Finally gotten around to completing this list! I managed to try out a few items during the past weeks, and I included them in this (old) list ^_^ I got this beauty meme somewhere in the Internet, but I forgot whose blog….if anyone knows, please let me know and I will credit properly.

MAKEUP

Skin Type: normal/dry
Known Sensitivities (if any): Kaolin clay – Monave used to be my top 1 favorite foundation until I found out that its kaolin clay content wreaks havoc on my skin.
Desired Coverage: Light to Medium
Top Mineral Foundations: 1. Everyday Minerals Original Glo (Winged Butter) 2. Everyday Minerals Semi Matte (Winged Butter) 3. Lauress (Pure Gold and Fresh Gold – Minimalist, Ethereal) 4. Meow (Naughty Chartreux) Former #1. Monave (Cecilia) sob!
Top Non-Mineral Foundations: 1. Shiseido Dual Balancing (OC4) 2. Kanebo Lunasol Water Cream Foundation (OC03)
Top Finishing Powders/Powder Primers: 1. Aromaleigh Ultra Resolution (Peaches and Cream) 2. J. Lynne (Golden) 2. Bare Naturals (Illumiglow – Sunshine) 4. Everyday Minerals (Sunlight)
Top Concealers/Correctors: 1. Maybelline 2. L’oreal True Match
Top Blushes: 1. Everyday Minerals (Sunday Brunch) 2. Bare Escentuals (Warmth)
Top Bronzers: 1. Bare Escentuals (Warmth)
Top Highlighters: 1. Valerie Beauty (Satin Sun) 2. Monave (Radiant) 3. Ellana Minerals (Tranquility)
Top Eye Shadows: I don’t use one.
Top Liners: I don’t use one.
Top Brow Makeup: 1. Avon (pencil in dark brown) + ELF Clear Brow Gloss
Top Lip Colors: 1. Silk Naturals (Birthday Suit) 2. Bare Naturals (Cognac Nougat, Goddess) 3. Ellana (Sensual) 4. ELF (Mocha Maniac)
Top Brushes: 1. MAC 187 2. Everyday Minerals (Long-handled kabuki) 3. Suesh (red kabuki) 4. Charm (duo fibre) 5. Suesh (Large powder brush) 6. Suesh (Foundation brush)

SKINCARE

Top Cleanser: 1. Coconut oil 2. Ivory soap bar 3. L’oreal Pure Zone 4. Venus and Mars Lulur Bar Soap
Top Exfoliator: 1. Pond’s Age Defense scrub 2. Laneige Strawberry Yogurt Peeling Gel
Top Mask: 1. Saeki-style Lotion mask!! 2. Purederm
Top Toner: 1. Apple cider vinegar (hehe) 2. Skin Hour
Top Lotion: 1. Shiseido Hadasui 2. Shiseido The Skincare softener 3. Kanebo Impress IC
Top Moisturizer: 1. Emu oil 2. Leyende Face Canvas 3. Clean and Clear
Top Sunscreen: 1. Neutrogena Waterlight UV 2. Leyende Place in the Sun 3. Neutrogena Heliplex SPF 50
Top Facial Massage Product: 1. Emu oil 2. Ilog Maria Facial Oil 3. Kanebo Lunasol Morning Wakening Massage Gel
Top Hydrosol: None
Top Eye Serum/Cream: 1. Pond’s Age Defense Dual Therapy eye cream 2. Olay Total Effects eye cream
Top Lipbalm: 1. Venus and Mars Smooch Lip Detox 2. Ilog Maria 3. Ellana Lip Treatment
Top Hand Cream: None.
Top Foot Cream: 1. Scholl 2. Zen Zest Peppermint
Top Body Lotion/Moisturizer: 1. Neutrogena Body Oil 2. Leyende No Rumple Silk Skin Butter (Norte) 3. HBC Body Recipe Body Mist (Olive)
Top Soaps/Body Wash: 1. Leyende (Smoothie Operator in Norte) 2. Leyende (Smoothie Operator in Olivas) 3. Venus and Mars Coffee Fame 4. Bare Naturals Cocktail Emu Oil Soap 5. Bare Naturals Kabuki Fairness Emu Oil Soap
Top Body Splash: 1. Leyende (Beach Bomb)

