2024 Skincare and Makeup Empties

Hey Subbies,

Omg, I never thought I would finally get to this post but here we are. I'm back to working from home due that fact that my boss and I have been waiting for new computer since I transferred there and now it getting to the point that I can't simply do my work when my personal computer can run lapses around my work computer, the commute was also stressing me the hell out on top of my very loud upstairs neighbors being totally bat ish crazy between the hours of 8PM-3AM and then you have work acquaintances being nosey when they should be focused on their work. I thought about moving to main office since it's closer to home and concert venues but I don't know if I would be guaranteed a computer for the work I do. Coming in once a week before the mandatory twice week actually worked for me and if I was like my work mom I too would use work as an escape too. We just started the year...filing taxes, finally getting my winter clothes out the vacuum storage because I freeze easily, mandatory meetings and new online training courses. And then I kid you not on the same day I get a Jury Duty Summons and what I thought wouldn't happen anytime soon I get an email asking for volunteers for fire relief which is on my mom's birthday. Also I had to buy a new phone which I was hoping to avoid and I see Political Science went totally over peoples heads and "De Nile a is River." It looks I will be buying certain products from overseas since everything is going to hell.

I have one more EM Cosmetics Cushion but I think I forgot in the past to show the box and what it looks like. She's the only brand I've seen so far has a cushion with SPF and K-beauty brand and I hope to in the future to buy her cosmetics because she came out with new products.

I've been wanting to talk about this Indie Korean Brand for a while. Ató 808 is brand that comes to KCONLA every year. They had booth but I was literally running around so I wasn't able to pick up another one. I used for dry crack hands, face, inflammation and even helped my co-workers eczema. When it was demo'd to me it has like a like a whipping cream consistency that was very soothing. They did have a website but it might be closed now because it a straight from South Korean brand. Also it's a great alternative to Illiyoon which I was also using around the same time which basically finished.

1. ELF HD Powder - I love this powder
2. ELF brow gel - I think I like the newer brow products from Elf because my brow hairs a really stubborn.
3. ELF Camo - Not my favorite formula and cause some contact dermatitis as the time of used went on.
4. ELF Halo Glow - It was great while it lasted because it goes bad before the expiration date
5. ELF Hydrating Camo concealer - very moisturizing but not long lasting as the original formula which on the dryer side.
6. Elf clear lipgloss - I used all up but I guess it's replaced with the new Squeeze lip balms
7. ELF Brighting Primer - Loved this primer and it was hydrating so I would definitely recommend this anyone new to ELF Cosmetics 
8. ELF Illuminating Primer - Actually didn't use it because I'm a Deep Winter and the texture was 
9. ELF Big Mood Waterproof Mascara - I usually buy Waterproof Mascara and this was from a collab which became a long term ip for the brand. Also I forgot to put in my contacts before my makeup up even though it's not advisable.
10. ELF brow wax stick - Great for the brow but you might need to warm it up a little with continued use but unfortunately it's discontinued 
11. ELF Brow and Lash Serum - Really affordable and I did help with health of brows.
12. ELF Brow cara - My heavy rotation product from ELF. I wish they made a huge tube.
13. ELF Pencils - These were the old pencils. 
14. ELF Waterproof Brow Pencil - I know a lot of people hated this product but it work on me the original formulation would always move/transfer but this formula does not move on me so if you have combo skin type this might work for you.
15. ELF liquid lipstick - I loved this formula and it is finished and the color is gorgeous. I think they discontinued it.
16. Missha quad - I loved the texture and buttery formula. I have nothing against Korean eyeshadow but main beef is talc which is still use with their products. They do have affordable options to popular options
17. White Mascara - This mascara is on the the wetter side which I like but the brush was very interesting. 
18. Kiss Me - This mascara has lasting power and you'll def need an oil cleanser and Makeup Remover to get it off.
19. Lawless lip plumper - I love it but I think I had an adverse reaction because of the continued use. I'm still trying figure out if it caused contact dermatitis on my lip or something else.
20. NARS lip pencils - I had this pink and Cruella red pencil for a long time. I used it but I think what stopped me was I didn't have a pencil sharpener big enough to sharpener them at times. 
21. Old Pencils 

