KAWAII MISAKAT

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Major Otaku. Scorpio. Cosplayer. Japanese. Mexican. Art. Food. Make Up.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

GIRRRL~ How Come You Haven't Checked My YouTube Channel Yet!?!?

Hello Everyone!

I have been absent for a long period time, so I apologize for that! >//<

However, I enjoyed my trip to Japan and have been editing/uploading footage to my YouTube channel.
I have been participating in SourceFedNerd's Anime Club weekly, as well!
I appear in the FREE! (Iwatobi Swim Club) episode with my friends.

Anyways, I will try to post more frequently! />/>/>

Here is the list and links of my Winter Japan Trip series I will be posting weekly on my channel:
Episode 1: Orange Orchards
Episode 2: Christmas Cake!!!

I apologize in advance for any bad footage or awkward editing. I had just recently purchased a new camera prior to the trip, and it isn't till later on that I become more accustomed to filming.

At the moment, my schedule for uploading on my YouTube Channel is one video of my Winter Japan Trip series and a submission for SourceFedNerd's Anime Club.

However, I have been working on filming a haul on all the goodies (figurines, clear files, magazines, manga,etc.) I purchase during my trip soon!

Thanks for reading!

Lots of Love,
Misakat
Twitter: @KAWAIIMISAKAT
Instagram: @MISAKAT
YouTube: DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

December 2013 Ipsy Bag

Hey Everyone!

Wow! It is already that time of the month again where I review my Ipsy bag, which is a monthly beauty service for $10 that delivers 4-5 sample/full-size products!

If you are interested in this service, then please use my referral link: IPSY

This month was themed "CELEBRATION".  They had products featuring brands like English Laundry, Ardell, Andrea, Salon Perfect, Be A Bombshell, Demeter, J.Cat, Mirabella, Jesse's Girl, POP Beauty, Nicka K New York, NYX, and Starrily.

For this month, I received the following products. I got the POP Beauty Bright Up Your Life Eyeshadow Palette in Smokin' Hot, Be A Bombshell The One Stick in Girl Crush, English Laundry Signature Fragrances in Pour Homme and Pour Femme, Andrea Strip Lash in #33 and the J.Cat Big Lip Pencil in Caramel Mocha.

Ipsy hosts a lot of giveaway contests and opportunities each month from the different brands featured that month in the bag. Recently, they have started to encourage Ipsy members to post a picture of their bag on Instagram. Here is my submission:



I used the app called "PhotoGrid". I swatched the eyeshadow trio, the one stick and lip pencil in the left picture. Now, it is time for the review of each products!

Product 1: POP Beauty Bright Up Your Life Eyeshadow Palette in Smokin' Hot
Ipsy members who received this product either received Naturally Bare or Smokin' Hot. I received Smokin' Hot, and was not thoroughly impressed. The ingredient list featured talc, mineral oil and two different types of parabens. Why is this bad news? Well, I will probably do a separate post in the future going into detail, but just know that some of these ingredients can be harmful. There are plenty of resources on the internet that can explain why, whether it be the fact that they are cancer-causers or some other negative reason. In my swatch, you can tell that the pigmentation is minimal and sheer. However, it could make blending easier for a soft gradient smokey eye and there was not an exceptional amount of fall-out. Also, I do not know if it is a defect, but it is very difficult to open the packaging. Still , the palette was far from converting me to a POP Beauty fan and I don't plan on purchasing this or any other eyeshadow products from this brand. I still enjoyed trying this brand, though! Through Ipsy, you can receive 25% off your POP Beauty purchase. I did enjoy their lip crayon from a previous bag.

Overall: 5.5/10
Pigmentation: 5/10
Texture:7/10
Longevity:5/10
Packaging: 5/10
Link To POP Beauty Cosmetics


Product 2: Be A Bombshell The One Stick in Girl Crush
Ipsy members who received this product either received it in Girl Crush, Flustered or Sunset. I received Girl Crush, which is a shimmer-packed pink with a hint of lilac undertones. The concept of the product is nice. The intent of a multiple-use product that can serve as a cream eyeshadow, cream blush or lip product. After applying and blending onto the skin, it is a sheer pink and mostly shimmer. I will probably use this as a highlight. Once again, mineral oil and parabens are in the ingredients list. In this time and day, I like to do all I can to protect my body and health from things that can be harmful when used. Yes, I may not die from one use, but over-time it can have some effect. Also, the product has a strange scent almost like plastic. The packaging is nice and sleek. If it did not contain parabens, then I would definately purchase this in other shades. Through Ipsy, you can receive 40% off your purchase and a free full-sized Raspberry Tart blush.

