DHC | Color Lip Cream Natural Aroma: Review and Swatches

Disclaimer: The products featured were purchased by me.

When I visited Japan in 2019, I picked up a tinted version of the DHC Lip Cream (the most popular lip balm in Japan) called the DHC Color Lip Cream in "Red". I absolutely loved how pretty the color is and how nice the formulation felt on the lips. So when I was browsing Stylevana and saw the DHC Color Lip Cream Natural Aroma (C$9.89 for 1.5g), I knew I had to add them to my order. Available in two new shades, this is a newer version of the DHC Color Lip Cream scented with essential oils. To read more and see some swatches, click......

Clé de Peau Beauté | Radiant Fluid Foundation: Review and Swatches

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and the product featured was provided for review.

As COVID restrictions have loosened up (at least here in British Columbia where I live), I'm slowly starting to wear more makeup. One of the products on my backburner is the Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid Foundation (C$160 for 30 ml), a liquid foundation designed to provide a "sheer-to-medium buildable coverage and a luminous, natural finish". Clé de Peau Beauté complexion products have been kind of hit and miss for me in the past but as I'm nearing my 30s, I am drawn to keywords like "radiant", "glow", and "luminous" so the Radiant Fluid Foundation sounded very intriguing. I've finally had a chance to give this product a try so I wanted to share with you my review today. To read on, click......

Shiseido | Holiday 2020 Edition Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate: Review

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and the product featured was provided for review.

For Holiday 2020, Shiseido partnered with Japanese shoe designer Noritaka Tatehana to release a special holiday edition of the brand's bestselling Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate (C$170 for 75 ml). Promising to "strengthen the skin against daily damage and visible signs of aging", the Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate serum was originally released in 2014 and was revamped with a more potent formulation in 2018. The serum is the recipient of countless beauty awards and according to Shiseido, one bottle is sold every 13 seconds! I've tried the serum a few times in the past but I've finally had the time to put it to a proper test drive. To read my thoughts on the formulation, click......

Clé de Peau Beauté | The Serum: Review

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and the products featured were provided for review.

Initially mentioned in my review of the Clé de Peau Holiday 2020 The Enchanted Lake Collection, The Serum (C$395 for 50 ml) is one of Clé de Peau's bestselling skincare products that was recently reformulated alongside the brand's iconic La Crème (reviewed here). The limited-edition version of The Serum I received as a part of holiday collection features a special packaging but the formulation is the same as the original. Described as the "crucial first step" in the skincare ritual, The Serum promises to "deliver vital moisture to the skin while supporting the absorption and efficacy of the skincare treatments that follow". I've got all the details and my review to share with you today. To read on, click......

Clé de Peau Beauté | La Crème: Review

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and the product featured was provided for review.

Originally created all way back in 1982, known as Nutritious Cream at the time, the Clé de Peau Beauté La Crème (C$700 for 30 ml) was re-released in early 2020 with a revamped formulation that's more potent than ever. Described as the "ultimate anti-aging night cream", La Crème promises deep nourishment for a firmer, smoother, and brighter complexion. I've got a detailed review of this luxury cream to share with you today. To read on, click......

NatureLab. Tokyo | Perfect Shine Shampoo & Conditioner: Review

Disclaimer: The products featured were provided for review.

If you are a long time reader of the blog, you'll know that I'm not super into haircare. Recently, however, I was contacted by the Japanese haircare brand NatureLab. Tokyo and I was instantly intrigued by their minimalist, eye-catching packaging. Inspired by "traditional Japanese beauty rituals and future-forward clean technology", NatureLab. Tokyo offers several curated hair care routines formulated with nutrient-rich botanical stem cells. Cruelty-free and made with no sulfates, parabens, phtalates, and mineral oil, the products are made in Japan and are available in stores and online at Ulta. I'm sharing my reviews of the Perfect Shine Shampoo and Conditioner (US$14 each) today so to read on, click......

Biore | UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ Sunscreen: Review

Disclaimer: The product featured was purchased by me.

During my visit to Tokyo earlier this year, I was asked by a friend to pick up a few of the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+, a popular and affordable sunscreen in Japan that's readily available at almost all drugstores and supermarkets. Sold for ¥700 for 68g (equivalent to $8.50 CAD) in Japan or online in Canada for ~$17, the sunscreen has a waterproof formulation containing hyaluronic acid, royal jelly, and citrus extracts. Last year, thanks to the recommendation of another friend, I found the amazing Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy SPF 50 Sunscreen so I wasn't really on the lookout for a new one. However, because the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence has such glowing reviews, I picked one up for myself to try. To read my thoughts and on the product, click......

