It has grown on me!

Thursday, March 30, 2023

All Beauty Products I Purchased in Japan in 2022

As I mentioned in my previous entry, my husband and I visited Japan in November, 2022, and I purchased a lot of Japanese beauty products! Before visiting Japan, I always check which products have been very popular in Japan. In addition to checking the best beauty awards and top rated products in Japanese beauty magazine such as LDK Beauty, I read a lot of Japanese reviews on @cosme and amazon Japan, and I watched many Japanese YouTube videos. After that, I decide which products I should purchase in Japan. You can check out my blog label, Best Japanese Beauty Products, which I wrote to share the best of the best Japanese beauty products with you, so it's easier to find the best products when you are shopping in Japan.

Today, I'm going to share with you all beauty products I purchased in Japan in 2022. You can also check out my entries related to Japan Haul.

5 Face Mask Products I Purchased in Japan

I'm currently using VT CICA Daily Soothing Mask. I like its soothing scent!

5 Makeup Removers I Purchased in Japan

I've already used up all Kose Softymo Double Hyaluromic Acid Makeup Remover Sheet. The sheet was not as large as Bifesta one but I was impressed that it completely removed my makeup with one sheet!

3 Japanese Facial Lotions I Purchased in Japan

I'm currently using Matsukiyo Woman Method Triple A Moist Intensive Lotion. It's thicker gel like texture and keeps my skin well hydrated. It's a store-brand beauty product of Matsumotokiyoshi, so you can find it at Matsumotokiyoshi (マツモトキヨシ) drugstores and Cocokarafine (ココカラファイン) drugstores only.

2 Japanese Beauty Serums I Purchased in Japan

These beauty serums have been very popular in Japan. I cannot wait to try these.

2 Japanese Emulsion Skincare Products I Purchased in Japan

I'm still using Hatomugi Skin Coditioning Milk for my nyueki. I cannot wait to try these highly-rated nyueki!

3 Japanese Makeup Products I Purchased in Japan

I'm glad that I purchased CEZANNE Beige Tone Eye Shadow in Japan! It's so beautiful color and stays on my eyelids all day long. After coming back from Japan, I wear it almost every day.

Panasonic Hair Dryer, Sunscreens, Toothbrushes and More!

It was very important for me to get Panasonic Nanocare Hair Dryer in Japan this time! I cannot live without Panasonic Nanocare hair dryer. It drys my hair faster and makes my hair smooth and soft.

If you are planning on traveling in Japan, don't forget to add sunscreens to your shopping list. Japanese sunscreens are the best!

8 Products I Purchased at Muji Store in Japan

If you have been following my blog for years, you might know how much I love Muji products. I'm currently using my all-time favorite Muji Light Toning Water.

       These are also my entries you might like.
♥Top 15 Popular Posts from Best Japanese Beauty Products

♥5 Most Popular Japanese Sunscreens Can Be Purchased at Drugstores in Japan

♥16 Best Japanese Beauty Products I Purchased in Japan - Drugstore, Discount Store, Daiso and Amazon Japan

♥3 Best Japanese Sunscreens with SPF50+ PA++++

♥3 Best Japanese Sunscreens Won Beauty Award This Year

♥Top 3 Japanese Powder Sunscreens

♥3 Best Japanese Sunscreen Products to Try This Summer

♥3 Best Japanese Eye Creams Won Beauty Award This Year

♥3 Best Facial Sheet Masks Loved in Japan This Year

♥7 Most Popular Japanese Facial Cleansing Wipes for Removing Makeup

♥7 Best Japanese Beauty Products Hall of Fame

♥Top 5 Life-Changing Japanese Beauty Products

♥Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Charcoal Soap

♥5 Best Japanese Facial Lotion (Toner), Kesyou-sui

♥The Most Popular Facial Sheet Masks in Japan

♥4 Reasons Why I Love Kose Softymo Cleansing Oil

♥10 Best Japanese Beauty Products on Amazon Japan, You Can Also Purchase Them at Drugstores in Japan

     My entries related to Best Japanese Beauty Products can be seen here.

   My entries related to Japan can be seen here.

     My entries related to beauty can be seen here.

   My entries related to Japan Haul can be seen here.

     You can find my beauty entries by categories from here.

