Thanks to the DNR family for welcoming Seba to the Euro-Visual band, and giving me a shout-out. More news about their upcoming tour to come. Stay dreamer!

My Cherry Bomb Killer Perfume giveaway ends tomorrow… hurry and get your entries in. Here’s my second look, inspired by the Truth or Dare scent. Peach blossom is mixed with soft floral and bakery notes in this fragrance.

To me, wearing a metaphorical mask (whether it’s a person’s strong styling, fashion, or image) can be negatively seen as hiding the Truth — as if you’re putting on a false front. But I’d rather think of masks as glamorous embellishments that give you the courage to step out there, and live out your dreams. Personally, I know I feel more Daring when I’m decked out.

I love how Cherry Bomb’s scents are formulated for alternative girls, who aren’t keen on schmaltzy “rolling around on the beach” image of mainstream perfumes. Best of all, the heart bottles are a fashion statement: you can wear them as a keychain, necklace, or even a headband dangle.

I’m wearing blue sparkle nailpolish, and a sample coat from my Hong Kong uncle’s garment factory.

Oh! How I love the nautical baby doll heels, gifted from T.U.K. Shoes. The whole Anchors Aweigh collection is made for sailor girls and pirates.

In addition to alternative-Goth-punk shoes, T.U.K. sent me several stacks of skull stickers. I stuck them onto my laptop — instant pirate vessel.

Stickers are one of my favorite (and easiest) ways to customize items. I skulled up my passport holder, and covered a notebook with Hello Kitty stickers. (Yes, I’ll be using it for my travel reporting.)

The perfume giveaway ends soon… quick, enter now! Two lucky winners will receive bottles of Cherry Bomb Killer scents.

TO ENTER: It’s prom season… tell us, who would be your dream date to prom, and why? You get 1 point for each method of entry:

1) Comment on La Carmina’s Facebook, sharing your answer.
2) Tweet the following: “My dream date to the prom is XXX. How bout you? Tell @lacarmina + you can WIN cute Cherry Bomb Killer Perfume! LINK”
3) Spread the word about the giveaway via a blog post, Tumblr, forum, etc… Then, leave a comment with a link to your post. The more ways you promote the contest, the more chances you have to win.

Open internationally. Contest ends XXX at midnight Pacific Time. Winner will be picked at random. Prizes are gifted from Cherry Bomb Killer Perfume; La Carmina is not responsible for lost or undelivered items. If you have questions, send an email.

Want to see more photos of Venetian carnival masks? I did a post about the festival’s history, with photos of the masked revelers.

Have you ever been to Venice? Or worn one of these masks? (I’ll be in Venice soon with Seba.) You can buy Cherry Bomb’s Truth or Dare and Rebel Angel perfumes from Indie Scents.

Song of the Day: Savage – Only You. “Don’t leave me to die (you will survive) You hold me so tight (turn off the light)”

Ladies and gentlemen, presenting our new hair… dyed red in support of Japan! Big kiss to our friends at Toni & Guy, who also styled us for the NOH8 campaign.

I asked for long razored layers and V-shaped bangs, like the Munsters. My hair is highlighted with black, saffron and red.

Pearl and bow headband: gifted from Soho Hearts
Vampire sleeves jacket: gifted from Lip Service
Dead bunny t-shirt: gifted from Skelanimals
Crucifix gem necklace: gifted from Diablo (a brand Seba models for)
Red and black skull tights: gifted from Artisan Socks
Sunglasses: gifted from Sunglass Warehouse (more photos here)
Red skull ring: from Closet Child, Tokyo
Red apple ring: a gift from my mother

Here are the Before photos. My hair was in dire need of a cleanup; the tone was starting to match the browning foliage at the Orlando Hotel!

Sebastiano is wearing a t-shirt and hat by Stand Up The Fragile. He is the main model for this Japanese clothing company, and also designs for it.
Striped jacket: Muji, stolen from my suitcase
Panda bear necklace: gifted from Soho Hearts

Seba loves Whole Foods; there’s nothing like it in Japan. Making his own “salada” and drinking a large skim cappuccino… big smile!

Onwards, to the Toni & Guy Academy in Santa Monica. I enjoyed listening to the student discussions and being their guinea pig. Everyone was eager to work on an alternative hairstyle.

Ta da: red hair for Japan! Seba’s dyed tips are quite bright under the light.

Later, we met my friend Doe Deere of Lime Crime Makeup, and introduced her to the joys of M Cafe.

She and Mark recently moved to LA, and are loving the change.

