Issue 4

issue IV dec. 2016

holidays FASHION | 2

@ 2016 The ECHO Magazine All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the editor-in-chief, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommerical uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, please write to: helloechomag@gmail.com. cover photography Razan Samara creative direction & styling Katherine Kuo & Annie Duan hair & make up Leah Kelly cover model Jacqueline Brillantes

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ASHLEY EOM

issue Iv december 2016

holidays

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THE ECHO Editor-in-Chief Ashley Eom

Managing Editors Abirami Kirubarajan Matthew Yau Fashion Editors Sylvia Mohanraj Annie Yu

Lifestyle & Arts Editors Sama Anvari Christina Ma

Community Editors Emma Hudson Mijia Murong

Creative Director Katherine Kuo Graphic Designers Head of Graphic Design Cathy Lu Rahul Kapur Rina Patel Laura Sun Promotions Coordinator Faizan Bhatia Assistant Coordinator Sheila Yu Social Media Coordinator Sarah Ge Contributors Annie Duan Carolyn Kuo Theebha Prethipan Photographer Razan Samara Videographer Chris Basalo Partners

ASHLEY EOM

Letter from the Editor

Dear readers, Every time I write to you, I cannot believe that we are here once again. I am convinced that the days of recounting the past by the calendar is long gone.

Just as Christina Ma recounts her year with a playlist (page 14), I find myself dividing my year of 2016 by the four ECHO issues. From the nervous launch of the first issue to the skillful operation of this fourth issue, this year has been a testing, trying, and rewarding one.

Each issue was a milestone and this final issue of the year is even more meaningful as it marks the incredible growth of the publication as well as the people behind it after one long and short year. I am thankful for all those who have trusted in this collaborative project and have also reaped the satisfaction of fully expressing their potential and passions.

Appropriately themed for its launch on Christmas Eve, this holiday issue accentuates ECHO’s cherishment of the local community. Hamilton truly is a city booming with arts and passion, as evidenced by a young start-up gelato shop (page 8) and the plethora of handmade craft stores all around the city (page 30). I hope that you will find warmth and comfort in this issue as I have.

Wishing you and your loved ones a relaxing holiday season.

See you in the new year!

founder / Editor-in-Chief

IN THIS ISSUE

ASHLEY EOM

8

ti amo, amo gelato

14

playlist

16

all spruced up

26

behind the scenes

30

the art of giving

34

winter reads

38

secret santa 101

40

liquid lipsticks

44

poetry anthology

TI AMO, AMO GELATO

WRITTEN BY KATHERINE KUO PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLYN KUO

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T

HERE’S A NEW SPOT coming onto the Hamilton food scene. Creating quite a stir, Amo Gelato Café has brought something new and fresh with its rich flavors, adorable décor, and lovable story; what had once been a dream for a small local shop complete with a cozy patio has now become much more. Now a favorite food spot for many Hamilton locals and foodies alike, Amo continues to be dedicated to its product and community, providing the freshest ingredients and giving the utmost care to their craft.

The story of Amo begins less than a year ago, when store-owner Ali and partner Mike first noticed that there was no place in Hamilton for gelato. And so came the very simple inspiration for Ali to open her very own gelato shop. Though very new to the business, Ali realized that what mattered the most to her was her product’s authenticity;

and so armed with her creative vision and Mike’s impressive palate, the dynamic duo struck out to learn the art behind Italian gelato. This adventure began with several weeks of lessons from an Italian teacher, many culinary investments, and some serious renovation to build what is now a cozy little café with an adorable outdoor patio nestled at the heart of Lock Street.

Yet, despite the time and effort put into realizing their vision, Ali and Mike never forgot their original passions: to serve a product whose authenticity is otherwise increasingly marginalized, and to establish the type of customer relationship that is no longer fully appreciated. Because to them, it is their customers who make this whole experience for them, and it is to their customers that Ali and Mike have remained fiercely loyal. Not a single person who is lucky enough to pass into their café

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IT H SY AN HA

HAS DEVELOPED INTO A MBOL OF HOME, COMFORT, ND COMMUNITY TO MANY AMILTONIANS.

