Lovelyz ✨ Obliviate

A highlight of the past few weeks is that my favorite kpop group Lovelyz made their long awaited comeback, their first since Beautiful Days back in May of last year—which many fans were a bit disappointed in because they felt that the group wasted the perfect opportunity to change up their concept after the lukewarm reception of Lost N Found; so this comeback was really highly anticipated in a lot of aspects ;u;

I personally like all of the concepts and musical styles they've done from the cute bubblegum schoolgirls to the flowery healing goddesses and I could definitely consume those forever TT but it's been clear for a while that the members themselves are tired of the general public thinking that they lack the versatility and they're itching to branch out with their title tracks, so it's really satisfying seeing them slay this new era and being recognized for it. 💗 None of their actual fans are surprised that they can pull off this reversal though lol; they've clearly shown this potential on smaller stages.

Their new song is co-written by one of my biases Ryu Sujeong (!!) whom I believe came up with the idea of basing it on a spell/incantation and she chose Obliviate (used in Harry Potter by Hermoine to wipe away her existence in her family's lives/memories) and it's about wanting to forget about someone who's caused heartbreak and painful memories. Aside from being a fan of the magical theme, my favorite thing is how the lyrics in the bridge—"All the petals that bloomed in my heart are gone—" are a callback to Lovelyz' most iconic song which goes, "Ah-choo! Flowers must be blooming in my heart!" hehe.

The members have grown so well into confident, beautiful, charismatic young women. 😭 Most of them look more comfortable in their own skin than ever, unapologetically glowing throughout the promotions, like they KNOW exactly what they're serving and are owning it. 💕

Their last MV was noticeably lower budget (for the competitive landscape of kpop MVs...) so I'm pretty pleased with what they put into this MV with all of the sets and making it artsy fartsy. ;u; I describe it as "Harry Potter meets Lacy Blindfolds meets Fairytale-Gone-Dark meets Art Museum meets Widow-who-prob-murdered-her-rich-husband 🔥🔥"

I wish I knew better terms to explain it but I love the musical progression in the song—the instrumental is so interesting and layered (def I think a standout quality about Lovelyz' discography in general is that it never feels musically cheap or empty) and the way it builds is satisfying. Did not expect them to put so much power into the prechorus! And then the chorus gets super funky with a prominent bassline that feels signature to a lot of Lovelyz music. And THE KEY CHANGE WAS INSAAANE the first few times I heard it omg I think the unexpected twists and turns make the song really refreshing. LIKE WHAT is happening with the chords at 3:18 IT BLOWS MY MIND.

And even though it's a big concept change, I appreciate that there's still plenty that ties this into Lovelyz' distinct sound—the sentimentality that they do best, the melodicness, the prominent bass, embracing some retro vibes. I AM, HOWEVER, a little tiny teeny bit disappointed that they're now probably diverging from the ✨story✨ that their main title tracks have been telling all these years... Copied and pasted this from my previous post about Lovelyz:

Candy Jelly Love --- Crush
Hi~ --- Confession
Ah-Choo --- Friendzoned
Destiny --- Jealousy
WoW! --- Distance
Now, We --- FINALLY A MUTUAL LOVE!!!
Twinkle --- Exploring the relationship
That Day --- Break-up
Lost N Found --- Loneliness
Beautiful Days --- Reminiscence

So now it would be....... Forgetting the pain? Or it kind of feels like a grudge? Erasure? It's technically still in line with them getting over romantic feelings, but the last installment was about looking back on things sweetly so it doesn't feel like a natural progression. Welp 🤷‍♀️ the story was nice while it lasted for 6 years!!

~✨~✨~

In my opinion, there are two really standout b-sides on this mini-album (called "Unforgettable")!

"Memories" is A SUPER INTERESTING SONG... There's plenty of Lovelyz' sentimentality, sweet melancholy, and dreaminess—BUT ALSO.... REGGAE?????? And the choruses are upbeat with synths that are totally reminiscent of magical girl/Sailor Moon vibes! And then at the end it's retro old-tape-that's-slightly-off-tune city pop.

