The Best of Japanese Skincare 2024

 Hey Subbies,

This is just another installment of end of the year list. I wanted to do another updated Japanese list that is more on par with my Korean ones especially now that Cosme has their own store that you can see in IRL what is trending in Japan. Also a lot of Japanese brands have global sites now so you should be able to buy from brands directly like Shiseido which is basically the L'oréal or Amore Pacific of Japan with Cle de peau which is the Japan's take on French cosmetics, Kose gives off major Estée Lauder vibes (Fun Fact: They did worked together on Exclusive line which was formulated for Japanese) with their Decorte brand, Kanebo is basically the Kerning Group of Japan and etc. I think Japanese brands used to want to stay exclusively domestic but now they are slowly wanting to strive for Cosmetic Globalization because they see the writing on the wall. I don't know why I didn't pick up any of these brands when I was Japan but I think from memory I was a bit overstimulated and my mind set was I can buy products we don't get back home since I live near Japanese and Japanese Americans so it would just be a little more back then domestically in Japan depending on the Yen. Anyways, Japan has a really cool culture of supporting staff or the people you might take for granted, there are whole fan clubs following their favorite "staff member" that are on par with Beauty or lifestyle Influencers these days. I wish I could have been able to work on these posts sooner but I had to wait on some important financial decisions while juggling end-of-the-year parties and a work project which is very unusual for this time of year and like to finish projects right before the end of year. I know people who dream of only work but I'm the type that rest is a non-negotiable when it comes to work especially in the creative fields.

Before start I want Highlight some the top pioneering products of Japan's Pharmaceutical industry:

1. SK-II Facial Treatment/ Shiseido Eudermine
2. Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion
3. Melano CC Essence
4. Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen/ Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence 
5. Curel Intensive Moisture Cream
6. Shisedo Future Solution LX
7. Suisai Beauty Clear Powder 
8. Meiji Amino Collagen 
9. Pair Acne Cream W
10. Hatomugi Skin Conditioner 

Cleansers

1. Attenir Skin Clear Cleanse Oil
2. Kanebo Scrubbing Mud Wash
3. D Program Essence In Cleansing Foam
4. Melano CC Deep Clear Face Wash
5. Sofina Ip Pore Clearing Gel Wash

Toners | Waters | Removers | Liquid |

1. Kiss Me Heroine Make Mascara Remover
2. Kanebo Radiant Skin Refiner

Serums | Essences | Ampoules | Oils

1. Decorte Liposome Advanced Repair Serum
2. Kanebo Skin Harmonizer
3. Clé de Peau Beauté Le Serum Ⅱ 
4. Obagi Obazi X Deep Advanced Drift Serum
5. Shiseido Elixir The Serum Moisturizing Aging Care

Masks | Patches 

1. Lululun Hydra Ex Face Mask
2. Kose One By Kose Clear Peel Serum

Moisturizers | Emulsions | Lotions | Creams | Gels | Balms

1. Kose DECORTE AQ Emulsion Absolute
2. SK-II LXP Kintsugi (Gold) Cream
3. SK-II LXP Ultimate Revival Cream

Mists | Sprays

1. Curel Deep Moisture Spray
2. Kanebo Dew Splash Mist
3. N Organic Moist Milk Mist

Sunscreens / SPFs

1. Cosme DECORTE Sun Shelter Tone Up CC SPF 50+ PA++++
2. COSME DECORTE AQ ABSOLUTE UV PROTECTION BRIGHTENING & WRINKLE
3. ELIXIR Day Care Revolution Tone Up SP+ aa SPF50+

Haircare

• plus eau Mellow Shampoo
• Cielo Color Treatment for the whole body
• Orbis Treatment Hair Water
• ReFa / ReFa STRAIGHT IRON PRO
• Panasonic Nanocare Hair Dryer

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Life Update: #KCONLA2023...Sorrows, Sorrows and Prayers

 Hi Subbies,

This month has been a roller coaster for me but this week I'm actually feeling worse than weeks before. I went to Head In the Cloud for the first time and had a fantastic time with my K-pop friend who is just amazing. I had planned the accommodation but it was hard for us to choose which package to get. The only downside was my allergies went into overdrive and I blamed Coachella because ever since I can't do more than one day at an outdoor festival without heaving over and gasping for air. Then I went on vacation from work because I had flyer miles that needed to be used before the end of the month. My co-worker was confused by the flyer miles expiration which yes is a thing. I took my mom with me but she didn't expect all the walking. 

Anyway, I wanted to talk about KCONLA2023 which I attended last weekend. I was delighted because I got to see old acquaintances and my K-pop Concert Friends whom I chat with daily on Instagram. However this year as a veteran KCONNER, I was very disappointed. Let me give y'all some background, I am a 2-generation K-pop (SM and YG were my gateways) Boomer lol, I attended the very first KCON when it was in Irvine, CA. Last year was by far the best KCON I have attended but this year CJ E&M really dropped the ball which should not be surprising because they run Mnet. Everyone I talked to I had to apologize to them because they had so many hardships at the convention including myself. I'm currently seeking a refund because the staff and security could not communicate thus me waiting in line for over 2 hours to miss the very first Meet&Greet w/ the High Wave that I paid out of pocket just to be told to get in an already long line. Mind you I did the regular M&G and Red Carpet all weekend last year with no problems because there was a pre-check. Also, there were a lot of newbies to KCONLA, and KCON on the East Coast was pretty nonexistent so we had a lot of out-of-state KCONNERs who deserved better if they only knew which is why I'm writing this post.  

Side note: Why are all these news outlets coming out about Rain (Bi) after all these years of NOW holding him accountable It is just hilarious to me ad they waited until after his performance to distract international fandoms from actual news going on in South Korea. Meanwhile the big 3 accountability where are y'all at!? If you want change hit them where it hurt, their pockets in my Orbit voice. Oh, I didn't forget the backlash from the job posting again for KCON. They forgot this America nor South Korea. 

