Beauty | It's Skin Babyface Mascara in Volume Setting Black Review (Korean Cosmetics)

Hiii~~~

How are you all? I'm back with another review, this time of the It's Skin Babyface Mascara! I got it in #2 Volume Setting Black, as I'm all about the volume when it comes to my eyelashes! I've got a bit of added natural extra length thanks to my Rapidlash Eyelash Enhancing Serum (which I'll be doing a review on soon), so I'm after my own Holy Grail mascara which gives me the va-va-voom I want (“⌒∇⌒”)

So, let's dive in to the review!

with flash

How adorable is the packaging?? It's just such a shame that I'm not a big fan of this mascara o(>< )o

Ugh, I wanted to like this so much! It's cute, it's cheap, but nope. It's soooooo clumpy!! I did two coats, the first one was both thick enough and dark enough for me, but the payoff was different for each eye so they looked uneven, so I did a second coat to even them out. Big mistake.

The second coat went on so thick, it just clumped on to the first layer in a horrendous manner. I normally wear two coats with my usual go-to Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Flash Extensions mascara, but the contrast is immense, my S&G is light and fine whereas this It's Skin Babyface Mascara is thick and heavy. Ugh, so heavy. My eyelashes felt incredibly heavy when it was wet and then when it dried it just felt uncomfortable, as if it were about to flake off in giant clumps into my eyes. It was quite irritating on my eyes, and did flake a little for the rest of the day, I constantly found little black speckles across my cheekbones until I took my makeup off  (；¬д¬)

Whilst my eyelashes looked alright after two coats of this, they didn't feel alright, and besides I much prefer how they look in my regular S&G mascara, plus that comes with none of the irritation. I'm pretty sure that this is the first It's Skin product I've tried, which is a shame, but I've heard good things about other products, so I won't let this put me off  (o^∀^)

Have you ever tried this Babyface Mascara? Are you a fan of It's Skin products? Let me know in the comments below!

Bye! x
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TV | Just Watched: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Sunday Shorts)

Hi everybody! Welcome to another Sunday Shorts! I meant to do a post before, but I had an essay due in Friday, and you know how it goes ヽ(*’-^*)。

I quite like these posts, makes a change from being obsessed with (and therefore spending far too much money on) Korean beauty products ahahaha. I've given you a couple of books recently, but Easter break has arrived, which means that as I'm not gonna be getting the train anymore, I won't be reading. I just have other things to do, like studying, plus I have a book at home I'm reading at the moment (Lirael, if anyone's interested). So, I have wayyy more time on my hands to do things like, I don't know, watch TV ahahaha.

I'm a bit of a Netflix binger. But come on, who isn't nowadays?  (≧∇≦)/ A show that came out earlier this month on Netflix as an original series was Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, a show by Tina Fey (30 Rock, etc.).




Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is about a woman who was kept underground in an apocalypse bunker for 15 years, after she was kidnapped at the age of 14. Told by her captor that the world had ended, she and three other women (two captured, one who willingly joned the cult) lived in close quarters believing everything outside was hellfire and being told their crazy preacher kidnapper's own personal warped version of the bible. After being rescued, Kimmy tries to live her life and experience the world as much as possible, starting with moving to New York City!
I really liked this series. I really enjoyed 30 Rock so I figured I'd like this as well, but I actually much, much prefer it! I thought it was a really funny show, and downright hilarious in places (Titus in the last episode, for instance ahahaha), plus all the way through it was just so happy and nice that I ended up sitting through every episode with a big smile slapped on my face ahaha  ヽ(*⌒∇⌒*)ﾉ
It's short and sweet, only 13 episodes I think, and it's kind of just a joy to watch. That sounds dumb, but it's true! It's funny, it's feel-good, the storyline is a fascinating premise which is bizarre to watch in comedy form, but it kind of works. I binge watched this in like, two days ahahah, I just thought it was plain lovely and funny. I'd really recommend it if you're in need of a new feel-good comedy show to watch!
Have you seen Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt? What did you think of it? Let me know in the comments below!
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Japanese | Hiragana (ひらがな) and Katakana (カタカナ) Resources (日本語)

