.jpg&h=400&w=980&zc=1&q=100&a=c "Makeup secrets from the pros...")
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Sep
29
Japan has the best food in the world. The commitment to quality, freshness, artfulness, and taste is unparalleled, not to mention, a good deal of Japanese dishes are also super healthy. One of my favorite is the most simple ever, and thanks to some grocery store help from a Japanese friend, I can buy the right […]
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Test Prep: How to Get Ready for a TFP Shoot
TFP shoots are key in building your portfolio. But just because there is no client doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put some serious effort into[...] more...»
40 Things About Tokyo
1. Shinjuku Station 2. Lolita Girls 3. Murakami 4. Rikyugen Gardens 5.Conbinis 6. Spa La Qua 7. Yomiyuri Giants 8. Shibuya Crossing 9. Shimokitazaw[...] more...»
Giveaway: The Best Hair Extensions Ever!
It’s no secret I love extensions for shoots. Here’s your chance to win a top of the line set of Natural Black extensions courtesy of Irres[...] more...»
Favorite Asian Beauty Products for Tired Eyes
It’s been a weird week for patterns. The universe is colliding all around me and I have to say it’s been pretty cool. I’ve gotten se[...] more...»
New Finds: 3 Japanese Beauty Must-Haves
Tokyo is the undisputed beauty champion of the world. Every week I see game-changing products at the counters and in the speciality shops, and espec[...] more...»
Hello Summer Beauty: Sun Skin and Hair Plan
Hello Summer. You sexy thing you. I’m still a bit drunk from all of the beach and sea love from Vietnam. Seriously the people and the beaches w[...] more...»
Life of an Expat- The Beauty of Hoi An
Just another day in the life of an expat in Japan. Another benefit of living in Japan is the proximity to other awesome countries. This week I’m[...] more...»
5 Audition Terms You Should Know Now
For aspiring models and actors, getting a handle on the basics takes a bit of time. You want to be professional and ask for clarity, but you also do[...] more...»
An American Girl in Japan: Everyday Expat Life
Every day, I get email from friends and strangers asking about expat life in Japan. “Is it hard?” “Is it lonely?” “S[...] more...»
Photoshoot 101: The Best Hair Extensions Ever
If you’ve read any of my stuff about getting into modeling, you know having range is super key. Being able to show a variety of looks grows your[...] more...»
Not Exercise: Why I Do Yoga
Balance, flexibility, strength. Yoga has been my friend for about ten years now, but more of a passing, casual friend-of-a-friend kind of relationship[...] more...»
Tiny Living: Decorating in the Moment
My little palace in Tokyo is oh so wonderful… but it when it comes to tiny living decorating, it comes with a few challenges: It’s super m[...] more...»
Hot in the City: Summer Beauty Finds
June brings a fifth season to Japan (and a many parts of Asia actually…)– rainy season. It’s pretty warm out most days but the rain [...] more...»
Chat with a Pro: Rowan Brooks, an actor’s actor
The role of the actor is to be a professional auditioner. Once you get the job, it’s time to play. I first met Rowan through Nancy Hayes Casting i[...] more...»
Soft and Hard: Modeling Portfolio Update
What a week. If I haven’t said it recently let me just say it now: The fact that I get to live and work in Tokyo doing all of the things I truly[...] more...»
Beautyworld Part 2: The Haul
One of the biggest benefits to working Beautyworld Tokyo was that I could shop like a vendor. Yep- salon-size, all-natural products, brands I can̵[...] more...»
Beauty World Tokyo Part 1: The Shoot
The biggest beauty and spa show in Japan. Every year, Beauty World showcases the hottest trends in skincare products and gadgets– thousands of p[...] more...»
A Healthy, Naked Face: The No Makeup Look
In my quest to perfect the “No Makeup Look” for summer, I’ve tried several combos of foundations, BB’s primers, and concealers[...] more...»
True Beauty in Phuket
Where to begin. Blogging about my time in Chalong is almost pointless because so much of what happened is so beyond words. When most people think of P[...] more...»
Ten Second Update: Bangkok Shopping
Thailand. I’m so lucky to be here! I’m in Thong Lor, one of the fancier districts of Bangkok, known for it’s shopping and spas. The [...] more...»
