Mar 3, 2015

~♥~Happy Girl's Day!~♥~

This will be a short and quick post. 

I just wanted to wish all my female blog readers a very "Happy Girl's Day!"

I went to Shirokiya at Ala Moana Shopping Center last week and browsed around the Girl's Day doll displays. I couldn't help but take a couple pictures of some of the cute and beautiful dolls on display for sale.


Most of the dolls are quite expensive and are usually (on average) $100 to $300 each. I believe the Japanese Precious Moments' Girl's Day doll (pictured in the upper left hand corner) was about $180. Therefore, most girls (that I know of at least) usually only have one or two dolls.

When I returned home from work today, I was pleasantly surprised to find a small Girl's Day gift on my dresser from my parents - my favorite Girl's Day snack and some spending money! ^_^

My favorite Girl's Day snack is not a traditional Japanese Girl's Day snack (I think...I am actually not too sure, but I do not believe so...). I believe it is just a Japanese snack that is specially designed and packaged for Girl's Day by a company in Hawaii. If anyone knows more about this snack, please leave a comment below. Apparently, I don't know much about this snack T_T other than the fact that it is super yummy! ^_^ All I know is that this snack has been around for as long as I can remember, and can always be found in a similar style packaging every Girl's Day in Hawaii.


There are about 10 to 15 individually wrapped snacks within the larger plastic package, and each snack is packaged to look like a little kokeishi doll. Each kokeishi doll (i.e. snack) has one peanut and one piece of arare (also known as kakimochi or mochi crunch in Hawaii).


This snack can be purchased at Longs/CVS (our local drugstore), Shirokiya, most Japanese markets (e.g. Don Quijote, Marukai, etc.), some local grocery stores (e.g. Times), and maybe at the Walmart on Keaumoku for usually about $5 to $8 per bag.

Mar 1, 2015

Various Samples - Laneige, Estee Lauder, Isa Knox, & Faceshop ♥ REVIEW

As I mentioned in a prior post, I recently discovered that I had a large stash of samples which I did not use, and have been slowly trying to use these samples since then. Below is a short review of some of the samples that I have been using recently:

-- LANEIGE Perfect Professional Makeup Remover - Multi Cleanser VS. Foaming Cleanser --

Gift w/ Purchase?: Yes, from Amore Hawaii in Honolulu, Hawaii
Minimum Purchase Required?: No
Regular Price for Full Size Product: About $22.00 to $25.00

I previously talked about the Laneige Multi Cleanser in my YouTube Skin Care Routine video that I created in April 2011. In 2011, I used the Laneige Multi Cleanser religiously - everyday (day & night). It was my favorite cleanser during my college days! This is a great cleanser for people who are looking for one simple product that basically "does it all" (e.g. removes makeup, gently exfoliates, etc.) and/or are on a limited budget.

Around 2012 (or maybe it was 2013?), I was informed by a sales associate at the Amore Hawaii store in Palama Market that the Laneige Multi Cleanser (pictured below) was no longer available. According to the sales associate, at that time, it seemed as though the Multi Cleanser was repackaged. It appeared the Multi Cleanser was repackaged and renamed. The "new Multi Cleanser" was now called the Laneige Foaming Cleanser. After the Multi Cleanser was supposedly repackaged, I was somewhat skeptical to try the Foaming Cleanser since I was not sure whether it would be just as good =P The biggest differences between the Multi Cleanser and the Foaming Cleanser (other than in name) was in color, texture, and description.

Laneige Make Up Remover Cleanser - FrontLaneige Make Up Remover Cleanser - Back

Color: Although it may be difficult to tell from the picture below, the Multi Cleanser is light pink, whereas the Foaming Cleanser is white.

Laneige Make Up Remover Cleanser - Color

Texture: The texture of the Foaming Cleanser seems to be smoother and gentler (upon application) in comparison to the Multi Cleanser. I am not sure exactly why the texture of the Foaming Cleanser seems to be smoother; however, perhaps it is because there are less micro-scrubbing beads? If anyone knows, please leave a comment below. If you have sensitive skin, I would recommend using the Foaming Cleanser instead of the Multi Cleanser.

Description:

Multi Cleanser - Makeup removing, foam cleansing and micro-scrubbing 3-in-1 effect providing soft and clean feeling after wash.

Foaming Cleanser - Moisturizing foaming cleanser gently removes impurities and makeup residues while leaving skin hydrated.

(Note: I researched the Laneige Multi Cleanser and the Laneige Foaming Cleanser online and found that the Multi Cleanser and the Foaming Cleanser may be two entirely different products. Since 2012 (or 2013) it appears that these two products were repackaged (again). The new Multi Cleanser, which was repackaged in a blue tube, is described as a "multi-action, foaming cleanser for fresher-looking skin. Exfoliating papaya sweeps away dead surface skin; micro-cellular beads gently remove impurities, melting away sunscreen and makeup. Instantly brightens." The Laneige Foaming Cleanser appears to have been repackaged in a pink tube and renamed  - Foam Cleanser Moisture. The Foam Cleanser Moisture is described as a cleanser that "contains Shea Butter and Amino Acids for efficacious moisturizing. Its rich lather cleanses the skin gently while it is tough on skin's impurities.")

-- ESTEE LAUDER Soft Clean Tender Creme Cleanser --

Gift w/ Purchase?: Yes, from Macy's at Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu, HI
Minimum Purchase Required?: Yes, around $50.00
Regular Price for Full Size Product: $28.00 at Macy's

I received this free sample a couple years ago when I purchased the Estee Lauder Time Zone Anti-Line/Wrinkle Eye Creme from Macy's. This Soft Clean Tender Creme Cleanser sample came with several other Estee Lauder samples in a pretty make up pouch. I believe I had to spend around $50.00 to receive this free gift.