HAIRCARE

Hair Type: Long, straightened (naturally wavy), dry type
Loves: Coconut oil, Citrus scents
Top Shampoo: 1. Rejoice
Top Conditioner: 1. Rejoice 2. Sunsilk 3. Pantene Hair Fall Control
Top Detangler: None
Top Shine/Defrizz: 1. Vitress

The past months has seen me in deep depression, due to some very personal problems. Schatz and I are experiencing a very rocky period in our relationship and for the past weeks, I was just walking around in a daze. Like a zombie. Or on autopilot, no longer thinking. I have lost a lot of weight, and my body was showing signs of emotional stress.

After this hellish period, we went to church together last Sunday, talked and patched things up. Unfortunately, I learned of more things that have added more hurt and bitterness. We’re still coping — we keep on fighting over things, while trying to resolve them at the same time. It’s stupid, I know. But at least we’re trying.

Fast forward to one week after >> The past few days were a lot better, though. We’re talking more now, less bickering. We’re making a lot of plans together, like our much-awaited quality time this weekend over at my place — time to just be together as a couple and make up for lost time. Plans to book some R&R at our favorite facial care centre (yeah, I have a kikay boyfriend), movie dates, trips to our favorite game centers. We’re also talking about big plans like buying a house together, and leaving the country to work overseas.

IT’S ALL GOOD. THANK GOD.

I For You – Luna Sea

From one of the very first Japanese bands I’ve grown to love, Luna Sea. This song was introduced to me a long, long time ago by my good friend and classmate, Gevy (yeah, that GLAY addict). I love the song so much and never forgot how significant the meaning is….

ねぇ　本当は誰も　ねぇ愛せないと言われて
怖がりの　君と出逢い　やっと その意味に気づいた
傷つくため　今　二人　出逢ったなら　悲しすぎるよ
I have been told that I could not love anyone
Finally, I realized the meaning of having met you, who are afraid
If we met each other just to get hurt, then that is too sad

心から　君に伝えたい
きっとただ　本当の君の姿を　求めて
I want to tell you from my heart
That I want to know the real you

まだ不器用に笑うね　まだ悲しみが似合うから
君と出逢うためだけに　そう　生まれたなら　変えられるかな
You still smile that awkward smile of  yours
Maybe because sadness fits you better
If I was born to meet you, I wonder if I could change

心から　君に伝えたい
傷つきすぎたけど　まだ間に合うよ
I want to tell you from my heart
That even if we have been hurt very badly, we could still make it

心から　君を愛してる
君に降る痛みを　拭ってあげたい　すべて　i for you
I love you from the bottom of my heart
I want to wipe away all the pain that falls on you
Everything i for you 

心から　君に伝えたい
君の笑顔　いつも　見つめられたら
I want to tell you from my heart
If I could always look at your smiling face

心から　君を愛してる
君に降る光を　集めてあげたい　すべて　i for you
I love you from the bottom of my heart
I want to gather up the light raining upon you
Everything i for you

At the mention of fasting, I recall images of Holy Week — fasting and abstinence. I did not know that you could also do the same thing to your skin.

What is skin fasting?

According to Japanese beauty guru Saeki Chizu, skin fasting is the ultimate care for your skin. It is giving your skin time to regenerate on its own by not using cosmetics and skincare products for a whole day. She says “The skin has the ability to cleanse itself without loads of pampering, so every once in a while, help your skin recuperate by letting it be.”

If it’s Saeki-sensei, I’m all for it! But kidding aside, I think it makes sense. When I was in college, I never put anything on my face during summer vacation, when I’m always inside the house. I’ve noticed that my skin was always radiant and blemish-free.

I’ve been meaning to try this ever since I read that in her book. An additional explanation in the DS game said that if you are not going out of the house the following day (say Sunday), just cleanse your face on Saturday night and sleep without putting on anything. But for the past month (and 2 weeks), I always had to go somewhere on a Sunday so I really have to put on skincare prods the night before and never got around to “fasting my skin” until tonight.

