REVIEW: Tokyo Love Soap Professional

Hey ho! Finally! I'm posting a review on one of  the Tokyo Love soaps I was able to receive a few weeks ago to review.

So I asked my friend who has acne to try out the Professional version since, according to Tokyo Love Shop's website, it's a medicated version and is for people with oily and acne-prone skin. I asked my friend to try it out so I'd know if it really works. Here's her review:

Took me a while to write this down but I finally sat down, stopped procrastinating (just a bit) and wrote my review for TOKYO LOVE SOAP PROFESSIONAL. *APPLAUSE* 

To start off, let me describe the type of skin I have. I have oily and acne-prone skin. It gets worse and it gets better depending on…hmm. I’m not even sure on what. I just know that my face gets oily a few hours after washing it and sleeping late even for just one night means waking up to new acne when the old ones haven’t gone away yet. 

Moving on….Let me just enumerate the Tokyo Love Soap Professional experience based on an 18-day use. 

* SIZE – It was bigger than I expected for a “sample.” I had to cut it in half because it wouldn’t fit in the soap holder I am using and after using only half of it for more than two weeks; it’s still big enough to hold with one hand!

* SCENT – I personally prefer facial washes and soaps that have little to no fragrances at all and I’m happy with this soap’s subtle scent.

* EFFECT ON THE SKIN – I love how this soap is very mild on my skin. Unlike my old soap that dried up my skin, this one leaves my skin soft after a wash and I noticed that my dark spots have turned a tiny bit lighter with this soap. My pores also seem smaller after a wash.

* EFFECT ON ACNE – So far the soap has not aggravated my skin condition and although it has not completely made my acne disappear, since it also lessened the oiliness of my skin, I get less acne than I used to have. 

The downside for me though is it’s not as accessible compared to other soaps since only resellers from other parts of the country sell these and they’re a bit pricey compared to other facial soaps.

For more detailed information on how the Professional version is different from the other version of the soaps, visit Tokyo Love Shop by clicking HERE. 

From Zaki's Gadgets and Gizmos to JV's Camera Hub!

Remember that post I made about my D7000 body? The owner of the online shop I bought it from now has a stall at Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro City! The store name is JV's Camera Hub now though.

You can find the post I'm talking about HERE.

The GOOD news: You can still order from them online thru their facebook account and page! 

Here's the link to their active facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006473834491&fref=ts (ADD THEEEEEEM *makes hypnotizing hand gestures*)

THE BEST NEWS: Their prices are still the same as before; prices that can compete with those found in Manila! Sure, they mark up the prices for profit but the mark up is something you'd tend to just ignore and accept because the deals are THAT good considering I live a thousand miles and a number of islands away from Manila (and with the mark up, the store's prices are a bit cheaper or at least at par when you add in the shipping and insurance fees you have to pay if you're ordering from Manila).

Haida Lens Protector

During their opening, I bought my lens a lens protector because my main photographers have been bugging me to buy one hahaha!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANDDDD I just went back today to pick up my lightstand and umbrella bracket/hot shoe holder! YEA!

Me is happy!

They're selling other cool techy stuff aside from photography accessories. They have gopro hero units and accessories, tablets and even portable gaming consoles for sale as well! Just send them a message at their facebook account for inquiries!

Bizarre Flavored Snacks

When you go to Japan, you find these junk food with bizarre flavors (e.g. Pepsi-flavored cheetos, octopus icecream, crunchy dried crabs, and many many more) all over the place. In my country, I haven't seen a lot weird flavored snacks around our grocery stores until recently.

Today, I went to the dry market with my mom and found two uncommon flavored snacks placed on the shelf!

The green one is from Jack and Jill; a sake sushi (or salmon sushi) flavored pack of potato chips with a small pack of wasabi powder you can sprinkle on the chips for that spicy flavaaaaah. The smaller one is from Oishi; it's Kimchi flavored potato chips!

Kimchi and sushi are two of my favorite Asian food to munch on and  it's a given that I'll definitely try these out haha!

