Quick Update

Happy weekend! I'm so glad it is finally Saturday.
I've been MIA for this week and neglecting to comment back on everything, sorry about that! This week was finals week for me, I had one everyday except Wednesday and two more on Monday. After next week I'm done with school for this year! Woohoo :)

Anyway so I have so much to update about and I promise to do so later tonight, please wait for it.

I've also reached 100+ followers!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I'm so shocked that 100+ people would want to read about my silly life haha. I know I've promised to do a giveaway once I've reached 100, but I'm going to wait until July (when I leave to Japan) so I can get Japanese goods to give away :) That will be an exciting giveaway... hehehe

I just wanted to thank everyone and let you know that I'm still alive!

Kose Clear Turn White Mask Review + Haul + Reminders

Finals week has finally arrived, I have my first final tomorrow! Wednesday I don't have anything because that was an AP class and Monday is double final for my double language (Spanish & Japanese<--should be easy hehe).

Anyhow I'm going to be reviewing the Kose Clear Turn Essence White Mask today. This is the description of the product on Sasa: Essence with Vitamin C conductor soaked the whole box of mask. It penetrates throug horny layer to whiten your skin with transparent feeling.

HAHA horny layer?? Gotta love "engrish" descriptions...

I purchased this mask box of 22 masks at Mitsuwa market in Edgewater, NJ. The box was on sale for $15.99, I'm not sure what the original price is. Somehow on Sasa this mask box is only $8.50, maybe it's on sale? However at the moment it is sold out on Sasa. This mask sheet box comes in three other kinds: Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Q10. I really want to try the Hyaluronic Acid one...

These masks have less serum in them so you can use them everyday, or 2-3 times a week, depending on your preference. Even though they might have less serum, I think they're pretty effective. The recommended time to leave this mask on is 10-15 min, I like to leave it for 15-20 min.

I've used this mask every other day for the past week and it's very refreshing! The previous week I was having problems with hydration around my eyes; the skin was flaking and red due to allergies (I was scratching my eyes). After I started using this mask, all of the flaky skin went away gradually and my skin was really hydrated.

Pros

- No sticky residue left over

- Product claims to fit nicely on the face -- I agree, it's better than the DHC fitting

- 22 masks for $16 is a good deal

- I like to use this almost everyday because masks are refreshing to me

- Hydrates my face without causing any breakout/reaction/oiliness

- Slight brightening after removal

Cons

- Packaging is a little flimsy: reseable flap sometimes doesn't seal securely

- Serum doesn't dry quickly after removal: need lots of patting

- The mask sometimes dries up quickly on one side and flaps around my face

Overall rating: 4/5

How the mask fits on my face:

How the box looks like:

What it looks like when opened:

Weekend Update/Haul:

So remember how I told you that I was going to the Estee Lauder/Aramis Warehouse sale on Saturday June 13th? Well... That was a disappointment!! I was hoping to find some huge MAC sales going on since it is after all, Estee Lauder warehouse. I woke up at 6AM and left the house at 6:45 AM to pick up two friends and go to Oakland, NJ. There was a small line of people when we got there are 7:15 AM. Then as time passed the line got longer and longer. Most of the people there were the hispanic workers that I think worked at the warehouse, since they seemed to know the employees at the warehouse sale. There were some younger people who seemed like they were interested in MAC products (like me) and maybe watched those Youtube videos of people buying lots of stuff at the Toronto MAC warehouse.

I went into the warehouse and browsed through the whole place and didn't find anything! The stuff they had were like Aramis/Estee Lauder perfume sets, Clinique set bags, Estee Lauder set cosmetic pouches, and one little Bobbi Brown set pouch. None of the things were that enticing or "rare items" like the MAC finds that people get in the Toronto warehouse T-T

Anyway, so here's how the process goes with these warehouse sales:

- Line up (make sure you go early before it opens or you will not get the good stuff)

- Enter, check ID with pass, then grab a box with a string on it

- Follow a line and keep moving while grabbing stuff (if you find anything.. haha)

- Get a mix bag if you want surprises and good deal

- Better to pay with cash because sometimes the credit line is long

- Ask the employees for product info if you don't see a specific brand! The Estee Lauder warehouse I went to had a Company Store in the back that had MAC, Clinique, Estee Lauder, and Bobbi Brown makeup products (similar to CCO)

I went into the Company Store in the back that was a lot like CCO but I feel the CCO in Woodbury had more stuff! There was a limited selection and I only purchased 2 MAC eyeshadows: Lotusland and Top Hat (pretty colors, price is meh (not bargain cheap that you would expect in warehouses) $10.25). My mom got two Bobbi Brown e/s.

