Seven Things: Fashion and Beauty Finds That Actually Do Not Suck
I gave seven fashion, health, and beauty purchases several chances to grow on me
From time to time, I try to shop through my closet and beauty collection. In a time where overconsumption is rampant, it’s important to be resourceful and creative with everything that we have. Maybe this is a place where I can start building my creative practice!
For this installment of Seven Things, I talk about the seven fashion and beauty finds that grew on me and ended up liking after multiple uses (Yes, this is The Real Seven Things list).
This pair of studded Charles and Keith Mary Jane flats
After multiple failed attempts to find the perfect holiday party shoe, I ended up settling for this pair of flats from Charles and Keith. It ended up being the best option for me, especially as an injury-prone, high-heel-hating person.
Even though it’s a pair of pointy-toe flats, they feel comfortable walking in. However, my issue with shoes that are not black is that they’re difficult to clean, or they’re prone to scratches.
I used this pair for the second time last week, and it felt more comfortable to walk in. It survived multiple rounds of walking in the office and some dancing during an office party.
Will I buy the black counterpart of this? Perhaps. This was my first Charles and Keith purchase, and I felt like a Boss Lady when I finally bought it.
Happy Skin’s Brow Grip in Clear, a.k.a a primer for your brows
I finally figured out a long-lasting brow routine, thanks to this brow gel from Happy Skin.
However, when I first used this, I did not jive with it. It either felt like nothing, or it gave me dandruff brows.
However, after months of trial and error, I learned that it works best as a “brow primer” that you have to use before skincare. Since then, I have done my brow routine before skincare. I first brush my brows using the Happy Skin Brow Grip, followed by a layer of the Sunnies Face Lifebrow Grooming Gel in Ash Brown on top. I then brush my brows up to give my brows the Bella Baxter effect to give it the life that it needs.
When I use this combo, my brows stay on all day. It’s also difficult to take off with a regular water-based cleanser, which proves its lasting power.
Birth Control
I hate to say this, but taking birth control has been growing on me. For added context, I’ve been taking birth control pills for over a month now to help me manage my Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) symptoms. My menstrual cycle has been mostly irregular ever since I started menstruating, and it has dampened my quality of life.
Last month, I finally bit the bullet and asked my OB-GYN if I could take birth control. I’m currently taking a low-dose combined pill that has minimal side effects. However, taking my first pack was a rollercoaster experience. I experienced intense mood swings, an increased appetite, and a prolonged menstrual cycle, which impacted my day-to-day functioning.
Now that I’m on my second pack, my mood swings are starting to dwindle and my appetite is starting to go back to normal. I’ve also noticed a certain glow to my skin, which I first thought was from my low-demand skincare routine. I’m still observing its effects to fully see if this protocol is going to be The One ™️ for me, but I’m glad that I don’t have to navigate my period from a place of fear and panic anymore. Not to mention, an old friend reminded me to be kind to myself, especially when the Mood Swings are Mood Swinging.
P.S. I’m currently on the Lizelle pill, which is an affordable alternative to Yaz.
Another thing to note about birth control pills: they’re not for everyone, but do not underestimate their capacity to save lives!
A certain Bench body spray that has been around since I was in grade school
If you’re Filipino, the brand Bench is known for several things: unexpected celebrity ambassadors, stylish and affordable undies, and celebrity-branded fragrances. To be honest, I find Bench comparable to Stefon’s Many Clubs— a place that has almost everything. Whenever I shop there, I end up getting new undies, as well as something remotely useful or fun, such as pet wipes or a new body spray.
During a trip to a Bench store in Glorietta last January, my friend J and I planned on buying cooling wipes for our upcoming concerts. However, I added a bottle of Bench’s Potion Body Spray in Charm to my shopping cart.
That certain body spray from Bench has been around since I was in grade school. Much like the infamous Atlantis body spray, this has been a constant presence whenever I visit a Bench store. I have purchased this specific body spray a few times already during high school and college. Every time I get this, I’m reminded of how warm and comforting it smells.