fails to leave with full smiles and even fuller stomachs. To Amo and its founders, the feeling of ‘home’ is one of the most important features of the establishment; indeed, many flavors are inspired by their own experiences and childhoods. It is this feeling that Ali and Mike want to impart to their own customers: to feel at home. To Ali and Mike,if that means accommodating the needs of their customers, then that’s all the better! Whether it be dairy, gluten, or sugar-free, Amo is sure to have it, or whip it up in their kitchens. It is clear that Ali and Mike possess a dedication to only serve a product that they personally believe, with no exceptions made. With sorbetos containing 50% fresh fruit bought from local producers, their coffee beans roasted in house every few days, and their gelato made fresh on site every day, Amo strives to instill joy and quality in their product and in their customers.

Amo has long ceased to only be recognized as a gelato café; it has developed into a symbol of home, comfort, and community to many Hamiltonians. And yet, despite their enormous success, the most admirable attribute of Amo and its founders is not the delectable desserts (though it is a close second), nor is it their endearing origins, but rather, it is the continuation of Ali and Mike’s commitment towards their local community.

And so with plans for possible expansion of their bakery, be sure to keep one eye on the little café, another eye on Amo’s new pastries, and one nose on the delicious scents sweeping across Hamilton.

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playlist I

christina ma

’M FAR TOO LAZY to keep a diary. Or an agenda. Or take many pictures on my phone.

Which is fine, until I realise I’m only 19 years old and years of my life are beginning to blur together. I talk about “High School” as if it were a singular event instead of four years of my life made up of memories.

I mean, I’ve tried diaries in the past, but I could never quite commit.

So 12 months ago for my 2016 New Year’s Resolution, I started with baby steps. Every month, I created a spotify playlist of the songs I was listening to. It’s like a diary...but written with none of my own words. With 2016 coming to a close, come with me and listen to what I’ve been listening to and experience what I’ve experienced.

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all spruced up photography Razan samara creative direction & styling katherine kuo

annie duan Mua leah kelly model jacqueline brillantes support & resources carolyn kuo special thanks to cafe augusta

merry farms

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䈀攀栀椀渀搀 猀挀攀渀攀猀 琀栀攀

written by carolyn kuo artwork by rina patel & cathy lu 26 | FASHION

A

LTHOUGH I’VE DECLARED every one of the past three ECHO issues to be my favourite, this holiday issue has unquestionably stolen first place.

The holidays hold a special place in my heart, as I am sure is the same for many of you. They symbolize more than gifts and no exams (though I must say, these attributes make late December infinitely better). The holidays demonstrates the unity of an entire community as we all prepare for the most magical time of the year. Whether that be the holiday displays peering out from stores or the dazzling lights strung throughout the city, there is an undeniable sense of enchantment in the air.

origin of the shoot was the embodiment of what the holidays mean to this team. While chatting with the team throughout the day, it was clear that all members had imagined a warm and cozy photoshoot that would cause readers to conjure images of falling snow and steaming mugs of hot chocolate.

The morning started off with a trip to Leah Kelly’s makeup chair as she prepared our model for the shoot. To create a warm aura around the model, Kelly concentrated on choosing golden hues to highlight natural features. “I think that makeup is about accentuating features that you love, rather than hiding things you don’t. For both looks, I chose golden hues to highlight the warm Due to this bewitchment, it was with only a tones of her complexion.” Watching Kelly few complaints that I hauled myself out of deftly apply makeup, I was surprised by how bed at 6 am on a chilly Saturday morning to even the makeup had been planned such that prepare for this issue’s photoshoot. As you it conveyed a cozy impression to readers. It flip through these pages, I hope that you see was clear from the very start that the entire a beautiful spread, complete with picture- production team had united in their ideas of perfect outfits modelled by a picture- the perfect holiday issue. perfect girl. However, I feel it is my duty to acknowledge the incredibly talented team With the first layer of “warm and cozy” that directed its effort into transforming completed, the second stop of the day was their ideas into a reality. Planned by Annie Merry’s Tree Farm, a location chosen by Duan (stylist), Katherine Kuo (creative Samara based on its character and charm. director), Leah Kelly (makeup/hair stylist), As I stood in what I would argue is the most and Razan Samara (photographer), the magical place on earth, I was struck by

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AND JUST LIKE THAT, THE BRAND OF THIS ISSUE WAS COMPLETE ... AFTER ONLY A DOZEN OUTFIT CHANGES, 12 HOURS, AND A PAIR OF GINGERBREAD MEN SOCKS.

