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Author: Ashley Jane

Beauty Hits/

Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum Review

Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: A Staple for My Stubborn Dark Marks

Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum bottle – a Korean skincare product designed to brighten and hydrate skin, fade dark spots, and give a healthy glow.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own, and I paid for everything with my own money!

If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by skincare serums, I get it. I’ve tried my fair share of trending products that promise to fade dark marks, brighten your skin, and give you that effortless glow, only to end up irritated, break out, or just disappointed. But Beauty of Joseon’s Glow Deep Serum was different. It didn’t just look pretty online; it worked for me.

This serum is from Beauty of Joseon, a Korean skincare brand that blends traditional ingredients like rice bran water with modern formulas. Their Glow Deep Serum is renowned for addressing dullness, uneven tone, and hyperpigmentation, all without the heaviness or harshness associated with more aggressive treatments.

🌿 First Impressions

This was one of the first serums I tried when I got serious about skincare, and it immediately felt like an upgrade. The formula is lightweight yet nourishing, neither greasy nor sticky, and has no unpleasant scent. It sinks into the skin quickly and doesn’t mess with anything else in my routine.

More importantly, it didn’t break me out, which, for me, is rare with K-beauty. My skin can be picky, and I’ve had to toss a lot of “gentle” products that triggered reactions. This one passed the vibe check.

💁🏽‍♀️ What It’s Supposed to Do

The Glow Deep Serum is made to:

  • Brighten the skin
  • Even out the tone
  • Soften dark marks
  • Soothe and hydrate

Its star ingredients are:

  • 68% rice bran water – rich in antioxidants, calms inflammation, hydrates
  • 2% niacinamide – helps fade hyperpigmentation and strengthen the skin barrier
  • Panthenol + allantoin – help the skin retain moisture and stay smooth

It’s also fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and works well under makeup or layered in multi-step routines.

✨ What It Did for Me

This serum gave me a consistent, low-maintenance glow that didn’t feel fake or forced. My skin looked smoother and brighter over time, not in a dramatic overnight way, but with steady, visible improvement.

It made my dark spots less noticeable, especially the newer ones, and left my face with a light sheen that looked healthy, not shiny. I have some stubborn scars that take forever to fade, and while they’re not entirely gone, they’re softening.

And let’s be real, no one product is going to make your skin “perfect.” But this one genuinely made my skin feel better. That’s a win in my book.

🔥 Beauty Hits Rating: 5/5 Hits

  • Hydration High: Smooth, light, and non-greasy hydration
  • Glow Factor: Leaves a soft glow, not a fake shine
  • Stoner Friendly: Layers well, fast-absorbing, and doesn’t require a 20-minute wait.
  • Repurchase Worthy? Already have
  • Price Point: Usually around $17–20 on Amazon, fair for what it does

Final Verdict:

This isn’t the end-all, be-all serum for hyperpigmentation, but it’s a solid, gentle option that’s earned a permanent spot in my skincare drawer. I still have a whole routine I’ll share later, but this product is an anchor in that process, and I’m glad I gave it a chance.

Try Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum on Amazon here if you want something calming, brightening, and beginner-friendly. You might find your skin looking a little better every day.

High on Books/

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest – All The Feels

Book Review: The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest, All The Feels

Cover of The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest, a feel-good romance novel featuring a soft, slow-burn Black love story.

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest is a contemporary romance that delivers all the cozy, slow-burn vibes. Centering on Lily, an aspiring editor, and Nick, a mysterious author, this story begins through anonymous emails and blossoms into an unexpected in-person connection. What starts as a virtual pen pal relationship soon becomes deeper without either of them initially realizing it. It’s giving You’ve Got Mail for the modern reader, but better. With a Black couple at the center, soft moments, and a drama-free romance arc, this book was refreshing and joyful.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All reviews are my own, and I either purchased the book myself or borrowed it using my Libby library card.

Kristina Forest became an auto-read author for me with this one. I picked up the book after seeing it around during her promo tour, and I’ll admit, the gorgeous cover featuring a Black couple drew me in immediately. I was looking for a feel-good romance, and this gave me exactly what I needed. The initial email thread felt cheeky, nostalgic, and sweet, just like a 2000s rom-com.