If I were to describe the scent, I would say that it gives off a creamy, musky, cottony scent that resembles Bath and Body Works’ Sea Island Cotton. (Does anyone remember this fragrance?)
Apart from the scent, I also enjoy its dry oil spray format. It’s moisturizing enough without experiencing stickiness.
However, just like many body sprays, this doesn’t last long for me on its own. I have to use it as a layering scent to give it the longevity that it needs. I usually pair this with my favorite Zara perfume to amplify its smell.
Anyway, if you’re looking for a body spray that will not make you experience sensory hell, consider this as an option. It’s nourishing, fun to use, and has a scent that feels like a hug.
My perfect red lipstick
Did I just mention that I finally found my perfect red lipstick? Yes, I did!
After years of denial, wrong lipstick purchases, and multiple viewings of color theory/lip swatch videos from Monica and Jaz on Instagram and TikTok, I think I found the perfect red lipstick for my medium-tan neutral olive skin tone.
ENTER: Romand’s Zero Velvet Tint in Vintage Taupe.
Although Romand’s US website describes it as a “mocha-colored MLBB for an everyday look,” I would describe it as a muted red with a hint of brown. Whenever I wear it, I get compliments and questions about this specific shade. This lipstick made me realize that I am better off wearing muted red lipsticks instead of the traditional reds available in the market.
On top of this beautiful shade, I’ve also been enjoying this specific formula from Romand. This is a comfortable liquid matte lipstick formula that I enjoy since it blurs the dry texture of my lips.
If you’re on the hunt for a comfortable matte lip, check out this formula from Romand. I know it’s not an overrated one, but it’s arguably one of the few brands that offer shades that go beyond the usual bright reds or corals that most Korean lip products offer.
The Sunnies Face blush that’s actually a blonzer
Being a fan of Sunnies Face’s products, there’s always a certain dopamine rush that comes with trying and buying them. This blush is no exception.
Even though I find the color range of the Airblushes a little too warm for my liking, the shade “Fig” has become one of my favorite blush + bronzer hybrids. It’s a peachy nude that gives me a summery flush, while also adding warmth to my skin.
While the longevity of this blush’s formula leaves a lot to be desired, the right skin prep and layering techniques can help improve its longevity. I usually use this as a base for my pink or coral powder blushes if I want to look a little more flushed.
Getting a wavy haircut and figuring out how to work with my curl pattern
Five weeks ago, I got one of the most affirming haircuts of my life! If you are a wavy or curly-haired person like me, it’s hard to find a stylist that can confidently work with your hair’s texture. For most curlies, haircuts are usually done in a manner where my hair gets washed, cut, and blow-dried, with backhanded compliments and sales talks from stylists convincing me to get my hair straightened.
I actually got a keratin treatment almost 3 years ago, and it was an interesting experience. While it did wonders for my hair in the short-term, the long-term damage was hard to deal with. I also dyed my hair at least thrice in the past year, which exacerbated the damage and the frizz. To top it all off, I started cutting my own hair again.
To address the damage that I’ve done to my hair, I decided to give my hair the fresh start that it needs. And what better way to kick off that fresh start with a haircut at Vivere Salon?
My haircut experience at Vivere was a pleasant surprise. I’ve been going in and out of there for five years, and this was the first cut where I didn’t feel like I have to think twice about my own hair texture. My hairstylist was encouraging, yet he was realistic about my references. Rather than sticking to the Greta Lee overgrown pixie-bob cut that I wanted, he gave me layers that showed off my real curl pattern, making my hair pliable for styling.
While the final haircut felt awesome, the first few weeks post-haircut felt challenging to style. Not to mention, I also felt self-conscious about my real hair texture due to my past experiences of being bullied about it. Now that my hair is a little longer, I’m learning how to embrace a modified CGM routine that’s aligned to my curl pattern and hair type.
That’s it for my latest Seven Things roundup! I hope you have a great day.
Until the next brain dump,
Lea