Product of the Philippines

The phrases "Cooked in Sun Flower Oil" and "No added MSG" won't fool me. Junk food is junk food no matter how you put it. :p

HOW DOES IT TASTE?

I dunno. It tastes like Kimchi for one second, then it doesn't the next second. Seriously weird. It's spicy tho but the sourness is kind of like that of vinegar instead of kimchi-sourness...? I don't know, it tastes weird. It doesn't smell like Kimchi too.

Instructions on before eating! Open, sprinkle, shake, eat!

Product of Guangzhou, China

So it has two separate packets inside the ziplock bag: 1 big plastic bag for the chips and 1 tiny one for the wasabi powder. All you do is transfer the chips in the zip lock bag, sprinkle with the wasabi powder, close the zip lock, shake shake shake,  and EAT!

HOW DOES IT TASTE?

asldkjfljaflfkj it tastes like SAKE SUSHI. I'm eating Salmon. :)) IT TASTES LIKE SALMON. HAHAHA But the wasabi doesn't taste like wasabi. It just smells like it but it's as if I never sprinkled any. Too bad. This one is certainly weird because it tastes like SUSHI!! :D

Okay, I'm done with this nonsensical post. 

By the way, I haven't reviewed Tokyo Love Soap yet but I will soon-ish. Stay tuned!

Surprise! With Love from Tokyo Love Shop~

So, a package arrived today from Tokyo Love Shop!

They sent me 3 pieces of Tokyo Love Soap (the Original, Premium, and Professional) to try out and review. I am seriously ecstatic because when I opened the package, I certainly did not expect that they'd give me a full bar (err should it be called bar? full round/circle thingy then?) of soap instead of a teeny sampler!

And did I tell you that they ship real fast? Like, after 3 days, poof! They've arrived at my doorstep!

I've heard a lot of good reviews about Tokyo Love Soap from other bloggers and I am definitely going to try all of these out ASAP.

What is Tokyo Love Shop and Tokyo Love Soap by the way?

According to their FAQs page (verbatim):

Tokyo Love Shop line exclusively sells Medical Grade items that are not possible to sold commercially since they are labeled “For Professional Use”. 

xxxx Tokyo Love Shop line has our amazing Blue Peel, TCA Peel, Stem Cell Cream, Snail Cream and other high quality, professional grade products.

Tokyo Love Soap is one of the website's best selling products which promises the following:

-Powerful natural and organic skin whitening complex

-Lightens the skin as early as the first use

-Refines body hair for a smoother look (Only affects fine hairs. Does not affect the hair, eyebrows and eyelashes.)

-Remove discolorations, freckles, melasma, age spots and dark spots

-Even out skin tone

-Make pores smaller

-Clarify and tone the pores

-Soften and smoothen skin

-Help reduce fine lines, wrinkles and scars

-Mild enough even for use on the intimate areas 

Tokyo Love Soap Original - Premium - Professional

More or less 3 inches by height and 1 inch thickness :D

I'll be posting follow-up reviews after a week or so! Stay tuned!

Visit Tokyo Love Shop by clicking HERE.

EDIT: 
I've already posted reviews of the Professional, Premium and Original versions HERE and HERE.

REVIEW: Etude House Drawing Show Brush Liner Pen vs IN2IT Brush Liner Pen

It's a battle of eyeliner pens!!!!

For me, the eyeliner is the most handy and useful type of make-up. Putting on eyeliner can change your look in an instant!

So far, from all the "affordable" eyeliner pens I've come across, I like the Drawing Show Brush Liner Pen from Etude House the most. A few months ago, I just discovered that IN2IT also carried brush liner pens and I was kind of curious since it was cheaper than the one from Etude House. By the way, IN2IT is a cosmetic brand based in Hong Kong and owned by Asia Pacific Cosmetics Corporation (but they claim that all their products are made in Japan).

Since my EH brush liner was running out of ink, I decided yesterday (I sneaked out while I was shooting a bridal show with my local photographers' league heehee!) that I'd buy myself an IN2IT brush liner! Hence, this battle! 

