REVIEW: Bandai Lum Urusei Yatsura Bath Powder - Hot Pepper & Germa Ver.

Happy late St. Patrick's day everyone!
I live a few minutes away from several Asian markets, and I'd

wanted to try some of their bath-powder packets for a while now!

As spring rolls in, it's slowly getting to be a bit warm

for baths, so I'm going to review as many of these as I can before
it gets too hot for soaking baths.

Today I'm reviewing BANDAI'S Lum Hot Pepper & Germa bath!

Featuring the alien princess Lum from the Urusei Yatsura manga.

(this is the cutest packaging I've ever seen, Lum is the best!)

List of ingredients.

This is a "Hot Pepper and Germa bath" - I wasn't quite sure what that meant, but

it's very strong smelling.  I could smell it through the package!

(I tried to look up GERMA, but it thought I meant "German"....)

I don't have allergies to any of the ingredients so I figured it was worth a try.

WARNING:  If you're allergic to SOY this contains SOYMILK FERMENT.

(I'm assuming this is a skin-softening component.)

The powder is bright light yellow, and turns the water a matching color!

Not gonna lie it was a little bit offputting to be bathing in yellow water... oh well.

There's a noticeable citrus/spicy smell almost like lemon soda (think Sprite or 7-UP).  It's

not offensively strong but definitely noticeable, I think it's actually the smell from the

pepper - but to me it smells like soda!  Very nice. -u-

I noticed my skin started tingling a bit after about 10 minutes in the fresh bath.

The pepper is supposed to increase circulation (not sure what the germa does, but

I figure it's along the same lines), and I definitely felt the heat of the water much more

than with other bath powders / bombs I've used.

I don't really feel like my skin got much softer from this, although it does contain collagen.

That plus the soymilk ferment (????) made it very lightly moisturizing, but nothing that stuck 

around after a good towel rubdown.

However after getting out, my skin felt VERY warm and tingly, not to mention I was

REALLY PINK.  My skin also seemed a lot smoother when applying lotion, which

I think is the result of getting heated up by the pepper and germa (?).

The tingly feeling made me a little bit nervous for a while, I thought it might be allergies.

But it seems to be normal for "heating" baths, so no worries here!

It does last for a while, my skin kept tingling for about 30 minutes after I'd gotten out

(even after rinsing with cool water).

I really liked how there was no residue in the tub afterwards, but the smell does stick around 

for quite a while.  Not a problem for me because I enjoyed it, but it might be

if you don't enjoy the spicy citrus scent.

OVERALL RATING:

4 1/2 stars!

I really enjoyed this bath!  As someone who has a low body temperature, 

I'm usually really cold as soon as I get out of a bath or shower.

I was ridiculously happy to feel warmed up and relaxed, and it lasted

for about a good hour AFTER I'd gotten out!

The only downside is availability - I tried to Google this and it's hard to get online.

Also I don't think this is a highly popular product, so like most low-popularity

products at my local Asian market it will probably not be restocked

once all the packets sell out.  (Probably because of me, heh.)

BANDAI makes several different hot pepper bath packets though, so if

they run out of the Lum version I'll probably try another kind.

I would absolutely recommend this, particularly as a winter/cold weather bath!

I popped a snuggly sweater and socks on afterwards, and it was heaven. 

O.P.I. Polish - Samoan Sand & The Thrill of Brazil

Today I'm reviewing two O.P.I nail polishes:

Samoan Sand and The Thrill of Brazil!

(I don't have swatches right now but I'll update asap - my nails are currently healing
because I was careless and left my polish on too long...)

Samoan Sand 

$$

This is a very nice soft, sandy-beige nude color, with a sweetly pinkish tone.

I feel like this would be both really pretty and really forgiving on any skintone!

It's a little streaky with too much pressure on the brush, so it takes a little

bit of practice to get the amount of polish and amount of pressure just right.

Painting just one layer has a sheer "foundation/concealer" effect, 

in that it enhances the natural appearance of your nails.  

(Streaking is more of a problem if you're going to go for just one layer, however.)

Multiple layers gives a nice, creamy, well-pigmented sandy beige - very 

refined, I can see this going nicely for either a casual or formal look.

I was able to get a decent solid color with just two layers, but I

definitely recommend three layers for maximum coverage.

Both ways of layering are quite pretty, and best enhanced by a clear

topcoat.  However, O.P.I. is pretty glossy on its own, so depending

on your preference a topcoat may not be needed! 

Personally I didn't use a topcoat, I found it to be plenty shiny.

The color's a GREAT base for a french manicure, or to prep the nails

for nail art (especially negative-space art, since it evens out the natural color of the nail).

I'm giving it 4 stars because it's a little bit difficult to work with, and

it's pricey (about $9.50 with tax at Walmart).  That being said, the quality

of the polish and its classic color + versatility is well worth the price, and I did 

save on having to get a topcoat.

