Tokyo captures people's imagination with its poetic charm. A traveller discovered Japan through the beauty lenses of YUBUNE.

The entrance of YUBUNE Shop(Photo credits: YUBUNE)

A journey through the scents of Japan and its sense of beauty is the experience proposed by the exclusive cosmetic brand YUBUNE. A must-visit in Tokyo.

Sheryl discovers how to relieve stress and fatigue from her full days in the city of Tokyo. In looking for a sense of calmness in her schedule, up-and-coming cosmetic brand Yubune, shares their sensory experience you’d be crazy to miss if you're planning to visit Tokyo this season.

The entrance of YUBUNE Shop (Photo credits: YUBUNE)

When you think about Japan, the first place that comes to your mind is Tokyo. It's a city with overloaded neon lights, minimalist cafes, and meticulously presented delicious food. If you’re anything like me, who enjoys scouting for new and upcoming cafes, one place that recently caught my eye was YUBUNE.

Interestingly, what sets this brand apart is how well they entwine both the modern Japanese demands of cosmetic finesse whilst extracting the undying love of ryokan culture. If you don't know much about ryokan, it's time you look into it before you visit Japan. A game changer at best.

Travellers in search of the exclusive and authentic can be satisfied to the full when it comes to Tokyo. The spirit of Tokyo is original and creative; the devotion of Tokyo shop owners to the customer is unparalleled. YUBUNE offers the traditional purist experience and without spoiling the surprise too much, another element.

YUBUNE store is located in Shinjuku, the heart of Tokyo. Shinjuku alone is famous for its own ecosystem of uncertainty, anonymity and frenzy that tourists and locals alike arrive in complete awe. The perfect location for hidden surprises and YUBUNE strides in with this vibe perfectly.

From the moment I spotted the YUBUNE sign outside, I knew I was in for something else. Along my way, I passed by some highly regarded restaurants, chic cafes, and stunning buildings that added to the overall ambience of this area.

Entering YUBUNE, you're greeted with a beautifully designed interior that exudes cosiness and invites you to stay a while. And I mean a while.

Walking through the front door, what came to my mind immediately was art. Their pure products lined up like a collection you’d see in a Dior museum. Filled with scents that only make you feel the Japanese elegance with modern luxury only Tokyo can give you.

I couldn't help but be mesmerised by the attention to detail in every corner. The decor, the lighting, and the overall layout created a warm and inviting ambience.

The fragrances mentally take you somewhere else. It's like stepping into a dreamy wonderland! All the senses are here at Yubune. That’s how they intentionally curated the experience here.

Aesthetically pleasing to the eyes from first glance, with sounds to their own signature mood, tastes of something delicious in the air but you have that to discover for yourself as you linger. And with what you can touch, and sample; your senses are awakened as you hear the staff tell you the wonderful things inside these refreshing and rejuvenating cosmetics.

Products With A Poetic Story, A Magnificent Phenomena

Yes, I said cosmetics. Japan is loved and admired from afar for its skincare products. If you've ever noticed, most Japanese people have incredibly youthful and radiant skin.

One of the things that YUBUNE will enjoy sharing with you is their careful sourcing of natural ingredients. From organic oils, and mud produced by magnificent natural phenomena, yes, you must ask them about this.

The shop also repurposes raw materials, such as packaging, to help reduce the impact on the environment. That's what I love the most about the shop, they don't just sell products but also help the environment. And it is something I am always looking for ways to support, amongst independent businesses.

So, whether you're a fan of Tokyo's vibrant city life or simply looking to enhance your skin, YUBUNE is worth a visit for your itinerary.

Delving into skincare details is essential, please stick around for exclusive particulars. You can find some serious skincare products at YUBUNE that you won’t get anywhere else.

YUBUNE Product (Photo Credit: YUBUNE)

Naturally All Chemical-free To Achieve That Coveted Japanese Dewy Glow.

Using the mineral-rich hot spring water and Nameko (Japanese mushroom), you are receiving nature's power to help you achieve a flawless complexion.

