Shiseido Bronzer #2

Sorry again. Posted this photo without explaining why. I was not into bronzer. Only last March when I bought my first. It is kind of confusing me. I always thought that Shiseido bronzer 2 or medium will suit perfectly light skinned gals. Bought it anyway surprisingly it looks good on me. Even though I have brown skin. So morena Filipinas out there like me do not be afraid to choose this shade haha.

I love using it along side with my blush and highlighter. It has taken me more than a decade before finally experiencing a full makeup look. Well minus plucking my eyebrow. 

Shiseido Golden 4

My bad. Did not know I posted the photo without saying anything why I have done so. Just wanted to say that I do not normally use foundation. First and last was back in 2008. Did not repurchase. It is Shiseido that made me use foundation again after a decade. Shiseido synchro skin glow luminizing foundation in golden 4 surprisingly suits my morena skin perfectly. It looks like I am not wearing any foundation at all. I thought I'd share for those browned skin gals like me. 

Last week I left a comment to one of the bloggers in the Philippines to help me out by saying if she knows what is the counterpart of Shiseido golden 4 in Armani foundation. But I did not get any reply. I am happy with Shiseido but decided to give it to my younger sister who is about to work soon. And I thought I will just buy something else soon. But yeah the concern is I will buy online so I do not know yet if I can get other brand of just repurchase Shiseido. 

Back to Daiso

I am back to Daiso. In the past I was so keen to find Essence and Catrice cosmetics in UAE but not anymore. Those brands ~ like falling inlove with someone and chasing that someone who does not love you back. Damn. I will not waste my time and effort anymore to go to shops that carries them. Only to find out that what I want is not available.

So if you want really affordable makeup just go to Daiso. Most City Centre have Daiso. And nowadays they offer products manufactured in Japan. Like the ones in the photo. So far so good.

Experiencing Shiseido Cosmetics..

I read somewhere that in America Shiseido cosmetics are for older women. Ouch. I now belong to that category. First let me tell you my story. I have love and hate relationship with makeup for the last 10 years. I simply do not know how. I refused to touch my brows. Foundations are yucky. Dry skin. No time at all. Name it I have all the reasons. But in spite of that I have many cosmetics maybe not as much like the collectors or makeup gurus/makeup addicts but a lot than average. Reason was whenever I see something cute and affordable I buy it. Whenever there was a sale I buy. And whenever a sales lady suggest something I buy without thinking. So upon decluttering I have given up at least 90% of them unused. The girl who wears makeup once in a blue moon has 3 eyeshadow palettes. More than 50 single eyeshadows. More than 20 blushes and other things I do not understand or did not even know that I have. Given away everything except for lipsticks that I started (unintentionally) collecting last year. As lipstick is the only thing I can wear that do not require so much time. Anyway what minimalists were preaching was right all along. The less items you have the less time required for cleaning. When I have given up clothing I no longer use or need then there has been a space in my closet. That space I was able to use for putting all my bags. That way the organizer holding my bag, I was able to remove it. Making the place where it has been clear. That I can walk freely without bumping and hurting my feet. Then the floor where it has been I can clean in a few seconds everyday without a sweat. Same thing happened with my dresser. After all the decluttering now it is clear and I can see whatever I am going to use. Cleaning time has lessen so finally after a decade I now have opportunity every morning to put on my makeup! Only I no longer have makeup that I need to start from the scratch.

Thankfully I have a budget to buy some unlike in the past. I have a budget because I no longer buy other things. Since January 2018 the only item I purchased was one white brassiere. I no longer buy shoes, bags, skin care (because of my previous stock) or food items. I still eat but no longer committing gluttony. I eat whatever my body needs and not just what my eyes think I need. Was able to buy two foundations. Last time I wore foundation was a decade ago. And this eyeshadow. And bronzer. Price wise this is not cheap. But what is expensive? I see other girls with at least dozen palettes or so. The famous Urban Decay naked will cost you 285.00AED or so. I can buy something in a price lower than this but do I really need a dozen colors? That was my mistake in the past buying all the colors I will never use or need. If indeed it is true that this brand is for old women then I do not mind. I am old anyway. But it is perfect for me in so many reasons. I do not do smokey eyes. I do not even know how to blend eyeshadows. This one I can get away with just using my fingers then dab all the colors to my eyelid. Pigmentation is okay as they are buildable. Do you know when you want to put on some color but you are not very confident or knowledgeable? I think this is it. Therefore I'd say that all my experiences with Shiseido has nothing but excellent so far. It is high end but the price is not as high as others I am seeing at Sephora. Other compare the price versus the grams they will get but do women really use something up to the last drop? Or even make a dent on it? 

