Time for the yearly wrap-up post!
1. Le Labo Basil Hand Pomade
Like I mentioned, I loved the texture of this hand cream, uh, again, sorry, hand pomade. It’s thick yet somehow not greasy in the slightest. The herbaceous and earthy basil scent is a bonus in my books, of course.
2. Himi Jelly Gouache 18 Paint Set
I didn’t really paint or create art all that much this year. But during the times I did, I tried to make the most of these viral jelly gouache paints. Thankfully, even after they dry up, they can be reactivated with a spritz of water. I do think these aren’t really beginner-friendly, though. They’re aesthetically pleasing to a degree, sure, but I really do think your average paint tubes are better.
3. Nutella + apples
I eat these after coming home from a long, tiring day at work. I need the sugar to be able to do things OUTSIDE of work. It also helps that it’s just an absolutely delightful combination.
4. Twinings Superblends Soothing Turmeric tea with Orange & Star Anise
Comfort in a cup. I really need to buy another box of this. The thought of drinking this during my sporadic breaks at work comforts me.
5. NCT 127
I really, really like the music all the NCT units make and 127 had me in a chokehold towards the end of the year (as is customary). Whenever I slow down on consuming their content and music, they always pull me back in.
6. Glossier Cloud Paint in ‘Haze’ 
This product has been featured on many of my year-end favourites list. I just keep going back to it. It’s the perfect texture, perfect colour and perfect finish – I can never get enough.
7. Too Yumm Pudina Masala Chips 
I’m happy to report that I found this at a local department store earlier today and you can bet I STOCKED UP. It’s minty, savoury and oh-so-flavourful!
8. Haus Labs PhD Hybrid Lip Oil
I shudder at the thought of finishing this product. Thankfully, even after being wholly dependent on it for all my lip product needs, it still seems full.
9. Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Setting + Blotting Powder 
Speaking of seeming full, this is a product that isn’t so full anymore. I hit pan after a month of using it every morning. It’s the perfect powder to set my sunscreen. I really need to figure out a way to get my hands on a refill!
10. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
I changed my sunscreen after 9 whole years. I was using the CosRX Aloe sunscreen all these years but I finally decided to make room for a new one. Lo and behold, I’m about to buy my fourth tube of this goodness! It doesn’t leave a ghastly white cast and I quite enjoy its consistency and finish.
11. Dior Lip Glow
Before the Haus Labs Lip Oil, I was stuck on these. My old, reliable pals. The shade I love the most now is ‘Rosewood’ but it used to be ‘Lilac’, which has now been discontinued. Of course. Anything and everything I love meets the same fate.
12. Paperboat Sparkling Waters
I’ll jump through many hoops for a taste of a sugary, fizzy drink. These are great for what they are, especially in the current market. I like the peach one the best because it reminds me of a Korean drink that I had as child. Not as good but gets the job done.
13. Disassociating Cat Meme 
I identify with this cat whole-heartedly. My own kitty, Garou, is a black cat and he and I enjoy sunbathing in the winter sun, both disassociating and off in our own worlds.
14. Pokémon Legends Arceus & Pokémon Violet
I’m sick of people saying Violet isn’t a good game when it absolutely is. Sure, it has its innumerable glitches and problems but it doesn’t take away from the fact that the story, music, Pokémon and gameplay was absolutely beautiful. I enjoyed Violet so much that I even wound up downloading Scarlet onto my Switch.
HOWEVER, Miraidon >>>>> Koraidon.
Legends Arceus is just my go-to game to zone out and have fun with, at this point. Alpha Pokémon tearing me from limb to limb? Paras and Graveler haunting my very existence? Frenzied Pokémon trying to murder me? Ah, such fun.
15. Toothy troubles
Quick shoutout to Rexidin-M Forte Gel for helping me zone out and sit atop my blanket as it masked the excruciating pain I was in. To the cousin who said that I was an attention-seeker when I called my mother while I was in aforementioned pain (while she was at a dinner party), I say, fuck you.
Thanks to Oral-B floss and Sensodyne Rapid Relief for helping me do a task as mundane as eating for sustenance.
16. Tombow Irojiten Coloured Pencils
I love that these pencils come housed in packaging that resemble books. I now have this deep desire to have all the pretty little sets Tombow has to offer. It also helps that I enjoy the way these pencils feel while I sketch/colour.
17. DPR Ian
My husband. That’s all.
18. Everything but the bagel seasoning
I realise I am 3000 years too late to this party but what’s good is good.
19. Diptique Tubereuse Candle
Sipping tea in a room that smell of earthy tuberoses. A safe haven if there ever was one.
20. Lexie Liu
I’m so happy to have discovered Miss Liu and her music this year. It always puts me in a good mood!
21. iPhone 14 Plus 
I’d be lying if I said my love for my iPhone wasn’t something to be expected. I already was enamoured by my iPad so it made sense for me to love my new phone as well. I love everything about it!
I still use my Samsung OneUI Android though. In fact, I got a new one in October.
Co-existence, you know what I’m saying?
22. Whiskey 
I just adore the post-whiskey buzz. It’s so warm, fuzzy and mellow.
I especially loved Suntory Toki and Jack Daniels Tennessee Apple.
23. BYREDO SUNDAZED
Post COVID, I tend to gravitate towards soapier, fresher, cleaner scents. This perfume is my end-all, be-all. HEFTY sum of money has to be paid to smell like bubblegum and laundry detergent but I’m willing to pay the price. I don’t think anyone else likes this perfume as much as I do and I understand, frankly. I don’t expect you to like it nor do I want you to, weirdly enough. This perfume and I are happy on our own. In our own little bubble.
*******
And, with that, I wrap up my 2023 favourites!
Tried something different this year so I hope it was a fun read!
I’ll see you next year.
Until then, take care.
