8.30.2015

Are we clueless about skincare?

Hey Guys,


So recently, I watched Beauty Bible and they were doing their last segment for K-beauty/ "Trends Around the World" which is one of my favorite parts of the show. Well, during the segment they had to guess what was popular in each country. Energetic host Kwanghee guessed most of the countries right and then it came to North America/ USA and then the Supermodel Seunghyun said, "Americans don't know much about skincare... some Americans don't even wear sunscreen." Then they show a clip of what was popular which was two-tone lips sticks apparently but I think most of it interviews were shot in back East. After thinking about this it was somewhat true. I thought back to pre-teens years and mostly remember Proactive or Murad; and cosmetics brands like Maybelline, Loreal, and Revlon; but mostly it was plastic surgery and hair care, skincare, and mineral makeup infomercials. It was not until YouTube became huge, that people around the world started sharing their beauty and skincare tips and tricks. Then I saw Asian YouTubers broadcasting from Singapore, then Japan, and then Korea doing something I never have seen before in the makeup routines that made them look flawless because of skincare. Like pampering your skin before the storm of makeup hits your face.



I wondered why we didn't get into global skincare until now. Well, it's obvious we do care about our skin. But being that we are a melting pot of different cultures, idealism, and a hodgepodge of skin issues. Most of the population couldn't afford to spend money on taking care of themselves, let alone even their skin. The advertising norms were Soaps back by Godliness and your local celebrity much like today, drugs that cure wife's supposed behaviors/ mood swings (PMS), and cosmetics latter technicolor at the time took care of the outer and inner issue we had to face day in and day out. It wasn't until the late 1800s, America saw its first sunscreen lip balm. Most of our manufactured creams and lotions were petrol-based, and that didn't come till later. And when bathing suits became a must for the blazing summers at the beach that's when sunscreen was invented in the 30s-40s with later advancements like SPF and UV protection in the 60s and 80s.

Tan skin is certainly the norm here in America so, SPF with UVA/B is nice but even when I do wear sunscreen it's usually when I'm being active outdoors but sometimes your skin needs that 15-30 minutes in the limelight to build that much needed Vitamin D. Most people when they do get scaring or darker completion it's mostly because your skin is trying to protect you from the sun by producing Melanin from melanocytes. Now we call it hyperpigmentation but that is just our body's way of protection. That's where human skin, hair, and eyes get are the color from. Melanin is an effective absorber of light; the pigment is able to dissipate over 99.9% of absorbed UV radiation. But even Southern Europeans go get a tan at the beach, and white Americans who want more definition or some just think they look pasty so they get a spray-on tan even opting out those tanning beds.


Whitening has a long history all around the world by way of miscegenation of a population or class or threw cosmetics. Today whiting cosmetics are so popular in the Eastern world and parts of the Americas, many off-brands or cheaply-made creams or gels popped up destroying the vital cell still in use today. While the rest of the world has moved on to targeted color/blemish correcting cosmetics with SPF. Most of the creams sold in India and even my Dad's homeland Jamaica had access to bleaching gels, and creams that caused huge problems of photo-degradation of certain vitamins, vital to protecting the skin, causing light sensitivities, burns, and even skin cancers.



I had to ask my friend about what she thinks about the Eastern world's perceptions of Westerns. She said something that I didn't really think about at the time. But let me tell you a story that I have told many times that correlates to how I came to writing this post. When I was a pre-teen like many, my acne was horrible to believe it or not. Some people don't even believe me when I tell them. My mom had just taken a nutrition class and wanted to solve the issue because as a kid my skin was #flawless even though I was eating McDonald's for breakfast and Burger King for dinner; I sure did have a boatload of toys now, that I think about it. (Rant: I hear that some organizations are concerned about poor classes diet in the eastern world which is apparently lacking in As so, genetically modified rice (GMO)  infused with beta-carotene was created to fix the issue. This stems from the logical problem because most people eat rice every day since it is stable this might do more harm than good and toxicity might not be an issue at first but the effectiveness of beta-carotene is known to lessen over time making it useless to the body causing the same outcome of hepatotoxicity.) Anyways, My mom went on a health kick and today people are finally getting it: YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT. Anyway, I tried Proactive which worked but wasn't a permanent solution after reading up about the chemicals benzoyl combined with peroxide at the time was very drying and irritating to my very sensitive skin.


