Beauty Review - Black Paint Chamomile

This rare find was something that I picked up back when I was in Kyoto, strolling along one of the more cultural places in the area. Arashiyama is filled with a ton of good eats, temples in a large area as well as the recognizable Bamboo Forest. Arashiyama has a ton of great small eats that is the perfect to pick up and go as you stroll through the temples or on a Ninja wagon ride. 

Finishing up with a lot of the cultural explorations always include some kind of shopping. Located along the famous shopping district in Aarashiyama, one store that definitely stood out from the rest is the Black Paint store. With a ton of black paint on the outside to sample, being lured in with the great products was one thing that I could not hold back from.

Black paint is known to help the pores and promote clear skin for many. This organic black paint was originated in Kyoto made from a charcoal that works magic into the skin, whether it is the body or face. Made from different plants and essential oils, it is one of the well-recognized products in Japan, making it's way world-wide. 

For those with sensitive skin like myself, going for the true black paint from Kyoto may not be the best product. With my very minimal Japanese knowledge and the representative's little knowledge of English, we definitely were able to make it work by knowing that the product recommended was the Chamomile face wash for the skin. With a great fragrance and light touch to the skin, it is definitely one of the better face washes I've had. The product does not bubble as much as other face washes, so it might not feel like a complete clean. Nonetheless, it is something that is recommended to try, especially for anyone who can tolerate the true black paint face wash.

The Black Paint company also carries other products to promote good health, including water that is monitored for the minerals that is extremely refreshing. This is one store that everyone who looks for great, natural products should look into.

Life in Korea - Makeup Madness

The one thing I cannot stress enough of after living in Korea is the importance of beauty. I don't think many of the country understand how big of an issue beauty is in Korea. "In order" to be qualified for a job, many Koreans get plastic surgery and the most popular are the double eyelid and nose surgery. When applying for a job in Korea, a photo must be attached on the resume. That is how much they stress the importance of beauty. So where does that leave the rest of the world?

Many girls are always chasing the trend and always looking fashionable, wherever they go, no matter how cold it is outside. You can find girls in skirts, stockings, and heels on a cold winter snowy day. In addition to the dress code, makeup is a must. The concentrated area of makeup is the eyes and you can see that most Korean girls have eyelash extensions which is false individual lashes glued to your lash line to achieve a look of fuller and longer lashes. It definitely comes in handy when you are on a rush out of the door and saves on your daily makeup. 

In addition to having eyelash extensions, circle lenses is a big hit in Korea. Circle lenses are contact lenses which is an upgrade from color lenses from when I was in high school. Circle lenses are used by many Asian girls in order to have bigger, cuter, dolly eyes. In Korea, there are many different color, designs, and sizes for such contact lenses. I cannot deny the fact that I've been living in Korea so long that I've been using them daily as well. After moving back to America though, I have not thrown on a pair since I've landed. Still, it is something that is attractive every now and then for a night out, but it does put a bit of strain on the eyes. Although it is not recommended to be worn for more than six hours because of the size of the contact, many girls in Korea do it anyway. 

Makeup is also a big thing in Korea and there are hundreds of makeup stores in Korea. In fact, you can find two of the same store on one block. Makeup is that important in Korea! With so many choices and so many more stores that are still popping up, the makeup industry is continuing to grow. Cosmetics and beauty is not only important to women, but men in Korea as well. In fact, men sometimes spend more time getting ready than women. That explains their clear skin and why they are so fashionable here as well. 

Looking cute and fresh at all times is extremely important to Koreans. For this very reason, you will find mirrors everywhere in Korea. Train stations, elevators, hallways, and you will always find someone looking at themselves in the mirror. Guys usually fix their hair or check their outfit and girls are usually making sure their makeup is on point. When I say on point, I mean they will pull out a mirror in a coffee shop, restaurant, and on the train. It is not always a small pocket-sized mirror either. You will find girls with mirrors that they would use in the house. There is no shame in using a mirror that big or fixing your makeup in public.

For many, the extent of plastic surgery is considered necessary. In fact, with the Korean culture, many parents "gift" their daughters some kind of aesthetic purpose. I find it to be a shame when students as young as elementary schoolers are already talking the corrections that need to be done to their very own faces.