I personally tried their oxygen skin mist for the face, I learned that oxygen can be effectively delivered to the surface of the skin. What I love about it is that it is vegan, fragrance-free, and it is safe to be used for babies or kids. Isn't that amazing that babies can use the same skincare adults use?

Hair Care by YUBUNE

YUBUNE’s hair products (Photo credit: YUBUNE)

Yubune hair care line is specially formulated to nourish and strengthen your hair using keratin leaving it healthy and shiny. For their hair oils, it contains a high concentration of astaxanthin extracted from algae that helps reduce damage to hair caused by exposure to UV rays, this would be one of your must-haves this summer season.

YUBUNE’s Most-bought Hair Oil (Photo credit: YUBUNE)

One of their most popular products is their shower gel where people who have thin hair can benefit! Containing keratin and ore powder from an actual volcano. The ore powder, when mixed with keratin, creates a powerful blend that leaves hair looking voluminous and healthy. I know.

Fragrances: “Tsuki” Is Our Editor’s Pick

YUBUNE’s fragrance (Photo credit: YUBUNE)

This is something you may have seen viral online. Their fragrances use natural ingredients that have a modern and yet Japanese smell. You’ll know what I mean when you try it. It is a perfect finishing touch to any look to enhance your beauty. Their “Tsuki” (Moon) fragrance is my recommendation. It’s YUBUNE’s new scent and it draws out a scene of the moon reflected with several rice fields lying in tiers on a hillside.

Body Care by YUBUNE

Rice Bran Body Scrub (Photo credit: YUBUNE)

YUBUNE is here to change your perception of body care. They use premium components that work wonders for your body.

Picture this: rice bran, sea salt, and sunflower seed oil coming together to create a magical blend that leaves your skin irresistibly soft and supple.

Not only do their products provide hydration, but it also exfoliates and cleanse your skin, revealing its glow. It's like a spa experience right in the comfort of your own bathroom.

A Foot Bath At YUBUNE’ Cafè

Photo credit: YUBUNE
caption: "Just like the hot springs of Shirahone, their cafe aims to bring you both outer and inner beauty through the healing power of nature."

Step into a world of tranquillity and serenity at their cafe, inspired by the breathtaking beauty of Shirahone in Nagano. Just like the hot springs of Shirahone, their cafe aims to bring you both outer and inner beauty through the healing power of nature. Customers can experience a foot bath to soak their tired city toes and sip traditional tea and sweets.

As you enter, be prepared to be in a realm of relaxation, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature and the refreshing scent of the great outdoors. The ambience is carefully crafted to resemble Shirahone, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a long day. Whether you're seeking a moment of solitude or a swanky place to catch up with friends, YUBUNE's cafe provides the ultimate sanctuary.

Let the healing of nature wash over you, as you take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The Sensory Finish Of Taste: YUBUNE Welcomes You To Feel The Sweetness

Japanese rice ball (Photo credit: YUBUNE)

But wait, it gets even better! Imagine mouthwatering Japanese sweets, made with love. These delectable treats are the perfect companion to your soothing tea, adding an extra touch of sweetness to your pampering session with Japanese sweets.

There's something truly magical about the combination of pleasure, delicious treats, and a warm cup of tea. It's like a mini escape from the chaos of everyday life, allowing you to recharge your mind, body, and soul.

I left the shop feeling like a brand-new person. The stress and fatigue that had been weighing me down all day were replaced with a sense of calmness. It was truly a transformative experience. It is a place that deserves to be shared and cherished.

Find YUBUNE online and hidden gems from the Capital on Instagram with @sherylannee.

YUBUNE is at: 2SKY BLDG 1F, 5-10-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022 with the closest station at a 4-min walk from Shinjuku Sanchome.

We all know that sorting out clothes, shoes and bags can be some people’s worse nightmare. Keeping your wardrobe organised will make life stress-free but what to keep and what to get rid of can sometimes be chaotic.