Let's start!

ROUND 1: PACKAGING

Photo not mine! I threw out the box ages ago :p

Plastic box from IN2IT

Tadaaaaaaa~ 

Verdict: ETUDE HOUSE DRAWING SHOW BRUSH LINER PEN WINS THE FIRST ROUND!

Reason: The box looks really adorable and the pen looks simple yet sleek. IN2IT's packaging is tacky and just.. cheap-looking.

ROUND 2: BRUSH TIP AND PACK SIZE (WEIGHT?)

Brush tips for both pens~

VERDICT: TIE!

Reason: I think they both have the same fine brush tip and both have a pack size of 0.55ml-0.6ml.

ROUND 3: PRICE, QUALITY AND PROMISES (lol like being waterproof and smudge-free)!

I patted my hand with a piece of wet tissue and smudged it lightly with my thumb

VERDICT: IN2IT WINS THIS ROUND!

Reason: As to price, Etude House's Drawing Show Brush Liner is locally sold at 498php (11.50USD) while IN2IT's brush liner is sold at 399.75php (9.23USD); no doubt IN2IT wins the price challenge. Regarding quality, I prefer EH over IN2IT because it's more solid, a bit thicker and more black (blacker, blackier, blackiest? HAHA). As to being waterproof, both are resistant to water, however, EH smudges more easily than IN2IT's (edit: I just learned  that EH's Brush Liner is not waterproof).

OVERALL CHAMPION: BOTH? 

But if I had to choose, I'd go for Etude House because it's thicker even though it's pricier and not waterproof.

I got a new TOY from Zaki's Gadgets and Gizmos!

WARNING: LOW QUALITY PHONE PHOTOS & UBER LONG REVIEW COMING YOUR WAY :P

Okay okay it's pretty obvious I'm into online shopping (I own two online shops). For the past 5 years, I have had this sin hehe! This wonderful experience started way back in 2007 at Multiply, then moved to Ebay, and finally to Facebook.

These're my online shops by the way:

Tofu's Ulzzang Shoppe - this one is mainly for preorders; we cater to Korean and Japanese fashion items.

The Ragdoll Chronicles - this one is my bargain page; kinda like a virtual garage sale. 

Moving on, I will be reviewing my online shopping experience with Zaki's Gadgets and Gizmos! It's an online shop that, well... (the shop's name says it all) that sells gadgets and gizmos (lol) like DSLR units and accessories, Apple products, Samsung products and many more. Check out their facebook page to browse their catalogue.

I ordered a Nikon D7000 body to replace my old entry-level DSLR, a D3100.

At first, I had wanted to buy the unit at the mall. I know, mall prices are pretty jacked up but I was gonna chew and swallow that ugly fact because I only wanted security. The mall price for a D7000 body only is at 49,990php with a free 8gb SD card. Hard to swallow (HAHA). I was really really certain on buying it when I remembered Zaki's Gadgets and Gizmo's. I checked their price and I was like, "SERIOUSLY?! WTF?! 34,500php?!" Too good to be true right?! But I personally know one of the owners and I instantly knew this shit was for real (I'm cursing to show you all how serious I am, like, movie-serious). Their price is pretty normal for people in Manila but for someone like me who always has a hard time getting awesome deals which can compete with Manila prices here and now in my city, it's a real catch!

Ordering gadgets online isn't usually my thing. I get so paranoid with a lot of "what if" questions when it comes to that. I mean, gadgets do COST a lot. A LOT (unless you're a billionaire, which I am not. Boohoo.).

What if it gets damaged when it's shipped out?

What if the gadget's not as it was described?

WHAT IF I GET SCAMMED?

So why did I push thru with this transaction? 1. The owners are actually based in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental (this is where I live. Hooray!), so I can meet up with them; 2. I am already acquainted with one of the owners; and 3. The shop owners only let me pay half of the full amount first to order the unit then I'll pay the balance when it's arrived and when I'll be able to pick it up.

