cosmeddicted

Review: Bath and Body Works Malibu Heat Body Lotion

2012-05-29T05:00:00.000+09:00

This is a review of a new scent from Bath and Body Works, Malibu Heat. I picked up a 2oz bottle of the body lotion when I was in New York.

Bath and Body Works will often release a 2oz (59ml) body lotion form of their newest scents before the full sized products go on sale. This bottle was only $1 and it is a great way to test out new scents. This bottle is smaller than their usual travel sized products, which are 3oz (88ml).

Many of my readers may know that I really enjoy Bath and Body Works products. Actually, I think their body lotions and shower gels are very generic, but I like the variety of scents.. I always buy the travel sized products, which last a month for me - I get tired of the scent before I can use up the full sized products!

How the scent is described: (from bathandbodyworks.com)
Our exclusive Malibu Heat is a fresh blend of juicy pineapple, California orange and creamy coconut milk inspired by hot pink sunsets and twenty-seven miles of beautiful beach

Price: $11 for 8oz (236 ml). Bath and Body Works always has some kind of promotion going on, such as Buy 2 Get 1 Free, Buy 3 Get 2 Free, etc. The travel sized products are usually $5 each, or 3 for $10

Pros:

This is a very fruity scent. If you like fruity scents, this may work for you.
As with all BBW body lotions, this does a good job of moisturizing my skin.

Cons:

As usual, I strongly suggest you smell this in person.
This is a pretty sweet scent. I wish there was more orange in the scent to cut down on the sweetness.
I really don't like how BBW is describing their scents recently. How can a scent be inspired by "hot pink" sunsets and "27 miles" of beaches?

Would I repurchase? No. While I don't hate this scent, it isn't special enough for me to want to repurchase it.

I really wish I could buy at BBW regularly! I love trying out new scents!!

Hope you enjoyed this review!

xoxo, K

Weekly Reads #60: May 25, 2012

2012-05-25T18:26:00.000+09:00

How is everyone's week going? I've been busy during May, and it's hard to believe that it's almost over! It's summer here for sure - the weather is now above 30 deg C!

Conservative workplace fashion, via Wardrobe Oxygen. Check what is appropriate in your workplace, though - I found that most women in New York wear ballet flats. I am at the opposite end of the spectrum; I go to work in jeans and a T-shirt!
How to spring clean your beauty stash, via Beautiful with Brains. It may be hard to toss some items, but do you really want to get an infection from expired makeup?
Top tips for new beauty bloggers, via Phyrra. These are good tips for experienced beauty bloggers as well!
4 scientifically proven ways to extend your salon hair color, via Feature Derm. I color my hair a green-tinted color because Japanese hair tends to go orange.
Chicken Florentine Pasta, via Pioneer Woman. This looks so beautiful!
Ice cream sandwiches, via Smitten Kitchen. I sometimes crave ice cream sandwiches - it's nice to know that now I can make them myself.

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xoxo, K

Review: Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX - an easy way to pamper your skin

2012-05-23T19:03:00.000+09:00

This is a review for the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX. I received this as a gift from Anastacia.
Sleeping packs are a very convenient way to pamper your skin. Just pop it on, and then go to sleep! No need to rinse it off!! Previously, I've done a review of another sleeping pack, the Skinfood Fermented Pomegranate Whitening Sleeping Pack, which is also a great product.

What it does: (from Laneige.com)
Light gel-type texture provides intensive hydration, vitality, and brightening effect while restoring skin with deep relaxation

Price: Around 25,000 Won in Korea. If you live outside of Korea, iMomoko has this for $28.

Scent: Apparently, this product is marketed as having a relaxing scent that will help you sleep. I thought it smelled like soap. It's not a strong scent, and it's not a bad scent, either.

Pros:

Sleeping masks are super easy and convenient to use. After you've showered or washed your face, apply the product to your face in a thin layer. Then go to sleep! Rinse your face in the morning.
Light enough for me to use in the summer
Absorbs into the skin very quickly
Not sticky. This is so important for me since I can't sleep if my skin feels sticky!
Alcohol-free!

Cons:

If you have extremely dry skin, this product may not provide enough moisture for you
Dipping your fingers repeatedly into a jar is not sanitary.

Would I repurchase? Maybe. I liked this product, but I thought the Skinfood Sleeping Pack was more moisturizing. It's still a great product!

Hope you enjoyed this review! If you have any sleeping packs that you recommend, please let me know!

xoxo, K

Project 10 Pan, Round 6

2012-05-21T20:15:00.000+09:00

I've finished yet another Project 20 Pan!

