April's Top 8
You’re reading The Corner Project, your one-stop recommendation station of self discovery, creativity, and lifestyle from Megan Batoon.
Recently, I’ve been getting a massive dopamine rush from finishing products or the bulk bag of kale I keep buying. In the YouTube beauty community, the concept is called ‘empties’ and in my mind, it’s called my current obsession. It’s almost as if the more times I am able to use something, I am able to enjoy it that much more. I guess I’m in my ‘return on investment’ era. So let’s get into my favorites right now:
The other day, I got my annual facial (unless you’re an esthetician reading this, then I definitely take better care of my skin than going once a year for a de-clog) and was painfully reminded of just how dry my skin is. Upon realization that my cleanser wasn’t moisturizing in the slightest, I made a pitstop into a Sephora for emergency moisture. The sales associate said, “If step one of your skincare routine isn’t hydrating, step two and three don’t matter.” That burned into my brain and I can assure you ten years from now, it’ll still by a skincare mantra of mine. She’d mentioned if your skin feels tight after washing, the cleanser is too drying. This milk cleanser was her recommendation for me and I now get legit excited to wash my face where as before, it was a chore.
While we’re talking Laneige, might as well plug my lip’s lifeline- this sleeping mask. From the name of it, I assume it’s an overnight lip treatment but if time isn’t linear, I’m not abiding by the limitations of marketing and packaging. I have multiple versions of this, in different flavors, jars, and tubes, all over my place. I will never be without this- it feels so luxurious, a little goes a long way. 10/10 would recommend.
POV, you’re me in the desert with the skin around my nose and cheeks peeling like I had a sunburn from being so dry. I asked the same Sephora associate from earlier for something intensely hydrating as my “face was falling off”. In fact, multiple workers had said belif was my best bet. I sampled the consistency on the back of my hand it it looked like my pores had disappeared. I’ve been using this day and night and it actually looks like I’m hitting my daily water intake. Which reminds me, I need to go fill up my water bottle (a cue for all of us!).
I’ve been using my phone for capturing content for a living for almost a decade and I will say this- quality phone tripods are not only hard to come by- they’re practically non-existent. This wall-E looking device transforms from a small handheld wand to a tall (and sturdy!) tripod. It’s able to be adjusted in ways that help get the shot quickly. I was swayed by the bluetooth remote option, although I haven’t touched it, I thought it was a useful feature. Apparently it has multiple other functions I have yet to explore, but I will say that if for some reason I break this, I am immediately replacing it with the same exact model.
Earlier this year, I posted this TikTok of my hair curling routine. There were a few comments declaring, “this is way too much work for every day” and you know what- they were right. That was before I found this hair waver that cuts my styling time in half. ‘Indie Sleaze’ waves as I’ve seen it referred to is my new go-to style and I achieve it by randomly squeezing different sections of my hair for a few seconds at a time, adding a slight, rebellious bend. There are a lot of different beach wavers out there (and I’ve bought a handful)- they’re all great but I like this one because the barrels are even bigger, the product itself is sleeker, and it’s much easier to travel with.
There are few things more annoying than having to soak or scrape a pan after using it. My window of tolerance has decreased substantially with things that are supposed to be easy- like frying an egg. I don’t buy pans or cookware anymore unless they’re from Our Place. They know what they’re doing, and they’re having a sale right now on their most popular ‘Always Pan’. I love their packaging, their product, and their color choices. Big fan, and a great gift idea! Get it on sale now, save it for the holidays, C’MON planning ahead!
Classic Black Sunglasses (similar from Urban Outfitters and Amazon)
I was never one to splurge on accessories on account of I lose everything within weeks of purchase, especially something as small and fragile as sunglasses. During my introspective remodel, I decided that I would pare down everything I own into things I absolutely need or love (ideally both). I invested in a pair of Saint Laurent Micas and made a promise to myself that I can have nice things if I take care of them (sometimes, I can be a tornado). I get a ton of compliments on these and found two similar pairs at a way more approachable price point from from Urban Outfitters and Amazon.
Russ “NASTY”
This song has a chokehold on the entire booktok* community, including me. I’ve only read one spicy book but if anyone has any recommendations, I will gladly and swiftly add to cart. I’ve added some of Russ’ music to my past playlists, but he went unhinged on this release. I have not stopped listening to it on repeat, and I even started choreographing something to it (I am as shocked as you are). So thanks for getting me dancing again, Russ.
*If you’re unfamiliar with booktok, clear your schedule. You’ve got a lot of catching up to do.
^ This is the type of response we need as creatives when sharing our art
Your turn- what in your life right now is making it better?
Right now it’s watching Jenna and Julien play through video games from three years ago or listening to the new paramore album 🤠 i really love this question, i’ve been thinking lately of how people should really ask each other what their current obsession is more often
I recently read "A Pho Love Story" by Loan Le. It's a modern adaption of Romeo & Juliet but with two children of Vietnamese immigrants both running Pho restaurants across the street from each other. It's also a coming of age story, as both protagonists learn what their passions are (like art and writing) and how to stand up for what they believe in. The way the story came together towards the end had me at the edge of my seat - so much family drama!