What made this book resonate with me was its writing style. Kristina’s voice is smooth and familiar in the best way, like a friend telling you a love story. From the song references to the cookout moments, it felt like I was reading something written for me, not just at me. The supporting characters added depth and warmth, too. I didn’t realize this was part of a series with Lily’s sisters, but I plan to read the others once I come down from my thriller phase.

If I had one tiny complaint, it’s that I wanted more from the email exchange. That part of the story pulled me in, and I wish it had lasted just a bit longer. But maybe I was going too fast because I was enjoying it so much.

This is the kind of romance that lets love be soft. No trauma bonding, no heartbreak Olympics, just chemistry, tension, and joy. It made me feel stoned and in love in the best way.

🔥 Lit Meter: 5/5 Lighters

  • Readability When High: Super easy to follow, even if you’re a little faded. The writing flows, the pacing is smooth, and the dialogue feels real.
  • Mind-Blown Factor: This isn’t a twisty read, but emotionally? The vibes hit hard. Especially if you’re craving soft love stories.
  • Vibe Check: Romantic, nostalgic, and just a little cheeky. It’s like slipping into your favorite hoodie and watching a rom-com that gets you.
  • Smokability: This is a warm-tea-and-a-hybrid type of book. Something that relaxes your body and lets your heart stay open.
  • Would I Reread While Baked? Yes. 100% yes. Especially the email parts. They’re cozy and intimate in a way that feels timeless.

If you’re looking for a romance that gives you joy without dragging you through the mud, The Neighbor Favor should be next on your list. You can grab it here and let yourself fall in love a little.

High on Books/

Book Review: The Bitter Truth by Shanora Williams – A Domestic Political Thriller

Book Review: The Bitter Truth by Shanora Williams, A Suspenseful Political Thriller

The Bitter Truth by Shanora Williams – A suspenseful political thriller with secrets, ambition, and deception. A must-read for domestic thriller fans.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All reviews are my own, and I either purchased the book myself or borrowed it using my Libby library card.

The Bitter Truth Book Review” dives into a domestic political thriller that blends ambition, deception, and hidden secrets. Shanora Williams delivers a suspenseful read where power and lies collide, making this a gripping story that keeps you questioning every character’s true intentions. I typically struggle with political thrillers, but I can’t pinpoint why. Perhaps, one day, I’ll figure it out. However, The Bitter Truth touches on politics without venturing too deeply, making it an easier read. It includes enough campaign drama and high-stakes deception to set the scene without overwhelming the reader with policy discussions or complicated political strategies, which worked in its favor.

Shanora Williams is one of my favorite authors; she knows how to create a thriller that captivates you. Jolene “Jo” Baker embodies the role of the ideal political wife, polished, and ready to stand by her husband, Dominic, as he runs for governor. However, as the campaign intensifies, so do the secrets. A woman from Dominic’s past resurfaces, causing Jo to question whether she truly knows the man she married. As Jo investigates further, she uncovers a tangled web of deceit that extends beyond her marriage and into the very essence of the campaign. This story goes beyond politics; it explores themes of control, ambition, and how far someone will go to keep their past hidden.

The book combines domestic suspense and conspiracy thriller elements. While some twists are predictable, the execution keeps the story engaging. I anticipated a few reveals, but the way everything unfolded made the read worthwhile.

🔥 Lit Meter: 4.5/5 Lighters

  • Readability When High: The writing is solid. It keeps you engaged without requiring you to track complex details, so you won’t get lost if you’re a little altered.
  • Mind-Blown Factor: Some twists hit hard, while others fall flat. If you’ve read many thrillers, you might see a few coming from a distance, but how they play out remains intriguing.
  • Vibe Check: This is more of a character-driven thriller than an in-depth political analysis. If you enjoy domestic thrillers with elements of power struggles, this one delivers.
  • Smokability: Best enjoyed with something that keeps your mind sharp without causing overanalysis. A sativa-heavy hybrid.
  • Would I Reread While Baked? Maybe not immediately, but it’s a fun one-time ride.

I approached The Bitter Truth cautiously since I don’t usually prefer political thrillers. However, this book resonated with me because it focuses more on secrets, personal ambition, and high-stakes deception than policy debates. It feels like a blend of Scandal and a domestic thriller, offering just enough complexity to keep it entertaining. If that sounds appealing to you, check it out! You can find it on Amazon here.

