives) give money to their children. This tradition is called Otoshidama.

Happy New Year to all your gorgeous lovelies!

Thank you for joining me at So Lonely in Gorgeous, and partaking in my beauty benders. I'm looking forward to a new year of amazing (crossing fingers not to disappoint) beauty products and sharing them with you :)

I'll be posting my New Years look, along with what I've been up to these last few days. So, I look forward to hearing from you.

Also, if there's anything you want to see, post, whatever, just let me know :) I've been thinking about posting my collection :D

<3 Liz

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.