Fiberwig Mascara

I'm pretty low maintenance. I don't wear very much make-up, so I'm not able to blog about cosmetics very often. More's the pity, because my understanding is that Japanese cosmetics are really great quality and very popular.

I do have one Japanese product that I love however: Fiberwig Mascara by deJavu. Isn't that an amazing name? I never would have picked it up on my own, but Raku recommended it to me. You can find it at any drug store, and it is the best mascara I've ever used.

As funny as the name is, it actually makes sense. Fiberwig creates long thin fibers that extend past the ends of your eyelashes. When you wash it off, it actually comes off as little strings, not just dissolving color. This is a major bonus if you, like me, are a crier - no fear of streaky raccoon eyes or waterproof mascara that is really hard to get off. 

If you're looking for a good mascara, or a good souvenir for a make-up lover I highly recommend it!

Before: no mascara

After: fiberwig mascara

Seriously, it's the best!

In Praise of Dekopon

Have you ever heard of dekopon? They're my new obsession. Dekopon are a type of citrus fruit developed in Japan that look like oranges with a funny bump on top. I never knew what they were until I read an article about a month ago that mentioned them - in the US I think they're marketed under the name Sumo. So I got curious and picked some up. My only question now is why did I wait so long to try them?

They taste a lot like clementines, but imagine every dekonpon tastes like the best clementine you've ever eaten. They're large, and they're easy to peel. If you see them, trust me, you should buy them! Unfortunately their flavor breaks down pretty quickly, so don't let them linger in the back of your fridge or save them for a special occasion.

Obligatory Sakura Post

It's already the tail end of sakura season. It's the best time of year here, but so fleeting. A couple days ago it rained all day, knocking down a lot of the blossoms and now little green leaves are overtaking the remaining flowers. Luckily I managed to get in lots of cherry blossom viewing over the last couple weeks. There's not much more to say, being that it's my fourth sakura season (how has it been that long already?!?) so instead, I'll let my pictures do the talking.

Shinka Hair Salon Update: New Stylists and Locations

Shinka Hair Salon is one of the biggest google searches that brings traffic to my blog. I really hope it's English speakers in Japan looking for information and not Australians annoyed to be reading something about Tokyo.

It's been a few years since I wrote that post, so I thought it was time for an update. The Roppongi location is still going strong, though Miyuki hasmoved on. But since then they've opened a new location in Azabu Juban. My stylist Naomi, who I highly recommend, has recently started working at the new branch so I went there for the first time yesterday.

The Azabu Juban branch is smaller, and feels more intimate. It also has a cute, rustic vibe instead of the shiny look of the Roppongi branch. I'd happily recommend either branch. Everyone is really friendly, they speak english, and they know how to cut and dye foreigner hair. If you're going to Roppongi I think Sachi is especially sweet, and in Azabu Juban I really recommend Naomi.

The foils always make me feel like I have a lion's mane

Shinka Hair Salon

Roppongi Branch
Hours: M-F 11:00-8:30, Sat 10:30-6:30, Closed Sundays and 2nd & 4th Mondays
Phone: 03-5575-6768
Address: 2nd floor 2-18-20 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Map

Azabu Juban Branch
Hours: M-F 11:00-8:30, Sat 10:30-6:30, Closed Sundays and 2nd & 4th Mondays
Phone: 03-3455-6622
Address: 3-14-2 Azabu Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Map