This story combines elements of domestic suspense with a conspiracy thriller vibe. While some twists are predictable, the execution keeps things engaging. I anticipated a few reveals, but how everything unravels adds to the intrigue.

High on Books/

The Bigamist Book Review by Rona Halsall, When One Life Is Not Enough

The Bigamist by Rona Halsall Book Review, When One Life Just Isn’t Enough

The Bigamist by Rona Halsall book review – A psychological thriller with twists, reviewed by Ashley Jane’s Lit Reads.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All reviews are my own, and I either purchased the book myself or borrowed it using my Libby library card.

 

What happens when one life isn’t enough? This book review is about The Bigamist by Rona Halsall is a psychological thriller packed with deception, double lives, and jaw-dropping twists. But does it hit different when you’re high? If you love thrillers that keep you guessing, this one might be for you. Read my full review to see if it’s worth the hype or just another overhyped plot twist.

Things aren’t always what they look like, especially when someone’s hiding behind a web of secrets.

Rona Halsall is a psychological thriller in The Bigamist that keeps you side-eyeing every character. Emma’s got the whole “perfect life” thing down, loving husband, cozy home, the works. But when stuff stops making sense, she starts asking questions. Let’s say, the answers? Not what she signed up for. One discovery leads to another; before you know it, her world feels more upside down than a snow globe.

Emma is kinda complicated. She’s not the kind of character you slap on a “World’s Best MC” mug. She’s messy, makes terrible calls, and you’ll either yell at or cheer for her (sometimes both in the same chapter). But that’s what makes it so hard to put this book down. If you love stories packed with secrets, lies, and enough twists to make you say, “Wait, WHAT?”, you’ll have a good time with this one.

🔥 Lit Meter: 4.75/5 Lighters

  • Readability When High: Super readable. But if you’re too zoned out, some sneaky details might slip by. Nothing tragic, you’ll still get the main story. Maybe bookmark anything that feels shady.
  • Mind-Blown Factor: Twists hit you in waves instead of a one-punch KO. It’s a more “wait for it…” vibe that leaves you guessing at every turn.
  • Vibe Check: Solid slow burn. It’s tense but doesn’t slap you with nonstop adrenaline. You’ll want to keep turning pages, but it’s chill enough not to fry your nerves.
  • Smokability: Perfect for a hybrid strain. Something balanced that you’ll stay sharp enough to connect the dots but relaxed enough to enjoy the ride.
  • Would I Reread Baked? Eh, maybe. Once you know the twists, the shock factor’s gone. But Emma’s train-wreck moments might be worth revisiting when you’re in the mood for drama.

I read this curled up on the couch, Kindle in one hand, a nice blunt in the other. Ideal setup. This book doesn’t slap you in the face with action, but it’s sneaky. The twists creep in like, “Hey, there didn’t see that coming, huh?” Low-key addicting. If character-driven drama and slow-burn mysteries are your jam, grab a cozy spot and give The Bigamist a go. Here’s the Amazon link if you’re curious. Enjoy my stoner loves!

High on Books/

Book Review of The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden: A Twisty and Addictive Thriller

Book Review of The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden: A Twisty and Addictive Thriller

The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden – A twisty and addictive thriller packed with suspense, drama, and shocking twists. Read the full book review!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All reviews are my own, and I either purchased the book myself or borrowed it using my Libby library card.

In this The Boyfriend book review, I read a lot of thrillers and thought I had this one figured out, but then the end came, and I was like, “Oh, Ms. Freida, I was not familiar with your game!” The twist got me, and this has to be one of my favorite thrillers from her. Everyone raves about The Housemaid series (which I will review soon, I’ve read the entire series plus The Housemaid’s Wedding), but The Boyfriend holds a special place in my thriller-loving heart. This book was the epitome of a Lifetime movie in book form, and I loved every second of it.

Freida McFadden has a way of making simple premises spiral into chaotic, fast-paced, unputdownable thrillers. In The Boyfriend, we follow a classic too-good-to-be-true relationship that quickly becomes a psychological nightmare. The story revolves around a woman who believes she’s found the perfect man, but we all know better than that. As secrets unravel, her world flips upside down in a way that only McFadden can execute.

The Boyfriend delivers if you love messy characters, semi-surprising twists, and “this could be a Lifetime movie” energy. The pacing is relentless, and even if you think you’ve figured it out, there’s always that one last turn that will leave you questioning everything.

