Gift from Los Angeles: Sephora by OPI Life’s A Beach Mini Kit Nail Set
| June 17, 2013 | Posted by peach_ under Niche Brands/Others |
Before I dive in, I wanted to say: thank you so much for leaving me such kind comments on my previous back-from-hiatus post. I was really touched that you’d read my post after I’d be gone for half a year (!), and that you took the extra step to give me words of encouragement. I was honestly expecting the chirping of crickets, so THANK YOU!
Now, about the above throng of nail polishes. A good friend, whom I call “wifey,” gave me this adorable Sephora by OPI Life’s A Beach set during my trip to Los Angeles back in April.
I’m completely smitten by the name — I want to call it “Life’s a Peach” instead! I have fond memories of living in L.A., a city that always feels like “home” whenever I visit.
A Shy Hello with the Not-So-Shy Born Pretty Store Cosmiss Nail Polish 04 (Candy Color Glitter Sparkle Yogurt Series)
| June 10, 2013 | Posted by peach_ under Niche Brands/Others |
When online retailer Born Pretty Store contacted me a couple of weeks ago to inquire whether I’d like to review their products, I was in disbelief. After all, my last post here was nearly six months ago. Flattered as I was to be asked, I wondered: what made them think I’d suddenly start again?
I’d pondered this space often during this long hiatus for the nth time, and every time, I’d over-thought and analyzed (read: procrastinated.) Is this actually useful? Does the blogosphere need yet another review of the same product…two months after launch? Do my readers enjoy this? Do I mind that it’s consumerism-driven and societally “shallow?” (I may be a closet hippie.)
You get the idea.
But I accepted. Holding myself accountable with an unofficial agreement seemed to be the most effective motivator. I miss this creative outlet and the process of photographing, writing, and sharing with you when I don’t.
So let me jump right in and show you one of two nail polishes I chose: Cosmiss #04.
Julep Maven Box #18: January 2013 Boho Glam (Neons & Nudes)
| January 22, 2013 | Posted by peach_ under Julep Maven |
For January, Julep had followed the fashion brands and released their own “cruise collection” with the theme Escape & Unwind featuring neons and nudes.
I usually opt for the nail polish-only It Girl box, which it included three colors in the same family this month (champagne nude, yellow, and orange), so instead, I thought, “why not?” and opted for one that had the oddest combination of shades: the Boho Glam box.
Dior Vernis Gris Trianon 306 (Trianon Grey Spring 2013 Chérie Bow Collection)
| January 19, 2013 | Posted by peach_ under Dior, Limited Edition |
In a collection full of pink, pink, and more pink, Dior Gris Trianon is the black (well, grey) sheep that everyone had their eyes on in the Spring 2013 Chérie Bow collection. Despite light grey being one of Dior’s iconic colors, the brand had been parsimonious in releasing nail polishes in this shade…until now. 
Dior In Bloom Vernis (Spring 2013 Shinjuku Isetan Japan Exclusive) ディオール イン ブルーム ヴェルニ (新宿伊勢丹限定色)
| January 17, 2013 | Posted by peach_ under Collection Preview/Recap, Dior, Limited Edition |
Dior in Bloom Spring 2013 Shinjuku Isetan Japan exclusive nail polishes (collection info here):
Dior Chérie Bow Collection Vernis (Spring 2013)
| January 15, 2013 | Posted by peach_ under Collection Preview/Recap, Dior |
Dior Spring 2013 Cherie Bow Collection nail polishes (from L to R. Click for swatches):
Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector
| January 13, 2013 | Posted by peach_ under Skincare |
As we were transitioning from fall to winter last year, I was looking for a serum to address hyperpigmentation. The marks left over from blemishes during “that time of the month” seemed glaringly visible as I’d become paler, and I wanted to fade them as fast as possible.
There are many “whitening” products on the market, especially here in Japan, but I’d been very selective with ingredients. Looking for a serum that didn’t include common irritants like alcohol, fragrance, and oil (for my skin), I landed on the Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector.
As with any skin care, though, some saw vast improvements while others saw none. So did I see my marks fading?