The Thrill of Brazil 

$$

A very retro-looking and classic red, this is one of O.P.I.'s *many*

red shades.  As I don't really know much about blue/orange/etc tones in red

polish (unfortunately), I sort of just stared at the various red bottles trying to decide

which one would look best.  Kind of how I picked out my first red lipstick.

I've used red polishes before, not from O.P.I., but

they've always made my hands look really dark/reddened/made my skintone look

a bit strange.  So I tend to shy away from red polish.

However this color looks great on me, both tanned and untanned!

Sadly I didn't take a photo the first time I used it, while I had a desk job and 

thus was a lot lighter from being indoors basically all day & night.

(here I'm wearing TWO layers of Brazil, over one layer of Samoan)

This color produces a nice, solid, well pigmented layer with just ONE layer!

One layer produces a "brighter" shade of red, and 2+ deepens the color to match what's in the bottle

It's a beautifully creamy, rich red that intensifies with layers (but don't take my word

for it as the max I've put is 3 layers).

The color definitely reminds me of pinups and 1950's style.

This is a nice shade for a summer day at the beach, or for a swanky party.

I'm giving it 4 stars because it will stain to the EXTREME without a basecoat.

I also noticed this dried my nails out more than Samoan Sand.
Finally, the price (about $9.50 with tax).

I haven't tried O.P.I. polishes before these, but I figured that if I was going

to go all-out on them I may as well get classic wearable shades.

Which luckily they are!  I'll probably use these down to the last drop. 

Overall, I'm quite satisfied with them.  

Sidenote:

A nice thing I've noticed about O.P.I. polishes is that they don't dry to

become darker than what's in the bottle - very true to shade.  The ones from Essie I've tried

end up slightly darker, and Sally Hansen's have been noticeably darker.

So if that's a concern for you I'd recommend O.P.I. - I can't speak for other colors

in their lineup but based off of these two, I'd guess the rest are equally true to color.

PHOTOPOST: 9th Cherry Blossom Festival at Balboa Park

Here's the follow up to the previous UPCOMING EVENT post, about

the Cherry Blossom Festival at the San Diego Japanese Friendship Garden!

I wore a cherry blossom yukata I got at the Marukai Living store (Kearny Mesa)
here in San Diego!  They have quite a few pretty ladies' sets for around $60,
which goes for a cotton yukata + a pre-tied obi.  Pre-tied obis on their own
usually go for about $20, and yukatas for $60+, so it's a really good deal!
My sister dressed me & did my hair, I have the barest idea of how to put it on properly
but she's done a lot of research herself.



What I brought in my little bag:
(I'm not holding it in the picture, sadly.)

tissues * keys * small notebook * camera * instax camera 

* small pouch for cash & IDs * lipbalm

I also had a folded fan tucked in my sleeve, something else that was useful in the heat!

I had to park a long way away from the garden (again), even though we got there around 11am.
There was a really long line just to get tickets to go in, but it moved fast anyway.

As soon as we got in we hunted for a decent picnic spot!  I didn't have time on the way so
we brought a sub sandwich and some Caprisun in, as well as a can of royal milk tea.
(There was so much nice space on the grass but I forgot to bring a picnic blanket.)

[A was looking for what that "asian canned coffee/tea" flavor came from.]

We finally found a spot at the bottom of the garden to sit down.
There's a really long winding path from the entrance to the bottom, where they had
a few vendor booths with souvenirs & crafts.

It was really pretty outside, sunny with a nice breeze.
Actually it was pretty hot - definitely happy I brought sunscreen after all!
I wore geta and I usually don't wear open-toe shoes, and I felt my feet getting toasted.
I also brought an umbrella just in case, so glad that I had that as well!
There were a couple other girls my age in yukata, and there were a few ladies (visitors and
staff) in really beautiful kimono.  Unfortunately I didn't think to take photos!
(Kind of ironic, I had a couple people ask to take my photo... they should've
seen the ladies in kimono!)

They had a performance stage with different acts - we stopped to watch the preschool chorus,
they sang "It's a Small World" in Japanese (so cute).

The garden has an exhibit room where they were holding tea ceremony demonstrations!

There was also a small booth where two ladies were painting bookmarks - one of them

was doing sumi-e painting and the other was writing out names.

A & I each got one.

I also pressed a blossom in the notebook I brought - I couldn't find any fresh non-crushed

ones on the ground, and I really didn't want to pick a bunch of flowers from the trees, so I 

just picked one.  (Cherry blossoms are edible by the way, when fresh!)

I looked around for a nice photo spot for a while, and there was a tree in a less-busy

area so I asked someone to take our picture with my instax.  It came out really nice,

I was a little worried about the light setting because of reviews I'd read before. 

