71st Miss Universe, Who Will Win and Who Will Walk Back Home?

The 71st Miss Universe is right around the corner! In just a few hours, Harnaaz Sandhu will crown her successor as the new Miss Universe. First things first, let's just appreciate Harnaaz for showcasing the world the new era of Miss Universe. She has been an example to all women that her passion, her eloquence, and her undeniably charisma has impacted so many souls across the globe.

Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Sandhu
Photographer: Fadil Berisha Photography

This year, 84 beautiful contestants are vying for the most coveted crown in the universe, yet only one will snatch the force for good crown. Rumor has it, as we witness the shift of a new era, the reigning queen will not get an apartment for herself (like usual) but to share it with two of her runner-ups. The winner will also commuting from the MUO New York headquarter to MUO Thailand headquarter. So there will be two penthouses in NYC and Bangkok each. Anyway, no one confirms it yet as it was just only rumors that circulate across the net.

This year's semifinal format will be back to last year's where only 15 finalists are advancing, plus one extra spot from the winner of online fan vote (make sure to vote your favorite NOW). So in total, 16 spots are available, and these spots may come from any regions. As confirmed by the President Director herself, Paula Shugart, there will not be a continental-based placement this year so whoever gets the highest score will advance through. Then again, high interview and preliminary score will not be the only scoring system used to determine the semifinalists. These ladies are being observed since day one of their arrival (even before the pageant started) and there are always shadow judges scattered across the place, like any pageants do. The organization would like to ensure that their chosen winner is the right girl to do the job. But if we want to dig a lot deeper, like, in a dark web level depth, there are another considerations that could make a girl advance. Just like the famous phrase, a business is a business. *wink*

But then again, earlier today the President Director Paula Shugart just confirmed that there will not be a top 10 format, so the selected 16 finalists will directly cut down into the top 5. What a shock! 😱

With all these careful considerations, I tried to analyze and curate which girl would probably be the right winner. Last year in an unpublished writings, I predicted the top two correctly (only my fellow pageant fans read my opinions as it was only written in message form) so I wondered whether I could actually guessed the right winner again this year.

This year, I can frankly say there are no clear winner. Previous years I can see Catriona Gray, Demi Leigh and Harnaaz Sandhu being clear winner. It would definitely be hard to guess one correctly but again my hunch and analysis are getting into a group of women.

Force for Good Crown
Picture: Mouawad

So without further ado, let's get down to business.

I curated these ladies based on four categories. The Crown Frontrunners, are those who I believe has the highest chance to win the crown. The Strong Contenders, are those who are most likely to get placed, having a very excellent performance throughout the pageant but I wasn't really sure about winning the first place. The Contenders, are those who I consider were the most stable in the competition and having a high rate of placing the semifinal. and The Darkhorses, who I consider to be those who don't really get the hype and fame but they could be snatching a place on top tier.

Please note that even though I write this in a sequence of numbers, these are not my rankings. Although, this could unveil as reality 😉 but we never know, let's just enjoy pageant in peace and celebrate all women.

THE CROWN FRONTRUNNERS

1. USA

R'Bonney Gabriel

Like I said on earlier post, R'Bonney works her way from behind the lens. All those sleepless nights, those preparations and numerous trainings start to unveil themselves as a result. On the preliminary night, she performed exceptionally wonderful. Don't be surprised if on the final night she might clinch a spot in the top 3, yet again winning the crown itself. She is more than ready to become the 71st Miss Universe.

2. Peru

Alessia Rovegno

Alessia Rovegno really played her cards well. She was exceptional and every single day is showing promises that she is the one to beat. This blonde bombshell has the face, the attitude, the walk, even the talk of a winner. Don't be surprised if she is standing easily on the top 5.

3. Indonesia

Laksmi Shari De-Neefe Suardana

After a hiatus in 2021, Indonesia truly comes back to the competition stronger than ever. Despite being Indonesian myself, I hardly put Indonesia on the top list (except on 2019). She is the strongest Indonesian representative to date, her presence reminds me of a river. Water is clearly her element. She might be emerging as one of the darkhorses in the final night, despite no pageant fanpage ever put her on the top list. I said what I said.

4. Colombia

Maria Fernanda Aristizabal Urrea

The FACE of the competition. Not really hard putting her on the top 5 list as she has been quite a competition. If you noticed, among 84 finalists she has the most 'screen time' both on video and on social media. People definitely like her, and that's for a reason. She could really bring back the Colombian glory.

5. Thailand

Anna Sueangam-iam

One of the prettiest faces Thailand ever send to Miss Universe. She truly has everything it takes to become the Miss Universe, after years of trying to get the main title. With the performance like she showcased on the preliminary night, it's not hard for her to be on the top 5 finalists.

