Owl Joy! ~ Style and cosmetics inspired by Japan and Korea.

Makeup Miracles

2012-08-11T12:13:00.004-07:00

I am not a big fan of heavy makeup and some makeup accessories however I envy Gyaru those incredible metamorphoses they can achieve.

Those of you who are interested in Asian cosmetics and makeup product probably have seen this picture somewhere:

Yes, I know, the final effect is amazing (but she looks a little bit like a panda…^^\).

Here you can watch the video from TV show:

Fake eyelashes, circle lenses and eyeliner/eye shadows are just some of the tricks Asian use.

Another example is popular in Asia special glue and eyelid tapes.

This is a little hard- core, but works...

And after using some good coverage BB Cream, blush, bronzer or brightener we got Gyaru doll! ^^

At the end I wanted to show you some photos of ladies makeover. I am quite impressed. How about you?

Escape to Japan with cherry blossom.

2012-07-21T11:25:00.001-07:00

Sale, sale, sale. Everywhere! London is probably one of the best places for shopping. We are becoming the hunters. I became as well... ^^\
Today's booty:

Japanese Cherry Blossom Fragrance Mist from The Body Shop.

Amazing scent of flowers and hinoki wood! And only £7.00! (*-*)

Today's look: pleated top

2012-07-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

Today's outfit:

Sea blue pleated top from COS

Black skinny denim trousers
Black cardi from H&M

L'Oreal BB Cream

2012-06-28T15:10:00.001-07:00

This week I had a chance to test BB Cream from L'Oreal. The full name of the product is Revitalift Repair 10 BB Cream. It's easy to spot it as it comes in crimson red.

Unfortunately, the samples I have got were in medium colour what made my skin look like I was after fake tanning or something. Strange thing is that this product actually smells like self-tan gel by Garnier...

My review on this BB Cream: light texture, skin feels smooth and relaxed. Super moisturising! Unfortunately, poor coverage ( didn't manage to cover my freckles!). I would love to try it again but in lighter shade^^

I think this product is worth recommendation as makeup base or basic foundation. But I would not recommend it to the fans of Asian BB Creams as they might be a bit disappointed.

* I also wanted to mention that Asian BB Creams and Western BB Creams are still a bit different from each other. When Asian BB Creams focus on natural shade, moisturising and SPF, Western BB Creams are basically mix of foundation and moisturiser.

Are you Gyaru or Ulzzang?

2012-06-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

Everyone who's interested in Asian cosmetics and makeup product probably heard about Ulzzang or Gyaru.
For those who are new to the subject:

Ulzzang is a popular South Korean term literally meaning "best face" or "good-looking". Originally used as a slang term, this word in the English lexicon has evolved into describing a person that follows specific style of fashion. They usually have large eyes, fair skin, small noses and mouths, as well as the typical 'V'. The typical hairstyles include anything from a pixie haircut to very long. Usually including bangs, curls, loose buns, waves, and many more other interesting hairstyles that are achieved quite simply.

Gyaru is a Japanese transliteration of the English word "gal", it is a girly-glam style, breaking away from traditional standards of beauty by dwelling on the man-made (wigs, fake eyelashes, fake nails, etc.). Gyaru fashion is typically characterized by having heavily bleached or dyed hair (mostly shades from dark brown to blonde), excessively decorated nails, and dramatic makeup. The makeup typically consists of dark eyeliner, fake eyelashes and cosmetic circle lenses so as to create the illusion of large, anime-like eyes.

If someone ask me which one I prefer, I would say Ulzzang. But not so long time ago it would be Gyaru!^^ I guess it's because I'm getting older (T_T) and my personal preferences are changing.

I used to like Gyaru for those amazing eyes!! But now I'm thinking to myself: "Gosh, that's a lot of makeup for one face!" Now I prefer more natural look, exposing beautiful, healthly and fresh skin. And that's the reason why I like Ulzzang more.

And you, are you Ulzzang or Gyaru? (^_^)

(* I didn't mean to insult anybody with this post, and all the explanation of terms came from Wikipedia).