3-Way Test: Almond, Olive, and Coconut Oil for DIY Hair Repair
So I took my ombre to the next level and went even lighter than I was a few weeks ago. I haven’t had light hair in years and I’m really happy with[...] more...»
When (and How) to Turn Down Acting Roles or Photo Shoots
Ultimately, if you’re prepared and professional, booking work really becomes a numbers game. You and/or your agent submits your photos and resum[...] more...»
Japanese Organic Makeup: Naturaglace Review
To be sure… I love all the pretty Japan makes. The formulas are generally spot-on, and when I can find colors that suit my “non-Asian but still et[...] more...»
Japan Life: New Year, New Kanji Name
Bittersweet. Today marks the end of the school year in Japan, and saying goodbye to all of my students this past week has been tough. So many note[...] more...»
Go Lightly: Ombré for Brunettes
Yes. Winter gloom has finally melted. I’ve been itching to play with my hair for a while now, and knowing with shoots I can’t do anything [...] more...»
Modeling Basics: Building Your Portfolio
Every week I get email from up-and-comers looking for advice on their photos. A great headshot aside, having a variety of looks in your portfolio is o[...] more...»
Skin Destiny: At-Home Microdermabrasion
I’ve been thinking about getting a microderm unit for years. I put it off in San Francisco because I had a long, loyal affair with my esthetician, J[...] more...»
Modeling Weight Issues: Perfect is an Illusion
I try to keep it light and fluffy here, but I want to get serious for a quick minute. I get email from girls all over the world who are thinking about[...] more...»
Spring Story: Etude House Color Play Eyes and Primer Review
I’ve been so busy I’ve had hardly any time to check out my new products. I’m so excited to finally crack open this new palette W2 Beauty sent me[...] more...»
Interviewing, Auditioning, and Fashion Shooting
I’ve been non-stop, bananas moving since touching down from SF a few days ago. The busiest week ever, but it’s a good thing when it’[...] more...»
It’s My Japanniversary!
The days run away like wild horses over the hills. Charles Bukowski Time flies and flies. Officially today, I’ve been an expat in Japan for one [...] more...»
Sakura Dreams: Beauty Inspiration for Spring
Brrr. I’ve never lived in snow. Even living in Japan, where just a couple of weeks ago, we got over 60 centimeters of snow in one day, I’v[...] more...»
Travel Skin Reboot: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Review
Sephora is my danger zone. As a Tokyoite minimalist, I pride myself on not perpetually spending the GDP of Guam on silly stuff, but in Sephora, I seri[...] more...»
Happy Valentine’s Day!
San Francisco. Friends, gifts, dinner, love. When I think of anything romantic, the first man to pop into my head is always Pablo Neruda. Here’[...] more...»
Does it Work? Busting the Japanese Collagen Myth
The C Word. Drugstores, supermarkets, high-end beauty counters: in Japan, everywhere you look, you can buy collagen to improve your skin. From beauty [...] more...»
Modeling in Japan FAQs
I get a lot of email from you guys asking about how to get started in modeling and acting here. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions [...] more...»
Japanese Hair Color: Blaune by Kao Review
In Japan, at-home hair color kits rock. They’re inexpensive (just like the States) and come in a huge variety of colors (just like the States), but [...] more...»
5 Things To Shake Off the Blahs Right Now
When you feel better, you look better, and sometimes feeling good doesn’t come easy. Here are five things you can do right now to boost wellness[...] more...»
Lessons from Mom
I’m taking some time off the usual blog rundown to remember my mom, who passed away two days ago. We weren’t very close, but we didn’t hate ea[...] more...»
Current Obsession: Russian Dolls
For whatever reason, I’ve been noticing Russian dolls in the shops all over Tokyo. I’m guessing it’s likely due to the countriesR[...] more...»
Shine On: Soin Vital by Naturena Hair Care
If there’s one area of neglect I have in my beauty routine, it’s my hair. I keep it really simple with my haircut and color because if I’m hones[...] more...»
Model Etiquette and Partner Shoots
Mother and daughter. The affluent couple. The big happy family. When posing for relationship shots, the creative process is more complicated than just[...] more...»
Picture Postcard: A Visit to Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara
Anthony Bourdain once made the comparison: if Tokyo is Japan’s face, Osaka is Japan’s heart. I don’t know enough about either city t[...] more...»