THE STRONG CONTENDERS

6. Venezuela

Amanda Dudamel

Venezuela comes really strong this year, her beauty is almost unforgettable. She is very well-prepared, she has the mission, and she certainly has the ambition to win the crown. Let's see where her stars will guide her. Despite everything, she will certainly have a succesful life after the pageant.

7. Puerto Rico

Ashley Ann Cariño

One of the most stable performance throughout the competition. She really didn't miss a beat. She has an amazing day-to-day performance and she really topped it off with a stellar performance on preliminary and the national costume. Let's just hope everything is enough to bring her on top of the rankings.

8. Philippines

Celeste Cortesi

Her outstanding preliminary performance really sealed her place on top of everyone's favorite list. She is stunningly beautiful and her bringing the A-game will definitely sufficient for her to be on top.

9. Mexico

Irma Miranda Valenzuela

 

She really surprised me with her stellar performance on the preliminary. She might not be on my list in the previous article but hey, I changed my mind. She really is beautiful. Also, after reading more about her and her background, I'm convinced that she might probably emerging as one of the contender on the final night.

10. Brazil

Mia Mamede

Another pleasant surprise. I actually have been watching her bvery closely as she either be a hit or a miss, but after the preliminary night I'm pretty much convinced that she might be a hit on the competition. She came in real strong.

THE CONTENDERS

11. Bahrain

Evlin Khalifa

Her tireless campaign of having a moslem being represented more in the Miss Universe stage is what really convinced me. She is more than just a beauty, she has a mission, she has ambition. She is truly setting a high standard for all moslem girl to be represented in the international stage, especially at Miss Universe.

12. South Africa

Ndavi Nokeri

South Africa has been in the spotlight ever since Demi Leigh won the title back in 2017. This year is no exception. Ndavi truly possesses the charm of the South African beauty. She is strong, passionate, and really humble beauty. Let's not forget her. She might surprise us all.

13. Germany

Soraya Kohlmann

A serene beauty from the land of Europe. I wasn't really see her in the beginning of the competition but I somehow see something from her at the end of the competition. She looks like she's preparing something and I'm counting it as her way to dig her place up there in the competition. I'm pretty sure this beauty will captivate many eyes.

14. Jamaica

Toshami Calvin

Her beauty is truly a representation of diversity. She might rarely seen on everyone's top list but I somehow imagine that she will surprise everyone and come forward as one of the top candidates. Like I always said, representation matters.

15. Dominican Republic

Andreina Martinez

One of the most persistent contestants throughout the competition. She doesn't really come as strong as Venezuela, Colombia, etc. but she certainly is on the strong side. If you noticed, she is serving us with impeccable performances from the beginning.

16. Vietnam (By vote)

Ngoc Chau

Her performance alone is truly stable and actually more than enough to bring her on top, but seeing the enthusiasm of all the Vietnamese fans, I won't be surprised if she emerges on top by voting system. I mean, when it comes to online voting, Vietnamese is such a force to reckon. In 2020, Miss Vietnam broke the all-time records by having the most vote in the history of Miss Universe. This year might not be an exception.

THE DARKHORSES

When it comes to the darkhorses, I learned a lesson that Miss Universe Organization is always putting at least one or two candidates that are out of everyone's radar. Let's not forget Miss Italy in 2014, Curacao in 2015, Kenya in 2016, Sri Lanka and China in 2017, Poland in 2018, Nigeria and Portugal in 2019, Myanmar in 2020, also Singapore and Aruba in 2021. None of them ever receive publication and people don't actually find them as much but at the end of the day they reclaimed their glory in the final. So, yes, Imma try to guess the unguessable and let's see how the final will unveil.

1. Laos

Payengxa Lor

Miss Universe is all about being the first this and that. Numerous finalists have been advancing because the candidate is making history. Payengxa is the first Hmong woman to win the title of Miss Universe Laos. This background might be an interest to the organization and probably will be her selling point.

 

2. Great Britain

Noky Simbani

Working in a field of most men, Noky becomes an example that a woman can do anything they set their mind into. This story might also be an interest to the organization, not to mention her background is bringing her an advantage: eloquence, something that would be useful for a titleholder.

3. Ukraine

Viktoriia Apanasenko

Having to compete in the middle of the war and chaos is not easy. She really has a story and a message to tell. Her presence could be a message of peace and a voice to stop the war. Don't be surprised if she comes out as one of the finalists as her voice could be used to spread the message of peace.

4. Haiti

Mideline Phelizor

Her background story is touching the hearts of many. Dealing with difficult past makes her grow stronger as a woman and this is the mission that aligns with the organization.

5. Iceland

Hrafhildur Haraldsdóttir

Miss Universe is all about inclusivity, representation and being an inspiration to women worldwide. That said, Iceland could easily be a pick as I didn't see many Europeans being represented this year. Among all European beauty, Iceland (or Italy) could fill the gap.