🔥 Lit Meter: 4.85/5 Lighters

  • Readability When High: This book is a breeze to read. The short, punchy chapters make it nearly impossible to put down, even if you’re a little zoned out.
  • Mind-Blown Factor: That final twist? Yeah, it got me. I honestly thought I had it, and then bam!
  • Vibe Check: This is it if you love fast-paced thrillers that don’t waste time with unnecessary fluff.
  • Smokability: Pairs well with a potent hybrid, which keeps you engaged but lets you sit back and enjoy the chaos.
  • Would I Reread While Baked? Absolutely. The twist alone is worth revisiting to see what clues I missed.

I knew The Boyfriend would be entertaining, but it exceeded my expectations. It’s proof that Freida McFadden knows how to keep readers on their toes. If you love Lifetime thrillers, unpredictable plots, and those “Wait, WHAT?!” moments, this one must be on your list. I hope this one gets made into a small movie. I know The Housemaid adaptation is coming later this year, but I would love to see The Boyfriend brought to the screen too.

Check it out on Amazon here.

Beauty Hits/

Buff City Soap Mini Body Butter Review: Is It Worth It?

A set of Buff City Soap Mini Body Butters in three different scents, known for their rich hydration, long-lasting moisture, and skin-loving ingredients.

Buff City Soap Mini Body Butter Review: Is It Worth It?

No affiliate links or sponsorships for this post. I bought these products myself and I’m just sharing my actual experience with them.

I am always looking for body products that smell good, actually keep my skin moisturized, and do not disappear five minutes after I put them on. I love a good lotion, but if I am buying something called a body butter, I want it to feel richer than a basic moisturizer and leave my skin feeling soft for more than the first few minutes. That is what made me try the Buff City Soap Mini Body Butters in the first place.

I grabbed a few of the smaller sizes because I wanted to test out different scents before committing to a full-size jar, and that ended up being the right move because I definitely had favorites. I also realized pretty quickly that the minis are kind of perfect if you are picky about fragrance, because something can sound amazing online and then smell completely different once it is actually on your skin.

What the Buff City Soap Body Butter Feels Like

The first thing I noticed was the texture. This is actually a thicker, richer body butter, not one of those lightweight lotions that gets called a body butter just because it sounds better on the label. It feels creamy going on, melts into the skin pretty easily, and leaves everything soft without making me feel like I need to stand around waiting for it to absorb before I put clothes on.

That matters to me because I love moisturizing after a shower, but I do not want to feel sticky when I am trying to put on pajamas, get in bed, or move on with the rest of my night. The hydration also lasted much longer than I expected from such a small amount of product, which is probably the biggest reason I would buy these again.

The Scents I Tried

Narcissism

Narcissism was the warmest and earthiest scent out of the ones I tried, with a noticeable patchouli base. It was not my favorite for wearing out because it felt a little heavier than what I normally want on my body, but I did not dislike it enough to stop using it. It basically became my bathroom body butter, and I use it on my hands after washing them because it is moisturizing enough that I do not immediately feel dry again.

I would probably not buy the full-size version of this one, but I have definitely gotten use out of the mini.

Island Nectar

Island Nectar is much more my speed if I want something bright and fruity. It feels tropical and fresh without being too much, and this is the kind of scent that makes me think of summer, freshly shaved skin, a clean oversized shirt, a cold drink nearby, and absolutely nowhere important to be.

If you like fruity body products, this is probably one of the easier scents to try without overthinking it.

All Hail the Queen

This one won for me.

A coworker let me try All Hail the Queen during a conference, and I liked it so much that I immediately knew I needed my own. It is soft, comforting, and one of those fragrances that keeps making me smell my own arm after I put it on. The scent lingers without becoming irritating, and it feels like the easiest one of the three for me to wear regularly.

This is also the one I would actually buy in the full-size body butter. I went into this wanting to test minis so I would not waste money on a full jar of something I did not love, and All Hail the Queen is exactly why that strategy worked.

Is the Scent Strong?

Yes, and I actually like that about them. If you prefer skincare with almost no fragrance, these probably are not going to be your thing, but if part of the reason you buy body products is because you want to actually smell them after you put them on, I think these do that really well.

The scent hangs around without feeling like I sprayed perfume all over myself, which is exactly what I want from a body butter. I like being able to catch the smell later instead of forgetting I even put anything on.