Moody Blues: NYX Eyeliner Review
In spite of the fact I think makeup is super fun and I’m completely obsessed with skincare, I definitely have my fallback routine, which I fall back[...] more...»
Chat with a Pro: Oorala Yamada (a.k.a, my agent in SF!)
Advice: Live your life – in other words, don’t revolve your life around acting/modeling. Have and pursue other passions. Spend time with people wh[...] more...»
Color Story: Shu Uemura Review
Such a lucky girl. I recently did a shoot for a company that generously gifted me with a 10000 yen gift certificate to Hankyu department store, a larg[...] more...»
The Art of Homesick
Expressive. If I had to pick one word to describe San Francisco- it’s this. It’s inescapable. Cab drivers, street artists, cops, homeless.[...] more...»
The Pros and Cons of Stock Photography Modeling
When I first started, I did a bit of stock photography for a number of reasons. I needed experience posing and understanding how I looked under differ[...] more...»
And a Happy New Year.
2013 has been such a magical and transformative time in my life. Moving halfway around the world and stepping into a space of constant discovery has c[...] more...»
Smell Awesome Now: SteamCream
A cool side benefit to working in media (both in front of the camera as well as beauty blogging) is that I get a lot of product recommendations that a[...] more...»
It’s On: The New Year’s Beauty Deals
So. Many. Deals. If you didn’t get enough awesome goodies under the tree, fear not, there are loads of post-holiday deals to burn through those gift[...] more...»
Holiday Traditions: Christmas Eve Cioppino
It’s been a big year of change for my family in California. I moved to Tokyo, and my sister and her family moved to Texas. My sister and I are oppos[...] more...»
Holiday Gift Idea: Beauty Bentos
I have a few nieces I needed to shop for, and I because I don’t see them very often I really have no clue what to get. But one thing I do know: gi[...] more...»
Mariah and the Colonel: It’s Christmas in Japan
Since I’m new here, I don’t really understand how Christmas works in Japan. From a commercial perspective, it feels pretty similar to th[...] more...»
Japan’s Answer to Nars: Addiction By Ayako
I’m such a sucker for cool packaging, and an even bigger sucker for cool compacts. This past summer I stumbled onto Addiction when I was browsing ar[...] more...»
Acting Basics: 5 Tips for the Dry Season
Often during the holidays, things slow down for actors and models. Holiday campaigns were shot months ago and everyone is wrapping up the past year an[...] more...»
Home for the Holidays: Travel Beauty Essentials
This time of year in Japan, lots of foreigners travel back to their home country to visit family and friends for the holidays. For most of us, that’[...] more...»
Living in Japan: Culture Shock
A reader suggested to me a while back that I should write about being a Westerner in Japan, and what that means in terms of culture shock. Before comi[...] more...»
Holiday Gift Set Ideas
I haven’t even started my holiday shopping yet, but I’m definitely thinking about it. I’m taking the long-haul trip back to the Stat[...] more...»
What the Pros Use: Tokyo Makeup Artist Must-Haves
One of the best things about doing photo shoots and commercials is working with makeup artists. They always know the newest, latest, and best, so sitt[...] more...»
Caviar Dreams: Missha Sheet Mask Review
Oh Missha how I love you. A mid-range Korean brand with a luxe feel and skincare AND makeup lines that really deliver? This is the brand. I first knew[...] more...»
My Holiday Beauty Lust List: Makeup
Whoosh-this was a tough set to build. There are so many products I want to try, and only so much room on a set board… I adore Polyvore but they [...] more...»
Modeling in Japan is now on iTunes!
So fun. Chatting with Anthony about the ins and outs, dos and don’ts of the Japanese modeling industry was a blast. So far the response has been[...] more...»
A Few Beauty Tool Box Essentials
I like to think of myself as a minimalist in training. After years of hording books, shoes, clothes, and cosmetics, I’m trying to focus on keeping o[...] more...»
Modeling Basics: Working with Child Models
Kids. In the print world, at some point, you might be on a shoot where you have to work with child models and actors. Some might be pros—little grow[...] more...»
