Music

Favorite Song

While it was just released on December 26, DEAN’s new track “Instagram” is already a favorite of mine and has achieved a certified all-kill. DEAN fans have been waiting ever so patiently for new music from the rising R&B prince, and this new track indicates promises of a great album (which he says will come out sometime in 2018). The song sounds groovy and very pleasing to the ears, but the lyrics are surprisingly deep. In an interview he talked about the one dimensional-nature of Instagram and expressed a desire to cut himself off from it, but it’s just oh so tempting to return. Looks like I’m not the only one who loves the song: IU has posted a short cover, ironically, on her Instagram!

Favorite Music Video

I have been listening to Zion.T and Lee Moonsae’s jazz-influenced balled “눈 SNOW” non-stop this whole month, however it’s that cinematic music video that really stands. The directing and cinematography are outstanding, and without words actor Ahn Jaehong is able to elicit emotions in viewers. The story is melancholic, but there’s something about it that leaves you with a sense of hope and serenity.

Favorite Album

Granted, not many albums were released this month, but one still had an impact on me and others. EXO was hit by an unexpected curveball with the heartbreaking news of Jonghyun’s passing. This caused them to push their anticipated winter album back. Now released on the 26th, Universe is a force to be reckoned with. Parting from the up-beat, electro and tropical sounds of their The War album, EXO shows off their vocals and sentimentality with gorgeous ballads. Stand out tracks are “지나갈 테니 Been Through” and “Lights Out,” which are just absolutely outstanding musically.

Entertainment

This month has been dry both musically and entertainment wise. It seems to me that not many eye-catching dramas have come out recently, or at least none that have enticed me. However, there are a few promising dramas that seem to be on their way.

Because of this, all that I have been watching are the recent episodes of Running Man. The show has seen a huge increase in ratings as of late, and for good reason. The chemistry between the new and old members has grown to a peak that makes viewers fall in love all over again. The past handful of episodes seem to be the funniest that we have seen in a long while, and I hope this organic comedy and friendship can continue into 2018.

Beauty

Skincare

My skin is taking a beating already, despite winter just beginning. It seems to be parched daily, despite how much moisture I give it. A huge savior of mine has been MediHeal’s facial masks, specifically the LINE friends line. Not only are they the only Korean face masks that actually fit nicely on my face, but they pack a punch. My skin always feels supple after I have used one of these. And yes, MediHeal did team up with BTS for their own face mask line. However, they are not selling the masks individually, only in packs. So unless you have $25 to $100 dollars to spare, or want to stock up with a pack of 10 masks at once, I’d stick with the originals.

Makeup

Peripera’s lip tints are a holy grail for any K-Beauty enthusiast. Their fall collection of Airy Ink Velvet colors also suit the winter months and thus I have been grabbing for them almost daily. The colors are of muted oranges, pinks, and reds; the perfect shades for the season. Not only that, but as we all know, the formula is super smooth and long lasting on the lips.

Another favorite in the world of BB cushions is Clio’s Kill Cover Liquid Founwear XP Cushion. While this updated XP version claims to last 48 hours, I do not suggest testing that. However, this BB cream is of high coverage and falls onto the satin-finish side of foundations, rather than dewy-finish which is very often the only option seen in Korean cushions.