In case you are not familiar with the concept of Project 10 Pan, it is a project that challenges you to use up 10 products before buying anything new. I have expanded this to cover 20 products.

If you think you don't have the willpower to finish Project 10 Pan, please check out my tips on how to get through Project 10 Pan.

On to the products! (If I've reviewed the product before, you can click on the product name to go to the review)

NARS Illuminator in Orgasm

For a product that wasn't very pigmented, this product took forever to use up!

Canmake Cover & Stretch concealer

This is my go-to concealer. It is cheap and covers well. I wish I could find something that lasts longer on my skin, though!

Clinique Clarifying Moisture Lotion

This is an Asia-only formula of the famous Clinique toner. Unlike the traditional formula, it does not smell like alcohol and does not sting my skin.

Clinique Happy Body Smoother

A great moisturizer & hand cream, but I realized I should stick with cheaper moisturizers!

Kate Face Powder N

This face powder is really just mediocre. It sets my foundation, but does not make it last very long, and it is not very finely milled. Be careful when you buy it - the "glow" version is very shimmery!

Lush Candy Cane soap

I really liked the minty-sweet scent of this soap and I hope Lush brings it back for this year's holiday season!

Bath & Body Works Travel Size Twilight Woods Body Lotion

As I've mentioned before, I really like the travel sized body lotions and shower gels. I can use them up in about a month, before I get tired of the scent.

Steamcream

The packaging is very cute, and I wouldn't mind spending the money just to get this tin! The product is pretty good as well.

Lush Smitten Hand Cream

This was a great moisturizer, but the pump dispenses too little product.

It currently comes in a pot, which I think is unhygienic for a hand cream.

The Face Shop Wrinkle Stop Neck Cream

This is a great moisturizer, but the square design of the pot made it very hard to get product out.

MAC Fix+

This bottle dispenses a fine mist, which is great! I think the product itself is not quite worth the $20 price tag, though.

Lush Honey I Washed The Kids soap

This soap is one of the most popular Lush soaps. It is also one of my favorite Lush scents!

Bath & Body Works Travel Size Sweet Pea Shower Gel

This is a great scent if you like sweet florals.

Bath & Body Works Travel Size Sweet Pea Body Lotion

Clarisonic Nourishing Care Cleanser

Yet another mediocre Clarisonic cleanser - so mediocre that I really couldn't think of what to write in a review!

L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base

This is a good primer if you like silicone based primers. The pot is inconvenient, though.

NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Gold

It is now so small that I can't sharpen it in my pencil sharpener.

Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector

Not sure if this helped even out my skin tone, but it is a nice moisturizer.

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX

This was a great sleeping pack which provided plenty of moisture. A review of this is coming up.

Bath and Body Works travel size body lotion in Black Amethysts

To me, this lotion smelled berry-ish. I liked it a lot.

Now, on to playing with the stuff I got in New York!

xoxo, K

Weekly Reads #59: May 18, 2012

2012-05-18T21:55:00.000+09:00

5 things you need to know about sunscreen, via Of Faces and Fingers. Number 5: Sunscreen in Non-Sunscreen Products is Useless
Easy gradient nails, via Makeup Withdrawal. This looks easy and beautiful!
How to apply Sally Hanson Nail Effects, via Michele1218 (youtube). I found it very useful to see how other people apply these.
Wardrobe Maintenance, via Wardrobe Oxygen. I also stopped buying anything that needs to be ironed.
Buttery tomato pasta, via Simply Recipes. Please remind me to make this soon!
Mango Frozen Yoghurt (without an ice cream maker), via Lipglossiping Mangoes are cheap here now!
Spicy Sangria, via Macheesmo. I'm not a wine drinker, but this looks delicious!

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xoxo, K

New York Vacation: Part 3

2012-05-15T20:57:00.000+09:00

This is the last batch of pictures from my vacation in New York. Now it's time for me to start counting down the days when I can go back! I seriously, seriously love this city, and would love to live here again...

Hope you enjoyed my pics of New York!

xoxo, K

Up and Down #23: May 2012

2012-05-14T06:00:00.000+09:00

Summer is here! At least it feels like it. The high temperature here is now 30 C (86 F)!!

On to my Ups and Downs!

Ups:

I bought a DSLR!

NY was the best place for me to play with my new DSLR. I lived in NY when I was little. I don't need any new pictures, which means I can screw up on my DSLR all I want! At the same time, NY has so many interesting places that I was constantly taking pictures.

