Hi, I’m Chie from Zak Zakkka. I’ve just been back to Japan for ten days and one of the things I am so glad that I bought, so much so that I purchased another, is what I am sharing with you today.
I’ve read so much about UKA scalp brush on social media and influencers in Japan but didn’t quite think about putting it on my shopping list, as I didn’t think I would remember to use it on a regular basis. But since one of my beauty trend conscious friends mentioned how good it was out of the blue over lunch, I decided to give it a try. How glad I am that I did!
I searched online after coming back to UK and found that Harrods used to sell them online as well, but it’s been out of stock for a few weeks.
In Japan, it is well known that a stiff scalp can lead to headaches and stiff shoulders and neck and cause premature sagginess in the facial muscle. There are many pressure points in the scalp that can regulate the nervous system, so massaging the scalp is considered as a healing/relaxing treatment. Because a stiff scalp can also trigger bad circulation, it can lead to hair loss and cause grey hair as well.
UKA scalp brush will allow you to treat your scalp daily, right in the comfort of your home. It’s far better than going to a beauty treatment once a month and not doing anything for the rest of the days!
The brush comes in different colours with different hardness, and the black version is a hard” type. The “cones” look really rigid, but they’re made of silicone and the tip gives really easily, so it doesn’t hurt or damage your skin, while putting adequate pressure. I’ve gone for black as there were many reviews saying they’ve opted for a soft one first but immediately went for the harder version afterwards.
You can use UKA scalp brush in the shower or out of the shower. As for myself, I use the brush every time I wash my hair. After applying shampoo to the top of the head, side, and behind the neck and on my strands, I massage my scalp with the brush in an upward movement while applying pressure lightly. It feels really good, and I was surprised how the shampoo lathered into a micro smooth foam, and my hair didn’t get tangled at all. It was a lot easier than using my fingers to massage my scalp, and my hair felt a lot smoother after rinsing shampoo off.
UKA scalp brush “kenzan” fits in your palm, and the butterfly shape makes it easy to grip. It comes with an instruction with drawings about how to massage your scalp, and you can use it in the shower or bath but also when your hair is dry, on pressure points on the scalp or around the face. Just make sure you don’t rub it against your skin or put too much pressure.
I have a paddle brush from Aveda, which is also popular for scalp massaging and tapping, but I’ve found that I couldn’t apply much pressure, and my electric scalp massager didn’t quite hit the right spots. I am really happy that I’ve given uka scalp massager a try, and I am even thinking of gifting this to my Japanese friends next time I go back for a visit!
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Shiseido sells two different eyelash curlers in Japan, #213 and Shiseido Make-up Eyelash Curler. The difference is in the curve, and #213 has a deeper curve compared to Shiseido Make-up Curler. Shiseido Maki-up Eyelash Curlers are available in UK, but are quite pricey and also often sold out. In Japan, #213 is a long selling firm favourite, with its carefully designed curve to match the contour of the eyes and wide opening to slide the lashes in for a more defined curl.
The silicone rubber cushion has a special rounded shape, making it easy to lift the lashes from the roots to the tips without any kinks.
This curler is popular among Asians who tend to have elongated almond shaped eyes, and it sells out often in Japan.
It is slightly wider than Shiseido #213, allowing all the lashes to be curled at one go.
Its edge-free design avoids pinching the eyelid, and it also allows maximum power transfer for more defined curls.
It’s often said that you should choose a curler that is in line with the width of your eyes and matches the curve of your eyes, but that’s easier said than done.
Here’s some comparison to help find your ideal eyelash curler.
When put next to each other, the difference of the curve really stands out.
Shiseido #213 has a larger curve compared to Maquillage, which has a flatter arch.
The curve should match the contour of your eyes so that the curler will capture all the lashes without pinching your eyelids.
Also, Maquillage is a tiny bit wider than Shiseido #213. It may seem like an insignificant difference, but when you actually use them, you can feel how different they are.
I have rounder eyes compared to my daughter’s, and trying both, I found that Shiseido #213 works better for me. All my lashes were in the curler without pinching my eyelid. Maquillage caught my eyelid and I had to adjust the position before squeezing the handle, which isn’t really ideal when I think about using it every day.
My daughter, on the other hand, found Maquillage a better fit. It lifted her lashes really well, where as Shiseido #213 only caught the tips of her lashes because the curve of the curler was too steep for her eyes.
They may only differ by a few millimetres, but when it comes to curling your eyelashes, that’s what makes all the difference!