That is my top 21 for this year's Miss Universe, I understand of there are any disagreement or a difference in opinions. And folks, remember, this post was not meant to lift one candidate up and bring the others down, this was just pure joy and a fun writing for me as a pageant fan to sharpen my English skill, my analytic skill and just basically a way to communicate with more pageant fans across the globe. Anything can happen on the final and I wish everyone the best of luck for the final, cheers to all delegates!

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Billy Corna

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71st Miss Universe: Who's Gonna Be On Top?

 

The 71st Miss Universe is happening right now. The pageant takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana where one lucky girl is going to succeed India's Harnaaz Sandhu as the new Miss Universe.

This year's pageant is particularly different since a lot of changes happen. When I said a lot, it means A LOT. The ownership of Miss Universe Organization is shifting, and it's now owned by Asian millionaire and businesswoman Anne Jakratutanip. Khun Anne is apparently a pageant enthusiast, because a lot of things has changed under her short period of leadership. Of course the changes are in good way.

Things are currently changing and fans worldwide are still adapting to new changes.

The Force for Good crown
Image: Mouawad

First things first, the crown. Khun Anne introduced a new crown as it marks the new era of Miss Universe. She specifically chose the new design of the crown and the crown itself was crafted by the famous jeweler Mouawad, who previously crafted the crown before today. The crown is named "Force for Good" and it resembles the shape of the ocean wave with blue as its dominant color. Truly magnificent.

New font on new sash
picture: missuupdates

And now, the sash. The Miss Universe finalists sash are now changing too. The most prominent change was on the fonts used. Since 2011 Miss Universe has been using a printed sash with bold fonts but now the iconic sash is changing. Some like it better, some need time to adjust, and some others hate it. I personally was on the team of adjustment. The sash is pretty, really, but I kind of liking the old font better, it was iconic. It was made by The Sash Company.

New winner sash
Picture: The Sash Company

The winner's sash is also changing, but this time many people liked it because it's new and modern. I'm with them this time. Oh, and this sash is claimed to be the first Universe's sustainable sash. How awesome.

And for the main part of the article, who's going to be on top and experience all the new things?!

Well, for at least 80 women are in this year's pageant but at the end of the day, only one will wear the crown. I have personally curated my top picks for this year's pageant and a bit of disclaimer here, my opinions remain only opinions, it really won't affect the judging panel. All of the girls deserve the exact same chance to win. With that said...

The Crown Frontrunners.

1. Colombia

Maria Fernanda Aristizabal

Colombia sends an angelic beauty this year. This caliber of beauty is hardly forgettable. All our eyes are on her. Ever since she won the Señorita Colombia, everyone wanted her to go to Miss Universe. I get the hype, she gives me Paulina Vega deja vu. She is truly a beauty and a contender.

2. Thailand

Anna Sueanga-iam

The prettiest face I have ever seen from Thailand's beauty queen. She comes REAL STRONG. She even started to be the talk of the town since her national pageant's winning moment. Without a doubt, she could be Thailand's third Miss Universe winner. She came prepared and ready.

3. Peru

Alessia Rovegno

Did you see the face? THAT is the face of the universe. This blonde bombshell is a media darling and oh boy she is pretty both in motion and in picture. We can definitely see a crown on her head.

4. Italy

Virginia Stablum

Italy was last placed in 2014, and this beauty might end the drought. Yet again, she CAN win the crown. She is truly one of the strongest European beauty this year, if not the strongest. The expensive and elegant vibe is all we need from a new Miss Universe. If she wins, it's a refreshment for the organization as I tend to see a pattern in the previous winners' face.

5. Venezuela

Amanda Dudamel

Venezuela is back on track. Amanda can definitely bring back the Venezuelan glory. She is THE face. Even from quite a distance, she is giving us the "oh, that's VENEZUELA."

The Favorites

6. USA

R'Bonney Nola

#NolainNola. That's what the hashtag says. She might not be under the spotlight as much as other candidate but seeing her background and her journey, also her being very consistent, let's not forget her. She might walk in creep, climbing her way up from behind. Anyway, the USA sash is strong for a reason, just saying.

7. Philippines

Celeste Cortesi

One of the prettiest face the Philippines has ever send to Miss Universe. Her training and previous pageant experience is more than sufficient to bring her on top, let alone being in the top 5. Philippines, as we all well-aware of, probably has the most effective way of training their queens in this era and that's why this country is named the land of pageant queens. Let's just wait and see of how her trainings has paid her off very well.