Isn’t it funny how we match?

Seba and I carried the Japan flag everywhere we went, to show solidarity. It’s a hard time for everyone… I’m grateful for all your comments.

Thanks to Lip Service for blogging about our activities to help Japan. We’ll be featured in an LA Weekly slideshow and interview, and will post more photos and reports ASAP!

Japanese Word of the Day: Sakura zensen = Cherry blossom front, as the trees go into bloom. (Sad that I’ll be missing it this year.)
Song of the Day: Fred Ventura – Wind Of Change (My life has gotten so Italo Disco lately… che palle!!? Translation: what balls!?)

Busy, busy!
♥ I’ve confirmed that I’m hosting a TV show in Tokyo, with arranging by my Pirate Mate Naomi. Details to come.
♥ A big feature about yours truly will be published tomorrow…
♥ Here’s a preview of the Blablahospital modeling shoot that Seba and I did in LA. Photos soon.

I’m also churning out work for Huffington Post. Here is my latest Huff Post article about maintaining good skin while travelling. Please support by reading it here or below. (Likes, Shares and Tweets are always appreciated!)

Airplane Skincare Tips: A Travel TV Host’s Guide to Saving Your Skin
Nothing ravages a complexion faster than a long-haul flight. I’d know. My work puts me on ten-hour plane rides, several times a year. Too often, I’ve left America with a smooth face — and arrived in Asia looking like sandpaper.

Unfortunately, when you’re a travel TV host, having nice skin is essentially a job requirement.

So I’ve done my research, and tested out various skincare routines while on the road. Here’s the sum of my knowledge. May it save your skin.

What to Put in Your Suitcase

Stress makes a mess of skin, so I try to pack well in advance.

What are the safest and most effective products? Take a peek at Beautypedia, a database of science-based cosmetic reviews. It’s search-able by brand, price, and rating — and free until February 28th.

Remember to bring…
♥ Daily skincare items: cleanser, toner, moisturizer (ideally with sun protection).
♥ An exfoliant, to remove the dead layers of skin. Choose an AHA or BHA formula (this is the difference) over harsh facial scrubs.
♥ Don’t forget: makeup remover, cotton swabs, sunscreen, body lotion, speciality products (such as for wrinkles or blemishes).
♥ Omega 3 supplements and low doses of zinc can help improve the skin’s appearance.
♥ I wrap the bottles well, ideally standing up in a waterproof pouch like this one.

Carry-On Baggage Essentials
What’s allowed in the overhead compartment? As of this writing, liquids in 3-ounce containers: as many as can fit in a 1-quart clear, zip-top bag.

My must-haves…
♥ Lip balm. The re-circulated air dries out my lips.
♥ Hand cream. My hands get scruffed from taking out my passport and boarding pass – again and again — before boarding.
♥ On long flights, I pack a 3-ounce bottle of toner and moisturizer to keep refreshed.
♥ For sunny destinations, I bring sunscreen and a hat. For cold climates, a scarf and gloves.

The Day of the Flight
I set aside enough time for my basic routine of cleansing, toning, moisturizing. Instead of wearing makeup, I throw on a pair of big sunglasses.

UV rays are stronger at high altitudes and pass through airplane windows. So I apply loads of sunscreen, or SPF moisturizer.

At the airport, I wash my hands frequently. It’s a general skincare rule – “don’t touch your face” — but especially important in dirty waiting areas.

What to Eat (and Not Eat)
Airport food is not very skin-friendly. (And majorly overpriced. 80 cents for a bruised banana? Please.) I tuck away a nutrient-dense meal before a flight. Lean protein and vegetables type of thing.

Lately, I’ve been skipping the latte in the waiting lounge. Recent research has linked milk and sugar consumption to acne.

I avoid eating on short flights. For long hauls, I order healthy meals in advance (JAL’s vegan meals are surprisingly palatable). I also bring a small bag of organic, unsalted nuts to snack on.

Keeping Hydrated
As soon I sit down, I close the air vent above the seat. When the flight attendant hands out wet towels, I wipe the arm rests and food tray.

I order water, soda water, tomato juice or green tea from the drink cart. Yes, I’m annoying: I’ll ask for the whole can, and push the button for more. Whatever keeps me hydrated.

On longer flights, I’ll tone and moisturize during a bathroom break. I avoid wetting my face with water, since the low-humidity environment sucks moisture out of damp skin.

Upon Arrival
If there’s a climate change, I bundle up or whip out the sun protection.

I try to head straight to my hotel and put my legs up. Fill up on water and search for a healthy meal. Apply a face mask or exfoliant.

