Make Up For Ever New Artist Rouge Collection

Make Up For Ever released their new Artist Rouge lipstick collection, and I received a few shades to try out from Bershka Japan. They recently had a collaboration at the Bershka Shibuya store, pairing these chic lipstick shades with pre-fall outfits. The shades I selected are M401 (ICONA POP limited edition), C407 and C604.

The formula lasts a lot longer than some of my other lipsticks, and the sheen is beautiful. The pouch perfectly fits 3-4 of these pretty lipsticks. Have you tried any of these yet?

Make Up For Everの「Artist Rouge」という新しいリップのコレクションが発売されました！ベルシュカジャパンより３色を試すことができました。最近ベルシュカ渋谷店で、リップと秋冬のコーディネートを合わせることができるイベントを開催していたんです。私が選んだ色はM401 (ICONA POP limited edition)、 C407とC604です。

この新しいリップは、今まで使ったものより長持ちするのがポイント。そして、ツヤと発色がとても綺麗なんです。ポーチも、リップが３〜４つぐらいちょうど入るサイズで使いやすいです。Artist Rougeのリップ、オススメなので是非試してみて下さい！

NARS summer makeup essentials

Battling the summer humidity in Japan has always been a topic of frustration for me for the past 4 years. And over the years, having my makeup done by professionals at work and reading beauty blogs and articles has opened up my eyes about how to do makeup the "right" way. It's not just the "right" foundation - it's also about how your prep and finish your face, too. So here are the tools I use to keep my face put together on a hot, summer day:

1. NARS Pore Refining Primer // 2. NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base // 3. NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30 // 4. NARS Soft Velvet Loose Powder // 5. NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder // 6. NARS Dual-Intensity Blush - Craving

The thing I love most about NARS is that a little goes a long way, especially their foundations. The Velvet Matte is a recent favorite, as it glides on so smoothly and effortlessly, and I'll just add some concealer on problem spots if the foundation doesn't do the trick. And I probably wouldn't use two different finishing powders in the winter, but I find it a must for me in the summer heat. 

What do you use for your summer makeup routine?

日本へ着てからの４年間、夏の湿気との戦いは今でも一番の困難です。そして、この数年間、現場でたくさんのメイクさんにメイクやってもらったり、ビューティーブログや記事を読んだりして、「正しい」メイクのやり方を徐々に学びました。「これ」といったファンデーションだけでは、化粧崩れしにくい顔を作ることはできないと思います。下地とセットするパウダーも大事なんです。この夏、私のメイクルーティーンで役立っているNARSのメイク道具を紹介します：

1. NARS Pore Refining Primer // 2. NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base // 3. NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30 // 4. NARS Soft Velvet Loose Powder // 5. NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder // 6. NARS Dual-Intensity Blush - Craving

NARSの商品の一番好きなところは、少量でもすごい効果があることです。特にファンデーション！伸びが良く、仕上がりもいいし、ファンデーションで隠しきれない部分があったらコンシーラーを使えばオッケーなんです。冬の間はセッティングパウダーを２つ使わないと思いますが、夏は欠かせません！

あなたはの夏のメイク必勝品は何ですか？

Brow game strong with Anastasia Beverly Hills

I've been wearing makeup since I was 13, and as a teen and young adult, my eyebrows were the least of my worries in terms of fullness. In fact, I always dreamed of thinner, daintier eyebrows that some of the girls around me had. Luckily for me, thick, bushy eyebrows are trendy now, and after watching countless Youtube videos and makeup tutorials, I've realized the shaping of your eyebrows is so important when "creating" your face. These days, I rarely pluck the excess hair around my eyebrows and try to let them be so they look as natural as possible. And that's where Anastasia Beverly Hills comes in.

When I was shopping at Sephora during my stay in California, I spent a good 30 minutes in the Anastasia section to figure out what I would want to use for my eyebrows. One of the makeup artists there advised me on what to use and how to use them well, and I ended up with these items:

Brow Power Duo // Brow Wiz // Brow Primer

The first thing I learned was that primer does make a difference for your brows (I always thought it was for foundation only). Not only does the color from the brow shadow stay put longer, but the color applies much better than without it. My favorite is the Brow Wiz - it's double ended, and the brow pencil is so fine it's difficult to make mistakes with it. Finish off with a quick comb through with the other end, and then you're set. 