8. Indonesia

Laksmi Shari De-neefe Suardana

Ever since Whulandary placed in the top 16 back in 2013, Indonesia has been through many trials and errors by trying to find the exact formula to make it on top of the Miss Universe. This year is probably the result of those years of finding the right formula. Laksmi has been trained very well and she came to New Orleans ready to slit throats (not literally).

9. Vietnam

Ngoc Châu

Just like Indonesia, this year might be the result from years of finding the formula to make Vietnam on top. Vietnam is currently emerges as the new country everyone needs to pay attention to. Their queens are highly prepared, their fans start to be as supportive as the countries where pageant is on their spotlight (i.e. Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, USA, even Venezuela.) and not a single day Ngoc Chau give us a boring look, she came very well-prepared.

10. Guatemala

Ivana Batchelor

Ivana gained popularity after being named as the 2nd runner-up of Miss Grand International. People want her to try new pageant. And while people ask, she delivered. She is named as Miss Universe Guatemala and came very prepared. Her previous pageant experience is self-explanatory, she is ready to bring Guatemala on top.

Also A Stronger Possibilities

11. South Africa - Ndavi Nokerii

12. India - Divita Rai

13. Aruba - Kiara Arends

14. Jamaica - Toshami Calvin

15. Panama - Solaris Barba

The Possible Dark Horse

1. Ukraine - Viktoriia Alpanasenko

We all have heard about what is going on in Ukraine, she might bring this message to the universe. She has a story to tell, as she could be an example of standing out strong amidst the chaotic situation.

2. Nigeria - Hannah Iribhogbe

Why is no one talking about this girl? She is amazing inside out, go read her profile. She might come and surprise everyone.

3. Russia - Anna Linnikova

This barbie from Russia might come with a message, she could be the voice to end the war and spreading message of peace and love.

Like I said earlier on this post, my opinions are just that. Opinions. I won't be affecting the judges' decision so anyone can be on top. Things can change, let's see how the list will update after the prelims on January 11, 2023.

Ciao!

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Billy Corna

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Best Perfumes under IDR 100.000

Fragrance Collection
Source: Pinterest

When it comes to perfume, aku percaya sama prinsip ada harga ada kualitas.

Sebagai seseorang yang berkecimpung di dunia per-produksi-an, aku percaya banget kalau banyak brand besar menghabiskan banyak waktu untuk melakukan riset dan melalui banyak trials and errors untuk mendapatkan sebuah formula yang sempurna dalam menciptakan sebotol parfum. They are more than just selling the names. Then again, aku nggak bilang brand kecil tidak melakukan riset dan lainnya, tapi ada alasan sebuah brand bisa menjadi besar dan mahal harganya.

Sayangnya, nggak semua orang mampu untuk membeli parfum yang terkenal. I have been there. Aku pernah ada di fase dimana aku masuk toko parfum just to enjoy the testers, tapi nggak mampu beli. LOL.

Beberapa orang terkendala budget, bahkan tidak sedikit yang sebenarnya mampu membeli parfum mahal tapi tidak merasa punya urgensi untuk menghabiskan ratusan ribu atau jutaan Rupiah untuk membeli sebotol parfum. Preferensi. Tidak sedikit DM yang masuk minta aku untuk kasih rekomendasi parfum dengan kualitas oke, tapi dengan budget yang minim. Setelah bertahun tahun mencoba puluhan, maybe ratusan brand, I can finally release my version of the best perfumes di bawah Rp100.000

Disclaimer: I didn't get paid advertising these, aku bahkan nggak pasang AdSense di blog ini :)) So, yes, this will be brutally honest.

Disclaimer 2.0: Wewangian sifatnya subjektif, meski aku kasih guidance se-general mungkin tapi akan ada yang bias karena hidungku condong ke satu jenis wangi tertentu.

Picture: Pinterest

Best perfume under Rp100.000

Photo Courtesy of Wardah Official

1. Wardah ScentSation Eau de Toilette  - Joyful (Rp50.000an per 35mL)

Ini wanginya enak, banget! Wangi manis yang ngga pasaran. You know kalo beli parfum di bawah 100 ribu biasanya mereka adalah kumpulan parfum dupe alias tiruan, ya? Nah, correct me if I'm wrong tapi aku belum pernah nyium wangi yang plek ketiplek mirip sama Joyful-nya Wardah ini. Super delicious, tapi seger. Cocok kalau kamu suka wangi manis tapi mau pake wangi manis di cuaca panas. Dia juga punya range wangi lain yang bisa kamu cobain, but for me Joyful ini paling enak. Ada di supermarket juga, lho. Ketahanannya suprisingly oke, 2 jam-an lah dia kecium lumayan kenceng.