Ph. Amanda Vick, Unsplash

This guide will unveil the secrets of the "craft" of keeping your wardrobe up to date and always well-organised.

There are different ways of dividing and sorting your clothing and accessories, below the easiest and the most effective.

Dividing Your Wardrobe

The easiest way to sort out your pile of clothes is by dividing each clothing piece into categories. For example, all blazers and jackets will be together, all bottoms – such as skirts, shorts, jeans and trousers – will be next to one another. Therefore, when looking for a jacket to match your jeans, you can see them all against each other and, for that reason, styling an outfit would be simpler. Also, when buying more clothes on a shopping spree you will know what items you may need or want to replace, due to all categories being in one place.
An example of this method is the image below, where all the tops are hung together.

Ph. Priscilla du Preez, Unsplash

The Colour Technique

Another way to organise your wardrobe in a very therapeutic way is by colour coordination. Starting with whites, light pastels, beiges to browns, greys and blacks, making your very own rainbow in your closet. This way, colours are easier to pick out and complement each other. Some of you may have a more neutral rainbow, while others may have bright, bold colours; either way, this is a great way to section your wardrobe to know where everything is and to keep your clothes, looking aesthetically pleasing.

Ph. Liza Summer, Pexels

Address The Seasons

The last way to arrange your closet is by season, which is a great way to store your clothes in a time when you may not need them.

Winter clothes are bulky and thick compared to the clothes you wear during the summer period. Therefore, it is undeniable that you may need more closet space in the coldest months. Instead of throwing your favourite summer dresses which – you know well – you will not be able to wear, store them. It could be in a suitcase, a box or in a spare room to maintain their quality, just be careful not to store them anywhere damp. This simple way of separating clothes to weather-coordinated will save you storage and money, while also keeping your wardrobe tidy and accessible. Make sure to keep those statement pieces and give away those that are purely a miss.

With these three tips on the ways to organise your wardrobe, you should have a tidy and iconic setup in no time – just without the hassle.

Bring back the joy of sharing with your favourite bunch of people! Fountain has plenty of fresh and natural drinks for memorable times together.

Ageing is a natural part of life, it is inevitable, but there is also truth in the saying ‘we are only as old as we feel’. Listening to your body really helps head off aches down the ages. 

Gyms can be fairly polarising places: people either love them or hate them. If you are looking to get in shape, working out at a gym can be useful, but what about if the gym is not for you? In that case, you can simply find other alternatives.

Ph. RF._.studio, Pexels

Gyms are not for everybody, but they are not the only places where you can tone up, get fit, and get healthy. Gyms can be intimidating for some or expensive; they can get crowded, and be time-consuming if you consider the time to get there. Luckily, gyms are not the only option when it comes to working out.

Whether you are working out indoors or outdoors, there are still plenty of options for people looking to get in shape, you just need to know where to look and what to do! Here are 3 ways to get fit and healthy without the gym.

Hiking

Ph. Kamaji Ogino, Pexels

One of the easiest ways to get fit without the gym is to take up hiking. Hiking is a great alternative because it allows you to get outdoors and get some fresh air, which does wonders for your mental health. Add to this, the fact that many hiking trails are set amongst stunning scenery, and it is easy to see why hiking is proving to be so popular amongst physically active individuals, especially since lockdown. Hiking is not just good for your mental health, it is also a great form of low-impact cardiovascular exercise, making it ideal for weight management, cardiovascular health, and fitness in general.

Ph. Jaime Reimer, Pexels

Cycling

Ph. The Lazy Artist Gallery, Pexels

Another fun outdoor activity proven to help shed those extra pounds is cycling. Cycling is a great form of cardio that burns a serious amount of calories, while also toning the muscles, especially in the lower body. If you want to shape and tone your legs and glutes to build a defined and shapely booty, cycling really works the lower body muscles, while also promoting cardiovascular fitness in the process.

