Wow, last week was stressful, weird, and then became some kind of wonderful. A few tears were probably shed throughout the week, which was unexpected. It's been a while since I cried, but it's good sometimes to feel that way. It's cathartic. 

I don't often cry. When I'm stressed, I often resort to sleeping. But last week was mentally and physically draining for me. I just had to let the tears roll. 

On the bright side, lots of fun things happened this week, too — interviews for a school project, a birthday celebration, izakaya dinner, and dim sum breakfast. I am thankful for the people around me. This world may be cruel more than half of the time, but it's the company that you keep that makes everything bearable. 

Another week ends. 

New month, new me! 

How long has it been since COVID-19 started ruining our lives? Luckily, Thailand seemed like it managed the pandemic cases well, given that we can already go around, no more curfew or lockdown since May. Although there are still some restrictions, we are now able to roam, sort of freely, as long as we have our masks on. 

When they announced that non-essential establishments are back in business, the first thing I did was book a salon appointment (I would not, for the life of me, cut my hair on my own. I've done that in HS, never again!). I also made a trip to some of the nearby places I can check out in the city, just to get out of my home. 

One day, my condominium management announced that there would be some 7-hour blackout for some maintenance, so I was forced to kinda go out. Thought it would be an excellent opportunity to explore Bangkok. However, given the excruciating heat, I ended up going to one of my favourite places here, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. 

Near Siam Paragon/Discovery and MBK, the art centre is easily accessible by BTS Sukhumvit Line and is just within the city. So off I went. Here are some pics! 

Ok, that's it!

I don't know about you, but when my company asked us to start working from home, I got excited about the idea. We normally have a twice-a-month work from home schedule, which I always look forward to, but not expecting it to be months indefinitely. No more waking up extra time to prepare (I'm very slow in the morning) and no need to wear make-up. Woohoo!

However, as months passed by, I started looking at my unused make-up products. I began missing getting ready in the morning that I can't believe that what was once my most tedious routine became one of the things I look forward to now. Also, just the thought of not finishing my beauty products made me feel like I am wasting them.

So one day, I picked them up again — started with my lip tint, then moved to blush. Now, on some days, I'd use lipstick. And I can't believe how happy it made me. Got excited to choose and wear a different colour, even though I'm just at home. And boy, putting some colour on my face made a huge difference in the way I look in video calls, haha!

As things start to go back to normal here in Bangkok, we are now required to go back to the office twice a week now. And I can say make-up routine has renewed my energy to go back to the office. It is now actually one of the things I look forward to when I prepare in the morning. Meanwhile, on days I stay and work at home, I still put some effort to put on light make-up: blush and lip tint are my go-to's (together with SPF!).

The next part will be lengthy, but you've made it here, so let's talk about the specifics.

In case you're interested, here are the products I have been using lately:

 

After using a drugstore brand for quite a while, I realised that I'd still go back to my favourite concealer, despite the price. The one I used before often left my face looking cakey at the end of the day and clings to my dry patches (shout out to my fellow combination skin!). However, Nars Soft Matte Concealer (I use the shade Ginger) stays put and doesn't emphasise them. Don't be fooled by its packaging though. I can use one tub for months even if I use it every day, making it a worth it buy. Ah, it's a miracle in a little pot.

I have also been using multi-use products in cremes because I think that's how you get your money's worth? I use the BLK Multitasking Colour Stick in Cocoa for my contour, but you can also use it for eyes and lips! It's creamy, but you can blend it easily with your fingers, brush (I prefer to use an angled brush) or sponge so don't worry about looking muddy or dirty.

Meanwhile, in the same hardworking philosophy, my Mac Glow Play in So Rosy Does It is my favourite shade for my cheeks! You can quickly diffuse the colour if you want it to look natural or pack on the product to make it pop. Like the previous products mentioned, you can use it in several ways: as your eye shadow, blush, and lip stain. I sometimes use this product alone when I need a quick pick me up or don't want to put much effort, but still want to look put together for my video calls, haha.