こんにちはみなさん！お元気ですか？

私はマンチェスター大学の一年生です。私のせんこうは日本語です。だから、私は日本語でブログのポストを書こうと思っています。

Yeesh, I really need to practice my Japanese! I'm actually really struggling with my course, I'm barely passing if not failing! I'm a bad studenttt~~~ Ｏｏ｡｡(￣￢￣*)ぽあぁん

So, I thought I'd try something a little different! Japanese is pretty much my life right now, so it only makes sense to incorporate it into my blog, at least every now and again ٩( 'ω' )و

Disclaimer: I'm just sharing what worked or is working for me, I'm obviously not claiming to have all the answers. These are all just resources I've personally used and found very helpful or useful d(^^*)

When I first started out learning Japanese in my own time, I was alright with it, because everything's easy when you're doing beginner levels, and also because I found a lot of resources. I've been thinking about it for a while, and I've decided to start incorporating Japanese into my blog. I need to practice, as I'm still stuck in the awful habit of thinking up a sentence in English and then trying to translate it into Japanese, which does not work. It's taken me quite a few months to realise this but you have to try to think it up in Japanese, not translate from English. They're structured far too differently.

To start off with then, I thought I'd obviously start with the basics! There are three forms of script in Japanese: the two syllabary scripts Hiragana and Katakana, and then Kanji, which are Chinese characters with syllabary readings that represent concepts, ideas, etc. In order to get anywhere with Japanese, you need to learn Hiragana and Katakana first.

Let's Learn Hiragana from Amazon

Let's Learn Katakana from Amazon

I really liked this series. It includes some basic vocabulary, and I found it great to practice with, as it has you practice writing them over and over again, and trust me, you really need that when you're first starting out! If you're planning on actually attempting to learn Japanese, it's incredibly important that you memorise these scripts. I'll discuss avoiding Romaji (Japanese words spelt out in English) probably in my next post, but moving forwards from learning Hiragana and Katakana, you only want to use books or websites that do NOT use Romaji. You'll only want sources writing Japanese in Japanese, so learn these scripts now.

There are a few apps you can use too if you're on the move. I like a lot of courses on the app Memrise, I'm pretty sure it's available on iPhones as well as on Android. This app has a lot of Japanese courses which again I'll probably discuss in my next Japanese post, and pretty much all of them start you off with learning Hiragana and Katakana first. Again, avoid any that use romaji (or are "anime Japanese"), and you'll be fine  (⌒▽⌒)☆ You can also simply search the words "Hiragana" or "Katakana" in your app store, and there'll be hundreds of apps offering to help teach you them, so you'll never be short in supply. They're great to help you remember them, but I honestly can't recommend the books above enough. You need to be writing in Japanese, because being able to choose the right character on an app is a world apart from being able to write the character yourself from memory.

Don't worry if you find it difficult, it is. When I tried my hand at learning Hangul, the Korean script, I was really put off because I kept hearing that even an idiot could memorise it in a few days, and I was finding it really hard. Everyone has their own pace, and learning a new language is hard enough, let alone one that doesn't share your alphabet! Just give it a go, there's nothing more rewarding than learning a new language sometimes (o≧▽ﾟ)oニパッ

If you decide to try learning Japanese, then I wish you all the best of luck! If you're already learning, whether self-taught or otherwise, I'd love to hear what you found/are finding useful in your Japanese journey (o^∀^) Just let me know in the comments below!

Bye! x
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Books | Just Read: The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman (Sunday Shorts)

Hello to all you lovely lot, I'm sorry this is a day late! I hope you all had a relaxing Sunday  (゜▽゜;)

Let's crack on with another Sunday Shorts!