The culture does worry me from time to time, I know for sure since I have lived in Korea, there has been small changes that I have made to my daily makeup routine. My family has noticed the difference and labeled me as being "more Korean." There is no harm in that, but being aware and knowing how far it goes is extremely important for anyone living in Korea! Just be sure to look your best at all times because you will be judged. Luckily, Korea is a very fashionable place, accepting all sorts of styles which allows you to be as creative and unique as possible. 

My Current Obsession - Innisfree Eco Science Wrinkle Spot Essence Pro

One product that is a must rave is the Innisfree Eco Science Wrinkle Spot Essence (Pro with a vibrating head) for problematic wrinkles that are difficult to target. It is perfect for the eye area with circular motion to prevent wrinkles as well as decrease fine lines. Innisfree incorporates anti-wrinkle products into their cream and tops it off with a head that allows for extra vibration signals to concentrate on those problem areas. It is the perfect compliment of product and the mechanics to enhance beauty attributes for women of all ages. It is a kick starter to prevent wrinkles, yet also helps to reduce the fine lines that have developed over time.

For anyone who is busy on the go and wish for something that helps to reduce the time spent on wrinkles and such, the gentle vibrations cut the amount of time spent on caring for your problem areas. The micro vibrations are gentle on the skin and the smooth metal surface helps to glide the cream onto the skin without tugging too hard to cause even more wrinkles. This can definitely happen with those who are pulling on the skin too hard which causes problems rather than fixing any. 

If you are on a budget and trying to get more bang for your buck, definitely go with the regular spot essence. It is the same exact solution minus the metal vibrating head. In order to maximize the use of the vibrating head for it's price which is priced the same as the regular eco science wrinkle spot essence in most places, you can simply refill the pro with the cream and extend the value of your dollar that much more. The smooth metal head is extremely gentle on the skin and will make you want to circle around the problem areas that much more. Be sure to use it on a clean face to reduce the number of bacteria build up. This is definitely one product that is to rave about and a genius idea for anyone who is just in need of time or is just that lazy!

Product Review - Tony Moly Intense Care Snail Foam Cleanser

The Tony Moly Intense Care Snail Foam Cleanser is a product that I have been purchasing for family back in America, but I have yet to try it myself. I finally picked up a bottle for myself because of the constant rave I have gotten. For starters, I thought the foam cleanser would be extremely dry to the skin because of how it comes out of the bottle. To my surprise, it actually is not. It's a pretty amazing product that I have been using for over a month now and I do see the difference in my skin. This product is extremely gentle for those with sensitive skin and is one of the best sellers from Tony Moly. I now understand why. Over time, it has actually helped with my psoriasis, working with it rather than against it as many products do. My skin has gradually became smoother as well as a bit lighter for the acne scars on the skin.

As ironic as it is, although it is made from snail, it has a pretty good smell. It is definitely my go to in the morning and at night. In Korea, you can simply purchase this product for $15 and it is a definite stack up before I go back to the states. Not only is there a large quantity for its price, but it actually works well for all skin types. This will probably continue to be the go to product of gifts. The only thing is it doesn't stand up to its name as a "foam cleanser." Still, no complaints there!

Product Review - Missha Creamy Matte Lip Rouge

Missha's Creamy Matte Lip Rouge in PK03, a pink that I have been dying to get for a while now for the very reason that is light on the skin. The matte color works extremely well with my lip except the fact that there is not enough moisture in the lipstick. There are a handful of other lipsticks that Missha and Innisfree carries that are not as dry as this one. Because of the dry feeling, the lip color does not glide on perfectly.

I would probably not buy the Creamy Matte Lip Rouge again because the line is dry. It would be best if the color blended well, especially with lip balm underneath. Although the color is amazing, the lipstick itself tends to fall apart too easily for my liking meaning I would probably not recommend this line from Missha.

My Current Obession - It's Skin Mangowhite Peeling Gel

One of the best sellers at It's Skin, a popular beauty brand in Korea is the Mangowhite Peeling Gel. The product is recommended for all skin types that helps to remove dead skin by simply massaging the Mangowhite Peeling Gel into the skin for a minute or two. With immediate results and a great scent, it is recommended for anyone with sensitive skin and or problematic skin like myself. 

