NML Rule #1 Less Product, Better Product

Makeup, it turns out, often looks like makeup when you put it on. Shocker, I know! But if you cover every little discoloration and spot, as tempting as it may be, you might as well go all the way with the eyes and lips too because your perfectly covered face is kind of a giveaway that you’re concealing your skin. I discovered 24h Cosme (super popular, all-natural cosmetics line) while randomly shopping for epsom salts the other day* and fell in love.

Check this one out:

24h Cosme Stick Cover Foundation (I’m using #2)

• All-natural, chemical-free and additive-free
• Contains jojoba oil, aloe extract and Vitamin E
• SPF 50 PA+++ for maximum sun protection

Because the coverage is reallllly good and the formula stays put, I really just use it on my nose, chin and eyes. Blend with my Armani Foundation blender, and NO POWDER. This isn’t a matte look. I pat a dry sponge all over my face before using cheekbone highlighter and bronzer. No blush.

What I used:

Too Cool For School Highlighter in Cluber (I’m almost out– addicted to this stuff!) It’s subtle sheen just makes a world of difference.

Addiction Bronzer…

Addiction anything, really. This is an amazing Japanese product line.

I finished with a neutral lip liner (I stained my lips, no outline) and added my absolute favorite lip balm by natural Japanese company, Daily Delights (デイリーディ). It’s shiny and sexy and healthy. LOVE. I’m still on Peach Melba but am thinking these would be perfect in a gift box I’m making for someone back home. An excuse to try something new!

So bottom line:

1) Use awesome, high-quality, preferably all-natural products in small doses. 2) Take pristine care of your skin so you don’t need much to begin with!

Let me know your favorite natural cosmetics… I’m on a massive research bender for the good stuff.

(PS: Epsom salts– a lot of wellness experts swear by salt baths… too bad you can’t find them anywhere in Japan!)

The post A Healthy, Naked Face: The No Makeup Look appeared first on Cynthia Popper.

When most people think of Phuket, they think of beaches. Partying. Great shopping and dining on the cheap. I wanted none of that (okay… maybe the beaches…). I went to a (near) silent meditation/yoga retreat in southern Phuket to take off my makeup and turn off the laptop. Just be quiet. I’m writing an article for a Tokyo publication about all of the whats and wheres, but I wanted to quickly share what I learned about beauty in Phuket, after a few days of spiritual lessons and very healthy living. I won’t get too in depth… these are just the Cliff’s Notes, beauty blog style.

Mind chatter isn’t who I am. I’m underneath all of that. When I enter a quiet state, I can get there. Staying there is the trick. Like in yoga, when I do a headstand, it’s a fine balance, and usually I fall when I think too much about what I’m doing. Taking time and space to be quiet and open up was the most relaxing experience. I feel like I actually might look better because I’m not all tensed up. When I’m at peace I’m in the best possible place I can be. It’s the only time I think I’ve ever truly felt completely beautiful. Not happy, not sad, not wanting, needing, lacking… just —. Just lovely and real and here.

The above said, I’ve learned I’m insecure in ways I didn’t even realize– both inside and out. For me, makeup or medication won’t fix this… but daily wellness seems too. It’s harder and it’s worth it. Eating and sleeping well, daily yoga, and taking really good care of myself makes me feel better in ways no compliment, affirmation, product, or gadget ever could. I still love beauty stuff (let’s not get crazy) but holistic wellness produces the best results, period. I guess I always knew this, but putting it to work in a concentrated time frame really showed me results.

Beauty–true beauty– is ageless, timeless, formless. Sometimes I’ll see older women,  gray-haired, crinkle-eyed, grinning ear-to-ear, happy, active, often doing something creative. I think to myself, I hope I can get to that place. I’m using physical descriptions to describe these gorgeous creatures because words cannot capture the energy I want to describe. She’s a person truly at ease with herself. No mask of fear. Just her.

I could go on about true romantic relationships and friendships and family and selflessness, but for the sake of staying on topic, let me just close with this thing my teacher said:

“You know when you’re holding a little puppy? That feeling you get? That’s loving kindness.”