Cek Wardah Joyful disini

Photo Courtesy of Unilever Indonesia

2. Zwitsal Baby Eau de Toilette (Rp40.000an per 100mL)

Pecinta wangi bayi abis mandi, kumpul disini! Dari nama dan kalimat pembuka juga udah ketauan, ya? Wanginya super powdery, seger dan wangi bayi banget. No explanation needed. Kalo dulu ada body cologne yang semenit wanginya ilang, sekarang ada wangi yang lebih tahan lama-nya. Eau de Toilette cukup lah, ya, untuk ketahanan 1-2 jam. Pas banget buat anak sekolah-kuliahan, bahkan bisa bisa aja dipake ke kantor. Wanginya ngga menusuk, very subtle, which is good for comfort. Yang ini juga masih sama, gampang banget ditemuin di supermarket. Murah pula.

Cek Zwitsal disini

Photo Courtesy of FreshChubs

3. FreshChubs Salted Caramel Popcorn Body Mist (Rp40.000 per 100mL)

Ini wangi bioskop. Titik. Kamu pernah masuk bioskop, kan? Tau wangi khas popcorn yang buttery-caramely-manis dan menggoda pengen masuk dan duduk? Nah itu dijadiin parfum sama fresh chubs. Gila enak baaaanget. Aku sih personally kurang suka kalo dipake langsung ke badan, aku lebih suka disemprot ke gorden, baju, bantal bahkan handuk terus ditunggu beberapa menit. Sekamar-kamar langsung wangi bioskop, jujur. FreshChubs punya banyak varian, yang paling viral kayanya si popcorn ini. Ada juga yang wangi Roti-o, tahu kan ya? Aku lupa varian wangi mana, tapi koleksinya FreshChubs ini kayanya enak-enak, walau aku belum coba semua juga, sih. Ini bisa banget, nih, kamu jadiin opsi kalau bosen sama parfum supermarket. Minusnya ya... Kurang tahan lama, wanginya semerbak di awal abis itu udah numpang lewat. Tapi kalo di bantal kecium banget somehow, apa karena idung aku nempel sama sumber wanginya ya?

Cek FreshChubs disini

Photo Courtesy of Myra Parfums

4. Myra Parfum (Rp89.000 per 30mL)

Hmm, buat yang kali ini aku kasih setoko-tokonya deh. Biar kamu yang pilih mau beli apa. Harganya mereka pukul rata, semua Rp89.000 untuk 30mL. Ini mereka jual parfum inspired, artinya ya parfumnya niru parfum mahal. Ada Scandal yang terinspirasi Jean Paul Gaultier, ada Libre, ada macem macem. Untuk kemiripan I'd say sekitar 75% mirip lah. Aku pernah bandingkan yang Libre dengan yang aslinya, ya beda dikit. Yang asli memang lebih well-blended (ada harga ada barang, ingat)

Cuma kalo emang kamu bener bener gak ada uang, atau ngga merasa butuh beli yang mahal ya beli aja. Dibanding parfum sejenis yang sama sama inspired, Myra ini yang aku rasa paling oke. Wanginya ngga nyengat banget alkohol, ngga stain di baju, dan tahan lama juga. Oke kok soalnya buat sehari hari aku pake juga.

Kalo minta saran yang wangi yang mana, I'd say:

1. Wood & Sea, ini unisex banget, wanginya woody-aquatic seger banget titik no debat no kecot. Aku kayanya udah abis 3 botol :)))

2. Libre, kalo kamu pecinta YSL Libre dan sayang pake YSL buat sehari hari, pake ini aja. Sekilas orang ngga notice bedanya. Ketahanan juga ampir sama, bedanya ya buat yang punya YSL asli bakal ngeh kalo ini yang tiruannya. But who cares?

3. Scandal, best seller for a reason. Wanginya manis honey-sugar with a hint of orange. Dari semua parfumnya si scandal ini paling kompleks. Ada transisi dari seger jeruk ke manis madu, kalo yang lain jujurly dari awal disemprot ke dry down ya gitu mirip mirip aja gaada yang berubah.

Cek Myra Parfum disini

Oh well, I think that's pretty much it. Empat brand parfum di bawah Rp100.000 yang menurutku paling enak dan worth it. Yang lain mungkin punya rekomendasi parfum tambahan?

Next up, Parfum enak di bawah Rp500.000. Stay tuned.

ciao!

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Billy Corna

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Welcoming 2023 with A Little Flashback on 2021-2022

Happy New Year!

May the new year of 2023 brings you so much joy and happiness in life.

It's been almost two years since the last time I wrote something on this blog and I just want to kick off 2023 by recapping things that happened in the last two years.

the writing has 120.000 readers!

Let's begin with the story.

I jumped to this blogging community quite late, which is in 2015 where at the time being social media is hyping up the phone and people simply don't have the time to read writings like blogs. But I didn't lose hope. One of my first writings got quite a reader, which was 100 thousand (and still counting), and it gave me hope on writing this blog.

