A Trip to San Francisco’s Japantown
This post is way overdue but I had to share it anyway. The Boyfriend and I hung out in San Francisco’s Japantown one afternoon a few weeks ago when the weather here was super nice and warm. My mission that day was to find a cute photo album to house our pictures that would otherwise be stuck in digital format on the computer, but that’s a whole ‘nother post we’ll save for another day. I also wanted to scope out quirky Japanese beauty products.
Roaming around Ichiban Kan, a store in the Japantown mall, I found these little plastic eyelash curlers. They’re super adorable, but for some reason, I hardly imagine they’d work too well. At least I know I could fix it if it ever broke, being that I can see through the curler to see which screw the spring attaches to. A lot of the shops in Japantown carried these so I wondered if they must work!
I also thought the orange lip balm looked super fun. If only it were a little smaller, I might have picked one up to tote around in my purse everyday.
We ended that warm afternoon with some gelato we picked up at Yoogo Gelato in North Beach. I had mango and the Boyfriend enjoyed a cup of tiramisu – it was yummilicious of course! And a perfect, cool way to end the day.
But, later that evening, I was still itching to try some Asian makeup or skincare products so I headed out to the Korean supermarket near my house. It’s amazing how the Korean’s can create a great one-stop shopping experience in one location! I can find prepared food, grocery items, housewares and makeup all in one place.
I headed straight to the makeup and skincare section and noticed these face masks on display almost right away. I spoke briefly to the sales woman and told her I was looking for since it was too hard for me to decipher the many choices they had on display. My needs? Hydration and firmness. Heck, you know me, I’m scared of wrinkles!
She suggested a few varieties from PureDerm -
Green Tea – tightening pores & skin moisturizing
Royal Jelly – brightening & moisturizing
Lemon – purifying & tightening pores
Red Ginseng – skin protection & increasing elasticity
I also picked up a men’s hydrating mask for the Boyfriend and collagen eye masks to try. Now, weeks after I bought these mask, I finally had a chance to try them out.
When you take them out of the packet, I was expecting it to be slightly moist like a wetnap. However, they’re a lot more damp to the touch; I would probably squeeze some of the moisture out next time. Directions are super easy, just unfold the mask and place it on your clean face, smoothing out the lines and air bubbles underneath. Leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes for it it do its thing, pretend that you’re an honorary member of the JabbaWockeeZ and do a little dance, and then peel it off.
I used my Green Tea Essence Mask and the Boyfriend opted for his hydrating mask for men – anything to make him feel a little more manly, eh? 
At the end of 20 mins (while watching The Real World, Hollywood), we peeled off the masks. I was super happy to take it off because I was getting really cold with this damp thing on my face! I didn’t wash my face afterwards, I just patted dry with a towel any apparent moisture that was left on my skin.
I must say that the mask is like an oversized wetnap, but I liked how it kept my skin moisturized. I didn’t even have to apply a night cream, that’s how well it worked for me. Have you tried this before? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Well girls and guys, it’s nearly Tuesday, did you enjoy your Cinco de Mayo? I didn’t do the traditional Mexican fare, but I am enjoying a Monday Margarita for the occasion! Hope your week is off to good start!
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On May 6th, 2008 Jeanne said:
Oooh, how I love Japantown! The tangerine lip balm is actually really good! I’ve never used one of those masks before, though. Good for you for trying ‘em out!
On May 6th, 2008 browngirlgumbo said:
Japanese stores have the cutest things! There’s one here in NYC that I love. I think it’s called Pylones.
On May 6th, 2008 kia said:
lilan! sounds like fun. gelato and skincare! what a day. i miss my fav gelato spot near my job. they had nice exotic flavors every week =(
On May 6th, 2008 MandyPandy said:
Wah!!! I wish we had a Japantown in the northeast! All we have are a couple of Chinatowns and a kinda-Korean-quarter.
I’m sure those paper-masks are supposed to be good for your face, but they’re the stuff of nightmares. Truly.
On May 6th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Jeanne!
Ooo, a testimonial for the lip balm! Maybe I’ll try it out next time I’m in Japantown – they just look so cute!
Do you have a favorite Japanese beauty product?
On May 6th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi BGG,
I haven’t been to Japantown in NYC yet. Hopefully next time I’m there I’ll get to scope it out
Is there a Japantown in your native Chicago? I don’t remember hearing about it when I was there last month 
Hope you’re having a great Tuesday!
On May 6th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Kia!