 
I have a ridiculously hyper-sensitive skin around my eye area, and when I use a product that doesn't sit well with it, all hell breaks loose. I am glad I found these products that are easy to use and has not aggravated my skin yet — cross fingers!

Another BLK product (seriously guys, check this Filipino brand out, so good!), my Universal Brow Stick in Natural Brown is by far, the best eyebrow product I've used. It's a two-in-one product: one end has the eyebrow pencil and eyebrow mascara on the other. The pencil is simple to use and easily retractable if you need more. With a light-handed application, you can fill in your brows without looking heavily drawn (my fear!). Meanwhile, the mascara helps you achieve that brush-up brow effect while keeping them in place all day. It doesn't clump your brows as well, so you have natural-looking eyebrows. You can use both or one of them to achieve the effect you want. Usually, I use the mascara first, then fill in with the pencil. You can just imagine how this product has helped me make my brows look neat even though I haven't had them groomed for a long time because of the stay-at-home restrictions!




My mascara and eyeliners were recent purchases, and they're from Uzu by Flowfushi (formerly Mote). I'm not a fan of thick lashes, but I like them long — and this Micro mascara gives me that. As someone with sensitive skin, it doesn't take me much to remove this product, all I need is warm water to wash it off. I also like the sleek packaging because I'm a sucker for aesthetic, lol.

Meanwhile, the Uzu Flowushi's Eye Opening Liner is so, so good for someone who hasn't done eyeliner before. I'm so bad at putting eyeliner, but this one, because of the soft, calligraphy-like brush, glides so smoothly, making drawing effortless. Like the mascara, it comes off with warm water, too and doesn't require much rubbing. One thing though, it's not long-lasting, but that's OK for me. And finally, we have reached my favourite part: Lipsticks!

My favourite hobby during quarantine was to swatch my lipsticks. I even send photos to my best friend KZ, and she would tell me that all my lipsticks are in the same shade — that is true.

I currently have more than 10 in my collection, but these four are in my constant rotation.
No solo pic, but I finish off everything with my trusty setting spray, the Urban Decay All-Nighter. I've been using another one for a long time, and I can assure you that this cult product does what it says. I've gone to lots of parties, have walked around under excruciating heat, and have worn mask almost whole day outside, and my make up stays in place. Amazing!

I've said so much in this blog when I just wanted to introduce my current fave beauty products. Haha, please share yours with me, too! I'd like to know what you're using :)

And I couldn't be happier. 

The last few weeks have not been the best for me so far. 

If I am being honest, which what I a going to do now, I have been slacking off in some aspects of my life. Things that have brought me relief and happiness previously have brought no solution. 

I hate this slump, which I have been having for three weeks now. It's mostly worrying about what's happening back home and around me. Waking up thinking about negative thoughts immediately. It's not a good habit to start your day with social media; with that, I've told myself to cut some time online and devote it to things that will take my mind off for some hours. Picked up drawing again and practising on the iPad (woot, thanks to Procreate!), I've also managed to finish books in between (yes, ok, mostly audiobooks), and have gone out once at least in a week to see the world outside my house. 

I look forward to better days, weeks... and hopefully, out of this rut soon. 

By the way, if you haven't heard yet, my friends (Lian and Sam) and I just started doing a podcast. I know, crazy, I don't like the sound of my voice, though. I get too loud or harsh. 

Anyway, we call it The KTM Podcast — Kape Tayo Mars. It's a weekly pod talking about anything and everything. We've managed to come up with four episodes now and recording a new one this weekend. 

This was our episode last Sunday. We talked about dating apps!

Here are the links and do give us a shout out if you like it!

For those who know me from before, you'll probably be familiar with my disdain from cooking. I remember all those Christmases and New Years and birthdays when mom or my aunties would cook, I was expected to help out in the kitchen. I would do the bare minimum because who would want to hang out there when I can just watch TV and wait for the food to finish so I can gobble up as much as I can?

Till next time!