Black Lace Boudoir Shoot

Sorry for the lack of posts all month. Lots of things happened but it took a while to get the photos ^^;
I have not edited the photos at all, though the photographer did adjust light and coloring.  So basically this is what the photographer gave me. On my instagram there are a few I edited if you are interested (minor edits)

 These were taken on the 27th of May, sort of like a birthday treat to myself as Neco had been looking for somebody to take a boudoir shoot with and she knew the photographer who was extremely polite.

I did run late so I got fewer shots though that is my own fault. I would be interested in working with this photographer again as he made me feel comfortable even when giving directions on how to look better.

Kawaii International Kawaii Reporter!

Hello readers!  The secret mentioned before is now on air!

You can watch the episode we are in live on the NHK website episode #61 at [UTC] May 5 (Fri.) 0:30/6:30/13:30/18:30 or as Video on Demand for up to two weeks after broadcast date.

Xiao Lu, Neco, Me

After swapping!
DORO, Shiyo, me, Neco, Xiao Lu

We actually made that eye patch on a whim out of random stuff at my house (felt, rose pins, ribbon) because Xiao Lu's contact was bothering her eye and had to take it out.  I think it looks awesome.

Big thanks to Kawaii International for asking me to be a Kawaii Reporter and to my coworker and friend, Kenny of Images by Kenny, for filming for us!

We had a lot of fun that day and plan to do another style swap just on our own for fun.  I want to try Chinese-style Lolita XD  Or even just Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing)!

If you watched this episode, please let me know your thoughts!!!!!   I am still so anxious about it and how it'll be received as I've just watched the first broadcast and it's very short but seems OK?

Edit:

Full video available on my Google Drive here

At Crystal Symphony

On Saturday there was another Lolita Market!  This one was more professional and aimed specifically at Lolitas, though yukata and kimonos were allowed, so the entire setup seemed more fancy.  I split a vendor's table with Doro, and then Doro helped Laina sell some things and I helped Kamiko sell some things.  So basically, 1 table 4 types haha!

My half of the vendor booth

May of the other vendors were very professional, had their own brand labels, brought mannequins, heads for wigs and bonnets, etc.  Doro and I just spread everything out and smiled brightly at everybody haha!  Of course, my little helper did a live broadcast on her facebook fan page if you are interested.  You can't really see anything, as it was seriously crowded, but you can spot many very gorgeous ladies and maybe even some brolitas around.

Blue and Gold Mermaid Treasure Makeup

Since I woke up really early on the day of the "treasure" themed meetup, I decided to film my cosmetics process again!!  Watching the footage, I spend a lot of time thinking and testing colors haha.  The final edit is so short compared to how much raw footage I had!

Anyway, it's a simple look so here is the video tutorial (Both Chinese and English)


English version:



Chinese version:

The True Treasure in Friendship

Hello my lovely readers! Sorry for such a cheesy title but our theme for this month was "treasure" so we all wore dresses with treasure chests on them.

Pondering the greatest treasure of all....
Dreads, KC ribbon, JSK, underskirt wrist stops: handmade by me
Veil: Metamorphose temps de la fille
Top: Little Dipper
Petticoats: Classical Puppets
Bag: Swimmer Japan

Mine is a small print so you can't see it in photos, but it was this mermaid print JSK I made years ago.  We also tried taking "lookaway" selfies which is where you intentionally look away from the camera as you snap the photo.  In my opinion, I just look like I don't want to be there haha!

The "lookaway"

 We met at Laina's cousin's shop.  It was difficult to find but had such cute cakes!

Such cute desserts!!

I ordered the little cactus one purely because it's cute and comes in a beaker

Daily-Style Cyber Kawaii Makeup Video EN and CH

Recently I went out with  my mom and decided to film the makeup as I did it!  Really, I just made it up as I went along so I had to edit out so many pauses.

The color combination turned out really prettily in my opinion, so I'm pleased with it!
English Version:


Chinese Version:


Sadly it seems my camera angle tilted back a little bit so I'm almost off-screen during the talking portions, but I think that the tutorials are still understandable.  I also showed more of the application process this time around!

Anyway, I'm having fun exploring different styles and practicing makeup and video editing. I know the editor I use has far more functions than I am using, but I am still learning how to do just some basic things.