My friends and family were so disappointed that we went to the nearby town called Ridgewood, looking for some place to eat at. We were originally planning to eat some dimsum but it was closed.. So then we found this great pancake house that is specialized in JUMBO pancakes for cheap price! It comes with two large size pancakes or 4 medium size (which looks like large to me). Each large pancake was the size of a small pizza! It was so large... We also ordered french toast and belgian waffles which were both gigantic as well.

Then we stopped by the Container Store for some organizer for my kitchen and I picked up these two travel shampoo bottles for 79 cents each. They look okay :)

Reminders:

I'm still having a blog sale right now -- please help support my trip to Japan! All purchases come with samples and next day/day after shipping! Thanks everyone who has previously purchased from me! CLICK HERE TO BROWSE

Whit is having her first giveaway sponsored by a Korean ebay seller: Click here to win an eye mask pack!

Lulu is also having her first giveaway: Click here to win a Korres watermelon body scrub, cute keychains and UD lippie!

Makeup Sale #4 - DHC Galore, Shiseido, Sisley, Lancome, Face Shop

UPDATED 6/15/09

I know by now you are probably thinking... What! Another makeup sale!? Why does this girl have so much stuff? Well, I admit my family consists of a bunch of shopaholics and I'm selling these things to fund my shopaholic tendencies for Japan! Hahaha~ :)

Thanks to everyone who has been supporting me by buying these items and providing them a new home! I appreciate it very much!!

Items from previous sale have been reposted in here.

How to Order:
PAYPAL ONLY PLEASE
- Email me at ixheartbear (at) gmail (dot) com for the items you want and your paypal billing email address (sorry I'm trying to reduce spam so the address is written like that)

- I will confirm the items and shipping prices in reply email

- Items are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE

- Shipping for cosmetics starts at $3.50 (USPS First Class + tracking #) within USA, 50 cents per additional item

- Shipping for clothing starts at $6.00

- International buyers, please email me for a shipping quote

- If you have lighter items, I will charge less
- Email me if you have any questions
By purchasing, you have acknowledged that you read and accepted all terms. If you don't agree with these terms, please do not buy. Do not buy unless you intend on paying. Thank you for looking!

Samples in every purchase while available!

Clinique Sample Pack of 2: Zero Gravity Repairwear Lift & Repairwear (0.5oz/15ml each)

Original Price (full size 50ml) ZGRL, $52.50, Original Price (Repairwear), $48.50

*Brand New* Asking $14

Shiseido Pureness Sample Pack of 4: Moisturizing Gel-Cream, Balancing Softener, Mattifying Moisturizer Oil-free, Deep Cleansing Foam (pen in pic to show size)

*Brand New* Asking $7

DHC White Soap *click for more info

*Brand New - 2 available* Original $5.50, Asking $2

DHC Vitamin A Powder - "This concentrated powder liquefies on contact to target fine lines and help refine the appearance of skin's texture. Promotes a firmer, smoother-looking complexion. Can be mixed with toner, moisturizer or serum for application."

*Brand New* Asking $7

DHC Amino Acid Powder - "This concentrated powder liquefies on contact to target dehydrated and sensitive complexions and awaken skin's vitality. It is made with amino acids to rehydrate and freshen skin. Can be mixed with toners, moisturizers and serums for application."

*Brand New* Asking $7

DHC Suncut Q10 SPF 30 with Light Lame *click for more info

*Brand New* Original $17, Asking $12

DHC Vitamin C White Stick Lipbalm *click for more info

*Brand New* Original $22, Asking $12

DHC Olive Virgin Oil *click for more info

*Brand New* Original $39, Asking $25

DHC Extra Concentrate *click for more info

*Brand New - 2 AVAILABLE* Original $40, Asking $27

DHC Olive Soap *click for more info

*Brand New* Original $22, Asking $12.99

DHC Q10 Neck Cream *click for more info
*Brand New* Original $24, Asking $15

Chanel Infrarouge Whisperlight Lipstick in Pretty Satine #23
*Brand New* Original $28.50, Asking $15

Lancome Color Design Sample Quad with Eyeshadow/Blush

Eyeshadow Colors(Left to Right, Top to Bottom) : Suntouched, Creme Lustre, Fashion Forward, Couture

Blush Color: Cedar Rose

*Brand New* Asking $7

Lancome Color Design Creme Blush in Copperazzi (shimmer)

*Swatched 2x* Original $27, Asking $5

I have some other things left over in the previous sale right here: http://beautysnap.blogspot.com/2009/06/makeupclothing-sale-3-dhc-lancome-jcrew.html

Weekend Update + Blogging Space Tag

Thanks everyone for the sweet comments on my previous post about my prize for the Kite Contest to go to Japan! I'm so psyched to finally go back after 4 years! 

