Let's Talk Make-Up! Cosmetic Recs for Gals and Lolitas (NARS, MAC, Dollywink, Maybelline, Kat Von D)

Hello guys! Long time no see right? I've been incredibly busy lately with work finally starting up for me along with a bit of traveling plans and events that I've attended. Instead of talking about all of that I wanted to do another informational blog since I haven't done one in quite a while! Before I start now, I've noticed I've gained new followers here! Hello new followers! I've also hit a 1,000+ hits which doesn't sound like a lot but considering the fact that I thought nobody would read this blog at all, I feel like it's a huge accomplishment. -is super petty- Regardless, THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!! I'm super shocked and crazy flattered that anyone would follow this silly thing or even lurk on this blog! I means a lot and motivates me to work even harder.

Anyway, enough of my sap; onward to the cosmetics. I've gotten asked a lot of times on how I do my make up for both gyaru and lolita. and there are a couple of key items that I use for things and a couple of key items for signature looks! Lately I've had a lot of new purchases and things that I generally just never go without so let's get onto it!

1. NARS Sheer Glow Foundation (using Monte Blanc)

This is by far THE BEST liquid foundation I have ever used. I highly suggest this for fair pigmented girls especially because if you have a very cool undertone and look zombie-fied half the time? This foundation will brighten your skin and make it glow! It's a bit shiny but set it with powder and you're good to go! It also hasn't broken me out and doesn't smother my face. The only con TO this foundation is that it doesn't come with a pump, but you can buy one for an extra charge. This foundation is definitely on the pricey scale of things but a little goes along way. How does this work well with Japanese fashion?

I've seen a lot of girls in Japan go to a couple of different products. NARS is one of them whether it's the lipstick, the infamous blushes, or the foundation. This foundation is really good for both lolitas and gyaru. Especially gyaru-because it will give you a really gorgeous high lighted dewy complexion. For lolitas, your skin will look flawless and moisturized because this foundation is high coverage and will make your skin glow!

2. NARS Blush (using Angelika)

I know everyone rants about Orgasm and Super Orgasm. They're the gods/goddesses of the coral blushes. We get it. But I'm about to rant about a different color of blush By no doubt, I am SET when it comes to saying NARS blushes are by far the fucking best blushes I have ever used. They're powdery, pigmented, and come with the option of shimmer. A lot of the Harajuku girls are using the cherry colors.

But gals and lolitas? If you want a baby pink blush? You have well damn found it. I know people rave about Canmake's and  Candy Doll's blushes but this has a big more product for your bank and as I said, a whole lot of pigment. It will instantly give you those dolly pink cheeks that we're always seeing the gals especially wear. Again, NARS products are on the pricey side but good quality make up makes a difference and goes a long way! 

3. Kat V Don Concealer (using Porcelain) 

I discovered this concealer around my senior year in high school. I was big on the J-Rock/Visual Kei scene and what caught my attention first about this line was the packaging. It was down right badass. But as soon as I swatched the concealer you guys? It was all over. I have really blotchy bad skin and this tattoo concealer made miracles occur. 

Yet again this is a bit pricey, way back when I only needed to use this and I doubled this for foundation. But that's before I found the joys of liquid foundation so I'm using if you weren't like me in high school and using both, your money is going to go a very long way. You want flawless skin like the girls in the J-Fashion magazines? This is your answer a long with plastering yourself to a window when you take your selcas. 

4. MAC Lipstick: (using Angel)

A lot of gyaru girls are going the more toned down/casual' route. Personally I dislike it. I asked the lady at the counter for a recommendation on nice baby pink color. I had just got Dollywink lashes and decided to aim for getting Tsubasa-esque lips as well since I currently am trying to find a lippie that's as gorgeous as Candy Doll's Ramune pink but in a MAC color. Never trust a counter girl who is as western plain jane as it gets. She probably recommended me the right thing; if I wasn't essentric as fuck as a glam gal. 

I could care less about the lip color standing out, hell that's what I was aiming for! But if you are going for the 'mode style' gal look that's been taking over the the J-Fashion magazines lately, this color is for you. It's sheer and a frost color. It might do something for a girl that doesn't have my lip color but it looked like I just put frost sheen on my lips and didn't the color. Lolitas? This is great for you because you're aiming for a more natural look with your sweet and classic coords! This is also a work friendly color, as this is the color I've been using for work. 