I saw Book of Mormon on Broadway!

It was hilarious! It won 9 Tony Awards and tickets are impossible to book - they usually need to be booked 6 months in advance. I booked the tickets first and then booked my flight to match the date! I have been listening to the soundtrack constantly!
Also, it makes fun of organized religion in general, so don't see it if you are sensitive to that.

Suave Dry Shampoo

(stock photo)

Dry shampoo doesn't exist in Japan since most people wash their hair every day. I tried this after reading about it on some beauty blogs, and I loved what it did to my hair! I had more volume and it was easier to style my hair!!
Unfortunately, I couldn't bring this home with me. TSA prohibits aerosol on an airplane!

L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadow in Iced Latte

My morning routine has become so easy thanks to this eyeshadow! It's a nice beige color and it is easy to apply. I'm sure I'll go back to doing complicated eye looks soon, but for now, this is my love!

Fresh fruits and vegetables

I mentioned before that I had trouble finding fresh produce in the winter. Thanks to the warm weather, now I can find everything! I eat fresh lychees, mangoes, and peaches all the time!

Downs:

Not living in New York

Every time I go to New York, I want to stay for the rest of my life. Someday...

How has your spring been?

xoxo, K

New York Vacation: Part 2

2012-05-11T20:48:00.000+09:00

Some more pictures of New York...

Central Park

Central Park is one of my favorite places in the city. It is full of runners and bikers in the morning - and I can completely understand why.

It is easy to forget that you're in the middle of one of the biggest cities in the world!

I wish all big cities had a huge park like this one. It brings a bit of calmness to the busy city.

Grand Central Terminal

Yes, this is a train station. However, the architecture is interesting, it is a great place to watch people, and it brings back a lot of memories.

There is also a huge Apple Store as well. Free Wifi is convenient.

This line would take me to where I grew up...

Oh, and the obligatory food post: I went to OBao with a friend of mine.

Obao

222 E 53rd St (between 3rd Ave & 2nd Ave)

New York, NY 10022

(Yelp reviews)

Good food, not all too exciting. This place has gotten a Michelin star.

Half eaten, but the Beef Salad was very tasty.

The Clay Pot Catfish, on the other hand, was just so-so.

My friend and I only ordered these two dishes, and I still took some of the food home. The portions aren't huge, but somehow they are filling!

I am on Yelp, by the way. It is extremely useful to find restaurants when I travel to the US!

xoxo, K

Weekly Reads #58: May 10, 2012

2012-05-10T21:38:00.000+09:00

Bobby Pinning 201, via LetsMakeItUp1. This is a great next step from the video shared last week.
Shrimp Pad Thai, via Macheesmo. Pad thai is a staple takeout food, but who knew how easy it is to make at home?
Bridal beauty tips for the makeup artist, via Beauty Broadcast. A great tip - chose a stool that will put your subjects at eye level with you!
Shapewear for girls who are not model sized, via Wardrobe Oxygen. Shapewear is rarely comfortable, and even less so when it isn't your size!
27 things that will make your life easier, period, via Thought Catalog. Just write that email!

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xoxo, K

New York Vacation: Part 1

2012-05-08T08:00:00.000+09:00

In mid-April, I went on a vacation to New York! As many of you know, I grew up in New York, and I like to visit every 1.5 to 2 years.

Since I grew up in New York, I don't do many touristy things. However, I decided it would be a great place to try out the new DSLR that I bought!

Canon EOS 600D, called the Rebel T3i in the US and EOS Kiss X5 in Japan

This camera has 3 separate names. Things were difficult until I realized this, because I was looking at reviews from the US, Japan, and Hong Kong, and each country uses a different name!

(stock photo)

I have no experience with photography what so ever, so it's been exciting to learn. Thank you to all the bloggers who have been giving me advice!

Since I last came to New York, there were a few new places to visit.

National September 11 Museum and Memorial

(link to official site)

The memorial opened on Sept 11, 2011, but the museum is still under construction.

Please read the visitor guidelines before going. Reserved tickets are necessary to get in. Same day tickets are available, but I thought it was a waste of time to wait in line for the tickets. I simply booked my tickets online.

The security checks were even more exhaustive than at the airport. I went on a day with very few visitors - I would hate to think what happens on a busy day.

One World Trade Center, still under construction.

I like taking pictures of buildings for some reason.

The High Line

(link to official site)

The High Line is an elevated park that runs on the west side of Manhattan, through the Meatpacking and Chelsea districts. It runs from Gansevoort St (one block below 12th St) to 30th St. It is built on a historic freight rain trail.