1. Maple Holistic Silk18 - I actually reviewed this conditioner years ago and I think they were ahead of the game also they had a rebrand. I remember the fragrance till this day and I used it all up. I think they are now available on Amazon which is nice.
2. L'oréal Ever Pure Coconut - I bought because it had went viral but I would like to try their other lines because it's been awhile.
3. Aphogee Pro-vitamin Leave-in Conditioner - I love the smell of this product and this is the OG Kertain brand and affordable compare to Pantene one which I feel like is the Japanese formula in the same packaging but it has been scrubbed from the internet. 
4. Dry Shanpoo - Bought this because I just wanted to try different ones and this one was very refreshing and cooling.
5. As I Am Jamaican Castor Oil Curling Cream - I bought it to keep my hair moisturized after washing and for braiding. I would like to use like a cream treatment with a my hair steam. I bought I couple of her products during a sale I just need to find a routine.
6. Carol's Daughter beeswax - I used this mainly to seal the ends of my cuticles but you have be careful with Pollen based products because it actually breakdowns into Peroxides so I had to get rid of it.
7. Jane Carter Quench leave-in conditioner spray was one of my favorite products but when I bought this it was when I was still working part time and a lot brands made for texture hair I couldn't afford at the time. 
8. Maxius The End hair serum - I've been trying to find a dupe for this serum and Color Wow but I had mix it with Maxius The Straight Gel like cocktail that kept my hair straight and the closes is the Chi Gel Heat Guard. 
9. Mousse: I like trying different hair mousse and bought the Tresemme curl Mousse so many times as well the Aussie.
10. Ampro Protien Style Gel - This is an OG gel and bought two of these just to help with breakage since it's a protein styler gel and affordable but I have to be careful not over use it. 
11. IC Styling Gel - This is my go to if I can't find a gel and I like it doesn't build up as fast the other gel.

1. Olay Collagen Body Wash - I'm not gonna lie but it's so drying so if you're oily you might like it but it also fragranced. If you are older you might also like it.
2. Nivea  Body wash - Loved it and I got through it really quickly 
3. Walgreens's White label lotion - Needed a light formula that was comparable and affordable to Eucerin
4. Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion - Love it and very Creamy
5. Avon Fragrance Body lotion - It's expired 
6. Coconut oil - A household staple 
7. Pumpkin Spice foam soap - What can I say it speaks for itself 
8. Saltair - Kind of slept on as bodycare brands but formulation are one of my favorites. I finished the Seascape and I'm currently using the Orange body wash 
9. Pan Oxyl - It's so funny but when find it they rant and rave about it. I kind of slowed down using it because I'm my glycolic acid body wash era but if you have body this is for you.
10. Elemis bath salts - It's very relaxing but I hated cleaning my bath tube after use so I will stick to espon salts. I like there other body products and I would like to try there other popular products.
11. Rio De Janeiro Body Spray & Bum Bum Cream- I love this brand and 72 was a rebuy season after season but I think I found a replacement so I'm waiting for the new mini set for the new fragrance.
12. Holika Holika aloe gel - I talked about the aloe gel at length.
13. Almay Deodorant - This was recommended to me just once and I can't stop buying it .
14. Native - Birthday Cake smells so good and I don't know if it's discontinued but I know some people don't want to smell like a cookie lol. Coconut is usually my go to. 
15. Gatsby Saving Wax - I liked it but it was getting old.
16. Eucerin body cream - It's not practical but my skin needed the moisture.
17. De la Cruz oils - I like buying these to add to my baths for the aroma therapy and I love the sweet almond oil the most.