5. MAC Viva Glam Lipstick (using Nicki II)

So here comes the essentric color I got awhile back. We all know Nicki Minaj is really out there and I'm honestly not big on her at all, but I have to give her props on her lip color. Her first one was the perfect 'Barbie' pink. The second go around of her collab with MAC was still gorgeous. This lipstick is bright, pigmented, and has a lavendar undertone. If you want your lips to make a statement? Go for it. Depending on your skin/hair/mouth this could either be extremely wearable or extremely tacky. So approach this lipstick with EXTREME caution because I kid you not, it IS extreme. 

Gals, this is perfect for you-its an eye turning color. I can see Popteen gals and EGG gals abusing the shit out of this in magazines because its so bright and makes a bold statement with what you wear.  Lolitas? I'd stay away from it unless you can get away with it with your pastel coordinates. I've seen the other Nicki II color be used and widely be popular in Japan right now. 

6. Maybelline Eye Stiletto Eyeliner

A lot of girls in general have been really digging the fine tipped liquid eye liners. This is super popular for lolita and gals alike because we don't need or want raccoon eyes unless you're aiming for the rock gal or gothic style. Other than that, live that all to the v-kei peeps. This eyeliner I feel is like the Western Version of Asia's Dollywink liquid eyeliner. I'm pretty sure Dollywink's tip is finer but I honestly feel from seeing swatches that Maybelline's formula is stronger and more pigmented. This stuff absolutely doesn't budge off of your eyes and I've been using this since my senior year of high school and refuse to use any other brand. So I feel like that says a little something about how good this eyeliner really is! Perfect for thin lines in the inner corners of your eye to a thick winged end at the outer corner. Especially good for winged eyes and cat eyes! 

7 Maybelline's Colossal Mascara

I have seen this mascara the most in Japanese magazines, and if there's anything J-Fashionistas in Japan are obsessed about other than perfect skin? It's eyelashes. So a while back (more like a wayyy while back) I decided to see what the hype was about this mascara was myself. Boy was I in for a surprise. No wonder girls in Japan ate this stuff up. It really lengthens your lashes and doesn't make your eyes feel uncomfortable/itchy like some mascaras do. It really defines each lash and you know how some mascaras like to clump up your bottom lashes? I get perfect defined thick Dollywink-esque bottom lashes each and everytime (because I actually have bottom lashes and thick lashes and just like to add on even more). Totally worth the money. I think even 2NE1 was promoting this stuff last I checked too! 

8. Dollywink Eyelashes: 1 Dolly Sweet and 2 Sweet Girly 

Idolizing Tsubasa Masuwaka for a long time; of course I wanted Dollywink lashes. I saw them all over Gothic Lolita Bible even and Kera.. They were all over Egg, Ageha, and Popteen. There was obviously something super great about these falsies. However, for awhile? I just couldn't justify the price. Who the fuck would bust 15-20.00 on two sets of fake eyelashes? 

My friends, I now know why. These are the MOST COMFORTABLE falsies ever. They're so comfortable that I don't even feel these bitches ON MY EYE. I've always used Daiso lashes and after awhile they can be tiring or I start having eyelash malfunctions. First off, these lashes are so soft. Seriously, they feel crazy natural. They don't feel plasticy at all. They seriously feel like my real eye lashes. Secondly, they have a clear band. For those of you who DO wear fake lashes, you realize that with a band, you usually have to make your eyeliner thicker to hide it unless you're just a boss at putting those babies on. And with the cheaper IchibanKan brand? The clear band is actually super apparent. So that hasn't helped me either. The band is crazy thin, I was so shocked when I saw how thin the band was. You'd think it would be delicate and just kind of be hard to get off the casing but not even! It's a crazy sturdy band!

So I was sold just from that. And then my god...the glue. If I ever get around to using other eyelashes, I'm about to bust big bank on Dollywink glue or glue by the Koji line in general. It's like a thick paste. It's SO great. You can put it on wet and it not irritate or seep onto your eye...and it doesn't feel cold at all. Some eyelash glues even burn and it doesn't even do that! I was so fucking thrilled. No residue. I didn't even have an eyelash malfunction. 

The packing is super cute and great, even the GLUE is packaged super nice. Because the lashes were so thin however, they're a bit challenging to get on but within time I'm super sure I'll figure out how to maneuver around these and get Tsubasa-status eyes. After the use, I was a bit afraid of pulling the thickish band of glue off but came right off perfectly. I will probably get a lot more uses out of these lashes than the usual Daiso brand I use.