No pictures of the High Line itself, but it seems to be a great place for a run. You can see from this picture how high up we are.

I also met up with a few blogger girls. Thank you so much to Jenn, Jenn, Vijaya, Joey and Mona for meeting up with me!

Mona and I had dinner one night at Upstate in the East Village.
Upstate
95 1st Ave (at 14th St)
New York, NY 10003
(Yelp Reviews)

In short: I really enjoyed eating here. It was delicious! I would definitely recommend it!!

The oysters were delicious!! Really sweet and they did not have the typical oyster smell.
And yes, I'm playing around with depth of field...

This bouillabaisse was fantastic! We asked for extra bread to sop up the broth.

The seared scallops with brown rice risotto were delicious as well. The scallops were NOT overcooked - fabulous!

I have obviously not mastered taking pictures in low light.

Next up: some more "typical" places to go in New York...

xoxo, K

Weekly Reads #57: May 4, 2012

2012-05-04T09:24:00.000+09:00

New York was pretty cold. For a few days, it was hot enough to wear short sleeves, but I needed a jacket in the latter half of my vacation. On the other hand, it's pretty hot wear I live now - my skin has started to get oily and I need to start a summer skin regiment

On to my weekly reads!!

A spring/summer foundation tip, via Tiffany D. I've started using this tip daily, and my foundation really does last better!
Why you shouldn't buy retinol products packaged in jars, via Beautiful with Brains. Jars are hard to manage for me, period.
5 reasons why you MUST cleans your face morning and night, via Future Derm It makes you look younger!
How not to handle bloggers, via Of Faces and Fingers. Yet another brand which created bad PR for themselves.
Apple Raspberry Crumble, via Christine's Recipes. This looks delicious for breakfast.
10 easy DIY foods, via Macheesmo. Those mixes you buy at the supermarket? You can make them at home.

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xoxo, K

Haul in New York

2012-05-02T17:10:00.000+09:00

I am back from my trip to New York! As I mentioned before, I grew up in New York, so it's always great to see my old friends. I'm still sorting through pictures, but here is a post on what I hauled!

I don't normally post hauls, but I treated myself since I had just finished Project 20 Pan again. It's one of my pleasures of going to the US!

Please let me know if there is anything you want to see a review on!

Revlon Colorstay Foundation for Oily/Combination Skin

This is available in Japan as well, but (1) it comes with a pump, (2) there is only one formula, (3) it costs $25.

L'Oreal Youth Code Dark Spot Correcting & Illuminating Serum Corrector

Is it really necessary to have the word "correcting" in the name twice? However, I have heard great things about this serum, and I'm testing it out now.

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

The color isn't THIS vibrant... you can see that my background is very blue!

Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro primer

This is the upgraded version of the primer which I previously loved. The bonus is that it is now white instead of the weird orange color that the other one is!

Cover Girl Lash Perfection mascara

I'm surprised I like this mascara so much. It gives me volume without the huge brush of Lash Blast!

L'Oreal Infallible lipgloss

I've raved about these before! They obviously don't last 8 hrs, but I really like the formula, and the wands are also interesting.

I limited myself at Bath and Body Works, surprisingly.

Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Energy Orange Ginger travel sized shower gel and body lotion

The full sized bottles of these were in very heavy plastic. I would probably drop them in my shower!

Bath and Body Works Coconut Lime Breeze travel sized shower gel and body lotion

Not sure what I think of the scent yet, but I wanted to remind myself that summer (and summer vacation season) is just around the corner.

Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep Lavender Chamomile travel sized shower gel and body lotion

I enjoyed the scents in this line very much. A nice change since Bath and Body Works scents have become more generic in the past few years.

Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Stress Relief Eucalyptus Spearmint body cream

The only full sized item I bought!

Bath and Body Works Malibu Heat body lotion

This was a $1 bottle that they were selling to get people to try the scent before it is officially released.

L'Occitane Hand Cream

$28 at Sephora in the US, $38 in Japan (mostly due to the exchange rate)

Maybelline Illegal Lengths Mascara

The ads say that this will add 4mm (which I highly doubt), but I always want to try a few new drugstore mascaras when I visit the US!

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

I bought a bunch of these. They are perfect for girls like me who are crappy at painting their own nails! I tried one when I was in NY - and they definitely need a top coat!

L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadows in Iced Latte and Gold Imperial

With so much hype, I had to try this product out!

