Yearend review of my 2023 goals

I had a list of goals for this year 2023. I think I failed miserably. 

Let me break it down...

Be consistent with sunscreen

Well, I could say that I wear sunscreen almost everyday. Sometimes, I don't. I just hide in our room and avoid getting close to the window.  Unfortunately, my computer is near the window. If I need to be on the computer when the sun is fully up, I put a blanket over my face. 

One thing for sure though is that I always wear sunscreen, especially when I go out of the house. If it's late in the day, not anymore really, though.

Currently, I use Skin Aqua UV Moisture Gel.

Fully integrate retinol

I tried using a local brand with great reviews but I don't the feeling on my face. I get extra bumps on my jawline and temples, which means that I have extra moisture. When I don't use it, my face becomes  smoother after a few days to a couple of weeks. I don't get that rough horny layer, as Japanese skincare calls it. I'm not sure if the extra ingredient in that retinol product is causing the bumps or if the sandwich method is backfiring at me. 

Perhaps, I'll try from a different brand. 

I also tried incorporating Rohto Melano Anti Spot CC Essence in my routine. I noticed that I sometimes have the rough horny layer. So maybe... I'll find out more. 

Consume only 12 glasses of milktea or less!

I failed with this one right here. Well, I create my own milk tea at home with matcha powder and mix it will soy or oat milk. But soy and oat milks have become incredibly expensive that my budget cannot keep up. So, I use just regular fresh milk. 

Sometimes, I get the Mineshine Milktea from 711. It's the lesser evil compared to the ones you can buy from the shops. You get to have more tea, less sugar. 

One thing I can guarantee though is that I buy less from the shops. My tummy cannot tolerate too much cold and dairy anymore. I'm cautious if I buy milk tea and I'm outside. 

I think my goal should be buying less milktea from the shops.

Read 12 books or more for the year!

I haven't reached 12 books this year to be honest. I think I read three this year. Hopefully, I can do more reading. Reposting this goal.

Work on core and glutes even for 15 mins., 3x a week

I haven't been religious with this goal, sadly. I will make sure in the coming year to hit this! Reposting this goal.

Hydrate always

It has helped me to remember that I have this goal. Reposting this goal.

Finish and empty makeup from previous year

I think I've only finished using mascaras. They're very predictable to consume fast because the product gets all clumpy.  Other than that, none, but I threw some eyeshadow pallets that have grown mold in them. One was already old, which I got from 2021? One is just from last year, which is sad. 

One thing for sure though that I have curated my makeup kit. I only purchased until recently before our company party.  

Eat more healthily! Less fried food and takeout

I think I've done some augmentation on this goal. Recently, I don't like eating pizza, fried chicken, and fast food takeouts. But if I don't feel quite well, pizza is the go-to food, and then after that, I detest pizza. 

This goal is a work in progress and I'd like to be more religious on this one. Reposting this goal.

Mindful spending

I think my online shopping has lessened - buying only necessities only during double-day sale. I think I can specify and expound more on this goal. Reserved for another post.

Sleep more and sleep well

This goal is the hardest for me, honestly. It's a continuous work in progress. Reposting this goal.

In conclusion

I think it has helped me to keep myself on track with specifically listing out my beauty and wellness goals. It has also helped me to keep myself in check and call out myself to be more mindful. 

I think I'll give these goals a general name. :D

How about you guys, have you accomplished all or any of your goals this year? Please share! m(__)m

Expectation vs Reality: My lightest hair color to date

It's been six months since I last dyed my hair and this time, I thought about something really crazy. 

So, I bleached my hair and added a very light color to it, which is 0.0 Dust.

My expected result is far from my reality. Lol

Expectation vs. Reality
Youtube vs. Real Life 😅
Photo screen- grabbed
from youtube: @iampolinpolin

My consolation to myself is that, my hair is somewhat like Bora's hair in Sistar's video, I swear.

Bora of Sistar - I Swear MV

This is what my hair has become after one week of bleaching and dyeing it.