Thank you for reading or watching my videos!  I'd appreciate any feedback.  I also don't have lighting, but I hope it is bright enough to see clearly.  Since I don't plan to be a "YouTuber" I'm not going to invest money in equipment or anything, but just try to do my best with what I do have.  Next time I may change my filming location to see if the lighting gets any better!

Skincare Review~ The Ordinary by DECIEM

I recently ran out of my old skincare products and decided to give the currently hyped-up brand The Ordinary a try. I purchased four products after scouring the site for hours, as they don't use a ton of  filler ingredients so everything sounds rather scientific.  I suggest you read up on everything before deciding which products to buy.

On the other hand, you can simply follow their Example Regimens to save yourself the hassle!

The first product in my new skincare routine is the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 which supports hydration and repair.

Photo from website

I'd previously read that hyaluronic acid only provides temporary surface hydration by pulling water FROM your skin rather than from the air TO your skin, leaving your skin feeling temporarily hydrated but ultimately dryer than ever. As it turns out, this is because there are different forms the molecule.  Molecules which are too large sit on the surface of the skin, drawing water OUT if there is not enough moisture in the air.  Using too much straight HA can also have this effect as it can take 1000 times its weight in water, so using too much will result in the moisture of your skin being pulled out.
According to The Ordinary, "This formulation combines low-, medium- and high-molecular weight HA, as well as a next-generation HA crosspolymer at a combined concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration in an oil-free formula. This system is supported with the addition of Vitamin B5 which also enhances surface hydration. "

This means that after applying this formulation, it's best to add a moisturizer on top so the HA sucks the moisturizer you've applied deep into your skin to provide true hydration.  I use four drops each in the morning and evening.  The water-based formula is absorbed quickly and feels really good on the skin!

Next I use something which is new to me: Advanced Retinoid 2%.  I've not used retinoids, retinols, or retonic acids before.

Photo from website

This is a water-based formula so I apply it before oils.  I think it would be best to ease into using any form of retinoid, and the website cautions "Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Sun protection is particularly important when using retinoids. This product must not be used in conjunction with other retinoids including retinol or retinoic acid. This product is not a treatment for acne. Acne-prone skin may experience a temporary increase in acne during the first few weeks of using any form of retinoid including those used in this formulation."

I started out using four drops but found that my skin was not yet used to this and became a bit red and uncomfortable, so I reduced it to two drops in the evening.  Some deep-seated acne I'd had for months finally emerged and I was able to extract them about two to three days after starting this new treatment, even though it says it is not an acne treatment (I do not have acne-prone skin)

This product claims to treat textural irregularities and signs of age which are both things I'd like to see improvement on!!  This also absorbs quickly and easily.  It is a milky color compared to all the others, which are clear.

The third item I bought was Ascorbyl Ttraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F.  Basically, a Vitamin C serum, which is common in the skincare industry to treat uneven skin tone.

Photo from website

Because Vitamin C has so many forms and derivatives, The Ordinary provides a chart to help you understand the differences.  I chose this light oil formula for its high potency and low stinging sensation.  In fact, I feel no stinging sensation at all when I used this.  Being a light oil, it glides on very smoothly, but feels almost a bit grainy, thought there are no actual granules to be found, so I'm not sure what that is about??  After a few seconds of massaging in the oil, it is absorbed and the sensation disappears.

This product is intended to treat dullness, uneven tone, and signs of age.  I definitely have some uneven skin tone so I hope this will help!

Finally, I wanted an overall hydrator.  I do have dry patches of skin and I also wanted to maximize the effect of the Hyaluronic Acid product I'd purchased by giving it a moisturizer to draw into deeper layers of skin.

Not understanding much about the hydrators, I went for a pure 100% Plant-Derived Squalane.

Photo from website

The majority of the hydrators are oils, so I went with this one, which can be used on both the skin and the hair if your hair suffers from breakage easily.  The only purpose of this product is hydration and I think it does a wonderful job!  When I apply this in the morning, my skin feels hydrated and soft for the entire day.  I have to remind myself not to keep touching my face because this is the first time something has worked so well for me!

Apply this after water-based treatments and then gently massage it in.  I find that it stays emollient enough do to some facial massage for a minute or two, which feels really good!  

Overall, I'm extremely pleased with all my purchases.  I got free shipping because I spent over US$45, yet each of these products (30ml) have very affordable price tags!  

