I went from an easy, hurried, low-maintenance facial cleaning ritual to trying out the Asian 10 step skincare routine. Being raised in New York City has damaged and polluted my skin; I'm now repairing and focusing on anti-aging.
I want to buy and use products from a broad number of brands, I didn't just want to stick with one brand, I shopped around and compared all. I will try to write reviews each month, one which will be a list my skincare routine products, sharing my experiences on each product.
I was looking at the last major haul that I've done and it was a year ago!
Since the last year, I have moved from NYC to a smaller metropolitan city so there was less sales meaning less buying. I do still buy stuff, but more as a need-basic. I was trying to use up product that I already had and I was doing a great job. Also I learned more about my skin and what it needs instead of buying what was hot on the market. I was focused on getting sunscreen because the sunscreen in the states aren't as strong and can't protect you from the sun as the Asian brands.
Below is what I got overseas!
I had made an unplanned trip over to Taiwan this summer and only had a day or two to myself for some quick shopping. I got most of my purchases from Cosmed and the Neogen stuff at 86小舖 86 Shop. The first pic was a quick pic in Taiwan right after my purchases so the lighting wasn't the best.
I will do reviews as I slowly use the products. Stay updated!
Below are the stuff that I got for my friend.
I've noticed that this summer, most of the brands had a Disney theme or collaboration.
I was on a week mini-trip in Taiwan this past month and it was hot!
It was 95F and sunny every single day in Kaohsiung.
I brought over 20 travel sized products over to this trip and only end up using 5.
It was so hot that my skin had enough moisture and was well-hydrated.
It was probably due to the fact that I drank alot of water and teas while there.
My skin was used to the dry weather conditions when residing in the northeastern part of the US. It is part of the temperate and deciduous forest biome where I get harsh cold winters and hot humid summers. It's a nasty combination to the skin.
I finally had some free time towards the end of my trip to do some Asian skincare shopping!
Look at all the fast food in the picture below - it's a combination of western and eastern.
Must keep yourself hydrated!
All the skincare that I hauled on this trip. Of course there is alot of green tea and brightening related products.
Green tea and red bean are always a part of Taiwanese snacks and pastries.
Mangoes and dragon fruits were in season! They were delicious!
If you visit Taiwan and you love matcha and red bean as much as I do, you can find these ice bars in the huge chain-supermarkets.
Below is an old alleyway where you can find snacks and dried medicinal things.
Below is the common 8-flavored shaved ice. All the toppings are on the bottom.
If you visit Kaohsiung, you must come here to eat the mango shaved ice (if you come in the summer time when mangoes are in season). The owner makes all her toppings!
The strawberry and banana pudding toppings were so yummy!
My mornings were usually matcha milk and pudding pastries orientated!
Of course, we visited this American-styled diner and had some grilled salmon, cod and steak.
The portions were huge!
Sushi and Seaweed was all I had my eyes on here in Taiwan!
10NT each and you can see that I love Jasmine black/purple rice.
Going back, I took the High Speed train from Kaohsiung to Taipei. I'm sorry for the person that was caught in my pic, but I really wanted to take a pic of the sign "Zuoying" before my train left!
This was my lunch of guava smoothie and Japanese bento that I brought at the Taipei Main Station when I got off the High Speed train in Taipei. The eel bento was only 200NT (~$7US).
I went near Taiwan University to find some cheap and yummy food with a cousin and was recommended to try this Cantonese-styled place. I ordered the typical BBQ pork fried rice. It was really good. The 3 desserts are unlimited and self-served. The teas are self-served and really delicious.
My last drink was from a vending machine at the Taoyuan airport.
This British milk tea tasted better than milk teas that I had in England...just saying.
The food coming back from Taipei to the US on United Airlines wasn't tasty at all.
Maybe my taste buds were spoiled in Taiwan-haha.
View from the skies!!
Below is an extra pic of an almost ripe Mango from the branch.
Sea-Club Restaurant 海光俱樂部中餐廳
No. 4, Nanda Road, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 813
Either I was thirsty or the Taiwanese beer didn't taste like strong alcohol.
It tasted a bit like soda.
Guava drink for the underage.
These fried shrimps are kiddes favorite dish.
砂鍋類的湯 This soup is very salty! You have been warned.
The crab-meat with mayo on top was quite tasty.
烤鴨 廣式燒鴨
Xiao Long Baos were very savory.
I didn't taste this dish because there were many other dishes to choose from, so I wasn't sure what ingredients were inside.
The favorites was also this scallion pancake! Look how thick and full of flavor this is!
葱油餅
麵食手
One of the few vegetables dishes that was ordered.
This "gau-bao" was so good!!!
Fish at last!
Seafood soup was a bit salty too!
Chicken was very savory.
Another bottle of Taiwan Beer to end the meal, along with watermelon that isn't pictured.