I hope this review has helped you decide which eyelash curler works better for you. To recap, if you have less contoured eyes, it’s likely that Maquillage eyelash curler will work for you. And if you have flatter, almond eyes, Shiseido #213 will probably work better.
If you’re still unsure, try closing your eyes and touching your eyelid to feel the shape of your eyeballs. It may sound silly, but if you compare it with someone else, you will get a pretty good idea of the contour or your eyes.
If Shiseido #213 is for you, click here
and if Maquillage is a fit for you, here’s the link.
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Tatami actually lies at the heart of Japanese culture, considering that the majority of houses contain tatami rooms. They are a traditional woven straw flooring that are unique to Japan and when paired with the old style sliding doors, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the days of the samurai. You can feel at one with nature and a Japanese culture connoisseur whilst basking in the ambiance of tatami.
That’s right! A Japanese style room without tatami would be like chips without vinegar, a day without sunshine, a scone without cream & jam… you get the idea. It’s true that homes in Japan nowadays are becoming more westernized with wooden flooring etc but many homes still have at least one tatami room to use as a sitting area, for celebrations, for guests or even as a bedroom to use a futon in.
A special type of tatami is also used for martial arts such as judo, karate or kendo. Temples, restaurants and inns may also have tatami rooms so you’re bound to experience the joys of tatami when traveling Japan. There are two types of placement for tatami mats; Shugijiki which is the most popular way done in normal households and Fushugijiki which is only used for funerals as a custom to avoid bad luck. Shoes must always be removed before stepping onto tatami as it can damage them. Sitting manners are also very important when sitting on tatami, especially if you’re a guest. One should try their best at seiza position (find out how below) until your host insists you relax, whereby it’s ok to sit casually in a crossed legged position. Tatami is also necessary for the perfect Japanese tea room experience…
“It is popular for its calming scent, natural texture, and comfortable feel” – RealEstate-Tokyo
Tea ceremonies date back to the 9th century and are a beautiful cultural activity continued today that involves the ceremonial preparation and presentation of powdered green tea A.K.A. Matcha. Yet, you can’t have a ceremony without the right setting… and the right setting is in a Japanese tea room A.K.A Chashitsu. A typical room is made of wood with elegant sliding doors and finished off with tatami mats. The Japanese take their tea very seriously; they even have schools to learn ‘the way of tea’ correctly with the principles during a tea ceremony as: respect, purity, harmony and tranquility. You enter the tea room and sit on the tatami in seiza position where you bend your legs and sit on them, with your feet crossed under your bottom.
As tatami is made of great, comfortable material, it makes sitting in this position easier.
The use of tatami dates back as far as the Heian period (794-1185) when piles of straw became thicker and thicker and people used this to make resting on the floor more comfortable. It wasn’t until the Muromachi period (1338-1573) that all rooms were floored with tatami mats. However tatami was really only used by the wealthy in their study rooms until it became more customary amongst commoners to use tatami in their sleeping areas.
Today most houses have home tatami and get this… you can even find a Starbucks in Kyoto with tatami! Tatami were traditionally woven from rice straw and could be folded and stacked giving it its name, tatami (tatamu means to fold and tatami comes from the word tatamu).
Yoga is a well known and popular exercise and for many reasons;
it’s known to improve flexibility and strength as it stretches your muscles. It helps create a beautiful posture as the muscles in your stomach and back become stronger, which also reduces back pain. Not only is it great physically, but mentally too as it eases stress and anxiety. Yoga involves breathing exercises that make you focus on your breath and nothing else so it is also a type of meditation to help melt away the day’s stresses. Yoga also improves sleep so if it’s a good night’s sleep you’ve been craving, perhaps it’s time to give yoga a try?
And to make your yoga experience even more soul-cleansing, why not combine the contemplative past time with tatami to really tap into mindfulness. But to have the luxury of tatami at home surely you’d have to go to so much trouble? You’d have to rip up your carpet and pay so much to import the ‘real deal’ right? Wrong! With a tatami yoga mat you can happily enjoy yoga AND tatami without the hassle of importing large mats, large costs and large hassle.
“The tatami yoga mats are perfect for anyone who wants to stand out in yoga class, or even just ensure that their mat has less of an impact on the natural environment” – Japan Goods Finder
These tatami yoga mats are proudly certified by yoga instructors in Japan. They are made from Japanese Igusa (also known as rushes) that have a beautiful thick skin, fine fibers, superior elasticity and excellent durability making it worth every penny. What are rushes?