When I turned 14, I became determined about trying to find a solution to my Pizza face filled with blackheads and whiteheads. I went to the Dermatologist, and when I found out I was allergic to the common dust, pollen, trees, but also Olives. No more authentic pizza for me and for a lot of people who feel my pain because the struggle was real. He prescribed me to use Retinal A cream, Sulfate based topical ( I could not use Benzol peroxide because it was too drying and back it wasn't advised to use the next ingredient together) and/or Salicylic acid and Sunscreen which of course worked but because I was just a teen I couldn't afford to continue maintaining the routine. So, when I did have an allergic reaction I would use it to get these dime-sized boils on legs full of itchy fluid. So, when I do eat olives, it accumulates in my feet causing the dry itchy flaky skin to occur (Atopic Dermatitis). But one thing is true about this allergy is that I had a lot of headaches as a kid and even today if I do accidentally eat olives in any shape or form. Apparently, the OPAL scale has placed specific species of Olive trees and pollen at a 10 for being the most allergenic, causing a few too many respiratory problems like asthma. Even my mom has issues but, with Avocados which, makes her want to vomit with even the thought of trying to digest its fatty goodness. Apparently, they share similar gene expressions.

Okay, so did you guess it yet? If so, were you thinking Dermatologist? Then yes, you are correct! My friend said we have the top Dermatologist with California having the most in the US, second NY, and third Florida. One branch of Dermatology became an organization called the short ABD  which was established in 1932 but, the main organization has been around since 1876. Talks were held by AAD informing that institution that focuses on skin ailments and diseases, the ABD. Recently, the AAD has published an article on the effects of prescribed Anitbotic to patients dealing with diseases and hormonal skin issues that correlate to the flesh-eating bacterium especially subjects with Acne. To those, who are prescribed antibiotics to sum it all uptake it moderation or as prescribed by your doctor which basically is a three-month period while taking topicals like what my doctor prescribed me to maintain the skin or the other option is to be put on stronger medications. After reading the article you will have a better understanding of why you are prescribed certain topicals and or drugs to combat skin issues.





For instance, there has been a lot of talk on the web about Accutane which isn't really explained very well to audiences by users that have severe acne. So, what is Accutane? Accutane is also known as Isotretinoin, is an oral pharmaceutical drug primarily used to treat cystic acne reducing bacterial numbers in both the ducts and the skin surface. It is a retinoid, meaning it is related to vitamin A (or retinoic acid is effective in maintaining normal skin health) and is found in small quantities naturally in the body.  This retinoid is successful in regulating epithelial (protective) cell growth. Also, it reduces the size and secretion of the sebaceous glands.  Because it is a very controversial drug because it is sometimes prescribed with contraceptives on a trial basis for women as hormonal treatment due to the failure of antibiotics. Some might be prescribed Spironolactone, brand name Aldactone in most countries is a synthetic, steroidal antimineralocorticoid, as well as, to a lesser extent, an antiandrogen, progestin, and antigonadotropin. The side effect is what most worry about because it puts patients at high risk when paired with Spironolactone which, is known to cause depression but, has been effective alongside Isotretinoin in studies. However, Isotretinoin does help to decrease "inflammatory acne on the jawline, premenstrual flares, association with hirsutism, or excessively oily skin."  It showed a lot of promise with males who take it alone having no effect on male reproduction proving that it is safe and effective.





Moving on to Isotretinoin's sister is Tretinoin which, is retinoic acid in pharmaceutical form also, the carboxylic acid form of vitamin A It is a first-generation topical retinoid commonly used to treat acne vulgaris (common acne) and keratosis pilaris (rough red bumpy skin). It is most commonly available in gels and creams. Tretinoin has been highly tested for many types of skin conditions. Both trails treatments for acne have the same or similar side effects of dry, sensitive skin, birth defects, and mood changes. There is another drug called Dapsone that was also used to treat severe acne vulgaris but that's just another option to consider.

