La Carmina

The Canadian blogger, author, Goth and Harajuku specialist and fashion and travel TV host who’s appeared on Food Network and Travel Channel dishes on how to look like a cute Japanese doll

Morning routine
I keep it simple to avoid over-washing and drying out the skin. I use Paula’s Choice Clear Normalizing Cleanser with room-temperature water (never use water that’s too hot or too cold). Then Paula’s Choice Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 30. It’s key to wear sun protection and stay in the shade, especially if you’re the Gothic type! I also hydrate by drinking plenty of water. My makeup routine depends on what I’m doing; it can range from nothing to full-on visual glam. If I’m wearing makeup, I always begin with Make Up For Ever HD Foundation, and finish with Make
Up For Ever HD Powder. (I avoid brands that test on animals.)

Overnight skin ritual:
I remove all my makeup, especially around the eyes. I stock up on “magical makeup removers” from Japan—Softymo brand wet wipes. They’re the most effective ones I’ve ever used. I use a BHA liquid exfoliant about once a week and always finish with moisturizer.

Who cuts/colors your hair:
The ultra-talented Isolde Montgomery, at Avant Garde Hair Salon in Vancouver. She’s marvelous at alternative
cuts and colors and creative styling: Hello Kitty bow hair, pin-up rolls and more.

Hair habit:
Isolde dyes my hair with Joico K-Pak Color Intensity (recently, we used the pink, orange and yellow shades). I always recommend going to a professional for coloring, especially if you’re bleaching and using rainbow colors. Too many people have damaged their hair by doing it themselves! To maintain the color and structure, I avoid over-washing or processing my hair. I use a boar’s hair brush to keep it clean and shiny. Also invest in professional-quality shampoos and conditioners, such as AG and Schwarzkopf, which don’t test on animals.

Favorite eye look:
I love “kawaii” Japanese eye makeup, which makes you look like a Japanese doll. I create a round, gradually shaded eyeshadow shape, with white along the inside corners. Using a black liquid eyeliner pen (I have a great one from Japan), I line my eyes and draw lashes underneath. I finish with decadent false eyelashes, and sometimes add sticker gems around the eyes.

Go-to lipstick:
Recently, I’ve been playing with sparkly lips. I apply a base color and press on glitter.

Nail color of the moment:
The talented ladies at Glam Nail Studio in Vancouver do my cute, Japanese-style nail art. I use Bio Sculpture Gel, since it won’t chip but also doesn’t damage the nail underneath. I recently had silver sparkle cobwebs, skulls, gems, Rococo swirls and 3D bows.

Signature scent:
None. I’m already irresistible to insects. Wearing scents would induce a feeding frenzy.

“Never without” product:
If you wear false lashes, always carry around eyelash glue. I keep Japanese Dolly Wink glue in my purse. It’s pink with black polka-dots.

Secret to staying young and beautiful:
Sleep a lot (I can do 12-14 hours), have daily fish oil and take time to relax. Those are the secrets of my Buddha-like Scottish Fold cat, Basil Farrow!

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