Tada! My order with its etc etc and my freebiiiiiieeeeeeessssss!

The shop was promoting a 5% discount on all Nikon and Canon DSLRs when I ordered (and they currently still are! Order now! :P). Unfortunately, there's a catch. Either you avail the discount or ignore it to get freebies. I chose the latter because I needed a bag and a new SD card.

Our transaction went smoothly. I sent my first payment by depositing it to one of the owner's bank accounts, they then ordered from their supplier in Manila. I waited for 1 day and poof! Surprise mother father! The unit's here! Nyahahaha! I kept spazzing! I actually just met up with the owners this afternoon to get the unit and pay the balance.

AND GUESS WHAT??? Not only did I get freebies, Zaki's Gadgets and Gizmos was able to give me the 5% discount as well! *spazzing* I love them to bits!!!

D7000 body, viewfinder cap, battery, charger, and charger plug

Freebie: 4gb SD card ||| Sling strap, charger cord, HDMI cord, tether cord

Freebie: Camera bag ||| Manual, Warranty card, ViewNX2 CD installer

*spazzing* COMPARTMEEEEENTSSSSSSS

Freebie: Nikon brand clip-on protector *spazzing over and over again*

 ABOUT THE UNIT:

• It's as described by the shop
• Brand new, sealed, and well-packed
• AFFORDABLE!
• FREEBIES!!!! Aside from the 4gb SD card and bag, I got a free clip-on screen protector! An original Nikon branded clip-on screen protector at that!!
• All the freebies are brand new too (in case you were all wondering lol)
• It has a one-year store warranty

ABOUT THE CUSTOMER SERVICE:

• 10/10 service! They update me constantly, transactions are done in a jiffy!
• The owners are a couple by the way and are one of the coolest couples I know! They're witty, knowledgeable on every item they sell and very accommodating (heck, they even ordered a frappé for me when I picked up my order this afternoon). They're the kind of people I'd bask with sweets and party invitations ever so often if we were neighbours!
• The owners are willing to teach you the basic how-to's in using the gadget/gizmo you ordered
• They feel for their buyers; they know how to price an item right and are willing to go the extra mile for the satisfaction of their buyers (like the surprise discount I got!).
• They're honest and open about how they price and market their items! You don't always find gadgets sellers like that!
• Aside from meet ups, they can also ship your orders via LBC

All in all, I absolutely love my shopping experience with Zaki's Gadgets and Gizmos! In fact, I am already planning what to buy from them next when I have extra moolah for my expensive hobby hehehe!

If you're planning on buying gadgets, make sure to visit their online shop first before you run to the mall with your fat wallet! They'll surely save you from being officially broke and will even make you smile from ear to ear when you get your order!

Zaki's Gadgets and Gizmos:
https://www.facebook.com/ZakisGamesGadgetsAndGizmos?fref=ts

HUEHUEHUE!

OOTD: My Koibito's Cardigan

Word of the day: Koibito (恋人) - Japanese for sweetheart/lover/boyfriend/girlfriend.

I went out today but the weather was playing guessing games with me aslkjddflhflasd! t(=_=t)

Every time I check outside the window, it's so gloomy and I see the tree branches being harassed by the wind (my room is on the 2nd floor of the house) but when I finally get out of the house, BAM! Instant sunlight with perfect UV rays that make me feel like the sun is sending these invisible micro-creatures biting on my skin. DAHELL! So, to play it safe, I just wore an oversized cardigan that's not too thick for that end-of-summer temperature.

I got the cardigan from the Men's Dept. at Zara hahahaha! :))) Let's just pretend it's from my imaginary boyfriend (koibito) and he lent it to me. I really like it when cardigans and sweaters are oversized. I like the feeling and the look of my hands being covered because what I'm wearing is too big! o(^3^)o 

Oh and say hello again to my favorite maroon creepers from New Look SG! :p

My black tights are from Payless (that Minicci something brand; forgot, didn't pay much attention). 

I also added a photo of the print on my shirt from Artwork because I think it's cool. ^__________^b