Overall: 6.75/10
Pigmentation: 6/10
Texture:6/10
Longevity:6/10
Packaging: 9/10
Link To Be A Bombshell Cosmetics


Product 3: English Laundry Signature Fragrances in Pour Homme and Pour Femme



Unfortunately, I received this product not in perfect condition. One of the perfume samples had leaked completely, the scent enveloped me the moment I opened my bag. However, I emailed Ipsycare and I hope to receive a replacement. At first, I was not very excited to receive perfume samples as I rarely wear perfume and have my favorites. I did not have an allergic reaction to either scent, and they both smelled divine. The sample set consists of a him and her scent, but I feel both are on the ambiguous side. I would wear both. It would have been nicer to have received a rollerball, but I am happy it is one that has a spray. I am very tempted to purchase one of the two scents, and encourage you to give it a try. Through Ipsy, you can receive free shipping and a free gift bag with a $75 purchase.

Overall: 8/10
Scent:9/10
Longevity:7/10
Packaging/Design: 8/10

Link To English Laundry Fragrances

Product 4: Andrea Strip Lash in #33


I have not tried Andrea Lashes before, and am quite excited. In general, I rarely wear fake eyelashes except for very special event. I can not say much about this product quite, yet. However, they appear to be well-crafted and look like they will give you that dramatic and glamourous look. Unfortunately, it does not appear that Ipsy is providing any sort of discount.


Overall: 7.66/10
Design:9/10
Quality:7/10
Packaging: 7/10
Link To Purchase Andrea Strip Lashes

Product 5: J.Cat Big Lip Pencil in Caramel Mocha


Ipsy members who received this product either received the shade Red Rose or Caramel Mocha. I received Caramel Mocha, and I thought it would be a nude with brown undertones. However, maybe it is because I have naturally very pink lips, but it showed up on my lips as a dusty rose as you can see in the picture below. The packaging is decent, and it contains no parabens. The lip pencil has a slight perfume scent, but nothing obnoxious. It does not apply matte, but has a shine. I would recommend this to a friend. Through Ipsy, you can receive 30% off your purchase. I probably will not purchase this, and that is because I have other similar products that are matte and apply more smoothly. When you wear this, it can almost emphasize the lines on your lips over time. However, I do have a better impression of J Cat Beauty after trying this lip pencil compared to some of their other products from past Ipsy bags.


Overall: 8/10Pigmentation: 9/10
Texture:7/10
Longevity:8/10
Packaging: 8/10

Link To JCat Beauty



Well, I hope you enjoyed my review on this month's Ipsy bag! Overall, I enjoyed this month's products. My favorite being the J Cat Beauty Big Lip Pencil. However, I hope to see more high-end products thrown into the mix. I can't complain, because I think for $10 including shipping that the bag is worth it. GAWWHHH, did I mention the bag!? I think this is my favorite bag design so far! I love the sleekness of it and how textured the design is making this black bag anything far from dull! I highly encourage you to join Ipsy, because it is a great way to be exposed to different kinds of products and brands!

I hope you are having an enjoyable December! Are you subscribed to Ipsy? What did you think of this month's bag? What was your favorite product?

Thanks for reading! 


<3,
MISAKAT
Artist, Beauty Addict, Major Otaku
Email: kawaiimisakat[at]hotmail[dot]com
Instagram: @misakat
Twitter: @kawaiimisakat
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/kawaiimisakat
Ipsy Referral Link: IPSY

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Otaku Diaries: Cosplay Plans for Phoenix Comic Con 2014

Hey Everyone!

I would like to share some of my upcoming cosplay projects I have been working on. I hope to complete all three of these projects for Phoenix Comic Con 2014.

