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.

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 Super Aqua All In One Cleansing Tissue

For anyone with extremely sensitive skin, the Super Aqua All in one cleansing oil tissue is actually amazing. It is gentle for the skin and wipes away all makeup with just one sheet. You may need to do a little more work with eye makeup, but it is the go to for make up removing and even if you are on the run. The Super Aqua line is for those with sensitive skin, concentrating on water being their main ingredient in their products. Being that I have psoriasis, finding the right product is not that easy. Initially, my face would turn red with use which meant that I had to wash almost immediately but after a second use, the product just works extremely well with the skin. The best part is being able to find something that works well for a low price because Missha actually has sales every now and then which makes shopping that much better. 

Product Review - Etude House Black Head Pore Tightening Essence

The Etude House Black Head Pore Tightening Essence is a handy pen made with Morocco mud that helps to tighten and shrink the sizes of those with expanded pores. Simply turn the cap to ON and push to apply the essence on the problematic areas. There is no need to rinse off and it is definitely recommended for those with oily and combination skin. It is not the type of product to be used as a primary care product for black heads but a supplement. 

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. 

My Current Obsession - O'Sulloc Natural Green Cleansing Foam

From the Jeju tea garden that has been around since 1979, the O'Sulloc Natural Green Cleansing Foam uses organic green tea leaves in their face wash that is great for anyone with sensitive skin. Drawing and retaining moisture, green tea leaves help to detox the skin and remove any toxin. Thing includes removing make up residue and pollutants to purify the skin while simultaneously retaining moisture. Not only is it made with organic green tea leaves, it captures the sweet fragrance of citrus flowers that helps to refresh the skin and keep it young. Green tea is a great food good that is great for your whole body and being able to utilise that on a face with psoriasis is my big approval.


This O'Sulloc Natural Green Cleansing Foam feels a little harsher than other products because it is thicker. The cleansing foam isn't like other foams where it's bubbly and made of a water base, but I am in love with the product and absolutely recommend it to anyone with trouble skin. It is definitely a purchase that will be made again because of its cleansing effects.

Beauty Pick Me Up - Face Shop Vitamin Power Essential C

Packaging is one thing that automatically catches my eyes and makes me interested in the product. This Vitamin Water resemblance toner comes in three different forms with the selection of Vitamin B, C, and E. Extremely easy to use, simply pat on clean skin to moisturize, soften and increase elasticity. Each is formulated with a concentration of different types of vitamins, depending on your skin type. For those who have troubled skin with random breakouts, go for Vitamin C. For those who have more oily skin, Vitamin E is your choice and Vitamin B for those who have dry skin. It is one product that works extremely well with my skin and I will purchase again. There is an amazing smell that I love to throw on my face everyday and I absolutely love the packaging. It is the perfect gift to give to others!

Beauty Pick Me Up - Milk Calcium Nail Pack

This easy to slip on nail mask helps to pack on the calcium to your nails to promote healthy looking nails. It is perfect for those who always have nail polish on, just like me. Over time, you nails need to breathe and having a nail mask helps to reduce the yellow and hydrates your cuticles. Prepped and coated with a milk liquid, each finger slot is packed with nutrients that help to rejuvenate healthy nails. I am a big fan of this quick and efficient nail mask which is easy to use. This 15-20 minute soak on will leave your nails soft and fresh. I suggest using it before getting a manicure on a set of nail polish free hands. Be sure to pick up this convenient and cheap nail remedy next time you stop by Face Shop!

Beauty Pick Me Up - Tony Moly

Tony Moly is one of my favorite stores for their cute beauty packaging which I have mentioned in my previous blogs. I am a big fan of their products, especially their egg line and so I had to continue with my beauty splurges. 

Just a small little splurge with a  few products that include their one dollar nail stickers that you can add to a clear coat of nails. In regards to cute packaging, I picked up two Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bars that slides on smoothly and is extremely adorable to have in your purse. I love the way it glides on and the color is extremely bold, unlike many other lip glosses I have had. Lastly, I picked up two Cutie-Beauty Perfume Bars because I couldn't decide between the scent that I wanted. These perfume bars are perfect to have in your purse for a night out. Simply dab on the areas that you would normally have your perfume and you are ready to go, especially after a BBQ dinner in Korea!

