Beauty Treatment - Yomogi Steam

I want to share today a commissioned piece that I painted for a yomogi steam salon in Japan.  The beauty treatment originates in Korea, but it's gaining popularity in Japan and other parts of Asia.  It involves the steaming of yomogi under a chair which the person receiving the treatment sits on while wearing an oversized cape to trap all the goodness of the steam in.  A detox and beauty within treatment that has been gathering many fans.

Yomogi, is Japanese mugwort, a herb that can be eaten (especially when made into a delicious rice cake dessert--Google yomogi mochi, or kusamochi and you would know what I mean), drank, or used for steaming.  It is known for its detoxing, healing, warming properties, and for ladies, to help alleviate the bloating, menstrual craps and more.  Hence, when pregnant or nursing the herb should be avoided.

Self-care has always been the core of my work, may it be writing and illustrating books like How To Take a Wa Style Bath and My Little Book of Happiness, which are about taking care of oneself, or painting my bubbles series, as it brings a sense of zen to both the painter (me) and the viewer (you).  So, I was extremely delighted when I was asked to illustrate this piece for a new yomogi salon.  It really shows how lucky I am to have these wonderful opportunities!

Aura Aroma Salon

Have always loved beautiful scents, the wondrous healing power of crystals, and self-care, from inside out, and outside in.

So, when my amazingly talented friend, an internationally certified esthetician & aromatherapist, Chiharu finally opened her new private salon AURA (by appointment only) in the beginning of October, I was the first one to book and receive her relaxing treatment!! Amongst the number of treatments she offers, her holistic Esalen® Massage and Mary Nelson's Original LaStone® Facial & Body Treatments, which are still rare but highly sought after in Japan. I just love the name, AURA.

Chiharu is one of the few who infuses traditional approaches with aromatherapy essential oils and crystals. And I must say, my full body massage was just what I needed to get me prepped for my next big project! What's more is that she carries a number of beauty brands and products the are salon exclusives and not easy to find. I too became a converted fan! One of my favourites is the Soluna (know as Lunasol outside of Japan) Energetic Spray that even contains alchemical gold solution along with a beautiful mixture of essential oils. It "removes tension from the air, and promotes deep, calm breathing, creates a positive and creative atmosphere for mind and spirit, and when sprayed on to your pillow, gives you a relaxed sleep". Isn't that what we all need?

Her salon is situated in the relaxing area of Hiroo in Tokyo, and just 2 minutes away from the station. Please do visit her website for more information, which is only in Japanese right now, but she is hoping to have the English version done soon:

www.aura-aroma.com/

JS Essentials

Have been thinking of doing this for quite sometime, so right after my show, I started painting some of my favourite and must-haves for skincare & cosmetic products, and is what am calling the "js essentials" series.

The first is one that I posted about before, cause I really do love it! It's BARAKA's Lotus Water Mist. Every time after I wash my face or finishing taking a bath/shower, I immediately spray the Lotus Water Mist on my face. Its soft scent and moisturizing effect is heavenly. I feel like am surrounded by a mist of gentle, positive, nurturing energy. And here is the link for the full details:
jodisam.com/blog/2016/01/04/energy/

The second painting is of my long time favourite, and probably most expensive item in my makeup bag: Shiseido Cle du Peau Beaute's Correcteur Visage Concealer. As many of my friends know, I have the worst black circles ever--I had them since was 12 or so. Tried many skincare products over the years to the point that I just gave up and started covering them. And of all the products I have used, by far, Cle du Peau's concealer works best for my skin and provides the most natural and heavy-duty coverage that I need. Expensive, yes, but it lasts forever. Two sticks last me an entire year!! Bye-bye eye circles, well at least when I have makeup on!! Hahaha......

The third one of my js essentials series is something that I was given a sample of earlier and absolutely fell in love with. It's the Bioeffect's EGF Serum. Made in Iceland, and is full of botanical goodness contains cellular activators without any unwanted additives--just 7 ingredients.

Costly it is, but wonderful too! For me, it's only takes 2 drops of the serum at night after cleansing, and it really makes your skin feel subtle, moisturized, and better looking the following day!! The craziest thing was that I found out it cost more in Canada to purchase this than in Japan, which the opposite usually is true!! Am now debating when to get the full-size product, since I really do like it! And a special thank you to the person who introduced me to this amazing product!!

love energy & flow - energy

Part II of my "love energy & flow" posts, of course is ENERGY.  I believe most things have energy, and many give off great amounts of it.  Since skincare is something that I have to say, is the closest to the skin, its energy is very important to me.

A friend of mine introduced me to "BARAKA" a Japanese cosmetics brand that was inspired by the Beauty of the Queens.  The concept sounded far fetched at first, but reading more about it, I realized it was sincere in its idea and product lineup.  At the center of their products is the almost ancient ingredients which queens, say Cleopatra, used for their own beauty routines.  These ingredients such as lotus, frankincense, and Dead Sea salts were and still are prized for their effectiveness in nourishing the skin and soul.

