Daenggi meori Shampoo

As you may know, my quest to grow a luxurious mop of hair that rivals Rapunzel is slowly but surely, coming to fruition. My sister always used to use this shampoo and I honestly never believed the hype about it. I always used whatever was on sale, or what the blog sphere recommended. However, with a bad stint of an at home hair dye, I took the plunge and squirted a bit of my sister beloved child and have never looked back. 

The only one who buys this for us is my mother. I don't know how to get this except maybe some Korean beauty shops that you my have around your neighborhood. I never try to get this myself because you have to haggle for the best price and freebies and I am a coward. My mother spends $80 for this and gets an enormous amount of free things while I wuss out and got charged $120 for this set. Bargaining and haggling has never been  my skill and I would probably get ripped off something fierce if I went to Asia by myself. 

 This is the coveted Daenggi (a Korean hair ribbon (wiki) ) meori (means hair), shampoo. Excuse me for my poor and barely conversational Korean. You have to make sure to get it form the black bottle/gold line. There are other shoot offs from the Daengi family but the only that works is the Black!

 It is expensive but it is well worth it. I used this whole box for the entire year and I haven't bought a different shampoo since. I've noticed a decrease in hair loss, and softer hair that really doesn't need conditioner. Since I have fine hair that gets incredibly greasy, this shampoo prevents  my hair getting too oily throughout the day. Plus, if you buy Rogaine, it is around $30 for a 1 month supply, it turns out to be $360 for one year. I've also heard that once you stop using Rogaine, all the hair that grew out will fall back out. I'm not guaranteeing hair growth, but your hair will feel softer, smoother with less fly aways.

A couple of things that you should know is that it has a strong herbal smell that really isn't pleasant. The smell does fade but it takes a while for it to do so. It also doesn't lather up well. It does have some bubbles but if you are used to getting tons of lather, you'll be disappointed. You also do need a touch more that the usual shampoo. Not enough to overflow your palm, but a good push down the bottle. I also use a conditioner but it really doesn't make a big difference in my hair. If I use the Daengi conditioner, my hair feels infinitely smoother but it gets a but pricey. I just use a Olive shampoo that I was given.

I don't know why the Olive line of products are so extensive. I've had hand lotion, body wash, conditioner and some other things. 

I also got a new pair of glasses and am so dizzy and nauseous. I guess my prescription changed quite a bit. 

Do you see the difference? The one on top was the old one and it was tiny. The new one makes me look like a old, nerdy pedo. I'm not any of those things but I like that the frames are bigger. The only bad part is the lack of nose pads. My Asian genes have denied me a prominent nose bridge and these touch my face when I smile. Guess who has a reason to smile less?

No Makeup. Just food stuff.

I stopped purchasing makeup , so no new reviews in a while.

With my history of food poisoning others, people's tummy starts aching and trembling at the sound of me in the kitchen. That has now changed since I've found a fool proof recipe to fall back on. I've told you that I've started to make my own pizza and guess what? It's been a huge success. Even my sister, who actively prevents me from cooking, has cosigned this. It may not look much but everything was made from scratch. Ba Bam. 

It's a Caesar pizza made with homemade pizza crust, Caesar dressing and charred lettuce leaves. I can personally customize how I want my pizza, starting from a thin crust, leftover toppings and with just the amount of seasonings, without turning on the oven. I hate turning on the oven because it forces me to bake cookies. I can never have only one thing in there. I always have to put in at least three things when the oven is going. Usually, it's two of my recipes and my mother sneaks in potatoes and sweet potatoes on the bottom. Do you know what's really weird? I tend to cook better than I bake. I would say 90% of my baked goods are failures while only 60% of my cooking are bad. 

Started to also bake in the microwave. Don't condemn me!

This feeds two and it took two minutes in the microwave. I know the microwave should not be your main  heat source, but it's so easy and I can always have cake when I want to. Although it tastes more like a light eggy bread without a lot of that egg flavor. I also make sure to put in a piece of chocolate for more of a lava cake like feel. 

I've also started to eat a lot more salads, since I tend to eat more greens in the summer. I hate eating salads in the winter because it just isn't that comforting. Since the weather is hot, I prefer a crisp cool salad over hot soup. I also ate some homemade loco moco, courtesy of my sister and it was so good. 

Btw, has anyone seen this milk or know where to purchase this or any of its brethren from Israel? I live in one of the food capitals of the world and I don't know where to get some darn milk. 

I've also followed my friends and have started to pub crawl around my neighborhood. I've never liked going to taverns or pubs because it always smells like beer, and I think beer tastes like swill, but once you get in there the food is actually great. Give me some cocktails, preferably a Tom Collins with a Shepard's pie, and I am Oh so good. 

Sephora's Birthday Gift

It's my birthday month and that means a free gift from Sephora. Last year was a Philosophy's shower gel but this year was  Fresh Sugar kisses mini duo in Sugar Rose and Sugar Fresh . I've never been tempted to try this product but never have and this was a great chance to try it. 