So far, so good. I’m not feeling anything weird with my face. I’m excited to see how my skin feels like when I wake up at — oh, 3pm tomorrow

For the past two weeks, I’m up to my neck with stuff to do at work and at school. It does not look like things are improving much at the office. I still can’t go on holidays any time I want, among others. I’m seriously thinking of quitting by year-end if I can’t get a decent holiday for every remaining month of 2009. All I’m asking is a single day a month and I’d shut up. I hope the boss agrees.

At school, we’re almost at the end of this semester for my elementary 1 class. After the Nihongo Center Open House on the 3rd of Oct, the guys will be having their final exams and it’s “see you next year” time. I’m gonna miss them, they’re a really good bunch. They study hard and they do show a very keen interest in learning the language. And I love that many of them write Kana and Kanji so beautifully!! A teacher’s little joys

When that class is over, I swear I’m going to spend 30000% more effort on my review class. I can’t concentrate right now because I’m juggling a lot of things. I think I get by nicely, especially with grammar and listening (surprise, surprise). I do know I need to work on vocabulary — 勉強しなければならない語彙と漢字が山ほどありますが。。。１２月までできるかなぁ。。。

Haven’t had time for anything else except work and school. I was supposed to blog about the last Otaku Taiiki, where Japinoy.com participated in as an exhibitor. But yeah, no more time.

Today, I am not in the mood for anything or anyone but FUKUYAMA MASAHARU. A proud native of Nagasaki, Japan, Fukuyama Masaharu is a singer, songwriter, actor, radio personality, certified hottie. What else??? His series “Galileo” is one of my all-time favorite J-doramas and I am looking forward to his “Ryomaden” next year. I will REALLY watch that regularly (sorry, GACKT….couldn’t find time for Fuurin Kazan…).

If there is a stereotype of the guy you want to introduce to your parents, it’s MASHA

Fukuyama Masaharu – Saiai

Fukuyama Masaharu – KISS Shite

Lioele Beyond the Solution BB cream - one of my favorites!

“BB” as in BB cream. I’ve been reading a lot about this since late last year. Thinking it was just a fad blown out of proportion, I chose to ignore it. Then last month, I found out that the hype hasn’t died down (in fact, it has gotten bigger), so I thought there must be something to this BB cream thing that makes women buy endlessly.

But what is BB cream, anyway?

“BB” stands for ‘blemish balm’ — one of the hottest cosmetic items in Asia right now, and is making its way to Europe and the USA. The first BB cream was developed in Germany and used by dermatologists on laser surgery patients to help soothe the skin. Soon, Korean celebrities began to use the cream as a cosmetic item and thus, the BB cream craze was born in Korea. Now, many Korean companies are churning out every kind of BB cream imaginable: for oily skin, for dry skin, for highlighting, for anti-aging, for whitening, for men (hehe, really) and what not.

Popular brands include Missha, Skinfood, Lioele, L’Egere, Skin79, Dr. Jart and Etude House. There are a lot more and the choices will make you dizzy.

Is it a skincare product? Or is it makeup?

Other people consider it a part of skincare due to its healing properties, while others claim this is makeup. I consider this as a makeup item. I still take off any BB cream residue from my face before sleeping.

So what makes BB creams special?

BB creams are an all-in-one product. You can use it as a tinted moisturizer, a sunscreen, a makeup primer or foundation. That is one if its main selling points. Many women like to shorten their primp time and find that a BB cream is a great product to moisturize and protect skin, conceal flaws and even out the skintone. Also, many users have reported positive changes in their skin after using BB creams consistently.

 The catch?

Like other cosmetic products, BB creams may not be for everyone. Most BB creams have an extensively long list of ingredients. Many have stuff like parabens and mineral oil. While one may not experience any negative reaction, it may not be the same for another person. In short, a ‘blemish balm’ cream may help cure your blemishes OR give you blemishes. Like mineral makeup, it’s a hit-or-miss with BB creams.

Also, most BB creams come in limited shades — mostly greyish or pinkish. While companies claim that their BB creams will adapt to your skintone, this is not always the case. Many dark-skinned or yellow-toned individuals might find it hard to get a good color match. A lot of BB creams will turn you into a yucky Inferius!! (OK, if you didn’t read the Potter books, try “zombie”)

Do I recommend it?