So today I put together all the issues that came up with KCONLA2023:

1. Schedule Conflicts/ LineCon

If you attended Anime Expo this year at least you may have had the crowd to contend with the first day as usual but at KCON that was not the case.  The Convention opened up at 10AM and the first M&G was at 10AM and there was no separation like last year where you had the Line to get into Con and one for M&G. Also they keep overbooking the M&Gs and I think 4-M&Gs per day are best and should be held 1 hour after the opening of the convention. The line for the first two days took over 2 hours and some people didn't know there were three lines on the first day so some people got into the venue in like 10 minutes. My friend ended up going back to her Hotel because of just standing for hours in that line each day to get into the venue. Also don't get me started on the food court line that was a mess by the end of the Con.

a. M&G Ticketing confusion

I literally got confused about which M&G artist numbering on the e-ticket versus the schedule, simply put the artist on the e-ticket. I was literally exhausted because I had to wake up early after attending the concert the night before to get in line to get into one after another just find out that my actual M&G for day three was at 2:30 PM. I've had an issue with scheduling for a minute but the security from the last couple of years actually knew what they were doing when it came to crowd control.

2. Paying more for less

As I said before compared to last year the quality of the convention was at its worst I have seen it. I was expecting the convention to start putting out info about the convention and ticketing by mid-May and by June the tickets would go on sale however I missed those emails and didn't have any long-form info since I was out of town when they went on sale I had to pay for second-hand concert tickets which weren't anything new for me however Convention didn't account for how natural disasters and the crowd but they were probably banking on the latter to cover cost and inflation. I would have looked back at older KCONs because when conventions start they have to be cost-effective. They didn't even have RFIDs this year so we had to get new wristbands every time we wanted access. 

Also, people thought the convention was bigger this year and I was like...

The convention hall in the South Hall is way bigger and there is even more space under the hall and their side hall for events which is where the M&G, Red Carpet, and Showcase used to be held. Don't get me wrong I like West Hall which is where the original convention used to be when they moved to LACC but I've seen it look way better than what I've seen. 

a. Food Street Scrapped

So usually KCON has Chick Hearn blocked off for food vendors and for queues to get into the Crypto Arena but this time around they had like 4-5 stalls with very overprice vegetarian options on the walkway next to the Pretree Hall and they closed down when the convention centered closed and I don't think they were available during the last day because of the storm.

3. KCON Staff vs. Security Management

Management and Programming/Event Planners should be on the same page when comes to planning a convention. It is important to brief your staff on the protocols and what is going on and there were new security staff who had no clue. The security felt like they could care less about your situation and were over their management demands. Whoever CJ E&M hired for security needs to be fired. I like observing security at conventions and events they pretty much get a D grade. Personally, they should hire the security that other big conventions use. Programming didn't even tell them the convention and concert at the Crypto Arena were connected events.

a. Pretree Hall & Crypto Arena vs. Hurricane Hillary 

Security didn't want attendees at an already crowded event to sit in the hallways so I got it, The FIRE MARSHALL would be big mad which brought back memories from volunteering at Anime Expo. Security kept directing attendees to the "unused" Pretree Hall but they were using it for the Dream Stage rehearsals which they picked attendee dancers for the special stage to get noticed with their favorite artists. They kept pushing us to the far end of the room and on the day that Hurricane Hilary hit and then they had to kick us out early. They allowed us to stay in the Hallway but eventually kicked us out of the convention. Also, they closed the convention center early and the Crypto Arena wasn't really accommodating that day so we had to wait in line for over an hour in the pouring rain carrying goodies from the convention.

4. Water bottle Polices

Before we could bring water bottles into the venue as long as they were empty which was true on the first day but on the following days Security management kept changing up in the worst way. And I couldn't even bring my bottle that I had filled up in the convention into the M&G even if it was empty. Plus the artist during the High Wave formerly High Touch is behind glass anyway and per CJ E&M policies we can't even film anyway. I guess they don't have water bottles thrown meanwhile, anything can be thrown at the artist but they're not even performing lol. Also from attendees I met while sitting hallway, I heard they had to get rid of their water bladders which are pretty much accepted at any event like the ones I mentioned before. I hate that we are forced to buy overpriced water and waste plastic like this.

a. Security even threw away people's gum without warning or more like collected gum.

5. Programming

This year was just so overwhelming and the attendee I met felt the same way and even gave up trying to do all the things she planned to do. A lady in front of me in the Olive Young line had literally written out the events she wanted to attend. (Side note: The lady and I had to make a new account with Olive Young to get the freebies which was really annoying.) They had so many events and secret events with artists. Also, It would be nice to see the big timetables of the convention so no one is confused and we can better manage expectations. And they need onsite Customer Service. The only person who did their job was the person getting the visas for the artist and the concert planner they really didn't give the info booth a chance this year.

As for now, I'm still waiting for a response from AXS or KCON on the request for a refund for M&G but I might have to dispute it with my Bank because of AXS policies.

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My K-pop Predictions For 2022

 Hey Subbies,

Welcome to Roaring 20s as they say. Unlike last year I think I will divide the year by Quarters (Q1, Q2, ...) because I think my predictions would cast a wider net. Also since I can now be more productive and not mess up my home's watch time lol. Who knew my PC electromagnet field would be on the same frequency as the tv antenna. Also, take a look at last year's list, all bold ones are actually comebacks but Kpop hasn't dived into all those suggestions I painstaking had to look up.

Anyways, since I am following American music of that era let's look at 2002. That year Avril Lavigne won a Moon Man for the best new artist and Kelly Clarkson won the first season of American Idol, and a lot of collaborations like Ashanti had done. At the Grammys U2 won the Album of the year for "Walk On" and Alicia Keys won Song of the year for "Fallin'" And, companies could take the Disney route and cultivate acts like Britney, Christina, or Justin. Basically, R&B, Pop, and Rock were thriving but Techno was slowing down to make way for EDM. 

