IPSA Gloss Water Foundation 101 SPF 10 PA+ vs. MAC foundation

Where to get it: Japan, Taiwain, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, China (you need to order online and ship it over)
Price: $40
Website: http://www.ipsa.co.jp/en/index.htm

This is an asian brand (IPSA) of liquid foundation that is made in Japan.

It is a very light foundation that does not cake on your face. So it does not feel like you are wearing a mask. It also absorbs the light so that your face does not look like it is glowing or oily when you are in the sun.

I personally use it for performances on stage. I am not an expert on theater makeup but from the ones that I have tried, this one by far surpasses theater foundation. It does not melt off under those hot stage lights and the intensity of the stage lights does not wash out the color of your face.

But you can definitely use it for everyday use also.

This comes off easily with makeup remover and does not clog and irritate the pores. So you don't break out later. Plus, it is hydrating and also protects against UV rays.

Application is smooth and a little goes a long way. So this bottle can last for months.

It is pricey but I feel that it is worth it. $40 and 25 mL

In other cosmetics stores such as MAC, the same amount would be for around $30.

The problem with MAC foundation is that if you want a full coverage (cover up every little blemish) it cakes on and looks fake. If you want light coverage, it does not really cover much. But for IPSA, the light coverage covers mostly everything so it looks more natural.

So I think it would be worth paying that extra $10

Japanese vs. American fashion magazines

Where to get it: Mitsuwa or any other Japanese department store
Price: $5-$10 each
Websites: http://www.nicola.jp/, http://www.kobunsha.com/

These are three magazines that I have: nicola (right), JJ (middle), and with (right)

For those who read American fashion magazines,
nicola is to Seventeen magazine, as, JJ is to Cosmo Girl, as, with is to Vogue.

They all have the regular fashion, health, and makeup tips.
nicola is more for teenagers.
with is more for adults.
JJ is a bit of both.

What I like about Japanese magazines are that they cover aspects in detail more than American ones most of the time.

For example, Seventeen will show you a makeup look and tell you where you can buy the products. Usually, Japanese magazines will go into depth with step-to-step instructions plus ways to tweak the look if it does not suit you.

Some American magazines have models wearing beautiful clothing but not many people will actually wear it in public because it is so elaborate and expensive. It is what you would usually see on a runway. But most Japanese magazines feature different feasible outfits.

The other reason why I like them more is because they are usually 2-3 years ahead of us in fashion. And even though those trends are mostly in Japan now, there is a form of it here too. So though you cannot find the exact match here, you can mix and match and still recreate a similar look.

The only downside for me is that I am not fluent in Japanese. So it is hard to understand every detail. But there is some English and there are so many detailed pictures that you can easily follow along. So that makes up for the unable-to-read-ness.

But I highly recommend these magazines even though you may not be able to read Japanese. If you are looking for a cutesy, non-over dramatic look, this is definitely the kind of magazines for you.


nicola:

JJ:


with: