Month: November 2025

Sephora VIB Sale Wishlist (Fall 2025)

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As (regular) followers on IG know, I mainly shop at Ulta. I’m on a low buy (some mos. are no buy).

Here is a (small) wishlist for current Sephora sale:

1. Glossier Cloud Paint Plush Blush: I’d like a red blush (esp. for holidays), so interested in color Burst. I have tried a few lip products from this brand.

2. LANEIGE S’more Kisses Set: One of my fave brands for lips! This is a limited-edition set w/ 2 items: Vanilla Lip Glowy Lightweight Hydration Balm (full size) and Chocolate Sleeping Mask (mini).

3. Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil Stain: The color I wore last Fall/Winter is Delight; however, ALL colors look FAB (checked in-store before).

4. Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench™ Moisturizing Shower Oil for Dry Skin: I loved the scent (of the body spray I tried)! The brand’s body washes and lotions are better than the sprays, so check those out.

“The History of Sound” (2025) starring Paul Mescal & Josh O’Connor

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Lionel Worthing (Irish actor Paul Mescal) is a music prodigy from a humble Kentucky farming family who is able to visualize sound. Orphaned in adolescence, David White (British actor Josh O’Connor) is from a privileged background under his uncle’s guardianship in Newport, RI. Both become students at a music conservatory in Boston and meet at a bar in 1917. Their shared love of folk music brings them together; that bond soon becomes romantic. While the Great War (WWI) separates them, they’re brought back post-war when David (a researcher at an Augusta, Maine college) asks Lionel to accompany him on a trip to collect folk songs. Chris Cooper (the older version of Lionel) narrates the audiobook version of the short story on which the film is based.

Lionel: What happens to all the sound released into the world that is never captured?

The film was announced in October 2021, but due to challenges in aligning schedules of director Oliver Hermanus (who hails from South Africa and is a queer man of color), Mescal, and O’Connor, filming didn’t begin until FEB 2024. Mescal is one of the EPs, which marks the 1st time he has received a producing credit on a film. Mescal and O’Connor became close friends during the pandemic; both young actors shared the experience of becoming famous at the same time. Mescal co-starred in Normal People; O’Connor played Prince Charles in The Crown (S3 & S4). I was excited for this movie (being a fan of its leads), BUT was also somewhat hesitant. I was NOT a fan of the 2024 miniseries (Mary and George) that Hermanus directed. Though the story is centered around Lionel, David is the more interesting character. O’Connor’s gazes, micro-expressions, and (variety) of smiles draw the audience in. No wonder Lionel was under his spell and wanted to follow him wherever he went! The American accents are flawless and the singing was quite good, too.

[1] My favorite scenes were when Paul and Josh were together. They’re both great actors in my opinion, had amazing chemistry. I just wish we had gotten more! Having these two as your lead actors, the possibilities are endless. Perhaps my expectations were too high. That said, I loved the beginning and the last 30 minutes. Another positive is that it’s a beautiful film, with gorgeous shots!

[2] A love story is at the core of director Oliver Hermanus’ slow-moving 2025 period drama, but his introspective approach doesn’t generate enough heat to make it palpable beyond what is portrayed onscreen.

[3] The movie looks gorgeous. The American scenes in particular are reminiscent of the paintings of Andrew Wyeth. Art decoration and cinematography are beautifully detailed. The music is all based on American folk songs wonderfully augmented by evocative music composed by cellist Oliver Coates. […]

This movie is probably not for everybody, but those interested in folk music and American history will find it rewarding. I was tempted to add “gay studies,” but I think that would be somewhat misleading. That is, however, the central issue, even though it never takes center stage. I think that’s what makes the film so haunting.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“In the Cut” (2003) starring Meg Ryan, Mark Ruffalo, & Jennifer Jason Leigh

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Everything you know about desire is dead wrong. -Tagline

On the LES of NYC, Frannie Avery (Meg Ryan- age 41 and de-glamorized)- a college English teacher/writer- begins an affair w/ Det. Giovanni Malloy (Mark Ruffalo- age 35 w/ a mustache)- one of the cops investigating the murder of a young woman. Malloy’s partner, Det. Ritchie Rodriguez, is played by Nick Damici (who I haven’t seen in any other movies/shows). Malloy believes the murder is the work of a serial killer. Frannie continues her relationship w/ Malloy, even after catching him in a lie (which could be dangerous). This is the (controversial) film that tanked Ryan’s acting career and derailed that of director Jane Campion. Originally, Nicole Kidman (who served as a producer) wanted to play Frannie. She decided to drop out, as she was going through a (much publicized) divorce from Tom Cruise. Mickey Rourke was considered for a supporting role; however, he was allegedly vetoed by Kidman b/c of his hard-partying reputation. The film is based on a 1996 novel by Susanna Moore.

Frannie: I was at the Red Turtle with one of my students.

Det. Rodriguez: One of your students?

Frannie: Cornelius Webb, but it was early, three-thirty. I was there for a short time, then I went home.

Det. Malloy: Cornelius Webb. Is that with two B’s or not two B’s?

It’s rare to see an erotic thriller (or neo noir) from the POV of a (complicated/independent) woman, as many critics/podcasters/viewers have commented. Usually, the male cop is the central figure, as in Laura (1944) or Basic Instinct (1992). Ruffalo went undercover w/ NYPD officers to prepare for his role. Malloy is macho, rough-hewn, and uses the language of the streets. However, he can also be soft-spoken, compassionate, and witty. Pauline (Jennifer Jason Leigh- age 40) is Frannie’s slightly younger/half-sister; the women have a close/warm relationship. Pauline is a stylist who lives above a go-go (strip) bar; she’s self-aware, yet looking for love (in ALL the wrong places). The costumes were bought from the The Job (2001), a cancelled TV show, for only $400.

I think the scenes are really good though, I think they’re very honest. Jane didn’t want them to be coy, so I don’t think they are at all. And I love how much dialogue is in those scenes. That’s what makes them really intimate. -Meg Ryan re: the love scenes (at TIFF during film’s debut)

Warning: This film NOT for sensitive viewers (incl. those expecting the rom com version of Ryan); it’s gritty, bloody, w/ dark themes and nudity. I saw this movie (which has an R-rated and Unrated versions) many yrs ago; it’s now available to rent (Amazon Prime video). Last week, I came across a (new) pod review of it, so decided to take a (2nd) look. One common complaint from viewers was that characters don’t develop or change. They’re also unapologetic re: their desires. This may remind some of you of European films. One of the main notes Campion gave to Ruffalo was “never apologize.” The filmmakers create an undercurrent of foreboding, showing us how it’s like to be a (big city) woman who is being perceived by (potentially dangerous/deadly) men.

[1] Ryan has never been better than she is here. She plays Frannie almost as if she were one of the urban walking dead, just right for a modern woman who feels no real emotional connection with the world and the people around her.

Mark Ruffalo is excellent as the cop who may be more of a threat to Frannie than the killer who’s terrorizing the area.

[2] This is certainly one of the most unique films I have come across, but I don’t say that in an overly positive manner. It is a very good-looking film, and ignoring camera angles and editing techniques, it still looks very solid on a visual scope.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews