Japanese Cosmetics Haul (Sasa)

I'm such a nostalgia monster. I can't resist anything that reminds me of my time spent in Japan. When I'm browsing websites like Sasa, I inevitably end up putting one or two things in my basket that I don't need. However, hauls like the one I have today make this particular habit worth it. It's also a reminder for me of just how powerful scent memory is.

This was the sole reason why I went to Sasa. I had heard about the craze over dejavu's Fiberwig and felt compelled to give it a try. I've already tried it, and I'm really excited to do a review. It's definitely unique, and I completely understand why people would go crazy over the formula. The product's packaging says right on the front that it's less mascara, more painting on false eyelashes. And honestly, I really agree with the packaging for once.

Once upon a time, my dorm room in Japan always smelled just like these two products. I had a room spray that smelled exactly like the Kanebo Dreamy Bloom Rose Hand Cream. Putting on this lotion immediately takes me back to opening up my dorm room after a long day of trekking around the city. So, you know, it was only natural that I had to get the bath salt also.

Before I got hooked on Shiseido's Ma Cherie line, this Ichikami set was the first shampoo and conditioner I purchased upon arriving in Japan. I had actually managed to leave behind all necessary hygiene toiletries beyond my toothbrush and deodorant, so I had to hobble on down to the convenience store after getting off my infinitely long flight. Lucky for me, Japanese convenience stores are amazing. I even managed to pick up a towel at the convenience store.

Product Review: Formula 10.0.6 Pores Be Pure

Pores Be Pure by Formula 10.0.6 is a mud mask that smells like strawberry yogurt and burns like fire. I'm okay with the first part, I think strawberry yogurt is great. As for the intense burning sensation? I'm not so much a fan.

I picked my way through a few of the reviews on Ulta and, sure enough, other people had experienced this too.Those not complaining about missing a layer of skin? Obviously not having this problem, because they're raving about it. My skin is combination and sensitive only when it's most inconvenient for me, so that could very well be the problem.

The consistency bugged me a bit as well. A bit too thin for my tastes. The only non-sheet mask I use regularly is Freeman's Avocado and Oatmeal, so I'm used to my mask having some bulk. Spreading this particular mask across my face led to it getting patchy, so I went over it with more product and things got a bit messy. Small nitpick, really. I would have probably let it go if the mask hadn't of tried to eat its way through my skin.

Even though it was only $5.99, I'm still a bit bummed. There's just no way I can use this. Hopefully the Deep Down Detox mask that I picked up in the same haul will turn out better.

I can't even really give you a clear conclusion, because I had to get this off my face as soon as possible. I let it dry for all of five minutes, then rushed to the sink. My skin actually looked a bit sunburned for a few minutes after, especially on my cheeks.

If you have sensitive skin, I would tread carefully around this one. It doesn't play nice.

Ulta Haul - Benefit & Formula 10.0.6

After dealing with more than one sad-face inducing drugstore concealer in an attempt to hide my panda eyes, I caved. As if you couldn't already tell: I've finally dropped what feels like an enormous amount of cash on Benefit's Boi-ing. I picked up the lightest shade for, I'm cringing here, $20 at Ulta. And oh boy, having had it for a grand total of thirty minutes, I can already tell it was worth it. Even if the last concealer I purchased was comfortably below $10.

The fingerprint demonstrates how classy and patient I am.

When I think about how much money I spent trying disappointing concealers at the drugstore, I can't help but feel a little bummed. I will say that while I still like the idea of seeking drugstore first, concealer seems to be the one area where I can't find a stellar product. Eyeliner, definitely. Foundation, definitely. Mascara, oh god yes. What's going on with concealer, people? Are my under-eye circles just that formidable of a foe?

The next two things I picked up were from a company that I've never tried anything from before. I grabbed two mud masks, because I really like putting stuff on my face. They were also buy one, get the other half off and I'm kind of a sucker for sales. The brand is Formula 10.0.6 and has apparently been around significantly longer than I have.

The two mud masks I decided to try were Pores Be Pure and Deep Down Detox. One of which is already on my face. My patience is an extraordinary thing to behold, I know. They retail at a reasonable $5.99, and I got one of them for half off. Not a bad deal.

Would you like to see a review of any of these products? Let me know in the comments below or find me on Twitter.