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how creative this location was. A seasoned photographer, Samara was well aware of the individuality of the farm. “I have shot in typical places such as Westdale many times before and while they are beautiful, I wanted a location that has a lot of character”.

While touring the farm, it was clear that Samara had hit the nail on the head. The farm was perfectly quaint, complete with horse-drawn wagons, and a barn filled with delicious scents of hot chocolate and pine wafting tantalizingly across my nose. As the model posed next to a vividly red barn, it was obvious that Samara had delivered on her promised warm and cozy photoshoot, and it was with extreme reluctance that we tore ourselves away from the merriment to complete the shoot.

The final stop of the day was to Café Augusta, a delightful coffee shop tucked away on James St. South. With a fire crackling merrily in the fireplace and sharp scents of coffee, it was the perfect place to shoot a soft and warm piece. To fit this bill, stylists Annie Duan and Katherine Kuo decided to step away from the glam and return to the classic sweater look. “What was most important to us was that the shots were both relatable and comforting. In our mind, there was no better way to showcase this than a knit-sweater,

comfortable jeans, and a pair of eclectic gingerbread men socks!” To complete the picture, the staff supplied us with hot drinks and the most delicious cookies I have ever tasted. As the model curled up in an armchair with her hands wrapped around a steaming mug, the final layer of the warm and cozy shoot was placed and the magic sealed.

And just like that, the brand of this issue was complete and we wrapped up shooting for ECHO’s Holiday edition after only a dozen outfit changes, 12 hours, and a pair of gingerbread men socks. Not only was it an incredibly enjoyable day, this photoshoot reminded me how the holiday spirit can bring people together. From the photographer to the makeup artist, the entire production team had an unanimous directive for this holiday edition. At every step of the process, each and every member contributed to this issue. I hope you now see the magic behind this photoshoot and realize that the holidays are much more than the only time during the year where it’s socially acceptable to wear sweaters that light up. They represent a time when everyone is united in their excitement for the most wonderful month of the year.

And it is for this reason why this holiday edition holds a special place in my heart.

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the art of

REASONS TO BUY HANDMADE GIFTS

Theebha Prethipan

G

IFT GIVING. A hallmark of the holiday season. A language used to show that you care. A gift is far more than a material good. Rather, it is a testimony of your time and effort. But gift-giving is a process easier said than done. There are so many things to consider: What happens at the end of the vendor? Who should we buy from?

In today’s machine-driven, globalized marketplace, most goods are products of conventional assembly lines. Recently however, handmade goods have made a comeback. It is certainly fair for any consumer to question if it’s worth it to invest in a handmade product? I hope to introduce some different perspectives on the benefits of handmade gifts. It is by no means exhaustive, but I hope you come to appreciate the human-scale economy of craftsmanship.

you are investing in the person behind the product.

3. CUSTOMIZATION. Sometimes even regular handmade gifts aren’t good enough for that special someone. Purchasing handmade goods can allow you to transform the product to meet your vision. Whether it is commissioning or modifying a piece, the unique nature of the gift is further reinforced.

4. CONNECTIONS. Community is fundamental to the human condition. We are social beings. We connect to learn, to fulfill our own purpose, and to enhance the lives of others. Buying inperson goods from an artisan gives you the chance to ask questions about the product: How was it made? Who was involved in the manufacturing process? What is your story? What is the inspiration for this piece? You would be surprised how willingly people share when you openly listen. This conversation can provide insight into the life of an artisan, enriching and expanding your global view.

1. PERSONALITY. Finding a gift that differentiates yourself from the army of mass-produced, corporate imitations can be a challenge. Handmade gifts provide the opportunity for you to give a culturally and socially connected gift. Often, 5. SUSTAINABILITY. handmade gifts capture a spirit or emotion Corporate manufacturing can lead to that conventional products may lack. significant environmental and humanitarian issues. Many local businesses take care to 2. APPRECIATION. ensure the sustainability and ethical nature Being a local artisan isn’t easy. Artists work of their products. You are investing in the hard to share their passion and skill to their safety and sustainability of a local economy communities. As a consumer of handmade and community in which you yourself may goods, one recognizes the skill and passion benefit. required to create art. In a greater sense,

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Giving

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HANDMADE GIFTS PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO GIVE A CULTURALLY AND SOCIALLLY CONNECTED GIFT.