But then again, we all know the road isn't always smooth. I had to really find interesting topics to discuss, sometimes I could just have sleepless nights thinking about something to write, hoping that it could match the previous hundred-thousand-reader article while balancing on my real life and works.

Life hit me hard, yet again I have to think about the future of this blog.

There are times where I try to upload my writings on this blog and it does not succeed, and I chose to delete the post (dumb, I know) but looking back as an adult, I should have made it a possibility to assess which writings fit the reader and which ones don't.

This blog started to have spider webs in it.
Picture is mine
Location: Paris Van Java Mall

Well, is it too late to fill this blog again in 2023? We never know, but this blog will remain a Quibbler. Quibbler means small things. I chose the name quibbler because I only write things I want, there is no specific pattern or specialization in this blog. We could be talking about pageant, lifestyle, product review, and many more.

Mmkay... Enough opening. It's time for me to tell what really happened in the last two years.

In late 2020, I suffered depression, not many people are aware (now they are) which caused me to pull back from society. I got into this rollercoaster of emotion in my head, I feel like the world is plotting something against me. I used to be a cheerful kid with a smile on why face, but adulting hit me hard. The depression, global pandemic, economy problem, and dealing with academic stuff stressed me out. I tried really hard to pull myself back, but digging my way out from the dark took me quite some times.

light starts to fill in
Picture courtesy of mine
Location: Jakarta Selatan

2021 was the time where the light started to come through, I got to the point where I can see myself recovering, although I know it will have me working for so many more years but at least the light is there, it's a ray of sun in my cave. During that time, I had to do a quick catch-up with the whole world. I started making new friends too. It was not easy, but I made my way through. The recovery took my whole self and distracted me. I forgot this blog even existed, but it was not the peak. Brace yourselves.

In 2022, after finishing college and snatching a full-time job, I slowly take myself to heal all aspect in me. Just like a plant revamping itself from the brink of death, I climbed to reach myself again. It was really tiring, not gonna lie, but hey, things start to work out. This year, I totally focused on plastering the holes in my life that I really forgot this blog is even here hahahaha.

I managed to do so many things in 2022, I tried really hard to break the last few shells of my depression but it was just very hard to do. Things like that takes time. I still haven't fully recovered but I'm getting there. 2022 gave me so much lessons and unlocked some new achievements but I won't just stop there. I'm trying to get myself back. Those things; recovering, trying new things, breaking the shells, working, etc. etc. got most of my time, that I didn't have enough time to maintain this platform. 24 hours is just not enough.

Welcoming 2023 steady and slow.

In 2023, I plan on taking things steady and slow. The rays are getting brighter. My cave has a regular sunshine in it. Although, I would still have to drag myself to come out there, at least I have made a huge dent before I am ready to snatch back the old me, but in its best version.

I now have time to sit down and think, and I guess life will come back to this blog. Just wait and see.

Thank you for reading, I kind of need to practice and sharpen my blog writing skill again. Working on it, LOL.

Bye and wait for more writings in 2023!!

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Billy Corna

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[Review] N'Pure Cica Beat the Sun Series - Sunscreen Ringan untuk Kulit Sehat

N'PURE Cica Beat The Sun Series

Hi, welcome back!

Kali ini aku mau kembali review sebuah produk yang cukup viral di sosial media. Bagaimana tidak, kalau kamu buka aplikasi TikTok atau Instagram, maka kamu bisa menemukan cukup banyak jumlah pengguna yang membagikan pengalamannya menggunakan produk ini. Rata-rata, kutengok reviewnya pun serempak berkata bagus. Tentu, sebagai konsumen biasa aku nggak mau begitu saja percaya sebelum aku mencoba produknya sendiri di kulitku. Sebab yang namanya produk, sesempurna apapun itu, tidak akan bisa cocok untuk semua orang.

Produk yang kumaksud adalah produk sunscreen besutan brand lokal N'Pure. Yes, tentu banyak pecinta skin care yang familiar dengan produk satu ini. Produknya diberi nama N'Pure Cica Beat the Sun. Bukan tanpa alasan, karena di dalam produk sunscreen-nya terdapat kandungan Centella Asiatica alias daun pegagan. Dilansir dari berbagai jurnal dan artikel, Centella Asiatica sendiri merupakan agen penyembuh dan penenang yang potent. Centella Asiatica diklaim sebagai antioksidan yang cukup berpengaruh bagi kesehatan kulit (Sabaragamuwa et al., 2018). Sebuah perpaduan yang menarik, mengingat fungsi utama sunscreen sendiri yang merupakan antioksidan dan pelindung kulit dari bahaya paparan sinar matahari.

