Coffret D'Or 2016 Spring Premium Stay Rouge Swatches

I've running so behind on photos I totally forgot I'd swatched the Coffret D'Or 2016 Spring releases for Premium Stay Rouge! Thanks, Caty, for reminding me ^.^

There are 8 new colors this spring, 4 in the regular lineup in the unscented formula and the white metallic tubes, and 4 limited editions scented formula in the pale pink metallic tubes. 

***Screencap from Coffret D'Or JP.

Regular line-up (top row in screencap):

- PK-299 Orchid Pink

- PK-300 Clear Pink

- PK-301 Poppy Pink

- PK-302 Peach Pink

Limited edition (bottom row):

- PK-303 Lavender Pink

- PK-304 Blossom Pink

- PK-305 Berry Pink

- PK-306 Apricot Pink

Oshima Tsubaki Oil Shampoo

Using this 400mL bottle of Oshima Tsubaki Oil Shampoo right now. I figured I love their camellia oils, might as well give the shampoo a try. Even better is that this is shampoo and rinse (conditioner) in one, super convenient, right?

Suqqu 2016 Summer Eye & Cheek Color Compact Swatches

While I was swatching Lunasol 2016 Summer Clear Colorful Eyes, I stopped by the Suqqu counter also, you know, to see the new 2016 Summer Eye & Cheek Color Compact ^.^" It was quite dangerous given the fact that I'm proned to, well, buying stuff. Fortunately, this collection bores me out of my mind, and swatching them only confirms my decision to pass.

They are releasing 2 compacts, EX-01 立夏輝 (Rikkakou) and EX-02 夏夕暇 (Natsuyuuka), half with 2 eye colors and the other half with a cheek and highlighter. And let's just say I was so indifferent I just skipped swatching the cheek side altogether.

All pictures taken in indoor lighting without flash.

Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen A+N SPF50+ PA++++

I've been staying away from Anessa sunscreens on purpose because they're super drying and expensive--more expensive than Allie, can you believe that? But then I stumbled onto a 30% sale at my local drugstore and decided to give it a try, though I only bought the half sizes just in case my skin doesn't like it.

That was during the winter when my skin was already super dry, so I didn't touch either of these until a few weeks ago, when I busted out the 25mL bottle of Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen A+N SPF50+ PA++++ to mix with the unfortunate Hada-Labo Koi-Gokujyun Perfect UV Gel.

The funny thing is that this Perfect UV Sunscreen A+N milk has been discontinued, replaced with a Perfect UV Sunscreen Aqua Booster as of this spring. So yes, this review is already outdated =.="

FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil Part II

Wow, how long has it been since I last used FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil--5 years, may be? The last of them was from this Skincare Travel Set! Then over the holidays I found this set with a 120mL full size plus a 20mL travel bottle for just 1,836JPY, both in a limited edition design no less! So I picked one up for myself and J. as she wanted to try it.

Hada-Labo Koi-Gokujyun Perfect UV Gel SPF50+ PA++++

So I finished my bottle of Menturm the Sun UV Watery Milk a few weeks ago, which means I no longer have anything thick and opaque to mix with the super thin and completely transparent Sunkiller Perfect Strong Moisture. Shuffling through my stash, I decided on this 50g tube of Hada-Labo Koi-Gokujyun Perfect UV Gel SPF50+ PA++++.

My rationale was this: quite a few UV "gels" and "essences" I've used thus far have been thick and pasty, basically anything but gel or essence. A few examples includes Menturm Watery Gel UV, SunCut UV Protect Gel, and the much better known Allie Extra UV Gel Mineral Moist N (now discontinued, replaced with Mineral Moist Neo as of spring 2015). So chances are, this Hada-Labo UV gel too should be thick and pasty, a good replacement for the Menturm milk, right? 

Clarins Super Restorative Night Wear

Before I started using my tube of Clarins Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream, I actually gave it to hubby along with this 15mL/0.53oz. tube of Super Restorative Night Wear. Between the 2 choices, he picked this one (hence I ended up with the Multi-Active, and loving it!).

