chérie liquor

Sense8

2015-2018

American

Science Fiction / Drama

Available on Netflix

Cast and characters alike, a global array of eight strangers become linked as sensates, a species unlike humans who share thoughts and feelings within their cluster. The show explores identity, sexuality, science, gender, politics, religion, and the way in which differences can bring people together.

After an open-ended second season, the show was canceled, but thankfully the cast and crew banded together to create a series finale to ease the hearts of fans everywhere.

Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy

2017

Chinese

Historical / Fantasy

Available on Dramafever

One of many stories adapted from novels set in the fictional "Novoland," Tribes and Empires focuses on three protagonists and their trials through loyalty, friendship, love, family, destiny, war, and constant betrayal. 

The charm of T&E lies in its layered storytelling, giving us insight into the many tribal identities and the smallest supporting characters. In 75 episodes, you slowly connect the dots between the Duan Empire's events of the last 300 years and how they have impacted the lives of our main heroes.

Life on Mars

2018

Korean (Remake)

Crime / Science Fiction

Like its British and American predecessors, Han Tae Joo is investigating a serial murder case when he gets in an accident and wakes up in 1988. Throughout the series, you're as confused as Tae Joo is as to whether or not the 80's world he's currently in is real, if he'll ever get back to the present, if he's in a coma, or if he's really just dead.

Miss Sherlock

2018

Japanese

Crime / Drama

Available on Hulu

A new interpretation of the classic Sherlock Holmes. Sara Futaba is an investigation consultant for the police in Tokyo and Wato Tachibana is a surgeon who just returned from a volunteer mission in Syria. The two become a dynamic crime-solving duo as bizarre cases take over along with their killer (no pun intended) skills.

Moonshine and Valentine

2018

Chinese

Fantasy / Romance

Available on Dramafever

A clan of fox people from another world has been living side-by-side with humans for centuries now, and so has the love story between Helan Jing Ting and Guan Pipi. He's loved her through every reincarnation and attempted to protect her from the curse that continues to threaten her life while fighting his own people's beliefs about human interactions. 

(It's difficult to summarize without giving away details but definitely watch this one)

Pose

2018

American

Drama

Available on FX

Set in 1987-era New York, the largest transgender cast for a scripted series ever delivers an entrancing tale digging into the ball culture of the black/latina LGBT community. Highlighted is the juxtaposition between this culturally rich downtown social scene and the growing wealthy white Trump-era across the block. The challenges of identity, gender, social norms, discrimination, wealth, race, sexuality, artistic exploration, and politics are woven through the plot to create a potential award-winner.

Share your current film and TV binges in the comments or on my Instagram!

Facial Massaging

The nagging voice you've probably heard half your life telling you to quit touching your face is probably having a cow reading this, but, yes, I'm telling you to lay your oily demon hands on your face. It's all going to be okay. 

It's not enough to slap or dab on your moisturizers and serums, expecting them to work their way into your skin all by themselves. To get the full effects of the products you use, warm them in your hands and gently pat them onto your face, then lightly massage them up and outward with the tips of your fingers until you're satisfied that all those goodies have been absorbed by your epidermis like a sponge.

Another benefit of massaging your face and neck twice daily is the de-puffing effect it has for those of us who suffer through bloating due to a myriad of reasons like hormones, stress, lack of sleep, water retention, and even just that late night snack you had yesterday taking revenge.

All this being said, you're still not excused when it comes to picking at your face throughout the day. Please don't let all your efforts be in vain.

Liquid Exfoliants

Exfoliation is a topic of skincare known to everyone even outside of the hardcore skin-obsessed weirdos like me. The problem is, physical exfoliants are the most commonly known, and they're harmful to your skin when used excessively or incorrectly as many people do. 

Physical exfoliants can damage skin, which is why they're either not recommended or encouraged to be used only 1-2 times per week. If you're feeling super congested and like you need your skin to peel like a snake and be reborn, you can either:

A) See a professional to consult about chemical peels

B) Invest in liquid (chemical) exfoliants

Liquid exfoliants are far more gentle because they don't grind against your skin, but instead use chemical power to slough away dead skin and dirt from your pores. Some are light enough to be used daily while stronger formulas are meant to only be used 2-3 times a week. 

Suncare

You can run, you can hide, but the sun will always get you. It could be nothing but clouds for days on end where you live, but don't let it fool you, the sun's still seeping through and coming straight for your skin. 

Sunscreens come in a number of forms whether you want them as a spray, cream, vegan, ocean-safe, or even in your makeup. My biggest advice is to just slather it on somehow cause you'll thank me later when you're still getting ID'ed at 35.

Hyaluronic Acid

Regardless of skin type, hydration is the greatest factor in attaining healthy, nourished skin. 

Hyaluronic acid is a moisture-binding ingredient that aids in retaining hydration to keep skin plump and youthful. 

Plenty of serums and moisturizers are on the market with this as their star performer, but since your own body produces HA you can also consume foods that accelerate its production such as bone broth, soy products, sweet potatoes, jicama, grapefruits, tomatoes, bananas, avocado, leafy greens, seeds, and nuts.

Dimethicone, niacinamide, glycerin, and ceramides are also superb ingredients found in products that promote hydration too.

Diet & Sleep

Not to be a mom, but it's true. 

Without getting proper sleep and eating right, your body is going to maniacally cackle at your futile efforts to treat your skin. Drinking enough water and even exercise also play a prominent role in how your skin looks from day-to-day. 

Remember to take care of your insides, including your mental health, as much as you take care of your outer shell.

Let me know if you're curious about any new products or any other tips regarding my personal routine!