Thursday, March 23, 2023

How to Cook Easy Stir Fried Eggplants

Last month, I found that eggplants were on sale at my local grocery store. It was $1 for two eggplants! I really love eggplants, and I decided to cook this stir-fried eggplants.

I referred to this YouTube video for it, and it turned out so delicious! That's why I cooked it twice last month. It goes well with steamed rice. 😋 Today, I'm going to share how to cook this stir-fried eggplants with you.

How to Cook Easy Stir Fried Eggplants

Ingredients (4 Servings)

1 large Eggplant (Chopped, and Soak in Saltwater)

2 Tablespoons of Katakuriko, Potato Starch

2 Tablespoons of Oil

2 Tablespoons of Soy Sauce

1 Tablespoon of Ponzu

1 Teaspoon of Oyster Sauce

1 Teaspoon of Sugar

1/2 Teaspoon of Salt

1 Teaspoon of Chicken Bouillon

1 Tablespoon of Oil

2 Cloves of Garlic (Minced)

1 Whole Red Chili Pepper (Chopped)

1/2 Cup of Green Onions (Chopped)

1. Soak eggplants in saltwater (1 teaspoon of salt + water) for over 5 minutes. Then, drain and pat dry.

2. Put eggplants and katakuriko, potato starch, in a plastic bag. I used Iwatani Eye Wrap (アイラップ), which is a cooking plastic bag I purchased in Japan.

Close the plastic bag and shake it in order to coat eggplants with katakuriko.

3. Heat oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Put the eggplants in it, and cook them for 3 minutes each side until it browned. (It might take 9 minutes to brown all sides.)

4. Take the eggplants out of the pan.

5. Mix soy sauce, ponzu, oyster sauce, sugar, salt and chicken bouillon in a bowl.

6. Heat oil in the pan over medium high heat. Put garlic and red chili pepper. Then, add the mixture in it.

Stir them thoroughly.

7. Add cooked eggplants in it, and stir.

Add green onions and stir.

8. Serve and enjoy!

These are also my entries you might like.

■How to Cook Best Chicken Teriyaki

■How to Cook Quick and Easy Fluffy Mushroom Omelettes

■ICHIRAN Instant Ramen - The Best Instant Ramen from Popular Japanese Ramen Restaurant (How We Cooked!)

■All About Marutai Kyushu Local Ramen! Must-Try Japanese Instant Ramen

■Myojo Chukazanmai Ryanmen - The Best Hiyashi Chuka Instant Noodles

■Top 3 My Favorite Ramen From Marutai Kyushu Ramen Series

■How to Cook Yakisoba with Instant Noodles, Sapporo Ichiban Chow Mein

■How to Cook Omurice, a Japanese Omelette Stuffed with Rice (Cook Like a Pro!)

■How to Make An Easy Egg Toast (Japanese Sliced Bread + Japanese Mayonnaise = Deliciousness)

■Don Quijote (Donki) Haul - What He Got in Japan

■What He Got at Drugstore in Japan - Haul

■Top 10 Products You Should Buy at Japanese Supermarkets (for Beginners!)

■My Top 15 Must Eat Foods in Japan - My Favorite Japanese Foods

■How to Make Japanese Deep Fried Chicken, Kara-Age

■How to Cook Miso Soup

■8 Interesting Japanese Kitchen Gadgets!

My entries related to cooking can be seen here.

My entries related to my favorite recipes can be seen here.

My entries related to foods my husband cooked can be seen here.

My entries related to Japanese noodles can be seen here.

My entries related to Japan Haul can be seen here.

My entries related to Best Japanese Beauty Products can be seen here.

My entries related to Japan can be seen here.

★You can find my recipe entries through my Pinterest.

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Japanese Beauty Haul - Panasonic Hair Dryer, Sunscreens, Toothbrushes and More!

As I mentioned in my previous entry, my husband and I visited Japan in November, 2022, and I purchased a lot of Japanese beauty products! You can check out my entries related to Japan Haul.

■ 8 Products I Purchased at Muji Store in Japan - Muji Haul

■Japanese Beauty Haul - 5 Face Mask Products I Purchased in Japan

■Japanese Beauty Haul - 5 Makeup Removers I Purchased in Japan

■Japanese Beauty Haul - 3 Japanese Facial Lotions I Purchased in Japan

■Japanese Beauty Haul - 2 Japanese Beauty Serums I Purchased in Japan

■Japanese Beauty Haul - 2 Japanese Emulsion Skincare Products I Purchased in Japan

■Japanese Beauty Haul - 3 Japanese Makeup Products I Purchased in Japan

■Japanese Beauty Haul - Panasonic Hair Dryer, Sunscreens, Toothbrushes and More!

