A haul and an update!

Hey guys! I haven't really blogged since I got to Japan, but I've been so busy at work! Things are really hectic since we had a presentation last week, and 3 in a row this week! This next month or so is going to be crazy busy...
Well on to my haul. This is stuff I've bought since I got to Japan...so in the past month or so.
I got the MAC lipstick in Beachbound from the To The Beach collection. It doesn't come out here until next month so I got this in s MUA swap. To be honest, I never wear lipstick, but this color is a really sheer and neutral peachy/golden color and it looks really natural. It gives my lips a shine and I really like it. I've been wearing it everyday to work. The only down side is that it emphasizes dry lips s I can only wear it when my lips look nice.
Swatch:

I finally got to go shopping yesterday. I caught the train to a mall nearby (Emiful), which ia apparently the largest mall in Shikoku. And yes, it is huge! I wish I would've taken a picture, but I got lost several times there and by the end of the day my feet hurt really bad :( but I managed to get some things on sale and it was a good opportunity for me to relax on the weekend for once! I bought a couple things at Uniqlo and some cosmetics:

The uniqlo clothes came out to just under 2500-yen and I bought these things mainly to wear at work. From the cosmetics lot, L-R:
Maybelline Hello Kitty Volum' Express Cat Eyes Mascara
Shiseido Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Glamor Volume On Mascara
Sunkiller Prefect Strong BB Sunscreen
Heroine Make Essence in BB Cream
I wll probably try to do a review on the BB creams when I get around to testing them out. Those two were pretty cheap, under 1000-yen. I saw Kanebo also has one that's reasonable. Maybelline has a mineral BB cream and Revlon also has a moisture BB cream so I might check those out too, but they're around 2000-yen each, which is a little pricey.
I should also mention I saw Sex and the City 2 a couple weeks ago. It was my first time seeing a movie in Japan. We went on Ladies Day so it was only 1000-yen, when the regular price is close to 2000-yen. I thought it was interesting that they has assigned seats (apparently it's typical in asia, even in Korea according to my coworker) and they even served beer there (though apparently it's uncommon in Japan). It was weird to be the only people in the theater laughing at all the jokes (the Japanese subs were really weird), and overall I thought it was better than the first one, although it was really long (140-ish minutes).
Anyway, hope everyone is doing well! Sorry I've been so MIA and I'll try to update more often.

FOTD and I'm finally in Japan!

Products Used:
TFSI
NYX Sahara on inner half of lid
MAC Satin Taupe on outter half
MAC Trax in crease
Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Eggplant on top and bottom lash line
MAC Fig.1 on top of Revlon eyeliner on lower lash line
MAC Tendertone in EZ Baby

Gotta go to work in about 30 minutes so I'll make this update quick. I'm working 9-5 everyday so I haven't had much time to unpack my stuff yet. I'm living out of my suitcase ATM. Work is going well and everyone in the office is really nice, but it's still intimidating. I have Japanese tutoring for the next week or so, so half my day I'm doing that and half the day is work. I finally signed up for a gym membership (I've been telling myself to do it for years now) at a new place that opened up behind my apartment. Fuji Grand is right near my place so it's really convenient, but work is pretty far, about 25 minutes by bike. It's also been much colder than i thought it would be. It's been in the 50s/60s all day so I'm freezing. I didn't really bring anything warm to wear, but hopefully it will only last a week or two :(
Anyway I'm off to work now. Hope everyone is doing well!

Last day at home

It's times like this when I hate myself for procrastinating. I just started packing this morning and I'm about half done. I leave tomorrow at 1050 and we arrive at NRT around 1430. I'm really not looking forward to the super long flight and I hope I'll be able to get some sleep. I have the worst time trying to fall asleep on airplanes. Any suggestions??D so I only had a few shots and got home safe.
Yesterday was a farewell dinner for me and we went to Funpix afterward (the purikura place at Century Center). It was $6-8 depending which booth you used...which to me was really expensive because it's half the price in Japan. But it's the only authentic purikura place around here, so I guess it was worth it.
Anyway, I'll probably update again once I arrive in Japan. I'm really nervous but I'm excited to be going back to Japan. 頑張ります。

Tag: 40 Beauty Questions

Feel free to do this one! I'd love to hear other people's favorites as well.

SKINCARE
-How many times do you wash your face daily?
At least once a day, before I go to bed. Usually try to wash my face in the morning too, but sometimes I don't have time.

-What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
I have really oily skin. Sometimes combination because I tend to get dry spots on my cheeks.

-What is your current facial wash?
I either use Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser or Basis Sensitive Skin bar.

-Do you exfoliate?
Yeah, I usually do it in the shower.

-What brand do you use?
I use Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub. It's pretty gentle and I can use it multiple times a week.