Now, you could take up cycling and hit some of the many beautiful cycle trails near you several times a week, or you could just swap the car for a bike and cycle to work or to the local store to pick up a few essentials instead.

Stream-home Workouts

Ph. Marta Wave, Pexels

Thanks to websites like YouTube, finding workouts everyone can perform at home is now easier than ever before.

If you are not keen on working out at the gym, or if you simply cannot work out at the gym, why not exercise in the comfort of your own home instead? Home workout videos are great because they are designed to be done at home with minimal or no equipment at all. From dance workouts and HIIT, to bodyweight circuits and yoga, finding workout videos and programs that you can do at home in your own front room has never been easier.

Ph. Andrea Piacquadio, Pexels

If you commit to these workouts and gym alternatives by really giving them your all, you will burn hundreds of calories, tone up, and get an awesome endorphin rush. You will feel better than ever before without the gym.

Starting its life as an original panel artwork, the botanical vista had been hand-painted onto delicate crepe paper, which was later translated into three striking fashionable colours.

Illustrating vibrant combinations in tropical-inspired hues, each pattern features large, leafy foliage and carefully camouflaged cranes, adding to the drama of the look.

From jewel-toned velvet to pared-back plain weave, the collection offers an array of upholstery options to perfectly complement each pattern.

Combining maximalist patterns with an abundance of colour, the Botanical collection introduces a bold and exiting palette, that will add drama to any living space. Featuring three beautiful ranges, Tropicana, Paradiso and Verdosa, the collection includes sofas, handy footstools and accompanying accents chairs. Available with or without the prints, the designs are available in twelve colours including luxurious velvets and sophisticated plain weaves.

Inspired by the rhythm of nature, the three whimsical patterns - Midnight, Emerald and Calypso, are woven cleverly throughout the collection. Placed across seat edging, scatter cushions and footstools, each motif delicately edges over every design, leaving a trail of playful patterns throughout the living space.

Hand upholstered in the UK, the seat and back cushions are both reversible and luxuriously comfortable. An array of popular design details are celebrated across the collection, from elegant scroll arms and carved wooden feet to Mid-Century inspired tapered legs and sleek buttoned-backs.


Available with or without pattern the Botanical collection is available now both in stores and online prices start from £295

grüum, Manchester-based skincare and haircare brand, launched a new range of sustainable wash bags to help fighting ocean pollution thanks to a toiletry essential.

The desire to travel was going to peek out sooner or later. Now that you can travel with more freedom, how to pack your luggage with confidence? We have searched and put in practice smart tips that will change once and for all the way you prepare your suitcase.

Photo by Daria Shevtsova, Pexels

Travelling is an enjoyable experience but getting ready to reach your destination can be rather stressful. Packing your luggage is not always as straightforward but with these 15 tips, you are going to pack like a pro traveller.

Maybe you are not used anymore to pack for long distances, maybe you wish to bring all your wardrobe with you or you want to fly with peace of mind. Between strict regulations and security checks, without mentioning airlines' endless policies, packing your suitcases is never that easy. The tip list unrolled in this blog will show you how to pack your luggage as a game. 'Playing Tetris' turns your luggage into an easy-to-solve puzzle and also allows you to save some space for extra souvenirs. Shall we play Tetris?

1) Find The Right Luggage

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych, Pexels

If you plan to travel by plane, your suitcase may need to have specific dimensions to fit properly and safely inside a cabin. In any case, hard-shell luggage is the most reliable and lasting choice. It is an investment over time that will protect your belongings and also suggests you when much is too much. 4-wheel models are the easiest suitcases to carry around. A little push goes a long way!

2) Make A List And Check It
This game needs some logic. Exactly like you do your usual grocery list, write down a list of essentials and clothing you will need. As the packing day approaches, do a final check to make sure you do not forget important items on your way.

3) Lay Everything On Your Bed
This elementary tip will prevent you to throw everything instinctively in your bag. Place your essentials, toiletries bag and especially your clothing selection flat on your bed. Now you have a clearer view of what you want to bring and what you need. From here you can start your final selection.