I think South Korea Music Industry should focus on the Western markets (ie. BTS, BP, Aespa recent promotions in the USA), as well as, Japan while also showing more love to South East Asia markets like India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. But politically I don't know if that will be possible based on the current S. Korean administration's policies towards certain countries. We will probably see more solo acts or multi-talented artists (i.e modeling, singing, and acting) thrive since the world will be going into an economic slump for possibly a couple years. The top 5 companies will probably survive or have small financial and production setbacks. History doesn't repeat but definitely rhymes and about 20s years ago the 1st Gen acts were fading from popularity till the golden years of K-pop so we might see a "K-pop Renaissance" similar to the Disney Renaissance in the future. Let's look at BoA who from what I remember came out with"Listen to your heart" and "Valenti"(the Japanese version came out a year later). Also, Rain had like a Dad comeback recently but in 2002 he had a comeback with "Bad Guy/Man." Personally, I hope Rain can be a mentor to someone like Wonho. I also hope DreamCatcher gets their first win and more and more k-pop fans are widening their ears towards other parts of the mainstream. While I was writing this a K-pop commentator came out with a video on the future of K-pop and they shared some of the same sentiments and conclusions. I think a certain group(s) will be a tall tell sign if K-pop will be able to thrive or just survive. Anyways onto the list...

Next-Gen K-pop Monster Rookies Groups will be debuting at the end of this year into Q1-Q2

Kep1er / Queendom 2 contestant 
JYP's BLIND Package Group - (JPYn) NMIXX
Starship's IVE
HYBE's Girl Group
Possibly YG's Girl Group - Baby Mons
VIVIZ (Formerly 3 members of GFRIEND) / Queendom 2 contestant 
KWN

The remaining I*ZONE will possibly debut as a soloist/group and possibly new boy groups as well. And JYP really made another band group but I wish Xdinary Heroes the best but I'm side-eyeing the company really hard.

Q1 - January to March

1. Victon
2. Dreamcatcher
3. Cravity 
4. AB6IX 
5. Elris 
6. Astro (Jinjin & Rocky| Moonbin & Sanha )
7. Rocket Punch
8. VeriVery
9. BVDVIT
10. JYP Artists: NMIXX
11. AT06
12. AZER
13. MAJORS
14. CIIPHER
15. PURPLE KISS
16. MIRAE
17. NTX
18. W.O.A
19. Cherry Bullet
20. LOONA - A Ego driven concept / Queendom 2 contestant 

Q2 - April to June

1. Astro
2. Hyuna
3. VeriVery
4. Chungha 
5. Kang Daniel
6. Brave Girls
7. Golden Child
8. IU 
9. MCND
10. BVNDIT
11. SM Artists: Part 1- EXO/ CHANYEOL, Red Velvet /Seulgi, 
12. YG Artists - IKON, Winner, Debut
13. TXT
14. TRI.BE
15. Kingdom 
16. Seventeen + World Touring
17. JYP Artists: Twice should do solo/subunit activities, especially the vocalist and rappers.
18. AB6IX 
19. Hot Issue (disbanded)
20. EPEX
21. Lightsum
22. JUST.B
23. OMEGA X
24. The Boyz
25. cignature
26. EVERGLOW
27. T1419
28. ATEEZ
29. PIXY
30. LOONA - Refreshing song / Queendom 2 contestant 
31. KARD  - All for reunited so please support them

Q3 - July to September (KCON is Back)

1. SF9 
2. Cravity 
3. DreamCatcher 
4. The Boyz
5. AB6IX 
6. Golden Child
7. Astro
8. Rocket Punch (Korean & Japan promo)
9. VeriVery
10. Chungha - 88 rising performance / KAMPLA /2nd Studio Album 
11. Kang Daniel (Japanese promo)
12. Dawn
13. IVE
14. SM Artists: Part 2 - KYUHYUN, Taeyeon (Queendom Host/ KAMP-LA)
15. YG Artists: Part 3 WINNER, Blackpink 
16. ONF 
17. Oneus 
18. A.C.E 
19. Wonho 
20. CUBE Artists - BTOB/Huta, Pentagon, Lightsum
21. W.A.O
22. AKMU
23. CIX
24. Weeekly
25. GWSN
26. Blackswan
27. B.I 
28. ATEEZ
    

Q4 - October to December 

1. VeriVery
2. Seventeen
3. BVNDIT 
4. JYP Artist
5. LOONA - Holiday Ballad
6. Golden Child
7. Lightsum
8. AILEE
9. Astro
10. CL
11. MCND
12. GWSN
13. KARD

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The Poison You Give Me: The Dark Side of Implants

Hey Subbies,

I wanted to do this post before I started talking about my trip to Japan. But if want to see my vlogs they are on Youtube Channel and worked really hard to get them edited so please enjoy, like, subscribe and etc. 

I need to get this out so more women and this includes trans-females are aware. Last year or I guess in the last five years I've noticed that my favorite and top female Youtuber's were getting their Breast done and other procedures. As someone with naturally big boobs, I can totally understand why women would want them. At the same time playing devils advocated here, "Y'all ready for your back to hurt and more stretch marks lol." I know from both sides of the boob spectrum we got teased in that "damn if don't, damn if you do" manner. But when I was a teen I was telling my friends to just wait till have kids because you'll probably need to get them fixed again anyways. However, I was actually really concerned for friends that were considering getting them done. I was happy when they came out with the "Gummy bear implants" because during this time in the evolution of implants the silicone and saline implants were popping (rupturing) like pancakes making women sick.