Recently, I was watching Youtuber that I am a long-time subscriber who has been dealing with adult hormonal acne. She had come across a "Natural form of Vitamin A." Since she had been on Accutane she had a lot of side effects from taking the drug and although a diet can help,  Accutane is one hell of a drug for many. She had come across a "Retinol-like" compound called Bakuchiol which studies go as far back as 2014. The antioxidant compound comes from a plant called Psoralea corylifolia which is abundant in its leaves and seeds of the plant as meroterpene phenol. The plant is native to India and Sri Lanka and was occasionally cultivated in Arabia for its supposed medicinal properties but is also used in Indian and Chinese traditional medicine. It's becoming a "trendy" new anti-aging skincare product ingredient since it doesn't have the side effects of a 
retinoid but is just as effective in improvements in lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, firmness, and an overall reduction in photodamage. It is now being used to treat other skin conditions such as acne, melasma, and hyperpigmentation. 

In conclusion, American Dermatology was and still is pretty much at the front in important skincare solutions and discoveries like Vitamin A, being that it is really powerful even on a cellular/genetic level but, all in moderation is best kept in mind because toxicity is common. But amazing Vitamin A and its counterparts have been effective in treating certain cancers and acute to mild stages of the severe virus in studies. I wish I had found out about this sooner a lot of lives will hopefully benefit from this because I have a lot of people in my life who are suffering from a retroactive virus I even lost a family member to it. Thank you for reading till the end I hope you learned a lot and will follow the links to those organizations to learn more.



8.15.2015

Monochrome Blackout: A/W Fashion 2015-2016 (Fall/ Winter)


Let us be free of boring Normcore fashions. This season the color theme is Monochromatic Black and mysterious attire inspired by the 70's loose fitting clothing which, can be seen on the streets and the runways this season.


 Flared cuts like Gaucho pants and elongating "Mimollet" skirts or pants are huge this season. And, as you know the color of the year is Marsala so, you can still find a way to fit it into your look this fall and winter.


 Also, turtle necks are hugely trending for the upcoming fall season, as well as trench coats. I know a lot people who are not happy about turtle necks because they think it does not serve a real purpose or how deceiving it is because it wants to choke you alive. People people people it's just a sweater with extra material around the neck. I just think of it this way, it's a built in scarf; just in case you forget your scarf somewhere in the cold city at least you have your turtle neck sweater to keep your neck and body warm and protected from the cold dry winter nights. But don't you worry "turtle neck haters" the other trend is the trench coats.



Also, finding pieces with vinyl or pleather accents material are really interesting to see this fall. I do own a cardigan with pleather shoulder accents and I look forward to wearing it again this fall.


Another trend this fall/winter is Faux Fur, and as you know I just bought a faux fur coat last year. I hope to see more people switch to this material instead. After owning a pets you really value the importance of animals have in this world. But seriously, what will National Geographic take pictures of if their isn't any animals left. And what is up with trophy hunting (gaming)? What happen to Eco tourism!?! This is so annoying and idiotic. I guess people (w/ money ) love having the pleasure to target and kill moving objects and document it for the world to see these days. Well nothing is new under the sun.


Anyways, another trend straight from the Japanese street fashionistas is big light weight backpacks for all you going back to school this month.

Makeup Trend



No Makeup Makeup Please. Glowing Dewy Skin in the East or Radiant Glowing Skin for the West seems to be still in trend into fall/winter months. For people like myself, who have severely sensitive dry skin/ combo skin; there seems to be big support for this "No Make up Make up" trend since, it incorporates a all-in-one skincare and makeup regime to promote healthy and radiant glowing skin. For people still stuck under a rock there is a five step program in a effect for keeping your skin in check now. Before it was just three steps: cleanse, tone, moisturize-SPF with an occasionally exfoliate for us westerns. In the East, some have 10 step program that in compromises just one line to reap the benefits: Exfoliate, Cleanse, Toner/Emulsion, Serum, Day/Night cream, Eye Cream, SPF PA++, and now Spray Mist, BB & CC or DD cream.



 But here are the steps: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Emulsion or Serum (Essence) or Toner, moisturizer and CC/BB/DD cream with SPF PA++. If your not sure what type of skin you have then tried reading my popular post on Asian Skincare. I also recommend scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist or skincare specialist. But of course, people all fork over there money for all types of gizmos for the latest up to date news on what the weather is like on their dermis like the Clarisonic, moisture-meters, and infrared-healer to go a long with that. SK-II skincare brand and Panasonic are huge promoters of this, for the advancement skincare technology.