Available on Amazon here

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman was, in my opinion, a little disappointing. I started it the same day I finished The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, and Gaiman's story just severely paled in comparison. I think maybe if I'd started it a day or so after I'd finished The Goldfinch, or even a week maybe, then it would have been its own story, especially if it had been longer. It took me weeks to read The Goldfinch (bear in mind I only read on the train, not at home or wherever), and then I finished The Ocean at the End of the Lane within a couple of days so errr... safe to say I was a little underwhelmed ahaha.

But, that being said, I don't feel it's fair that this book is denied the recognition it deserves just because I don't know how to pace myself when it comes to reading ahaha. This is a lovely little book! It presented a fascinating and unique fantasy world and premise that was examined through the eyes of a man revisiting memories of his childhood, memories which he'd forgotten 'til he returned to the so-called Ocean at the end of the lane. It's a really nice read, it has a lovely and quite exciting story, although I don't know if it's particularly aimed at adults as it's quite short, and the writing style is very simple. However, I wouldn't know, seeing as I never look up books before I read them. I like the surprise （＾ω＾）

I would recommend reading this, if you're looking for something original, that's also fairly short and sweet, then Neil Gaiman's TOatEofL is right up your street! Have you read this book, or anything else by Gaiman? Let me know in the comments below!

Bye! x
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Beauty | Peripera Ah! Much Real My Cushion Blusher in Pleased Pink Review (Korean Cosmetics)

こんにちはみなさん！

お元気ですか？

だから、私は二頬紅を買いました。これはペリペラの頬紅です。二番の頬紅はエチュードハウスです。でも、私のエチュードハウスの頬紅はまだ来ません。よくああ~~　ヽ（´ー｀）┌

Hi everyone!

How are you all?

So, I recently bought two blushers from my immensely vast wishlist on eBay; this Peripera Ah! Much Real My Cushion Blusher in Pleased Pink, and also an Etude House Lovely Cookie blusher, which hasn't arrived yet. Ah well! ┐(￣ヮ￣)┌

That's essentially what the above text says ahaha, although obviously in a much more rudimentary way than my native tongue. Sorry if it's annoying or anything, because it's good practice for me to try to use Japanese to talk about subjects or general things I talk about in English a lot. So, it's probably going to keep happening  (*´・ｖ・)

Well, you've seen my unpackaging of said blusher, and swatches, so let's see my awful mug with the blusher on now, shall we? Ahahahaha

Blusher on left cheek (my right), no flash

I look so saaaaaaaad ahahahaaha, such a thrawn expression

Blusher on left cheek (my right), with flash

I look grim af ahahaha, this is just for comparison, such an unflattering picture I can't even ahahaha

With blusher

Without blusher

With blusher

With blusher, more build up

Posey posey

It might surprise you to know, that this is my first ever blusher! Yuppppppppppp, I'm a bit late to the party ahahaha. I went and asked the lovely ladies over at /r/AsianBeauty for some recommendations, as I wasn't quite sure where to even start looking with such specific needs as my pale skin-tone; it's hard to judge something over a computer screen ahaha. I asked if any of them were also ghostly pale and if so, what blushers they used that didn't look like clown make-up aha. This Peripera Cushion Blusher cropped up a few times, so I decided to give it a whirl （●＾□＾●）

I really like it! These pictures were taken the first time I used it, and they really reflect that I had fuck all idea as to how blusher goes on my face ahahaha. I used my Hope Girl CC cream as well instead of my normal No7 Intelligent Colour foundation, which is a bit darker/warmer than my natural skin tone, but I realised that was a mistake so I've only used it with the No7 since then and the combination looks much, much better. I mean, I bought a blusher recommend for pale skin and then wore it with a darker-toned CC cream, I'm an absolute idiot ahahaha.

