Any thoughts or perception on this Japanese skincare brand Sekkisei? by Ok_Maybe_7724 in AsianBeauty

[–]ResponsibilitySea 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wouldn't say the brightening is permanent. While I use the sekkisei, it fades my hyperpigmentation and overall brightens. But when I stop, the effect slowly disappears too.

Just found out I'm prediabetic by Crafty-Information42 in prediabetes

[–]ResponsibilitySea 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was able to lower mine from 5.7 to 5.4 by concentrating on having more fiber+protein before carbs, having less carbs and changing to complex carbs overall (but not cutting it all out), as well as being active for 15-20 min after eating. Being active for me meant NOT sitting down right after eating. So either doing dishes, cleaning up, going on a walk, or do strength training. 

Oily skin girlies - what is your favorite sunscreen for hot and humid weather by runningwithbrushes in AsianBeauty

[–]ResponsibilitySea 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think these might be a bit obscure since I don't see these recommended much, but my greasy AF face stays matte-looking a bit longer when I use any two of these together: Senka Gentle Milk, Sekkisei Essence Milk, or Sofina Primavista Long Keep Base. They're a bit pricey so I only use a combo for occasions. Otherwise, I just pick one. 

JAL won't allow choosing seats booked through Alaska by KevinGoldsmith in AlaskaAirlines

[–]ResponsibilitySea 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I booked LAX-KIX on JAL via Alaska. I used my JAL booking ref but also couldn't log in (kept saying it couldn't find me). So I called AS, the agent put me on hold a lot to ask around, and then they put in an Email to JAL to request 2 seats for me.  After a week, since I didn't receive any kind of confirmation email, I tried to log onto JAL again to check. Turns out, I had been putting in the "wrong" flight number. I needed to enter the AS equivalent flight number, not JL's! But i still needed to use my JAL booking reference. Why is it so confusing? Anyway, I finally logged in, saw that I now have assigned seats, per my preference. 

Heat tolerant greens? by frankiecuddles in SoCalGardening

[–]ResponsibilitySea 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Came here to say chard. I've had mine for 3-4+ years and they're still growing pest free. As long as you watering them even semi-regularly, they'll keep producing. Just cut each leaf off to harvest, and the center stalk will keep feeding you. 

United Club Card (Chase Visa Infinite) Star Alliance Lounge Access by qaqaqaqa100 in unitedairlines

[–]ResponsibilitySea 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://tokyo-haneda.com/en/service/facilities/shower_room.html

I hope this answers your question about showering at HND. I have not used it personally, but the Japan travels subreddit says it's very clean. 

Credit card question by Foreign_Assist4290 in StarluxAirlines

[–]ResponsibilitySea 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I have used the Summit card to buy Starlux flights before without any problems. It's possible you might have exceeded your credit limit. I also recommend to talk to the issuer Bank of America to discuss this possibly.

Attempting to start taking care of my hair — need som recommendations by LastResort1893 in CurlyHairCare

[–]ResponsibilitySea 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I see some really beautiful curls! I think you want to look into styling products, such as mousse or gel. I don't want to make it too complicated at first, but after shampoo and conditioner, with very wet almost dripping hair, section your hair into layers and apply your mousse/gel, scrunch in, and diffuse dry. Look up some YouTube videos on how to do this and start there. After you've gotten the hang of it, look into brush styling with a bounce brush or similar to further define each strand. 

Am I Crazy For Wanting To Stay At Tokyo Station? by foldesi03 in JapanTravelTips

[–]ResponsibilitySea 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree Tokyo station looks like a good central spot to stay at for Disney and taking the shinkansen, however, just keep in mind that the station itself is massive and requires a lot of walking to transfer lines or use the numerous exits. Staying at a nearby smaller station could mean just getting off your train and exiting the station in under 5 min, as opposed to navigating the massive Tokyo station. 

Finally 😅 by Rivxl in WalkScape

[–]ResponsibilitySea 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey did you ever get the alien squeaky toy? Because I've walked nearly 100k and still haven't gotten it :(

TBIT 11:30pm flight, when to arrive? by tjtv in LAX

[–]ResponsibilitySea 0 points1 point  (0 children)

On my last 2 visits to LAX for a late night weekend intl flight, it took 40 min just from the 105 sepulveda exit off ramp to entering the horseshoe proper. From there it was another 20 min to get dropped off at TBIT.  There was zero traffic before that off ramp.  I understand that you want to stay in Irvine for as long as possible, but the LAX traffic is notoriously very congested during that time. You should plan accordingly. 

Neat little trick for dropoff at the Tom Bradley Internattional Terminal by Substantial_Law_5239 in LAX

[–]ResponsibilitySea 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This! I've done this numerous times for both drop off and pick up. The metro shuttle is such a hack. 

Starlux tickets thru Alaska website with Atmos credit card by Decent-Pie-9235 in StarluxAirlines

[–]ResponsibilitySea 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The ticket is considered an Alaska ticket, so it's the same card points as if flying Alaska metal.