Photo by Monstera, Pexels

4) Build Your Outfit Ahead
Much depends on your travel destination but always try to pack as light as possible. Wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane and pack garments that you can layer up for the breeziest nights. Plan your underwear based on the days of vacation and include a 'fancier' outfit. Remember: never bring too much with you. Most of the time, those 'just in case' outfits will sit undisturbed at the bottom of your luggage.

5) 'Shoe Tetris'
Let's the game begin! You will soon realise that packing your suitcase is like Tetris: once you know your pieces, you can turn them to stuck them neatly. You can save extra space if you put your shoes heel to toe and stuff them with your socks. Make sure to wrap them in a plastic bag and place them at the bottom of your suitcase to keep dirt away from your nice clothes.

6) The Heaviest First
It may sound obvious but the heaviest belongings should be placed at the bottom of your suitcase or backpack. The gravity will push them down naturally anyway. With this tip, you will not squish or break anything else.

7) Rolls And Cubes

Photo by Vlada Karpovich, Pexels

Roll your clothes to gain more space and use packing cubes or cheaper Ziplock bags to keep everything well organised and protected.

8) Dirty Business
The joy of packing is dealing with clean and nicely folded clothes but you will need to pack your dirty outfits at some point. Bring with you some spare plastic bags to store used clothes away.

9) Extra Bag: Allowed

Photo by Bagpad

You may want to bring with you a nice pochette to match that fancy outfit mentioned earlier. Stuff your handbag with soft clothes or use special paddings that will prevent your leather and vegan handbag to crease or lose its original shape. You can try a bag padding like Bagpad that matches your signature handbag dimensions. 

10) Makeup Made Easy
'Less is more' applies to makeup when travelling. Minimise your makeup allowance by selecting multipurpose cosmetics and crayons that can work on eyes, lips and cheeks. Slim down your list and forget the most valuable palette in your stash and big liquid products. Opt for a compact face & eyes palette with versatile and neutral shades you can use day to night. 

11) Protect Your Beauty
Invest in a padded makeup pouch as makeup artists will do or recycle bubble wraps from other packagings. This cheap quick fix will protect your compacts from impacts and damages whether you are travelling by plane, train, coach or car.

12) The Toiletries Dilemma
It is crucial to know in which bag you are going to store your toiletries: is it your hold luggage or your carry-on?
Hold luggage offers more freedom for what concerns the size of your liquids, excluding nail polishes which are forbidden. Although this should be the rule, always check your airline company policies and list of prohibited items on board. Your carry-on or hand luggage toiletries need to comply with air travel safety regulations: each liquid item must be no more than 10 0ml and must fit in a clear and resealable plastic bag with a max volume of 1 litre, measuring around 20x20cm.

13) Smart Travel Sizes

Photo by Sarah Chai, Pexels

Of course, none of your regular liquid treatments or personal care products will fit the above requirements. The bad news is that you cannot take with you your half-used bottles as they will be rejected at the checking area. Travel sizes are the solution but we guess you want to travel both light and smart. Cosmetic travel-size products are easy to find in any drugstore but they are expensive compared to the full-size version. Creating your own travel sizes is cheap and very easy, you can turn any treatment, liquid makeup or personal care product into a travel size with mini containers or sustainable travel sets like this we have tested for you.

14) Toliteries Come First
Now that you have cut down the size of your essential toiletries and prepared your pouch ready for inspection, keep it at the very top of your hand luggage, so that it is easy to reach before entering the safety check area.

15) Tandem Travel, Safe X2

Photo by Mikhail Nilov, Pexels

A fight being cancelled is a nightmare but losing a big suitcase is equally frightening. Here, travelling as a couple is safer for both. Have a spare outfit of your travel companion in your hand luggage and so your friend or partner. In the worst scenario ever, both will have something for a quick change while waiting to retrieve the missing bag.

