THE RED LIPPIE ADVENTURES

How to Travel Tokyo Cheaply with the JR TOKYO Wide Pass

2017-04-05T19:45:00.002+08:00

If you are a first time visitor in Japan particularly Tokyo, you probably are confused whether buying a JR pass is worth it or not. In this post, I am going to talk about the JR TOKYO Wide Pass in detail and whether it is economical to have one or buy individual train rides.

When in Bali: Seminyak or Kuta?

2017-04-03T19:00:00.002+08:00

A more elegant traveler would for sure answer- Seminyak.

Afterall, it is a much quieter place, where the slightly "richer" travelers would stay.

REVISITED | MINISO Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush Review

2017-04-03T17:47:00.001+08:00

The year was 2014. In Dubai particularly. A heated debate was going on in my mind while shopping.

"Come on, take that Clarisonic Mia with you in the counter." A compelling voice said.

"Oh no, the price tag would break your wallet. It's not reasonable, Jolly." Another voice resonated.

I walked slowly into the counter, with the most expensive "beauty tool" I was about to have. And then it hit me. My visa card wasn't in my purse. I left it where I was staying. I was brokenhearted to say the least.

Taiwan is the New Japan: Fun Things to Do in Taiwan

2017-03-31T19:10:00.003+08:00

For once, I want to be selfish! I don’t want people to discover Taiwan and its awesomeness! So if you are reading this, promise me one thing: you’ll just read away and NEVER book a ticket, alright? :P

Top Five Beauty Buys in Japan

2017-03-30T08:37:00.000+08:00

Overwhelming. Yes- apparently it is the most descriptive word I can come up with when beauty shopping in Japan! Japan almost has everything from food, makeup, skin care and beauty tools. Amazing!

You might have noticed the lack of makeup/ beauty-related posts from me recently. I'd like to think I have successfully transitioned from an impulsive buyer to a slightly more intelligent shopper these days, ha! However, when in Japan, how can you resist not buying anything beauty-related?

Here, I'm going to list down the top five (5) beauty buys you shouldn't miss:

Six Lessons I Learned from Being an Impulsive Buyer

2017-03-04T04:43:00.001+08:00

"Should I get it?". A small voice in my head miraculously kept talking to me.

"But I just picked up three lipsticks this week. I am sure I don't need another one." Another voice reasoned out.

And by some epiphany, my hand raised itself, casually picking one color I was so sure I never had.

I was in denial.

Sh*t.

My 2016 Year End Review

2017-01-13T08:40:00.002+08:00

- Because it's 2017 now and 2016 needs a review.-

I've been very bad in 2016. Like really bad. Slacking off a little (or perhaps too much). Been to some places, met new people along the way, struggled with internal conflicts in mid-April till May, but ended the year on the streets of Taipei. What a year it was!

My BeautyMNL Online Buys

2016-09-16T08:08:00.000+08:00

Since last year, I had been more frugal due to a number of grown up decisions like taking more expensive vacations, buying a car, saving money for the rainy days and eventually buying a home. I would give in for some days, but I can feel the change in my spending habits tremendously compared when I was just too busy opening my wallet for no good reason.

What to Do when You Don't Get a Second Date

2016-08-19T07:39:00.002+08:00

Inspired by the random discussion with a friend recently, how do you assure yourself a second date? And what to do when you don't get one?

Dating is supposed to be fun and exciting, however it can be that complicated to some people like me and you. So yes- there were times I pressured myself answering this question why the guy never called me back after the first date.

Miniso Beauty Buys

2016-08-08T12:00:00.001+08:00

If you like anything Japanese, then there is no reason why you should miss knowing that Miniso opened a store in Manila. Their first store was opened in Robinson's Place, Manila and oh my- it's always full of people! I checked out the store one weekend and the line to the counters is loooonngggggg! I saw all these people with their heavy baskets full of Miniso items.

REVISITED | Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil Review

2016-07-30T04:26:00.000+08:00

I am sure you know about my facial oil obsession previously discussed here on my blog. To begin, I have combination to oily skin- and yes there are days that only my T-zone turns into a greaseball but there are lonely days that my pores are overacting and producing oil in every pore I have. I mean that is just unfair.

Why I Only Keep a Small Circle of Friends

2016-07-23T03:52:00.001+08:00

I was facebook-ing yesterday and came across a post by one of my friends which says:" Less friends, less b*llshit. Keep your circle small."

If only I could hit a million likes for her post because that's exactly what I've been doing now- keeping my circle small. I am friendly yes- but pleasing everyone, no- I am not that kind of person now. I realized there is joy in keeping only those who never left, who stood by me when I've got nothing on my wallet, who walked with me when I didn't have a car back then and so on and so forth. In short, when my circle got smaller, my perspective of genuine friendship also got clearer.

REVISITED | Lush Daddy-O Purple Shampoo Review

2016-07-22T06:12:00.006+08:00

I have said this before so I am going to say it again: I color my hair a lot like every 6-8 weeks. It's a hard habit to kick when I started coloring my hair. If you haven't colored your hair before, don't start it if you cannot commit to giving it more care than it ever had.

I subject myself to a weekly hair treatment to combat damage brought by frequent coloring. My ends would have the occasional split ends too and overtime, I see some strands being brittle. I also don't like my hair sounding "crunchy".

REVISITED | Detclear Bright and Peel Fruits Cleansing Liquid Review

2016-07-21T03:43:00.003+08:00

One of my best buys in Japan is the Detclear Bright and Peel Fruits Cleansing Liquid with AHA and BHA.It is an exfoliating Japanese cleansing liquid which dissolves waterproof makeup.

I picked this up without any idea whether it has good or bad reviews. Also there wasn't an English translation in the packaging which could have helped that time. But anyhow, I picked it up and paid it right away.