This became my go-to eyeshadow during my vacation. Easy and flattering.

You can see that on my skin, it ends up looking almost white.

This is a LE color for summer. It is very gorgeous! Very gold and much more glittery than the other ones.

This picture makes my skin look very yellow!

The much hyped Naked 2 pallete

I actually haven't played around with this yet, but I'm looking forward to it!

Revlon Precision eyelash glue

I tried this after hearing that it's just as good as the DUO lash adhesive. It's better - cheaper and the brush applicator is so much easier to use!

Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Foundation

I'm looking forward to trying this in the summer!

Not as big of a haul as you'd expect, but I excluded some staple products that I buy each time I go to the US, like my Clarisonic brush heads. Please let me know if there are any products that you would like me to review!

xoxo, K

Review: Maybelline Volum Express One By One Mascara - what is a "Patent Lash Catcher"?

2012-04-27T19:31:00.000+09:00

This is a review for the Maybelline Volum' Express One By One Mascara. I bought this product at Don Quijote in Shibuya in Japan when I met up with Yuming. Don Quijote is a discount chain store which sells EVERYTHING and most stores are open 24 hours a day. It is a MUST SEE if you are interested in beauty products and visit Japan (yes, I'll do a blog post about the store if readers are interested).

What it does: (from maybelline.com)
Finally, bold volume without any of the bulk. Patented Lash Catcher™ brush has 3 bristles per lash to make every lash count. Catches, coats and de-clumps each lash to make them all fatter and flirtier. Instant clump-free volume.
This is the washable version; there is a waterproof version as well.

Price: as with any drugstore product, the price will vary. Target.com has this for $6.50. I paid around 1000 JPY ($12.50 USD). Although that sounds expensive, in reality most Japanese drugstore mascaras are around 1500 JPY (around $19 USD), so this is cheap for me!

Pros:

This product gave my lashes volume without making them clumpy
The formula is smooth and the brush is great for applying mascara evenly

Cons:

I still got smudges under my eyes after wearing this mascara for a day
I don't understand what a "patented lash catcher (tm)" is!

The "Patented Lash Catcher"

It's a good brush, separating lashes while giving them volume, but the name is hilarious.

Would I repurchase? No. While I liked this mascara and how it made my lashes look, the smudges I got under my eyes are a deal-breaker. Brands release so many new mascaras every year that it doesn't make sense to repurchase anything which I don't absolutely love.

I often wonder if the shape of my eyes make them smudge-prone. If you don't get smudges often, this might be a good mascara for you. I'm so disappointed since I really liked how this mascara made my eyes look!

Hope you enjoyed this review!

xoxo, K

Weekly Reads #56: April 19, 2012

2012-04-19T12:22:00.000+09:00

Tips on designing your blog, via Beautyholics Anonymous. Please, please turn off the auto music!
The different types of mascara wands and their strengths, via Pixiwoo. This helped me chose the right mascara depending on what I want from the wand.
How to take photos of your makeup, via Makeup Geek. Great tips for makeup lovers!
Should I wash my brushes for the first time before using them? via Beautiful with Brains. The answer is yes, and Giorgia gives great reasons on why.
Burbon cured salmon, via Macheesmo. This looks completely delicious!

Connect with me!
I love chatting and connecting with people, and sharing interesting stuff around the web!

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xoxo, K

Review: Lush Sandstone Soap - an exfoliator in your soap

2012-04-17T09:59:00.000+09:00

This is a review of the Lush Sandstone soap. I bought this in the UK.

What it does: (from lushusa.com)
Sandstone is seriously scrubby; it’s the strongest, scrubbiest soap we make. Loved by men and women alike, it was inspired by babes on the beaches of Brazil who mix sand with tanning oil to make their backsides smooth as silk. The layer of sand will exfoliate your body as you wash to leave you with soft, touchable skin. For once, getting sand all over your bits is a good thing! Coriander and gardenia oils tone and brighten, and your skin will be seductively scented with citrus notes of a tropical cocktail.

Scent: This soap smells like citrus, but some woody notes prevent it from smelling like dishwashing liquid. I thought it smells like lemongrass, although there isn't any in the ingredients.

Price: $7.50/3.5 oz in the US. I could not find this product on either the Lush UK or Lush Japan website

Pros:

bits of sand are distributed throughout the soap, which will exfoliate your skin
the sand is not very harsh
due to the exfoliation and the lack of moisturizing ingredients, I recommend using this product in the summer
I personally like the scent

Cons:

This product is hard to use. I found it too harsh to rub directly on my skin. However, if I use a washcloth, the sand snags the cloth
The soap will melt and be used up faster than the sandy bits. The soap will become more sandy as you use it

Would I repurchase? No. While I like the product itself, there is too much sand and it interferes with the soap. I think this product would work better if it were in a shower gel form. Interestingly, this soap lasted much longer than all of my previous Lush soaps.