That’s true beauty.

The post True Beauty in Phuket appeared first on Cynthia Popper.

I’m in Thong Lor, one of the fancier districts of Bangkok, known for it’s shopping and spas. The past two days have been pretty decadent: lots of massages, ridiculously good food, and shopping.

I’m not a massive clothes horse so to be honest… the cheapo marketplace shopping didn’t rock my world. Yes, the stuff is cute and really cheap, but a lot of it seemed to be mass produced stuff you can buy at H&M or Zara. OR, you can do to the supermalls which house every massive luxury brand on the planet– again– stuff you can buy anywhere. I head to Phuket tonight so I think I’ll see what’s going on down there.

That said… Bangkok did have a few goodies:

Origano: May is a young indie Thai designer making quality, super cute clothes and shoes well worth the prices. Her shop is in Siam Square (just off Siam Station). I picked up these super cute flats: leather, comfortable, and unique without being wacko. There are a few locals designers doing some really cool stuff (more later!).

The underwear: Okay this is probably because I live in Tokyo and all of the lingerie is SO frilly and over the top cutsey it loses its functionality (to actually be worn under clothing… right?). Anyway, I went to the Emporium mall at the Prong Pham Station and found really nice, comfortable, pretty sets for super good prices, and aren’t covered in bows and hearts.

Boots: I know this one is because I’m in Tokyo. It was SO nice to walk into a drugstore where I could read everything, and buy the stuff I can’t find in Japan. White skin is the favored look there, so I was ever so happy to find loads of self tanner! (Review forthcoming– using it right now). And I’m also testing the Boots depuffing rollerball because humidity makes my eyes poof.

I also bought this aromatherapy spray by Thai wellness company, Sabai-arom called No.4 Peace. Lemongrass, kaffir lime… it’s crisp and light and makes your space smell like a spa. Perfect for chill time. And this travel candle by Harnn is a little jar of luxury.  Lemongrass and jasmine… perfect for meditating in Phuket, where I fly off to tonight for a four day yoga and wellness retreat.

Just a quick update for now… I’ll give the full rundown when I get back next week!

The post Ten Second Update: Bangkok Shopping appeared first on Cynthia Popper.

Anyway Yuri rocked it, but I noticed my hair lost some gloss during the process. Also, and maybe I’m crazy, but it seemed like the texture of my hair changed too. I haven’t lightened my hair in years so maybe I’m just naïve, but it seems like my hair is… billowy-er? I can’t explain it. It’s not fried per se, just fluffier and lighter in weight. I realize this sounds dumb but it’s the best way I can describe it. Anyway…

I did some research. I’ve been a huge fan of almond oil for pretty much everything, and I always use olive oil and Witch Hazle for eye makeup remover (mix half and half in a small bottle—it’s super effective, moisturizing, and costs pennies!). But for hair—which oil is the best to restore shine? I did some serious testing this week. Here’s what I found out.

Day One. Almond oil.

I love almond oil oh so much, but I have to admit… it didn’t blow me away when I did an overnight treatment on my hair. Yes, it was a bit softer, but no real difference when is came to shine or texture. I’ll keep using it for my skin though—I LOVE the smell and it leaves my skin super soft. Here’s what I use—I buy it at iherb.com.

Day Two. Olive oil.

Ooooh. This totally worked! Much glossier locks the following morning. My hair loved this. I coated my hair from about my ears to the tips and braided it, then put a towel down on my pillow. The next day I washed it really well and conditioned it lightly just so I could comb it out. After I blew it out I noticed a serious difference. I just used what I had in my kitchen. Nothing fancy here.

Day Three. Coconut oil.

We have another winner, folks. I went to the foreign food shop with my pal Becca (who is a super fox and does her hair red) and we both picked up jars of unprocessed, virgin coconut oil. It’s thick and hard but emulsifies instantly in your hands. I did the same braid and slept with the stuff in my hair.

The nest morning? Shiny, soft, and super manageable. Coconut oil contains rich fatty acids, iron, and vitamins A and K. It’s been proven to reduce protein loss in hair and is used for countless beauty and health fixes. It’s getting a lot of hype these days for good reason—it’s the bomb.