Estee Lauder Soft Clean - FrontEstee Lauder Soft Clean - Back

I found this cleanser to be really "unique" in several ways (which I will write about in more detail below); however, it may not be very unique at all.

First of all, I would like to point out that this cleanser is best for people with dry skin. Normally, I do not buy or look for cleansers that are meant for people with dry skin since I usually have combination to oily skin. Therefore, I am not familiar with cleansers that are best for people with dry skin. If I did not receive this free sample, I probably would not have considered purchasing this cleanser. Since I am not familiar with cleansers that are best for people with dry skin, this cleanser may not be very unique at all.

I generally purchase and enjoy using foam or gel type cleansers. I usually find that these types of cleansers work best with my skin. This was the first time that I used a cream type cleanser. The Soft Clean Tender Creme Cleanser is described as being a "rich soufflé [that] cushions skin as it gently cleanses." According to the instructions on the back of the tube, you massage this cleanser onto dry skin and tissue off. I never had to "tissue off" cleanser before, this in itself was a new experience for me (which I did not care for personally).

After using this cleanser, I realized that I like cleansers that I can wash off completely. I like that super clean feeling! The first time that I used this cleanser, I did not understand why I could not seem to remove this cleanser completely. I even washed my face after I "tissued off" the cleanser just to get a more clean feeling. It was not until a couple days later that I fully understood why this cleanser was not meant to be removed completely. After a couple days of using this cleanser, my skin felt a lot more soft and supple. The residue from the cleanser that remains on your skin after you "tissue off" (and even wash off the cleanser) will leave your skin feeling super soft, supple, and very moisturized. 

If you have dry skin, I recommend trying this cleanser. I believe you feel a noticeable difference within a couple days (or maybe even immediately after using it). Although I am not considering purchasing this cleanser for everyday use, I may consider purchasing this cleanser if I am planning on visiting someplace where the weather is very dry.

-- ISA KNOX Carezone CK - Deep Cleanser Foam Cleansing --

Gift w/ Purchase?: Yes, from Watsons in Seoul, Korea
Minimum Purchase Required?: No
Regular Price for Full Size Product: About $20.00

Isa Knox Deep Cleanser - FrontIsa Knox Deep Cleanser - Back

I received this free full size foam cleanser a couple years ago when I purchased the Iope Whitegen Ampoule Essence from Watsons in Seoul, Korea. Since the only Isa Knox product that I tried before was a compact powder foundation, I did not feel confident about testing out this product on my skin as I was not familiar with Isa Knox's skin care line. I was primarily concerned with how my skin would react to this cleanser since I tend to have very sensitive skin. This is probably why I delayed trying this product for such a long time.

After using the the Isa Knox Deep Cleanser - Foam Cleansing the first time, I was happy to find that my skin did not have a bad reaction to this cleanser. This cleanser has a nice light scent and I only need about a dime to nickle size amount to cleanse my entire face. From what I understand, I believe this cleanser helps to clean your pores and remove dead skin and make up. I have not tried to remove any strong waterproof make up with this cleaser; however, this cleanser does any excellent job of removing all of the makeup that I use on a regular basis.

If you have dry skin, this may not be the best cleanser for you. This cleanser would be best for people with combination or oily skin types.

-- THE FACE SHOP White Tree Snow - Aqua Capsule Sleeping Pack --

Gift w/ Purchase?: Yes, from The Face Shop store in Santa Clara, CA
Minimum Purchase Required?: No
Regular Price for Full Size Product: N/A - I was not able to locate a seller online; however, The Face Shop website still has the product information listed, so it may be available in The Face Shop stores.

Faceshop White Tree Snow Aqua Capsule Sleeping Pack - FrontFaceshop White Tree Snow Aqua Capsule Sleeping Pack - Back

I received this White Tree Snow - Aqua Capsule Sleeping Pack sample from The Face Shop store in Santa Clara a couple years ago. The White Tree Snow - Aqua Capsule Sleeping Pack is an "overnight mask with Vitamin Tree and White Lupine Extract." This sleeping pack "provides intense brightening and moisturizing all night." I was particularly interested in trying this sleeping pack because of its "skin brightening" benefits.

This sleeping pack has a light and cool texture which feels very nice on my skin. In terms of texture and color, this sleeping pack is very similar to the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask. However, unlike the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, this sleeping pack has small white beads/capsules in the gel which seem to dissolve as I apply the sleeping pack to my face. I am not certain as to what the small white beads/capsules are, but it seems that it may be the White Lupine Extract. If any blog readers know what the small white beads/capsules in the sleeping pack are, please let me know in the comment section below.

Faceshop White Tree Snow Aqua Capsule Sleeping Pack - Color & Texture
(Sorry, I was not able to really capture the white beads/capsules in the gel T_T)

The only aspect of this product which I did not care for was the smell. I am not sure how to describe the smell of this product exactly...it is not particularly bad, but it is not pleasant either (at least in my opinion). Since the smell seems to go away after I apply the sleeping pack (maybe within 5 to 10 minutes), the smell does not bother me too much.

I usually apply this sleeping pack once or twice a week. It is a nice break from my normal night time skin care routine. Also, sleeping packs can be especially convenient if you are too tired or too lazy to apply all of your night time skin care products. My night time skin care routine usually consists of 5 or 6 steps/products; however, on days that I apply the sleeping pack to my face before I go to bed, I only apply a little bit of toner (step 1) and then the sleeping pack (step 2) - just 2 steps!