This was the last product in my stash of Lush products. I need to haul some more Lush stuff to review!!

Hope you enjoyed this review!

xoxo, K

Weekly Read #55: April 6, 2012

2012-04-06T10:27:00.000+09:00

How to prepare and store homemade beauty products safely, via Beautiful With Brains. Small batches are usually better!
Flooded with sample sachets, via Beautyholics Anonymous. The geek in me thinks that storing samples in bags labeled by type is a great idea!
Does hemorrhoid cream remove undereye bags?, via Future Derm. Preparation H has long been used to remove undereye bags, but does it actually work?
Making infinity curves, via Beauty's Bad Habit. Good pictures really make a blog look more professional, and I still have a lot to learn.
Pasta Puttanesca, via Pioneer Woman. Once I get back to Japan, I am going to try out all these food recipes that I link to!
Hot and Sour Soup, via Macheesmo. I made this a few weeks ago, and it was super yummy and very easy!

Connect with me!
I love chatting and connecting with people, and sharing interesting stuff around the web!

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xoxo, K

Review: MeMeMe Lash Attack Mascara - the mascara in the zebra print tube!

2012-04-04T19:54:00.000+09:00

This is a review of the MeMeMe Lash Attack Mascara. I got this in the UK.

What it does: (from www.mememecosmetics.co.uk)
Ker-Pow! Attack those lashes to give them incredible length and definition. Formulated with fibre-lash technology to create high impact lashes every time.

This is a fiber mascara with a traditional fiber wand. The fibers are supposed to add length to your lashes.

Price: 7.50 GBP, about 12 USD.

Pros:

This was a very dark mascara
The fibers did a good job in lengthening my lashes

Cons:

This mascara smudged under my eyes! I had dark smudges under my eyes after about 8 hrs of wear.
This is also a very wet mascara. If you close your eyes before the mascara has dried fully, it will leave marks under your eyes.

Would I repurchase? No. Smudging is a major no-no for me! I also don't like wet mascaras because not only are they difficult to work with, they also make my lashes clump together.

Unfortunately, I'm still looking for a great, inexpensive mascara. What are your favorites?

xoxo, K

Up and Down #22: April 2012

2012-04-02T12:08:00.000+09:00

I am going to New York in a few weeks! I'm so excited!! I lived in New York until I was 12, and I try to go back every 2 years. I'm looking forward to seeing all of my friends. Please let me know if you are in the area and would like to meet up!

On to my Ups and Downs!

Ups:

Finishing (yet another) Project 20 pan!

I went to Hong Kong earlier this month!

I have a post coming up about my trip. I loved being in the free world!

Planning my trip to New York!

Of course, this includes planning what beauty products I will buy!

Downs:

Just some stuff going on at work

There is someone who I'm having some trouble with. The sad part is that we used to work together really well!

Hope your month is going well!

xoxo, K

Review: L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base

2012-03-26T18:04:00.000+09:00

This is a review of the L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Secret Magic Perfecting Base. I bought this when I was in London. This product was very hyped a year or so ago.

What it does: (from ulta.com)
Get the perfect skin texture, instantly and all day. The silky, lightweight formula glides onto skin and minimizes the look of pores and fine lines. Skin looks and feels smoothed and resurfaced. The result is a unified matte finish that's flawless.

Price: will vary, but L'Oreal's website has this for $12.99

Pros:

This is a silicone-based primer which doesn't feel greasy
A little goes a long way. This pot lasted me a few months.

Cons:

As with all products in a pot-like container, it is not hygienic to stick your fingers in there repeatedly. I used a new Q-tip to scoop out some product.
The container is glass and a little heavy.
Obviously, my skin was not "perfect all day".

Would I repurchase? Maybe. This isn't a bad product, but I still think Monistat is the best silicone-based primer!

Hope you enjoyed this review!

xoxo, K

Weekly Read #54: March 23, 2012

2012-03-23T13:15:00.000+09:00

It is finally getting a little bit warmer here! The best part is that fruits and vegetables are more readily available. If you live in a developed country, you may not understand what I mean. Over here, the quality and quantity of produce available really depends on the season!! It is hard to eat healthily under these conditions!