1. Naturie Hatamugi - Great during the summer and winter and helped with dryness after the bath and finally bought the skin conditioner in a tube. 
2. CNP Toner - I thought I wouldn't like it because of the fragrance/essential oil but it's great refreshing toner and Rose of BP makeup artist uses this as well
3. The Ordinary Glycolic acid helped with moisture and skin texture but does contain a lot of essential oils
4. Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask - Very thick and great for winter skin and was sad after finishing it.
5. Apple Peeling Gel - I like the texture over other peeling gels and helped with closed white heads.
6.  Daiso Razor - I bought these during the pandemic and they are one of favorites razors .
7. Avene Tinte SPF - I wish I had bought more when I was vacation because it's a great option for Makeup No Makeup looks.
8. Krogers Children's SPF - White Cast but worked great as base for makeup.
9. Medicube Vita C ampoule - This was finished at the beginning of last year so you can go to that post to see what I had to say
10. ELF Triple Blemish Serum - Used it on vacation and it helped reverse ance that was forming after flying. 
11. Vani-cream - Great for dry and inflamed skin types
12. Peter Thomas Roth Waster Drenched SPF- Enjoyed the formula would definitely recommend it.
13. Expired Samples 
14. Cetaphil Lotion - My favorite lotion and I wish I had this when I was growing up.
15.  ELF Night Retinol - It can cause some irration but does help with stubborn ance.
16. Guerlain Royal Jelly cream - It was definitely addictive but very expensive if you decided to purchase it out right but you could find dupes in K-beauty like Skinfood
17. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow -  It had strong watermelon scent and I really don't see the hype around this brand
18. Glam Up Face Mask - I just wanted show you all the mask brand I have been trying get through because it was given to me for free at KCONLA but I don't know anything about the brand.

1. Aswaganda - Sleep and Aniexty
2. Omega - 3 - Joints and Brain health
3. Fruit Supplement - Help to get my fruits up
4. MSM - Joints and Recovery
5. Polystyrene- Brain Fog and Focus
6. Zinc - Ance Scars and Immune Health
7. Anti-Gas - To mitigated the Plane/ Travel
8. Berberine - Helps with digestion and gas
9. Camphor Ointment - Helps with chronic pain and soreness
10. Vitamin A - Recovery from viruses and cell renewal
11. Vitamin D3 - Mental health and supplement for lack of sun exposure 
12. Lactase enzyme - Just in case I ate something with Dairy

1. Tide Pens - I try not to mess up my outfit but I'm just uncoordinated eater so it's handy to have them. I usually buy them around the time I have to go on vacation. 
2. Lysol - I basically buy it for the plane and I usually break out so this helps migrate the bacteria.

1. ACT Gum - My old Dentist actually recommended me this brand and my mom surfers from dry mouth and it can be a bit pricey but you can find great bundle deals. Also it's great for the plane. 
2. Debrox - I have a whole pharmacy in my medicine cabinet. Every time the season changes my ears and sinus act up and my ear has to be on life support and because it is so close to key nerves it throws my body temp and my anxiety goes through the roof.
3. RENU Contact lenses solution - This brand is very popular in South Korea these days possibly due to German brand trending in Korea.
4. Lens Town Contact Lens Solution- Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get to it because I was still finishing up a different brand of solution and you can't risk it.
5. Acuvue Solution - I just wanted to try different brands and it best to do to migrate bacteria build up.
6. Ice breakers - If I wanted a sponsor it would be Ice breakers, Altoids and PUR GUM because we go through them so fast that we have backs up for the backups lol.

 

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My Top K-pop MVs, Album EPs and LPs of 2024

 Hey Subbies,

It's been a while but this post has taken me the longest to create. I had basically breakout my web design skills to code up this post because of Google added image restrictions even thought some of image are in the public domain. Also I've talked about being busy with a work project that has taken longer than usual to get down which has reached the finalizing step thankfully. Also I'm kind of restricted to my iPad and my Logitech keyboard finally retired after my constant use for my coding project from my web development coarse so I brought a new keyboard for my birthday to able to continue to work on this post. I actually listened to more breakout albums this year and artists that finally were able to break their creative slump and the multiple back to back tour announcements happening are stressing me out.