DECIEM, the mother company, has many lines of products and you can also buy from multiple lines and get them shipped together rather than paying for shipping separately.  You can also return your items for a refund up to one year after purchase!!!  I think you'd use up your products by then!

I placed my order on Feb. 7 and it was shipped on Feb. 21, You can track your order with the provided tracking number, and my order arrived on Feb. 27.

After using this regimen for a month, the biggest difference I've noticed is in hydration.  I definitely plan to repurchase when I run out, and have my eyes on the Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG for the eye area as well as one of the two hydrator formulas which also work as makeup primers.  It's a two-for-one; who can resist?

Have you heard of or tried any DECIEM brands or The Ordinary?  If so, please share in the comments!!  I'd like to know about how other products compare or how the same product performs for other people!

Strawberry VS Cherry! Fight!

It's time for Spring Reservations and BABY, THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT and Angelic Pretty have put out their strawberry and cherry prints, respectively.

I was extra intrigued by Creamy Cherry by Angelic Pretty since cherries are not normally served with whipped cream.  At first glance it seems a normal cherry print, but there are small dollops of cream dotted through the entire dress (most noticeable on the dark blue dress) which puts me off.  The idea of cream ribbons around the border was really cute, though, and I'd love to see that on a real cake!

I DO love the rings that come with this release!!  The tails appear to be soft, similar to pom-poms.

BABY, THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT hasn't done too shabby either, with their Strawberry's Heart Drops (not to be confused with Strawberry Drops, which is a solid design)

My favorite detail on this JSK is the strawberry printed ruffles going up the sides and into the straps!!  The mix of strawberries and cherries is pretty standard for BABY and something I really do love.

Another notable detail is the strawberry lace on the hair combs!!!  Small details like this will likely only be noticed by other Lolitas, but they just make my heart flutter~

I haven't the money for either of these reservations so I can only post photos on my blog to share with my readers.  

Which is your favorite? Or do you prefer a different fruit print?  Let me know in the comments!  I'd love to hear differing opinions.

Rapunzel's Lookbook~ Heatless Waves

I love adding texture to my super straight hair, but don't like using heat stylers.  I also have rather long hair (which I recently cut, as mentioned in my previous post) so in these photos my hair is over 60cm long!

Many curl patterns don't work on such lengths of hair, but here is one I've been using since grade school that has always worked well for me and is easily adjustable to all lengths of hair and a wide variety of looks!

Today I opted for looser waves

 Materials:
*hair binders

Sneak Peek

Yesterday was a very exhausting but exciting day working on a secret project.
It will be two months before the reveal, but for now, let's talk about some superficial things!  I cut off 26cm of my hair by myself on a whim a couple days ago. (I did take a photo, but I know that freaks some people out so I won't post it)

The next day I installed my first full head of candy-colored synthetic dreadlock extensions!  Previously I'd done a half-head of wool dreadlocks, but it's difficult to keep loose and dreaded hair apart.

Though it's not a perfect installation, I really like the look.

I met up with some friends to take photos at 林家花園/Lin Family Mansion and Garden, a historical location that is popular with tourists.  If you get the chance, make sure to give it a visit!  Half of it is under upkeep (it is seriously so old and fragile) until July, though.  There are guided tours every half hour or so.  There are also scheduled activities and performances so check out the schedule online before you choose the day to visit!

There are so many great locations for photos there, but do be very careful as the railings are very fragile (don't lead or sit on them) and make sure to read and understand the rules carefully.  Otherwise, this is a great, traditional-looking historic location for a taste of "the old days" that is very easily accessible by many different bus routes!

Look at that quaint little bridge!

There was actually a couple taking engagement photos there while we were there ^u^v  I'm sure they got some great shots!

Ducks also live in that pond.  They're so cute when they waddle about!

Side Note: Try to wear street/gym shoes as the floors are make of stone and tile and very uneven due to wear and tear.  Of course, absolutely all of us wore heels because Lolitas gotta Lolita.  Just step carefully!

This was my second visit here as the location I live now is so close!  I can take a 10-minute bus ride to visit here.  Once the renovations are completed, I'd like to come see it in its full glory!

Hope you're all having a great weekend!

What's your favorite local historic place?  It could be anything from a simple fountain to a whole castle, as I've heard Europe has!  I love to hear about the thought and symbolism people used to put into the architecture, from what each number of steps mean to why certain materials are used.