Orange you glad I didn't say Banana - Facial Peel Review!

Hi All! It's been a while since I've done a product review, don't you think? I recently bought this at home facial peel by Derma-E at Sprouts. I've been really into the natural skin care options lately so I have been testing out different brands to see which work best for my skin as I have extremely sensitive skin.

 I am not sure if you remember, but a few years ago, I tested out the Yes-to brand and it left me with facial burning for over two hours. I have not used that brand since. Instead, I tend to gravitate towards brands with ingredients that are easier to decipher and have not been subject to several negative reviews; ie, products with over 4 stars on multiple sources. I read several written reviews too in depth. Believe me, I make the time for that. I have hyper pigmentation with sensitive skin and I want my face to be the best it can be, not worsen.

When I bought the Derma-E Vitamin C Instant Radiance Citrus Facial Peel (now my punny title should make sense), I got it for 25% off during the vitamins and beauty sale. I love sales, so if I can ever find something cheaper than original price, I will go for it.

The look of the box

Unfortunately, upon opening the box, the cap was cracked and then fell off on the ground. I debated returning it, but the contents inside were alright and undamaged so I just kept it. The product also comes with a little instruction pamphlet and an application spoon. The spoon is also utilized as a way of removing the product while massaging the skin to promote blood flow. You want to put an even layer of the product on your skin and leave it on for 3-5 minutes before using the spoon to remove it.

Unfortunately, the lid was cracked :/

After leaving it on for five minutes, I did feel a slight tingle in my face. It was no where near as unbearable as other products like this I have tried in the past such as First Aid Beauty. While I liked the end result of First Aid Beauty, Derma-E is really good for those looking for a more eco-ethical brand and want to know exactly what they are putting on their face without googling long, complex names.

It's made with orange peels :)

Upon removing it, and finishing with a rose petal toner, my face had a very nice glow with it. I have really bad hyperpigmentation, but pairing Derma-E with Sephora's Glow peel pads made with naturally occuring glycolic acid from sugar cane has helped me obtain a glow like no other. I have been using the Derma-E mask weekly for a month now paired with the peel pads 2x a day and the hyperpigmentation is staring to fade away. This paring is highly recommended if you have sensitive skin and hyperpigmentation like I do. I am also not sure if this is related or not, but I have combination skin, that typically produces really oily T zone, and even that is starting to calm down some since using this pairing! So try it out, if you please! :)

That's all for this post! Let me know if you have any eco-friendly, or cruelty-free make-up brands you would like me to try and and let you know about!

 I just recently got the Beauty Blender Bounce™ Liquid Whip Long Wear Foundation in 4.40N (Deep with Neutral Undertones). I wanted to give that one a try first since I feel my shade changes in the summer months. However, I am coming from using Fenty Beauty 420, but have to stop since it is not working for me in the way it used to. The comparable color according to Sephora's Shade Finder is actually 4.10 C/O (Deep with Cool Olive Undertones)  - so I might test that next time after this runs out. After I use it for a couple of weeks, I'll be doing a review blog on that brand as well! :)

Stay tuned for some Seattle blogs, I am going for an expo. In the meantime, check out my photography website- I just launched it! There are never before seen photos from my time doing photography at Los Angeles Fashion Week F/W '19.

Till Next Time!

-Hachi

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Let me tell you a tale of the Renaissance Pleasure Faire!

Greetings fair knights and ladies! It has been quite a while, hasn't it? First new post of the year too! I'll have to explain my absence for another time and also fill you in on my previous con adventures another time, as well. For today, I'm here to tell ye about my experiences at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire. This particular Renaissance faire is quite possibly unlike any ren faire you have ever been to! Let me stress that there is something here for everyone!

I went on Saturday, April 27th - Renn Con weekend. As I had noticed, each weekend was designated a theme. Since I am both a cosplayer and a cosplayer photographer, I chose Renn Con weekend to attend the faire as press. This weekend was geared towards those who love cosplay and wanted to combine Renaissance styles within known cosplay fandoms. Also, Craft Beer weekend happened at the same time so beer enthusiasts came out to partake in delectible brews and enjoy the events This was also my first time ever attending the Renaissance Pleasure Faire.

The entrance into the event was pretty easy, a quick bag check and a ticket scan. Parking at the dam was only 10$, which is cheaper than pretty much every con I have ever attended. From scanning my ticket and onward, I was immersed within the Renaissance ages. I loved, and let me stress this again, absolutely loved the diversity of this con. I understand for some people, historical accuracy is more important, but for others, diversity can be just as important. Seeing individuals of varying ethnic origins, doing roles that would otherwise not have been assigned to them during this era made me so happy.