Do you have any tips, tricks or products you recommend when doing your eyebrows? Let me know in the comment section!

私は１３歳の頃からメイクをしているのですが、ティーンエイジャーの時は毛深い眉毛が一番プライオリティーの低い部分でした。前はもっと薄くて上品な眉毛を夢見ていたのです。でも運良く、太い眉毛が流行り出し、いくつものYoutube動画やメイク講座を見た末、眉毛の形作りは顔を整えるのにすごく大事なんだなと知りました。最近は、眉毛をなるべくナチュラルに見せたいので、ほとんどノータッチです。そこで、Anastasia Beverly Hillsの商品が登場します。

カリフォルニアのセフォラでお買い物しているときに、多分３０分ほどAnastasia のセクションでどの商品を買えばいいか悩んでいました。お店の店員さんが色々アドバイスして下さって、商品で眉毛を作ってくれました。購入したアイテムはこちら：

Brow Power Duo // Brow Wiz // Brow Primer

最初に気づかされたのは、眉毛下地はすごく大事だということ！（ずっとファンデーションだけだと思っていました）シャドーの色が長持ちするだけでなく、発色が全然違うことがすぐ分かりました。そして、Brow Wizが３つの中でお気に入りです。両端使えて、ペンシルが激細なので、ものすごく使いやすいです。最後にブラシでささっと整えて、終わり！

あなたは、眉毛メイクでオススメなアイテム、もしくはアドバイスはありますか？コメント欄に投票して下さい！

RMK UV Liquid Foundation launch

RMK, a Japanese cosmetics brand, recently released their UV Liquid Foundation. With a silky consistency and light application, this is probably the ideal foundation for warm summer months. RMK has a great selection of foundations from gel liquid to powder, which I love. The white layout at this pop up shop was so cute especially the white floral decorations. Thanks RMK for a great party!

RMKが最近、新しくUVリクイドファンデーションをリリースしました。そこで、今夜表参道のポップアップで新作を使ってみることができました。シルクのような肌触りで、とてもなじみやすいファンデーションです。RMKは様々なタイプのファンデーションがあるので、とてもオススメですよ！今回のポップアップのデコレーションも可愛かったです♡白いお花がお洒落。RMK、楽しいパーティーありがとうございました！ 

happy valentine's day

It's Sunday, it's Valentine's Day, and I'm getting ready for my day with these makeup essentials. NARS is always an absolute favorite, but I love Maybelline for eyes and the NAKED 2 eyeshadow palette makes a perfectly subtle smokey eye. When I want something different with my eyeliner, I go with my red RMK liquid liner. And a new favorite of mine is this YSL Lumiere Divine highlighting face powder. It sets my foundation just right.

I'll be getting lunch with some of my girlfriends for Japan Restaurant Week (sort of like Dine LA, where participating restaurants have special courses prepared for lunch and dinner). I'll be posting photos later :) I hope ya'll enjoy your Valentine's Day as well! 

今日は日曜日、バレンタインデー。待ちに待った日なので、メイクに気合いが入ります♡ NARSは前から好きなブランドなのですが、アイメイクはMaybelline が好きです。やりすぎないスモーキーアイはUrban Decay のNAKED 2 のアイシャドーパレットがオススメですよ！アイラインを違う色にしたい時は、RMKの赤いリキッドラインを引いたりします。そして、最近気に入っているのはYSL ルミールディヴァインシリーズのフェースパウダーです！ベースをちゃんとセットしてくれてる気がします。

今日は、Japan Restaurant Week に参加しているレストランで、友達とランチしてきます！またあとで写真載せます！皆さんも良いバレンタインデーを♡

YSL Beauté Lumiere DIVINE

My new favorites in precious gold ♥︎　もっと綺麗を目指して！

RMK URBAN GOLD Fall Collection Party

I attended the RMK URBAN GOLD Fall Collection Party, where the brand introduced brand new colors for their liquid eyeliner. I've tried RMK foundations and powders before, but not their eye products. One of the makeup artists did my eye makeup for me, and I tried the green eyeliner, and the shade was really gorgeous. I ended up taking the metallic rose eyeliner home with me to wear for fall/winter - can't wait to try this new color!

