I still remember the day

you held my hand and told me, 

you can drive for eternity 

all I have to do is wrap my arms 

tighter around you.  

Going through this new route with you,

I've lost count of the stop signs we've ignored. 

Turning red lights to green, 

always choosing to make love win. 

I swear, I'll put a brake on my fast thoughts,

so my words won't crash and hit you.  

Do you know that I always believe in you?

You're the one I want my ma and pa to meet; that's also true. 

My lover, will you still drive with all the baggage I carry with me? 

What if I tell you that I left 

all the reasons to love me at a gas station? 

Will I be enough to hit the road with you? 

Twenty years from now, when I no longer look like the singer you adore, 

when I can't make you blush like a teenager with a crush anymore,  

Will love still be enough for you to drive me home?

If there’s one gift that would surely bring a smile to my face it would probably be the new makeup. I’m not exactly adventurous when it comes to trying new brands of makeup, but if an opportunity arises for me to see if something works better than what I already have, then I wouldn’t pass on the chance to do it.

Recently, I got my hands on some products from Focallure, a makeup brand from China. I got them as gifts from a friend and she swears by some of the items that she sent me. I have heard of the brand from a popular online shopping portal in the Philippines, but I haven’t tried any of them. I know most ladies would cringe at using products from a brand that is not exactly a household brand yet, but I don’t want to make my friend feel bad by not trying on some of the gifts she gave me. 

Below is a photo of the Focallure makeup my friend gave me. I have used the products occasionally, and I grew to love some of them, which is why I decided to write this review, apart from sharing an unbiased insight for each item. The products from Focallure come at affordable prices, so I can understand the hesitation of many beauty lovers to purchase and use any of them. However, I also believe that price isn’t the only way to know if one thing works or not.

Not knowing anything about Focallure, I decided to learn more about the brand, and what I’ve learned from its official website is that Focallure, pronounced as “Fo-co-llure”, is a cosmetic company that aims to bring out each person’s undiscovered beauty through the power of makeup. The brand was established in 2014 by a group of fun-loving makeup scientists who came together to make cosmetics unmatched in the industry. I wish there was more information about the brand itself, but I was glad to find that it has a viable website online.

Tinted Eyebrow Gel 

It wasn't long ago since I started using tinted eyebrow gels. Although I love how much time I can save using eyebrow pens, using eyebrow gels give my eyebrows a more defined look. Also, it lasts longer than eyebrow pens. I love this gel from Focallure; it lasts long and color stays throughout the day. Plus, it's relatively cheaper compared to other eyebrow gel brands I have purchased the previous year.

Gel Eye Liner (Black)

When I welcomed the new year, I told myself to be ready to try new things, including new and better products. Trying on gel eye liners is one of the things that I've always love trying and I'm happy that I'm able to do it.

The gel eye liner from Focallure does work. It has the right consistency and it dries pretty. However, my eye lids being sweaty, I don't think this will work on my everyday make up look since it takes time to put them on, and sadly, it smudges on certain amount of wetness on the skin. Hence, I would not recommend this to those who have oily eye lids. Still, it's a great product and you can still use it if you're not doing so much physical work.

The start of the year is the ideal opportunity to update your wardrobe. If you live somewhere far from the tropics and enjoyed plenty of snow last December, it's time to get rid of those bulky boots, scarves, and sweaters that have been accumulating in your closet all winter. Spring might be just around your horizon, while here in the Philippines, we will be enjoying summer real soon.

To remain relevant this year, you can swap them out for something current. In this manner, you can present your best self for all upcoming occasions, including parties, dates, and activities, making a positive impression on everyone you encounter. Aside from that, buying the proper wardrobe items could help you improve your entire attractiveness.

Here are some pieces that can instantly revamp your 2023 wardrobe without shelling so much cash out of your bank account.

Classic Pieces

Little black dresses and white button-up shirts are examples of classic pieces as opposed to passing trends that could become outdated after a few months or years. You can build a versatile capsule wardrobe with a little amount of mixing and matching that works for any event or season.

A black, plaid, or any neutral-colored blazers will always come in handy no matter what year it is. Also, be sure to have one in different fabrics if you will be traveling a lot this year. Going somewhere colder? A well-made blazer made of wool might be just what you need.