On clean skin, take a quarter size of the product and massage it into your skin in circular motion. You'll notice white clumps of dead skin that will form which is a bit disturbing the first time around, but you'll get used to it! Use the product one to two times a week to prevent oily skin. For an extremely cheap product priced at $7, it is a definite recommendation for all. I use this product once a week in addition to my Clarasonic Plus machine daily!


The smell of the product is amazing and it works extremely well, pulling off all of the dead skin. THe only problem is that the product may be a little too strong for those with oily and sensitive skin. It does make your skin a lot more oily which can be problematic for those with acne problems. Nonetheless, it is a product that I would buy again because it can be used on other parts of the body to remove dead skin.

Product Review - Innisfree Olive Real Cleansing Foam

My passion for the Innisfree olive skincare line has definitely grown. Because olive is gentle and great for those with sensitive skin, starting with and cleansing the skin with the Olive Real Cleansing Foam is a definite recommendation. It helps to clean away dirt and makeup, leaving the skin soft and moisturized. Although it is labeled as a foam product, it is actually milky in texture and great for helping to promote clear skin. The best part is probably the option of getting a big size for a small prize. Innisfree is definitely a winner for this one. 

Product Review - Missha Facial Choco Cacao Scrub

Chocolate is known to be an anti-aging product that helps to remove dead skin cells and enhance beauty. Missha Facial Choco Cacao Scrub incorporates 15% of edible chocolate from Brazil in their scrub which takes it to the next level for chocolate lovers. An amazing smell and a product that works to remove dead skin cells is at the top of the list to enhance the skin and prevent aging. Simply use on a clean face, massage onto the skin for two to three minutes and wash off with lukewarm water. For those who do not have sensitive skin, you can use it as a mask by applying a thin layer and washing of after five minutes. The sugary beads help to remove the layer of dead skin which is still gentle.

My Current Obsession - Innisfree Camellia Shine Hair Essence

Anyone who knows me knows that I still have very long, virgin hair. The reason for that is because I am looking to donate my hair, but I am so obsessed with taking care of my hair that I did a mini blog on Hair 101 and how to prevent split ends when I first started the blog. For the most part, I really care for my hair and have minimal heat damage as well as minimal combing. 

I recently found a product that I have been obsessed with because it promotes healthy hair. The Innisfree Camellia Shine Hair Essence is one of the best sellers in Korea for hair care. It is enriched with camellia oil from Jeju island. It's for all hair types and promotes a healthy shine which can be used daily. Simple run the product through your hair (I suggest running it through your ends only if you are on a budget). After doing so, you can simply pair with your regular products. Because I do not use any, I just use this as a nutrient to keep my hair healthy.

Like many other products that claim to help keep the hair healthy, the Innisfree Camellia Shine Hair Essence is one product that actually works. It keeps my hair healthy and reduces the number of split ends. Although it claims to provide the hair with some kind of shine, there isn't great shine behind the product, but it works in maintaining. For those who do not have the time to care for your hair by conditioning and using olive oil to soak the hair, this would be a great product thats quick and easy to use. 

Beauty Pick Me Up - Skin Food Egg White Pore Mask

The Skin Food Egg White Pore Mask is loaded with albumin that consists of amino acids which is actually recommended for those with sensitive skin. It is a product that helps to close the pores of your skin and promote elasticity while retaining moisture. Being one of the best selling mask products at Skin Food, it was a definite pick me up to hopefully help promote clearer skin. On a fresh clean face, pack on a thick amount all over the face, avoiding the mouth and eye areas. After ten to fifteen minutes, simply wash off with lukewarm water. For those with extra sensitive skin, removing it within ten minutes is recommended. Even within ten minutes, those with sensitive skin may feel irritated and a red color which will diminish over time. After a few uses, the skin will adapt to the product and will not be as red as initial use. Within the first few uses, after washing off, a brighter skin is immediately visible. With use over time, the skin actually tightens. Be sure to use it at least three times a week, especially during the summer time to balance the sweat and oil retained on the skin from the hot weather. 