The White Sneakers Trend is Here to Stay

2016-07-20T10:30:00.000+08:00

I only have one regret this year, and that is NOT buying a white Adidas Superstar when I traveled to Japan last December and April this year!

Why it's Okay to go Makeup-Free on Some Days

2016-07-20T05:08:00.000+08:00

I've been wearing makeup full time since I started working. My university days were spent only using a lipstick--- a hand-me-down from my mom from Revlon and yes, baby powders!

Then work came and I was able to finally afford some pressed powders. I used to buy the one from Johnson's and Johnson's. I am unsure if they still carry it these days, but if they do, hey there my first powder:)

REVISITED | Mario Badescu Silver Powder Review

2016-07-18T22:50:00.002+08:00

I always try to stick to my DIY weekly hair and skin treatments no matter how busy I am. I feel bad whenever can't because that means I failed miserably in time management.

I put on some hair mask/ treatment weekly because I color my hair a lot and I mean every 6 weeks! To get rid of white/ blackheads, excess sebum and impurities, I use the Mario Badescu Silver Powder.

REVISITED | Andalou Naturals Clementine + C Illuminating Toner Review

2016-07-15T23:25:00.002+08:00

I added toner as part of my skin care regimen quite late. For many years, I would only do the wash-moisturize regimen. Nothing too fancy but since I can't stick to the 10-step Korean skin care regimen, I figured the wash-tone-moisturize would be a slightly better option.

My skin's not perfect to begin with and I would have dark spots from pimples every time after each menstrual period. It would take some time to lighten them unless I go through a serious exfoliation and so I would look for skin care with brightening properties not necessarily to whiten my skin.

The Andalou Naturals Clementine + C Illuminating Toner description says this: Fruit Stem Cell Complex, superfruit antioxidants, and Vitamin C, work as powerful cell energizers to target hyperpigmentation and UV damage, improving skin tone and texture. Aloe vera effectively hydrates and oxygenates, balancing pH, and stimulating circulation for healthy luminosity.

Makeup Products to Pack when Traveling

2016-07-15T09:25:00.003+08:00

You know what's another thing I love about Japan? It's the winter- I kid you not! I love the cold weather for selfish reasons. My makeup can stay for a really long time- yeah!

The Sapporo Snow Experience and Everything in Between

2016-07-13T08:19:00.000+08:00

My time in Sapporo was just wonderful. I had finally seen and touched lots of snow! Strange but my very first snow encounter was in Beijing few years ago however, it wasn't that much of a writing piece.

Why I Now Only Carry Lipsticks in my Everyday Makeup Kit

2016-07-06T07:56:00.000+08:00

(Top to Bottom: Revlon Colorstay in Wardrobe, Victoria Secret lipgloss, Loreal Collection Star in Pure Garnet, MAC Pro Longwear Lip Creme in Unlimited, Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor in Addiction Dependence, Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in #15 from Japan and Loreal lipstick in Spring Rosette)

To put it, I just wanted to simplify my everyday makeup life. And so my story goes by me applying my foundation or tinted moisturizer/ sunblock first, set with a powder, do my eyebrows, apply some blush and on with my usual fave lippies mostly from Revlon. I really think Revlon has great lipsticks selection and they work pretty well on me.

The Sapporo Charm

2016-07-01T09:08:00.001+08:00

I wanted to catch the tail of Japan's winter and so what a better way to do that is fly to the island of Hokkaido. It is already spring in Tokyo (in fact almost about to end) but in Hokkaido, I could still get a taste of its winter season.

Hokkaido is the second largest, northernmost and said to be least developed of Japan's four main islands. Temperature on winter can be unforgiving with lots of snowfall, below zero temperatures and even frozen seas (Let it go, Elsa), while in summer it does not get as hot and humid as in other parts of Japan.

What's Up, Life?

2016-06-24T04:06:00.001+08:00

If you are reading this, yes- my blog is still alive! Earlier this month, I was notified by Google whether I’d renew my domain and that’s how I realized life lately consisted mainly of work and personal space. I didn’t write here mainly because I don’t want to make it as a chore instead, I consider my blog as my inspiration in so many ways.

A Letter to My 16-Year-Old Self

2016-02-25T09:56:00.001+08:00

Dear You,

I am not sure how you can take this but let me tell you this now: In few years time, you will be okay. And I mean not grand okay- but you will have a time of your life.

You will struggle with self-esteem as you grow up but will soon overcome it. When you enter university, a boy who developed liking in you shall try to pursue you, hold your hand, kiss you on your cheek and will be a stranger later on. You will be jealous and broken but all you will do is scribble in your journal how hurt you are and never speak to him again until you were in the same trip going to the city.

University days shall pass without you having a boyfriend (yes, you shall be single till you graduate) but another geeky boy shall profess his love to you complete with flowers, love letters and home visits. But then you will realize you still like the first boy and so you will just end up as friends, nothing more nothing less.

Back to Basics: Love Wins

2016-02-06T05:43:00.002+08:00

Such a clincher question, don't you think? Growing up, I was always hungry for knowledge even outside the classroom. I would read everything from comics, newspapers, fashion magazines, psychology books and even engineering books owned by my brother when I want to punish myself. When I was young, I felt like a sponge ready to absorb everything in this world. I talked to many older people much than I talked to my peers.

Then when I thought I was smarter enough, I dreamed of money to come to me. I worked hard to buy the things I can afford, take vacations in many places I adored and rewarded myself with a nice pair of shoes when I feel lonely. Though I'm not ultra rich, it feels good to be able to pay things on my own without any help from others. My new found financial freedom has given me confidence that it is possible to work hard and at the same time be rewarded for it.