{HAUL} Innisfree - Korean Skincare + Makeup

This post is a continuation of my Taiwan Haul. I know it may sound like I've been living under a rock, but I have never heard of Innisfree before this trip to Taiwan! My cousin was really excited to tell me that a store had recently opened in Taipei, so I was definitely going to check it out.

The interior of the store looked clean and sophisticated. The walls and display shelves were white, and there were green accents throughout the store. The atmosphere and the customers there seemed more mature than that of Etude House. 

The sales associates there minded their own business for the most part. They would nod politely and greet me, but they would only come to speak to me if I had a question. I was okay with this. It was nice to stroll around on my own accord. I didn't buy a lot because I had been to Etude House earlier, where I was more familiar with their products. Anyhow, that didn't stop me from picking up a few things!

These are some of their basic masks. The all have certain properties that will have different effects on your face, but they all have the same description: 

"Infused with the blend of herb complex water and ingredients from nature, this real mask adds vitality and energy to your skin." 

I love the smell of honey and rose, so these were the first few items that I picked out. They were also very cheap!

• It's Real Royal Jelly: ($1.00 USD) 
• It's Real Manuka Honey: ($1.00 USD)
• It's Real Rose: ($1.00 USD)

I would classify these as special masks, mainly because they seem to target more specific areas for your needs, and also because they are more expensive. My cousin recommended the second skin mask and the eco science white C hydro gel mask. I picked out the Anti-trouble mask in case I have a day when I break out.

• Anti-trouble Intensive Ampule Mask [BHA]: (~$5.00 USD) This is a 2-step ampule mask that concentrates on treating five different skin concerns related to moisturizing, anti-oxidant, firming, brightening, and anti-trouble.
• Second Skin Brightening Mask: (~$5.00 USD) This perfectly adhesive mask contains vitamin C derivatives which deeply penetrate into your vitality lacking and dull skin, ultimately creating a bright and translucently clear complexion.
• Eco Science White C Hydro Gel Mask: (~$5.00 USD) Enriched with tangerine peel and green tea from pure Jeju Island, eco science white C helps to clear and reveal translucently soft and tender skin.

These are fun wash off packs that are contained in a one-time use capsule! I like the idea a lot, and it's a lot more hygienic. In the store, these were stacked in a way that reminded me of Keurig K-cups! I actually got one of these as a "sample gift" for spending over $30 USD. 

At the counter, I was handed a token which was to be used on a toy dispenser. After I turned the knob, a plastic ball fell down, with the Apricot Capsule Pack inside! They are really clever when it comes to enticing their customers to buy more! ;D

• Capsule Recipe Pack Apricot: ($2.00 USD) 
• Capsule Recipe Pack Volcanic Ash: ($2.00 USD) 

My cousin also advised me to get these brow pencils. I love that they are retractable, so my lazy self won't have to sharpen them (haha). They also have a spoolie on the back end.

• Innisfree Eco Eyebrow Pencil (Gray): (~$8.00 USD)
• Innisfree Eco Eyebrow Pencil (Dark Brown): (~$8.00 USD)

This was a nice surprise; along with my purchase of over $30 USD, I also received a trial sample of the Eco Science White C Kit. Innisfree didn't hand out samples like Etude House did, but I was very happy to get this. 

This was a great shopping trip, especially for my first time ever hearing about this brand!

And thank you for reading! Be sure to check out my reviews for each product, as well as my Taiwan Haul and Etude House Haul.

Disclaimer: I bought all of these products myself.

My statements on the products are my true opinions.

You are welcome to share my pictures, as long as the watermark is not removed.

{HAUL} Etude House - Korean Skincare + Makeup

This post is a continuation of my Taiwan Haul. I got so many things from Etude House, so it deserves its own post.  I had a lot of fun organizing and going through my purchases (who doesn't like doing that?☺). 

The store itself is hard to miss. You can spot their pink sign from far away! Everything is so bright and pink that it really lightens up your mood once you step in. The sales associates in the store were all very helpful and friendly. They don't follow you around, but if you stand in front of a product for around half a minute, they will stop by and explain or demonstrate the product for you. I didn't have a problem with that at all. They all speak in Mandarin, and I had my cousin with me too, so it made it a lot easier for me to pick out what I really wanted. I have listed the products below with descriptions from the Taiwanese site, and reviews will be linked once I test them out!