Huge Japanese Beauty Haul

When I was in Japan, Japanese yen was pretty low (1 USD was 141 yen at that time.), so everything I saw in Japan looked an incredible bargain to me.😂

6 Japanese Beauty Products I Purchased in Japan

Today, I'm going to share with you six more Japanese beauty products I purchased in Japan.

1. Panasonic Nanoe Nanocare Hair Dryer (パナソニックヘアドライヤーナノケア)

Hair Dryer

EH-NA9G

PN: Pink Gold

Purchased for 19,800 yen ($140.42) at Donki in Tokyo

Can be also purchased at most electronics retailers such as Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, and Yamada Denki in Japan.

Panasonic Nanoe Nanocare Hair Dryer (パナソニックヘアドライヤーナノケア)

One of the beauty products I really wanted to purchase in Japan was this hair dryer, Panasonic Nanoe Nanocare Hair Dryer. As I mentioned in my previous entry, Japan Haul - The Best Japanese Hair Dryer!, I purchased Pananasonic Nanocare Hair Dryer in Japan in 2016, and I really liked it. It's been six years since I purchased it in Japan, and it has been still working perfectly. However, I just wanted to replace it to new one before it broke. It's because I cannot live without Panasonic Nanocare hair dryer. It drys my hair faster and makes my hair smooth and soft.

Panasonic Nanoe Nanocare Hair Dryer (パナソニックヘアドライヤーナノケア)

As I mentioned in my previous entry, The Best Japanese Hair Dryer, Panasonic Nano Care Hair Dryer, Panasonic releases new hair dryer every year or so. They have been trying to make more and more effective hair dryers. This time, I purchased this pink gold hair dryer, EH-NA9G.

Panasonic Nanoe Nanocare Hair Dryer (パナソニックヘアドライヤーナノケア)

Thare are vents which nano ion, nanoe, comes from. Nano ion makes your hair smooth and beautiful. I also like the automatic hot and cold mode.

Panasonic Nanoe Nanocare Hair Dryer (パナソニックヘアドライヤーナノケア)

In Japan, Panasonic hair dryers are pretty expensive but have been very popular. Many Japanese people review that it's the best hair dryer ever they've used.

At Donki in Tokyo, there were many Panasonic hair dryers I could choose from.

Donki in Tokyo

If you buy a hair dryer in Japan and use it in the U.S., you have to know the voltage difference between Japan and U.S. The voltage in the U.S. is 110-120V, but the voltage in Japan is 100V. You might think you need to buy a transformer. However, I have never experienced any trouble with using Japanese electronics in the U.S. I think it's because the voltage difference between U.S. and Japan is little.

These are my entries related to this product.

■ Japan Haul - The Best Japanese Hair Dryer!

■ The Best Japanese Hair Dryer, Panasonic Nano Care Hair Dryer

■ The 6 Best Things I Purchased in 2016

■ How to Use Panasonic NanoCare Hair Dryer - Instruction Manual for EH-NA97 and EH-CNA97

■ 2 Best Japanese Hair Dryers

2. NIVEA UV Water Gel SPF35 PA+++ (ニベアウォータージェル 35)

Sunscreen for Face and Body

SPF35 PA+++

Purchased 80g (2.8 oz) for 598 yen ($4.24) at Kokumin Drug in Tokyo

Can be also purchased at most drugstores and discount stores in Japan

NIVEA UV Water Gel SPF35 PA+++ (ニベアウォータージェル 35)

I believe that wearing sunscreen every day is the most important and easiest skincare to make your skin look younger. If you are looking for the best sunscreen, you should really try Japanese sunscreen products.

I like using sunscreen with SPF around 30 because SPF 30 is high enough and gentle to your skin. This time, I purchased three bottles of NIVEA UV Water Gel SPF35 PA+++. Actually, I had also purchased Nivea sunscreen in Japan many times before. I really like the fact that it's very light texture. If you are planning on visiting Japan, you should try Nivea UV Water Gel sunscreen!

These are my entries related to this product.

