Seven Things: Let Me Introduce You To Some New Things
Things that are actually new and things that are new to me~~
Welcome to another installment of Seven Things! For this edition, we will talk about all things that are new (and new to me).
Aespa's Spicy
Kicking things off with a fresh release from Aespa! Spicy is the title track from their newest EP, My World, which was originally rumored to have a concept rooted in sustainability and environmental preservation…until the Dramarama in Kwangya happened a few months ago. Anyway, I’m glad that they ditched it and made the whole concept of their latest EP more rooted in real-world stuff, like self-love, dealing with social media’s impact on one’s personal insecurities, and flirting!
As a consumer of K-pop, I think Spicy is *the* song that will take Aespa to the Next Level (pun intended). The song’s beat is incredibly catchy, the lyrics are sassy yet empowering, the creative direction for the music video screams fun, and the styling for each member is on point. Also, from an advertising and marketing perspective, the usage of memes and the inter-group interactions are refreshing to see in this comeback.
Sunnies Face’s Fluffbalm
Do I need another lipstick? Perhaps not. I have around sixty in my collection already. However, I love a lip product that imparts a sheer matte or a sheer velvet finish. They give off amazing color without looking too done. Before I bought my own tube of Fluffbalm, I have Glossier’s Generation G lipsticks, NARS’ Soft Matte tinted lip balm, and Colourpop’s Blotted Lip as major players in that category of lip products in my collection.
Fluffbalm is a combination of all three: it has the price point of Colourpop’s Blotted Lip, the comfort of NARS’ Soft Matte lip balm, and the color story and adaptability of Generation G.
I got the shade “Perfect Mauve,” which is described as a berry nude. However, it looks a like a browny berry rose on me. It looks similar to the shade, “On Repeat” from the Fluffmatte collection, which is a pleasant surprise. In the same vein, “Perfect Pink” and “Perfect Nude” are sheer versions of Femmebot and Casual from the same Fluffmatte range. I guess the Fluffbalms are intended to do two things: one, is to mimic the shade of your natural lip color similar to the Dior Lip Glow balms, and the other is to give users The curation of shades is amazing, though I think they need to put out a Fluffbalm version of Girl Crush.
In terms of ease and comfort, the Fluffbalm lipstick is much more pillowy and comfortable on the lips compared to its matte counterpart. It’s like you’re putting on a velvety matte lip balm that doesn’t feel flimsy or sticky. It feels thicker than the Nars soft matte balms, to be honest.
At Php 445, this may give Generation G vibes, but if you want a sheer matte lipstick at a relatively accessible price point, this is your best bet.
Avocados
It’s me, hi, I’m the avocado anti.
Even though I like eating fruits and veggies, I do not enjoy eating avocados. I just didn’t like the taste of it. Until now.
I ended up eating an avocado for breakfast yesterday, which was surprisingly not a bad experience. The ripe ones feel and taste like boiled eggs.
Will I eat an avocado again? Just as long as its ripe enough! Maybe I can try to make an avocado toast now.
Making mini-vlogs
Staying true to my Leo roots, I’ve been making mini-vlogs on TikTok to document my life and mental health journey. Not to mention, I’ve been doing this to practice my speaking skills. It’s been a challenge, but we get better at anything we practice, right?
Li’l Hands 18-Color Watercolor Pan
It’s valid to invest in your hobbies, right? As someone who’s currently into watercolor painting, it’s been a bit of a trip to find materials and techniques that would allow me to improve in this craft.
Speaking of materials, the Li’l Hands 18-Color Watercolor Pan is my new favorite watercolor palette. The color story is basic yet nuanced, with colors that you can use to create skin tones and mix more nuanced colors.
New newsletters and podcasts to consume:
In no particular order, here are newsletters on Substack that I recently subscribed to— and been enjoying lately:
You Probably Don’t Need That by Emily Ferber (whose writing has influenced my voice as a budding beauty writer)
What Are We Even Doing Here? by Ashly Perez (relatable content from Ashly on grief and pop culture—excited to see their writing thrive)
How To Be A Woman on the Internet by Jordan Risa Santos and Ford Blitzer (a space for women to process their relationship with the Internet)
Here are also some podcasts that are new to me:
The Succession podcast for recaps and further commentary
Rehash for more pop culture and fashion commentary
Manila Cookie Story’s Dark Tsokolate Baby Bites
Enjoyed snacking on these chocolate chip shortbread cookies! They remind me of the Chips Delight Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies, but with a little bit more punch and depth. The dark chocolate was delightful.
I hope you enjoyed this edition of Seven Things! I will try to be as consistent as possible, and not go on writing marathons and drop off the face of the earth for months.
As for my wishlist, I am currently lusting for a new vacuum cleaner, a new office chair, and tickets to the NCT DJJ fan concert.
Let’s make wishlists together,
Lea