They’re a plant that have very smooth, long, cylindrical stalks with hairless stem-like leaves. The rushes used to create these tatami yoga mats are from Kyushu in Japan so you know that these mats are definitely made in Japan. The rushes have been treated with Aomori Hiba (a type of cypress tree) to ensure an antibacterial and deodorized effect. Igusa has a refreshing and healing grassy smell that makes you feel lifted and relaxed.
Igusa not only smells fantastic but it also has many great qualities that make it the perfect material for mats – air purification, regulates humidity, heat insulation, elasticity, cooling, eco-friendly AND sound absorbing on top of being smooth to the touch. Not only is it great as a yoga mat but also makes a great space to sit or lie and relax. Make a cup of tea and contemplate or meditate or just play on your phone; all whilst enjoying Japanese tatami in your own home.
“An earthy fragrance that delights your senses” - Bedlyft
The back of the mat is made of PVC rubber so you won’t be slipping and sliding about the gaff when you’re attempting your down dog or one legged king pigeon pose! It also ensures adequate cushioning so no pain whilst working out. Zak Zakka has four beautiful and unique designs to choose from including plain (green), earth navy, joy (which looks like a beautiful sunset) and my personal favourite; sakura Fuji which are cherry blossoms against a background of Mount Fuji… you can’t get anymore Japanese than that!
Feel, touch and experience the nature and culture of Japan in your own home with a tatami yoga mat. If you close your eyes and take a deep inhale, with the fresh scent of Igusa you can imagine you’re sitting in a tea room in Kyoto. You’re guaranteed to receive plenty of compliments on your special mat if you use your mat at the gym, and you yourself will smile with delight with every use as you workout on top of your favourite design. Your ticket to complete relaxed awareness and mindfulness is just a click away; Zak Zakka is ready and waiting for your order of the non-slip tatami yoga mat.
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To put it bluntly, hokkairo is a charcoal hand warmer; just without the charcoal mess and with all the warmth. The special charcoal activates once you open the packet and shake it about to ooze heat. Not only does it generate heat, but it also has a great technology that maintains that comfortable, warm temperature for a long time. This product gets to a temperature as high as 64°C but don’t worry; it’s cleverly made so that you won’t burn yourself. You’ll be lulled by the wonderfully warm invention. In fact, even at such a mini size, it lasts for about 10 hours!! It’s not limited to just warming your hands either. As it’s a “sticking-type” brand, this heat pack will stick firmly to anywhere you want warming on your body as you can stick it to your clothes or body. Personally, I love putting them in my boots to keep my toes roasty-toasty but they’re also good for shoulders, the bottom of your back, back of your neck, your hands or even your waist!
Did you know that hokkairo originated from Japan? Thus it is a proud Japanese technology! Its recognition in various countries around the world is gradually increasing. Therefore, similar products may be now on the market, however to be honest, I’d have to say that the original Japanese hokkairo is a product of perfection and is unmatched!
The next time you have that cold feeling in your back or want that warmth boost that gloves just can’t provide, have a go at using a marvelous hokkairo heat pack. It is perfect for winter commuting as it’s ideal for protection against the cold and keeping you as snug as a bug in a rug. Even on mornings when you have to drag yourself out of your cozy covers; with the hokkairo it’ll be like you’re still snuggled up whilst waiting for your bus. Many people in the UK still don't know of the wonderful Japanese technology of hokkairo, so I definitely recommend it as a gift. Give the gift of warmth this winter and survive the bitter cold in England with the hokkairo heat pad that Japan is so proud of (your tootsies will thank you!).
]]>Just wrap the hair turban towel around your noggin after the shower and this quick dry hair towel does all the hard work for you. As it’s made of microfiber, it’s not only beautifully soft and fluffy but also absorbs the moisture quickly without causing damage to your hair. Did you know microfiber dries 3x better than cotton and causes less friction when rubbing which means less breakage and less frizz? You can say goodbye to your after shower hair problems like using the hair dryer for what feels like FOREVER or getting the cuff and back of your pajamas wet from dripping wet hair. There’s a button on the back that also helps to fix the turban in place and as it’s a ‘one size fits all’, there’s no problem with it fitting like a glove! Not only is it practical but it’s also a cute thing to buy as due to some clever wire on the inside, it twists into adorable rabbit ears. You’d be hopping mad not to try it.
A product that is good for all year round, particularly in winter it’s fab as it prevents your wet hair getting cold. So if you’re one of the “fumbling to wrap a bath towel into a turban” crew, why not try this microfiber hair turban to continue that relaxing ritual after your bubbly bath? Christmas is just around the corner, have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Go on, you’ve been good all year; treat yourself to this cute Japanese gift!
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