The events were pretty fun. The events I watched were dancing, swordplay, comedy, and jousting. Seeing the belly dancers be able to balance bladed weapons on their head and still move made me want to up my belly dancing game. I loved that the swordplay group by the maypole let both men and women fight together, regardless of size. I love swordplay as I was a kendo practitioner, myself for a few years. Jousting was also a good time; I cheered on the blue side. Even though we lost, it was exciting to see the fans taking the action seriously and how big the crowds around the arena got.

There was so much food to choose from as well, which is awesome for the diverse event goer. I opted for Caramel apples, and the workers at the booth cracked me up. I also watched my friend test his strength at a booth, as well, with the worker giving tips and encouragement along the way. If there is anything I can say about the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, they have amazing customer service at every turn. From the moment I got my ticket in the Will Call line to the moment I returned my media badge for the day, just about every worker I encountered was amazing. I only had one questionable experience the whole time with someone taking their character a bit too far in the jousting area causing a moment of discomfort, but everyone else's good energy dispelled that. For the most part, this event brought a very positive experience for me and I am very glad that I was able to attend. I hope to attend the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, next year and bring more of my friends with me.

Here are some photos from the event and when I finish processing other photos, I'll include a slideshow! :) As always, typically, I will post photos from any event I attend prior to writing about it in a blog on my photography Instagram.

Te Fiti by @adinn.cosplays

Daenerys by @kowaikohai

Maleficent and Princess Aurora by @criccicricci & @abracatrena

My event rating: 9.5/10 - would definitely recommend this event to others & want to return again

Pros:

• Diversity
• Themed Weekends
• Enthusiastic Workers
• Variety of Events
• Variety of Food
• Variety of Vendors
• Large event

Cons:

• Parking on grass/dirt
• Needs more Seated Spaces
• Some workers take roles too far - could lead to harassment
• A solution to that is a training weekend for preventative measures

My dear knights and ladies! The Renaissance Pleasure Faire is on it's last two weekends for the 2019 season! So if you can, get out there and go enjoy it! :)

Dr. Facilier - me ( Cosplay/personal - @bosshachi_08/ Photography - @himawarisayscheese)
Taken by @pyrozack & edited by me

Till Next Time!

-Hachi

Not an Itty Bitty Waist of Time! - Orchard Corset Review

Hi all! I hope you've been well! Today's blog has been a long time coming. It's the first of two corset review blogs I am planning to do. How exciting, huh? My biggest issue when writing blogs isn't coming up with the context of a blog because I have plenty to say and write about. My biggest issue is writer's block. Losing the motivation to write on occasion even though I really want to. It also did not help that after posting my last con blog, that I and several other press members were subject to constant harassment. All is well and I am alright. As a result, that is also why the Lvl Up Expo blog has been delayed so long as well. It will be coming within the next couple of weeks or so. With that being said, away we go with today's blog!

So today I am reviewing the CS-426 Longline by Orchard Corset in Black Satin size 30. I received this corset after being featured on Orchard Corset's Waist Training Before & After Results for waist training in my CS-201 waspie corset. Although this corset was given to me for being featured, I always give completely honest reviews and will tell it like it is.

For those of you that don't know how corset sizing works, the size number is how small in inches your waist will be. My natural waist on a good day is 36" now, and with this corset, I can comfortably size down to 30" (It is actually too big for me now, and I will need to get either a size 26 or 28, depending on fabric). Yes, I can still breathe & eat, contrary to popular belief. I also do most of my photography in my cosplays while in this corset. I have been waist training for about two years now and have become quite adapted to life in a corset. People wear corsets for a multitude of reasons. Some people wear them for the dramatic hourglass aesthetic, while others may wear them for cosplay, pin up, and/or burlesque aesthetics or for medical reasons like bloating, posture, back pain, etc. The list goes on. My main uses for my corsets are cosplay, pin up, anxiety, and bloating. I also wear a corset about four days out of the week.

So, this is how Orchard sends their corsets to you, wrapped up like a burrito. I like their sticker because it reminds me a bit of the Tree of Life, but that is another story. Anyway, all of their corsets are already laced up for you, so you just slip it on, and let the seasoning begin!  You can also purchase new laces, and Orchard has many YouTube videos teaching you the way of the corset.

I was recently on a Cosplay and Corsets panel at Comic Con Revolution Ontario in mid May with my friend Crystal Rose Creations and a few other lovely corset wearing ladies and we gave tips and eased tensions about corset wearing during cosplay. My cosplay/personal IG is @bosshachi_08. On there you can find various pictures of me in my well seasoned corsets. Seasoning is the best way to get your corset to fit your body in a safe and proper way. Word to the wise, the proper way to season a corset is to have it feel like a warm hug, not like a vice grip or like someone is trying to squeeze the life out of you. If you feel pain, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, loosen up your corset, and discontinue usage in the meantime. Actually, the reason why I like wearing corsets is because that hugging sensation is calming for a person prone to anxiety. Also, consider inquiring with Orchard's sizing department to find a size suitable for your body type. Squishiness, along with torso length factors into a lot of how sizing works and how corsets will look on you as well.