Aku sendiri sudah mengincar produk ini cukup lama, namun baru sempat mengulas produknya sekarang. Beruntung, saat ada kesempatan aku bisa langsung memboyong seri lengkap dari N'PURE cica beat the sun ini. Sebelum masuk ke pembahasan, mungkin ada diantara kalian yang belum ngeh kalau N'PURE cica beat the sun ini punya dua produk yang beredar di pasaran, yaitu NPURE Cica Beat The Sun SPF 50+ Cream dan NPURE Cica Beat The Sun SPF 30 Powder. Mari kita ulas produknya satu persatu.

1. N'PURE Cica Beat the Sun SPF 50 PA ++++

Ini merupakan produk pertama yang ditawarkan N'PURE, yang tentunya juga diluncurkan terlebih dahulu. Aku sendiri pertama mengetahui eksistensi produk ini dari Maria Rahajeng (TV Host, Content creator) dimana pada sebuah kesempatan Maria membagikan rutinitas pagi harinya saat travelling dan produk inilah yang paling menarik perhatianku. Dari sana, aku mulai berselancar dan mencari tahu lebih dalam tentang produk ini. 

Produk ini merupakan jenis sunscreen hybrid, yang berarti ia merupakan gabungan antara chemical dan physical sunscreen. Kandungan pelindung sinar UV yang digunakan pada produk ini mencakup Ethylexyl Salycilate dan Ethylexyl Methoxycinnamate (Chemical sun protection) juga Titanium Dioxide (Physical sun protection) yang mana ketiganya merupakan bahan bahan yang cukup umum yang ada di dalam sunscreen.

N'PURE Cica Beat the Sun SPF 50+ Cream

Produk ini memiliki SPF 50++, dan sudah dilengkapi PA ++++ yang berarti produknya mampu melindungi kulit dari paparan sinar UV A dan UV B. Selain itu produk ini juga diklaim bebas paraben, bebas alkohol, bebas silikon, dan bebas parfum. Untuk info lengkapnya sila kunjungi situs resmi N'Pure disini.

Hmm... menarik.

Dari klaimnya yang luar biasa, aku sendiri semakin tertarik untuk benar benar mencobanya di wajahku. N'PURE Cream ini dikemas dalam tube berwarna hijau tua, yang cukup eye-catching bagiku (ya inilah mengapa dia menarik perhatianku di awal) dan dilengkapi tutup tipe ulir. Ujung pipa saluran produknya pun dikemas ramping sehingga meminimalisir produk yang mleber kemana-mana.

Ujung botol yang ramping. Cantik, ya?

N'PURE Cica Beat The Sun cream ini bertekstur krim agak encer dan berwarna putih susu. Produknya sendiri tidak terlalu encer, tapi juga tidak creamy atau 'berat' gitu. Ada di tengah-tengah, lah. Pemakaiannya sendiri cukup mudah, dan tidak sulit untuk diratakan di wajah. Sempat su'udzon akan menimbulkan kesan abu-abu di wajah, ternyata surprisingly krimnya sangat blendable dan tidak meninggalkan whitecast SAMA SEKALI. Worth an applause. Produk ini menyerap cukup cepat di kulitku dan kesan pertama adalah LEMBAB. Yes, karena ternyata setelah kubaca list ingredientsnya lagi, ada cukup banyak zat pelembap yang terkandung di dalam sunscreen ini. This is a good news untuk kalian pemilik kulit normal ataupun kering. Dare I say, tanpa moisturizer pun produk ini mampu memberi rasa lembap dan glow di wajah.

tekstur N'PURE Cica Beat The Sun Cream

TAPI, karena ini adalah good news bagi pemilik kulit kering, ini bisa jadi adalah bad news bagi para pemilik kulit berminyak. Sebab kalau salah pakai/berlebihan pakainya, kulitmu akan menjadi overly oily dan jatohnya kusam... Because that's what happened to me on my first try. FYI, kulitku juga tipe yang oily banget dan karena aku latah ikutan trend "dua ruas jari" alhasil kulitku menjadi berminyak parah dan jatohnya kusam. Beruntung aku sadar akan letak salahnya dan segera merevisi penggunaan produk ini. Setelah jumlahnya disesuaikan, maka tidak ada lagi kulit berminyak dan berefek kusam.

Untuk proteksinya sendiri, sepertinya klaim di produknya says it all. SPF 50+ dan PA++++ sudah lebih dari cukup baik dalam hal melindungi kulit dari efek buruk sinar matahari. I can now ride my bike in peace. Say buh-bye to burned skin, say hello to my healthy and protected skin! Psst, FYI pakai sunscreen dengan rutin bisa membantu mencegah timbul flek hitam dan penuaan dini, lho 😋 another reason to start investing on sunscreen, bund.