先日、RMK URBAN GOLD Fall Collectionのパーティーに行って来ました！RMKのファンデーションは使ったことあるんですけど、アイメイクは使ったことなかったので、すごく楽しみでした。メイクさんに、グリーンのアイラインを引いてもらいました。すごく綺麗な色！とても涼しげです。でも、結局メタリックローズのアイラインを選んだので、この秋冬は新色をトライしようと思います！

NARS favorites

If you didn't know already, I am a huge NARS fan, especially skin makeup. Ever since I participated as a model at NARS Tokyo artist summit, I was immediately hooked - their foundation and concealer worked really well with my acne-prone skin and stayed put all day, which is like a miracle for me.

私はNARSのコスメが大好きです。去年、NARSのアーティストサミットでモデルとして参加した以来、大ファンになりました。私の肌はとても敏感ですが、NARSのベースメイクとは相性がいいんです。

Recently I'm using / 最近使っているもの:

All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation - has a matte finish to it, and a little goes a long way

Radiant Creamy Concealer - the best concealer I have ever used, period. 

Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder - sets your foundation beautifully, I use it with a powder puff

Christopher Kane x NARS Blush - such a pretty and subtle color for your cheeks

The Multiple stick blush in Orgasm - I use a little bit of this on the apples of my cheeks for a touch of color

Do you use NARS? What are you favorite makeup products?

daily beauty essentials

Eos Travel Size Everyday Hand Lotion, Maybelline The Nudes Eye Shadow Palette,

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur, 

zero UV Round Circle Cat Eye Sunglasses

Over the past few years, I've gotten into a guilty habit of trying new beauty products and not finishing them because a) it didn't work for me or b) I found something better. I think I'm getting better about it especially when it comes to skincare products, since I want to make the most of the money I spent on it (good skincare ain't cheap!). But I did pick up a few drugstore products that I've been wanting to try, and they're proving to be good enough to stay in my makeup bag, at least for a while. A heavenly-scented hand lotion in a cute, round bottle that's perfect for traveling; a $10 eye shadow palette with all nude and brown shades imaginable with easy application; and the most amazing BB cream/ foundation that will glide across your skin and cover most blemishes and imperfections. The Shu Uemura is undoubtedly a staple in my makeup bag, since I stopped using mascara but need a little oomph in my lashes. And because we always need a cute pair of cat-eye sunglasses :) 

私は、常に新しい美容グッズを集めて使ってみるのが大好きです。でも、結構最後まで使わないことが多いので、少し控えるようには心がけているのですが。。最近、ドラッグストアのブランドで、興味があった商品をいくつか購入して、今のところとても使いやすく、気に入っています。ピンクの丸いボトルのハンドクリームはお出かけ用にぴったりで、とても使いやすいです。メイベリンのアイシャドーパレットはヌード系の色が全部そろっていて、アプリケーションもスムーズ。ラロッシュポゼのBBクリームファンデーションはびっくりするくらい塗り心地が良く、カバー力もいい感じ！忙しい朝には持ってこいのベースメークです。Shu Uemuraのビューラーは欠かさず使っていて、キャットアイのサングラスは可愛いから♪

Backstage with Maybelline Japan for Sulvam

Before the John Lawrence Sullivan show yesterday, I visited backstage with Maybelline Japan to check out the makeup for the show.

