mini beauty haul

I've been so addicted to finding new beauty products and tips these days, so I recently made a trip to Ainz & Tulpe, a Japanese cosmetics store. I wasn't really planning on buying these, but I picked up a CC cream by PGT Cosmetics and Nude in the Box by Rimmel London. I've only used both products once, but I am already satisfied with my purchases.

Nude in the Box comes in 3 different palettes, with 5 different shades each. The two shades on the left are matte, and the two shades on the right are pearly shadows. The lightest shade in the middle is for highlighting. Basically, you can create a day look and a night look with this one palette. I tried the matte shades for work - the application was smooth and it lasted all day. Love it!

The CC cream did everything it was supposed to do - it moisturized, acted as a primer for my makeup, and evened out my skin tone and provided SPF. I usually use liquid foundation, but I didn't need it at all when using this CC cream. To cover up any trouble spots, I just applied a bit of concealer and set it with some loose powder. The weather has been quite dry in Tokyo lately, but my skin felt moisturized throughout the day with this cream. If you've tried other CC creams, let me know if you have any recommendations!

One more: an article I found on the differences between BB and CC creams. Hope it helps!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

busy streets

(jacket: Le Ciel Bleu; top & sweats: Zara; shoes: Converse;

bag: Madewell; ring: Soo Ihn Kim)

Photos by Lisa from Paint with Stars

I had another fun shoot with Lisa this weekend in Shibuya. This alma mater jacket from my work is from Spring/Summer, but I paired it with some more recent Zara picks and my Converse hightops that I've owned since my university days.  Funny how they come in handy, like, 2 years later. I don't know if I've made it obvious enough yet, but I'm really into turtlenecks this fall. I might have a nice collection by the end of the season.

I work in Shibuya everyday, but somehow I still haven't gotten sick of the busy streets full of too many people. I think the busyness is one of the reasons why I am so attracted to Tokyo, and one of the reasons why I wanted to step away from monotony of Orange County. But don't get me wrong, peace and quiet are always welcome elements in my life.

Anyways, I ended my weekend with a much-anticipated date night at Outback Steakhouse:)

How was your weekend? Did you do anything special?

I hope everyone has a great week ahead!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

p.s. I just reached over 50,000 views on my blog since I started 2 years ago! I want to thank all my readers & followers for their support thus far. I do appreciate all the comments, and any suggestions or constructive criticism is welcome. I'm always looking to improve my blog so that it is a more enjoyable experience for you:) Thank you and much love!!

in love...

Currently obsessed with this striped flare dress from Le Ciel Bleu. The minute I tried it on, I knew it was the perfect dress - sophisticated & elegant, a piece that could be worn both day & night. Still debating whether I should buy it or not.. but extremely tempted! The photographer at my work was nice enough to snap these photos for me - thank you!

Love,

Samantha Mariko 

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

back to black

 (blazer: Alexander Wang; shirt: Uniqlo; sweats and heels: Zara; bag: Madewell;

bracelet: Giles & Brother; ring: Soo Ihn Kim)

photos by Lisa from Paint with Stars

I went back to black... literally. I got a new do this weekend and decided to sort of go back to my natural hair color (black) and sport some bangs again. Like I said in my last post, I can't get enough of black. The heels and blazer I'm wearing here are a bit old, but I added some new pieces that I purchased recently. I think my favorite is the silk shirt I got at Uniqlo for less than 2000 yen ($20!). It's oh so comfortable and goes with anything and everything.

My friend Lisa never disappoints when it comes to photography. We originally planned to meet for coffee & girl talk in Omotesando, but I asked if she could snap a few photos for me. Thanks girl! She has an amazing photography blog so please check out the link above! :)

Love,

Samantha Mariko