One week after bleaching and dyeing

Honestly, it's patchy and quite uneven but I think I've grown to like it. I'm not sure yet. My besti and friends (who saw it) liked it. So... hmmmm.

Here's what I learned from this season's DYI hair dye-ing:

• ✨There's always a limit on what you can DIY.
• ✨ Always be ready for the result.
• ✨ If you can't own the result, you can always go to the salon. 😅

How about you? Have you dyed your hair as crazy as this? Please share about it! 🙇‍♀️

Oily-skin friendly sunscreens!

I haven't really abandoned this blog and I haven't really been keen on reposting here so often as compared to posting in my Instagram and Tiktok. I'm not going to lie, it's just so easy to repost from IG to Tok and vice versa. 

Let me just share to you all the sunscreens that I have liked over the past months since September of last year. 

RA&GoWoori Real Kill 9.9 Sunscreen with Makeup Base

This sunscreen is my first every purchase from a Tiktok shop. Not bad purchasing from there. Then again, you have to be vigilant if you're getting a legit or a counterfeit product. I used this last September, 2022 and lasted me around 3-6 months. This smells like a men's cologne that is not overpowering, just light and fresh.

RA&GoWoori Real Kill Sunscreen

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics and Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream 

I've used these two sunscreens alternately from March, 2023. I liked Tocobo sunscreen first and brought it to a trip with me. I loved it and works well in a hot and humid environment. I liked Beauty of Joseon sunscreen a little later and just appreciated the cloud-like, marshmallowy texture. Both of these sunscreens are moisturizing but oily-skin friendly. I don't mind repurchasing either one of them in the future.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics and
Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream 

Skin Aqua UV Moisture Gel 

This is the newest sunscreen that I am currently using as of typing. It's lightweight but moisturizing. I purchased this during my travel last March. I kind of regret that I only bought one. I should've bought two of this or even another brand because the Watson's where I bought this had a Ramadan sale and the prices were so affordable compared to here in the Philippines, even on sale. So, next time!

These are the sunscreens that I like over the past months. They will really make you want to apply sunscreen everyday without fail and excuses.

Have you tried any of these sunscreens? Please share your thoughts, too! (^o^)

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam color in 7a Taupe Ash Gray

I decided to dye again with Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam color in 7a Taupe Ash Gray over the weekend.

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam
color in 7a Taupe Ash Gray

I got another Jennie color but I am not a fan of Jennie or BP for that matter. It's just that I like Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam DIY hair dye because it covers my grays, it fades well on my hair with no brassiness and it's cheaper compared to going to the salon. 

7A Ash Taupe Gray

Jennie in 7A Taupe Ash Gray

I think is from a new different line because it comes in a different box. Or a rebrand? I'm not so sure but rest assured it still has the same quality. 

Expected results, directions, and ingredients
The box also comes with a separate inlay of
detailed instructions like the previous versions.

I got very nice results again using Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color. I posted the results on my Instagram Reels and on Tiktok but let me also post more pictures here. 

I really like how the shade, 7a Taupe Ash Gray, suits me. I think it was able to match one of the results in the box. 

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam is now a staple in my DIY hair coloring experience!

Fear out of missing of...

 It's the end of March and I still have these @blkcosmeticsph cuties unopened. 

Blk cosmetics mini creamy all over paints
in Very Peri and Ticle Pink

I got them for a steal deal last December 2022 during the #blkcosmetics live event in tiktok. I was actually in my no-buy era but, hey, they were sold at a fraction of the price and I want to try pink and purple tints. I'm so late in the hype game but I just want to try them at my pace, my comfort(, and my budget 😅).

Sometimes, seeing all these things and events in #socialmedia makes you feel you are missing out on many things and reeling you in a different direction. I always say to myself: stick with your goals, trust the process, calm down and be patient.

Great things always come to those who wait.