Quality Underwear

You don’t have to splurge on designer brands to look great. Instead, you can put an expensive look by adding quality underwear and a long sleeve shapewear bodysuit in your wardrobe. A lot of us don’t put too much detail on our underwear as long as they're comfy, but knowing its full potential can elevate your look. Good undergarments will not only make you feel comfortable as you get through your day but it can also boost your confidence as it hides away unwanted bumps and bulges in your outfit. In turn, you’d look more polished. This is really helpful especially if you are wearing lighter fabrics and sporting a professional look.

After a couple of mind-boggling years during the pandemic, people will surely enjoy a lot of parties this year. Expect a lot and prepare for it as face-to-face interactions are increasing. Who knows, a friend or two will be inviting you this month for a formal occasion. In that case, you might be wearing long gowns or figure-hugging dresses. For such types of clothing, shapewear bodysuits will be your best friends.

Pop of Color

While monochromatic clothing will continue to be popular, you can experiment and add exciting pops of color to your wardrobe. Consider how you might incorporate various red, blue, and yellow hues into your attire. You might feel more confident after wearing these hues. You might be keen to experiment with new appearances in 2023. For instance, it would be advisable to get a pair of caramel pants if you saw them because they would match nicely with the majority of your tops. You might also use a vivid blue coat to give your outfit choices more visual oomph. Just one or two colorful pieces will do; you don't need to use a lot.

Whether you are heading for a minimalist or embracing a whole new pop of rainbow and trends in your wardrobe this year, make sure that you love every piece. It also wouldn’t hurt to invest in something that you can re-wear time and again or mix and match with your existing clothes. Fashion trends come and go so knowing a thing or two about what’s hot is also a great idea. If there’s something basic such as a waist trainer that you haven’t added to your closet yet, this year might be the best time to have them. 

The older I get, the more I realize that less is more in all facets of life. Growing up, like most teens, I faced the pressure of who had the most friends and the best clothes. As the years went on, I quickly came to realize none of that mattered. At this stage in my life, I realize it’s quality over quantity, and I’ve been happier than ever since I started living by that mantra. Although I have not integrated it in all aspects of my life, I am proud of the baby steps and small wins that I have accomplished. 

I am not saying that I will completely avoid trendy items.However, I am aware that curating a closet full of timeless pieces that inspire me to be my best self is both significant and beneficial to me. Ahead are the pieces that I'll wear more as I enter a new decade of myself real soon. 

1. Blazer

A quality blazer is truly the only option. A layer over any outfit makes it feel finished. It's one of the things I reach for most frequently year after year. Blazers are among the best items to invest in for quality, and these are some of the best. 

 2. Loafers

Although loafers have always been fashionable, the environment in which they are worn varies frequently. The traditional black leather loafer, which is no longer a work shoe, can be worn just as much as a traditional pair of black Converse. Really, they are that adaptable. 

Loafers are chic, cool basic shoes that will never leave style. Due to their timeless element, I try to buy a pair with the intention of them being one of my most worn shoes. This means they need to be basic enough to make sure they are not trendy. Yet they ought to be cool enough to raise my clothes. 

3. Tote Bag

Tote bags are not only easy to style, but they’re practical for everyday wear and can fit all of your necessities. An everyday tote is a must-have accessory for anyone in their 30s who works from home or commutes to work every day.You can use your tote from the gym to dinner with friends every day if you pack it with your planner, a water bottle, or anything else you might need.

4. Black Dress

A decent black dress can take you from the office to the office party, from client meetings to cocktails and the boardroom to the ball. Or just to dinner on a date! What used to symbolize mourning, is now an ageless, classless, and timeless item of clothing. If you want to look sexy, laidback, chic, classy, or all of these, you'll have it with your black dress. In my case, I wouldn't choose something so little or too lengthy. Something that hits a little above the knee and would accentuate my curves in the right places would be best for my wardrobe. 

5. Denim Jeans

A good pair of jeans with a relaxed, vintage feel can do anything, and these are the most adaptable type of denim.Finding a pair that fits you well, won't stretch out during the day, and you enjoy putting on is worth the effort.