Shiseido | InnerGlow CheekPowder: Review and Swatches

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and the products featured were provided for review.

Shiseido is known for its iconic and efficient skin care products but its makeup range always felt a little under-appreciated, especially by the Western beauty community. So back in Fall 2018, the brand revamped its makeup collection to introduce 21 brand new products (totaling 124 shades) that boast an impactful color, a weightless finish, and a modern Japanese packaging. I've been slowly making my way through the expansive line-up so today I wanted to share with you my review and swatches of the InnerGlow CheekPowder ($40 CAD for 8 g). To read on, click......

MUJI | Brightening Skincare Collection: Review

Disclaimer: The products featured were provided for review.

Ever since it's opening in Vancouver last fall, MUJI has garnered a glowing reception and countless new fans. In fact, the MUJI Metrotown location has just received a major expansion (from 7,770 to 12,305 square feet) in response to customer demands for more products and services. With brand new offerings such as interior advisory, style advisory, and embroidery customization, the new store is also the second Canadian MUJI to feature the beloved MUJI Aroma Bar, where you can create your own customized essential oil fragrance. In case you didn't know, MUJI also carries an extensive skincare range (in addition to its household goods, apparel, and food). So today I will share with you my thoughts and reviews on the Brightening Skincare Collection for sensitive skin. To read on, click.......

Shiseido | Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation & Loose Powder: Review

Disclaimer: The products featured were provided for review.

Despite including several of their products on my can't-live-without list (namely their eyebrow liner and eyelash curler), Shiseido is not a brand I've had an opportunity to really explore. So recently when I got to try out the Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation ($120 CAD) and Loose Powder ($90 CAD), I was beyond excited! I used and loved Shiseido's Perfect Refining Foundation for many years until it got discontinued, so I know the brand is capable of making some great complexion products. I've given both products several tries now and am ready to share my review and swatches. To read all about this duo, click......

MUJI | Skincare Collection: Review

Disclaimer: The products featured were provided for review.

With the arrival of the new flagship Vancouver store on Robson Street, MUJI is winning over Canadian consumers right and left. With its minimalist, branding-free aesthetic, the Japanese brand is all about offering simple, practical, and well-made products. I've only recently discovered that the brand has a skincare range so today I want to give you a quick look at some key items. To read my reviews, click......

Pika Turu Kaoge Yogore Skin Clear Pack Black Peeling Mask: Review

Disclaimer: The product featured was purchased by me.

During my trip to NYC, I visited a small Asian beauty and skincare store in Chinatown called oo35mm. They had a huge array of hard-to-find Japanese and Korean products and the Pika Turu Kaoge Yogore Clear Black Peeling Mask ($23.99 USD) really caught my eyes. A peel-off mask designed to remove black and white heads, the mask is infused with shea butter, green tea extract, and witch hazel. So how well does this mask work, read on to find out.......

Shu Uemura Laque Supreme in "CR01", "WN02", "RD02" & "RD04": Review and Swatches

Disclaimer: Product featured was provided for review.

New from Shu Uemura comes a line of unique lip colors inspired by exquisite Japanese lacquerware. Made with a cutting-edge formulation combo of water soluble dyes, oil dispersed pigments, and coating polymers, the Laque Supremes ($35 CAD each) have an intense, long-lasting color that provides coverage and shine. To see some swatches and my thoughts on the formulation, click.......

Shu Uemura Tsuya Skin Youthful Crystal-Transparency Lotion I: Review

Disclaimer: Product featured was provided for review.

"Tsuya" is the Japanese word that describes the perfect skin. Flawless and plumped, "tsuya" skin glows from within. For Fall 2014, Shu Uemura added three Tsuya Skin Youthful Crystal Transparency Lotions ($60 CAD each) to their Tsuya skincare collection. The three different Tsuya Lotions are designed for different skin types: I-fresh watery type is made for oily skin, II-watery type is designed for normal to dry skin and III-the rich jelly type, is perfect for dry to very dry skin.
To read more, click......

Mika For Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil: Review

Disclaimer: Products featured were provided for review.

Shu Uemura has once again released another highly coveted, limited edition collection, this time collaborating with the renowned Japanese photographer Mika Ninagawa. Known for her colorful and vibrant photography, Mika designed the packaging for the Mika for Shu Collection which includes a range of eyeshadows, nail stickers, lip colors, and cleansing oils. Today I want to show you the amazing packaging of the cleansing oils from the collection and review for you the Porefinest Anti-Shine Fresh Cleansing Oil, to read more, click......