"Worry Doll" is an incredibly comforting song T____T about wanting to hear out the worries in your heart, share the painful things together, and quietly stroke your hair as you sleep. 💗💗

And the instrumental is too good... It's too good... Acoustic guitar at first, but then it builds into pop-rock with some strings and flutters of piano, and there's even an unexpected electric guitar solo, and then ends with just acoustic guitar again and soothing vocals.

~✨~✨~

Finally... ack. Lovelyz has been posting a few TikToks of what they're calling the #ObliviateChallenge and a lovelinus friend (one of the ones I met the last time I saw Lovelyz perform in LA!) suggested that I do it....... Was on the fence about it but ended up doing it last weekend. I was ready to try my first social distanced outdoor gathering with friends and it felt like such a special occasion that I started putting on makeup for it—then we postponed on account of the suddenly hazardous air quality caused by the heatwave and fires ^^;; so yeah I tried to dance and filmed it and the air quality still continues to be shitty sigh.

can't believe i installed TikTok for this but i tried the #ObliviateChallenge, as suggested by @/iono_hiro !!
Lovelyz won their first trophy for this song last night, i'm so proud 😭✨#LOVELYZ_OBLIVIATE #오블리비아테 #오블리비아테챌린지 #러블리즈 pic.twitter.com/GpKSAQFLe0

— Eva ❖ CODEX // Gemini (@waterpixieva) September 9, 2020

twentyseven 👂

Welp, at this point I always do these late—although this isn't quite as bad as when I posted it in November last year—but I turned 27 back in May and it's been my tradition to always post a mirror selfie wearing this Birthday Girl shirt ever since I was 15!

....
There's no logical reason to do this but I'm going to do the exact same thing I did last year and hijack the post to share my recent DIY + purchased earrings LOL.

Cartoons are good

T_____T This scene from ep 7 of 22/7 (nanabun no nijyuuni) really reminded me of this post of mine ("In All Honesty") that I often reference... This episode hit hard, man. So relatable. An absolute rollercoaster in the most painful, fulfilling way.

~✨~✨~

I might currently be following the most anime I've ever actively followed concurrently in a season? ;v; Most anime doesn't seem to speak to me very much, but this season has a lot that I'm liking!

🔹 If My Favorite Pop Idol Made It to the Budoukan, I Would Die (Oshi ga Budoukan Ittekuretara Shinu) -- I.......LOVE IT. Very, very gay girl idols. Very cute girls. A disastrous fangirl and her many miscommunications with her favorite idol member. Sometimes some problematic stuff, but I'm willing to overlook for how much I enjoy this show—it's hilarious and an absolute must-watch for idol fans who spend too much money for their oshi's. I've rewatched every episode 1-2 times. 😆

🔹 22/7 (nanabun no nijyuuni) -- WOW NOT YOUR TYPICAL IDOL ANIME AT ALL. Gets quite dark. Kind of weird but really interesting and a lot of heart. Instead of a clear plotline, each episode explores the backstory of a different member of the group..! It's insane. Do not have expectations.

🔹 Smile on the Runway (Runway de Waratte) -- Interesting blend of shoujo and shounen genres I think! Initially I thought it was shoujo because it's rather soft and features typically "feminine"-associated subjects: it's about a girl who wants to be a model and a guy who wants to be a fashion designer... but then some parts are paced in a way that make me think, "omg this is like a shokugeki but fashion" LOL. I wasn't too into it for the first 3 episodes but it gets better from 4 onwards when it introduces other characters and focuses more on the fashion design which is the more interesting aspect imo.

🔹 BOFURI: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense. -- I usually don't care for MMORPG-based anime but I'm surprisingly enjoying this one! Just really wholesome friendships and lighthearted world-exploring. Soft af.

🔹 IDOLiSH7: Second Beat! -- Technically this one shouldn't be on this list because only the 1st episode aired and the rest will continue airing in April (why???)... but whatever, I'm just happy that there's so much good idol anime right now. I really liked season 1 and it's looking like season 2 will be just as good if not better! It's a lot more of a typical idol anime but good story, good boys.

