I scanned this in from the latest issue of steady. (Feb 2012), since it’s a pretty simple tutorial with nice, large images, and the looks are suitable for normal daily wear. The instructions are in Japanese, but the images are easy enough to follow even if you can’t understand it. The tutorial is based on Asian eyes, but probably can be adapted for other eye shapes as well.

For double eyelids

(click to enlarge)

1. With a brush, use the lightest shade to highlight the socket, extending to the area slightly beyond it. Applying highlighter all the way to the bottom of the eyebrows gives off an old feel, so take note of it.
2. Using the larger end of the eyeshadow applicator, apply the medium colour in the palette to the socket area.
3. Apply the darkest colour on the double eyelid. Layer on the colour to get a gradient effect.
4. Apply the highlighter shade to the inner corner of the eye with the smaller end of the applicator.
5. Apply the second shade (used in step 2) to the middle third of the lower eyelid. This shade should be close to your skin colour to brighten the eyes.
6. Apply the third shade (second darkest) to the outer third of the bottom eyelid.
7. With the darkest shade, draw a thin line along the outer edge of the lower eyelid.
8. Apply eyeliner along the upper lash line and the outer third of the lower lash line.
9. Go over the eyeliner　with the darkest shade. Doing this helps to blend in the eyeliner and prevents it from smudging.
10. Apply mascara.
11. Go over the space between the lashes and the inside of the upper lash line with a gel liner.

For single and hidden double eyelids

(click to enlarge)

1. Using a thick brush, apply the medium shade from your palette to the socket area, extending slightly beyond it. Those with single or hidden double eyelids don’t need to highlight the socket area.
2. With the same thick brush, apply the second medium colour (should be similar to the first shade used; the tutorial uses a shimmery one) over the socket area.
3. Draw a thick line with an eyeliner. A pencil liner is preferable since it’s softer, and will be easier to draw a thick line with.
4. With the thicker end of the eyeshadow applicator, apply the darkest shade over the eyeliner and blend upwards.
5. Apply the highlighter shade to the inner corner of the eye.
6. Divide the remaining area on the lower eyelid into half. Apply the shade used in step 1 to the portion directly below the iris, and the shade used in step 2 to the remaining half at the outer edge.
7. Line the outer 1/3 of the lower eyelid. Avoid making the line too thick.
8. With the thinner end of the eyeshadow applicator, go over the line you just drew (in step 7) with the darkest shade in the palette.
9. Apply mascara. Mascaras with comb-type applicators are recommended in this case.
10. Go over the space between the lashes and the inside of the upper lash line with a liquid liner.

Dolly Wink was previously brought in at Watsons in January and June this year, but they were only sold for a limited time due to the low stock situation in Japan. It’s back at Watsons again now, and seeing that most of the larger Watsons are stocking it (compared to only the NAC branch last time), I’m guessing that it might be permanent now? The nail polishes are here as well. The retail price is marked up as always, but there’s always a price to pay for the convenience.

While I’ve never tried their false lashes (seen a number of good reviews though), I have their eyeliner and I like it! It goes on easily and the packaging is really cute as well. Seeing that the shelves are usually almost empty when I pass by, the range must be doing pretty well here, and perhaps that’s a chance that the new range of mascaras and eye shadows will be brought in in future?

Their brouchure is nicely done, and you can view it here, or download it. Since everything is in Japanese, I’ve translated the tutorial parts, and they’re included in the download as well. I can’t guarantee that the translations are very accurate though…

Japanese dramas are not as popular here now as compared to a few years back (Korean dramas are more popular these days), but I still watch them from time to time, when interesting shows are aired. Of the shows that I’ve watched, quite a few of the more memorable ones were actually adapted from manga.

Oricon Japan polled a total of 500 people aged 16 to 29, and asked them which drama series adapted from manga would they recommend. The results are as follows:

1. Nodame Cantabile のだめカンタービレ
2. ROOKIES ルーキーズ
3. Liar Game ライアーゲーム
4. Gokusen ごくせん
5. Hanazakari no Kimitachi e 花ざかりの君たちへ ～イケメン♂パラダイス～
6. JIN-仁-
7. Meichan no Shitsuji メイちゃんの執事
8. Tokumei Kakarichou: Tadano Hitoshi 特命係長 只野仁
9. Honey and Clover ハチミツとクローバー
10. Bloody Monday ブラッディ・マンデイ

Agnès b. 2010 spring/summer collection e-mook

The Agnès b. 2010 spring/summer collection e-mook was released last Friday (19 Feb), and my copy arrived in the mail today. Mooks (magazine books), as far as I know, a pretty much a Japanese thing, and the term refers to publication in the format of a magazine but sold as a book. Many well-known brands have published mooks, including Marc by Marc Jacobs, YSL, Paul & Joe, Jill Stuart, Agnès b., and the list goes on. Fashion mooks usually feature a catalogue of the brand’s upcoming collection, as well as other contents that probably differ in each one. The Agnès b. one, for example, features the brand’s history and development.

Valentine’s Day might just be over, but if there’s any show that this holiday reminds me of, it has to be Tokyo Marble Chocolate. The anime comes in 2 half-hour OAVs, which tell the story of Chizuru and Yuudai, who had both experienced failed relationships, spending their first Christmas together. The first part, Zenryoku Shounen, is about Yuudai’s story, while the second part, Mata Aimashou, shows the events from Chizuru’s point of view. While the running time is not long, the story is developed nicely, and the characters are not difficult to identify with. It’s not often that you see a show that tells the story from both the protagonists’ point of view, so if you have some time, do give it a try (links are under the cut).