Looking back and thinking about my future specifics

Happy New Year, guys! Can you believe that it's already 2023? Time flies so fast. It was just 2022 last night. XD

I bet resolutions are already coming in. I got mine, too, and I'm shameless to share in awhile.

I'm glad that for the past year, somehow I hit my goals. Let me go over them.

Chokchok skin

I believe I maintained the chokchokiness of my skin. It was just a bit of a challenge since we're back to the office and I have to adjust hydration. See my skincare journal as of November, 2022.

Coffee, dairy, and sweets

I drank less milk tea, even though I went a bit over 12 glasses. Keeping tabs on it in my Instagram helped me to check my self and keep track.

I haven't drank any coffee for the past year. Maybe just 1%, when my BB gives me her milk with coffee ( Yes, she puts a bit of coffee in her milk, sadly). Or when I eat coffee jelly or coffee icecream. Okay, maybe around 5-10%. But I don't buy instant coffee anymore or brew one. I don't choose to buy coffee. I kind of miss tasting that pure coffee with milk but I avoid it. I'm okay with smelling one when I pass buy cafes.

My coffee alternative is  corn coffee. It doesn't have caffeine. The taste is somehow there but not totally. XD It still is different.

My dairy alternative has become plant-based. Usually it's soy. Sometimes, oat. I only consume dairy when I indulge myself in milk tea. You can't really ask the shop to substitute the milk unless you go to cafes.

I opted to avoid coffee and dairy for health reasons. I work at night and has a bit of trouble now adapting my sleep schedule. Lack of sleep plus coffee equals to palpitation. I avoid that to happen. 

Consuming zero to less dairy also helped me pinpoint some health concerns. I've read that dairy may cause some vaginal itchiness and acne. And it helped! I don't get acne anymore or have issues down there. XD

Workout, hyrdation, and reading

My workout routine is very sporadic, which is sad. I'm so lazy. I want it to be more consistent and excercise like I used to, which is like three to four times a week.

I still have issues on hydrating myself. Keeping a tumbler or flask right next to me is a great reminder to stand up and drink water. Having an SO that is pro-drinking water also helps.

My reading routine this year is very slow. It kind of helps that we have a book club with our team at work. So I was able to read three and I'll be finishing one soon, so that's four from the club. I've read using ebooks and audiobooks. Some audiobooks are great companions during work. XD Of course, nothing beats reading a hardcopy. I've enjoyed "If Cats Disappeared from the World" this year. It's very different from the movie, but this is for another post.

More improvement on saving, spending, and sleep

I can say I've cut back on my online spending but it's still a lot. I always set aside for savings and bills but I'm still marupok or easily influenced, especially on things that I believe I need. Writing down my monthly online expenses help me evaluate what I really need versus what I want. It's also nice having to go in-store to check out things to buy to better evaluate quality. Not to mention, cutting back all those packaging and trash when you get your items. You won't believe how much trash I need to discard and hoping they'd get recycled. Honestly, you can't recycle every recyclables you get. If you're able to do that, please share tips!

Having said that, I want to recallibrate how I save. I want to be more specific and be more mindful on how I save and what I save for.

However, it's hard to recallibrate my sleeping pattern. Maybe it comes with age. I must say nothing beats following your natural sleeping patter: sleep at night, wake up in the morning. I've posted some of my just-woke-up face and you can see the difference on my undereyes and my overall vibe. I'm hoping this dilemma can be mended very soon.

2023 goals

I believe it helps to think about what you really want and what you want to achive. I wasn't really specific when I listed my goals last year. I was just kind of thinking about the general picture and let the specifics come along. Talking about what I have achieved, have achieved so far, and want to achieve is a refreshing thought. I need to be specific to simplify what I really want to hit. Posting my list in Instagram helps me out, too. 

My 2023 Goals

I've shamelessy blabbed on about what I've done for the past year. Is this me totally adulting? I believe goals are what keep you on track and sane, and refocus on priorities that you thought you've never had. What are your goals for 2023?