But, it applied really well, and it was easy to build up the colour. I've worn it a couple of times since these pictures and it's getting a little easier each time, although I'm a tad concerned it just looks like a solid pale pink line on my face 'cause I can'tttt blendddddddd ahahaha. I've been using the Real Techniques Buffing Brush as I only have the core collection brushes, and figured buffing would cover application and blending. Which it does, sort of ahaha. I tried using the actual cushion, but I didn't like it, the product applied really unevenly, I find it much easier to squeeze the tube, and then dab my brush in the liquid that comes out of the cushion. It allows for much easier and much more even application  (´ ▽｀).。ｏ♡

Y'know, I really love this. I feel like I look like a vaguely normal human being when I wear it, as if my blood's actually pumping ahahaa. I think I chose the right colour for me too, with a little help, it doesn't look like clown make-up, which is a massive bonus! I'd recommend this particular shade for other pale beauties, and the blusher in general to anyone looking for a new one, as it's really nice to apply and you can easily build it up to your desired level of colour.

Have you tried this Peripera blusher? Are there any other blushers you're loving at the moment? Let me know in the comments below!

Bye! x

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Fashion | Planning for Portugal

Hi, everyone! Gosh, I can't even remember the last time I did a Fashion post, let alone one that was English instead of Japanese fashion ahahaha (○ﾟε^○)

Basically, my boyfriend's Mum moved to Portugal a few months ago, and she's finally bought a house so we're flying out to visit her at the end of March with his brother. Her birthday is the day before mine so we're going to have a little birthday holiday in the sun ahaha, not too shabby, really!

But, I have a little issue. I've been meaning to purchase some clothing to cover that awkward season we're in now, which is sort of winter but also spring turning into summer at the same time. I'm still trudging around in my winter parka and some days it's a life saver, other days I'm sweltering. I need inbetween season clothes!! (´；д；`)

I think in-between season clothes would be perfect for my trip to Portugal also, as while it's obviously going to be much warmer than England, it's going to be 20 degrees max, and the evenings much less so. Therefore, I think an odd combination of plimsolls and warm jackets are in order ahahaha. Well, let's see what I can rustle up!

H&M Jersey Jacket in Grey

River Island Espadrilles in Gold

Topshop Dreamcatcher Tee

H&M Twill High Waist Shorts in Light Denim Blue

River Island Clear Frame Retro Sunglasses

H&M Textured-Weave Coat in Natural White

H&M Hi-Top Trainers in White

River Island Pacha Bardot Zip Crop Top in White

River Island Floral Print Smart Shorts in Pink

River Island Tinted Aviator Sunglasses in Gold and Pink

I'm in such desperate need of those jackets!! Whilst the white one is more ideal for summer and holidays, plus I'm too much of a clumsy and messy person to be able to keep it clean ahahaha, the grey one is just lovely, and so versatile! I feel like it could be my spring/summer version of my trusty autumn/winter parka, it could go with any outfit, jeggings, shorts, skirts, dresses, you name it. It could look smart or grungy depending on your outfit, and everyone needs something that versatile in their wardrobe!  (⌒▽⌒)☆

I used to really dislike H&M back about six years ago, when just everything they did was too loud and tacky-looking, super cheap in price and quality. Nowadays they've really turned themselves around, and I love some of their new collections, which is where I pinched the items you see above.

Still not a massive fan of Topshop, which is why there's only one item from there here. I don't know what it is about them, but I just never really like anything from there. Pretty sure I've only ever bought one item from there in my whole life y'know, which was a pair of shorts about six years ago ahahaha. However, can you tell what my favourite shop is? River Island!  (´∀｀)♡

I still love River Island more than any other shop. Have done since I was sixteen or younger. I think they're this weird hybrid of statement pieces that range anywhere from edgy to smart and sophisticated, and everything inbetween. I love the River Island pieces in the second outfit, and whilst I haven't included any, their new range of high waist bikinis are to die for ahahaha. My boyfriend got me a gift card for Christmas and I haven't spent all the money yet, so I may take some time out this weekend to treat myself and add some new pieces to my summer wardrobe!