-What moisturizer do you use?
I use Purpose Redness Reducing Moisturizer for daytime and Cetaphil at night. I've recently started using the Up and Up brand from Target. Not sure if I like it yet.

-Do you have freckles?
Nope

-Do you use eye cream?
Yeah but I recently got a rash under my eye from the medication I was taking so I've stopped using it for now.

-Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
Yeah, I've had acne since I was in 6th grade, so about 11 years. I've yet to see clear skin, but I have a daily routine down so it helps to keep it under control.

-Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
Yeah, I think I used it when I was in high school. That stuff was horrible...worst stuff ever.

MAKE-UP
-What foundation do you use?
I don't use foundation because of my skin, but I have tried Everyday Minerals and BB cream in the past.

-How about concealer?
No concealer either.

-Do you know your undertone color?
Yeah, it's yellow/warm.

-What do you think of fake eyelashes?
Never tried them and I don't intend to. I hear they can be a bit heavy on your lids.

-Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
Yeah but I rarely use mascara.

-What brand of mascara do you use?
I've used Maybelline Full n Soft and Smashbox Bionic Mascara and both were alright.

-Sephora or MAC?
I have a lot of MAC stuff, but Sephora has a variety of brands, so I would chose Sephora.

-Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
Nope

-What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
Sigma 217 brush is awesome! I also use my ELF eyeshadow brush, ELF blending brush and the ELF studio contour brush a lot.

-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
Yeah. I have the oiliest lids ever so I need a primer. I use Too Faced Shadow Insurance. I've tried UDDP and it sucked...thankfully it was only a sample.

-For the face?
Nope

-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
NYX Sahara and MAC Tea Time pigment and Patina are pretty neutral colors. Trax, Fig.1, and Moonflower are really nice too.

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
I like my liquid liner for quick application. I use Kanebo Kate Super Sharp Eyeliner...stays on all day. For pencil I either use Revlon Colorstay or Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliners.

-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
Never

-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
They're alright, but I don't use them too often. I hate the fallout that I get, but I do use it on occasion.

-Do you use mineral makeup?
I've tried EDM and it was alright. Not a huge fan though.

-What is your favorite lipstick?
I don't usually wear lipstick.

-How about lipgloss?
Stila Lip Glaze or MAC tendertones.

-What is your favorite blush to use?
Don't use blush.

-Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
Never.

-Do you like drugstore makeup?
Yeah

-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)
We don't have them in Hawaii.

-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
Nope

-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
Sometimes...I guess if I'm really tired in the mornings.

-Name a makeup crime that you hate?
I hate really thick black liner =/

-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
I like both...especially purples and blues, but neutrals are good too.

-Which celebrity always has great make up?
no idea

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?
eyeliner

-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Yes

-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
Yeah. The one thing I hate about my face is my acne, but I would never cover it up with makeup becuase I will probably break out.

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
Not sure. I like MAC eyeshadow, but I think some DS eyeliner is just as good as higher end ones.

-What do you think of Makeup?
It's a good way to express yourself and it makes me feel artistic...since I'm horrible at drawing or any other kind of art.

Tag: A little about myself...

10 Random things about me:
1. I love anchovies, and natto. Not together of course, but they're two of my favorite things to eat! I just ate maguro-natto donburi tonight and it was awesome!

2. I clip coupons like crazy! I hate to admit it, but since I've been out of a job I've been pretty kechi with my money so I try to save whenever I can.

3. I hate vegetables! I can eat salad (lettuce and tomato at the most, occasionally bell pepper) with a lot of dressing. Other than that, seeing me eat veggies is a rarity. I don't eat fruit a whole lot either (damn I must sound so unhealthy!) but I love apples, bananas and mango.

4. I've kinda reached a point in my life where I have no idea what I want to do. I will be graduating in December and I think it will be a miracle if I can land a job after graduation. I know I do not want to go to grad school...can't afford it anyway. I am thinking about volunteering abroad if I'm not able to get a job.

5. I have a twin sister. She's a minute older than I and we were born about 2 months premature. I was 1lb and 11oz when I was born. Yeah..I cringe every time I see my baby pictures lol.

6. Today is my 5 year anniversary. My partner and I started dating while I was in high school and are still going strong ♥

7. I don't have any piercings or tattoos. I want to get my ears pierced eventually and possibly a tattoo.

8. I've been a fan of Utada Hikaru since middle school. I'm so happy I got to see her live when she came to Hawaii earlier this year. Best concert ever and definitly a dream come true.

9. I've only been to the mainland once in my whole life. I went to Disneyland in CA when I was 7. I don't really see the appeal, but I want to go to Vegas, NY and to see the grand canyon some day.