Pre-opening

How it looks straight out of the wrapping paper

Never before worn and unwrapped!

My first time wearing this corset! and one of the few times it was on the outside of my clothes :)

One thing about me is that I absolutely LOVE stealthing in my corsets. Stealthing involves wearing your corset under your clothes so that it is not visible. I will seldom wear this particular corset on the outside of my clothing because it's so long and it does not work well with much of what I wear as an "outside" corset. While I do not go to great lengths to hide that I am wearing a corset, I like the satin because it is smooth and the clothing clings to it well. I personally see no reason to hide the fact that I have a corset on, even if it is under my clothing, and will actively tell people I have one on.

Stealthing as Lucoa from Kobayashi's Dragon Maid at Los Angeles Comic Con 2017 - Photography courtesy of @jackofalltradesx11 :)

Cosplaying as Gijinka Butterfree from Pokemon at Anime Impulse 2018 - Photography Courtesy of @tammohawk.photography :)

Pin up Aesthetics for a photo meet (This look went on to be published in Sex Kitten Pin-Up Magazine)

Unfortunately, all good things eventually come to an end. After about six months of usage, my corset's boning started to come out of the fabric. This is the second corset by Orchard that I own that has had this problem. I think a simple solution is to use tougher fabric to hem the edges with because otherwise, it will keep coming apart like this. My other corset by them is the CS-201 in Grey Cotton, and it also came apart in the same fashion around the same amount of time - except at the closure hooks. It might be a coincidence, but it still makes me sad.

Boning coming out of the back of the corset :(

CS-426 Longline - 8/10 stars.
Pros -

• Natural hourglass (probably the thing I love the most about Orchard's line <3 )
• Great for Stealthing
• Comes in other styles: Leather, PVC, Cotton, Mesh, Brocade, with/without hip ties
• In fact, I would still love to get a mesh corset strictly for the hot California summer and those conventions that I cosplay at.
• Standard option for shorter waists
• Option for plus-sized women 
• Hashtag #orchardcorset and the name of the corset (#cs426 or #cs426longline) and they will feature anyone on their page, not just "famous" people like other companies.
• Orchard Corset also holds weekly, weekend contests to win a free corset on their facebook page - great for those that are frugal or cost-mindful like me to have a shot to win a corset. :)

Cons-

• Can be pricy - Ranges from $70-80$ for standard and $76-$86 for longline
• Boning comes out of the fabric after about half a year of continuous usage
• I have a long waist, but smallish hips, which somewhat made it look a little awkward in the back at times. 
• Can make your skin sweat, bruise, itch with certain bras regardless of tightness.
•  However, they have offered a fix for that with their new bamboo corset liners that go under the corset. I am curious to try one out since they are only $9.99 and I am cheap. :')

Anyhoo, that's all I got for you guys today! If you have any corset questions, or have any brands you would like to recommend that I check out in the future, let me know in the comments below. :)  I also have the patterns to make my own corset, I just need to the time and the money haha.


Till next time,

Hachi

Merry Christmas Photography!🎄🎄🎄

Hi all! Merry Christmas! I know that this post is a little bit late in the day, but I hope that everyone has had a wonderful day with their loved ones. I would like to share with you all a few of the photos I received from my first ever Christmas cosplay, so I hope you can enjoy that as a present from me. Eat, drink, and be merry as we end our Christmas night in the United States.  Also, just one more week left until 2018, so try your best to make 2017 end on a positive note. End this chapter of your life full of greatness! Without further ado, here are my Christmas Morrigan photos from various photographers during the Inland Empire Cosplay Gathering. I'll also post a couple of the photos I took at the gathering as well since I am a cosplaying photographer as well. 😊

Photography courtesy of Shameless Self Photography

Photography courtesy of Matthew Keiser

Photography courtesy of John Matter

Photography courtesy of Shameless Self Photography

Cosplayer - "Casual Goku" MVious Cosplay

Cosplayer - "Gijinka Ninetales" Kira Masquerade

Cosplayer - "Kuzan" Snazzy Jazzie

That's all for now you guys! I hope the photos were to your liking. If you guys ever need a photographer, I'm free for cosplay gatherings, photo meets, and conventions due to personal preference, but all private shoots start at 25$/hour, cheaper than most because I am just starting out. Anyway, I hope your Christmas is amazing and if I don't post before the new year have a happy start to your 2018!!💖💖 Let me know in the comments below how you intend to ring in the new year.