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We are lucky enough to live in a community that embraces handcraft goods, and all the benefits they bring. On November 26 and 27, local artisans gathered at the Staircase Theatre by Main and Dundurn to sell their work in the annual Handmade Hamilton event. Items included clay pots, wax candles, baked goods, and knitted scarves. Apart from the unique goods, the vibrancy of the event was most memorable. There were no crowds of indifferent, faceless shoppers, rushing to be somewhere. I visited each booth, receiving soulful responses to my questions.

Feeling a great sense of community, I wanted to write about craftsmanship – a practice that is gradually gaining more recognition in our contemporary society.

Hamilton has a myriad of stores that create and provide handmade goods that are worth checking out. Each producer has a unique style, with unique works. With holiday shopping underway, visit the following local vendors to meet your gift buying needs!

BELLOWING TIMBER | Woodwork CLAYGIRL | Ceramics CROWN POINT CANDLES | Candles CURIOUS ODDITIES | Vintage jewellery JELLY BROS | Screen prints of local maps & Hamilton colouring book KRYSTAL SPECK CERAMICS | Ceramics SHOPLOOSELEAVES | Watercolour prints & cards RECLAIMED CHARM | Home & garden decor, specializing in stained glass SASSAFRAS BOTANICAL CARE | Organic, locally sourced self-care products UNBRIDALED | Fine Jewellery

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if you want to be chilled both inside and out…

Bestselling author Emma Donoghue raises goosebumps again with her newest book, The Wonder. The novel opens in an 18th century Irish village, immediately mesmerizing readers with its eerie atmosphere. The village is captivated by an eleven year-old girl, who claims to have fasted for four months in a religious splendor. A suspicious nurse investigates the child’s every move, determined to expose any trickery. However, as the chapters persist, readers began to wonder if they are witnessing a terrifying medical oversight, a charlatan’s clever sham, or a murder-inwaiting. I personally stayed up with this stunning psychological thriller until 4 a.m., hanging onto every twist of prose.

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If you just want to be taken away…

CONTENT WARNING: MENTAL ILLNESS, EATING DISORDERS, SELF-HARM Laurie Halse Anderson never fails to disappoint readers and Wintergirls is no exception. Wintergirls follows Lia and Cassie, best friends with fatal consequences, in its careful exploration of eating disorders and survivor’s guilt. Lia’, captured by the idea of a romanticized “wintergirl”, finds her recovery sabotaged by interrupting memories of her best friend. In university, I often find it hard to pick up Young Adult fiction, finding myself weighed down by the flat characters and clichéd storylines (I’m also not as angst-ridden as I used to be).

However, Anderson captivated me with her overwritten prose (you’ll either love it or hate it), nuanced character development, and thoughtful exploration of mental health. I would also highly recommend two of her other novels: Speak and Twisted, for more fantastic youth fiction.

If you’re a bit too excited for snowy weather…

s d a e r r

wint e

Explore the stormy Canadian wilderness with award-winning novel, Raven Quest by Sharon Stewart. The novel is told from the unique point of view of a raven who is exiled for a crime he did not commit, now desperate to clear his name. I was initially turned off from the (seemingly gimmicky) idea of an animal protagonist, but the perspective is incredibly well-written, maintaining depth while avoiding the expected clichés. The author manages to remain both quickwitted and authentic, drawing me in with compelling world-building of animal culture and environmentalism. Whenever I pick up this novel, I can’t help but be reminded of winter, due its striking imagery of raven broods against a snowy expanse.

Abirami Kirubarajan artwork by laura sun LIFESTYLE | 33

ECHO’s best pick If you can’t think of the perfect gift (to yourself)...