As for K-pop I could barely keep up with the new releases so I had to basically speed run some albums and some were close so you'll find them in my Honorable Mentions as usual. We have officially entered the Mcbling era and some themes I saw and visuals effects trends is basically encapsulated in BadVillian's Zoom M/V. Space/Earthly Bodies (BP inpso), Counter Culture, Silver "Gentle Monster" Eye Wear, Siren Makeup/ Saturated Blush placements; Video Game Graphics (Young Posse), Low ISO Digital Film Grade editing; Falling off buildings/ Floating (aespa), Crashes (aespa & IVE), Gum (YeonJun), Parking lot, Playing with Perspectives (Key), Realty Breaking (Stray Kids), and different forms of transportation like the back to the future car DeLorean(aespa &Jeanie). I forgot to mention the curly hair was getting a lot of idols noticed during their solo work meanwhile let's pray for girlies who have to constantly dye their hair for us.

I was going to talk about Loosemble (the other half of Loona or the new 1/3) since they were on too something sonically with this last album and I went two there tour but they decided to disband unfortunately so now orbits will see wonder what's next for them. I was also hoping they would have brought their  (signed) albums to sell since the rest of Loona were doing this which would have helped boost their sales and popularity.

First, I went to see aespa's Parallel Synck tour which I came to appreciate their solos.  As for the M/V with the Daft punk influence for Licorice and Supernova samples Planet Rock  which I adore so I left a comment and someone responded to my appreciative comment with "That's because this western producer worked on the Album" mind you I had watched a interview of this producer with a well known song K-pop writer which was funny. Also Mine is def Can't Tell Me Nothing Inspired when I first heard it due to the swing chains synth, high hats, deep pitch vocal chop and of course "Woah ho ho ho." On the Whiplash album Pink Hoodie is basically the female counter part to NCT's Baggie Jeans. Also Kill It used a sample that's interpolated from F(x)'s Red Light. 

Le Sserafim's Pierrot which took me time to get too because I was still coming off my high from Crazy house remixes and JP version. Pierrot remind me of 2015 music that had that mix of Trap and Chip Tunes but it's pretty much a homages and vocal samples Kim Wan Sun's The Pierrot Laughs at Us. I can't wait for next comeback which is next month and the Title Track is HOT is probably a referencing rock track from Crazy apply titled 1-800-HOT-IN-FUN and lyrics state wanting to hear Beyoncé which quick possibly be Heated track on Renaissance. 

IVE's HEYA used a popular No Diggity sample from with Korean Folklore should make some K-Youtubers happy since it's not the usual Greek influences. Starship will probably continue using well known samples for IVE since that's what garners them views and show wins along with double features M/V. I already discussed Accendio in the K-Halloween post so you can also check that out.

Taeyeon last two comeback definitely got me thinking about Bear vs Man discussion that was going viral on social media last year. I really enjoyed the funk elements and theatrics of Heaven and definitely based in the SMCUniverse with the fish which callbacks to Naevis, the lit cake ties back to AESPA's SUPERNOVA, the woodlands garden with hairy apples, the bear harken back to Super Junior/Red Velvet's Bear, and the last supper tables/round tables which I talked more in-depth on my Wordpress deep dives. The part of the video where she's staring into the eyes made me think of Twilight Breaking Down Prt 2 Michael Sheen performance as Aro when he meets Renesmee (His excitement lives rent free in my head lol).

Lisa's Rockstar sampled Tame Impala's New Person, Same Old Mistakes which Rihanna also covered/sampled it heavily years ago. Also if you don't know Rihanna is Blackpink's idol that goes back to their introduction dance practice a Rihanna Remix. I enjoyed NewWomen since it such an ear warm.