Bottoms Up - VB Cafe

VB Cafe, a healthy cafe in Sinsa-dong of the Garosugil street is the one place to go to for a drink and healthy eats without feeling guilty of a splurge. VB is a cafe on the first floor and a diet lab on the second floor, offering products and services for guests. 

In the VB Cafe, the drinks are all made of healthy ingredients, with the most popular being red ginseng. It is extremely strong and overpowering taste if you are not a fan of ginseng, I do not suggest going for it. The VB fruitade is a suggested drink that is recommended for anyone looking for a cool refreshing drink. 

The best part is the healthy desserts VB Cafe offers which include a strawberry roll cake and a green tea soy cake. Made of all healthy ingredients and even vegan, VB Cafe is the one place to go to for anyone on a strict diet or looking to maintain beauty.

Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station on line 3, take a left when you reach Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Go straight along the famous Garosu-gil shopping street until you reach the corner where VB cafe is on the left.

Phone Number: 080-023-5454

Pamper Me Pretty - Hair Threading

Threading is a popular technique used to remove hair from the face as well as other parts of the body, all parts of the body in fact. It is a method of tweezing hairs in many Arabic, Chinese, Indian, and Persian countries by using thread. This allows for quick hair removal compared to tweezing, but a cheaper method than waxing. 

Everyone has hairs on their face, but it is a matter of it being dark or light. Most women of the Asian cultures engage in threading in order to achieve a more lighter complexion in the skin. The most popular threading areas are the eyebrows and lip. Many others thread the entire face which includes the forehead, chin, cheeks, eye area, nose, ears, and so on. You can also thread the other parts of your body, which include the arms, legs, back. 

The process may sound a little painful to pluck off hairs with the use of thread, but it is just like waxing. It is a painful, tedious process (well a little more tedious than waxing the first time), but it is something that must be done and gets easier over time. You grow used to the feeling of the hairs being pulled. There is a certain technique to each part of the face that you are threading. You may need to pull at some areas to ensure a cleaner thread, but the person threading your skin will show you what to do. 

It is a more natural method and recommended for those who are allergic to different waxing products. In addition, the redness from threading is usually a lot less than that of waxing because of the burning wax that is applied to your skin. Some salons may thread immediately without the application of a baby powder, but others may use a baby powder in order to see where they have threaded already. 

The hairs on your face is then threaded line by line. The most painful areas are the lips and around the eyes because it is extremely sensitive and where the skin tugs at the most. It is important to stay relaxed and try not to flinch during the process because you do not want the specialist to pull of a chunk of hair that is not meant to be pulled off. 

Like plucking and waxing, hair stays off for the same amount of time so this varies from person to person. Each spa and salon has their own way of practice which may be sitting in a chair or laying on a bed, but is something to experience at least once in your life. Eyebrows would be my personal suggestion for someone who's doing it for the first time. Only because you probably have a habit of plucking or waxing your eyebrows already anyway so the pain is more endurable. Another area that is the least painful is the forehead, but if you don't plan on keeping that up, there is no need to thread the forehead area.

My Current Obsession - Banila Co Prime Primer Mattifying Balm

One of the best sellers at Banila Co. is the Primer of Mattifying Balms. With a handful of different primers that the company is known for, the Banila Co Prime Primer is one of the most popular makeup primers in Korea and a well known one, winning an award every year. Developed from their famous bottled-liquid primer line, the balm version helps to maintain hydration in the skin and provide a more even pore base for foundation. I have to grown to love the product because it provides a great makeup base and does help to smooth out the face, much like the Tony Moly Egg Pore product, but this is in fact a great two in one! I just cant get enough of the product and so glad I have it with me on this trip!

Story of My Life - Taiwan Travels

Taiwan has been nothing but amazing for me. My one week trip, which should have been so much longer, was just a week of eating and adventures with a group of close friends. Okay, maybe I stretched the truth a little, it was more eating than anything else! I mean you can't blame me because the food was just so good. From the Taiwan delicatessens to the random street finds, I think I spent 80% of my time eating. Even at all of the tourist locations, there were so much good eats that we would walk a few steps, grab a new goodie and munch our way down the rest of the street. I would've put on a lot more weight had I not walked everywhere instead of taking a cab, but I'm glad I was able to eat everything on my list of foods.