This deluxe sample is from the 2013 Spring Beauty Gift, from which I've already reviewed the Shaping Facial Lift Serum and the Toning Lotion with Camomile.

Clarins Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream

Been using this 15mL/0.53oz of Clarins Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream as nighttime moisturizer. It came from the Skin Solutions Multi-Active set, from which I've already reviewed the One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser.

Tabibijin Super Hyaluronic Acid Milk

Wow, this Tabibijin brand makes so nostalgic! My first introduction to it was at Oedo Onsen Monogatari in Odaiba, and later Manyo Club in Yokohama. When my family visited over the holidays, we took them back to Oedo Onsen Monogatari having had fond memories of it when we first went 5 years ago in 2011.

Holy crap how things have changed! The place is now crawling with people (mostly tourists =.=") and was so incredibly crowded none of us could enjoy ourselves :( The only good thing that came out of that trip for me was this Super Hyaluronic Acid Skincare Set, which includes 150mL each of the Milk and Lotion. I'm using the Milk right now and saving the lighter Lotion for when the humidity sets in another month or so, soon!

Aqualabel Aging Care Royal Rich Essence

While using Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Daily Moisture Balancing Serum for daytime, I started on this 30mL pump bottle of Aqualabel Aging Care Royal Rich Essence for nights. I bought it together with the All-in-One Whitening Jelly Essence 200mL, because I'm super curious with the jelly texture even though I don't really care for the whitening. I'll post all about this item when I get to it.

Kokutousei Moisturizing Lotion

Bought this Kokutousei Moisturizing Lotion Set on a whim because it came with a 180mL and a 130mL refill pouch. I know, crazy, right? Especially when I hadn't seen this new brand under Kose Cosmeport before. But it looked interesting so I was game to try it.

Biore Prime Body Body Oil

Been using this 80mL pump bottle of Biore Prime Body Body Oil for the past couple of months and almost through with it. 

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

Aside from the CeraVe Eye Repair Cream, my angel also sent me this super generous gift--the Sephora Favorites 2015 Skin Wonderland kit that I'd been eyeing but couldn't get because it had sold out online (thank you again, A.! *kisses*).

I tore into the kit the moment I got my grubby hands on it of course. At the time, I had ran out of a serum, so I tried the 10mL tube of Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment first.

Tokyo Eats - Tokyo Station

I know I titled it "Tokyo Station" but it's really just the Kitte Building on the west side, the Marunouchi side. Hubby and I've been coming here a lot, for one because it's quite easy for us to get here and also because there are a few special stores inside this building.

But first, photos of the newly renovated building that's now 102 years-old! The original was sadly destroyed during WWII :( In 2012 when hubby and I were here last, much of this building was still covered up for construction and so we couldn't see much. So we're so glad to be back now to see it.

Tea Time!

I know I kept talking about teas, so here are a few teas I'm sampling and drinking here in Tokyo.

Kusmi Tea is a French brand with Russian roots. I first spotted these at my local grocery store and had to sample these adorable 25g tins (less than 1oz.!). They were quite pricey though at 1,000JPY ($9!) a piece, and it kind of bothers me that many of their black teas are scented with bergamot, which makes them variations of Earl Grey. I do love Earl Greys, but after a while they get kind of repetitive. 

Addiction Eyeshadow Primer

I wasn't in the market for an eye shadow primer but indulged with this 6.7g tube of Addiction Eyeshadow Primer anyway. At the time, I was on a kick and was game to try pretty much anything. I'd been busy since but will be back to the Addiction counter to pick up a few Lipstick Sheers.

All pictures taken in natural light without flash.

L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24HR Eyeshadow Part VI

Another part of my swap with Citrine was two L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24HR Eyeshadows in 556 Smoldering Plum and 800 Bottomless Java. I'd been eyeing these two colors for a while but was preoccupied with other things. Next I knew I was in Tokyo when Citrine emailed me about these babies being on sale, so we did a mini swap.

All pictures taken in natural light without flash.