And sleep — a lot. The next day, I’m refreshed and ready for the cameras.

How do you salvage your skin when you’re travelling? What are your favorite tips?

Big hugs if you Like, Share or Comment on my Huffington Post article about travel skincare. If you read it carefully, you can also figure out my new TV job…

Japanese Word of the Day: Koutsuhi = Travel expense
Song of the Day: Subtonix – Black Nails In My Coffin

Finally, here is La Carmina’s big fat Osaka alternative shopping guide! Looking for the best Goth Lolita Punk / Visual Kei / Cyber Rave clothing shops in Shinsaibashi, Americamura, Kansai? Read on for maps and photos of the best stores, including Angelic Pretty, Atelier Pierrot and your other favorite brands.

This Japanese streetwear shopping guide is constantly updated, so please visit my blog for the latest posts. (For Goth Industrial EBM Fetish nightclubs in Tokyo and Osaka, visit my comprehensive Nightlife Guide. I also have a TOKYO Goth Lolita Punk store guide.)

If you found my Osaka clothing shop maps and reports helpful, please consider buying one of my Jpop books or leaving me a tip (donate button is below)… this Godzilla-sized guide was the result of much bloodshed and toil…

To receive announcements about prize giveaways, job opportunities and other exciting Japanese fashion news, please subscribe to my mailing list. (I only send emails every 1-2 months, and you can opt out any time.)

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† WHO IS LA CARMINA? † I am a professional Japan / alt fashion blogger, TV host, author of 3 books (Penguin USA and Random House), and journalist (CNNGo, Huffington Post). My popular blog on Japan Gothic Lolita fashion / Visual Kei – www.lacarmina.com/blog – has been featured in major publications (The New Yorker, Washington Post, WWD, Cosmopolitan, LA Times). I’ve appeared on The Today Show and co-hosted an episode of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern for Travel Channel, which airs in 75 countries. NHK Japan filmed a documentary about my work; recent TV hosting and arranging credits include Dutch Pepsi, Sony Australia, Canal Plus France, Norway TV, and CNN International in Tokyo. I will be the Asia host for educational travel TV series, Project Explorer.
View my TV reels and full biography.

I run a coolhunting / trend consulting / TV hosting and arranging company: La Carmina & The Pirates.
- We specialize in Japan, Goth, alternative, cosplay, burlesque, LGBT, fashion, pop culture.
- Our services include TV production coordinating, on-camera hosting, Japanese translation and guiding, coolhunting, consulting.
- We’ve worked with CNN, NHK, Travel Channel, Canal Plus, Sony Australia, Dutch Pepsi, NRK Norway.
- For more about our services, please visit our Pirates website.

Please feel free to contact La Carmina if you’d like to work with me in any capacity (TV hosting, arranging, writing, etc.) You can also keep in touch via my social networks below. Domo arigato gozaimasu!

† † † OSAKA SHOPPING MAP † † †

Most of the alternative / Goth / Punk / Lolita stores are concentrated in the Shinsaibashi district of Osaka, especially Americamura (the triangle-shaped park). Above is a map of that I modified from a page in Kera Magazine. Some stores have closed down or moved; I did my best to update the locations.

Take the subway to Shinsaibashi Station, and walk towards the “canal” (the light blue vertical line on the map above) and Americamura park. From there, you can explore the area and find the stores.

Unlike in Harajuku, the stores are not always located close together, and many are found inside department stores or buildings (such as OPA and Big Step). If this is your first visit, I strongly recommend that you DON’T stress about finding the individual boutiques! Simply walk around Shinsaibashi / Americamura, and meander into the side-streets. You’ll run into incredible Sweet Lolita shops, Fairy Kei accessories and more, I promise. (Photos and reports of the stores are below).

† † † SWEET & GOTHIC LOLITA, PUNK EMO ELECTRO BOUTIQUES † † †

Innocent World – Sweet and Classical Lolita
Atelier Pierrot and Chantilly – Sweet and Classical Lolita
Angelic Pretty, Dr Martens, Shocker, secondhand Osaka Gothic Lolita clothes
Trick Monster – Cyber hair and rave gear
Sexy Dynamite London and Stigmata – Store is now closed down.
Goth Punk brands – including Sex Pot Revenge, Listen Flavor, Iron Fist
Dangerous Nude, Kikirara Shoten, Sex Pot Revenge
Bodyline – inexpensive cosplay, Lolita and Jrock clothes
Black Peace Now and Yosuke shoes – at OPA Department Store
Cutie Frash – Cyber, Wa, Loli
Kera Shop Arena: brands include Heart E, Maple wigs, Blablahospital, Miho Matsuda
Ridiculous Store – bright, used clothing. The ridiculous store is Ridiculous.