(NOTE: I'll write a review of the Instax Mini 8 as well, I've been using it since January in

a bunch of different lighting settings and I think I've figured out a method.)

If you went to the festival, leave a comment!
There were staff walking around and taking photos of visitors, I believe
they'll probably post those on the Japanese Friendship Garden's website.

UPCOMING EVENT - San Diego 9th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival

Last year the San Diego Japanese Friendship Garden (in Balboa Park) 

held its 8th Cherry Blossom Festival.  I was lucky enough to be able to attend, and

you can check out my post from last year's festival here!

This year the Japanese Garden is hosting the 

9th Cherry Blossom Festival

THIS SATURDAY (MARCH 8TH) from 10:00am - 4:00 pm.

You can read more about the event 

HERE (niwa.org)

& 

HERE

The event was supposed to be last Saturday, but we had really strange stormy weather 

and it had to be moved over a week.

I really recommend checking it out, the garden's beautiful with all the blooming trees!

Admission is $6 general, but $5 for students and seniors/military.
Anyone with a membership pass to the USS Midway Museum gets free admission
into the Japanese Friendship Garden.
They have quite a few traditional Japanese performances (music and dance among
other things), as well as a ton of festival food and craft booths.

Fortunately I can attend again this year - I have a yukata to wear & I'm 

going with my boyfriend - it's his first time!  (I wonder if people will be proposing this year, too?)

I'm planning to bring a little journal, to press a couple of

blossoms from this year as a memento and/or for crafts later!

Last year I collected some in a bottle but they just got wilted.  The bottle smells

really nice inside though, I wish I could make it into perfume.

Some tips:

*Dress comfortably!  There's not much seating other than a couple of benches, or the

seats around the performance stage - prepare to stand!  And it's still a bit chilly, so a sweater 

is a good idea.  (If you're wearing a yukata, bring a wrap along, or a haori if you're fancy!).

*GET THERE EARLY.  I had to park on the opposite end of the Park last time.
Unless you don't mind walking, I'd say show up around 9-9:30 for best parking.
You can stroll around and enjoy the rest of the park for an hour or so!

*Bring a tote or some kind of small bag, to hold your personal things (food, sweater, essentials) as well as any little souvenirs you pick up.  Try to pack lightly, & I recommend a bag
that zips or buttons shut securely to protect your things.

*Bring CASH.  I don't remember if the booths all take cards as well, but I believe the food
tickets were cash-only as well as some of the small souvenir booths.  Just to be safe!

*Camera!  Or your phone for pictures.  You definitely want to take photos

of the cherry blossoms, performances, and a selfie or two with the trees can't hurt.
There's also many lovely ladies and gents out in their best festival attire (yukata etc.),
not to mention quite a few people in cosplay.
Most are quite happy to let you photograph them if you ask permission nicely. c:
Some people bring really nice professional cameras (I did that last year, but it was
really bulky so this year I'm sticking with my old point-and-shoot + cellphone cam.)

*Snacks/some food!  It's a fair, with fair food pricing.  That said, I do recommend
trying the different standard festival treats.  There's a few can't-miss things, personally I love
the taiyaki and snowcones.  You can also get food like (legit) ramen and teriyaki bowls, from the Tea Pavilion restaurant at the front of the garden. They will also give water if you've brought a bottle with you.  Having a few extra treats to munch on will hold you over (& keep it frugal, I'm big on that)!
If you really want to go all-out you can even prep your own bento box!
(JSYK: The food also has notoriously long lines.)

*Water bottle!  STAY HYDRATED.  Really important!

*Small book/journal!  You'll want this to press flowers/hold anything that you'd like

to keep flat.  Last year they had a booth that would make bookmarks with

whatever you wanted, written on them.  I had to carry mine around all day to

keep it from wrinkling!  This will also keep you occupied in the long lines.

*A sunhat/folding fan - it can get hot in the sun!  (I know this contradicts bringing a sweater,
but San Diego does that a lot.)  Better yet, bring the SUNSCREEN. 

*Picnic blanket!  Remember the lack of seating?  There's plenty of green hilly areas to throw
down a blanket and relax in the sunlight.  Also makes for a nice picnic, with the snacks you've brought or bought at the fair.  ALSO makes for a nice blanket to snuggle up under/in, if it gets chilly.
(See how everything on this list links nicely together?  That was all on purpose.)
Maybe some blossoms will even float down on you while you're at it!



That's all I have for now!  I really hope you take some time and check it out, if you're
in San Diego and you're looking for something fun to do this Saturday.  It's
a great cute-date idea, friends/girls' day out (this past Monday was Girls' Day,
what a coincidence!), or even just a fun solo adventure.
Whatever your grouping, it's a really nice Japanese cultural experience.
I'll be making an adventure post with lots of photos after the event as well.
Hoping to see you there!

 Isa