An American Girl in Japan
Living abroad in Japan has been a dream of mine for years, but I was always somewhat terrified at the idea. The logistics. Culture shock. Missing my[...] more...»
My Holiday Beauty Lust List: Hair
Yikes. Is it seriously that time of year already? The trees are going up, lights are being lit, and Tokyo shelves are lined with Christmas cakes and H[...] more...»
DIY Makeup Organizer: The Chiyogami Box
Crafty is not my middle name. Sure I like them just fine… but truth is, unless it’s a super easy, fool-proof, anyone can do it kind of thing… my[...] more...»
Get Camera Ready
When you’re starting out in modeling and acting (or even when you’ve been doing a while), you’ll do a few low-budget shoots. Maybe it’s a for-[...] more...»
Inspire Me: Tiny Living in Tokyo
Recently, I moved into a brand new apartment… (literally- I’m the first tenant!). It’s a gorgeous building and a super cool space. M[...] more...»
Bright Smiles
If you’re doing commercial and print work, white teeth are important. A healthy smile conveys warmth and happiness, and a lot of advertisers see[...] more...»
Splurges and Steals: Best Japanese Makeup for Fall 2013
SWOON. Okay Shu Uemura has completely gone over the top for Holiday 2013 with the most lovely little palette, designed by none other than Takashi Mura[...] more...»
Primers, BBs, and Balms: Five Wonder Tubes that Deliver
Every week it seems like I’m hearing about a new multi-product that promises to erase pores and cancel redness. As much as I love putting crazy on[...] more...»
Bath Break: Laline Review
A high-quality bath and beauty company, born from Israeli cousins, with a major presence in Japan as well as flagship locations in my beloved San Fra[...] more...»
Chat with a Pro: Model/Media Mogul Thomas Dodson
Thomas and I met on a low budget apparel shoot years ago, and have been digital friends ever since. Keeping up with his career has been super fun, and[...] more...»
New Finds: The Best Japanese Drugstore Makeup
CRAZY.Moving to my new pad in Tokyo has kept me on the run the past few days, but I did manage to check out a few new things that I’m adding to [...] more...»
Mood and Light: Tokyo Test Shoot
Tokyo is one, giant, ever-changing mood board. The stark contrast between manic and structure, tradition and progress, process and product. It’[...] more...»
…with the most-est. On-camera Host Work 101
Recently I did on on camera job for Gaijin Pot on vintage shopping in Harajuku. It was a solo on-camera spot with VO, so it works a little different[...] more...»
My Weird-ish Beauty Rituals
You ever read the beauty blogs and see the crazy DIY-homemade-all-natural treatments and wonder if they work, or are just a sick sociological scam to [...] more...»
RADAR: My Feature in NYLON Singapore!
So beyond. NYLON Singapore’s editor-in Chief Adele Chan asked me to write about my experience working in Japan and how it differs from modeling [...] more...»
Creatives and Selfies
Not just anyone can be a photographer. I’m learning how to use my sweet new camera, the Canon EOS M. It’s my first “real” cam[...] more...»
Business Basics: The Actor’s Monologue
The monologue. I remember the first time I was asked if I had one. My booker in San Francisco called me to say that an L.A. casting agent was in town,[...] more...»
Renewed Lust: Anna Sui Fall 2013
It’s funny how you can love something from a past life, only to have it come back to you, but even better than you remembered. That kind of desc[...] more...»
I Heart Big Hair.
I’m a Pintrest nut. When I want to find inspiration, or just space out on cuteness, I’ll start a board on a new obsession and pin it up. L[...] more...»
Business Basics: Model Wardrobe Essentials
For auditions and shoots, actors and models often find that they’re asked to wear the same type of thing over and over again. Many times on shoo[...] more...»
My Life in Japan: The Awesome and The Meh
Japan is a crazy melange of contrasts in a homogenous population. I know that sounds contradictory, because it totally is. It’s conservative and[...] more...»
Summer Beauty: Innisfree Green Tea Serum
On summer vacations, I always try to pack light, which means a serious edit to my normal beauty routine. I refuse to carry heavy glass jars and bottle[...] more...»
Let’s Shoot: IKEA Japan
Since the commercial is now airing across Japan (YAY!), my gag order has been officially lifted. I can now tell you about the amazing shoot I did for [...] more...»