Here’s what I used. For Tokyo locals, I bought it at National Azabu in Hiro-o for about 1700 yen. It’s a mid sized jar, but a little scoop goes a loooong way. This jar will last quite a while.

If you have any oil tricks I should know about PLEASE let me know! I’m playing with a lot of natural and organic products these days, so I’m looking for great sites and links!

Here’s to happy shiny hair!

The post 3-Way Test: Almond, Olive, and Coconut Oil for DIY Hair Repair appeared first on Cynthia Popper.

But… what happens when you are asked to do a commercial for a product or company you don’t believe in? Or are asked to do something you’re not comfortable with doing? Every actor and model has been confronted with this situation, and everyone has their reasons for wanting to turn down an acting role or a photo shoot.
Maybe the company makes something that’s unhealthy or against your personal beliefs or capacities (are you allergic to dogs? certain foods?).

Maybe you’re selected for a role in an indie film that requires nudity or simulated sex. (This one is pretty common with celebrities.)

Maybe the client wants total exclusivity for a particular industry for a set amount of time.* (Total exclusivity means you can’t shoot with other clients for a given industry. It’s common in financial and pharmaceutical industries).

Maybe, after reading the script and meeting the director– something just feels “off.”

All of the above scenarios have happened to me- in some cases I’ve talked to the directors or photographers and we worked around the issues. Others… I just had to pass on the jobs. Many famous celebrities have hard boundaries on their acting choices (example… a Hollywood writer friend told me that Kate Winslett will never take a role that requires her to use a gun). Everyone has things they don’t want to be associated with.

It’s not an easy situation- especially if your agency wants you to do the project and the casting folks really see you in the role. Or-and I hate to admit this- if the rate is REALLY good… But that said, knowing your boundaries– not the ones you can push, the ones that are truly non-negotiable– is critical in this business. In the end, if you take a job you don’t want to do, your performance is going to suffer, you’ll likely not be too happy, and in turn, the producers will not be thrilled with the end product.

The best way to avoid having to turn down work is to get as much information about the project before the audition. This can be tough sometimes– many times companies don’t disclose themselves or the details of a project until after auditions have taken place (this is especially true in Japan- privacy and lack of transparency are business norms here across the board.).

Questions to ask (if the information isn’t given):

1) What company is it for? Can you send me a link to their website?

2) What product is it for? (Many larger companies have loads of different brands and product lines).

3) Will I be shooting with other talent? Children? Animals?

4) Is there anything else I should know about this shoot?

Having a clear picture of what the project is to be lets you make an informed decision. In most cases (particularly with indie films or any dramatic work) the casting director will be upfront on any kind of potential deal breakers (like nudity or a sex scene). I’ve done some nudity, and pretty cozy work with male models and actors, but have never been casting in anything too hot and heavy. For me personally, couple-y kissing isn’t a big ask on a shoot, and artful nudity is just fine… beyond that however… I’d need to know a lot more about the project and the players before I gave a resounding yes. BUT… that’s just me.

So let’s say you’ve asked all of the questions and made an informed choice to accept a role, but then you get thrown a curveball? Whattya do?

• If you have an agent, you let her handle it. (This is what they do!)
• If you’re unrepresented, you need to politely and carefully talk about the deal-breaker with the director. In most cases, issues can be worked around. Never do something you really don’t feel ok with doing. It’s more than okay to stand firm on your conditions. Remember: it’s your image going out into the world– you need to protect it in any way you see fit.

So, while you’re getting your shots together and basic training underway, think about the kinds of work you really want to do, and what kind of boundaries you might have. Figuring it out early saves you and your agent a lot of time down the road and shows you’re a thoughtful performer.

Break a leg!

The post When (and How) to Turn Down Acting Roles or Photo Shoots appeared first on Cynthia Popper.

All of that said—I’ve noticed that while there are a metric ton of Japanese cosmetic options—the organic options made here are just a sliver of the market. I asked a Japanese co-worker what she recommended for organics—and in true form, she came back to me with brochures and samples (so sweet! Thanks H!) This is the one the ladies here like: Naturaglace.

