MODA Blog Favorites: April 2020
Welcome to MODA Blog Favorites! This is our monthly series where MODA Bloggers, photographers and editors let you know what we’re loving this month! From binge-worthy series, to our favorite books to some Holy Grail skincare products, the team wishes you all a safe, and healthy spring quarter. Here’s what the team is loving, hopefully bringing you a monthly dosage of inspiration!
Andrew
Neogen
Day-Light Protection Sun Screen
Spring has sprung and so has the sun, which means we all need to be layering on that SPF. Truth be told, I actually wore this sunscreen all through the winter (snow won’t stop UV Rays!!!!), so it’s not so much of an April Fave as it is an all-year fave, but with the advent of my favorite season, I figured this rec would be apt. Neogen is a really popular Korean Brand that makes amazing products for sensitive skin and I’m a big fan of their Day-Light Protection Sun Screen, which has SPF 50, and PA +++. It’s a little pricier than your standard sunscreen, but I find that I reach for this product multiple times a day, so it’s worth the splurge IMO. Not only is it really protective against UV rays, but there’s also a lot of moisturizing ingredients in the sunscreen, which is why I find that it makes a great warm or cold-weather staple, plus it’s perfectly sized to fit into any coat pocket.
Animal Crossing - New Horizons
Probably the best quarantine accessory I could have asked for, Animal Crossing New Horizons pulled me through a very interesting spring break. I’ve been a big supporter of Animal Crossing since the DS release of Wild World, and New Horizons proves that the scope of the game’s world is infinite. From catching fish and insects, to putting together rooms in your house, to talking with adorable (and stylish) new villagers to designing your own clothes (a personal fave past time), Animal Crossing New Horizons is the perfect companion for anyone looking to slow down and relax. There’s so much you can do in the game, and Nintendo sends updates for different events remotely. Right now, we’re all experiencing the “joys” of Bunny Day…
Future Nostalgia
A little behind the scenes intel for you guys, I have been telling my bloggers to watch out for Future Nostalgia’s drop since December. I’ve been craving Dua’s new Disco-funk style since I heard ‘Don’t Stop Now’ all the way in Fall Quarter. Future Nostalgia, in my eyes, is an amazing new frontier in pop music, combining the nostalgic flair of a Disco club with contemporary lyrics aimed to convey perspectives on feminism, love, freedom, individuality and of course, a few unintentionally Quarantine-appropriate lyrics. ('I should have stayed at home’. ‘don’t show up, don’t come out’, etc). If you’re looking for a really uplifting, dance-centric, fun album to play when you need to get moving, I highly HIGHLY recommend Future Nostalgia.
Maya
Felix Gray Blue Light Glasses
If you’re starting to get headaches from staring at screens all day, these are a must have. They’re a little bit on the pricy side, but for me it’s worth it to make sure I’m really protecting my eyes. And, come on, they’re so! cute!
Trader Joe’s Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream
Hopefully you’re washing your hands like a maniac. Unfortunately for all of us, this means cracked and painful skin. This Trader Joe’s cream is incredible at bringing hydration back into my hands!
Man Repeller
My life goal is to be Leandra Medine—so, naturally, Man Repeller has been keeping me sane. If you love witty, smart content about fashion and lifestyle, you will adore this website (also, their Instagram!). Looking for an article to lure you in? Read this one.
Matthew
Kid Krow
Conan Gray’s new album has become my quarantine jam obsession. I’ve been following Conan since his days on youtube, and I have only become more obsessed. His new album has a dark, bedroom pop feel that is perfect to be moody in quarantine to. If you liked his EPs and Singles, you will for sure like his new album. 10/10 recommended!
Hair Chemist Brassiness Hair Mask
I bleached my hair a little over a month ago, and let me tell you it has been a struggle. My hair is DEAD. Throughout my lackluster search for something to bring some form of life back to my hair, I finally stumbled upon this during an excursion into Chicago. This masks leaves my hair feeling pillow soft and takes out the brassiness. It kills two birds with one mask. (also try their hair oil!) Definitely recommend!
Elizabeth
Spinning Out
This show came out in January, so I’m a little behind the times, but it is So. Good. that I have to share. Figure skating drama with a side of complicated families, romance, and productive conversations about mental health, queerness, and race…what’s not to love?? Netflix showed us they could do high-quality writing when Sex Education was released, and they don’t lose that reputation (at least not with me) with Spinning Out. Problem: You are in quarantine. You need drama and a reason to procrastinate. Solution: stay up until 2am watching this show because you can’t physically stop yourself (this is what I did, highly recommend).