I can totally justify the price of spending bank on these lashes. Even if only once, all lolitas and gals should definitely treat themselves to the Dollywink lashes! I already spent 40.00 on two sets alone but I'm sure I'll be using these for a long time! The wear and tear looks so minimal and they look crazy natural. I wonder if I can 'doll' these up without destroying the lashes. I really want to buy the bottom sets now too!

With that said, this has been my recent cosmetic obsession/recent make-up purchase list. I hope some of this gives you an idea of not only what I use to achieve the look I create but also helps you make a decision/base a decision on what you buy-especially coming from someone who aims for the gyaru look but has also been down the lolita route as well. I look at a lot of Japanese fashion magazines to see what Japanese brands and Western brands are popular among the lolita and gyaru crowd. Not everything on here appears in the magazines but a couple do and a couple of the other products are really good alternatives! So I hope that I've made good recommendations for those interested, based on all of this! I'll probably do a couple more of these as I try out more make-up brands and products! Until next time guys! 

Long time..

No speak you guys! It's already two weeks in July and I haven't updated in quite a while. So what have I been up to? A lot of adventures and A LOT of splurging. Here's what I've been up to!

In June I went to the NorCal Cosplay Gathering just merely to stop by and say hello to everyone. I minorly did a 'mode' style gyaru look with blue contacts, black wig, and a couple trendy pieces. I was due for a photoshoot that day as well and went from blinged out collars to elegant gothic lolita.

I was a lolita at the beach! Well technically the beach had a forest but you get my point. It was pretty cold and dreary up that way. It was quite the location though! I love how it made such a cute outfit look crazy creepy. I'll be honest and say despite repping a ton of Black Peace/Peace now items, I was totally inspired by Nana Kitade with this look. 

After the photoshoot I hit up the Art Institute graduating student's 'Style Wow' fashion show. Crazy enough  didn't get to CHANGE out of my lolita like intended after the shoot so I really stood out crazily in my lolita garb! haha

It was super interesting getting to see everyone's hard work up on the runway. The models were equally as gorgeous as the clothes. It's kind of crazy honestly. I've seen tons and tons of Japanese fashion shows whether it be in person or online. Western Fashion is a totally different concept in a sense. The one thing that brings all fashion together is the love for clothing and creativity. It was still a crazy amazing show, I definitely learnt about people's different perceptions of beauty that night.  Despite feeling out of place it was a great time. haha NEXT TIME I show up to a western style fashion show hopefully I can tone shit down or not be in gothic lolita. 

Before the trip to the fashion show, Dennis and I hit Japan Town for dinner and this was my haul! I FINALLY picked up an Ageha magazine. I've been into gyaru fashion since forever and yet my lame face still hadn't bought one. The Ank Rouge accessory case also lured me. Because I'm also a lolita I bought a Kera magazine as well. I swear it wasn't to oogle over how GORGEOUS Akira is... But I highly suggest for lolitas that even though Kera is punk oriented, to pick up the magazine. Especially if you can't afford a Gothic Lolita Bible, Kera magazine is a great alternative. They also feature lolita brands in there as well! 

The next couple weeks later, Anime Expo had hit. I had made the cut for the 'Shibuya Rocks' fashion show and it was huge dream of mine not only to model for Liz Lisa but to also walk the stage in ma*rs wear. Unfortunately due to last minute circumstances and a couple of issues that went on, I wasn't able to attend. However, that weekend I decided to treat myself with my current pay check and not like not going to LA stop me from not hitting San Francisco for the morning.

I totally did a really cute Liz Lisa coordination with my only dress of theirs. I had style Dennis' wig he intended to use for a shoot and just rocked it for the day. The day was pretty lonely but the ride up and back to SF via BART/Bus was crazy smooth and my outfit got a lot of compliments. I was only there in the city until three honestly and I was by myself but I really got to enjoy the peace and quiet. People probably think I'm crazy for saying that but I really feel at home in San Francisco. Yes there's hustle and bustle because it's a city but there's something crazy serene about it. It's crazy enjoyable. Especially Japan Town.