On to my Weekly Reads!

How long should I use a skincare product before deciding whether it works or not, via Beautiful with Brains. My guideline is that I need to see a difference before I use up the entire product, otherwise I'm not interested in repurchasing it!
5 little-known facts about hydroquinone that you need to know, via Future Derm. Like many Asian girls, I'm obsessed with lightening my skin.
A listing of blogs that you may not be getting updates from, via Lipglossiping. Google Friend Connect is being removed from non-Blogspot blogs, so remember to update your feeds.
Vegetarian lettuce wraps, via Pioneer Woman. Another recipe with tofu!
How can I eat food that is healthy and filling?, via Ask Metafilter. This is also difficult for me. I tend to eat carbs such as rice and noodles when I am hungry.
What iPad apps do you recommend?, via Ask Metafilter. I'm seriously thinking about buying an iPad.

Connect with me!
I love chatting and connecting with people, and sharing interesting stuff around the web!

Follow @cosmeddicted on Twitter
Like Cosmeddicted on Facebook
Follow Cosmeddicted on Pinterest

You can also subscribe to Cosmeddicted through the feed, email, or Bloglovin!

xoxo, K

Weight Loss: Spring

2012-03-21T20:40:00.000+09:00

It's spring!! Well, at least it is spring at the supermarket... It actually snowed this past weekend. Snow in mid-March, can you believe it?

I know that the main reason why I've gained weight since moving to China is because I don't eat healthily. I checked my past posts on food - I used to do a post every month or 2 on something I had cooked, but I don't do that anymore. I don't enjoy cooking here, and because of this, I haven't been eating well. I eat a lot more processed foods than I did when I lived in Japan, as well as a lot more carbs. The topic of these posts has gone from "weight loss" to "not getting sick so often."

Anyway, there is more produce at my local supermarket! I tweeted several times that in the winter, there really aren't many kinds of fruits or vegetables available. It makes eating healthy very, very difficult. I'm sure that if I went to the local market to buy produce, I could get fresher things, but it's hard to do when you have a full time job. But that's changing! I am so, so happy!!

I also got back into running. I skipped running 2 weekends ago because I had a serious cold, but I'm well enough to run again! Someone suggested I try to run during the week. I'm not sure if I can actually do that since I work 11-12 hours every day.

Hopefully, with fresh produce available at my supermarket, and more exercise, I'll get healthy again!!

And to all of you that live in a country where you can get fresh produce year round - you have no idea how lucky you are!!

xoxo, K

Review: Dior Addict Lip Shine in Beige Casual 222

2012-03-19T22:50:00.000+09:00

This is a review for the Dior Addict Lip Shine in Beige Casual.

What it does: (from Sephora.com)

Inspired by the cutting-edge runway fashions of Dior, this hydrating and volumizing formula dresses lips with a veil of addicting color and spectacular shine.

Price: $28

Pros:

This is a very sheer and moisturizing lip color, similar to a tinted lip balm
The color is very appropriate for work and everyday situations
Being sheer, I can swipe this on my lips without having to look at a mirror

Cons:

As mentioned, this is very, very sheer. It left almost no color on my lips.
Considering the price, I expected this lipstick to have more pigmentation
Don't expect this lipstick to last on your lips, since it has such low pigmentation
Being very soft, I went through this lipstick much faster than my other lipsticks

Would I repurchase? No. A Dior lipstick is simply too expensive to be used as a tinted lip balm. I really want something with more pigmentation.

I'm so disappointed that this turned out to be nothing more than an expensive tinted lip balm! However, several other high-end brands have similar sheer, mosturizing lipsticks which are similar to this one, such as Clinique and MAC.

Hope you enjoyed this review!

xoxo, K

Weekly Read #53: March 16, 2012

2012-03-16T17:05:00.000+09:00

Guangzhou was hot some days and cold some days. Unfortunately, I've caught a cold!

Retro Bouffant hair style, via LetsMakeItUp1(Youtube). This style may not be for everyday, but it's a great party look.
Top 10 ways to lose weight, via Makeup Geek. Wonderful tips!
The best romantic comedies, via Pioneer Woman. I watched "When Harry Met Sally" just to see what the fuss was about - and I LOVED it!
What does it mean to tip well? via Ask Metafilter. In Japan, we don't tip, so "tipping well" is a difficult concept for me.
Ponytail kimchi, via Maangchi. This looks like a delicious kimchi, with the crunchy radishes and the leaves
What should I make with my new Kitchenaid stand mixer?, via Ask Metafilter. This is one of things I plan to buy when I'm in the US!