Anyways, between 2012 to 2018, I saw a huge trend of women deciding to get them done. Mostly, saw well it started with Playmates [1][2]like Pamala Anderson, then bodybuilders in late 2000s then and now influencers. I know beauty is important especially in these types of careers but your health is more important. After seeing multiple consumer lawsuits pop up on TV from people rejecting all types of medical-grade devices and implants like Birth control like IUDs, bone-replacement devices, Dental and etc. All the while when people who received new organs are given on all types of medications to stop the organ from being rejected because it is seen as a foreign object in the body thus creating an autoimmune response. Now, what does this have to do with Breast Implants? If you haven't put two and two together then you will know that implants are a foreign object too. In addition, early this week YouTube recommended this video "The TRUTH about BREAST IMPLANTS - Breast Implant Illness (Before/ After Pics)" by  Karissa Pukas. Before I go on, FDA and The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have really failed us again (petition paper). I really hope this reaches these influencers like IAMKARENO, Jackie Aina, Patricia Bright, Dulce Candy, Megan Bowen, Beautifymeeh, Sunnydaye, PeachyMilky, MsAaliyahJay, Robin Gallant, Nikki, Blakketter, Gigi Gorgeous, Nikita Dragun, Christen Dominique, Shaaanonxo, Abby Pollock... and anyone considering getting them. These women are amazing and hardworking and I would hate to see any of you be emotionally scarred because profit was held above your health. I need you guys to look up Breast Implant Illness a.k.a. BII or Silicone Implant Illness a.k.a. SII. I'm not saying these women are having issues but they really need to consider these findings which for me really make me mad because most women are never told them.

Women's Testimonials: [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]
Doctor's and other Testimonials: [TedTalk][*][1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]

What they don't tell about Breast Implants in General:

• This is a Major Surgery.
• Breast implants are NOT forever many only last up to 7-10 years
• Scar tissue forms around the implant as an autoimmune response and distorts the shape of the breast implant (capsular contracture - hardening of the breast)
• The capsule holding the implants may attach to ribs or major organs more common with under muscle implants.
• Breast pain
• Sagging
• Infections (Black Mold, Bacterial, Fungal, Viral) 
• Degradation and Discoloration of the implant itself
• Changes in the nipple and breast sensation, often temporary but there is still a risk for nerve damage.
• Implant leakage or rupture (silent rupture/leaks )
• More at risk for cancer (lymphoma or  BIA-ALCL).
• Add Mammograms/ MRI to your schedule, to check for leaks from the implants.
• You will probably need additional surgery before or after breast implants (removal).

and most plastic surgeons will not tell you that. (hold on, there is more...)

Silicone shell, Saline

Silicone

After watching multiple videos on the topic and there are Facebook pages (Website) full of women talking about their autoimmune symptoms that started showing up after years with the implants in their body. The doctors they asked to get them taken out essentially didn't believe them, the women were told they needed to seek therapy or "your young.. you have your whole life to live with those great boobs" or "look you'll have saggy breast if you take them out" or "you just had a kid you might be suffering postpartum depression" or "your immune system is all of the whack" there were more crazy responses but these are things women are told. These women also went and did a full physical and nothing came back. I remember watching this video from my favorite YouTubers SimonandMartina and Martina who struggle from an Invisible Illness or hidden disabilities. "Invisible disabilities are disabilities that are not immediately apparent, some people with visual or auditory disabilities who do not wear glasses or hearing aids, or who use discreet hearing aids, may not be obviously disabled.

Basically, breast implants may cause an invisible illness. You see almost all implants contain Silicone, Silica, Tin, Cadmium, Mercury, Arsenic, Formaldehyde, Talc, Platinum Salts, and an altogether total of 41 other know neurotoxin/carcinogens that slowly leak into the body, doing more harm than good. The irony is would you keep and drink water from inside your cars that been at 96° degree weather for 8 years? Many don't even know to ask for heavy metals or toxicity tests when they are trying to figure what's wrong with them (*Also, I would highly recommend getting a test for Autoimmune Illnesses when ur in the decision mood beforehand.)  Most doctors will just prescribe them pills but personally, I think pills will either mask the symptoms or make the body perform out the norm. These women even turned to natural paths who really tried to help these women but no dices.

So, what (ASIA) symptoms should you look for if you already have implants?

• Fibromyalgia
• (MS) Multiple sclerosis-like symptoms
• Lyme disease-like symptoms
• PCOS
• Alopecia/ Lupus
• Hypothyroidism
• IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome)
• Cancer

Basically...

• Intolerance to foods and beverages: Bloating, unable to digest solids, and heartburn/nausea
• Dryness
• Premature aging, Glassy eyes, Sunken eyes
• Breathing issues
• Chronic Pain (back, joints, hips...)
• Cognitive dysfunction (brain fog, memory loss)
• Stunted hair growth/ loss
• Incapacitating fatigue
• Burning bladder pain
• Low immunity
• Recurring infections
• Problems with my thyroid and adrenals.
• Can't get out of bed
• Numbness
• Dizziness/ Vertigo
• Headaches/ Migraines
• Inflammation
• Adult Acne
• Constipation/ Diarrhea
• Blurry Vision
• Insomnia
• Heart palpitations
• Skin Irritation /conditions: Redness, Rosacea, Hives, Rashes, Psoriasis, and Eczema
• Organ Failure
• Lumps or Tumors
• Chronic Sweating
• Strong Metallic body odor
• Fast weight gain or loss
• Hormonal Imbalance ( Depression and Anxiety)
• Fertility issues and possible miscarriage(s)

Basically, you feel like a 90-year-old. Now, I know why Angelina Jolie didn't opt for implants after her Mammaplasty/ lipectomy. If you do start having 8-10 for more than 3 months or more symptoms you need to get tested for heavy metal toxicity and/or get an MRI scan of your implants. But to be honest it's probably your implants. If and when you do decide to take them out you need to make sure to find the right doctor. The doctor should have experience in removing the implants and scar tissue (a complete capsulectomy also called a full En Bloc surgery). Many doctors will just pop another implant in so, make sure you have three top doctors in mind because the waitlist can be a long wait. It has been recommended to be put on the cancellation list to be bumped up on the explant list. And, if you got a fussy/textured implant between 2010-2015 you need to get those out ASAP. Here is a link to a list of doctors who specialize in explants.