Received Ms. Jamilla's 100th Follower Giveaway Contest prize in the mail this Saturday; I was overwhelmed by the contents! Look at all of this amazing loot she sent! The two high end lippies by Dior and Chanel were the main prize but she kindly included many extras including two Molton Brown shower gels (love them!), a MAC lippie palette, and a Bobbi Brown mini case (sadly the mirror cracked throughout the rough mailing from UK to US but it's all good!).

Thank you very much dear, you are too kind!

Weekend Purchases:

On Saturday I hit the shops in Soho and Madison Ave/5th Ave with a good male buddy of mine. Surprisingly I didn't spend that much money however my friend did a little bit too much spending... *cough*shopaholic*cough* I went over to Uniqlo and picked up two tunic-style shirts, one for a friend's birthday and one for me. They're having a sale for 2 UT t-shirts for $24.90!

Last was the Sephora store! I successfully restrained myself and only bought the MUFE Lift Concealer after doing extensive homework on reviews and etc. Thanks to Iyah and Fuz I was convinced! Thank you :) 

Quick Review on MUFE Lift Concealer in 1: I asked the SA which color would best suit my skintone even though I knew that 1 would probably be the best choice and 1 it was! What I am looking for in a concealer: light-medium coverage, neutralizing of blue/purple tone, and brightening for undereye area. So far I've used this three times and it's very nice. The shade is like a light pink tone that will cancel out the bluish tone of the blood vessel under the eye. I blend this with a more natural skintone color for little more coverage,  it does a good job! This concealer also has skin-care properties to lift the eyearea for any sagging. I'll do a more extensive review on this concealer with pics later on. 

On Sunday I went to Mitsuwa for a haircut and picked up the Kose Clear Turn White Mask. This mask box comes with 22 masks, that's a lot! The instructions state that to use the mask at least 2-3x a week. I haven't tried this on myself yet but I offered my mom to try one, she said that it wasn't as good as the DHC face mask. Will do a review on this product too.

On Sunday morning I went over to Michi Hair Salon in Edgewater, NJ at Mitsuwa for a haircut. If you remember, Fuz went over to the same salon last weekend. Way back in February I recommended Fuz try this salon as I've been going there for about 4 years but she went to another in Chinatown. Surprisingly she went to Michi last week and I was so shocked because she got the same stylist who does my hair!

If anyone is looking for a nice Japanese style hairdresser in the NJ/NY area, go to Michi Salon in Mitsuwa! Also ask for the stylist Miho (or Izumi the owner if Miho isn't available), who does my hair and cut Fuz's last wk. If you happen to go there, please mention that Mika recommended you to try!

Prices are reasonable for the type of service you receive, an average haircut for women costs about $50-60 without tip. If you mention you are a student, they might give you a discount.

So what I asked her for my cut was more layers to reduce heaviness of the hair, haphazardly placed bangs and thinning to encourage volume and natural waves.

I don't color my hair at Michi because I want to save money and I could do a pretty good job myself. I need to dye my hair again soon... The pictures are a bit misleading, my hair isn't actually that red. The dye I used was Palty brand.

Blogger Space Tag:

I was tagged by Innerchild, Zwala, and Nic Nic a few wks ago to do this blogging space tag. Here is my desk where I do all of my computer work, blogging, and studying. The pic doesn't show my full desk because I didn't want to show you my messy paperwork all over the place. Next to my computer where you see the yellow shipping packet (which Jennifer from Beeyoutiful blog sent me hehe) is where I store all of my things that are blog related and some bits and bobs here and there. Do you like my orange chair? It's so cute but it's not that comfortable after spending a few hours on the computer. 

Hehe and sorry for the receipts on the desk, calculating my spending from Saturday's NYC trip.

I'm too lazy to do the questions but I tag these people to show their blogging spaces because I'm so nosy :) I'm sorry if I repeat tagged you (I tried to pick people who didn't do the tag but I might've tagged somebody who already did it.. T-T)

Valli

Chomsiri

Kay

Millie

Blair

Also if you have a chance and some cash to spare, please check out my new makeup/clothing sale! I've got some more goodies from DHC and lowered some previous prices. Thank you!