This gift was a mini duo and when not given as a free gift, it's 22.50 for one .15oz. It has Spf 15 and it feels fabulous on the lips. It leaves a film of non heavy wax or something on the lips that prevent my lips from drying out. It doesn't feel heavy nor does it have an unpleasant scent. Smells fruity. I like the feel of a heavy chapstick that sits, yet seeps into the lips because I can then tell that I still have chapstick on the lips. I don't like the ones that disappear completely. Unlike the Korres, this doesn't leave a gritty feeling and keeps me moisturized for a good amount of time. 

 This is the Sugar Fresh - clear in brown case that twists up. No color and keeps it moisturized.

 This is what it looks on bare lips. No color but leaves a sheen on the lips.

This is the one in  Sugar Rose Tinted - sheer berry rose. This deposits almost no color and I wouldn't notice a difference between this and the clear one.

After the Fresh, I then applied the Sugar Rose on the lips.

Final thoughts: I really like this duo. It doesn't have a heavy vanilla scent like most, nor does it have methanol (dries up the lips more). It feels great, but for the price, I don't know about repurchasing. If I had a good amount of disposable income, I most definitely would splurge on this but right now... not a reality. I choose to spend all my money on sweets.

Crumb's toasted coconut cupcakes! I had to make do with the plain non toasted ones, but this tastes better and has filling. This flavor was sold out all of the three times I went during the week. I try to wear a hat or change my appearance somehow, otherwise the counter ladies might call me a freak. I mean I am but I'm a sugar freak! I also try to maintain my diet and still exercise but it hasn't been easy. Look what happened.

My new sneakers started to dig in and peel off a good chunk of the back of my ankle. I haven't been working out  so this wasn't an encouragement. I thought this only happened to ill fitting heels and people in a circle of hell for misdemeanors. This is the first time it happened because of sneakers. Ouch.

Tarte - LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain in Lively

M contract for Verizon is up and I'm currently pondering between a droid or an iphone. Everyone tells me that a droid is better, especially the app market but I'm used to using a itouch and am a creature of habit. Bah! Doesn't matter. Anyhoo, this is a review on the Tarte - LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain in Lively. This lip color cones in a rubbery stick with all sorts of natural oils that's supposedly going to give you some awesome benefits.

 

Because this comes in a stick, I find this easy to apply without a lip brush or liner and can use this easily for quick touch ups. Since this doesn't retract, I have to be careful putting the lid back on because I might nick it. I also may see a problem sharpening this in the future. 

 Now this color is described as a hot pink but it looks more magenta, leaning towards the redder side. It isn't really moisturizing but it also isn't drying. So when I wear this, I don't have to worry about it slipping or spreading on my lips. It stays put, provided that you don't talk or eat excessively.

 It does seem to bring out the yellow in my teeth but that could be an excessive amount of black tea that I've been drinking lately. It has a minty smell and leaves a very slight tingling on my lips. A tingling sensation usually implies lip plumper but I really didn't see a difference with the size of my lips. With this, I put a bit of chap stick and put some on the center of my lips. Then I spread it onto the rest of my lips. This color is a bit bold for me and unless I go out at night, I really wouldn't apply this all over my lips. Here let me show you.

 See nothing on the lips. 

 Just dab some and spread. I have nothing on but at this point, I would usually stop and put a gloss on. 

If I didn't...

This is a full coat of of it on. It lasts fairly well and after it's gone, it leaves just a tinge of color left. This doesn't stain the skin as much when you try to remove it as well.  It's completely matte and for some reason, it really brings out the olive and yellow undertones of my skin. I would recommend it but not really... It's $24 dollars and while i do think that it's great...not sure if it's $24 good. Would probably pick one up again during a sale.

I've recently started to cook again and made some awesome grilled pizza. I use my foreman grill for everything. Cleaning it is a bit of pain but I love it.

Dr. Brandt dark circles away instant brightening, collagen boosting eye serum

Now that the first day of spring has passed, I can finally start rolling down large grassy hills and start reinforcing my makeup with mattifying products. Gosh I love this weather. The only downside are the insects. The worst one has to be gnats. Have you ever walked into a swarm of gnats? They're too small to see until it's too late and your screams won't help them fall off. All you can do is shimmy them the hell off. I can finally put those zumba classes to work. 

Dr. Brandt dark circles away is a eye sereum that I got as a trial sized when I purchased a lip balm from Sephora. I desperately needed some eye care products and hope that this would do. The full size comes with a rollerball tip and that may help with some of the claims that this puts out. Straight from the website:

 Say goodbye to tired eyes and give them a brightening boost with this collagen-boosting, instant-brightening eye serum.

