#prefer 1/4 which i get. its smaller but still a decent size for both cutesy baby shaped dolls and more mature figured dolls

[bmpmp3]

i am still hoping for that 1/3 scale vinyl girl imomodoll's sculptor was teasing like a year ago................... imagine the objecthead dolls you could make with that thang

[cutiecrates]

Cutie Reviews: YumeTwins March 19

Okay, so here I am with the real March YumeTwins box.

This months theme: Spring Companions

“The cold and harsh Winter Season is drawing to a close and Spring is coming! There’s so many things we love about Spring here at YumeTwins, like the fresh buds and flowers appearing and of course all the cute baby animals that are born in Springtime! But the absolute best part of Spring in Japan is the Cherry Blossom or Sakura! There’s nothing more we love than to sit under the Cherry Blossoms and have a picnic, if you have the chance to no matter where you are in the world you should try too! To get everyone excited for Spring we decided to go with the theme Spring Companions for March’s box! In this Spring Companions box you’ll find a couple of kawaii fluffy companions as well as some more useful companions with lots of pastel and vivid Spring colors, so we hope you’ll enjoy them!“

Contest Prize

Yume Prize

Disney Dreamy Plushie

Our first item is this really cute, fluffy plushie of Marie, from Arisocats (an older Disney movie, which I LOVED when I was a child). Besides Marie we could also get Dumbo, Minnie Mouse, and Miss Bunny (the girl bunny from bambi, she is extremely popular in Japan). Each character features a lovely pastel color scheme and adorable flowers, pearls, and/or star accents.

Marie is also my favorite Disney character, along with Minnie Mouse and Piglet. So I was very happy to see/get her, although the Minnie Mouse was pink so I this would have been my second choice.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

Well we all know how much I like plushies and stuffed dolls/toys, especially when they’re huggable and soft~ This one is perfect with that in mind, it’s shape fitting right in my arms for full snuggles~

Besides that, the detail on this is really nice. Not only does it add to the dreamy aesthetic, but its done very cleanly. I just wish there was a little bit more, like maybe they could have added a few tiny stars/flowers or more pearls? It’s only a suggestion though, I still think they’re plenty cute.

I did notice a few tiny little minuscule details that bothered me though. Such as the fact they collect hair and whatever else like nobody’s business. Besides that, they also have that obnoxious seam around the middle, the one where the material is a lot thinner and stands out in comparison to the rest of the plush? I also found a few small loose yarn strands...

Anyway, none of this changes how much I like the plush. The yarns can be fixed, it won’t be hard to keep it cleaned. It’s so sweet and even though it is essentially just a head, I think it’s very nice.

Animal Face Pouch

Our next equally fluffy cuteness is this pouch, shaped like a bear, puppy, or cats head; in 7 different styles! They each have a different leather strap color and inside patterned fabric; like my bear, who has a pink dot print.

Besides being a great, small size to fit into objects, you can also attach it to your bag or items if you lack room, or even carry it around your wrist or a strap.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

As many pouches as I have now because of these boxes, I think this one would be one of my top favorites. It’s very fluffy and cuddly-soft, and very cute too. I love how versatile it is and it’s pretty fun, using it as a hand held purse one day to a purse accessory the next. It has decent room on the inside for being a smaller pouch, and it’s very light weight.

Cutesy Organizer Folder

If you’re a long-time reader of this blog then you will probably recognize this design; if you’re new though, then welcome :D this design/pattern is on a Tuxedo Sam cup I got (From a YumeTwins box like a year ago), and still use now.

Besides this adorable design, there is also 2 different Kirby, and a Pompompurin available.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

As much as I complain about getting these (due to my belief I no longer need them), I will acknowledge that they are useful- and I’m sure at some point I will need something to put important documents in, or just letters, pictures, coloring pages, or drawings I want to save and have no where else to put them.

Anyway, I love how this matches my cup, even if I realistically wouldn’t have a reason to put them together. So as you can probably tell it is bent, but at the same time I’ve been feeling this material and it’s a lot less stiff than my other files have been. I can’t really explain it but it feels really nice.

Kawaii Key Holder

Our next item is this key holder, which was available in 5 different colors and themes: this brown Rilakkuma, a pink and white Korilakkuma, 2 Sumikko Gurashi (one light blue, one light green), and a yellow gudetama.