Till Next Time!

-Hachi

Ready, Set, Shoot! 📸

Self-Portrait with my Samsung Galaxy S7 - I have since upgraded bags and my phone to S8+

Hi all! I hope everyone's weekend has treated them well! Today's blog is actually about my photography hobby. Last month, I purchased the Sony Alpha A6000 in black with some accessories to go along with it. I've also gotten very involved with the portrait photography world down in Southern California. By involved, I mean that I've been going to various "street meets. Street meets are typically informal photography gatherings where photographers and models meet and do collaborative shoots. Depending on the location of the meets, some models might do fire performances or smoke performing. It makes for really nice shots. I have a preference to attend street meets on the weekends because I am noticing that those tend to be at actual locations as opposed to the weekday meets that end up being on random streets. I avoid those mostly because they attract unwanted attention at times. My favorite street meet was actually mermaid themed at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro. I'm really excited to show you guys my photography. I will photograph anyone that asks nicely at conventions, gatherings,  or street meets. I am the furthest from being a photography elitist that only shoots well known people. Open minded photography is the best kind of photography and allows a photographer to grow their skills. I don't think I would ever consider myself as a pro even when I start doing photography as a side-business next year because that means I'll stop growing. Here are my main takeaways from being a photographer: mutual respect between fellow photographers is an amazing thing, network and get to know your models, never stop allowing room for growth, and most importantly of all, just have fun. Not everything has to be a competition. Now without further ado, here's some of my favorite shots from my A6000. All of these were edited in the Lightroom App with portraits occasionally also edited in Airbrush.

Taken at the L.A. Cosplay shootout - Model: @annjelife

Taken at the mermaid themed street meet  - Model: @jayylivefastdiepretty

Taken at the mermaid themed street meet -Model: @jesssickaaa

Taken at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, CA

Taken at Irvine Spectrum Center and edited with color pop

That's all for now everyone ! I hope you like my work! Let me know in the comments below if you want to see my editing process & I'll try and make it happen. Also, portraits vs landscape, which do you prefer? (In general, I mean).

Till next time!

-Hachi 

These Peepers are Hep!

Hi all! I went home for the holiday and was able to pick up my new glasses! Although I take many photos without my glasses, I am practically a full time glasses wearer. My style of choice varies between large squares, small squares, and a simplistic vintage cat's eye. However, I am also a big fan of sunglasses, especially ones that encompass the vintage styles of the 40s and 50s. I am a huge history buff of the World War Two, and early post war era - (1945-1950s).  I really enjoy the styles because I am very interested in Pin Up. Occasionally, I will do pin up photography with my friends that are also hobbyists. Anyhoo, I came across this eye-wear company, Warby Parker, that specializes in vintage-inspired eyewear and unique sunglasses and fell in love!

You'll be a total cat wearing these binoculars! They start at $145, and that's a really good price for an American specialty brand, especially for being vintage inspired. Also, if you have an eye prescription, you can fill in the information and you'll be seeing 20/20 in no time! I'll clue you in on the newest sunglasses collection that Warby Parker has.

Photo from Warby Parker's Newest Collection

This collection just launched on June 13th. It's inspired by the 1955's look of bold brow-lines and mixed materials. The particular materials used in this collection are acetate and stainless steel. This means that the glasses will be rather durable and shouldn't break easily on you.

The style also looks good with no tint as well. I could see myself wearing these particular frames for a summer-esque pin up shoot. For instance, a high waisted pair of shorts or jeans and then paired with a Gretta top.

Photo from Warby Parker's Newest Collection

My favorite style of the collection, however, is the Addie. I am a bit of an odd ball and I feel like the style accentuates my eccentricities. It's very similar to a cat's eye, which was extremely in style with women in the 1950's and is currently making a comeback today, much to my excitement! Each of the styles come with two color options, but for the Addie, I would choose the Lapis crystal with Midnight Gradient Lenses. Blue is my favorite color, so I am a sucker for any thing blue. The threads I could pair with those are almost limitless. I live for A-line skirts, so that would be my go to for those. Either way, this whole collection sure is swell.

Photo from Warby Parker's Newest Collection

Here's glossary of all the 1950's terms I've used throughout the blog. Check out more terms here :

Peepers = Glasses
Hep = With it, or cool
Cat = Hip person
Binoculars = Glasses
Dolly = Cute girl
Flatter Bum = Good looking guy
"I'll Clue You" = "I'll fill you in"
Odd Ball = Someone a bit off the norm
Threads = Clothes
Swell = Great, good, or wonderful

I hope you've enjoyed today's blog and let me know in the comments below what styles of eye wear you like!

Till Next Time!

-Hachi