100% natural

• No parabens
• No synthetics
• High SPF (yay summer!)
• Moderately priced

And pretty freaking lovely to boot. And made down the road in Kanagawa!

Here’s what I sampled…

Naturaglace UV Base Milk, SPF 43 (PA++)

Naturaglace Make-up Cream SPF 30 (PA ++)

Le Result:

I’ll admit… when I first applied the Base Milk I thought, “NO PHOTOS TODAY.” The high SPF of this product gave my skin a very masky glow (and not a good glow… more like a ghost glow).  But I wanted to give it a fair shot. I then applied the Make-up Cream (I added a bit of liquid bronzer because the sample was too light for my olive complexion) and finished with a light dusting of powder, a little highlighter, and nude eyes. The coverage is SUPER sheer, so I built it up around my chin and nose and spot concealed as needed.

At first I wasn’t super blown away… until I went to run errands and caught my face in a mirror. My skin looked SO SMOOTH. Really even, poreless coverage. YAY! Natural makeup that works!

(Not the most flattering photo, but I wanted you to see how even the coverage is. And yes I fixed my eyebrow before leaving the house!)

This is a great sunny day product—it’s sheer and lightweight, and the major sun protection kind of makes it a no-brainer. Add a little bronzer, some mascara, and a tinted lip balm and you’re set! I’m going to play with this line and update this post as I learn more about it. But at first use… it’s a keeper. Check out the line at Rakuten!

(product shots courtesy of naturaglace.jp)

The post Japanese Organic Makeup: Naturaglace Review appeared first on Cynthia Popper.

 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 notes, gifts, and hugs from students, aged 2-60+. Businessmen, housewives, travelers, toddlers: I’m quite sure they’ve taught me more than I could ever teach them.

One of my students from my adult media class gave me an extra special gift. A few weeks ago, I was lamenting my lack of Japanese skill, especially when it comes to kanji. Even expats here who can speak Japanese fluently still have trouble with the over 2000 characters, derived from the Chinese alphabet.

English is so tough for Japanese speakers because the language has over 3000 sounds, Japanese has only about 800. BUT, Japanese uses three alphabets, the traditional Japanese alphabet (hiragana) the alphabet for foreign words (katakana) and kanji. So for us foreigners, speaking isn’t usually the trouble. It’s reading. For Japanese people, it’s usually the reverse.

Back to my story: I was chatting with class about kanji, and how I understood that many foreigners are given kanji names… it’s a token thing, like a nickname, but an interesting part of the culture and something I wanted to learn more about. One of my students offered to name me!

Here’s what he came up with, and why.

Cool right? I was so touched by his interpretation of my personality. Such a thoughtful gesture. I showed the letter to my friend (who speaks fluent Japanese) and she said OH NO HE LOVES YOU. Haha. Maybe like a daughter. He even declared himself my “Godfather.” Sweet.

Then, if that wasn’t enough, the last day of class, he gifted me with this beautiful custom-made hanko with my new name!

Hankos are official stamps used in lieu of a signature.They’re used for everything: signing receipts, contracts, and almost any kind of application. I had one made with my Katakana name (シンシア) but made the mistake of having my first name carved instead of my last. In Japan, everyone goes by their family name first (i.e. Tanaka-san). Because I’m not local, I’m pretty sure it doesn’t matter, but still. Rookie.

Anyway, I love it. It’s one of the cool Luddite-like aspects of the pen-and-paper culture here. And it means so much to me that a student would be moved to do this for me. Even though teaching is only a part of my life here, it’s proven to be so rewarding. I am a lucky girl indeed.

Now I just need to learn how to write it!

(a.k.a. 真紫茜 )

The post Japan Life: New Year, New Kanji Name appeared first on Cynthia Popper.

I’ve also stopped washing my hair every day. I still rinse it and condition, but the word on the street is that daily surfactants overly strip your hair (makes total sense.)

Having super dark hair for the better part of a decade, even this subtle change feels pretty drastic… But I’m liking it so far. It’s fitting my lighter, brighter, healthier mood these days. We’ll see how light I go by summer!