The key holder has two clips, one for each key, as well as a two other loops to connect it to various things. The string is 65cm long.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

At the time I don’t personally have keys of my own (I can’t be the only one right?? I know I probably should...), but I still think this is a cute and creative item. It could also be used for other things though, and it also just makes a cute accessory.

Disney Highlighter Pen

Our next item is this cutesy double-sided highlighter featuring black and white drawings of Disney pairs; like this pink and purple one features Donald and Daisy. There was also a lime and peach one featuring Mickey and Minnie, and a blue and yellow Chip and Dale one. There are 2 other sets but they’re not in the picture.

With that in mind... I’m not a big Daisy fan and I love Minnie Mouse, so I kind of wish I got that one. But I prefer the colors on this one, so I’m not really sure which one I would have wanted if I got the choice...

This is how they look when used. They’re brighter than they look on here/in the pic though.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

It’s small and smooth shape makes it easy to carry in a variety of items, and highlighters can be pretty handy, so I like how it’s dual sided rather than being several separates.The quality of the highlighter is great, and I like the color contrast to the black and white design.

Tumbler Set

Our final item is this 3-set of Tumbler cups, available in either a cute pastel Rilakkuma theme, or a colorful and bright Splatoon theme (oddly enough both sets feature the same base colors but different tones, and come with yellow straws). These Tumblers come in the shape of a fast-food cup with 3 included plastic, re-usable straws, and when not being used, the cups and lids can be stacked to take up less storage space.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

I like Splatoon and Rilakkuma, so I would have been fine with either set. I have a bunch of lidded cups I really like to use, but I always love to add to my “collection“ so I really like these :3 the designs are unique and very fun to look at, and they seem to be really sturdy so I feel like unless you’re really careless it shouldn’t be that easy to spill using them.

I also like that you get a set of 3, so you could easily share these.

♡ Cutie Ranking ♡

Content - 4.5 out of 5. I don’t sound super-ecstatic or anything, but I actually really, really liked these items. As usual, I feel like half of it will be useful to me, while the other half might not be (for now), but I felt like all of the items are really nice quality and well thought out.

Theme: 4 out of 5. The theme is Spring Companions, and yes, I’d say in that sense these items greatly count as a companion, as you would bring them with you. But when I think spring, besides pretty pastels I think flowers play a pretty big role and I kind of wish they would have included more flowery items.

Total Rank: 9 out of 10. Like I said, I’m not 100% sold on how they carried out the theme but I do really like the items, and they offer a lot of practicality. I don’t know if I’m a bit biased because of how disgruntled the last box left me, or if I really just like this one that much more.

♡ Cutie Scale ♡

1. Animal Pouch - It’s so ultra-fluffy, I just want to cuddle it~

2. Disney Plushie - I love how soft it is, and it’s dreamy inspired design and detail is very pretty~

3. Highlighter Pen - I mentioned this above, but I really like how the white and black tube contrast the colorful ink. It’s very fun to look at.

4. Tumbler Set - I love how the bright colors contrast the rest of the items, and who doesn’t like Splatoon? I love how you get a set of them, and I like how we have 2 stylish designs based on the game, and a cutesy one covered in adorable colorful squid~

5. Key Holder - I like all the metal bits on it :3 I also think this would be a lot of fun to wear as an accessory until I actually find a more practical use with it.

6. Organizer File - This one is really cute, but out of all the items I feel like this one would either get no use, or very little use.

[cutiecrates]

Cutie Reviews: NMNL June 19

“This June we’ve curated a box filled with Japanese and Korean beauty and makeup products that will come in handy for your morning beauty routine. Wash your face, style your hair and apply your makeup: Get ready for your day with nomakenolife!“

Prize

For this months contest, the featured brand is Peripera (which I can’t even type without being reminded of PriPara). 2 grand prize winners could receive a Peripara Ink Writing Eyeshadow Peach Palette. 5 runner-ups received the Peri’s Ink Velvet no. 12 peach Lip Tint.

Meanwhile, for the

Glam Gift

subscribers were automatically enrolled to win a set of various cosmetics from the brands Makanai and Vecua.

Horoscope

This month, the Horoscope suggests Treating Yourself by getting the following:

Aries - a new hairstyle

Taurus - pizza

Gemini - a car

Cancer - a new lipstick

Leo - a spa day

Virgo - a new dress

Libra - chocolate (I love chocolate, and as a Libra I approve~)

Scorpio - a new perfume

Sagittarius - a new pair of heels

Capricorn - a sheet mask

Aquarius - a new bag

Pisces - a new phone.