Beauty Pick Me Up - Tony Moly

Tony Moly is a beauty store in Korea known for its creative packaging for beauty and makeup goods. Attracted to the display items, I purchased a few of the top sellers that helps to achieve maximize beauty. It is a guarantee that I will return to pick up a few more items from the store. 

Of the two items, I picked up the top seller of the Tony Moly's egg line. The Egg Pore Silky Smooth Balm is to help clear our blackheads and impurities with their key egg and camellia ingredients. You can wear this product alone on the skin to help clean the skin or it can be used with your makeup. I suggest using after your moisturizer and primer to smooth out the surface of the skin for easy foundation application. It helps to conceal the holes on your face by providing a smooth base for makeup to be applied. A little goes a long way with this product. It is a whipped texture which does automatically conceal the holes in the face. It probably won't help those bigger marks on your face, but I am in love with the product. It helps to smooth out my face completely and makes my makeup look natural.

Next, there is the Latte Art Cappuccino Cream-In Scrub which is a scrub that smells like your morning drink. Made of coffee and milk extracts, the self heating scrub is suggested to be used two to three times a week to help remove dry, flaky, dead skin cells, impurities and keratin in the face. I love the twist off design that holds the scrub inside the cup and a "spoon" that acts as a tool to scoop the scrub onto your hand. Simply rub onto the face in a circular motion and wash away with lukewarm water. I absolutely love this scrub, it is great to wake you up early in the morning and I do feel an immediate layer of smoothness. 

Beauty Pick Me Up - Circle Lenses

Being in Korea for so long, I have finally gone crazy and went on my first circle lenses splurge. Being unable to decide between a few colors, I decided to pick them all up: gray, hazel, and green. I feel like I'm in high school again with the color contacts, but I am in love with it and finally have started to blend in with all the Asians. In Korea, even those women in their 40s wear circle lenses daily. 

It helps to dilate your eyes and make them appear bigger than they are. The circle lenses increase the black of the pupil area which helps to achieve the cute look. On the bad side, because they cover a big portion of your eyes, it is best to not wear the contacts for long hours. Compared to regular contacts that you can wear for eight hours, circle lenses are only recommended for six hours. Although many people do not stick to the eight hour rule, it is important to try and do so. Beauty is important, but health is a lot more important!

Beauty Gadgets - Slim Face Massage Roller

A little weird, but yes, a slim face massage roller. You simply roll along your face and it will help to slim down your face. The way it works is it helps to remove the water tension in your face, thus making your face slimmer. You simply roll your retention from your face to other parts of your body. It also feels a bit sore after rolling along your face, equivalent to a workout for the face. You will feel a bit of soreness and pain in your skin, but it is all worth it. By working out the muscles on your face, you are tightening the skin and slimming down the fat. Another great invention!

Beauty Pick Up - Happy Bath

It sure is difficult to find American products here in Korea, especially those for a low price. Because I had trouble finding my Aveeno body wash, I settled for the Happy Bath all natural real mild wash that I found at half price for $4. Like the price of Aveeno at regular price back in the states, this is the Korean take on Aveeno. This wash is all mild, perfect for those with sensitive skin, one product I sure recommend to use in place of the American drugstore brand. 

Beauty Pick Me Up - Values from Korea's Daiso Store

Korea is known for their many beauty items and as I started to get settled down and pick up a few items for my apartment, I found Daiso, an extremely cheap store with so many goodies for the house. Because there are so many "cute" items, I ended up having a big splurge and did manage to pick up a few cheap goodies. 

For starters, nothing can top fifty cent masks. I decided to only pick up two, strawberry and cucumber to make sure that I am not allergic to such products, although it does say that it is organic. Can never be too sure, especially when trying out new products. If it does work out, it'll be a great steal, even better than my dollar masks!

In addition to the facial masks, I picked up two sets of falsies for just a dollar each. For such a low price, I can just toss it away after use. I usually have a full set of lashes, but I wanted to go for something less dramatic, but still provides length. Hope this works out!