Produk ini dibanderol seharga Rp149.000,- dan kamu akan mendapatkan 35mL isi produk, which is pretty good deal. Nggak bisa kubilang murah, tapi dia nggak mahal juga. Oh, ya, ini bisa kamu dapatkan di e-commerce favoritmu (cari aja yang banyak kasih voucher 😂). Di wajahku sendiri isi 35mL ini cukup untuk satu bulan. A good investment, indeed.

2. N'PURE Cica Beat The Sun SPF 30 Powder

NAAAH, sekarang masuk ke produk yang bikin aku geleng-geleng. Produk ini adalah 'adik' dari sunscreen cream tadi, dan sepertinya N'PURE mendengarkan jeritan hati para pemilik kulit oily yang terlanjur jatuh hati sama sunscreen cream-nya. Setelah sukses dengan peluncuran SPF creamnya yang super duper moisturizing, N'PURE berinovasi dengan meluncurkan produk sunscreen berbentuk BEDAK alias BUBUK alias POWDER.

N'PURE Cica Beat the Sun Powder

Yes! Kabar gembira untuk kaum kulit berminyak, sebab biasanya bedak adalah sahabat karib para pemilik kulit berminyak (termasuk aku). Oh iya, jangan salah kaprah dengan bedak yang ditambahkan kandungan sunscreen, ya. Ini merupakan sunscreen berbentuk bedak. Bisa bedainnya, kan? Bisa, dong~

Jadi N'PURE Cica Beat the Sun powder ini memiliki kandungan SPF yang lebih rendah, yaitu SPF 30 saja. Tapi sebetulnya SPF 30 sendiri sudah lebih dari cukup untuk melindungi kulit dari paparan sinar matahari. Jadi, tidak rugi rugi amat, ya, mengingat produk ini diluncurkan khusus untuk kamu yang malas reapply sunscreen berbentuk cream atau memang kulitmu betul betul berminyak.

Produknya sendiri sangat ringkas, ringan dan praktis. Berbentuk tabung dan sudah dilengkapi dengan built-in brush untuk membantu pengaplikasian produknya. Cara pengaplikasiannya sendiri semudah memulaskan bedak pada wajah, yaitu dengan mengetuk-ngetuk produk dalam posisi terbalik dan tertutup, buka tutupnya, geser pelindung kuasnya dan ulaskan ke seluruh wajah. IT'S THAT SIMPLE. bener bener mind blowing, yuyur.

Saat diaplikasikan ke wajah, hasilnya ini akan matte dan nggak bikin kulitmu abu-abu, dan yang paling penting dia menyerap minyak berlebih sekaligus melindungi kulitmu dari paparan sinar matahari. uhuy! Saya suka, saya suka! Auto masuk pouch untuk selalu kubawa-bawa ini sih.

Brush bawaan dari produknya ini cukup lembut dan nggak kasar sama sekali. Nyaman digunakan. Isi bedaknya pun tidak berwarna, sehingga kembali lagi pada klaim bahwa produk ini tidak bikin kulitmu abu-abu. Oh, iya, untuk kandungannya sendiri masih sama dengan produk krim-nya, dan masih masuk kategori hybrid sunscreen.

lihat bedaknya beterbangan saat kuasnya diusap?

Produk ini bisa kamu beli dengan harga Rp119.000,- dan bisa kamu temukan di e-commerce favorit kamu. A good deal untuk 5gr sunscreen yang bagus ini~ Oh, iya, by the way kedua produk N'PURE di atas sudah teruji BPOM, Halal, bebas paraben, bebas mineral oil, bebas alkohol, dan juga bebas pewangi! Hayo, lho, kena racun~

Kalo kalian masih bimbang dengan keputusan mau beli yang mana, sini kubantu berikan perbandingan saat menggunakan keduanya

1. Wajah sebelah kiri yang menggunakan N'PURE Cica Beat the Sun Cream SAJA (catatan: penggunaan disesuaikan dan sudah dibiarkan set 30 menit)

verdict: pemakaian masih nyaman dan bikin glowing (see the nose part?)

2. Wajah sebelah kanan yang menggunakan N'PURE Cica Beat the Sun Cream lalu diakhiri dengan Powder. (sudah dibiarkan set selama 30 menit)

verdict:

Gila suka BANGET! Mukaku matte dan glowing, tanpa ada kilau yang mengganggu

(FYI aku gak suka muka terlalu glowy) dan ini ngga ganggu tone asli wajah sama sekali.

Hasilnya masih natural dan nahan minyaknya lumayan oke.

3. Perbandingan wajah kiri dan kanan

Gimana? Sudah tidak galau? atau malah makin galau suka sama dua-duanya? Kalo aku sih, yes untuk dua duanya. Kamu gimana?

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Billy Corna

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