I watched Megan Thee Stallion's documentary with my mom after she dropped MEGAN: ACT I&II and I wasn't expecting the Strategic collab TWICE that it made Nayeon Blush from Mamushi Remix to Strategy. I was already happy with Megan Thee Stallion three acts Hiss, Cobra, and BOA which sample's Gwen Stefani's What You Waiting For. I really enjoyed Bigger In Texas, Bourbon, He Thinks I Love Him, Neva Play Ft RM of BTS, Otaku Hot Girl, Mamushi ft Yuki Chiba, Where Them Girls At, Rattle, Down Stairs DJ, Motion, Roc Steady ft. Flo Milli, and Number One Rule which I hope these songs make it to the Coachella set list and we get surprised guests.

Kendrick dropped Grammy winning songs from GNX for his latest performances which is under his new label that I'm literally ready to Squabble Up we marketing his next chapter and this is one of 4 top tracks from the album some people are up in arms about his recent performance at same time you can't make everyone happy at the end of the day (If you want to get into Kdot's work I highly recommend listening to Dissect Podcast by Cole Krishna and it all started with Kdot which really appreciate current West Coast hip hop thru To Pimp A Butterfly which is one of my favorite albums). Kdot never water down your message because it's not for everyone and it will always be "too deep" for them but never lacking in soul. Also so now Halftime shows Performers are supposed to represent the culture of that state now!? When did that become a thing (when the two teams, Philly vs Kansas aren't even from there either)!? Isn't that why the Super Bowl has Opening ceremonial performances that highlight performers from their for that reason!?

Doechii's Alligator Bites Never Heal with "DeNail is a River" and CATFISH made me an official Swamp Puppy plus I had been silently waiting for Deochii's since just clicking for Music Recs and I landed on Persuasive since it was going viral then I checked out Yucky Blucky Fruitcake and I automatic added them to my playlist and then What it is, Alter Ego and NISSAN ALTIMA became her next viral hits. Then she dropped Alligator Bites Never Heal  that got CATFISH finally noticed for her Nosebleed Grammy status (she was interviewed by Cole Krishna if want learn more about her). Also she's been on Complex for her viral tracks. I hope Doechii gets a feature in the new Vice City GTA game. Also love that she's a fan of Busta Rhymes and probably Missy Elliot so Doechii will definitely continue the theatre kid legacy in Hip Hop. Also Baby Tate feat in Denial is a River sitcom series is just chef kiss because I seriously missed her.

Charlie XCX comeback was polarizing with brat which is in 2000s PC Music inspired EDM club scene music which captures that time period especially with Von Dutch, Club Classics, and 360 makes me think of my 360 line up number I got from aespa first showcase that they went on to do Whiplash while getting Cozy with Beyoncé's Cunty Silvery accents. I even had my mom dancing out to it at the gym. Her grammy win was also not televised or was presented during the red carpet which has happened with on occasion at award shows. Then my friends were reposting the toxic reactions from X that was basically pitting women against each another and the added factor intersectionality being at play as well even though they both won Grammies.

Let's talk a little about Beyoncé there's definitely a culture divide and people think she's "overrated" when her career spans close to three decades from CDs to Streaming became valued, multiple Grammies winner. Also saw some people White Wash her contributions to the Half time show specifically forgetting 2016 Super bowl performance of which the mainstream were calling it "too Political" since people have so much smoke for Kdot's performance when there was already precedence. And on a personal note she and Destiny's Child are pretty much apart of my music history growing up. I feel like Renaissance should have received a Grammy for Album of Year and I happy Cowboy Carter won a 3 Grammies (that's what Miley was referring too when she was presenting) but only main two were televised because that will reopen more doors that were closed intentionally. 

I'm so happy for Aya Nakamura for being able to perform at the Summer 2024 Olympics in Paris but I know so many French purest weren't having it but I hope for more success in future projects. I'm also waiting for Lous and The Yakuza's comeback but I know she's walking the runways so no rush. 