Desertcart

I wonder how many of you knows the online company called Desertcart? Admittedly in the past I have seen so many bad reviews regarding the website but I tried anyway. Right now I am no longer sure until when will I be ordering online with the situation. I was in Japan last February but then was not able to buy everything I want for fear that I might not use them. Now that I am back in UAE and miraculously I am really using whatever cosmetics I have! So I still need some Japanese cosmetics but unfortunately no physical shops in UAE carries them. If you are in UAE I might say that just forget about Japanese cosmetics at all cost. I do not understand why so hard for Japanese cosmetics yet very easy for Chinese cosmetics. Are people seriously trusting unknown Chinese makeup over Japanese brands that has been around since forever? You can get Japanese products but with so many hassles.

First there is Yesstyle. It is based in Hongkong unfortunately they do not offer tracking number unless you order with specific amount like 200USD? Not sure though if I got the amount needed correctly haven't visited their site in a while. But if I am correct that's roughly 756.00AED ~ you'll spend that amount when you are just starting up with makeup and skin care but for back ups, that is simply too much. Then there is Amazon Japan partnered with DHL with sooo many restrictions like the sunscreen falls under the category of dangerous goods because it has alcohol! But I was able to arrange from Philippines a dozen more than a year ago. And I had 3 when I went to Japan.  Ever heard any accidents involving sunscreen with alcohol? Then there is Ebay. Not all sellers will can arrange tracking number and I do not  know why. Without a tracking number forget about your item. As per my experience local empost will never ever help you locate your item if you do not have the tracking number! No one will go inside the room to check any item with your name on it or even allow you to go and look for yourself. I lost a package in the past that I stopped ordering from Ebay. Item came to UAE but no tracking number they cannot be bothered to help out.

Then there's Desertcart. While in Japan I saw Shiseido concealer for ¥1,200! Ignored it because not expecting that I will finally have time to use a foundation or any makeup! I just love Japanese cosmetics so much that I have to get and I am happy that I saw it in Desertcart. Until now I do not have the item. And of course they will not disclose what really happened. Or how on earth are they operating? I was told that the item got lost. Does Shiseido concealer contains alcohol and it has a problem going through customs? I hope they will change that system as who on earth going to eat/drink cosmetics? I placed two orders on Desertcart on different days and haven't got any of it until now. Maybe if you will order non cosmetic items you will get it without any fuss. We have Shiseido in UAE but we all know it is the most expensive Japanese brand when there are so many choices of affordable brands in Japan! So if I am still here until next year I do not know where will I get my cosmetics when I ran out of them.

Then there's Souq. As per Souq they partnered with Amazon Global. But then I am seeing a lot of Japanese products available in Amazon Global that I cannot find in Souq website. Try to see for yourself Shiseido spotcover foundation. Amazon Global has it while not in Souq. Found one today in Souq with price of 339.00AED! Are you kidding me? I don't know about you but after this I will no longer order from Desertcart. There are some websites that offer Japanese cosmetics but with extremely expensive shipping and/or limited choices. Duh. 

Japanese Beauty Products from Amazon Japan 💕

Let me start by saying that by now I can say that I'm living a minimalist and frugal life. Well being minimalist and frugal does not mean that I will not purchase anything. That is my point of view. I will still make a purchase every now and then. I think the important thing is that I will not fall into hoarding again. Or I will fall into buying something I will not need immediately. Or I do not really love. But it is not yet so obvious that I am indeed already living a minimalist and frugal life because if you will take a peek at my space there are still clutter. For I am not yet done with my 'Pan Project' and 'Getting Rid An Item Per Day', it is not yet over as I do not have an ample time in my hand. And also because I simply had too much. Anyway this post is about the items I purchased from Amazon Japan and why I finally made the purchase.

Some months ago I have written a post about my morning ritual since January 2016 most of the products mentioned in that post are products I am trying to finish (Pan Project); thankfully whatever skin care from that post are finished as of this writing. But as you can see based on that post I only have one sunscreen. That was Muji Sunscreen SPF 40 I just can't remember exactly which month I finally finished it. But I did not purchase any sunscreen after that as I tried to finished off my moisturizers with SPF (I know not advisable but then as I keep on saying I have way too many stash) then finally around September when I needed a new sunscreen and moisturizer. As of moisturizers I was able to find and purchase easily from Emirates Coop and Muji but as of sunscreen I had a tough time buying one. I mean there are sunscreens in UAE market but the choices are very less as opposed to make up that I lamented how make up have become more important than skin care.