If your looking to make a statement with your makeup then get your brow looking strong and bold; have that graphic smked out infused metallic or oranges eyeshadow lined with metallic gold, or silvers; shimmery bronze sparkling skin; flushed with checks of peach or rose; juicy lips of red, black, or berry are totally in for this season. Even the popular metallic tattoos are toned down for the face to be decked out in them.

Which do you prefer Smoky or Metallic?

Lipstick Trend

Reds

Rose

Vampy



Hair Styles



Headbands |  Slick back Side Part


Middle Part | Tucked Away Hair


 Messy Chignon


~Seeya

8.12.2015

Angelic Magica and Interview with Director Kenneth Pulgar-Vidal

Hey Guys,

Recently, I just recovered from a sinus infection but I'm doing a lot better. I've been working on this post for less than two weeks but, finally I have finished it. Today, I want to talk you guys about this up and coming writer and movie director I met at Moshi Moshi Nippon Los Angeles that I mentioned in my last post. Last fall, I took a film class that had me hyped whenever I meet an up and coming directors/writers. I found myself wanting to support their endeavors. That being said, let's begin shall we...


Kenneth Pulgar-Vidal is the writer and director of Angelic Magica. I did a short mock interview with him due my curiosity after seeing both his trailer and the supporting cast.  I asked him, How long it took him to write this story? He said, "I was original from Chicago, and it took me two years to write the screenplay then, I moved out to Los Angeles to make it all happen." He goes on to say, "My main inspiration for the story was Sailor Moon and Silent Hill." As of right now, his main focus is to produce a short film adaption once he gets the funding for the project so, he can pitch it.  Are you interested in seeing this happen because I sure am. His goal is to reach $15,000 and he is almost one fifth away from reaching his goal. If you would like to support his efforts, please visit his Indiegog page:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/angelic-magica-a-live-action-anime-inspired-film#/story. 

I later interviewed Kenneth via email. Here are the questions I asked him:

What is run time for the production?

The estimated runtime will be around fifteen minutes for the short film, and around an hour and twenty minutes for the feature.

Any film festivals you look forward to showing your work in the future?

Yes, plenty! The ones off of the top of my head would be the LA Film Festival, Sundance, Raindance, SXSW, Chicago International Film Festival, as well as the Tokyo International Film Festival and the Short Shorts Film festival in Yokohama.

Any future goals for the production?

Aside from getting the Short and Feature made, the biggest future goal for Angelic Magica is that our film can be the first successful American Live-Action Anime film. To see Live-Action Anime become a reality in America, you need one really solid success, whether that be at the box office or from the critics, and that success can stand as an example to show people just how much untapped potential Anime has. 

How much interaction will the main character have with the supporting cast?

Most of the film centers around Daniel (the MC) interacting/interrogating the supporting cast in hopes of discovering the truth, so I'd definitely say quite a bit!
How much action will we be seeing from each of the cast members?

Plenty! They are magical girls after all! The film starts of as much more of a horror film, but as the story unravels, you'll get to see each and every one of them fight against the demons lurking just outside...

Will we get a glimpse of the supporting cast's backstory(origins)?

Yeah. The only way the girls can ever hope to convince Daniel of the danger that lays outside the warehouse is through their own experiences learning about it the hard way, and why they don't want him to suffer the same way they did. But needless to say, we go in depth as to how each girl obtained their powers, why their outfit and weapons are what they are, and why them specifically; because what might seem to be coincidences, might just not be.

Kenneth has a busy schedule so, I ended the interview there. But it is definitely a film inspired by "Anime's magical girl genre meets philological horror thriller in this live-action film adaptation" that the people have been waiting for. Hopefully, we will hear more talks in the future about this film. I leave you with more information about film than you can every imagine.

MOVIE INFO

Angelic Magica 

Written and Directed by: Kenneth Pulgar-Vidal
Estimated Runtime: 110 minutes (short: 15minutes)
Rating: N/A

Stars: Tohoru Masamune, Rina Hoshino, Levi Ashlyn, Kaja Martin, and Oceane Bucaille

Synopsis

Angelic Magica follows Officer Daniel Igarashi and his struggle to discover the truth
behind his son’s disappearance. His investigation quickly falls into the surreal as the truth will force him to question the very nature of what is truly real.  But he will be presented with a choice: accept help from the one who took his son from him, or be consumed by a nightmarish world forever.

