My Beauty Wish List: Japan

Tokyo, Japan.

So one week today *eek!* I'll have arrived in destination that's been on my hit list for years, but I never thought I'd actually visit. We're spending 2 weeks in Japan, well known for sushi, gaming, karaoke, sumo and innovative beauty products. Ok the beauty products are probably not what it's most well known for, but proper addicts know that Japan is a haven for weird, wonderful, cutting edge beauty bits!

I've compiled a small wishlist I wanted to share pre-trip, and hopefully there will be plenty reviews on the way once I've got my mitts on some of these. I'm hoping I can widen the net a bit and snag some of Asia's best products as well as Japanese classics, so my list spans further than just Japan. You gotta take your chance whilst you can! 

1. Fairydrops Glossy Black Mascara -So you can get your hands on this in the UK on the BeautyMart website and in their Topshop concessions - but it's sold out online, and living in Edinburgh our Topshop doesn't have a BeautyMart unfortunately.  ViviannaDoesMakeup cemented my decision to pick this up if I can - the girl knows her stuff when it comes to great mascara.

2. Asian BB/CC Creams - So I've not narrowed down to one specific brand quite yet. I've never really got on with western BB/CC creams but after swatching the Korean Erborian CC Cream in SpaceNK I'm definitely interested in trying some other Asian BB/CC creams in Tokyo. 

3. Majolica Majorca Lash King Mascara - Yep, another mascara! But I've heard good things about Majolica Majorca so think I'll pick this up too if I can. I was intrigued to find out that Majolica Majorca is the baby sister of Shiseido - hopefully without the price tag. This one looks to get a lot of hype online, although they also have a mascara called The Lash Expander Edge Meister?! Must try not to get side tracked by hilarious names.

4. An IPSA Palette - Another Shiseido sister brand, IPSA eye shadows seem to get a good write up.  Plus their mini shadow trios look super portable and travel friendly so if I spot these one might make it into my suitcase.

5. Anything with cat packaging - Worst case scenario and there's no English on the packaging and I can't work out what the products are...I'll take anything with cats on the packaging! Tony Moly seems to be the brand to hit for cutesy packaging combined with great quality make up, so I'll no doubt spend a small fortune in there.  Friends, family: you're all getting cat make up for Christmas.

K x

XOXO: L'Oreal's Color Riche Exclusive Reds: Blake Lively Lipstick

I've loved Blake Lively since she graced our screens on Gossip Girl: I longed to eat fro-yo on The Met steps, don fabulous ballgowns on a weekly basis, and wished my poker straight blonde locks would wave like hers do. She's just the ultimate likeable Hollywood starlet. So when L'Oreal released their Colour Riche Exclusive Reds collection featuring a Blake Lively inspired red lipstick, you bet I was first in line to pick one up!

Firstly - the packaging! Chic, black, with a slightly textured leopard print sheen and a really satisfying 'click' when you close the bullet to the lid. Retailing for just £6.99 at Boots, these punch above their weight!  I also got this with my Boots Advantage Card points which made it all the more satisfying.

I had avoided the original L'Oreal Color Riche Exclusive Nudes collection after hearing they don't taste great: and to be honest, the reds don't taste so good either. They're a little bit 'old lady lipstick' in taste. But I love the colour, and the formula is comfortable to wear too.

It almost feels worth braving the taste for? Understated but buildable - I especially like patting the colour in lightly, but you can definitely go all the way with this and slick it right on! Maybe I'm just totally bought into the marketing gimmick of well packaged, celebrity inspired red lipsticks - the Julianne Red is next on my list! 

K x