Tried everything they had and though I love them all, I particularly like their "Lotus Water Mist".  So, will share my thoughts with you here.  Every time after I wash my face or finishing taking a bath/shower, I immediately spray the Lotus Water Mist on my face.  Its soft scent and moisturizing effect is heavenly.  I feel like am surrounded by a mist of gentle, positive, nurturing energy.

The main ingredient is Lotus Water--yes, you heard me right.  Apparently, BARAKA used state-of-the-art cosmetics technology to extract this water.  Saw the stats: it was so scientific that am skipping it here.  But it is amazing how they do it.  Knowing how much I am attracted to lotus flowers, it is hard not to like this.  As mentioned previously, the lotus flower is known for symbolizing purity, beauty, enlightenment, and rebirth.  It is also known for its healing properties and energy.  They have another product too that is comprised on this rare ingredient, "Lotus Waterdrop Cream" which too is worth trying out.

BARAKA is unfortunately only available in Japan right now, and their website is all in Japanese.  However, I heard that this may change, and soon too, as they are getting ready for an international launch.  Whatever the case, am very fortunate to have discovered this energizing brand!

baraka-style.com

*Update as of March 2018, they have turned their focus on their Body Care Line instead, which also amazing*

Sothys from Paris to Japan

Sothys Paris is a professional beauty brand that is available exclusively at beauty institutes & spas worldwide. Known for its unique combination of natural active ingredients and advance skincare technology, it truly is a gentle yet effective brand. A dear of mine sent me a gift certificate as a treat, which I was more than grateful of, so I had the chance to experience a relaxing facial at the Sothys Institute Aoyama in Tokyo, one of their 3 directly operated salons here in Japan.

The esthetician was very helpful in choosing the right facial treatment for me, and she did an amazing job.  The facial & upper body massage were carried out with great skill. From the service, to the actual treatment, and even till the very end when I was leaving, she was friendly, professional, and considerate.

I have really sensitive skin and the extreme weather here (crazy dry winters, and super humid summers) along with the no-so-skin-friendly air conditioning, stresses out my skin a lot. Even with my skin condition, was extremely happy with the results. I was relaxed, refreshed, and my skin was much softer and hydrated than before--no unwanted redness or irritation. I really can't thank my friend enough for the special treat!! Their prices are not what I call everyday ones, but it is definitely worth it if you are looking to splurge on yourself or someone special. So, do visit their website for some for information.

Actually, I heard that their salon, Iridium Featuring Sothys, at the St. Regis Hotel in Osaka won the World Luxury Spa Award for 2015 in the Best Luxury Emerging Spa Section/Category. Saw some pictures of it, and the interior itself is a reason to visit there, let alone their excellent treatments!  Now, am looking for the right opportunity......Yes, am a daydreamer!  Hahaha......

Sothys Japan
www.sothys.co.jp/salon/index.html

The photos above are from the Sothys website, and the illustration is mine of course--Lala too loves spas and relaxation.

Tokyo Trend – The Bulletin Magazine Mar & Apr 2015

March's report is about "spring makeup--pastels & whites". What better way to welcome spring then with some fresh, shiny, sheer, and milky pastel colours? the limited edition collection comes in white packaging, making them even more eye catching!

While April is all about "80's blues". High waisted denim look paired with off shoulder lace top. It's the 80's again, but chicer!

jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-10/ (Mar 2015)
jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-11/ (Apr 2015)

Fresh Colours: Lunasol Spring 2015 Makeup Collection

Spring is definitely in the air, and the lovely colours of sakura (cherry blossoms) and other flowers are everywhere.  Decided to paint the Spring 2015 collection of my favourite makeup line, Lunasol (from Kanebo), for the upcoming issue of The Bulletin magazine.

Am showing here, a side-by-side image of my illustrations and the actual product shots of the items.  The photos are from Lunasol's official website, as with the two images with model wearing the beautiful colours. The limited edition collection comes in fresh, shiny, sheer, and milky pastel colours, and their white packaging makes them even more eye catching!

The last photo was actually taken in downtown Vancouver, and is of blooming sakura and magnolias!!

www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol/product/index.html

My Favourite Things - Jo Malone

Decided to share some of the things that make my daily life a little more enjoyable.  One of them is perfume.  I used to wear different ones everyday, as storing them properly so they don't become "off" (like wines) was not a problem in Vancouver.  However, the high heat and humidity in Tokyo has made this difficult.  Have since become very selective of the ones I wear and purchase.

Jo Malone is one of them.  I have worn her fragrance for a number of years now, and have always repurchased the same scent.  It makes me feel refreshed yet grounded, feminine yet boyish--ready to take on the day.  Which particular one you ask?  Now, that's a little secret of mine!