YOU MIGHT LIKE

 Holiday Lust List: Hair    Shiny Hair for Lazy Girls   I <3 Big Hair

The post Go Lightly: Ombré for Brunettes appeared first on Cynthia Popper.

Core shots for any book

A conservative look…

Shooter: Kristen Gerbert

An athletic or outdoor look…

Shooter: Cavan Clark

Shooter: Tanya Constantine

A relationship shot… (can be with an adult, child, or even an animal– the idea is showing you reacting to another being!)

Shooter: Caroline Winata

Shooter: Sam Diephuis

A creative/Vavoom shot…

Shooter: Kristen Gerbert

Other shots might be more thematic: (vintage pinup, city street)

Shooter: Loïc Nicolas

After your headshot, you want to get your core book put together as soon as possible. It doesn’t need to be expensive or fancy (though I do recommend getting a professional headshot done). Doing creative trades and test shoots with photographers is the best way to get a variety of looks from different shooters without spending the GDP of Guam on day rates. Once you get these key pieces nailed down, you can add emotion shots, character shots, behind the scenes, tear sheets… the list goes on.

Keep shooting

Getting as many frames as you can early on serves a couple of purposes. It gives you the experience in front of the camera to understand how to get the looks you or the shooter want, which makes being on set and giving the client what they want that much easier. Being able to nail the shot quickly is the hallmark of a pro and one of the reasons top models get paid so well. The quicker you can give the client what they want, the less time is wasted and the more options they have to chose from. When a 30-person crew is working on a single campaign, time is money, so being able to turn out work that’s high quality without a lot of hassle is important.

I look at a lot of portfolios for new models who are preparing to get representation. If you’d like advice on your book, feel free to message me here. I’m on a bit of a delay right now, but I promise I’ll give you real feedback as soon as I can!

Ganbatte!

YOU MIGHT LIKE

Stock Photography              Acting for Models           Headshots

The post Modeling Basics: Building Your Portfolio appeared first on Cynthia Popper.

But– Japan apparently isn’t big on microderm. In fact I’ve seen just about every other beauty device under the sun except MD machines, and spas don’t seem to offer it. Heck, even finding a facial scrub is pretty close to impossible. With exfoliation being so important, you’ve got to wonder what the femmes here are using to remove dead skin, right? Well, they do dermal planing. And they have these little fingertip scrubbie thingies (yeah I’m going to get some… they’re weird and possibly cool.)

But anyway, that’s a different post. Back to my story.

One of the benefits to living in a transient foreign community is that people are ALWAYS getting rid of stuff that’s pretty much brand new. A fellow expat Kiwi girl is heading home in about a week… she knows my sickness for skincare.

“My microderm is way to heavy for my bag. You want it?”

[Head explodes. Flash dreams of shiny happy pores and dewy spring skin race in front of my eyes.]

“Yes. Yes I do.” It’s like I have the power to will things into my life now. DESTINY.

Anyway—this thing is the bomb.

1) it has diamond-encrusted heads with adjustable suction

2) it has nine different tips and three wands for every skin surface, from elbows to around your nose

3) it’s super easy to use—plug and play

I’ve used it about three times and finish with the TNS Cermide Treatment Cream and I can tell you—it’s  major game changer. I have olive skin, so I’m prone to hyperpigmentation. Spots are fading, and fine lines are freaking gone. I mean GONE.

If I didn’t get this one… I was checking out the PMD unit—this one gets great reviews from the bloggers, it’s hand held, and at under 200 bucks is a steal (considering what a single spa visits goes for…)

I’m getting ready for a fresh look for Spring and microderm-ing regularly is now in my life for good. Add some caramel highlights, long lashes, and super nude makeup and I’ll should be good-to-go for sunny weather.

Here’s to fresh faces and Spring beauty!

YOU MIGHT LIKE

Bright Smiles                        Laline Body Scrub             My Weird Beauty Rituals

The post Skin Destiny: At-Home Microdermabrasion appeared first on Cynthia Popper.