The number one thing for me was definitely bubble tea. Where can you find bubble tea in America for a dollar? The price of bubble tea in Korea is so much more expensive, but the problem is the authentic taste. I think I had at least two or three cups of bubble tea everyday which is probably a bad one week diet, but I just had to get in as much as I could before the week was over. Thank god I am going back to America soon to my favorite bubble tea store. In addition to the amazing bubble tea, fresh soy bean milk is a must. It is the perfect breakfast drink to have with a hot steam bun or even the rice porridge (congee and youtiao, a fried dough). There is of course the regular mill tea and coffee (it is pretty difficult to find a coffee shop in Taiwan, but they're there). If you're looking for a Taiwan drink that is special to their culture, try the almond milk. You can find a few stores around tourist areas that ground up a fresh cup of almond milk.

In regards to food, there is just too much to talk about! Starting with breakfast, there are so many types of steamed buns to have. These buns are made with a white dough and stuffed inside with all types of flavors. Sweet buns like my all time favorite sesame and red bean, vegetable buns, plain buns, meat buns, and a mix of flavors is one breakfast favorite that costs less than a dollar! There are also a handful of pastries and breads to have for breakfast. Bakeries are everywhere in Taiwan like they are in Korea, but you'll find a lot more different kinds of bread and creations because there are less chains in Taiwan.

If you're not a breakfast person, you can wait for dimsum which is a collaboration of breakfast and lunch tea time that I suggest going with a big group of people. The reason for this is that you want to sample all different kinds of foods. The suggest and number one restaurant in Taiwan is Din Tai Fung which can be found in Korea as well, but going to the one in Taiwan is the number one tourist and local thing to do. There are a handful of chains around town, be sure to make reservations so you can skip the long wait. Although there are no reservations on the weekends, we definitely got lucky and got a table within 10 minutes without the need to share our table with others like they do in Chinatown.

For main entrees whether for lunch or dinner, Taiwan is known for their beef noodle soup. Beef is a very big dish in Taiwan and it is pretty much delicious at every place! Another is their egg noodle soup which is noodles topped with an egg and a signature sauce. Of course every restaurant differs, but it is worth trying because the noodle is freshly made. Another must have, which is my all time favorite is the minced pork over rice. Marinates diced pork meat with some vegetables mixed in is topped in a bowl of rice that is too amazing to pass.

Now you can also get full the way I did everyday without having to sit down at a restaurant by eating all types of street food. You'll be surprised at what you'll find in town! A few of my recommended street foods are the Ro Yuan (a mochi dumpling that is filled with meat and topped with an amazing sauce), Coffin Bread (bread that is stuffed in the center), Gua Bao (a plain steamed bun topped with Taiwanese kimchi, pork meat and a sweet powder mix, flattened fried chicken (literally a whole chicken that is flattened, battered, and fried), Chinese sausage on a stick (a lot sweeter than American and Korean sausages).

For those who are more ballsy and are willing to try the weird foods of Taiwan, stinky tofu, pig intestine, duck blood (I prefer this over pigs blood because its a lot more smoother), ostrich skewers, and all the other random stuff you'll find. I'm sure this is not my complete list of weird foods in Taiwan, but you'll be surprised at what you'll actually enjoy without knowing what it is. Knowing what I was consuming, it tastes a lot better than I imagined. My motto is you only live once, when is the next time you can try a delicatessen, who can actually say they were able to eat all these weird foods? Don't limit yourself!

My all time favorite now, sweet dishes! Everyone knows I'm all about snacks and sweets. I am the one crazy girl to go shopping with my local Taiwanese friends and fill up two carts of junk food to bring home! The number one sweet dish in Taiwan is the shaved ice which can be topped with almost anything you desire. Another favorite is the sweet soup (usually hot) which is made with a variety of beans but usually red bean and filled with all kinds of sweet goodies. My one favorite is this tapioca-Mochi like dish. Be sure to also have the variety of Mochi, Dduk filled cakes that Taiwan offers. You'll find both sweet and salty flavors. There are also a handful of Chinese cakes which is just a soft dry bead filled with all types of things; the most popular is pineapple, but there are also red bean, lotus seed, meats and others.