Concept


 Silent Hill  | Sailor Moon
 Madoka Magica  | No Exit

Cast:

Tohoru Masamune as Daniel Igarashi
Rina Hoshino as Angel
Levi Ashlyn as Elle
Kaja Martin as Henrietta
Oceane Bucaille as Mica



Storyline
Summary

Angelic Magaica  is a live-action psychological horror film inspired by the "Anime Puella Magi Madoka Magica".


A police officer is forced to work with Magical Girls who took his son in order to survive the night and discover the truth behind his son's disappearance.

Plot Keywords: Psychological | Horror | Action | Magical Girls | Police officer | Son | Disappear | Search | Nightmarish | World | Survival | Discovery | Struggle |

Taglines:

“I’ve been waiting three years for this. You will make time...” -Daniel

“You will survive this night. I guarantee it.”-Angel

Genres: Psychological Horror/Action

Details
Official Sites

Official Website: www.angelicmagica.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelicMagica

Twitter: https://twitter.com/angelic_magica

Hashtag: #angelicmagica

Email: ammovie@outlook.com

Indiegogo: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/angelic-magica-a-live-action-anime-inspired-film#/story

Country: USA
Language: English
Locations: Los Angeles

Budget
Trailer: $2,262.24
*Short film will be 7-8x the cost of the Trailer.





8.03.2015

Moshi Moshi Los Angeles

Hi Guys,

As you guys may have seen on my Instagram and a little on my snapchating. Well, I attended Moshi Moshi Nippon Los Angeles for Saturday. When I arrived at the location of the convention, which was being held at the LA Reef , the place seemed super busy, and they even had signs at entrance of the building for the event. There was another event going on at the same time called Nappywood, a natural convention so, that's why it seemed so busy too me. Their was also food trucks right outside the doors. I went over to registration to get my badge and made my way to elevators, since the convention was on the second floor of the complex. I got their pretty late so, I missed some of the main events but I'm on a strict diet again so, I had to eat lunch before I had to make my way over.

Anyways, the venue was pretty huge yet spacious and lacking the numbers I was expecting. But they were also giving away free Mochi Pocky so, that made up for it a little. Moreover, I knew KCON was going at the same time but I had bought the ticket before knowing the dates for KCON and I was also preparing for Anime Expo so, I was lacking in greens department. Anyways, I was able to take pictures with Ami and Aya and they brought their brand Jouetie since I saw them pass by it was crazy, the chances of me seeing them outside the photo sections and getting a picture with them. Before I had ran into Amiaya, I had to make my rounds, and I ran into other bloggers, some of the fashion show models, and I had to take a look at the really cool vendors. But I almost missed out on the Singing Contest that KKS was hosting. I went to sit down in front of this mother and her daughters and low and behold the the little girl "Isa-chan," one of  the judges called her, won the event which was crazy because she entered on a whim. I wish her the best of luck and a safe trip to Japan. I hope you enjoy the pictures and commentary in this post.




 #FreePocky

 #Jouetie

 Tiffany of #PeppymintCosplay 


The #DAM #Karaoke






If you like Silent Hill and Puella Magi Madoka Magica. Well this filmmaker by the name of Kenneth Pulgar-Vidal wrote the screenplay and produced this trailer called Angelic Magica, based on those two bodies of work. And it's pretty high quality film. I was able to take pictures with the actresses of the film. I will  be taking about this film more in the future so, look out for that post.






#Galaxxxybooth




 Finally got to see #Rayko of #LolitaDark again.




This girl looks so familiar I asked her if she blog but then I also thought she was a YouTuber but she said, "She models usually." Do you guys think she looks familiar? If so please leave a comment.


#RinRin, one Lolita that everyone should meet. She asked me if I had worn Lolita before. I told her sort of. But I'm  kind of interested in Lolita because when I tried it out people thought I had the face for it.


#Don Quijote


We meet again lol. But seriously Julie is so cool to talk to.




 Greg DJ of Tune in Tokyo


Hiko Achiha and  YuRi 


#Twinkerbell 









#Wiining #Isa_chan


#Aymmy 




 #FashionShow


#Popkiller







#Galaxxxy








#Pure












#GhostHarlem














#AyumiSeto



#DJAyaAmi





~Seeya