These are all the masks I got, and starting from the top left are: 

• Body Dictionary Alphabet (Mango): ($1.60 USD) Nourishing, firming, vigor, and vitality. 
• Body Dictionary Alphabet (Collagen): ($1.60 USD) Firming and tight elastic. 
• Ice Shot Cooling Patch: ($8.30 USD) Made with water from Canadian Alpine glaciers, the patches have a cooling effect and can reduce your body temperature - good for hot summer days. Comes with 5 patches. 
• Royal Jelly: ($1.60 USD) For smooth hydration. Contains royal jelly concentrated essence packed with antioxidants to strengthen the skin and reduce wrinkles. Aids in water retention and makes your skin flawless and smooth. 
• Snail: ($1.60 USD) For smooth firming. Contains polysaccharides extracted from snail mucus to repair rough and dry skin to make it smooth and supple. 
• Aloe: ($1.60 USD) For soothing relief. Contains aloe for moisturizing and calming dry and hot skin. 
• Green Tea: ($1.60 USD) For moisture and relief. Contains green tea rich with catechins and other antioxidants to calm rough and sensitive skin. 

There was a deal on Patches and Packs - they were buy 3, get 3! I gave a few to my friends. :)

• Collagen Eye Gel Patch: ($3.30 USD) Gel under-eye patches that contain collagen, adenosine, and vitamins A and E. They improve the appearance of fine lines and help with firming and brightening.  {Click for Review}
• Greentea Nose Pack: ($1.00 USD) Pore strips with green tea extract that removes blackheads and sebum while cleaning and tightening enlarged pores. {Click for Review}

I was very excited about getting their lipstick and lip tint. They look adorable and smell so good!

• Dear My Blooming Lips-talk (OR209): ($14.00 USD) This lipstick has soft and moisturizing factors to give a lovely sense of a three-dimensional bow shape. Other than that, JUST LOOK AT THE PACKAGING. SO CUTE.
• Rosy Tint Lips (#1 Before Blossom): ($14.00 USD) Made with shea oil and rose oil for a beautiful floral scent, this lip tint also has a unique powder printing technology for a matte finish. The easy to use applicator makes it good for beginners.

 

I forgot to add this to the overall picture, but this was a relatively new item, and the idea behind it seemed really nice.

• Ice Shot Cooling Mist: (~$15.00 USD) Made with water from Canadian Alpine glaciers, the mist spray has a cooling and moisturizing effect and can reduce your body temperature - good for hot summer days. 

One of the things I love most about Etude House ... the free samples! I got a good selection of them. I am thinking of making some sample reviews as well - how can anyone know what product to buy unless they have tried it first? I am looking forward to sampling all of them. :)

• Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam
• Baking Powder B.B Deep Cleansing Foam
• Play Therapy Pack: Moist Up & Pore Sebum Care
• Magic Bubble O2 Water Peeling Pack
• Precious Mineral BB Cream - Blooming Fit
• Precious Mineral BB Cream - Cotton Fit
• Collagen Moistfull Cream
• Pearl Aura Brightening Essence Lotion
• Pearl Aura Brightening Essence 
• Precious Mineral Any Cushion in W13

Thank you for reading! Be sure to check out my reviews for each product, as well as my Taiwan Haul and Innisfree Haul.

Disclaimer: I bought all of these products myself.

My statements on the products are my true opinions.

You are welcome to share my pictures, as long as the watermark is not removed.

{HAUL} Taiwan 2014 - Etude House, Innisfree, Fashion, and More!

I visited Taiwan back in July, and I'm very excited to share my haul! I did my shopping in Taipei, and it was my first time at Etude House and Innisfree. Most of my purchases were of skincare products. They make great gifts, and this supply can last me months! Foreign products in Taiwan are a bit pricier than what you would find in other countries. You can find the best prices on things that are made in Taiwan, of course. However, the experience of shopping in the actual store rather than an online store is a lot more fun.

Beauty & Bath

Since I have so many Korean beauty products from this trip, I'm going to make separate reviews for them. The following products were purchased in drugstores or supermarkets:

My Beauty Diary

Japanese Cherry Blossom Mask - The most popular Taiwanese brand for masks. I got 2 of these for $1.50 USD.

Marine Bubble Bath Pack

This one looks like a lot of fun: you put the "petals" into your bath, and it bubbles up. $2.17 USD

 

Elastine

Perfumed Shampoo - My cousin recommended this scent to me. It smells like a combination of fresh linen and perfume by Lancome. Around $6 USD each.

Essential Damage Care

Rich Premier Hair Mask - I saw this while shopping in Carrefour. It smells so fruity and fresh, and I can't wait to try this when my hair grows out more! Around $7 USD.

Fashion

I didn't buy a lot of clothes this time- I was more focused on the cosmetic products. But that didn't stop me from picking out a few things that caught my eye.