Tinashe dropped Quantum Baby that ran lapse with Nasty then finished with No Broke Boys but the whole album really showcases her signature sound that I was over here still waiting on that BTS Collab that was brought up again with this album dropped but my other favorite track from the album is Red Flags.

Lastly, as for Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter and because I'm a native Angeleno so I hear them on socials and when I'm out and about. Chappell's Pink Pony Club is my personal favorite song since I've been to that West Hollywood Club. Good Luck, Babe! and HOT TO GO! feel especially nostalgic and  HTG! harkens back to Hey, Mikey! As for Sabrina I think I've following her since Girl's Meets World and just waiting till she found herself musical voice with Feather, Please, Expresso, even Bed Chem and my personal favorite Taste. I really happy both are gaining more accolades and recognition.

Top 5 Predications for 2025 

1. Primary Years of Influence 1985, 2005; Secondary 1995, 2015.
2. Artists: Quincy Jones, U2, Alanis Morissette/ Seal and Taylor Swift
3. Genres: Electro Pop, Alt Rock and Ballads 
4. Fashion: Cargo, Bermuda Shorts, Tracksuits, Low Rise and UGGs
5. Theme: Neo McBling Era - Colorful, Bold, and dramatic
6. Pop Culture Highlights: Simple Life, Green Day at Coachella, The Ring II, The OC, Miss Congeniality, The Nanny, LG Flip phones, Toyota Prius S, VHS, Sony, Panasonic, Classic Rock, American Express, Volkswagen, The Original Girls Bosses of the 80s

My 2024 Top Western Taste 

 

My Top Ranking Artist for 2024 

(According to Spotify & Youtube Music)

aespa (Went to Tour)

LE SSERAFIM (Going to Tour)

NMIXX (KCON)

TWICE

NCT DREAM (Went to Tour/ SMTOWN LA)

ITZY (Went to Tour)

RIIZE (SMTOWN LA)

STRAY KIDS (Conflicting Tour Dates)

Red Velvet (SMTOWN LA)

(G)I-DLE (Missed their Tour)

Chung Ha (Can't wait for her comeback album)

Taeyeon (SMTOWN LA)

Tommorrow X Together

TripleS

ENYHPEN (Coachella)

Soojin

MVs of the Year

aespa - Supernova

aespa - Armageddon

aespa - Licorice

aespa - Whiplash

LE SSERAFIM - CRAZY

NCT DREAM - Smoothie

Red Velvet - Cosmic

Chung Ha - I'm Ready

Chung Ha - EENIE MEENIE

Taeyeon - Heaven

tripleS - Girls Never Die

SOOJIN - MONA LISA

YVES - Loop

NMIXX - See that?

Loossemble - TTYL

IVE - Accendio

IVE - HEYA

NCT WISH - WISH

TEN - Nightwalker

ARTMS - Virtual Angel(Human Eyes Ver.)

SUHO - Cheese

xikers - Witch

Long Plays (Minimum 23 mins)

Extended Plays (Maximum 22 mins)

Honorable Mentions

AB6IX - THE FUTURE IS OURS: FOUND

ATEEZ - GOLDEN HOUR: PART. 1

CHUU - STRAWBERRY RUSH

ITZY - GOLD

KEY - PLEASURE SHOP

OCEANFROMTHEBLUE - PAINTING

P1HARMONY - COUNTDOWN TO LOVE

J-HOPE - HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1

LISA - ROCKSTAR

RM - RIGHT PLACE, WRONG PERSON

ROSE - ROSIE

SF9 - SEQUENCE

SOOJIN - RIZZ

STAYC - ...I

STRAY KIDS - GIANT & HOP

TAEYEON - LETTER TO MYSELF

TEN - TEN

XIKERS - HOUSE OF TRICKY

YENA - GOOD MORNING

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