Kicking the year off, I got quite a few new products for Christmas and was influenced by Tik Tok and other platforms, and so my favorites list began to grow. From TV Shows to Beauty to Fashion, here are my January favorites.
MOVIES/TV SHOWS
Euphoria
Look, I’m well aware that this HBO show is not a new occurrence at all but I was avoiding it with a ten-foot pole, and honestly, I don’t know why. I hear nothing but good things about it and the wonderfully beautiful Zendaya stars in it so what’s not to like? Perhaps it was too “mainstream” for me or some other reasons, but I waited until a year after the release of the second season to dive in. My roommates were watching it with dinner and I fell in love. It is a very rated R series at times so fair warning, but the acting is amazing and it’s a very interesting plot of high school kids navigating drugs, parties, relationships and so much more drama.
The Hating Game
This film came out in 2021 on Hulu but I stumbled upon it recently on Tik Tok, and since I love a good enemies to lovers storyline I had to watch it. Turns out, I love it. Starring Pretty Little Liars’sLucy Hale and Love and Honor star Austin Stowell, this movie is about two clashing publishing companies merging. While two co-workers are struggling to be civil and are fighting for the same promotion, they pull from their hatred towards each other and put that passion elsewhere and shock the workplace.
BEAUTY
L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion
Serving as a good dupe for the sold-out Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops, I found this makeup savior at my local Ulta and fell in love instantly. I searched every Sephora in my hometown and Chicago and couldn’t find the Drunk Elephant Drops so I read on the internet that this L’Oreal product was a close dupe. I usually rub it in with my BB Cream or Foundation and it adds the perfect glow and color to your look to make it seem like you are almost sunkissed and a glazed donut in one. I use the light shade since it’s all my Ulta had and I was nervous it wouldn’t give me enough color but it works fine for me.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Blush
I was given my first Rare Beauty product for Christmas after wanting one for a long time and I am so happy – I am obsessed with this brand now! I got the blush and it is honestly going to last me my entire life with how pigmented it is. Aside from the amazing blush, I love Selena Gomez, her brand, and message. Advocating for mental health, this superstar is bringing awareness to mental health and accessibility one makeup product at a time. I am so ready to dive into the rest of Ms. Gomez’ products and can’t wait to review them.
CHICAGO
Sluggers World Class Sports Bar and Grill & Dueling Pianos
Found in Wrigleyville, this bar is one of my friend groups’ go-to places. Sluggers has two-stories full of fun. The first floor is a traditional bar while the second floor is split into two areas. One section is dueling pianos for a unique karaoke experience and a great way to listen to live music. The other section is full of batting cages and arcade games. It’s honestly an interesting concept, it lets you get a few drinks in and hit some baseballs but it’s loads of fun!
FASHION
Cropped Puffer Vest
This is a trend I can get behind wholeheartedly! Although in very cold weather, it’s not the warmest option but it is comfortable, stylish and casual. I got mine off Amazon for Christmas and style it with crew necks, workout sets and so much more. Another amazing thing is that it comes in so many different colors and can elevate any outfit to look more put together.
Gray Blazer
This favorite is more of a general idea rather than a specific item. I thrifted a gray blazer years ago and it never saw the light of day until one day I needed a light jacket over my t-shirt and the rest was history. I love the classy yet effortless look and feel of it, and a blazer can truly make an outfit ten times more put together. I throw the blazer over a t-shirt, sweater, anything really and sometimes I fold the sleeves up a bit to make the outfit more casual and it’s a great fashion moment. Little tip: get a men’s blazer so it’s a bit more oversized and you’re able to layer it.
The start of this year was jam-packed for me but I got to try some new things and I am always down for that. I was influenced tremendously by my Christmas list so the January favorites list is a bit “ringarde” as they say in Emily in Paris. I’m excited to see what the month of love, February brings into my routine!