Renowned Japanese makeup artist MIZU explained that the concept of John Lawrence Sullivan's 2015 Fall/Winter collection is all about the futuristic look, with pale nudes and touches of shimmer around the eyes. Some of the products he used were the Super Mineral 24 Liquid Foundation, the Pure Glow Mineral Powder Foundation, and the Big Eyes Eyeshadow. He also used Essie nail polish 501 in au natural. It's amazing how high in quality Maybelline products are, and at such an affordable price. MIZU did a phenomenal job creating an icy, futuristic look for each of the models. Y

ou all will love the photos I'll be posting next - of the actual show! Stay tuned :)


昨日は、John Lawrence Sullivan のバックステージにお邪魔しました。今回はメイク担当のMIZUさんに、メイベリンジャパンの商品を使ったモデルさんたちのルックを説明してくれました。このショーのテーマは「未来的。」とういうことで、ペールヌーディーの色合いをファンデーションやコンシーラーで作ったり、ちょっと光沢感を足したりと、本当に綺麗にモデルさんのルックが仕上がりました。使用していた商品の中で、メイベリンSPミネラルリキッドロングキープ,　メイベリンピュアミネラルグロウ,　そしてメイベリンアイシャドウBR−１。メイベリンのコスメは使っていますか？

次回は、ショーの画像をアップするので、その時はまたチェックして下さいね！

My NARS makeup haul

I wasn't always a NARS fan, but within the last 2 years I have slowly but surely converted to NARS cosmetics. I also had the amazing opportunity to model for their artists' summit a couple months ago and received a lot of makeup goodies, including the lipgloss and lipsticks pictured above. My most recent NARS craze is their Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder. I literally never have to retouch my makeup after using this at the end of my morning makeup routine. I used to get shiny on my T-zone, but even at the end of the day, I barely do anymore. I also love their blushes (gorgeous colors!). And I mean, who can resist their sleek and modern-looking compacts?

Do you use any NARS products? If you have any recommendations, let me know in the comments!

ここ数年、NARSコスメにハマっています。数ヶ月前も、アーティストサミットでモデルをさせて頂いた以来、更に好きになってしまいました。チークやリップの色も豊富だし、私の敏感肌にも優しいです。特に、ライトリフレクティングセッティングパウダープレストは欠かせないです。どんなファウンデーションを使っても、一日中テカらない。Tゾーンがテカりやすい私でも、夜までほぼマットの状態ですよ！皆さんもNARSのコスメはお使いになっていますか？

my favorite Maybelline eye-makeup products

Happy Thursday, and TGI-almost-Friday. I'm sorry I have been a bit MIA about posting new content and responding to comments the past few days.. I read all of your thoughtful feedback and will be responding to them very soon! 

These days, I'm addicted to my Maybelline Japan eye makeup products that I mentioned in this post from the Maybelline Japan blogger event. I received 2 Ever Sharp Liners in black and brown, which are waterproof pencil liners. The great thing about these is you can sharpen the ends just by twisting the cap! I stopped using pencil or kohl liners because that was a huge hassle for me, but now I'm back in the game. These really don't smudge at all. And the last product is the Lashionista Care+, which is just like the regular Lashionista, but comes right off with warm water (no rubbing required!), and is also a 2-in-1 in that it takes care of your lashes while you put it on during the day. My lashes look long and healthy when I apply this. Love it!

最近、メーベリンのウオータープルーフのアイメイクにハマってます。メーベリンの新商品説明イベントで頂いたEver Sharp Linerのブラックとブラウン、そしてLashionista Care+ マスカラは毎日愛用しています！アイライナーは全然にじまないし、キャップをまわしたら、先が再びけずられる仕組みになっています！本当に使いやすいです。あと、Lashionista Care+もにじまないし、お湯で簡単にオフできます。しかも、つけながらまつげゲアができるように、美容液も入っていますよ。まさにperfect itemです。Maybelline,大好き！

BEAUTY | a NARS holiday

I mentioned in a previous post that I received some NARS cosmetics after modeling for their artist summit in Tokyo. What I didn't mention was they sent me more beautiful shades of lip colors, blush and eyeliner. I am truly in (NARS) makeup heaven right now. Even the packaging was perfect for the holiday season.