Project 1: Hiiragi from Hanamaru Kindergarten (Solo Cosplay)

Comments: I love Hanamaru Kindergarten! It is a funny and light-hearted anime that will make your day a little brighter. I plan on cosplaying one of the girls named Hiiragi as her cosplaying Panda-Cat. I am so excited to make this cosplay! I plan on sewing a some-what loose fit body suit (onesie-like thing?), and attach flip-flop bottoms to the feet. I will be make sure to document the whole process and blog about it!^^

Details:
1. Long Navy Blue WIg
2. Body Suit (black and white fabric)
3. Blue Contact Lenses
4. Flip-flops

Project 2: Kurusu Syo from UtaPri (Duo Cosplay)


Comments: I plan on doing the look from his character CD. I adore Syo, and can easily relate to his character. My friend will be dressing up as Ittoki Otoya. I chose this outfit , because I find it both alluring and simple.

Details:
1. Short Blonde Wig - Syo Wig Link
2. Pink Men's Dress Shirt
3. Black Men's Dress Pants
4. Blue Contact Lenses
5. Fedora Hat
6. Accessories (bracelets, crown tattoo, etc.)

Project 3: Gender-bend Monokuma from Dangan Ronpa (Single Cosplay)

Comments: I really enjoyed the anime, and game demo I was able to play! I dislike Monokuma, but am fascinated by his character, as well. I thought it would be really fun to cosplay a female/human-type version of Monokuma. I hope I can find a long half black and half white wig. I'll do little buns and his face mask. Also, I plan on sewing a loose-fit bodysuit/onesie. I am so excited to make this!

Details:
1. Long Half-Black and Half-White Wig
2. Black Face Paint
3. White Face Paint
4. Bodysuit (black and white fabric)

Project 4: Tsuna from Katekyo Hitman Reborn (Duo Cosplay)

Comments: I have always loved Katekyo Hitman Reborn. I have watched the anime and the entire manga series. I have collected almost all the manga up to volume 39. My friend and I thought it would be fun to cosplay Tsuna and Mukuro. We are still discussing the details as to which "version" of them to do. However, I am very excited!

Details:
1. Short Brown Wig

I hope you are excited as much as I am! Please remember that I still consider myself a "beginner" cosplayer. I have only done a few cosplays like Akane from Psycho Pass. If you have any suggestions or input, then please feel free to leave a comment! I happily accept constructive criticism or any advice you might have. I will blog/vlog the creating-process for all of the cosplay projects I have shared!
Also, are you a cosplayer? Do you like cosplay? Please let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading!


<3,
MISAKAT
Artist, Beauty Addict, Major Otaku
Email: kawaiimisakat[at]hotmail[dot]com
Instagram: @kawaiimisakat
Twitter: @kawaiimisakat
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/kawaiimisakat

Winter Break Adventure!

Hey Everyone!
Like many, I have been busy with finals and other obligations.
However, I am very excited for Winter Break! I will be going to Japan to visit my family and travel around Tokyo and Kyoto. I will be purchasing a video camera as a Christmas present to film my trip.
I have been to Japan about 7-8 times in the past, but this is the first time I will be traveling around the Tokyo area.
Once I return, I will be uploading footage to my YouTube channel. Link: Kawaii Misakat
I will be in Tokyo for 2 days, Asakusa for New Years and Kyoto for 2 days before returning to my father's hometown.
I am most looking forward to visiting Ikebukuro and visiting a couple of butler cafes.
If anyone is interested, is there any kind of videos you would like to see?
I will probably try to do daily vlogs, hauls and reviews of the places I visit.
How is everyone else doing? Are you stressed about finals, busy doing last minute shopping or something else?
I will try to prepare some posts before I leave, but I will end this post with a couple of pictures from past trips to Japan.

Picture 1: My favorite drink prior to quitting soda that I so far can only find in Japan, melon soda!

Picture 2: The giant Christmas tree in a mall we shopped at in Fukouka.

Picture 3: We visited a few shrines. It was so busy! I can't remember if it was New Year or not. . .

Picture 4: My favorite part about visiting Japan, the FOOD!

Picture 5: At the family main house, I was picking daikon (white radish).

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed!


<3,
MISAKAT
Artist, Beauty Addict, Major Otaku
Email: kawaiimisakat[at]hotmail[dot]com
Instagram: @kawaiimisakat
Twitter: @kawaiimisakat
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/kawaiimisakat

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Crazy About LUVOCRACY <\o(>v<)o/>

Hello, it is Misakat once again to share some of my favorite things!
I am planning on doing a November Favorites post, which  will probably be out on Saturday.
However, for the moment, I want to talk about something that has gotten a lot of attention called Luvocracy!
I will admit. . . I was a bit skeptical at first in relation to whether it was as good as the praise that has been showered upon this online service that seems to resemble what could be called a "shop-able pintrest" was too good to be true or not. A website designed to create an easy, share-able and fun way to find everything you want and purchase it in one place. Luvocracy.
So far, I am happy to say I have been pleasantly surprised!