Queenshop

This is a Taiwanese brand that is pretty affordable, compared to the other boutiques in the surrounding area. I don't normally wear crop tops, but I was really attracted to these two. They were only around $10 USD each, so I couldn't pass that up! The first top is really silky in feel with a deep brown paisley print. It has a collar and buttons down to a cute front tie. The second top is a crocheted tank with a beautiful lace trim on the bottom. My friend said it reminds him of a Gothic design.

I absolutely LOVE these socks. I get 90% of all my socks from Taiwan, because the designs are all so unique. I picked these up at a night market stand. They were only $0.50 USD each! My sock drawer is already so full, but it never hurts to get more.

And that concludes my Taiwan Haul!

Be sure to check out my hauls for Etude House and Innisfree too!

Disclaimer: I bought all of these products myself.

My statements on the products are my true opinions.

You are welcome to share my pictures, as long as the watermark is not removed.

Sunday Spins - NY NOW & Tabata Ramen

Yesterday, my dad took the family out to the Javits Center for NY NOW, formally known as the New York International Gift Fair. We all sported Exhibitor passes, because my dad works for Nippon Kodo Inc. I love visiting the show, because there are always so many new ideas and designs on display. It's really a great way for a company to kick start their merchandise.

 

I also met up with my friend and her dad, and we just browsed whichever aisles that we could... there were just too many! I saw a variety of products- from silicone pot lids and wallets to ambient lighting adorned with paper cutouts. The items on display are not for sale, because the exhibit there is for distributors looking to purchase the items in wholesale. However, it does give me great ideas for birthday and Christmas presents!

Sprinkles NYC - Cupcake ATM

Last week, my friend Sai and I found out that we were the second place winners of our school's brick competition! We were both very excited, and upon hearing the news, we knew we had to celebrate with cupcakes. And what better place than the first cupcake store in New York City?

Right after class, we hopped onto the F train and headed to Lexington Avenue.

As we approached the store, we saw something different... there was a CUPCAKE ATM! At first, I was shocked; I thought the store was undergoing major renovation and could only serve their customers from the machine. Good thing I was wrong, because the real store was right next door.

The Cupcake ATM worked like a vending machine. You select a cupcake of your choice, and right after you pay, a robotic arm with a video camera attached to it grabs your cupcake and serves it to you. The cupcake is individually boxed and looks good enough to give as a gift. However, convenience comes with a price- $4.25, for that matter. It costs only 50 cents more than the cupcake you would buy in the store, and you also get to witness this amazing experience!

The most delicious ATM you will ever use

Sai and I decided to go into the store instead. It smells amazing inside. Everything in the store is adorable, from the chairs to the wallpaper. The service is always the best, and you will always leave with a smile on your face. :)

I bought a red velvet cupcake, and Sai bought a red velvet and a milk chocolate cupcake.

  

     

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

If you are planning on bringing your cupcake home, it's best to buy at least two, so you will get a nice box to carry them in. I only got one, and that was wrapped with a waxed paper bag. It ended up being squished by the time I got home. But it was still delicious!

      

Sai's cupcakes had better luck than mine.

Miyazaki Movie Sunday - The Wind Rises

Today, my family and I left our home early to make it to the first show of the day. We took a half-hour drive to get to a theater in Long Island. Why? For the shopping we can do after, of course!

Dad has been very eager to watch Miyazaki's "final masterpiece" since it premiered in Japan. I was surprised that he wanted to take the family out to watch it- the last time we saw a movie together was when Paprika came out.. in 2006!
At first I wasn't too excited about the movie when I learned that it was dubbed. I believe films should be enjoyed with the original language and cast. This would have been a petty reason not to watch it, but when I heard that Joseph Gordon-Levitt was voicing the main character, I was even more intrigued. ♥w♥

Just like every Miyazaki film, this was animated beautifully. I have always loved his keen attention to detail, and the details are often so subtle that you would never notice until you watch it a second time. This movie was definitely angled toward a mature audience; aside from the references to war and the controversial images of cigarette smoking, it showed a man struggling to fulfill his childhood dream as well as his love life.

In some ways, I drew connections from this movie to my own life, especially in the scenes where Jiro slaved away on his mechanical drawings throughout the night. It showed that even though you may struggle to try and achieve your goals, hard work does not always lead to a good outcome. You work for what you love, and whether or not the results work in your favor, the time you have to invest eventually disappears, so you must do your best work while you have the mind to.

It seemed that in Jiro's endeavors to become a successful aeronautical engineer, he became a more selfish character. In his race to meet his work goals, he lost the time and connections with his family.

Like many of Miyazaki's films, this had quite the bittersweet ending. It was surely one to remember, for many could relate to the situations that were displayed. The Wind Rises may not be Miyazaki's final film, but it was certainly a masterpiece in itself.