• decreases the look of tired eyes by instantly improving luminosity & brightness (It does brighten)
• helps fade dark circles by stimulating microcirculation (Meh not really)
• reduces puffiness by draining excess fluids (No does not remove pufffyness)
• helps reduce under eye bags by breaking down abnormal fatty deposits (nope the fatty eyebags are still      there)
• provides a less hollow look by increasing collagen levels & strengthening thin, fragile skin (Still fragile and looks hollow)
• keeps eye area hydrated & healthy looking (Sorta)

 Now all you need is this amount for one eye. It's tinted but seems to dry transparent on me. No real lasting smell and it it pretty fluid and not creamy. You have to remember that this is a serum not a cream. I've been putting nothing but this on my eye area hoping for some much needed collagen boost.

 This is my bare under eye with nothing on it. As I've mentioned before, I don't really have dark circles and I just need some moisture and a bit of anti-aging.

 Apply this on the inner lower corners and spread it out under the eye.

Since this formula is so light and liquidy, it seeps into the skin quickly but still remains on the surface to give off a bright and luminous look. It does brighten up the under area and seems to provide just the tiniest but of color. I still need a bit of concealer but to all of those people expecting this to erase dark circles.... Try to get some sleep ladies. It is hydrating but not moisturizing and I feel that I still need more than this to keep the wrinkles at bay. I would repurchase my Kiehls eye cream (for a cheaper price) and while this seems to be a miracle treatment for all, it just falls flat. 

Look at this haul of goodies that I got on sale! OMFG. The bar of Lindt is one of my favorites. I managed to get these on sale and I can't stay away. Not only do I have crippling addictions to makeup, nail polish and skin care, I am also a chocoholic. Help? Nope don't need it. Have some chocolate to quiet the beast.

Quick Update on Biotin Vitamins

I think that I've been consistently taking Biotin vitamins for about two weeks, and while that isn't enough to make a proper review, this is my initial take. 

Knowing that hair growth is a time consuming and almost painful waiting process, I didn't expect to be Rapunzel in one week. What I did want is for a gradual shift towards having healthy hair that didn't fall out of my scalp with a gentle tug. I have broken my habit of scratching my scalp and this may be attributing to the lowered hair loss. 

Look at the picture posted before... Go  back to 2/29/12 and look at this now. 

OK. I admit that I do have dirtier thoughts than most average people and it happens quite frequently and that's why my hair grows faster (old korean myth). But if you look at the front hairline, it seems that I have new baby hair growing and there looks to be less scalp showing. I've always had trouble with keeping hair intact at the roots, so this looks to be doing well. Although my hair has trouble staying attached to my scalp, my strands are pretty strong even before the vitamins, so I haven't noticed a change there. It's been a while since I've colored or even cut my hair and I don't plan on dying it again, so no worries about chemicals. 

Now, the second picture does look worse, but there seems to be fewer gaps all around. I do admit that after the shower, I check the drain and there seems to be less hair as well. So far, it's doing pretty well and I 'm not sure whether the hair will stay if I stop taking vitamins or if they're there for good. I want to do an update after two months of taking this.

I'm not treating this as the all around cure, but it seems to be helping me with my hair loss and I probably will but a couple more of them whenever they are on sale. This post was absolutely boring and I seem to have misplaced my sense of humor somewhere. Will be back once I find it.

Tweezerman No-Slip Skin Care Tool

I usually don't really see a big difference when using expensive brushes or cheaper brushes. I have two mac brushes and the rest are Ecotools or elf. Maybe it's because I don't really have pricey brushes to compare with because I'd rather expand my hoarder's stash with more makeup rather than makeup tools. However, the one tool that I do need is the Tweezerman No-Slip Skin Care Tool for extraction. I use this stuff for my blackheads, whiteheads and angry pimples. I have a horrible habit of picking my at my skin and back in the day, I used to just take my nails and squeeze everything.That was not a wise thing to do. Now that I've had this tool, it make everything a bit hygienic but honestly, you still shouldn't be popping anything on your face. I just have an unhealthy obsession.

I think I got this for $8 at a drugstore around three years ago, and it is worth every damn cent. I've always trusted tweezerman products, ranging from nippers, nail clippers and tweezers because of their lifetime guarantee as well as the quality of their products. Ok, so when using this for any extraction, make sure that your pores are open and your skin should be soft and supple. I always use this after I take a shower. Then I take a alcohol wipe and wipe down my skin and the extractor. Then do what your body tells you to do naturally, squeeze that sucker for all you got. The black and white heads should pop out easily and you watch in gross fascination and pimples will give out dirty pus and bacteria. Oh, I'm sorry, were you eating? Pimple popping is not a sport for the faint of heart. Btw, a surefire way to know that a juicy, white capped pimple is completely popped is when you don't have a raised surface and all that comes out is a clear liquid instead of blood.

Honestly, this wider and bigger surface isn't used much. But this...

is the smaller, thinner and more precise side gets all of the action. Always make sure to sanitize and wipe down all surfaces before and after and if your skin seems a bit irritated, just ice it down. Using this seems to be more hygienic and precise instead of my fingertips. I know that I'm not the only sicko out there that gets a perverse sense of satisfaction from doing all of this. There are others. They could be the lady sitting next to you on the train, could be your teacher, heck it may be your own sister! Watch out because they are all sickos! Who knows what other fetishes they may hide.