Connect with me!
I love chatting and connecting with people, and sharing interesting stuff around the web!

Follow @cosmeddicted on Twitter
Like Cosmeddicted on Facebook
Follow Cosmeddicted on Pinterest

You can also subscribe to Cosmeddicted through the feed, email, or Bloglovin!

xoxo, K

Review: Lush Buffy Body Butter - Buff away dry skin!

2012-03-14T18:46:00.000+09:00

This is a review for the Lush Buffy Body Butter. I bought this product in London. In Japan, this product is called "恋する十字架" (Koi suru Jujika, "A Cross in Love"). Seriously, Lush Japan, could you please name your products something similar to the English names?

What it does: (from Lush.co.uk)

Ground rice, ground almonds and ground aduki beans make Buffy a triple threat to dead skin and lumpy bumpy bits. They are tough enough to polish away the dead, without being too harsh on your skin. Cocoa butter and shea butter make sure that the skin is left moisturised and dewy soft. Lavender oil is a great oil for soothing the skin and calming the mind.

Price: $11.95/3.3 oz in the U S, 5.50 GBP/90g in the UK, 1580 JPY/90g in Japan
This translates to $0.128/g in the US, $0.097/g in the UK, and $0.221/g in Japan. Due to the very strong Japanese Yen, this product is nearly 2.5 times more expensive in Japan as it is in the UK.

Scent: to me, this smells like generic soap. That is pretty rare for a Lush product.

Pros

Lush suggests you use it in the shower. This product is intended to moisturize and exfoliate your skin, conveniently at the same time in the shower.
The heat of the shower makes the cocoa & shea butter melt easily into your skin

Cons

This product seriously hurt my skin. I got red scratch marks on my skin after using this product on my arms and legs.
The cocoa/shea butter is used up faster than the exfoliating bits. As you this product, it becomes more and more gritty.

Would I repurchase? No. This must be the only Lush product I could not use up. It hurt me too much and I could not find any other way to use it.

I am so disappointed that I disliked this product so much! Oh dear, hopefully my next experience with Lush will be better!!

xoxo, K

Review: Stila Silk Shimmer Gloss in Kitten

2012-03-12T11:12:00.000+09:00

This is a review of the Stila Silk Shimmer Gloss in Kitten. This was a gift from Sheila.

What it does: (from stilacosmetics.com)

Pure shimmer and glossy delight! The silk proteins make for smooth, moisture-rich wear, while ultra-fine pearl provides high shine and maximum comfort. Vitamins A, C, and E supply antioxidant protection for the healthiest lips.

Price: $22 Wow, expensive!

Pros:

This is a very pretty lipgloss if you just want to add shimmer.
The brush applicator does not flay

Cons:

I felt that this lipgloss was drying on my lips. It is definitely not "moisture-rich" or "maximum comfort".
As you can see from the swatch, this lipgloss is not pigmented, so apply this for the shimmer
This is a very thin lipgloss. Look at the picture at the top - you can see all of the lipgloss at the bottom of the tube. Lipgloss usually sticks to the sides of the tube.

Would I repurchase? No. The color is great, but I hated the feeling of dryness on my lips

I really wish I could have loved this lipgloss, but the formula just doesn't work for me!

Hope you enjoyed this review!

xoxo, K

**cosmeddicted **

Review: Bath and Body Works Malibu Heat Body Lotion

Weekly Reads #60: May 25, 2012

Review: Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX - an easy way to pamper your skin

Project 10 Pan, Round 6

Weekly Reads #59: May 18, 2012

New York Vacation: Part 3

Up and Down #23: May 2012

New York Vacation: Part 2

Weekly Reads #58: May 10, 2012

New York Vacation: Part 1

Weekly Reads #57: May 4, 2012

Haul in New York

Review: Maybelline Volum Express One By One Mascara - what is a "Patent Lash Catcher"?

Weekly Reads #56: April 19, 2012

Review: Lush Sandstone Soap - an exfoliator in your soap

Weekly Read #55: April 6, 2012

Review: MeMeMe Lash Attack Mascara - the mascara in the zebra print tube!

Up and Down #22: April 2012

Review: L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base

Weekly Read #54: March 23, 2012

Weight Loss: Spring

Review: Dior Addict Lip Shine in Beige Casual 222

Weekly Read #53: March 16, 2012

Review: Lush Buffy Body Butter - Buff away dry skin!

Review: Stila Silk Shimmer Gloss in Kitten

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