Avengers: Endgame Opinion Dump

[from the official iOS stickers]

📛 SPOILER ALERT 📛 SPOILER ALERT 📛 SPOILER ALERT 📛

A world in color 🌈✨

Under the jump:
🌟 haircut selfie dump... again :'D
🌟 K/DA progress! + lung update
🌟 Irozuku, the anime I'm currently watching that's already entered my eternal top faves T__T 💖💖💖

🌸 Eva's Skincare Masterpost 🌸

[Updated Jul 30, 2023]

Hi there!! I put this together for me to remember not to repeat mistakes, but decided to publish in case anybody's looking for [mostly Korean] skincare recommendations. This is yeaaars upon years of trying stuff haha. My skin goes through a lot of product, so I'll try to keep this post updated! I'd love recommendations so please feel free to share via commenting or tweet/DM or whatnot, and also if you'd like more details on anything in particular. :D


About my skin:
TL;DR: Products that work for me are likely extremely hydrating and gentle. I can't speak for acne.

Long version lolol: I have chronic dry skin, premature wrinkles, sensitive irritable skin, eczema (mostly subsided), and occasional red patchiness—although I've never had acne as my face doesn't seem to produce oil. If I fall asleep without more than a layer of cream, I will wake up looking like the floor of a crackly dry desert. My skin is still problematic, but skincare basically keeps me afloat~ My smile lines have been reduced a lot and admittedly I now have baby ass soft cheeks LOLOL

How I judge effectiveness depends on 1) if I can wake up without a dry face—even better if it's supple, smooth, glowing, 2) if it can reduce the frequency at which I must re-moisturize during the day—typically every few hours CRIES, and 3) if it stings or causes irritation.


Organized in chronological skin routine order......
[generally: cleanser - toner - essence - serum/ampoule - cream - eye cream - sleeping pack / sunscreen]

Bold = fixed part of my daily routine that I repurchase
* = I've only tried it once or in sample size

Korean Drama Talk Time Pt. 2

In a not-really-continuation of part 1, here are my comments and recommendations about dramas that have caught my attention since last year. :> It's not very current as I've been too busy to diligently keep up in the past few months, but I'm hoping to gain drama-watching (or reading) momentum again soon!

Somebody please talk to me about Korean dramas. ;A;

(I watch on Dramafever and Viki, and read recaps on Dramabeans~)
* means it's a standout imo

• Reply 1988 *

• Comment: So so so so so good!!! Each episode is long, but this piece of thoughtful, well-written, fun, heartwarming, deliciously nostalgic treasure is worth your time, I promise! It's about 5 families who live on the same street in 1988, and as you grow up with them, you can't help but care about all of their wellbeings and relationships—whether it's the core friend group of the kids who are figuring out life and love, or the friend group of the parents who are also still figuring out life and love.
• Progress: I pretty much always watched each episode as soon as it came out LMAO Sometimes even snuck peaks on recaps before subs came out..
• Recommendation: Yess, recommended so much! If you love friends or love families, you'll probably love this?! (do it.) I would suggest reading Dramabeans' recap either after or during the episode so that you don't miss the references and to have more cultural context. :>

• Cheer Up (aka Sassy Go Go) *

• Comment: A high school's ragtag dance team has to work with the academic elite to form a cheerleading club. It sounds dumb. It is dumb. I FUCKING LOVED IT. I have so much endearment for the entire cast ㅠㅠ! Eunji from Apink is always such a joy to behold in any form!! Main man (boy) Lee Wongeun was out to kill us all with his A+ smile and surprisingly charismatic charm, jfc. Chae Soobin played an annoyingly written character with sympathetic complexity and I can't help but love her! N from Vixx was a cute puppy. And Jisoo is the perfect angsty puppy boy—I hope he becomes a huge star because he's such young acting potential~
• Progress: This drama was crack for me from beginning to end. I watched each episode the day subs came out, during my lunch break.
• Recommendation: If you can put aside the ridiculousness and frustrating conflicts, this is really cute and enjoyable! You know what, fuck it—I recommend this. You'll see why I was addicted.