Everyone knows I am big on having my nails done and because I have yet to find nail salons in the area, I will have to settle with doing my own nails for the time being. Because of the extremely cute animals, I picked up a toe separator for pedicures and I also managed to find an awesome four step nail filer that helps to file, remove ridges, smooth and shine your nails. All in one! I just hope it works out great.

Lastly and probably the one that I am most excited about is the paper soap. Many bathrooms in Korea do not have soap dispensers. In fact, they have a bar soap (if even) in bathrooms. Being that I am a big germ-a-phobe, using a bar soap just won't cut it for me. In addition to this, bar soap tends to dry out hands and therefore I had to just try the paper soap that I have heard about from many. Hopefully the lavender will be a great combo with my skin. 

As excited as I am to share these products with you, I will be having a giveaway soon! 

Beauty Pick Me Up - Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Clinique is a brand that I never really thought I would associate myself with because it is a common brand for Asian middle-aged women. I believe my mom and all my aunts use Clinique and no other brand so since I was young, I established Clinique to be an old woman’s brand and not to use that until I turn 40.

It wasn’t until today when I stopped by the Sephora during my lunch break that I discovered Clinique’s bottom lash mascara. This cute little thing changed my mind about Clinique products and I am definitely happy I did not let a brand stop me from buying this amazing product.

It makes coating my bottom lashes easier than ever because the bristles are so tiny and lash focused. The best thing about the size of this is it’s perfect for traveling so I don’t have to scout for a mini product. Removing is as easy as using warm water to melt the product and wipe away. Just $10 will get you this bottom lash mascara.

Beauty Pick Me Up

oo35 mm Inc
46 Bowery Unit 2
New York, NY 10013
http://www.oo35mm.com/


I am super excited to share with you my beauty pick up for this week. I actually found this store in a hidden alleyway in Chinatown, New York when I passed by after dinner at Yummy Noodle which is in the same alley. This ghetto and cracked out alley store has quite the goodies that attracted me. 

I wanted buy the whole store, but I told myself two items is enough, well I was told two items were enough. Therefore, I picked up a Kids Body Wash Mitten because my body sponge recently broke apart and I have yet to replace it. For those of you who use a bath sponge—oofah—luffa—lufah—WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT, you may feel like it is rough on the skin. I love using it because it makes me feel so much cleaner, but I admit, it is damaging for my skin because I rub so hard sometimes that it leaves me with an open cut on my psoriasis. This body wash mitten is extremely gentle on the skin and it exfoliates my shower gel, exactly what I am looking to do for the skin.

The other item I picked up which I’m super duper excited to share with you is the “Doo keys” basically a poop head key holder that helps you distinguish the different locks on your home keys and office as well. I have been amped to buy these key holders for quite a while now but they are either sold out online or priced for like $15-20 after shipping, totally not worth it. Patience pays off because I just picked up a pack of 6 for six bucks! Can’t wait to go back to that store again pick up more cute items. 

Beauty Pick Me Up

I love shopping in SoHo and the best thing about shopping is random beauty discoveries I find. I have always passed by this store and I have never thought to walk in. Muji is definitely one of those stores that I always see but never stopped in. I am definitely glad I decided to stop in! They carry all these Japanese products for the home that I am absolutely obsessed with. They have organic clothing, bedding, kitchen, bathroom, beauty, and office products. It is a one stop shore for cute Japanese items that is legit.

I did a pick me up, very excited to use this because I have been eyeing this type of product for a while now. I decided to finally give it a try since I have walked away from it before and just couldn’t stop thinking about it. These small circles are compressed masks that allow you to add anything you want—lotion, serum, DIY masks, fruits, etc. It helps to better absorb these products onto your skin without the fuss of having to use a brush or worry that it is not an even spread.

I picked up a pack of twenty for roughly nine bucks which isn’t too bad for a DIY mask. All you have to do is place a compressed mask on a small cap or spoon (the smaller the container, the more even and more absorbed your mask will be) and add your favorite lotion, serum, or homemade mask product. I love using fruit juices that are freshly extracted because it allows me to sit around as if I am doing a regular mask rather than constantly rub a fruit onto my face.

I can’t to go back and pick up other products they have, I promise to not rush myself out next time :D