My April Faves
Oh April, you were gloomy as f*ck but thank you for the new music, incredible television and tulip season to keep my mental health afloat while I await summer. Check out my faves below and let me know what you were obsessed with this month.
byfran’s April Faves
Beauty Faves
Makeup
I managed to avoid overspending at the Sephora sale this year but I did grab a couple of new products that were big time winners.
I am not a big spender when it comes to mascara. I love the luxury ones I’ve tried but you can find an equally amazing alternative at the drug store. But between Tower 28 and Huda Beauty, I think I’m sold on the price tag. This mascara has a wavy wand that leaves my lashes crazy long.
calliray’s SPICY plumping gloss
This one is SPICY and I’m obsessed. It’s a true plumping gloss and you feel it the moment it hits your lips. It’s very reminiscent of the OG plumper back in the early 2000s - Lip Venom. Anyone else remember that one? It leaves a pinky hue with a light iridescent glitter and I can’t stop wearing it.
Skincare
Did you hear I’ve joined a cult? It’s true and I’m here to sell you on it: the cult of Korean skincare. I have never seen results the way I have since using Korean skincare and it is an addiction once you start.
These little pads are magic for skin texture. I see the biggest difference around my forehead. Comes with 70 pads so it’s amazing bang for your buck. I use them in the morning to feel fresh and clean.
Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner and Recovery Oil
Byoma is all the rage on Tiktok and it’s frequently on sale at Shoppers Drug Mart so I picked up the toner and oil. The Milky Toner is such an interesting texture. It almost feels like water on your skin so initially I thought I had been duped. But this adds a lovely level of hydration and it really helped the dry skin around my nose. The oil is also wonderful. Unscented with simple ingredients, it’s the last step to my AM and PM routine.
I slather this stick on every night before bed all over my forehead any dry spots. I love it and feel like it’s made a real difference in locking in hydration. I’m almost out and will absolutely be buying another one asap.
Fragrance
One sniff and I was done for. It’s the perfect summer scent with notes of vanilla milk, coconut and sunscreen. It’s a sweeter version Replica’s Beach Walk. Another win by Phlur.
this month’s fave from byoma, phlur, kahi, huda beauty and calliray
Music, TV & Book Faves
The Pitt on Max
If watching Dr. Robby fan edits on Tiktok is wrong… I don’t want to be right. I have not been this obsessed with a show in a long, long time. The hour long episodes fly by and I do not want to disclose how many I watched over a single weekend (almost the entire season). The characters are engaging and the acting is top-tier. I’m ready to see it sweep next awards season.
The Studio on Apple TV
I’ll go on record and say that this is the funniest show on TV right now. If you enjoy movies or showbiz in general, it’s must watch. It’s a bold show that pokes fun at Hollywood and the studio system. It reminds me a lot of Birdman with the one take shots and drum heavy score. The entire cast pulls their weight and the cameos are seriously impressive. Just go watch it.
Djo’s The Crux
Djo’s third album The Crux has been on repeat for me this entire month. It’s a love letter to classic rock and easy to hear where his inspirations are derived. The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Cars, The Police to name a few. Each song feels like an homage while remaining fresh, current and “Djo”. Delete Ya is a break up song so relatable it hurts. Potion is a sincere yearning for love. Back on You, Egg, Link, Golden Line… it’s a no skip album. If you like the oldies, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
24 hours. That was how long it took for me to finish The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. With the show being greenlit and in pre-production, I figured I would finally pick up this book that’s been on my to-read list for years. I went in cynical. There was no way it would live up to the hype. I was wrong. It’s a beautiful and riveting love story. I can’t wait to see it get developed.
Food Faves
Unreal Dark Chocolate Coconut Minis
These were on sale at Costco so I picked them up and they are so delicious! At 3 grams of sugar per bar, they’ve become a little sweet treat I have with lunch or dinner. It hits the spot without being a splurge.
Granolove by Prana
I’ve become a greek yogurt bowl girly this month and I was on the hunt for a relatively low sugar but delicious granola and this one is it. I am one of those weirdos that goes to sleep to excited for my coffee and breakfast the next day. Choco-strawberry and Oatmeal Cookie Crunch are my recs.
Sleepytime Vanilla Tea by Celestial Seasonings
This delicious tea knocks me OUT. Is it placebo? I have no idea. But it tastes great, has healthy ingredients and makes me feel like the cozy bear on the package. I got my boyfriend hooked on it too.
Misc. Faves
I work from home so comfort is essential but I also don’t want to wear sweatpants all the time. This Softmove collection has been a lifesaver. So many cute colors and not as pricey as it’s competitors (lululemon & Aritzia). I have a few leggings and zip ups and they make me feel put together and ready for the day while still being able to sit for 8 hours.
Tulips
In particular, grocery store tulips. So inexpensive and yet brings me so much joy. I feel like my apartment looks 600% better with tulips on the dinner table.
from a little dinner party I hosted recently