My first BB Cream

2012-05-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

I can’t remember how exactly I’ve found out about BB Creams. But I often surf on the internet and checking web sites about Korea and Japan, so I guess I’ve found somewhere an article about these creams. Then, of course I went to YouTube which offers a thousands of makeup gurus recommendations. I started discovering the world of BB Creams…

BB Cream, also called Blemish Balm is known to have been formulated as an after-treatment cream to help patients who have gone through laser skin surgery to soothe and regenerate the skin. In Japan and Korea BB Cream is very popular as it gives lighter and healthier look of skin plus it contains desirable SPF.

My first ever BB product was Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream NO. 21. It gives natural looking coverage with the soothing and moisturising. It is suitable for all skin types including acne-prone skin, and can be used as a makeup base or foundation. Unfortunately, my skin became too oily after few hours so maybe it’s better for people with dry skin.

# 31 Golden Beige	#13 Milky Beige	#21 Light Beige	#23 Natural Beige

I would recommend this product if you are starting your journey with BB Creams and you are not sure what it is exactly and which on is the best for you.

Today's look: white shirt and blue top (layers)

2012-05-17T16:03:00.000-07:00

Today's outfit:

Collarless pocket shirt (square shape) from COS

Rounded hem blue top also from COS

This white shirt is shorter on the front and sheer which gives you many option for layering.

KOKORO: The art of Horiyoshi III

2012-05-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

"Kokoro" means "heart" in Japanese; it's the "feeling", the "inner meaning" that underpins the Japanese approach, not only to art, but to life as whole. It is what makes Japan quintessentially Japanese.

Horiyoshi III is best known as the undisputed master of Japan's ancient art of tattooing. He is also a prolific artist who has a passion for painting on paper and silk as well as skin.

Last week I had a chance to go to the Somerset House which hosts a display of Horiyoshi’s work.

Opening hours: 21 March – 1 July 2012, daily from 10.00 to 18.00
Address: Somerset House, Courtyard Rooms, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Admission: Free

TONY MOLY Commercial with cute ideas

2012-04-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

This is the TONY MOLY's commercial of Blackhead Clear Gel, Tightening Pack and Silky Smooth Balm. Yes, the packaging is sweet but the most I like the idea for reusing them!

How clever and cute! (*_*)

TONY MOLY Hand Cream from Korea

2012-04-28T05:14:00.001-07:00

Korean famous brand TONY MOLY created this Peach Anti- aging Hand Cream.

Light consistence and beautiful peach scent! It contains extracts of peach and apricot, which makes it a whitening product. Besides, it contains adenosine, an anti-wrinkle ingredient, for softer and smoother skin . It gives hands sufficient nutrients, diminishes wrinkles of hands and makes them elastic again. Great product! I've bought one for my mum as well ;)

Ingredient:Peach extract, apricot extract, adenosine.

Shopping: Shoes (Zara, River Island)

2012-04-20T14:24:00.001-07:00

Afternoon shopping...^^

1. Two-Tone Sandals, black and brown, Zara.

2. Ballerina with leather cap, black, Zara.

3. Black ballerina, Zara.

4. Grey Point Ballerina, River Island.

Hello Kitty Maybelline

2012-04-14T14:01:00.003-07:00

Oh Joy! My new mascara has arrived! Just in time as my old one became dry.
As I am a huge fan of Maybelline I've decided to buy another one product from this brand but this time it's something special! ^^ That's the limited edition of Maybelline Hello Kitty Volum Express!
I have decided to buy this one as I was looking for mascara with a lash comb. And just look at this beauty!

The product was worth the money. Good waterproof mascara, not too sticky and light! Finally, I can get into the corner of my eye thanks to this lash comb!^^ It promises 75° curl even without eyelash curler for 18 hrs!!

Prrr... Cat eyes!! (^_~)

First post starting with shopping... (guilty pleasure...^^\)

2012-04-10T14:02:00.001-07:00

Today, I've decided to treat myself and I have purchased this pretty black top. Bought it at COS.
And the price wasn't that high as I have found it on the sale^^ Yes, yes! Hurry up!! Sale is still on!! (^_~)

Intro

2012-04-10T13:01:00.004-07:00

Oh joy! Welcome to my blog! :)

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