Oh gosh, this gelato place had sooo many flavors, it was hard to choose! What’s your favorite flavor? The strangest one (and one I don’t think I’ll ever try) is a beer gelato made with Budweiser – LOL! Can you imagine????
On May 6th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Mandy,
Are the Chinatowns in your ‘hood any good? I find that my standards are pretty high since I live in San Francisco.
Yeah, the mask made me feel like I was on my way to scare some poor child into giving me more candy on Halloween. It was still super fun though because the Boyfriend and I were pretending we were on America’s Best Dance Crew – LOL!
On May 6th, 2008 Nikki said:
you looked sooo cute! with the poses and the mask! I’ve used purederm a long long time and I’ve been using it weekly, you’re right, right after you peeled it off, your skin do feel subtle and soft but I find that it doesn’t last and do see results, you really have to do it weekly (for me that is..super dry skin) ..i got really tired of it..heheh so I stopped
I’m a mask whore before 
thansk for the lovely post…i do understand about the curlers, they are tempting coz they looked so cute, but I doubt it lasts 
On May 6th, 2008 Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said:
Love your Jabbawockee dedication! Now did your bf bust out some of his dance moves? I know for sure Hubbo would have tried to do a head spin or something, lol
On May 6th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Nikki,
Wow, you must have dedication to have done the mask on a weekly basis! I was thinking that I’d do this one every two or so weeks. Even the Boyfriend is willing to do it again – although he says I have to get the one that says it’s specifically for men or he won’t use it – LOL!
What other masks do you enjoy using?
On May 6th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Mrs. Lynne!
You KNOW he definitely did a couple spins but nothing on his head, we’ll leave that part for your Hubbo and the Boyfriend can be his hype man! LOL!
Hope you’re having a great week so far girl! How’s the new job??
On May 6th, 2008 Nikki said:
yes, coz at that time, i am not yet married and I do it for Q.T (quality time) with my mommy
I’ve used Purederm, Watson’s, L’oreal , Neutrogena…honestly? I really can’t see the difference of each brand. I always use the Moisturizing ones.
Tip: I chill it first (fridge) before using, best for summer!
On May 6th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Nikki,
Wow, putting it in the fridge before using?! That’s an awesome tip! I’m definitely going to try that next time
Hope you’re having a good week so far!
On May 6th, 2008 Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said:
Eh,.. work is work. You know how that is. But it’s definitely claiming more time and energy from me :/ I’m left winded after the day with posts backup galore, hah.
How are you doing?
On May 7th, 2008 Elizabeth said:
I get such a kick out of Japanese goods. It looks like everything is made for preadolescent girls.
I have never been to Japantown, but maybe I will go soon. Or maybe Union Square instead, time to check out Barney’s!!
On May 7th, 2008 hotndhigh said:
you know, the eyelash curler? it actually works! i know because i own one personally. haha. but it does pinches my left eye ):
On May 7th, 2008 beautytalk said:
I love Asian supermarket finds! You and your boyfriend are so cute together.
On May 7th, 2008 Toya said:
Y’all are the cutest!
When I went to San Francisco for business, I stayed in a hotel in Japantown and it was fabulous. I actually went into Ichiban Kan and bought a few things!
On May 7th, 2008 theMuse said:
ok ok I give you props for the awesome couple mask pictures but I’m eagerly awaiting for the couple nose trip pictures
Great entry Lil! Think I have to head to Little Italy now for some gelato…you’ve got my taste buds craving it!
On May 7th, 2008 Lilan said:
I totally understand that work can be draining on other things you gotta do, Mrs. Lynne! But you’re doing a great job, just don’t miss out on that time with your tots!
I’m doing okay too, getting into the grind during the week and then just relaxing during the weekends, ya know?
The week’s almost over and hopefully you’re having a good Wednesday!
On May 7th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Elizabeth,
Japantown is definitely somewhere you should go to at least check out the fun and quirky trinkets! You could spend a whole day in Union Square easy, though. All the counters, Sephora, and shopping! What more could you ask for?
What’s your favorite store to shop at?
On May 7th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hello hotndhigh,
Wow, the eyelash curler really works?! I think I might have to invest my $5 to test it out one of these days. If anything, I could definitely use one for my purse for touch ups during the day, right??
On May 7th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi beautytalk!
Isn’t it so fun what random stuff you can find at the market?! What was your favorite beauty find that was least expected?
On May 7th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Toya!!