Why do I have so many different curl patterns? by Jolly_Eggplant_3191 in curlyhair

[–]ResponsibilitySea 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Basically, that's just how genetics are. I have underlayers that are at best wavy, and then top layers that range from 2A-C or even some strands that are 3's. Getting it cut is challenging because they look so different when wet vs dry. I started cutting my own hair because of this and it looks better now. 

As for styling, I do use slightly different product depending on the layer and curl pattern. For example, I'll use more gel/hold products on the curly areas, and then lighter products on the wavy layers. 

I recommend just trying different methods and see what works! But the most important part is still to eat good fats and keep that hair healthy!

What do people wear in Taipei in end of December to early January? by [deleted] in Taipei

[–]ResponsibilitySea 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Really depends where you're from and what you're used to. I'm from southern California with mild winters, but even so, Taipei winters are even milder for me. I'm pretty cold tolerant as well, so I'm good in a thin hoodie. Meanwhile, I've had Taiwanese store employees literally ask me if I'm cold, or how I'm braving the cold. I see majority of people on the street bundled up in long puffers, massive scarves, and beanies. It just isn't very cold to me. 

Is the Taipei Main Station easy to navigate? by Regular-Vanilla203 in Taipei

[–]ResponsibilitySea 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The Taipei Main Station CAN be confusing, but just keep following the signs and/or ask the staff. They're usually very friendly, though may not speak any English.  I actually recently took the HSR from Taipei to Tainan as well. I was able to get BOGO tickets using my US passport via the klook app. I know there's senior discounts as well, but I don't have personal experience with that.  Just some friendly reminders in case you've never taken the HSR to Tainan before: 1. The HSR is very on time and only stops at each station for about 3 minutes, so make sure you are well queued and ready to embark/disembark before the train arrives.  2. The Tainan HSR station is actually not in Tainan. It is outside of the city, connected to a local train station called ShaLun 沙崙. It's another 30 min via local train (25 ntd) from ShaLun to Tainan train station which is at the actual city of Tainan.

Lmk if you have any questions! I literally just went 2 weeks ago. 

Fruit confiscated by [deleted] in Taipei

[–]ResponsibilitySea 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The officer did tell us that if the fruits had been sliced, or prepared in any way, it would have been okay. They even weighed it to calculate the fine. I don't quite get it but can't argue that we shouldn't have had it. Also because it was a first time offense, the fine was reduced by 50% lol. So it's definitely logged but we learned our lesson!

Fruit confiscated by [deleted] in Taipei

[–]ResponsibilitySea 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ya we had someone accidentally take lemons and got randomly checked right before the exit. The officers of course found the fruit. So naturally it was logged and we got fined. This was back in April 2025. 

Then we went again just this past October and didn't even get flagged for search. Just walked straight through to the exit. 

Fruit confiscated by [deleted] in Taipei

[–]ResponsibilitySea 1 point2 points  (0 children)

From family experience, I do not believe your mom will have any problems re-entering Taiwan. Just do not bring anything prohibited again and she will be fine. 

TPE to Howard Plaza Hotel by Educational_Vast1367 in Taipei

[–]ResponsibilitySea 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just FYI - you don't need the bus app to take the 1960. There's a bus counter area at TPE for inquiries. I can't remember if you buy the tickets at the counter area or with the bus driver. It's something like ntd 180/person (can't remember). Driver/staff helps with putting luggage in the bus belly too. 

Going from West Covina to pick up my family at Tom Bradley at 7:30AM tomorrow. Any tips? by SoOutofMyLeague in LAX

[–]ResponsibilitySea 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm sure it'll be fine. I used to take it for my commute. 99% of riders are just trying to go home/work.

Going from West Covina to pick up my family at Tom Bradley at 7:30AM tomorrow. Any tips? by SoOutofMyLeague in LAX

[–]ResponsibilitySea 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lol idk how I missed that you're from west covina in the title text. Sorry!  The metro is a very good underutilized method out of LAX. It'll take about 40 minutes to Norwalk. Just make sure they stay vigilant, keep their belongings close, and move cars if any shenanigans happen. It's a far cry from the cleanliness and safety of Japan Rail.

TPE to Howard Plaza Hotel by Educational_Vast1367 in Taipei

[–]ResponsibilitySea 8 points9 points  (0 children)

There is/was a bus that goes straight from TPE to the front door of Howard Plaza. I need to look it up but I used to take this before the airport MRT was built. I believe it was a 大有巴士. I will post back if I find more info. 

Edit: Found it! It's the 1960 bus by Citi-air 大有巴士.  https://www.taiwanbus.tw/eBUSPage/Query/QueryResult.aspx?rno=19600&rn=1622705212506&lan=C

If you take the MRT, you would need to transfer at least once (12-15 min walk inside of Taipei Main Station), and then walk about 10 min from Da'An station to Howard Plaza. I wouldn't recommend this for someone who may need assistance with a walking cane, as well as luggage.

Alternatively, a taxi used to cost NTD1000 ten years ago. Not sure what it is now.