I felt so bad but so good at the same time for splurging so much. It feels really great to buy things with my own money. My first purchase other than Benkyodo mochi for breakfast (which I HIGHLY recommend by the way) was an EGG magazine. Ashley sent me a really gorgeous one for Christmas but I really wanted to purchase one for myself. Yet again,, the magazine goodies lured me. There was a DIA make-up bag that now holds all of my lipsticks/lip wear. 

I ran into my cute friend who was working when I made my second purchase and didn't want to get her in trouble but it was nice seeing her. I was so happy to see a familiar face. Anyway, second purchase was Dollywink eyelashes. I felt so guilty for busting bank on expensive eye lashes. These were 20.00 a pop but oh my god Tsubasa Masuwaka you could sell utter shit and I would buy it. I'll probably do a video review on the lashes. I will say I am super pleased and you'll see why in a bit.

I invaded Hotel Kabuki for an outlet because the mall in Japan Town didn't have an outlets and my iPhone was DYING. I totally didn't belong there. I think there was a bonsai seminar going on. There were really cute Japanese women talking about not being able to drive and about things to see in San Francisco and such. It was funny to listen to while I was sticking out like a sore thumb in gyaru feeling horribly out of place. I was a total hermit on my phone the whole time eavesdropping. heh.. 

I had lunch at Izumiya at my 'forever alone' table while texting Jett and Dennis who were at Anime Expo trolling around. I got my Okonomiyaki fix on while poking at those two. 

Soon after I headed downtown to hit West Field. I went into Bloomingdales to examine a MAC counter and ended up buying a lipstick. Unfortunately when I was really wanting to get 'Tsubasa' lips to go with my 'Tsubasa-esque' eyes, the counter lady did not understand what I meant when I meant 'baby pink'. I should have went with my own instinct. The lip color isn't anything of a baby pink honestly and looks like my regular lip color with a frost sheen. Argh! Oh well better luck next time.

Anyway I headed back home soon after but here was my haul!

YESTERDAY I went out see a couple of friends through Dennis. It was super nice chilling with everyone without the need to do a photoshoot or scurry everywhere to see people or doing something. We literally just went out to troll around and eat. My look for that day was super agejyo meets Popteen gal inspired. I tested out the Dollywink lashes and curled my hair for the first time in months. It was pretty neat. I was honestly testing out my make-up for J-Pop Summit (this is definitely not the hair or make-up I'll be rocking at the festival) because Dennis and Jett (THANK YOU GUYS FOR ALL YOU DO..<3 <3 from the bottom of my heart I appreciate it. You always make me feel like a very happy princess and you both don't HAVE to but do anyway >3< <3) had accomplished the mission of acquiring some ma*rs items for me at Anime Expo!  Since I wasn't able to model for the brand, I am able to own pieces of the brand. I'm SUPER thrilled to wear these out.

We hit Snowflake and I met up with my friend Ashley and we all bought goodies! I had TWO Thai Milk Teas. They were so delicious! I was addicted. The glass was so tall that little me had to sit on my knees so I could drink it. We got two different types of shaved ice to beat the heat too.

It was so nice talking and catching up and just all out relaxing with my kouhai/little sister figure. Ashley is such an ambitious girl. I can't wait to see her future cosplays and see her do fashion stuff. For those of you interested, she's eventually launching an accessories line called SWEET✰RICE very soon. I'm hopefully going to be rocking her accessories with my ma*rs coordinations for J-Pop Summit in a couple of weekends if time permits for her! Once she gets things up and running, for sure check her out! She deserves the love. 

After we parted ways we picked up Vale and went to go have more food and boba elsewhere and eventually raided WestField Mall in San Jose. IT'S SUCH A HUGE MALL YOU GUYS! Seriously, it's crazy huge. I looked at Sephora and didn't see much. Forever 21 has interesting clothes but Japanese fashion has me always wanting to keep an eye out for detail so it makes me question if the clothes are worth the price. However while at the mall I did purchase yet again another set of Dollywink lashes. Now I had sets 1 and 2. I'm officially hooked and not believing I busted this much money on a couple pairs of eyelashes.

After leaving the mall we yet again ate out (we're such fatties) and ended off the night playing on a GameCube until way too late in the morning. In all it was a nice chill day out.

And now I'm back to working and looking forward to (if work permits) attending J-Pop Summit in a couple weekends. Both days I will be rocking agejyo gyaru fashion. I can't wait to see everyone and check out the new brands and models that are arriving in San Francisco especially for the event. Hope to see everyone there!