In my quest into finding the best sunscreen has led me into making an online purchase. Something I haven't done in such a long time. I read some blogs and forums that Japanese sunscreens are the best. I am not in the position to make such a claim but then I was satisfied with the Muji Sunscreen I tried so why not try another Japanese brand again? But my main reason in making an online purchase through Desert Cart is more on financial reason. A sunscreen in a physical store in UAE would cost me around 100+ while in the Desert Cart my 107AED was already for 2 tubes of sunscreen including the shipping fee. I was baffled with the prices that I immediately scanned my current skin care to see if there is anything else I need and I would purchase it online. And so from Desert Cart I found my way to Amazon Japan. If Japanese skin care products are affordable in Desert Cart oh man, they are way more affordable in Amazon Japan. But unfortunately some items in Amazon Japan cannot be delivered in the UAE which I do not understand as those products are available in Desert Cart in higher amount. That being said that on my first purchase from Amazon Japan there is no sunscreen included.

Some people swear by the Japanese Cleansing Oils. So I got myself at least 3 variants of it. All are from Kose Softymo. I know I am not using much make up and they are meant as make up remover but then I'm thinking of using it for the body was well aside from just being a make up remover. While the big bottles are called Skin Conditioner or Skin Lotion, which confuses me a little as Japanese Lotion is also known as Toner or Softener. Forgot to search about that. But I had been hearing good things about Japanese Skin Conditioner that I went ahead and purchased at least 3 variants of it. I think the beauty of Japanese Skin Care is they have too many choices that benefits the consumers. One can choose the cheapest in the market without jeopardizing the quality. Even me can't believe the prices I'm seeing at Amazon Japan. That I wonder why I didn't find it soon enough. Maybe I would not have spent hundred of dirhams at physical stores in the UAE. But then that is over and done. At least I'm thankful that I tried it now.

It came in a big box. Photos of that are in my mobile which I will be sharing some other time. I'm posting this photo to show how they arranged it inside the box and it surprised me that in spite of the simplicity of it the items came to me in good condition. It was handled with care. DHL is their courier. Let me share the photos of the products I purchased. (I'm planning to go on vacation in Japan next year so one would think why not just wait until that time to make a purchase. But then based on my last vacation 20 to 30KG of bag allowance will not be enough to purchase and bring back everything you want especially the food)

 Kose Softymo White Cleansing Oil 200ML
428 Japanese Yen

Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil 200ML

428 Japanese Yen

Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil 200ML

441 Japanese Yen

Nihonsakari Moisturizing Lotion 550ML

646 Japanese Yen

Nihonsakari Skin Lotion 550ML

628 Japanese Yen

Kikumasamune Skin Care Lotion 500ML

569 Japanese Yen

In line with my Pan Project, I'm trying to finish off my Botanics eye make up remover which is made of oil. I don't want to use it anymore but I'm still doing so just to avoid wasting it. I don't like it for the reason that it sort of sting the eye. Or sting is the right term? Like my eyes are blurry upon using it that I'm afraid I might go blind. Now surprisingly I did not feel that upon using all the three Kose Softymo Cleansing Oils. Yes upon receiving the package on the same night I tried them all. So LOVE was my initial impression. I am just not sure that I will repurchase because Japan has so many more affordable brands to choose from.

On the same night too I tried the Kikumasamune Skin Care Lotion and Nihonsakari Moisturizing Lotion. Well as of the initial impression, it was just neutral. I do not know yet if I'm going to love it or hate it. If I am going to love it soon then good for me because it is a value for money. It can be used for face and body. It is a multi purpose product. I even used it in my underarms before sleeping.

For these 6 products I only paid 265.00AED and that shipping fee is already included. If there's any update about these I'll be sharing them here soon. And lastly I almost forgot to say that what makes ordering from Amazon Japan convenient is the waiting time is not much. I made the order by November 20 and I think in the same day on Japanese time or the next day my orders has been dispatched. It was supposed to be delivered to me on November 24 but it came a day earlier. Making it only 3 working days of waiting. Wow. Just wow. Now if only I can find out the reason why some products are not allowed of shipping in UAE...

Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself ~ Coco Chanel

Capelin Roe (Masago)

Capelin Roe or Masago

Price: 50.00AED 500Grams

Dean's Fujiya @ Dubai

Smelt. Smelt Roe or Smelt Eggs is quite popular in Japan. They are using it in Sushi. For that reason that I immediately purchased it upon seeing at Dean's Fujiya without batting an eye. Expensive as per my financial barometer. But I truly enjoyed it. This is not only for sushi but also for other dishes such as pasta and rice. Even a simple scrambled egg. I wish to be able to share some recipes in the future about it. But that's all for now. And more Asian Ingredients post from me in the following days. Ciao!

Some Japanese Grocery Items

Should I call it a haul? Purchased these for the month of May. As much as I'd like to buy everything I can't. I have a limited budget. I will not be able to carry everything. And need to be mindful of the expiration date. Spent at least 5 minutes to take a photo of each item. Which I will be sharing some other day. 

For those who wants to buy Japanese goodies can go to Dean's Fujiya in Dubai. It is located in Karama. Walking distance from Lamcy Plaza. That is their one and only branch in Dubai. Not too sure if they have in Abu Dhabi. Unfortunately for us who lives in another emirate they don't offer online shopping. That's all folks! Thanks for dropping by at my page.

Asian Ingredients in UAE Market

Japanese Products  ~ out of all the Asian ingredients in the UAE market, Japanese products are the most expensive. Maybe because Japan is very far from UAE. Maybe because not much Japanese expats here. Maybe because there's only one (that I know of) grocery that carries extensive range of Japanese items. But most of the items are really Made in Japan. At least in Dean's Fujiya. Japanese products in Carrefour are usually from USA or UK.

Korean Products ~ comparing Korean products to Japanese in terms or price, Korean items are 'slightly' cheaper than Japanese items. But still they belong to the expensive category. At least for me. If you see Made in South Korea in the label means the product is from Korea. But if you will see Product of South Korea in the label means it is manufactured outside Korea like USA or China. Or the ingredients are from outside Korea. Either of that two. 

Thailand Products ~ this is what I can say belongs to affordable category. But only for some items that I know and buy as I haven't explore yet the Thai cuisine. And I haven't seen much of their items in the UAE market. Except for the chili paste, shrimp paste and fish sauce. And some noodles like Mama.

Philippines Products ~ this is in the same category as Thailand in affordability. And I know a lot of grocery stores that carry Philippines products. I can't think of anything that is not available in UAE market. 

Bulldog [Tonkatsu Sauce]

Bulldog, a brand of Tonkatsu Sauce. One of the items I purchased at Dean's Fujiya. Price of 17.00AED for 500ML. Japanese items are usually expensive in UAE ~ but then are there items that comes cheap in here? Maybe only Daiso. But comparing prices from Dean's Fujiya to Carrefour, it is quite higher in the latter. It used to be available in Carrefour but not anymore. As the title suggests this is a sauce for Tonkatsu or Deep Fry Pork. Or any other fried meat. Highly recommended by me :)

Beauty Products From Japan and Thailand

If there are BOGUS CUSTOMERS there are also BOGUS SELLERS. Thankfully so far I haven't met any Bogus Sellers. And I wish I'll never meet one, ever! Maybe because the mode of payment usually in UAE is COD. For the month of March, again I ordered some items from one of the trusted sellers in Instagram @onestopshopdxb. This time the free item that she has given me is a facial mask. I got myself Hadanomy Lotion and Hadanomy Cream from Japan for the face. Feminine White Cream, Cherry White and Pasjel from Thailand for the body. That's 6 products! Hopefully one of these will turn out to be a holy grail.

Daiso Products

My quest for an affordable skin care products led me to Daiso. Daiso is a Japanese Store where we can buy almost everything in a very affordable price. I remember when I first came to UAE they have a big branch in Sharjah City Centre and that branch do have a wide range of skin care products but then I was not able to shop there since I moved to Ajman. And for so many years of my stay here in UAE I seldom visit Daiso. They do have a branch in Ajman but it is out of my way. When finally after so many years I was able to visit Sharjah City Centre sadly, Daiso is not there anymore.

Daiso UAE is very different from Daiso in Japan or Daiso in Manila. For example, not all Daiso in UAE do carries the items on this photo. Daiso UAE has very limited selection of skin care products. Probably due to restrictions in UAE customs, I am not so sure. Daiso UAE doesn't carry any food items, is it because they are not Halal? I was able to find all these 3 items only in Daiso Oasis Mall branch. I can vouch that these products are good in spite of me not being able to know or understand the ingredients as they are written in Japanese.

And lastly, if you must know each item cost only 7AED. Way more affordable from the products I buy from grocery stores or from pharmacies. Next time I will write a post for each items. Goodnight for now.

Ciao!