What to look for after a successful surgery:

• Clearing of the eyes, Whiter Whites
• Brightening/lifting of the Skin
• Loss of Inflammation and Chronic pain 
• Depending on your age your boobs may return to what they were before the implants
• Loss/Gain back the pounds
• Regain energy levels
• Return of Dexterity / Flexibility

Most of the issues should lessen or go back to what they were before your getting the implants. Most women went all-natural diet specifically an Anti-Inflammatory / Candida Diet that helps to lessen the symptoms while they waited for their surgery dates. Also, you will have to drain the toxic fluids from your boobs so you may experience pain and discomfort after taking them out. If u have a Fear of Death which I heard a lot of women say they have had with breast implants please contact a Crisis hotline if you don't have anyone to talk too.

~GL

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My 2017 Favorite Podcasts

Hey Subbies,

The last six months of I've started listening to podcast thanks to Amy Lee of Vagabond Youth from YouTube. I've mostly got into listening to podcast about music and have ventured out to other cultural-media podcasts. Another major reason why I started listening podcast was that my job has the worst internet even for the public and I found an app that I use that allows me to download podcasts. Some of these podcasts have received numerous rewards and or on the top of the charts so hopefully, you can enjoy them as much as I do. I'm really thankful for that because it gets really quiet and boring because of the current situations with L.A. fires the internet is even worse than usual. I'm praying for everyone who are trying to survive these fires especially my friend who lives out there by Creek Fire.

Dissect is a serialized music podcast.
In a world creating and accessing more content than ever before, we’ve quickly become a scrolling culture, hurriedly swiping through this infinite swath of content that seems to replenish without end.
Dissect was created to counter this cultural shift.
We’ll step outside our new consumption habits and take our time analyzing pieces of music measure by measure, word by word.
To appease our new consumption habits, we’ll break up our analysis into short, easily digestible episodes.
Subcribe to Dissect now on iPhone, Stitcher, Google Play, iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.
Because great art deserves more than a swipe.

The Show
A podcast about the making and meaning of popular music hosted by musicologist Nate Sloan and songwriter Charlie Harding. We break down pop songs to figure out what makes a hit and what is its place in culture. We help listeners find "a-ha" moments in the music. Switched on Pop will make you laugh, dance, and ask ridiculous questions like: does the falsetto in One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful” essentially make them our modern day Castrati?

Producer/audio engineer/professional guitarist, Jake Jones and award winning producer/audio engineer, Robert Venable bring in legendary guests to pull back the curtain and give you a peek into the behind the scenes operation that keeps the music industry running like a well oiled machine. Is that machine starting to break down? Listen and decide for yourself.

The NodIn The Nod, a new podcast from Gimlet Media, co-hosts Brittany Luse and Eric Eddings gleefully explore all the beautiful, complicated dimensions of Black life.
Gimlet Media is the award-winning narrative podcasting company that aims to help listeners better understand the world and each other. Gimlet was founded in 2014 and is based in Brooklyn, New York. Gimlet podcasts are downloaded over seven million times per month by listeners from nearly 190 countries worldwide.

Represent is a space for discussion, highlighting movies, TV, and online shows created by and/or about women, people of color, people with disabilities, and those in the LGBTQ community. Join Aisha Harris as she dives deep into conversations with critics about the latest pop cultural news, and filmmakers about what they do and how they do it.

99% Invisible is about all the thought that goes into the things we don’t think about — the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world. With over 150 million downloads, 99% Invisible is one of the most popular podcasts on iTunes (also available via RSS). 

99% Invisible started as a project of KALW public radio and the American Institute of Architects in San Francisco. Originally, host and creator Roman Mars produced 99% Invisible from his bedroom. Roman Mars is also a founding member of the podcast collective, Radiotopia.

 Welcome to Revisionist History a new podcast from Malcolm Gladwell and Panoply Media. Each week for 10 weeks, Revisionist History will go back and reinterpret something from the past: an event, a person, an idea. Something overlooked. Something misunderstood.

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Job Seekers Beware

Hey Subbies,

We all heard of internet fraud or fraud in general, you may even know someone who was targeted or a victim of fraud. With all the ransomware and phishing going these it's getting harder for basic netizens to use the internet. You probably have a Yahoo, PlayStation, and Microsoft account that has possibly been compromised already. But what hell can you do? We all heard about that long lost family who is willing to send you their estate. However, there is a 2.0 version of this on sites you may not even be aware of. One being Job sites that you think are a safe haven for job seekers but they have a huge problem because of a scammer who:

• Phishing/Spoofing: Both terms deal with forged or faked electronic documents. Spoofing generally refers to the dissemination of e-mail which is forged to appear as though it was sent by someone other than the actual source. Phishing, also referred to as vishing, smishing, or pharming, is often used in conjunction with a spoofed e-mail. It is the act of sending an e-mail falsely claiming to be an established legitimate business in an attempt to deceive the unsuspecting recipient into divulging personal, sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and bank account information after directing the user to visit a specified website. The website, however, is not genuine and was set up only as an attempt to steal the user's information. - FBI

I was almost targetted for a scam via a job site I thought would allow me to start working in my field full-time. For someone like myself, fresh out of college you plaster your resume all over the job sites looking for something to move up the latter or just to get a job. The sites you've signed up for have a game plan to get you noticed quickly by a wide range of employers. Some sites are better than others and you get few calls or emails or callback. Your family, friends, and co-workers are wondering why you haven't been swooped up yet. Yourself esteem drops each time every month in a search for a job. You watch countless hours about the job markets and how it is affecting your peers, so you become desperate but no dice. Until you receive a promising email that you have been waiting for that they want to interview you for this job over a skype or google hangout and you're like great but little did you know that this was Red Flag Number 1.