CONTENT WARNING: SELF-HARM, ABUS

Enter Adam Silvera and his debut novel: Mor Happy Than Not. I’ve sat at my compute for a good fifteen minutes now, straining t conjure words that could possibly do justic to this striking novel. Set in a near-futur Bronx, More Happy Than Not explores th potential of voluntary memory-suppressio technology, particularly its impact on th concept of happiness. Aaron Soto, mournin his father’s recent suicide and struggling wit newfound feelings for his partner-in-crim Thomas, contemplates the procedure despit its lack of accessibility and frankly terrifyin results. Aided by his supportive girlfrien and not-so-supportive family, he comes to remarkable conclusion that no reader coul possibly see coming. More Happy That Not everything that a reader desires: witty, cleve well-written, and – above all – powerfu beyond belief. I don’t want to waste any mor adjectives on this novel, so I’ll end this revie by imploring you to pick it up soon!

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SE

re er to ce re he on he ng th me te ng nd a ld is er, ul re ew

If you’re ready to curl up with cocoa...

CONTENT WARNING: SEXUAL ASSAULT, ABUSE Rupi Kaur’s bestselling collection of poetry and prose, milk and honey, is simply lovely. I found myself reading the book lazily, enjoying every word slowly and re-reading without any order. Her poetry’s themes of survival and femininity, as well as her perspectives on the immigration and identity, grip readers in a style that is both fresh and forthcoming.

The book is split into four overarching themes, each slipping perfectly into the next with a haunting candor. To my initial surprise, illustrations and doodles also dot the pages, complementing the language perfectly. If you’re interested in poetry but unsure of what to pick up first, I would definitely recommend milk and honey and anything else that Rupi Kaur touches.

If you’re sick of Boxing Day sales…

Be sure to check out Farewell to the Twentieth Century, written by Canadian author Pierre Berton. This collection of satires and pseudo-fables is a self-titled “compendium of the absurd”. Especially at this time of year, during the midst of Boxing Day bombardment, you’ll find refuge in his collection of satires and pseudofables. His works range from poking fun of the commercialization of Christmas to highlighting the absurdities of modern-day consumerism. Written with unmatched wit, his short stories and musings will leave you both laughing and wanting more.

My personal favourite was an alternative timeline featuring Shakespeare’s plays, if they had been pitched to Hollywood instead.

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secret santa 101 written by annie yu artwork by laura sun

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I

F YOUʼRE LIKE ME, you can still remember the devastation when your parents (finally) broke the truth to you ̶ (Spoiler Alert!!) Santa Claus isnʼt real. Thankfully, as weʼve grown older and wiser, we’ve maintained Santa’s greatest lesson of giving by upholding the principle of gift-exchange.

One of the most popular holiday rituals is known as “Secret Santa”, whereby you are randomly assigned someone in your group to give a gift to. In return, someone else is assigned to bring you a gift, all done in an anonymous manner. What I find most difficult about Secret Santa is finding a personalized gift for someone who may not be so personal to you. Our lucky Secret Santa gift-receivers are too often classmates and colleagues who have yet to transform from acquaintances to close friends. Although wish lists are often simple to fulfill (tea, coffee, chocolate, etc.), the perfectionist in you will still strive to find the most suitable Secret Santa gift under your given budget. If youʼre still looking for a Secret Santa present, here are my top five places for finding an exceptional gift for under $25: DAVID’S TEA We all love presents that not only have enticing aromas and delicious taste, but also keep us warm during these frosty winter days. With their lovely tea accessories and gift-ready tea packages, David’s Tea offers something for everyoneʼs tea cravings. For Secret Santa or any holiday gift-exchange, their tea-filled ornaments are a great choice for the special someone to have a keepsake after they finish their tea.

BATH & BODY WORKS Sugar, spice, and everything nice are exactly what Bath & Body Works offers ̶ their products always smell divine and are also quite practical. Chances are, both you and your Secret Santa have used a Bath & Body Works soap, hand sanitizer, or lotion before. You

definitely wonʼt go wrong with any of their holiday specialities.

URBAN OUTFITTERS Known for their array of hipster clothing and accessories, Urban Outfitters is a great place to snatch an interesting Secret Santa gift.

Although the brand definitely offers some more expensive selections, check out the list of “Gifts Under $25” on their website. Most importantly, Urban Outfitters has pieces that cater to all genders - OVO mixtapes, velvet flasks, and “Binge Watching Survival Kits”, are just a few of the unique items on their extensive list.