(I like the concept behind this, but don’t some of these seem a little unbalanced?) 

Okay, so without further-ado, let’s get started with the review ;3

Juicy Bottle Mask

These face masks by Sizena are catered for a quick morning job. Each one only takes 10 minutes and they come in several scented varieties, each with its own properties; for example, mine is Lemon, and as you can see it says it focuses on Firming and Refining the skin.

If you’re curious like I was, here are the other varieties I could find on the Japan Haul website:

Green Tea - Firming + Health

Pearl - Moisturizing + Convergence

Shea Butter - Firming + Mild

Aloe - Soothing + Nutrition

Tea Tree - Transparent + Health

Hyaluronic Acid - Firming + Mild

Manuka Honey - Nutrition + Refining

Rice - Moisturizing + Health

Pomegranate - Moisturizing + Mild

The packaging says the mask is an airbag type? Which I guess means its a large size? I’m not really sure, but it smells really good :3 like lemon dish soap.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

As nice as it is to relax when using face masks, I kind of prefer the ones that don’t take as much time because I’m forced to sit back or lay down to keep the mask on. I can’t really do anything when I use them (unless I use one of those covers I got from a past box to keep it on), so a ten minute mask is pretty decent. I didn’t use this during the morning, but I did use it after a particularly painful experience (see further in the post) and I felt so much better afterwards. It was a great distraction and my face feels cooled and refreshed.

If you’re interested in checking these out, here’s a link to the Japan Haul website. You can also use the search box on the page if you’re interested in any other item.

My Beauty Tool Eti Hair Band & Oshima Tsubaki Hair Cream

Our next item is this hair band by Etude House, themed after an adorable white pair of cat ears. It’s very soft and has a stretchy band on the back to help it fit most heads. These are ideal for those days when using facial products or applying makeup, but if you can tolerate the feel, I think it’d also be a cute sleep mask.

Rating: ♥ ♥

It’s very well made and I like how it feels, the problem is that it’s a little too tight for my head. I know masks are supposed to be firm-tight, but not squeeze your head like rubber-bands on a watermelon or pumpkin tight. It’s uncomfortable to wear, and while I can get it on to use, I find myself sliding it further up to lessen the pressure.

It does however, make a cute bracelet. But in terms of head wear, I don’t think this would be the first thing I reach for...

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Made from Japanese camellia oil to moisturize the hair, our next product will add a healthy-looking shine and smoothness. This can be used on damp or dry hair and it has a typical hair product scent, it’s not overbearing or flowery in my opinion.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

It definitely delivers as promised, I’ve used it a few times, testing it on someone’s full head of hair, and then a portion of mine prior to writing this for comparison. I can see a difference right away, it’s very shiny, smooth and condensed, giving it the appearance of just being washed. It dries and returns to normal fluffiness over time, but I’d suggest using it after a bath if you’re in a hurry and don’t want to leave with a wet head look.

Oh M’Eye Line Liquid Eyeliner

I don’t know if these boxes are trying to help me, or if they’re making fun of me by giving us so any eyeliners; but as I’ve said before I’m always up for trying. It comes in a cute, sleek bottle that reminds me of a skinny nail polish, or maybe a vase and has the name written in light pink cursive.

Rating: ♥ ♥ 

The smaller the tip is, the higher my hopes are, and sadly this one didn’t really do much for me. It has a lot of product, even after I wiped it off a little, and it just came out the same as usual, a huge sloppy, spotty, mess; as this rate I don’t think I could even use a needle-sized tip.

But I will say that it seems to dry quickly, and it was very stubborn to come off. I used two of my cleansing wipes I got a few boxes back, my makeup removal stick (both of which usually works wonders), and a tissue; and I still have a small amount of it there. It flakes off with a bit of scratching but who wants to do that? I lost a few eyelashes in the process too so there’s that.

I think for now I’m going to be sticking to eyeshadow eyeliner <_<

Lip Moist Oil

Besides the face mask, this was the item I was excited for :3 I love lip products and it looked really promising. This is available in cool lime and mellow orange and comes from the brand Crayon Touch-Me, a brand that we’ve been seeing a lot of lately haven’t we?