You probably had jobs that use these applications to get in contact with you in the past but if they don't touch bases with a simple phone call or in person directly it's a no go. Just because you have been in school and or working part-time for the past four years doesn't mean you are all knowing because there are a lot of people preying on young and old job seekers like yourself even if you been on the web since you were ten. I think job sites are also to blame for allowing scamming to continue to allow unverified employers on their sites. I would hope job sites would vet their user's employers like Twitter verifies Institutions and Corporate businesses or don't have them.

I was almost scammed by an alleged employer who posing as a very well known company and was using a well-known job site to commit their scam. I applied for the job through one site which forwarded me to the job site that was I already signed up for. Two months later I kept getting alerts about this "company" with help the of the virtual job searching team trying to get a response from the employer. The scammer(s) employer finally reached out to me and even had my account displayed at the bottom of the e-mail so that it would put your mind at ease. They set up a fake time/date with a sense urgency or to email them back asap to reschedule that should throw up a red flag because most jobs will ask you to email or call them with time and date that works for you.

I want to also add this link for you to read from a Reddit user who was also scammed almost by the same "company." The user is a little more versed in online scams than I am but I wish I had found this post sooner since it was hard to find.

Once the scammers have your attention they will move fast to get you on their web. The interview will seem standard procedure. The scammer tells you they have to see if you are qualified for the job, so you wait an hour. Finally, you get a "Congratulations you seem to be fit for the job/company." Then they tell you to wait a day to do some "training."


A Red Flag hint after looking at this document more carefully is that the fonts they used are not the same fonts Telsa uses on their companies page and most employment agreements are simple and clean layouts. The document used similar fonts but for someone else who isn't well versed, it can be hard to spot.

The next day, they'll ask you for:

Documents to sign that they supply
Government issued ID
and possibly other sensitive information

Personally identifiable information-PII or SPI is used in information security and privacy laws, is information that can be used on its own or with other information to identify, contact, or locate a single person, or to identify an individual in context.
(1) name, social security number, date and place of birth, mother's maiden name, or biometric records; 
(2) medical, educational, financial, and employment information." 

At this point, you might be yelling Identity Theft and you are correct it makes you not want to use any job sites that spoons feeds your information to potential scammers. The Scammer tells you that they will be sending you a check to start setting up an "office" and they send a low res image as a reference to make it look legit this is a huge red flag. Then they tell you to deposit it into your account, give them a receipt for proof and spend it on the required items. They want you to commit fraud because you are willing and a lot of banks are cracking down on this these day since it is so rampant.

How to spot a fake check (link):
Hint 1: If the check is bigger than standard commercial checks and has rounded corner borders it is a fake.
Hint 2: Signature has no spacing between each name or is hard to read.
Hint 3: All checks should have the bank and/or company logo undistorted or information.
Hint 4: The account number should be inside the check borders and align right.
Hint 5: Checks never have Check No. or No. written on the top right-hand side next to a number set.

Many scammers buy checks from office supply stores, which really makes it easy for people today to get scammed these days. If you find yourself in this situation I would advise contacting the Federal Trade Commision (FTC) and file a complaint online with the FBI and/or your local authorities. I feel like students who looking for a job should be made known of these issues when entering College/University and thru their career centers. I was never made aware of the possibility during my college life since I was already working. However, that is the last thing a student or newly alumni needs when they are having to deal financial burdens of going to school already.

If you come across a scam it is best to share that information with others, so that scammer can't get away it again. This was recommended when I read some of the government sites that I told to visit.

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Cushion Compacts Hitting the American Market

Hey Subbies,

School in full swing however, there has been a hot buzz in the makeup community for Compact Cushions. You're are probably already aware of Asian BB, CC, and DD foundation bases. Basically, BB for Blemishes, CC for color correction, and DD for all of the above plus anti-aging lol. I was wondering when they'll become popular, but the shade limitation is what most women into makeup are concerned about. I was going to do a post on Supermodels all over the world and their skin tones to be universal shades for companies reference because we actually have diverse shades of models to base off on for consumers. I literally went hunting for supermodels because I was sick and tired of  Cosmetic brands skimping out on people of color (looking at you Physician Formula). Don't get me wrong, I use to love buying products from these brands like their eyeliner but you know that saying "Taxation without Representation" that can be applied here.

However, we all were probably taught about the Color Wheel right either at school, on the job or from YT? Well, the Color Wheel has been updated to include all its true multifaceted hues (base color), tone (+grey), tints (+white), and shade (+black). But in the makeup world there 3 things important bases that need be addressed: Warms, Neutrals and Cools. Everyone on this Planet can be classified into one of these. So, when we say "Shade or Hue," which incompasses the construct of adding a dark base color, it becomes a shade/tone. And this is the goal is to get the right color for everyone's Skin Tone. Warm tones adds a Red, Cool tones adds a Blue, and a Primary plus a B/W for Neutrals combinations. People usually do the vein test to find out but it kind a binary way of finding out what works. For example, I look like I would look good in Gold but I don't because my skintone is more on the cool side however, I can still rock a Rose Gold color because also have red undertones. Color is limitless especially when it comes to skin tones.

One more point to make is that makeup with SPF 15 is for Darker skin tones to SPF50 with very light skin tones because people of color need the sun much more for vitamin D production than people who lack Melanin pigmentation. My mom use to be and some YTers I have watched lacked vitamin D and this can be very detrimental to a person's health. So, makeup companies skimp on the SPF products unless it's trying to brighten/color correcting (vitamin C, titanium oxide, hydroquinone-still sold in the US btw) the skin.

Asian Models

Black Models

 Latin Models

 European Models

This what our makeup lines should look like. Moving on to the US Cushions and newest releases into the North American Cosmetic Market. I will only be including brands that are available in-store but also online. In addition, most brands that are online are usually some Korean brands that haven't cross over into the American Markets yet. However, reading and watching some reviews on some the new cushions that most people love but they don't compare the Asian counterparts in terms of packaging,  sponge, lack of Skincare/SPF properties, and "watery" product that can be light yet buildable. So for now, Asian cushions in American Market have more pros than cons for consumers. If I forgot to mention one please leave me a comment or tell what's your favorite crossover Asian influenced brand? Okay, Let's begin our list!

