Monthly Favorites #4 | facial masks

Here is my Monthly Favorites for September - facial masks. Since the season is changing from summer to autumn, I think it's important to amp up the skincare routine with some hydrating and clearing masks. 

A few that I've been using lately:

1. fresh Rose Face Mask: This mask smells just like real roses because it is infused with real rose petals which hydrate and tone the skin. It consistency is kind of like jelly, my skin feels luxurious after using this. Since it's a bit pricey, I use it only once in a while.

2. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores: This one doesn't feel as luxurious on the skin as the fresh mask, but my skin does feel cleaner after use. After opening the pores with a hot towel, you spread this mask on your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes while it hardens and works its magic. Seriously recommend this one.

3. Skin Food Black Sugar Mask Wash Off: Black sugar is apparently a great exfoliator, which is why I picked this up at Skin Food in Harajuku. My skin feels so smooth after using this scrub! You can probably make your own DIY black sugar mask but... I'm a bit on the lazy side (oops).

What kind of face masks do you use or recommend?? Let me know in the comments!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

my monthly favorites #1 - Korean skincare

Whenever I look through blogs on Bloglovin', I always love reading about monthly or weekly beauty product favorites on beauty blogs. I've written posts about my favorite skincare or makeup products, but I thought, maybe I should do it in a more consistent manner. So, here is my monthly favorite series #1! 

My favorite Korean skincare products this month: I recently read an article about the steps taken for the ultimate Korean skincare routine on Into the Gloss, and I went to the Korea town , Shinokubo, in Tokyo a few days later to pick up some of the mentioned products. Although not exactly the same brands, I think they are just as good.

I'm still on the lookout for the perfect makeup remover + cleanser, and I think I am getting close. Nature Republic's Magic Remover does a decent job of removing even waterproof makeup (I always use waterproof mascara, and it removes 90% of it). The sales clerk also recommended the Green Tea Cleansing Oil, which is gentle enough for sensitive skin like mine, and removes all traces of makeup. After using this the first time, I used witchhazel to see if it really removed all of my makeup, and I am happy to say it did. If you have ever used the Oil Cleansers by Shu Uemura, they are very similar.

I added 2 more steps to my post-cleansing skincare routine - once a week or every two weeks, I use the Skin Food Rice Mask Wash Off to exfoliate my skin. I decided to get the rice one instead of the sugar mask introduced in the article because I hear good things about using rice products on skin. I apply the Etude House collagen moistfull first essence after my toner (I use one from Muji), which leaves my skin really dewy and, well.... moist. My last step is a night cream from Origin.

You can never have too much body lotion! I was immediately hooked with the Holika Holika Pure Natural Honey Oatmeal Moisture Body Lotion because it smells sooo good - the perfect amount of sweetness. It really does leave my skin soft and moisturized.


Do you use any Korean skincare products or cosmetics? If I find any good recommendations on Korean Cosmetics, I might want to try some next time!



Also, don't forget to enter the Eden the Collection Giveaway, which ends TOMORROW!!! Hurry hurry :) You don't want to miss it!


Thanks for reading!






Love,

Samantha Mariko

beauty essentials

I feel like most of my recent posts are from my photo shoots, so I decided to post something a bit different this time :)

After moving to Tokyo, I've become very picky when it comes to beauty products. The makeup artists at my photo shoots would recommend products, or hairstylists would give me tips and recommendations on how to style or treat my hair. And so far, these haven't let me down. 

From left to right:

Trader Joe's tea tree oil

Kerastase Huile Sublime leave-in hair treatment

Nivea SPF 30 water gel sunscreen

Caudalie cleansing water for face and eyes

Bioderma Solution Micellaire makeup remover

Bioderma Eau Dermatologique spray-on toner

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre moisturizer + primer

Spending a little extra on beauty products can make a huge difference.

Do you use any of these products?

Love,

Samantha Mariko