■ 16 Best Japanese Beauty Products I Purchased in Japan - Drugstore, Discount Store, Daiso and Amazon Japan

■ Best Japanese Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin - Nivea and Biore

3. Rohto Sunplay Baby Milk SPF34 PA+++ (ロートメンソレータムサンプレイベビーミルク SPF34 PA+++)

Sunscreen for Face and Body

Waterproof

SPF34 PA+++

Purchased 30g (1 oz) for 298 yen ($2.11) at Kokumin Drug in Tokyo

Can be also purchased at most drugstores and discount stores in Japan

Rohto Sunplay Baby Milk SPF34 PA+++ (ロートメンソレータムサンプレイベビーミルク SPF34 PA+++)

I found this Rohto Sunplay Baby Milk at a drugstore in Tokyo and decided to purchase one. Rohto is one of the most famous Japanese cosmetic companies, and their popular products are Hada Labo, Melano CC and eye drops. After purchasing this sunscreen, I found that many YouTubers review Rohto Sunplay sunscreen and they said this is affordable sunscreen but is just as effective as expensive Shiseido Anessa. I cannot wait to try one.

4. Unicharm Silcot Uruuru Cotton (ユニチャームシルコットうるうるコットン)

Facial Cotton Pads

40 Pads

Purchased for 130 yen ($0.92) at Sun Drug in Tokyo

Can be also purchased at most drugstores in Japan

Unicharm Silcot Uruuru Cotton (ユニチャームシルコットうるうるコットン)

I found this Unicharm Silcot Uruuru Cotton at a drugstore in Tokyo. I remembered that I wrote about this product in my previous entry, Top 3 Japanese Facial Cotton Pads, and I thought that I should try this one!

This is very popular cotton pads in Japan and has been highly rated on @cosme. Many Japanese people have been impressed at this product, which was very uniquely made like sponge cotton sheets, so you need only half amount the normal use of moisturizer (toner or lotion). If you are using expensive moisturizer like SK-II, this is definitely worth a try.

Unicharm Silcot Uruuru Cotton (ユニチャームシルコットうるうるコットン)

After patting moisturizer on your entire face with this cotton pad, you can tear off along perforation and place them under eyes for using as facial masks. The outer line of this cotton is curved in order to fit your under eye lines.

This is my entry related to this product.

■ Top 3 Japanese Facial Cotton Pads

5. Lion Systema Toothbrush (ライオンシステマ超極細毛歯ブラシ)

Manual Toothbrush

A41

Extra Thin Bristles

Purchased one for 178 yen ($1.26) at Sun Drug in Tokyo

Can be also purchased at most drugstores in Japan.

Lion Systema Toothbrush (ライオンシステマ超極細毛歯ブラシ)

When I visit Japan, I always purchase some Japanese manual toothbrush. I really love Systema toothbrushes because the bristles of these toothbrushes are extremely thin (超極細毛), so the bristles can reach deep between gum and teeth.

Lion Systema Toothbrush (ライオンシステマ超極細毛歯ブラシ)

If you have never used Systema toothbrush, you should really try one. You will see difference between ordinary toothbrush and Systema toothbrush once you use it.

These are my entries related to this product.

■ 16 Best Japanese Beauty Products I Purchased in Japan - Drugstore, Discount Store, Daiso and Amazon Japan

■ 10 Best Japanese Beauty Products on Amazon Japan, You Can Also Purchase Them at Drugstores in Japan

■ 13 Best Japanese Products I Purchased on Amazon Japan! - Beauty, Kitchen and Stationery Items

■ 14 Best Japanese Beauty Products I Purchased in Japan - Drugstore, Discount Store, Daiso and Loft Haul

6. Dental Pro L-Shaped Interdental Brush (デンタルプロ L字型歯間ブラシ)

Interdental Brushes

Size: 0 (SSSS) 0.6mm

Purchased this pack of 10 Interdental brushes for 333 yen ($2.36) at Sun Drug in Tokyo

Can be also purchased at most drugstores in Japan.

Dental Pro L-Shaped Interdental Brush (デンタルプロ L字型歯間ブラシ)

When I was purchasing Systema toothbrushes at a drugstore in Tokyo, I also decided to purchase this Dental Pro L-Shaped Interdental Brush. This is the smallest size in their interdental brush.