Hope all is well! Wow, San Francisco for business – that’s a long way to travel from DC! How often do you come out here? Isn’t Japantown cute? Our favorite shabu shabu place is in a hotel in Japantown – have you eaten there before??
Hope you’re having an awesome Hump Day to!
On May 7th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hello Muse!
Oh no, the nose strip post is still in hiding! I dunno if the world is ready for that one yet
Omg, I hadn’t eaten gelato in soooo long! And it was sooo good when we finally got to it. It was yummy and refreshing! What’s your favorite flavor?
Chat soon my friend!!
On May 7th, 2008 MandyPandy said:
No, I suspect San Francisco must have the gold standard of Chinatowns. I’m not impressed with the one in NYC and I haven’t been to the one in Philly (though my family have been and love it). Chinatown kinda bores me to tears, tbh. I do wish we had a Japantown proper, like you guys.
On May 8th, 2008 Elizabeth said:
Lilan, it’s crazy but despite being a 15 minute drive away from SF, I NEVER go in. Can you believe it? Well, a job and two small kids make it tough to do much of anything but go to work and parent. But let’s see my favorite store…Sephora, I guess!
On May 8th, 2008 Rachel said:
Hey babe,
Interesting post!
I’ve just had the chance to read a Taiwanese makeup guide written by a certain gorgeous MTV Asia VJ, who happened to introduce a mega-large eyelash curler like the one you photographed. She uses it to mush her real lashes and her falsies together (after application of the latter) cos they’re much gentler. She even cushions the “lips” of the curler so her falsies won’t be pinched off.
As for the sheet masks, I was once upon a time dubious of their effectiveness, but the ones I use definitely work for me! I get mine from Taiwan, via online sprees. By the way, any excess or remaining liquid is actually essence, and meant to be massaged into the skin, not washed off or tissued off unless instructed. Toner goes on before sheet masks, and moisturiser after to seal in goodness.
On May 8th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Mandy,
NYC’s Chinatown is okay – to be honest, when I went I was expecting it to be so much more. I guess maybe I need a little more time to explore? Besides, I think you’re right – the Japanese trinkets are much more interesting in my opinion
On May 8th, 2008 Lilan said:
Don’t worry Elizabeth – I can definitely relate to you! Downtown is only 15 minutes away for me but I hardly ever get down there. I live near Stonestown so most of the time it’s just easier for me to go there instead of dealing with the traffic. I do need to make a trip to Union Square and pay a visit to Sephora very soon though!
Hopefully you can come out to the city, even if it’s for a couple of hours to shop and people watch
On May 8th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Rachel,
Nice to see you again! What an interesting tip about using the curler to pinch real lashes and falsies together! Now I might not have to use my fingers, yes??
I’m glad you have experience with the sheet masks, which brand and website do you buy yours from? I definitely going to keep using the masks I have and hope I see some results, too!
On May 9th, 2008 Rachel said:
I love Dainty Design and Beauty Diary masks! There’s another brand called 心机美人, unfortunately no English name available. The array of flavours from Beauty Diary and 心机美人 are mind-boggling!
My favourites are lotus, lavender, deep water, arbutin, natto, white bulgarian rose and sake.
You can find the complete catalogue from this spree organiser at http://retro-iinc.livejournal.com/. She’s very reliable. I don’t know if she does international orders, though!
On May 9th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Rachel,
Ooo, the lavender, Bulgarian rose and sake ones sound so intriguing! I’ll definitely have to do some snooping to see what else I can dig up here in the States
Happy Friday and hope you’re getting ready for a fun weekend!
On May 11th, 2008 Sarah said:
If that orange lip cream is anything like the apple one my friend brought me back from Taiwan (it was a Japanese brand though), you really should have gotten it. I love that stuff!
On May 11th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Sarah,
I think I really gotta try this lip balm now! And orange would be nice and refreshing for summer, too!
Thanks for stopping by
On November 16th, 2008 Annie said:
I came across your page on a search for purederm on yahoo. I’ve also used these masks and I really like them. I have extremely dry, sensitive, acne prone skin and these masks soothe and calm everything down. The ingredients are good. I wouldn’t squeeze out the excess. It’s hard to keep a habit of doing masks but I’ve been doing it about 3 times a week. Only because my skin is so bad but I’ve definitely noticed a change in the texture of my skin and how fast my acne heals. When my skin gets better I’m going to cut the usage down to 2 times a week. There’s not much information about these masks online.