I've been using NARS blush for over a year now, and I really recommend those - the colors look beautiful on the skin and they are so easy to blend. I'm not huge fan of lipgloss, but adding a bit of gloss over a lipstick adds the right amount of shine (or that's what Mr. Nars himself told some of the artists at the summit). So that's what I've been trying :)

最近、NARSのコスメにすごくハマってます。東京のNARSアーティストサミットでモデルをやらせてもらった以来、メイクにも以前より興味を持ちました。そして嬉しいことに、NARSジャパンからリップやチークをもっと頂きました！本当にありがとうございます！使うのがとても楽しみです♪



I'm currently looking for a new makeup bag to fit my newest additions. I'm really liking this Ezra small striped cosmetic pouch by Kate Spade, the medium dome cosmetic pouch in gold by Lesportsac, and the Marc by Marc Jacobs preppy nylon small cosmetic pouch in black. I don't really like noisy prints when it comes to small accessories like a makeup bag. So hard to decide! Shopbop has a big selection of cosmetic pouches here.




Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway with The Golden Heart Store here, and PLEASE check out my new song on Youtube here!! I would really appreciate it <3


是非、新曲も聴いて下さいね！




Love,

Samantha

NARS

I got a sneak peek of the NARS Modern Future Holiday Collection after modeling for the NARS artists summit in Tokyo. NARS Japan was kind enough to give these to all the models that participated. I'm lucky pink is my favorite color <3

先日NARSのアーティストサミットでメイクモデルとして参加しました。モダンフューチャーコレクションのチークとリップをギフトとして頂きました。ピンク大好き！

Love,

Samantha

fall colors

A really quick post for today. It's finally cooling down in Tokyo (raining, but at least it's not humid), which means fall is right around the corner! I found some time to do some shopping for myself, so hopefully some more outfit posts soon :) I recently picked up this MAC lipstick to spice things up in terms of makeup (I think the shade is called Hearts Aflame). I still love my Lola by Marc by Marc Jacobs, but I am thinking of trying a different scent - any suggestions??

What items make you excited for the upcoming fall season? Let me know in the comments!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

modern-day cleopatra

photos by Jason Mordeno

Hair & makeup by Azusa

Sorry for not posting in a week! The office move I mentioned in my last post and getting used to the new location kind of took up my energy... but I have been working on updating my blog and start-up for my Youtube channel. I appreciate you all for being so patient and supportive!!

I received some more photos from a photo shoot I did with Jason Mordeno back in March (other photos here). He submitted these to a magazine, but unfortunately the magazine didn't accept them so I am now able to post them here for public view. We were going for the modern-day Cleopatra look, especially with my hair. Jason and Azusa did a fantastic job :)

Thanks for all the wonderful comments on my last post! Have an amazing weekend guys!

Much love,

Samantha Mariko

monday mornings

The weekend zipped by for me, and it's already Monday again. The office I work at during the week is moving today, so I know I'll be pretty busy with that and adjusting to the new location. Since it's becoming humid as it is approaching June in just one more week (wow!), I opted for some of my sweat-proof makeup essentials, which I'll be introducing in my monthly series soon :) Also working on launching my Youtube channel so stay tuned!

And so excited about my upcoming collaboration with Skywatch! I received a beautiful new watch - white which is perfect to wear with all-white, colorful summer outfits. 

I hope everyone has a fantastic week! 

Much love,

Samantha Mariko

oil-free makeup & skincare

I'm trying to prepare myself for another hot, humid summer in Japan with a makeup & skincare routine that will keep me fresh all day long. 

For my skincare, I absolutely love Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins. I use it at night to lock in my toner, and my skin feels so soft when I wake up in the morning, and not oily at all! 

I have a very oily T-zone, and when I was looking for skincare products at ULTA one day, a sales associate recommended me the Mario Badescu Silver Powder. I only use it once or twice a week where I get the most oily (around my nose), and it refreshes my skin and leaves it matte. 

For makeup, I swear by Laura Mercier's oil-free products. I've been using the Oil-free foundation primer for a while, and the foundations I've used really stay put all day. I just picked up the Oil-free tinted moisturizer recently, but I already love it. The sales associate recommended I use the Laura Mercier mineral powder to finish off my sheer, not-too-done look. 

What makeup or skincare products do you use for a natural, oil-free look? 

Let me know in the comments!

Love,

Samantha Mariko