Other than being the ultimate food heaven, Taiwan is also the place to get dolled up. Korea is one place for beauty, but I think you'll be surprised at what you can find in Taiwan. False lashes, lash extensions, high heels, short skirts, big circle lenses, crystal acrylic nails, make up everywhere you go. I definitely fall under that category because I finally got my permanent eyeliner tattoo and lash extension as well as a handful of other pamper me pretty services!

You can find the most dolly services in Ximen which is like the Myeondong of Korea. It is definitely worth it to check out this area and shop around. Stores open around 11 and into 11 pm, but be sure to haggle when making purchases. There is also a very famous rice noodle spot that has been around for years, you can't miss it with all the tourist and locals standing around front to grab a bite. Within close proximity to Ximen, you can also find the Red House for art which is a bit hidden in a side street after the police station.

A train ride away is also the Longshan Temple, Taipei Main Station underground shopping, and a handful of other malls. The other must visits in Taipei include Taipei 101, which used to hold the worlds fastest elevator, the Taipei Zoo which you can visit via gondola, the memorials, and of course the best clubs in town are in the area much like the Gangnam of Korea. Luxy, Myst, 18, these are the places you wanna go on a weekend. Be sure to also booze off the flavored beers which is more like a flavored soda with alcohol. You can find those at the 7-11 for a cheap price. Enjoy!

My Current Obsession - Nature Republic Botanical BB Fixer

I am absolutely in love with the Nature Republic Botanical BB Fixer spray that is a way to put a hold on your makeup. Very much like the Urban Decay Makeup setter spray, it is to be used after making your final touches to set your makeup for a long night out.

It is one of the fewest makeup setters that I have found in Korea. I think one of the best things about this product is the scent of the spray. I hate using products that work but smell horrible. This setter has a fragrant scent of flowers that smells just like perfume so you can even skip out on the perfume around the ears. Without shaking the can, simply spray to the face with the eyes closed. Be sure to have an even application to the face! Simple as that and you are on your way out.

Pamper Me Pretty - 나무그늘 Dr Fish

Dr. Fish is a different kind of cafe in Gangnam, Seoul. It is by far my favorite place to have a cup of coffee and a quick Pamper Me Pretty session. Although the prices are a little higher than other cafes in town, it is the best place for a bunch of girls to bond and share thoughts over. I suggest going to visit with a  group of girls and sharing the experience of this unique cafe. To make up for the prices of drinks, they offer a free self service of bread and jams that you can heat up. 

They are known for their fish pool where you dunk your feet in and the fish will eat the dead skin. For just an extra two dollars with the purchase of a drink, you can have a semi-pedicure without having to visit a nail salon. The best part about this cafe is that there is no wait to dunk your feet in the pool of fish. Simply finish your drinks and let a staff know that you are ready for your 15 minutes of dead-skin-vanish!

The experience is definitely one that stands on its own. For starters, it is extremely ticklish for those who have sensitive feet or a small amount of dead skin. It is recommended to start out at the baby pool and make your way over to the bigger fish. The size of the fish is beyond ten times the size of the smaller fish so the amount of skin they eat is a lot more. It is almost a frightening experience to dunk your feet in the pool. I know for sure my girls and I were not able to do so immediately, we had to gradually stick our feet into the pool of fish. 

In regards to the menu, all drinks are worth trying. The priority of the cafe caters to their beverages and other snack dishes. With freshly baked waffles, gelatos, bingsu, and other baked goodies, a great amount of time can be spent here. They even have a book room that is strictly for studying, a quiet room that many people can concentrate in. In addition to magazines that can be found at any other cafes, Dr Fish also has a wide selection of books in their book room. It is a great variety to have something else to look forward to other than typical magazines. The spacious cafe is the perfect place to lounge out with cushioned couches and tables everywhere. 

Nonetheless, these dead-skin-eating-fish is a popular treatment in Asian countries and it is definitely  worth trying out. You can't go wrong spending another two dollars on an immediate dead skin treatment. Depending on how thick your callus is, you can see an immediate smooth texture, but of course results vary from person to person. Straight from exit 10 of the Gangnam station on line two, the Dr. Fish cafe is located upstairs across the street from the CGV movie theatre. Although it is a bit hard to find, it is definitely work the travel for.