Have you planned any holidays? Are there any pieces you can't wait to add to your summer wardrobe? Let me know in the comments below ヾ(´▽｀*;)ゝ”

Bye! x
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Books | Just Read: The Goldfinch by Donna Tart (Sunday Shorts)

Hi all! Welcome to another of my Sunday Shorts (oﾟ▽ﾟ)oニパッ

Due to the fact that I commute to Uni, I usually have about two-three hours every day to do nothing but read whilst I'm sat around either on a train or waiting for a train. And I can tell you now, I love reading, so I'm actually really happy I have all that free time ahahaha. My Mum gave me her old Kindle at the beginning of summer, and safe to say I've made good use of it.

When it comes to books, I've been really weird recently about making sure I've had no information about them before I read them. I don't read the blurb, or look them up or anything, so all I have to go on is the title. So, this is really going to be a short Sunday Short ahaha as I don't want to give too much away about this book, I'm not one for spoilers!

Available on Amazon here

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt is a beautifully written work of fiction, following a boy from his teenage to his adult years. As a teenager, a terrible event happens in his life, bringing devastation and also a burden he didn't ask for, leading him on a path of self-destruction for the rest of his life.

This story is quite tragic, and takes some very dark and depressive turns. There's not much light or happiness in his life, and tragedy seems to follow him like a shadow wherever he goes, affecting him and everyone in his life. However, please don't think it's necessarily a depressing read. I felt satisfied at the end of this book, I came away from it really pleased I read it. It's fairly long, about 900 pages from what I can remember, and you really do go on a journey with the main character.

It's a brilliant book. It's quite riveting, and I always looked forward to reading it. I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for something new to read, it is genuinely the best book I've read this year, I thought it was quite an incredible tale.

Have you read The Goldfinch? Are you reading anything good at the moment? Let me know in the comments below!

Bye! x
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Beauty | Tuesday Teasings: Korean Skincare eBay Wishlist (Korean Cosmetics)

Hello, my lovelies! How are you all? ヾ(´▽｀*;)ゝ”

Welcome to another Tuesday Teasings! Whilst my current skincare routine of Soap & Glory's cleansers Scrub Your Nose In It and Scrubatomic, plus their Fab Pore moisturiser, is working for me, I'm fast running out. Therefore, I decided to put together another little wishlist of what Korean skincare products I'm lusting after at the moment. Here we go! ♪(ﾟ▽^*)ﾉ⌒☆

1. Skin Food Black Sugar Mask

2. Liole Blackhead Clear Blackhead Out

3. Etude House Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam

4. Mamonde Rose Water Toner

5. Missha Honey Butter Pack

Skin Food Black Sugar Mask

I am in desperate need of some delicious intensive care for my skin ahahaha. I've been eyeing up this Black Sugar Mask from Skin Food for quite a while now, because it boasts a self-heating formula designed to cleanse, refresh, revitalise, soften, and tighten your skin. Seeing as I wear make-up every day, I'm having some serious cravings for a deep cleansing mask to make sure all the dirt, grime, and foundation is properly cleaned off and not clogging my skin. Skin Food have a couple of other "flavours" ahahaha, but this one caught my eye the most.

Lioele Blackhead Clear Blackhead Out

Ughhh, I have always had an issue with blackheads. I never had acne as a teenager, and even though my skin's not spectacular even now, I only get a couple of proper spots a month, usually when I'm PMSing or have been eating too much junk (which is constantly ahahaha I'm the worst for snacking!). However, what I lack in spots, I have always more than made up for in blackheads ahahaha (┳◇┳) Which is why I'm oh so infatuated with the sound of this Blackhead Clear from Lioele. After steaming your pores to help them open up, soak a cotton pad (see on the strawberry; not sure if the cotton pads are provided) with the product, and then place it on your nose, or wherever your blackheads are. It's designed to lift the sebum or dirt out of the pores so that you can wipe it away with a cotton bud, leaving your nose smoother and more clear (o^∀^) It's supposed to help control any over-production of sebum from then onwards also, as long as you continue you use it a couple of times a week. I want this soooo~~~ much ahahahaha! Top of my list right now.