3LAB Aqua BB SPF 40
(3- Light Shades) 

Barneys New York
Nordstrom
3LAB 

A uniquely formulated color treatment designed to provide long-lasting hydration, and color correcting coverage. Aqua BB helps regenerate skin cells, while illuminating and protecting the skin with lightweight coverage. Easy to apply at home or on-the-go. Contains one refill pack and an extra sponge applicator.

Dr. Jart+ BB Bounce Beauty Balm 

(2-Light shades) 
Sephora

A unique bouncing-textured beauty balm formula with rich moisturizing and brightening properties.
- Features an exceptional texture that gives skin instant firmness while concealing and correcting uneven skin tone, blemishes, enlarged pores, and dehydrated skin 
- Features SPF 30 sun protection - Comes in two shades - Parabens- Sulfates - Phthalates This BB cream is hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and dermatologist tested

IT COSMETICS CC+ Veil Beauty Fluid Foundation SPF 50

 (4-Light to Medium Shades) 

UTLA 

IT’s the first cushion compact to market by an American Brand! Introducing CC+™ Veil Beauty Fluid Foundation SPF 50+, coverage & serum, clinically shown to brighten your complexion, improve skin tone evenness and minimize pores & fine lines! This first-of-its-kind true innovative breakthrough is an Anti-Aging serum & SPF 50+ infused with pure coverage pigments. This revolutionary beauty fluid will change the way you think of foundation. CC+™ Veil has an ultra-lightweight, breathable beauty fluid formula that is infused with pure color pigments for buildable coverage that lasts! Drops of Light Technology® is infused with liquid crystals, brightens and color corrects your skin to provide a hydrating, luminous finish and SPF 50+ UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum Physical Only, Non- Chemical Sunscreen protects your skin from damaging UVA/UVB rays.

L'ORÉAL True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation 
(8-Light to Dark Shades ) 
UTLA
Walgreens 
Target  

Liquid Foundation revolutionized – build luminous coverage in a tap. Introducing new True Match™ Lumi Cushion, a liquid foundation infused in an innovative sponge that delivers the perfect amount of makeup. Our luminous refreshing formula creates sheer to medium coverage. Tap a little for a fresh natural glow, tap on more to build a new level of luminous coverage. Liquid foundation + tap on applicator puff gives you convenient on-the-go coverage. 
Formulated with Precise Match™Technology to match your skin’s tone and undertone. 
Available in 12 true-to-skin shadesFinish: Fresh, Natural & LuminousCoverage: Sheer to medium, buildable coverage Skin Type: For all skin types. Safe for sensitive skin. Does not clog pores.

LANCÔME Miracle Cushion Liquid Cushion Compact Foundation 
(11-Light to Dark)
LANCOME 

A foundation revolution has arrived—liquid makeup in a cushion. Finally, a liquid foundation you can take anywhere. A cushion releases the perfect amount of makeup for effortless application, creating a dewy, fresh glow in just seconds. This lightweight and refreshing formula contains hydrating and brightening benefits. Available in 11 skin-perfecting shades.

Laneige BB Cushion 
(6-Light to Dark Shades )
Laneige 

A revolutionary five-in-one BB cream in a convenient compact for all-day flawless skin, plus a full-size refill - Perfect your complexion in seconds while delivering skin care benefits of hydration, brightening, and protection - Comes in four shades Go beyond regular BB creams. Optimal mineral water cools and hydrates upon application while Melacrusher™ brightens skin by visibly reducing dark spots. Protect and prevent shine for long-lasting coverage. The synergy of exclusive cushion form technology and unique application distributes just the right amount of product to perfect skin in seconds for an all-day luminous finish. Apply whenever and wherever—with no buildup. - Parabens- Phthalates This product comes with a full-size refill. It is dermatologist tested and noncomedogenic. LANEIGE does not test ingredients or products on animals.

AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
(5-Light to Medium Shades) $60.00
Sephora 

For flawless coverage that’s lighter than air, set yourself free with COLOR CONTROL CUSHION COMPACT Broad Spectrum SPF 50. 

• SPF 50+ protects against both harmful UVA and UVB rays 

• Fills micro lines and ensures color builds into fine even layers

• Brightens and prevents skin irritation while providing superior antioxidant protection

• Hydrating Bamboo Sap Formula replaces traditional water in oil base for deep moisturization

• Dynamic Fluid Capture System Technology transforms liquid into a refined emulsion. Non-absorbing Air Cell puff applicator cools and soothes the skin

MISSHA Signature BB Cake SPF50+ PA+++ No. 13 30g 
(4-shades Light to Medium) $28.50
Target 

BB cream in compact form for easy application and touch-ups throughout the day. Perfectly covers blemishes and pores for long-lasting coverage. Adheres lightly to the skin for comfortable wear and natural look.Helps promote a glowing and radiant complexion, and maintain moist and supple skin. Wrinkle care + brightening + UV blocking cosmetic. 

Dream Cushion™ Fresh Face Liquid Foundation
(6-Light to Dark)
Maybelline

Dream Cushion™ Fresh Face Liquid Foundation delivers complete luminous coverage for fresh-faced perfection.
Maybelline's increased color pigments deliver complete luminous coverage for fresh-faced perfection.

Dior Dreamskin Cushion
DREAM SKIN - PERFECT SKIN CUSHION BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50 
(4-Light to Dark) 
Dior
Sephora
Nordstrom
Bloomingdale's
Macy's
Saks Fifth Avenu
Cosme de
Lord + Taylor

 

THE SKIN OF YOUR DREAMS. INSTANTLY. ANYTIME. ANYWHERE.

DESCRIPTION

Dreamskin Perfect Skin Cushion is a new perfecting skincare in a compact.