Memebox Haul / I'm Tint Balm (Lovely Coral) Review

:'D Due to KCON's influence and my growing obsession with Korean skincare, I got my first order from Memebox (sadly pronounced me-me-box and not meme-box) this week~
Until the end of August, the code KCONXMEMEBOX will get you a 20% discount kekekeke

My new skincare goods are SO MUCH AESTHETIC.
So far I like them? I must say though that all three of these products feel thick on my face—which could be good or uncomfortable. I don't know to what exactly I can attribute it, but my skin has been a lot better this week! Yay! It could be a specific product(s), or the fact that I've added a few steps to my nightly skin routine. :D

SCINIC Pig Collagen Jelly Cream: Such an interesting texture, but I guess you should expect that from a product of..pig parts.... It reminds me of jello (makes sense 'cause gelatin), in that it's almost a semisolid when it sets... It's fascinating and I don't mind it. ^^ I'm using it as a sleeping pack.

SCINIC Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule 95: My first ampoule! And first time trying hyaluronic acid which is supposedly great for dry skin. Oh please oh please save my dry ass skin. I love that it comes with a dropper.

GOODAL Firming Camellia Water Oil: YOOOOOOOO THIS PACKAGING! The bottle is frosted glass, which makes it a pleasure to behold and touch. And it's a pump! I don't know how to categorize a "water oil" (it's neither watery nor oily; it's like a gel) so I treat it as essence. There's another GOODAL product I love, so I trust this.. Oh please oh please save my premature wrinkles.

I also bought this blackhead remover because...:'D isn't everyone curious as to how many blackheads they'll pull off their nose? It'll be interesting to try.

Lastly, I got the I'M MEME I'm Tint Balm (Lovely Coral) since I've been looking for more lip products that are moisturizing and have lasting color. It's not perfect, but it's pretty good!

It feels like lip balm, looks like lip gloss, and lasts like lip tint. ^^
That's.... 2 out of 3 of what I want LOL.

[Review] Mise en scène / Hello! Bubble Foam Hair Dye (Raspberry Red)

I'm a noob both in terms of hair products and reviews, but HI! Here was my experience with the Hello! Bubble "foam color" hair dye in 7R Raspberry Red~

I totally wasn't inspired to buy this product because of any k-pop song. Nope.

Six weeks ago, I dyed my hair for the first time! (And nearly immediate second time for better effect.) Was hoping for a dark red/auburn, but 22-year-old virgin hair was like, "Nope I give you reddish brown that looks black unless you're in direct light."

So Hello! Bubble joins the scene as I was hoping to go more red now that my hair is lighter than before. Results slightly differed from what I expected, but overall my experience with the product was good!

Initially I thought that it didn't turn out the way they advertised.. but looking at the below picture closer, they didn't actually advertise a huge difference, so I shouldn't have expected much LOL.
It just confuses me that my hair keeps getting lighter into golden reddish brown, rather than a deep reddish brown?

The product was straight-forward and easy to use. Mix two packets, shake the bottle, pump the foam, apply all over hair, wait. Really not as messy as I expected! (I make big messes.) The foam was easy to handle—no dripping!—but holy fuck I was shocked by how purple it is.

I was pleased that it wasn't nearly as smelly as the last dye I used. ^^ Also washes off your skin and everywhere with no problem.

One small con though, which is that I do feel that my hair has gotten slightly more coarse, having originally been very soft due to its thin fineness. The difference is subtle though and I wouldn't say it dried out or damaged my hair. :>

Overall I liked this product, which was pretty effective for something I don't really have complaints about. But if you want saturation, I wouldn't substitute this for bleaching. Affordable, very little downsides, would use again!!
Bless Girl's Day.

Light makes such a big difference tho wtf I don't even understaaaand (Avengers Go-Gurt makes me very happy)