All-Clad Non-Stick Pans
I just moved into an apartment off campus that my roommates and I are currently in the process of furnishing. Whether you’re in a similar situation, already live off-campus, or are still in housing, you need to know about this pan. All-Clad’s products are made in the U.S.A, and their non-stick pans are a dream. My roommates and I had a bad experience with the first non-stick pan we tried (from a different company), so when we cooked on this one for the first time all three of us did a little happy dance. Cooking oils will last a LOT much longer (you truly barely need to use them), the coating doesn’t scratch off, and All-Clad’s Encore products are sustainably created by reusing pans that have been returned to the company (instead of sending them to a landfill). I like to invest in American-made products, and when they’re as excellent as All-Clad’s pans, it’s easy.
Images via here and here
Emma
Bandanas
This is probably old news, but I’ve only recently gotten obsessed with wearing and styling bandanas in different ways. It’s amazing how much a square of fabric can add to an outfit. Use to protect your hair from the Chicago wind, as a cute top or even as a face mask (to stay stylish and corona-free!). You can find some really cool prints on Depop, or you can bulk buy off of Amazon.
Skegss
Born in Byron Bay, Skegss is an Australian surf rock band that my Spotify, probably concerned about me listening to the same two playlists on repeat for weeks, recently recommended me. Their music is super upbeat with catchy lyrics and a summery vibe - good for a run or just to jam to in your room. I recommend the singles L.S.D and Save It For The Weekend as well as their debut album My Own Mess.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1% Formula
If you haven’t heard of The Ordinary before, it is a super affordable skincare range decked out in minimalistic packaging that really reflects their brand: simple, effective, no-nonsense. This formula has actually been a lifesaver in terms of drying out acne and reducing redness. I usually apply to breakouts before going to bed and wash off in the morning. Highly recommend, especially if you have oily skin.
Alejandra
Gimme Love
Joji, a Japenese musician, just released two new songs including Gimme Love, a true bop which I have been listening to on repeat. The song starts upbeat and then moves into a slower, melancholy mood. I’ve found it perfectly matches the feels of quarantine late nights or any type of online studying. Highly recommend a listen!
Love Wedding Repeat
This recently released Netflix original is no Academy Award winner, but is definitely a solid romcom perfect for quarantine boredom. With quite a few twists and turns, this movie retells multiple stories of love during a wedding day, all of which are dependent upon the assigned seating at a dinner table. I enjoyed watching this relaxed, and somewhat comical, movie that left me with warm, hopeful feelings when I was finished. Not to mention there are lots of British accents. Always a plus!
Nadaya
Take Yourself Home
On the first of April, Troye Sivan released his new single Take Yourself Home. I’ve been listening ever since. The title, fitting for the age of social distancing, is about re-evaluating—something all of us have had a little too much time on our hands to do. Sometimes, caught up in all the noise and the music, you have to take a step back and remember who you are.
Ugly Delicious
With a little more time on my hands now, I’ve been able to go back and revisit all the shows that brought me comfort during stressful moments on campus. Ugly Delicious is one of them. The show is a travelogue that follows chef David Chang who, joined by other chefs and personalities, uses food as a way to break down cultural barriers and misconceptions. It’s a bit of everything; funny, emotional, and educational (in a way that doesn’t feel preachy), it’s the perfect thing to binge on a day off. Maybe not so much if you’re hungry.
Ashley
I Got You
Bazzi, just like the rest of the world, has been stuck in quarantine for the past month. On April 1st, he released a song, Renee’s Song, for his girlfriend of two years, Renee Herbert, an Australian model that has probably popped up on your ‘Explore’ page from time to time. As you probably guessed, this song really gets you in your feelings. And to make matters worse, the couple decided to make a homemade music video full of love, laughter, and maybe a little too much PDA, but I guess we can forgive them, just this once. After his little project blew up on social media, Bazzi decided to make a song in just a few hours and “post it online no matter what lol.” If you’re not already a fan of Bazzi, I’d recommend giving him another shot because this impromptu album is one for the books.
BA’s Best Banana Bread
The Bon Appétit Test Kitchen has been stealing the hearts of aspiring bakers, chefs, and foodies for a few years now. The team’s wide variety of personalities paired with their professional background is a recipe for success. Although there are many recipes available for you to tackle during your time at home, I promise BA’s Best Banana Bread (we love alliteration) won’t disappoint. So let Carla walk you through making banana bread so good that she impresses herself. Or try it yourself if you’re feeling ambitious.
Corepower Yoga On Demand
It’s important, maybe now more than ever, to get your body moving. I’ve turned to Corepower Yoga On Demand for lessons, no equipment necessary, that will get you sweating but won’t take up too much time from your day. To make working out a little bit more appealing, I suggest taking your mat outside if you can. If my recommendation isn’t enough, I came across a meme the other day that said right now, people are like houseplants with more complicated emotions. You should drink lots of water and soak up some sun when you can.