All the correcting and skin-perfecting power of Dreamskin within a portable compact to treat, enhance and protect your skin on the go.

Upon application, its lightweight texture perfectly fuses with the skin to reduce the appearance of redness, shine and pores. The complexion is naturally fresh, radiant and luminous under all circumstances. Day after day, the skin and complexion are naturally and beautifully enhanced.

* By Dior

BENEFITS

Skin appears fresh, radiant and revived.

Spots are faded and pores are tightened

Skin is protected all day long

THE BODY SHOP

FRESH NUDE CUSHION FOUNDATION

(5-Light to Dark)

The Body Shop  

Our multi-tasking Fresh Nude Cushion Foundation is packed with beneficial skin care ingredients in a portable and innovative design. Discover buildable semi-matte coverage for instantly smoother, shine-free skin and 24 hours of fresh moisture. Experience the freshness of a liquid foundation and the on-the-go practicality of a compact all with mess-free application.

Suitable for sensitive skin

Non-pore clogging

Designed with a built in mirror and pad applicator for easy on-the-go application

Formulated with mineral pigments for lasting color

Made with Community Trade Aloe Vera from Mexico

Made with Community Trade Marula Oil from Namibia

Estee Lauder Double Wear Cushion BB

All Day Wear Liquid Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50

(4-Light to Medium)

Estee Lauder 

Lasts all day, no touch-ups needed.

A long-wearing cushion compact makeup with 8-hour lasting power. Protects with high level SPF.

The lightweight, BB fresh, moisture-infused formula is comfortable and so lightweight, it’s easy to build coverage and keep a natural radiant look.

The appearance of pores, fine lines and imperfections is minimized. Skin looks smooth, hydrated, flawless.

For all skintypes. Oil-free. Controls oil and shine.

Included sponge applicator.

Queendom Cushion 9-light to Dark
Dibawssette

QUEENDOM Cushion Foundations have your tones and undertones covered! From tan to deep skin tones and warm golden tones to olive and deep neutral tones, QUEENDOM Cushion Foundation has your match! Our mission

DIBA BY DIBAWSSETTE  has been delivering innovative, affordable and customized cosmetics to identified markets, since we opened in 2018. Our goal is to provide both a superior product and customer experience for our customers.

I hope this helps on your next purchase.

Perfecting Cushion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Sunscreen
(6-Light to Medium)

Sulwhasoo 

A lightweight liquid foundation, housed in a special sponge for on-the-go portability, is designed to create the perfect canvas, cover imperfections, protect against UV rays and boosts radiance without caking.

Perfecting Cushion Brightening

Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Sunscreen

(6-Light)

Sulwhasoo

An illuminating formula with magnolia extract and pearlescent complex that blurs away dark circles, pores, and blemishes effortlessly while evening tone, protecting against harmful UV rays, and leaving skin radiant.

Honey Jarret Clean Cover Cushion Foundation

(4-Light to Medium)

Honey Jarret

Amazing coverage with a superfood complex to nourish your skin. Inspired by nature, the Honey Jarret Cushion Foundation provides impressive coverage as well as nourishment. Buildable and super blendable, it covers everything from blemishes and redness to dark circles. Containing adaptable mineral pigments, the end result is dewy and glowing skin that’s beautifully clear and healthy.

Honey Jarret Clean Cover Cushion Foundation contains our Jarret Tea formula - our superfood complex with anti-aging and antibacterial properties for super healthy skin that glows is developed to enhance and brighten the skin.

M Magic Cushion

(4-Light)

Missha 

Easily take your foundation on the go with our compact M Magic Cushion that delivers light, buildable,

and long-lasting coverage.

 

Conceals blemishes and discoloration, evens skin tone, protects from sun damage, moisturizes skin,

makes touch-ups on the go easier.

 

Recommended for all skin types.

EM Cosmetics 
DAYDREAM CUSHION

(6 light - Dark)

https://www.emcosmetics.com/

With Daydream Cushion, your skin will look fresh & refined.

Perfect & protect your complexion with this serum-infused tinted cushion. Sheer, buildable formula provides a hint of color to enhance skin tone & diffuse imperfections. Refreshing micronutrient complex enriched with Niacinamide, Snow Mushroom Extract, Green Papaya Fruit Extract, Green Tea Extract, Rice Water, & Goji Berry Extract to help hydrate and refine skin’s texture.

Dr. Gio Cushion
(6 medium - light)
https://drgiocosmetics.com/

We made History in Korea.

We are the first Korean Beauty Brand to be owned by a Black Woman and made specifically for People of Color

Making K-Beauty Inclusive and Diverse

MOISTURIZING

BRIGHTENING

ANTI-AGING

Packed with moisturizing agents, Dr. GIO cosmetics formula covers blemishes while staying light-weight. It is buildable for a dewy-but-never-cakey-looking skin!

Dr. Gio cosmetics long-lasting formula allows a flawless look that lasts 48 hours.

The angled puff helps you apply concealer or contour shades with precision.

Application tip: Use the pointed tip to conceal and the wide section to buff the foundation in.

Future Skin Cushion Skincare Foundation
(8-Light to Deep)
https://chantecaille.com/products/future-skin-cushion-foundation

A fresh, water-based foundation formula with smoothing and anti-pollution skincare ingredients that blur imperfections and leave skin looking flawless. Lightweight and instantly perfecting, the refillable soft cushion compact makes building coverage beautifully simple. Apply with the puff for a natural, fresh finish or apply with your fingers for even more ease.

Every cushion feeds an orphan baby elephant rescued by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

1 cushion = 1 bottle of milk formula

Each compact contains one inserted cushion and one refill.

Shades That Stretch

What makes this formula so unique is its flexibility. One shade has the versatility to work with multiple skin tones, making it our most inclusive foundation to date.

Use our Foundation Finder or Complexion Chart to select your custom coverage.

Each compact contains one inserted cushion and one refill cushion in a sealed pouch. Do not open refill until ready to insert into the compact.

~Seeya

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