Makeup/Clothing Sale #3 - DHC, Lancome, J.Crew, Juicy Couture, and More!

Hello everyone,

Haha I'm having another blog sale again! I'm sorry that I'm not updating a "real" post but tomorrow I will. I'm cleaning out my home to make some side money for my summer trip to Japan next month so thank you for supporting me! Also, I've reached 90 followers! Thank you very much to my new and old followers, I really appreciate all the love and comments. If I reach 100 followers I will hold a giveaway (with products from Japan of course!) Thanks again.

Items from previous sale have been reposted in here.

How to Order:
PAYPAL ONLY PLEASE
- Email me at ixheartbear@gmail.com for the items you want and your paypal billing email address
- I will confirm the items and shipping prices in reply email

- Items are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE
- Shipping for cosmetics starts at $3.50 (USPS First Class + tracking #) within USA, 50 cents per additional item

- Shipping for clothing starts at $6.00

- International buyers, please email me for a shipping quote

- If you have lighter items, I will charge less
- Email me if you have any questions
By purchasing, you have acknowledged that you read and accepted all terms. If you don't agree with these terms, please do not buy. Do not buy unless you intend on paying. Thank you for looking!

Samples in every purchase while available!

Clinique Sample Eye Palette (left to right) in Confetti, Keylime Pie, Desert Sun

*New, swatched Confetti 1x* Asking $3

Banana Republic Espadrille Peep Toe Flat in Size 6.5

Can be worn with/without ankle ties

*Brand New, Never Worn* Asking $14

Urban Outfitters Ballet Flats Size 7

*Brand New, Never Worn* Asking $8

Juicy Couture Knit Top (Pink) Size Medium

*Brand New with Tags - Never Worn* Original $45.00, Asking $14.99

J.Crew Woven Knit Top with Bronze Lame (sparkle) Size 12

*Brand New with Tags, Never Worn* Original $78.00, Asking $19.99

Ruehl No. 925 Bandeau Top Size Medium

*Brand New with Tags - Never Worn* Original $38.00, Asking $14.99

Thank you for looking!

Crochet Scrunchies + Life Update

Hey -- Everyone go join Miu Miu's 'What is your HG?' Contest! There are 3 winners and each winner gets amazing products from Skinfood!! :)

Happy Friday everyone! It's finally the weekend... Although I have SAT Literature&World Hist. test tomorrow morning T-T

So I've started making these crochet yarn scrunchies after reading about the whole scrunchie ("shu shu" in Japanese) craze in Japan! They are so cute, I'm definitely going to pick up some in Japan in July. I just started making them yesterday and already finished two!

The first one I made is made from pink mohair-ish yarn with silver sparkly string. Isn't it so cute? Would anyone buy these if I make more? :D

Here it is in my odango hair bun. I love it! Thanks to my Japanese magazine Cutie I've learned how to make these cute scrunchies :) And then I put my X-girl scrunchie that came free with another Japanese magazine. Isn't it so cute but wild? Hehe.

Here are two that I made last night--pink and red/orange one. Right now I'm making a blue/purple one... I'll post them as I finish them hehe.

Second thing is that  I won first place in the Japanese kite contest!! I won a round-trip Continental ticket to Tokyo, Japan!!!!! :D Too bad I just bought a ticket to Japan for July but now I can plan another Japan trip with this ticket! I was so happy when they announced the winners, my hard work was rewarded~ 

Haha, here's a picture of me with my kite--the little tail portion says "Continental Airlines" in Japanese. The yellow lettering is my name in Japanese. The design of the kite is Otafuku--a traditional Japanese face depicting beauty. You might recognize it as the logo of a popular natto brand.

Then a picture of my kite in the air... It flew pretty high! Many of the kites in the contest didn't even fly in the air.

Then later on Monday I gave my friend Heejin a little prom makeup help so she could learn some tips to do her own makeup for the prom which was yesterday, June 4th. She is the same girl who helped me with my Goth Loli entry for Eki's contest.

The look is sexy aubergine/black smoky eye look! I was worried it would look bad because it was my first time doing makeup for someone else. I gave her a little cat-eyed liner with MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack. 

I finished off her lips with Urban Decay lip stain pen and curled her hair a bit so it looks very natural. The bangs were poofed up a bit like a coiff and pinned back.

I hope I did a good job teaching you... Hope your prom was fun Heejin!

I've almost sold all of my things in my makeup sale--check it out here! Thank you everyone who purchased from me :) I'm planning on posting more of my stuff during the weekend so look out for that.