Dental Pro L-Shaped Interdental Brush (デンタルプロ L字型歯間ブラシ)

Actually, I didn't expect it too much before using it, but I really love it. Indeed, I can say that this is one of the best products I purchased in Japan, and now I feel that I should have purchased it more! If truth be told, I had never used interdental brush before, but after starting using this interdental brush every day, I feel that my gums are so much healthier than before. I cannot wait to go my next dental check up.

These are also my entries you might like.

♥All Beauty Products I Purchased in Japan in 2022

♥My Shopping List for Japanese Beauty Products - What I Want to Get in Japan

Thursday, March 9, 2023

【Hike】Guna Peak in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park - Amazing Costal Views

Last year, my husband and I went hiking Guna Peak near Laguna Beach. It was a short and easy 2-mile hike, yet we really enjoyed beautiful ocean views during this hike. We found this trail in the book, 50 Hikes in Orange County, which I purchased to enjoy Orange County hikes.

Tips for Walking to Guna Peak.
・Apply sunscreen on entire body.
・Wear sunglasses and hat with high UPF.
・Drink water often.
・You cannot bring your dog.
・It's moderately easy trail.

My Guna Peak Walking Summary (UA MapMyWalk App)

When I go hiking, I use Under Armour MapMyWalk App to track my walk.

My Guna Peak Walking Summary (UA MapMyWalk App)

Last year, I also started using AllTrails App. It's easy to use and helped me to not get lost.

My Guna Peak Walking Summary (All Trails App)

Parking

Before the park gate, you can find parking spaces along the street, Dartmoor Street. It was very easy to find a parking space.

The Park Gate

You can find a parking space before the park gate.

Trail Hour

7:00 a.m. to Sunset

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

In Orange County, mountain lions can be found in many cities. For instance, in December 2022, a mountain lion was caught on security cameras and was roaming in patios and backyards in Mission Viejo. In May, it was spotted roaming a residential neighborhood in Newport Beach, and it was also spotted on Laguna Beach streets. In March, it was spotted roaming throughout a shopping center in Irvine. Therefore you should know what to do if you encounter a mountain lion before you go hiking in the mountains.

What To Do If You Encounter A Mountain Lion

Boat Spur Trail / Dartmoor

Boat Spur Trail

After parking, we started walking on Boat Spur trail, and we were already amazed at beautiful views from the trail at the beginning of the hike.

Boat Spur Trail

The View from Boat Spur Trail

Boat Spur Trail

We thought that we should have brought our new camera, Canon EOS M200, which is compact enough to take around. I took these photos for my blog with my iPhone.

The View from Boat Spur Trail

We were able to enjoy the beautiful views of Laguna Beach. You can see this view about 10 minutes after started walking this trail, so if you are not interested in hiking at all, it's still worth to hike 10 minutes to get here for this view.

Boat Spur Trail

Then, we hiked up the hill on the Boat Spur Trail.

Boat Spur Trail

Dartmoor (Boat Spur) Trail, Boat Trail and Guna Peak (Guna Ridge) Trail

This is the junction of Dartmoor (Boat Spur) Trail, Boat Trail and Guna Peak (Guna Ridge) Trail. This time, we turned left to go to the lookout point on Guna Peak.

Heat Warning Notice

We found this warning sign on the trailhead of the Boat Trail. Someday, I would like to hike on Boat Trail to enjoy hiking Emerald Canyon, and it's a long distance, probably 8 to 10 miles hike in total. The warning sign made me think of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. I will bring six bottles of water to hike Emerald Canyon next time.

Heat Warning Notice

Guna Peak (Guna Ridge) Trail

Guna Ridge Trail

We started walking on Guna Ridge Trail to go to Guna Peak. We enjoyed the ocean views while hiking on this trail.

Guna Ridge Trail

Guna Peak

Guna Peak

We finally got to the lookout point on Guna Peak. There are a bench you can sit and take the view.

Guna Peak

Emerald Bay

Crescent Bay

Laguna Beach

Guna Peak

Boat Spur Trail

After enjoying the views, we went back to the trail.

Boat Spur Trail

We still enjoyed the beautiful ocean views while going down the hill. What a great hike!

Boat Spur Trail

Dartmoor Street

We really enjoyed hiking to Guna Peak. I thought that it was one of the most beautiful hikes in Orange County. Someday I would like to try a long distance Emerald Canyon hike!