10. I only started using makeup recently, within the past year. I don't really remember what sparked my interest, and I learned from watching youtube tutorials. I'm not dependent on makeup and I don't think I ever will be. I will never be one of those people who can't leave the house without it.


10 things I always carry with me:
1. Wallet (or just my drivers license, cash and my debit card)
2. Cell phone
3. Keys
4. Softlips Raspberry lip balm
5. Tissues
6. Omamori
7. pens
8. mirror
9. sunglasses
10. digi camera

EOTD: Teal eyes

I'm really loving this pigment from Facefront so I decided to do another EOTD with it. The colors look more vibrant irl. I guess I have to find better lighting in my house to take pictures.

Products Used:
Facefront Survival Paint as primer
Facefront Aqua Marina all over lid (love this color!)
MAC Blue Storm pigment in outter corner
MAC Moonflower in crease
NYX Sahara to blend edges
Almay Eyeliner in Brown-black

Travel Blog: Budget Travel!!

Out of the 11 months I spent living in Japan, I had a lot of time to travel. In particular, domestic travel in Japan is quite expensive. People are more likely to travel abroad rather than domestically, just because it's cheaper. Anyway, I wanted to see as much of Japan as I could in the time I spent there, but I didn't have a whole lot of money. I was living off my scholarship allowance, about $800 a month. Although it seems like a lot I was paying rent, utilities, phone bill, insurance/pension and other stuff so I was on a limited budget. I actually did get to see most of what I wanted to, but I did it on a limited budget. I'm just going to share a few things I learned about how to budget my time and money while traveling.
Transportation
Sadly, this is probably going to be the bulk of your travel expenses. In Japan, public transportation is expensive, but it's also extremely convenient. I mostly had time to travel while we were on vacation at school, during winter/spring/summer vacations. During this time JR offers the 青春18切符 (seishun 18 kippu) tickets. This ticket is excellent for budget travel, but not if you need to get somewhere quickly.
These are valid for several months at a time, but only during winter (Dec.10-Jan.20) /spring (March 1-April10) /summer (July 20-Sept.10) vacations, or basically 4 months out of the year.
One ticket costs 11500-yen (about $115USD), and is valid for 5 days (consecutive or non-consecutive) days of unlimited travel on JR local and rapid trains. That's 2300-yen per day or $23USD (a bargain if you know the cost of train tickets -_-)! Shinkansen, Limited Express and Express are not valid for this offer, so the down side is, it takes a long time to get anywhere (you can only use local and rapid trains). You can also use it for more than one person. 5 people can share 1 ticket for 1 day, or 1 person can use it for 5 different days.
This is the only ticket I used when I traveled in Japan. I only had to take a bus once, but that was when I traveled during Golden Week and the ticket was not avaliable.
Hyperdia is an excellent site for looking up train timetables. You can enter a start and end station and it will tell you which train, what time, where to transfer, how much etc. It's very convenient if you're planning to travel anywhere by train.

Accommodation
Hostels are a great budget accommodation! I admit, I was a little skeptical at first because I've never stayed at a hostel before, but as long as you do research and plan ahead you'll be fine. Hostelworld is an awesome site! They have reviews and you can book your stay through the site. I've relied on this site for it's reviews and to book my accommodations, and I've always had really good experiences at the places I've chosen. Hostels are a great way to meet people from all over the world, and usually the people here are very helpful and friendly. Average rates are from about $20-25 a night for a dorm room (4-6 people) and can be up to $30 or $40 for a private (double or single) room. Dorms are usually divided by gender so it's not that uncomfortable. I did stay in a mixed dorm for 1 night, and it was a little awkward, but bearable. I probably wouldn't do it again unless I really had to. Capsule hotels are also a really cheap option, and something fun to try while you're in Japan. Whenever I went to Osaka I always stayed at a capsule hotel. It was about $25 a night. The actual capsule is much bigger than I thought it would be, so I was pleasantly surprised. The only thing I hate is there's not much privacy. Bathrooms, sinks, showers and your locker are all in a separate rooms and can get inconvenient. But it's a good option if you really have nowhere else to stay. It might be harder to find a place that accepts women (most only accept men), but hostel world has several listings, which is where I found the place I stayed at.
Business hotels are your next best option if there are no hostels avaliable. There are tons of business hotel chains all over Japan. I would recommend Toyoko Inn. They have locations everywhere, and they are usually located right outside the train stations so it's very convenient. Prices range from $45-60 a night, sometimes more. It's a decent price and the rooms are a good size for 1 or 2 people. Plus they serve free breakfast every morning!
Well this post is actually a lot longer than I expected it to be, so I'll probably add a second blog later. Hope this helps some of you. I'm thinking about taking a post-graduation trip at the end of the year, so I hope that will work out!