Etude House Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam

Who doesn't love Etude House? I just ordered a blusher from them, which I'm super excited for! (＾▽＾) I think that a cleansing foam is a really good addition to my skincare routine, and this one from Etude House boasts the addition of baking powder as an ingredient, which is designed to thoroughly cleanse and exfoliate your skin. I use a cleansing foam every other day or daily if it's gentle enough, so I'd really like to add this one to my routine.

Mamonde Rose Water Daily Skin Toner

I've not seen much of Mamonde before, but I do really like the look of this Rose Water Skin Toner of theirs. I've never actually used a toner before, but I'm all for trying new things, and toners come highly touted as a main step in an Asian skincare regime. I don't have sensitive skin per say, but I love the idea of having rose water as a main ingredient as it's designed to soothe and hydrate skin, which if I'm using a cleanser daily is quite necessary, as well as mildly exfoliate. Not high up on my list, but toners are definitely something I want to introduce to my routine.

Missha Honey Butter Pack

Now, this just looks delicious ahaha. What is it about me and delicious sounding masks in this wishlist today ahahaha. This mask has three main ingedients: honey and butter obviously, and then potato, which was a bit unexpected for me ahahaha. But, whatever! Who am I to say potatoes aren't great for your skin, Korean skincare has never steered me wrong before. This Honey Butter Pack from Missha just looks oh so soothing and enriching, and it's designed to nourish and purify your skin, giving it a boost of extra radiance (´∀｀)♡

Do you like the look of any of these products? Have you tried any of them? If you have any recommendations of Korean skincare you're using at the moment, I'm all ears ahahaha, so please let me know in the comments below!

Bye! x
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TV | Just Watched: Desi Rascals (Sunday Shorts)

Hello all my lovelies!

So, I've decided to start a new little series called Sunday Shorts. At the moment my blog is 100% Asian exports like makeup and TV shows, so I decided to start a little series where I make just a short post every Sunday about whatever I've been doing recently, like a book I've just read, a game I'm playing, or like this one, a TV show I've just watched. Which, as of Friday which was the season finale, is Desi Rascals!




Desi Rascals was on Sky Living, and was touted as the Asian The Only Way Is Essex as the creator of it helped to create DR, but I can't really comment on the similarities as I've never seen TOWIE ahaha. It shows the lives of the British-Asian community in London, and is apparently the first reality show that features a multi-generational cast (although I've seen Made in Chelsea, and a few Mums make a regular appearance, but I think the difference is that they're not official members of the cast? I don't know).

I've absolutely adored this show. They just confirmed yesterday that there's going to be a second season, which I'm super happy about. It's a lot different than the other reality shows I've watched like MiC and Geordie Shore, as this one is actually just nice. The parents and their children (well, they're adults obviously) all just seem like really nice people, they're all very caring and have serious relationships like regular adults, not like the people from GS or MiC. I mean, the first episode showed Shreena and Prakash's wedding for crying out loud ahahaha. There's obviously drama thrown in, but there's no real relationship drama except nice drama like proposals, and their parents meddling a little, but you can see it's just because they care!

It is by far my favourite reality show, I just think everyone in it is absolutely lovely! Even my boyfriend can actually stand to watch it ahahaha. Obviously there are a couple of people you love to hate, but even then you can actually see their side of it sometimes. You really care about all the characters, and obviously my favourite characters/couple are Moses and Jo! #TeamMoJo ahahaha

I would definitely recommend Desi Rascals. It was on Sky Living so I'm sure it's on catch up if you have Sky or Virgin or something. It's really interesting to see how the second generation balances their culture with modern life, their interactions with their friends and partners, and trying to keep themselves and their parents happy with their decisions and actions.

I've really, really enjoyed it, and I can't wait for the second series! Have you watched Desi Rascals? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below ♪(ﾟ▽^*)ﾉ⌒☆

Bye! x
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