INDIGO Throughout the years, competition from e-commerce have forced bookstores like Indigo to provide much more than just good reads. Whether your Secret Santa gift-receiver requested a new novel or a quirky item, youʼll be able to find what theyʼre hoping for at an Indigo store. Aside from their wide range of fiction and non-fiction books, Indigo also sells everything from Kate Spade mugs to aesthetic, weather-forecasting storm glasses - all at an affordable price.

MY DOG JOE Calling all procrastinators: before you let the gift-exchange-is-TODAY-but-I-am-not-ready panic seep in, consider visiting My Dog Joe in Westdale. This quaint shop is located conveniently close to campus and is known for their quality coffee and organic baked goods. Rather than using a Starbucks gift card as your last resort, grab a pack of fair trade coffee or their signature My Dog Joe thermos instead.

At the end of the day, Secret Santa isnʼt meant to celebrate materialism ̶ holiday spirit and Christmas cheer should really be our priority. Regardless of what you make or purchase, your kind thoughts will be truly appreciated by others. Happy gifting!

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your gift guide to

Liquid Lipsticks L

sama anvari IQUID LIPSTICKS have become nearly ubiquitous in recent years, with just about everyone - from Covergirl to Kylie - coming out with their own formulation. With so many options, choosing the perfect liquid lipstick can be quite the daunting task, especially since no two formulas are made equal. I have tried many a liquid lipstick in my time, and I hope that these reviews will help you choose the perfect formula (and avoid crumbly, drying duds). With holiday season just around the corner, consider picking out one (or six) for a friend, family member, or yourself!

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indie

Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Liquid Lipsticks ($18 USD) Say what you want about Jeffree himself, but he makes the best liquid lipsticks on the market (in my humble opinion). This liquid lipstick formula dries matte quickly and has great pigmentation, but doesn’t dry out your lips. It removes easily with makeup remover (or water and a

little pressure), and can be reapplied multiple times without crumbling or getting chunky. I have always had great customer service with this brand, and he carries shades ranging from demure nudes to bright oranges, blues, and purples.

TOP PICKS: GEMINI, ANDROGYNY

kylie cosmetics lip kits ($29 USD) Ah, Kylie. Her lip-kits are possibly the most sought-after on the market, and for good reason. While they aren’t the most comfortable liquid lipstick I’ve tried, I do think that she has improved her formula (I purchased Ginger a while back and it was very dry and crumbly, but Candy K and her birthday minis have never given me a problem). Her darker

colors tend to be patchier, but the lip kits are actually quite good value in my opinion (the lip liner is really great quality - I enjoy wearing it on its own). My tip if you want to snag a certain color? Follow her on Instagram/Snapchat and set an alarm on your phone if she releases new products!

TOP PICKS: CANDY K, MINI SETS

kylie cosmetics lip kits ($29 USD) Beauty Bakerie is a newer brand that got attention after being featured by several prominent Youtubers, who emphasized its staying power.

As someone whose lipstick wears off within a few hours regardless of what I do, my interest was piqued.

Lip Whips have a very unique formula, and they really do stay on… almost a little too well (mine lasted all day and didn’t even come off in the shower - I had to remove it with

makeup remover oil). The formula is quite comfortable, light, and nondrying, which I did enjoy. I will say that the darker shade I purchased was extremely patchy, and I’m not sure if the formula has improved since. However, definitely consider checking them out if you want a liquid lip with serious staying power.

TOP PICKS: SYRUMPTITIOUS, VERSAILLES

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smashbox always on liquid lipstick ($28 cad) Smashbox has pretty much nailed it with this formula. This liquid lipstick boasts a lightweight and non-drying matte finish that is budge-proof and comes in a variety of shades. I think the applicator on this one is also really great, and makes achieving consistent coverage very easy. I

would recommend trying the colors out yourself in store, as they may look misleading on online swatches.

However, you can’t really go wrong with any of the shades - they are all evenly pigmented and wear beautifully.

TOP PICKS: GIRL GANG, TRUE GRIT

kat von d everlasting liquid lipstick ($24 cad) Kat Von D’s liquid lipstick was one of the first formulas I ever tried, and at the time I remember being super impressed by its staying power.