Like most products, it can be used as a standalone or on top of another lip product.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

I was right, this is great! I smells like yummy lime jello/gelatin, but the scent only lingers on your lips for a few minutes. It does a good job moisturizing and gives you a very noticeable shine that lasts for a while. As an oil it does stay wet, but it isn’t sticky and goopy at all.

Angel Heart Cheek, Eye & Lip Cream & Choonee Water Lip Tint Balm

Our next two items are also lip products, again I see no problem in that cause I love lip products x3 especially cutesy ones like these.

First up we have a cute, lip-shaped lip, cheek, and eye product that was available in several pink and red shades, the one I got is Coral Apricot (if I translated that right). The product is made from minerals to ensure the skin its applied on stays smooth and moisturized. I feel like i pick up a tiny scent from it, but I’m not sure what it is.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

The color is a bit too-coral for my skin tone, but I think it’s quite pretty. It’s a little more vibrant on my face than on my hand, but it blends out to a more natural shade on the cheeks. It’s light and feels very nice.

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Next up is the cute Choonee Water Lip Tint Balm, which was also available in several shades and includes ingredients like shea butter, jojoba seed oil, sweet almond oil, and grape seed oil. In the booklet, I only see raspberry and grapefruit, and I got raspberry. Like our previous 2 lip products, this one also moisturizes.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

It goes on very easily, the color is a pretty raspberryish magenta and it feels really nice on my lips. Even after wiping it off, my lips feel pretty good.

Lucky Trendy Hair Curler Set

This item is the reason why it took me a few days longer than I would have liked to write this. I couldn’t find my blow dryer (its somewhere in our mess of a hall closet) and I was trying to wait, but I gave up.

This is a set of hair curlers, and it was available in 2 sets... I’m not sure what the difference was, other than it seemed like the smaller size set came with more?

Anyway, this seem really easy to use. All you do is pop open a curler, then wrap a segment of hair, then you roll it up and shut it. You’re supposed to use a hair dryer/blower on them for a few minutes (supposedly 5) then when you take it out they should provide you with gorgeous wavy curls.

Rating: ♥

That didn’t happen!

I got the idea “hey, because I can’t ind my hair blower why don’t I just try to put them in for an hour or so, then take them out?“ BIG MISTAKE. I did that and you know, a first I thought “wow I’m impressed, this is a lot of fun! They don’t  feel heavy or anything, the hairstyle is even kind of cute!“

So then, about an hour and a half later, I go to remove them... it HURT extremely bad and probably took me ten minutes per-curler to remove and each one hurt. I only put in 2 and by the time I was done I had a hairball next to me and several BIG knots, and I brushed my hair before putting them in so you can’t say its my fault.

I had a lot of high hopes for these and I don’t know if they would have come out better if I blow dryed them like instructed or if it would have happened regardless. I don’t know if I want to try these again.

I will say that while I did notice a slight curl where I used them, it wasn’t worth it because my hair is already a little curly and I could get the same effect just braiding my hair before bed with better results.

♥ Cutie Ranking ♥

Content - 4 out of 5. I loved all of the items, except for the eyeliner, hair curlers, and the head piece. The eyeliner and head piece would fit for some people, I admit, but those hair curlers are pure torture devices!

Theme: 5 out of 5. Yeah, I could see how people would use these items more towards the morning. I kind of feel like that wouldn’t be a practical summer theme though cause don’t most people like the idea of relaxing during summer? But if you had plans or work or something, it’s fine.

Total Rank: 8 out of 10. I liked the theme and thought they did great nailing it, and I really liked the items I could get to work, I’d say it was worth it.

♥ Cutie Scale ♥

1. Lip Oil - It’s not as decorative as the other items, but I’m in love with its scent~

2. Juicy Bottle Mask - I like the unique bottle shaped package and it smells wonderful, I’d recommend this :3

3. Choonee  Lip Tint Balm - It’s very pretty, even though it’s bright, I didn’t think it looked bad. I also like the packaging again.

4. Cheek, Lip, Eye Cream - I love the lip-shaped container, it’s so cute in a silly kind of way. The color is lovely and feels nice on the skin.

5. Hair Cream - I like how it makes my hair feels, but as I said above it takes a while before your hair returns to normal. It might just be because I used a little too much...

6. Hair Band - very cute and soft, but too tight <_<

7. Eyeliner -  It’s very neat looking but I won’t use this again, it just didn’t work for me.

8. Hair Curlers - It should be obvious right...?