Here is a list of my reasons:
-Easy to use system
-$10 credit when you sign-up
-Opportunity to receive rewards when people buy what you recommend
-Mobile App available for both iphone and android devices
-Daily emails by choice with a selection of items curated for you
-Enjoyable and Fun

I am going to make my first purchase soon using my $10 credit. I will be more than happy to do an update post later on about the whole experience in regards to shipping, customer service, etc. I have created 9+ collections so far ranging from beauty to nerd-related items. If you want, then I hope you will take the moment to check out some of the things I have "Luv" so far!


Please share below in the comment section your experiences or thoughts on this online service!
Thanks for reading!

<3,
MISAKAT
Artist, Beauty Addict, Major Otaku
Email: kawaiimisakat[at]hotmail[dot]com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/kawaiimisakat
Instagram: @kawaiimisakat
Twitter: @kawaiimisakat

Monday, November 18, 2013

My Current Skin Care Routine - November 2013

Hello Everyone!
I am going to keep my promise to be more active and post at least once every week!
I am still updating my previous post on the latest Ipsy bag as I swatch and test out each product.
However, I wanted to talk about my current skin care routine!
My skin is combination, so to clarify I have an oily t-zone and I am dry everywhere else! This can be a pain, but I am satisfied with my current skin care routine.
Let's get started!

Cleansing
First, we must cleanse the skin! I recently received the Clarisonic Aria as a present, and use it religiously every morning and night. I alternate between two cleansers, which are Philosophy's Purity and the Clarisonic Gentle Hydro Cleanser. I tend to reach for Purity more, though.




Nourish
I love to give my skin an extra boost by applying a few serums/oils before moisturizing. I like to prep and tone my skin with Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist. I tend to get stressed out a lot, so I apply a bit of Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair on the spots of my face that need a bit of extra love concerning wrinkles that are beginning to form like on my forehead and sides of my mouth. Finally, I will apply a light layer of Ole Henrikson Truth Serum Collagen Booster all over to help with dry spots and to achieve a fresh glow. However, other serums/oils I recommend are Lancome Genefique, Boscia Tsubaki Oil and Josie Maran's 100% Pure Argan Oil.




Moisturize
The final step is to moisturize, and I am constantly trying different products. However, my two favorite at the moment is the Ole Henrikson Truth Creme Advance Hydration and Amorepacific Future Response. As it gets colder, I will start to reach for one of my favorite moisturizers of all time, which is the FAB Ultra Repair Cream. I live in Arizona, and it is still too hot to wear the rich moisturizing creme during the day, but when I need an extra boost of hydration I will apply it before bed.




This wraps ups my current skin care routine! I plan on doing reviews on all of the products mentioned in the future. I also have a few cosplay blog posts in the making. I plan on going to Phoenix Comic Con, San Diego Comic Con and a few more as the opportunities arise. Thanks for reading! If you have any questions, then please don't hesitate to comment below!


<3,
MISAKAT
Artist, Beauty Addict, Major Otaku
Email: kawaiimisakat[at]hotmail[dot]com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/kawaiimisakat
Instagram: @kawaiimisakat
Twitter: @kawaiimisakat

Thursday, November 14, 2013

November 2013 IPSY Bag:)

Hey Everyone!
I have been absent, so I apologize.
However, I am back!
I am going to review the SIX items I received in this month's Ipsy bag.
I am just going to talk about each product for now, and upload swatches sometime this weekend.
Also, I picked up the Estee Lauder 2013 Holiday gift that you can purchase for about $57.80 with the purchase of a fragrance. I will review it extensively sometime next week.
I am going to try to keep up with this blog better!
I plan on doing some cosplay and Japanese fashion posts in the future, as well. Since I am going to Japan to visit my relatives in about a month, I will probably do A LOT of shopping!
On to the review~

Swatches (Left->Right): HOT DAMN (one swipe), Hot Damn (full opacity), B.A.B.S. lip gloss in Hot Mess


B.A.B.S. Lip Crayon in HOT DAMN on my lips.