† † † OCCULT, TOYS & CUTE GOODS STORES † † †

Bleeding Maria – fortune telling, tarot, magic
Retro toy store – in the same building
Osaka Pokemon Center – Umeda. Sells merchandise of Pikachu and friends.
Aranzi Aronzo and other cute character goods / stationery stores
Territory – DJ Taiki’s black magic and Wicca store

† † † OSAKA JROCK VISUAL KEI CD STORES & BARS † † †

Visual Kei CD store in Shinsaibashi Big Step
Bar Midian – Visual Kei Jrock Metal bar owned by Fu-Ki, vocalist of BLOOD
Bar Rock Rock, Bar Moonwalk and Bar Midian – more heavy metal and VK bars / hangouts

† † † OSAKA GOTH CLUBS & PARTIES † † †

Black Veil – best and longest-running Goth Industrial EBM party in Osaka. Organized by DJ Taiki.
Video of Black Veil 10th anniversary ball, including Dark Marchen and fetish performances.

For photos and reports of TOKYO’S trendiest, weirdest clothing stores, please visit my constantly-updated shopping guide.

Got questions? Leave me a comment in this post. You can find out more about me on my Biography page, and about my Japan trend consulting / tour guiding / TV hosting and fixing company, La Carmina & The Pirates.

Remember when Rob and I interviewed Crispin Hellion Glover about his spooky career and current movie-making? That weekend, we attended his film event at Pacific Cinematheque, as press. I did leopard print nails for the occasion…

DIY leopard print nail art: I painted my nails pink, using OPI polish that I got from a New York Fashion Week swag bag. Using $1 black Daiso nail art polish (it has a fine tip), I painted leopard swirls and splotches. Finally, I filled in some of the “rings” with sparkly magenta polish from Don Quijote in Shinjuku.

The Body Needs sent me their signature TBN eyeshadows to play with. I am officially in love with Shimmers Teal, a white shadow that reflects like ice — perfect for highlighting the inner corners. I’m also impressed by TBN’s Blue-brown Sparkle a modulating mix of colors that I swept over the outer lids. I lined my lids with Graphite for a dark, smoky effect.

While in LA, Sebastiano and I invaded Lip Service headquarters. The mini-skirt and ruffle shrug jacket are from the Nocturnal Rendezvous collection.

Corset: Spider, Hong Kong brand. Seba tried very hard to fit into it.
Bowler hat: an old hat I customized
Purple tights: Old as well.
Crown royal necklace: Black Peace Now, from Closet Child

Crispin Glover began his one-man vaudeville show by reading passages from eight of his books. Each page is gloriously defaced with his unique handwriting and slightly discomforting collages (rats turned inside-out, elephants and swastikas). He then screened his film “What Is It?,” a reaction to the restraints of the corporate film industry, which refuses to distribute any material that might make a youngster slightly uncomfortable. Finally, he answered questions from the audience, such as the motivation and challenges behind using actors with Down’s Syndrome in the production.

Crispin then signed books, and we talked for quite some time. We’re thinking of teaming up and doing something together in Japan… More to come!

Crispin was gracious and genuinely interested in his fans. I think we can induct him in the Super-Exclusive Spooky Friendship Ring Club! Here’s what he signed for Rob; you can pick up his books from his website.

Rob models my new pink-and-black Hello Kitty iPhone cover, a gift from Sparklebee (world’s largest licensee of Sanrio products; check them out for more cute Japanese goods). He customized his bag: Warhol-Gaga-horror.

Crispin Hellion Glover’s is currently touring his films and books in the Pacific Northwest and England! Each event consists of “different combinations of the following”: Big Slide Show (one hour dramatic narration of eight different profusely illustrated books he has made over the years), film screening, Q & A session, book signing. The dates, venues and showtimes are here.

Apologies for the low quality photos… I’ll have more makeup tutorials soon. The Body Needs has a large line of mineral eye shadows and blushes, including MAC samples — can’t wait to keep experimenting!

What do you think of my leopard print nail art? Do you like to experiment with DIY nails? For wild inspiration, come see Yukiro’s nail art masterworks.

Japanese Word of the Day: Hyougara = Leopard print
Song of the Day: Hatsune Miku – World is Mine Live (The Japanese vocoloid teen is taking over the globe.)