While this remains a good product, it’s definitely not my favorite liquid lipstick on the market - personally,

I find it dry with a tendency to crumble. While I wouldn’t dissuade people from trying it out per se, I think that you can most of the shades in products from other brands with a better formula TOP PICKS: LOLITA, BAUHAU5

sephora

sephora collection luster matte long-wear lip color ($15 cad) Sephora’s in-house brand has a selection of products that, while overlooked, can often be quite good.

This liquid lipstick is no exception it is non-drying, comes in a decent selection of colors, and is definitely one of the more affordable liquid lip

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options outside the drugstore. While I like this product, it is NOT transfer proof and has a nasty tendency to get all over your teeth (something I learned the hard way), so proceed with caution!

TOP PICKS: FIG LUSTER

colourpop ultra-satin lip ($6 usd) Colourpop boasts two liquid lipstick formulas - the ultra satin, and the ultra matte. While the ultra matte is a true, transfer-proof liquid lipstick, it is also drying as all hell. The Ultra Satin lip is wonderful, though - while it will

transfer, the formula is extremely lightweight, comfortable, and comes in a wide variety of colors. And you can’t beat that price!

TOP PICKS: FRICK N’ FRACK, PANDA

l’oreal infallible pro-matte gloss ($10 cad) it in this review because it’s a great product - super comfortable to wear, easy to apply, and comes in a variety of colours! What more could you ask for?

TOP PICKS: NUDE ALLURE

drugstore

This is kind of a strange product, and not necessarily a liquid lipstick in the traditional sense (in that it isn’t fully matte or fully transfer-proof).

It is essentially what it says it is - a matte lipgloss. However, I included

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Poe Anth emma hudson When the water froze against the shoreline there was a universal loss of conviction; it’s easier to let the waves drown out your thoughts. Now, where the grayness of the sky met the icy surface of the lake she felt her intentions had been distorted. The air was blue-tinged and smelled of spiced rum, which made her think of Septembers. For some reason, cold made her terribly nostalgic. She exhaled, watching the warm air from her alveoli curl into a cloud of condensation.

“For God’s sake,” he said, “Could you say something?”

She used a gloved finger to trace her initials into the snow. She hadn’t worn snow pants, and her jeans were soaked through. It was too late for this; the blinds were open, the red wine stains had set.

Everything shifts after four a.m.

“Can you fall out of love, or is it forever? How can you know that you were in love in the first place?”

He lingered, and she let the moment fizzle out like a midnight firework on the fourth of July. She shouldn’t have baited him. We can’t possibly know the consequences of our actions before we do them; she sometimes allowed herself to indulge in that irony.

After he left she stayed sitting on the frozen beach, considering that if she wasn’t so cautious this would be the perfect opportunity to walk on water.

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artwork by cathy lu

etry hology Abirami Kirubarajan I do not breathe,

hesitant that frozen breath

could ruin this moment In place of its given sound, the rustle of snow on the ground

has been replaced by a piano note,

faded and ringing alone Instead of the drag of my bag on wood,

I can hear another stroke of music,

a half-tone sharper, same octave Instead of the breeze of the trees, I could

begin to notice a measured,

but now off-key, tune The scraping of my aching boots on leaves

now leaves me to complete the stanza

while the noise of fabric joins to harmonize As I exhale, I confess another note and another note and another note and every sound builds and builds, Until I’m surrounded by confounded music,

by an unnatural sonata wrapping me

once in melody, once in memory

before the winter silence

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Sama anvari The night is a white whisper, and I Stand alone, ink smudged on a fresh page.

Every breath cocoons deep in my lungs To emerge on silver wings, Tiny pleading fingers Reaching toward a distant moon.

The sky bursts open, spilling stars Like drops of water from a child’s cupped palm.

Dressed in night, I breathe the small miracle Of their heartbeat.

46 | ARTS

written by matthew yau All this Christmas Cheer; The music and laughs of my Christmas Peers Smiles jovial with delight, sipping on Christmas beers Oh their arms interlocked with their Christmas dears, But I am alone with my Christmas fear I am cold I am ice I am Christmas drear All my worries and my problems are not Christmas mere I am sad I am crying just one Christmas tear.

ARTS | 47