Photo by Shopify Partners, Burst

Solo traveller? If you are travelling alone with two pieces of luggage, save your trip by having always at least one complete spare outfit in your hand luggage in case your hold suitcase gets lost. Also keep your medications, documents and power charger in your hand suitcase to protect the most valuable items closer to you and keep your mobile always charged.

These tested 15 smart packing tips will drastically cut the time you need to pack your bags so that you can enjoy your journey, seat back and relax.

Many people dream of building the perfect walk-in wardrobe. Luxurious, spacious, glamorous, with or without an island, with plenty of shoe storage – everyone has different tastes when it comes to designing their dream dressing room.

It is incredible how something simple and trendy like buying second-hand shows to be the best choice for the planet and ourselves when paired with a healthy decluttering and an organised spring cleaning.

Photo by Cottonbro, Pexels

Choosing second-hand can help our finances and break today's consumeristic chain. To kickstart the change, consider decluttering. Interiors therapist Suzanne Roynon offers expert advice on how to carry out a sustainable spring cleaning.

Social Habits And Data

Photo by Julia M. Cameron, Pexels

We all collect more than we need either for the sentimental link to gift, an impulsive shopping spree or the hope to squeeze back inside some dear, old and shrunk clothes. An annual wardrobe spring clean can be the perfect way to give unwanted clothing a new lease of life. The latest data from Shpock’s annual Second Hand Effect report, released ahead of World Environment Day (5th June), shows Britons potentially saved 5,175 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions last year by buying and selling on the app – which is the equivalent amount of emissions as driving around the world in a standard car 574 times or driving to the moon 60 times.

Pros Of Decluttering And Second-hand

Photo by Victoria Borodinova, Pexels

Decluttering is a satisfying and healthy habit to gain more space and clear our mind in one go. It often starts from clothing and it ignites a green renovation. Giving away, or re-homing pre-owned clothing contributes to a circular economy; while buying second-hand translates into saving in gas emission, usage of water and wastage during the production chain. From January 2021 to March 2021, Shpock data saw the number of fashion items sold on its website increase by a third on average (33%) and future predictions show that by shopping on marketplaces, Britons could be potentially saving 1.2 million tonnes of plastic, 7.8 million tonnes of steel and 0.7 million tonnes of aluminium.

Photo by Rachel Claire, Pexels

Interiors therapist Suzanne Roynon shares her top tips and tricks on how to carry out a sustainable spring clean:

1. 'Give yourself time and focus on items not bringing you joy. Spring cleaning the wardrobe isn’t a ten-minute job, but when you get it right, you’ll save yourself countless hours in the months and years to come. Take everything out of your wardrobe and pile it on the bed. This is where you get totally honest about each item; does it remind you of anything unhappy, disappointing, hurtful or bring you down in any way?'
2. 'Always Think Sustainably - give pre-loved items a new home. When it comes to letting your unwanted clothes and possessions go, use marketplaces to sell items on, they have a huge array of buyers and it's also a great way to earn money. Never send stuff to a landfill.'
3. 'Tackle drawers, shelves and anywhere else you keep foldable clothes. Follow the same principles to assess how they make you feel and if anything does not make the grade, let it go. Do the same with accessories, jewellery, gadgets, and products – anything you don’t use isn’t serving you and it’s taking up space.'
4. 'Time to organise and clean - give the items you're keeping a fresh space. Before putting anything away, vacuum and give every drawer and cupboard a wipe down with a suitable cleaning product inside and out. Your clothes deserve a fresh, clean space and so do you!'
5. 'Think about the clothes-hangers you use. The brain responds well when things are ordered, so using hangers which match rather than a jumble of odd shapes and colours is a simple mind-hack as well as being visually rewarding.'
6. 'Order your wardrobe. Hang clothes so items of the same type are together and sort them by length; that way you’ll know exactly where to find your perfect outfit every day. This method makes putting away laundry much more straightforward and your eye will appreciate the organisation each time you open the door.'

The 'three Rs' rule never fails: reduce, reuse, recycle.

Original data by The Red Brick Road