a hint of color

Yesterday, I happened to arrive at my station for work a bit early, so I browsed through the cosmetics counter at the department store. I had been wanting a new blush since I changed my hair style, and I only had pinks and other shades I thought were too dark for my fair skin. When I approached the NARS counter, I asked the sales associate what shade would best accentuate my cheekbones and would look best with my black hair. She immediately pointed to this pretty beige shade that I ended up buying. I tried it on this morning with my normal makeup routine, and I am extremely satisfied with how it looks on me. It's subtle, but adds a hint of color to my cheeks. Plus, I can pair any lip color and it won't clash. Today, I opted for L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipcolour. I bought this shade almost 2 years ago for my senior piano recital and hadn't used it since. Good thing I kept it because now it's my go-to lip color for day and night.

Some of the other items in the first photo:

1. Botanics Mineral Eye Colour (I only use the nude shade)

2. NARS blush in 4026

3. Maybelline Falsies Volum' Express mascara in black

4. KATE Super Sharp Liner in black

5. L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipcolour in Mulberry 710

Do you have any blush recommendations? Let me know in the comments!:)

I also have exciting news that has nothing to do with makeup... My cousin just had a healthy baby boy last week! This is her second child, so I'm sure her eldest daughter is beyond excited to have a little brother. I'm pretty sure I was, too, when my brother was born (I was 3 years old then). I am extremely happy for my cousin and her family - can't wait to meet the little one!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

tuesday mornings

(top: Forever 21; beanie: some store in Harajuku)

 

 

 

One of those rare mornings where I have a few extra minutes to snap photos of myself right before heading off to work. It's just starting to become less humid out here in Tokyo, so I opted for my shoulder-less cropped top from F21 with a pencil skirt from Zara (hopefully I'll have a full outfit post another time), and a simple beanie to add the casual cherry on top.

 

 

I also wanted to quickly share my recent makeup routine:

 

1. RMK Gel Creamy Foundation in 102

2. Laura Mercier Undercover Pot in UC-2

3. Smashbox Brow Tech in Brunette

4. STILA Eye Shadow Trio in Gilded

5. KATE Super Sharp Liner S in Black

6. Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara in Very Black

7. Sephora Collection Color Blush in Sunbaked

8. L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipcolour in 302 Sunset Red

 

 

I don't wear red lipstick everyday, but I use all the other products on a daily basis.

Any favorite makeup products that you use? I would love to know!

 

 

 

Love,

 

Samantha Mariko

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

witchcraft

It might be a little too late to be posting a Halloween makeup tutorial since the weekend is almost over, but maybe it will be useful for next year. I dressed up as a witch this Halloween, but since my costume was pretty simple, I really wanted my makeup to be vivid and, well, sexy. My 3 essentials were crazy eyelashes, KATE super sharp [liquid] liner, and L'Oreal lipstick in 302 sunset red. I was lucky to have gotten my fake lashes as a gift from my friend - they were outrageous enough but not trashy. To go along with the eyelashes, I made my winged eye liner extra long and applied an excessive amount of black eye shadow (I would never do this normally!). I also drew the spider web with my KATE liquid eyeliner. And last but not least, the lipstick. Make sure you use a lip brush so the lip color stays on the whole night! It really makes a difference :)

I hope this helps. Happy Halloween!<3

Love,

Samantha Mariko