Be A Bombshell Lip Crayon in HOT DAMN

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this product, and the how opaque the color is. As I have not been impressed from this brand in the past, I had received a blush in a past Ipsy bag. This lip crayon reminds me a lot of UD's lipstick in 69. The color is a bright shocking red with pink undertones. The product is creamy and easy to apply, but has a semi-matte finish. Overall, I am head-over-heels in love with this product and it lasts for about 4-6 hours before fading to a more wearable and light raspberry-red shade. However, I am disappointed this product is only available in about six shades. The lip crayon retails for $14 on the Be A Bombshell website, but through the Ipsy program it is currently available for purchase at 40% off with an additional Coco Delight Lipgloss for free. I have to admit I am tempted to pick this up in a few more shades!
Overall: 9.25/10
Pigmentation: 10/10
Texture:10/10
Longevity:8/10
Packaging: 9/10
Link: http://beabombshellcosmetics.com/shop/product-category/lip-crayon/

Starlooks Gem Eye Pencil in AMETHYST

So far, this is my favorite product this month. The pencil has an incredibly opaque and creamy texture. The color on my light skin appears as a metallic lilac shade that is perfect for brightening the inner corners with sparkle. The swatch I had on my hand lasted for about 5 hours before fading. I will update when I test properly on both my top and lower lash lines. However, i would consider this comparable to UD's eyeliners in terms of texture and opacity. The Gem Eye Pencil retails for $14 on the Starlooks website, and is 40% off through Ipsy. The only problem with this product is the packaging, as the cap refuses to stay on which is a risk for damage to the product itself. I have received a Starlooks eyeliner in a past Ipsy bag, and did not have this problem previously. In conclusion, I definately plan on picking up a few more shades from the seven available shades!
Overall:8.75/10
Pigmentation:10/10
Texture:10/10
Longevity: 8/10
Packaging: 7/10
Link: http://starlooks.com/collections/eyes/products/diamondline-eye-pencil

Pixi Bronzer in Subtly Suntouched

I currently use Estee Lauder's Soft Matte Bronzer and prefer it over this bronzer that has a shimmer. The product is not overly pigmented, and you can build up the product depending on whether you prefer a stronger or lighter contour. Of course, that is if you choose to use this as a bronzer. This bronzer has enough shimmer and a sheen that you can choose to use it as a blush. It can help you achieve that bronzed and golden look. I personally do not own Benefit's Rockateur blush and have only swatched it in Sephora, but have heard it is comparable. Although, Benefit's Rockateur has more of a peachy look. The bronzer applies with a smooth and non-chalky finish. This product retails for $18 on the Pixi website. However, it includes a brush for application and is 25% off through Ipsy. The packaging is sturdy enough, but I would prefer a typical snap-type container instead of a lid you have to twist off. I don't plan on purchasing this product when I use up this sample, though.
Overall: 8.5/10
Pigmentation: 9/10
Texture:9/10
Longevity: 8/10
Packaging: 8/10
Link: http://www.pixibeauty.com/whats-new

Nailtini in Caviar Mocktail

As always, I enjoy the Nailtini polishes. They never fail to impress me. I do not paint my nails often, because I like the natural french tip look I achieve by buffing and applying a basic shiny clear top coat. However, the one-coat opacity and easy-to-apply formula makes this nail polish a hit for me. The Caviar Mocktail is a beautiful shade of metallic grey with loads of shine. The formula does not chip easily, as well. The nailpolish retails for $13 on the Nailtini webiste, but through Ipsy you can receive 50% off and a free eyeliner with a $25 purchase. I think this would make a great stocking stuffer for the upcoming holidays. You can snag two delightful shades and an eyeliner for the price of one nail polish and shipping. They have a large variety with 28 shades to choose from, and I may have to purchase a few.
Overall: 9.5/10
Pigmentation:10/10
Formula:9/10
Application:9/10
Packaging: 10/10
Link: http://www.tinibeauty.com/product_categories/nail_polish.cfm

<3,
MISAKAT
Artist, Beauty Addict, Major Otaku
Email: kawaiimisakat[at]hotmail[dot]com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/kawaiimisakat
Instagram: @kawaiimisakat
Twitter: @kawaiimisakat