She kinda reminds me of Hirosue Ryoko ^_^

I do, but not “strongly recommend”, haha. I use BB creams, though I am pretty new at it. I am still at the sampling stage, but I have already found one that works for me.  One gave me rashes while the rest were just OK. I have my Inferius moments with BB creams but I have my Shiseido and Kanebo liquid foundations to remedy that. I’m still getting samples to try out other brands and variants — because like mineral makeup, once you get into it, it’s too difficult to stop

And…you won’t know if it’s good for you unless you try, right?

What’s next?

In the next weeks, I’m going to review the different brands of BB creams I’ve tried, and hopefully, gals with the same skin condition as mine will find that helpful in their quest for the next HG (holy grail!) product

MJ sent me this Youtube link during one of our late night YM okray sessions. SHEEEEET, BIOMAN!

The song is just perfect, and Miyauchi-san has even changed “sor-jaa” to “soldier”, haha. I miss the 80s…I miss being a kid. Bioman &  Miyauchi-san still rock!

And this one, this got my eyes a bit misty. Haha, miss ko na sila talaga. Red One, I *crush* youuuu!

Chizu Saeki's very first book in English

Oh yeah, I have it!!! We picked up this book from National Bookstore Glorietta on Sunday. I placed a special order since they don’t have any in stock. Waiting time for such orders is usually 3-4 weeks, and I did get mine after 3 weeks flat. Really, really good customer service for National Bookstore: two thumbs up! b^_^d Before National, I went to Fully Booked but I was told that they can get the book for me, but cannot commit to the time. It might even take as long as 3 months. Huh? I didn’t quite understand their policy but I don’t care. National has never failed me with special orders, anyway, so no point in going to other bookstores. Hehe. I’ve ordered from them several times in the past, like for my Living Language German pack, a German dictionary and that programming book that is not being sold here. I just want other people to know how good the service is at National, hehe.

So anyway. The book. While I was waiting for it, I was already using my DS software version of this so I kinda knew 90% of the book. I did enjoy reading through it (yup, I’ve finished reading) and was pleased to learn the ENGLISH equivalents of all those confusing terms used in the software. Haha.

I like how the book was structured. In the introductory part, Saeki-san explains the principle of the Saeki-style of skincare. I especially liked 2 of her tenets:

1. Take in beauty in all its forms
2. Book time for yourself, not beauty salons

After that, Saeki lists the basic tools and cosmetic/skincare items one needs then introduces basic skincare and massage. After each chapter, there is a short ‘column’ about different topics in skincare like sun care and skin fasting — all of which are included in the software. Haha.

All in all, I loved the book and I think this will be a very handy reference for anyone who wants to seriously care for his/her skin the right way. It’s chock full of eye-opening thoughts and practical intructions that you can easily apply in your daily regimen (with dedication, of course). I missed the model (Ton-chan!!) in the software, though

Saeki-san demonstrating the facial 'hot care'

Still, I prefer the DS software Nintendo should be paying me already!! Anyway, the software has a lot more content; for one, there are lots of videos! More articles, as well. And because the DS is interactive, your daily skincare menu will change according to the condition of your skin, which you will have to input once in the morning and another at night. Cool, huh? I am now on the 28-day cycle menu (according to Saeki-san, the skin has a shedding cycle of 28 days). I already skipped some days, but Saeki-san is nice — she doesn’t nag

So if you understand Japanese and want to get Japanese-like skin, by all means, get this software! But if you’d rather have the book, or cannot read Japanese, the book is also a great buy.

For Philippine buyers, this is not available locally. Please place a special order with National Bookstore (and not any other bookstore, ok?) — just make sure you give the correct ISBN and title.

I haven’t been making nice bentos lately. Actually, I don’t even make ugly bentos! Since I started with my review class, I hardly have any time for cooking so I usually just grab something from the nearby eatery to eat at my desk while working. When at home, I eat at the little canteen at the first floor of the condo building.

I was browsing through the entries in Google Reader, and found THIS:

Harry Potter bento by Veganf

How crazy cool is that?? The details, the colors, the balance of nutrients…everything is perfect! And look at that Hufflepuff crest. Just…WOW. I can only wish for half of her bento skills

For a larger picture and to read the blog entry, please visit Veganf’s website Disposable Aardvarks Inc.