Are the Mini Body Butters Worth Buying?

For me, yes. I think the minis make the most sense if you have never tried Buff City Soap before because scent is so personal, and I would rather spend a little more per ounce testing three smaller scents than commit to one big jar and realize I hate it.

I also like the minis because they are easy to throw into a bag, keep near the sink, or stash somewhere you know you will actually use them. For me, the point was not getting the absolute cheapest amount of body butter possible. It was figuring out which scent I liked enough to eventually buy in a bigger size.

Buff City Soap Mini Body Butter Pricing

When I purchased mine, the pricing was around $9 for a 2 oz mini, about $24 for a set of three minis, and roughly $16 for a full-size 8 oz body butter. Since prices can change, I would still check Buff City Soap directly before buying, but at the time I felt like the minis were worth it as a way to try a few different scents without overcommitting.

Pricing:

  • Mini Body Butter (2 oz): $9 each
  • Mini Body Butter Set (3 x 2 oz): $24
  • Full-Sized Body Butter (8 oz): $16

🔥 Beauty Hits Rating: 4.9/5 Hits

Hydration High: My skin stays noticeably softer for hours instead of feeling moisturized for ten minutes and then dry again.

Glow Factor: It gives my skin that healthy moisturized look without leaving me feeling greasy.

Stoner Friendly: Extremely easy to throw on after a shower or during a long night at home, and the lingering fragrance makes the whole routine feel a little more indulgent.

Repurchase Worthy? Absolutely, although now I would be much more selective because I already know which scent I really want.

Favorite Scent: All Hail the Queen, easily.

Final Verdict

The Buff City Soap Mini Body Butters ended up being one of those purchases that made me more interested in the rest of the brand. The formula is rich enough that it actually feels like a body butter, the fragrance lasts longer than I expected, and buying the mini sizes gave me a way to test several scents without committing to a full jar of something I might hate.

Narcissism was not completely for me, Island Nectar is a really fun fruity option, and All Hail the Queen is the one I would happily buy again in a larger size. I am also now curious about the soaps and laundry products because apparently this is how they get you.

For me, these are especially good for those nights when I have taken a long shower, moisturized everything, put on something comfortable, smoked, and officially decided I am not leaving the house again. If that is also your idea of a good night, the body butter fits right in.

You can browse Buff City Soap’s body-care products on their website here.

Beauty Hits/

ColourPop Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balm Review Hydration & Shine

A set of ColourPop Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balms in various flavors, providing hydration, glossy shine, and long-lasting moisture.

ColourPop Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balm: A Stoner's Go-To for High-Drated Lips

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. However, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are mine. I personally bought and tested this product.

As a full-time worker and perpetually broke doctoral student, I always search for affordable beauty gems that fit snugly into my wristlet alongside my Buff City Soap mini, weed vape, and eyeliners. Enter ColourPop’s Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balm, a product with my stoner heart singing!

First Impressions:

Right off the bat, the texture had me hooked. It feels like a balm but shines like a gloss without that dreaded sticky sensation. Plus, it’s packed with peptides. Now, I had to refresh my memory, what exactly are peptides? They’re short chains of amino acids that help build essential proteins like collagen and elastin, which are crucial for maintaining skin’s structure and hydration.

Long-Term Love:

After a couple of weeks, I noticed my lips were softer than ever. Those peptides were doing their thing, improving hydration and smoothness by strengthening the skin barrier and encouraging lip repair.

Packaging Thoughts:

The packaging is cute, but I wish it were more compact. I love my wristlets and prefer flatter items to maximize space. It may be time to upgrade to a mini bag and stop playing.

Flavor Faves:

I indulged in Vanilla Cake, Caramel Latte, and Strawberry Milk. Honestly, I can’t pick a favorite because they’re all delightful. But ColourPop didn’t stop there. They also have Mango Sorbet, Watermelon Sugar, Cherry Glaze, Chocolate Milkshake, and Wildberry for even more flavor variety.

Since I’m saving those coins, I haven’t splurged on the Summer Fridays Lip Balm yet, but I’ve heard great things. Until then, ColourPop’s version at $10 (compared to Summer Fridays $24) is a fantastic addition to my collection. Is it really a dupe if I haven’t tried Summer Fridays yet? Who knows, I’m stoned.

Stoner Lip Struggles:

As a stoner, finding a daily balm that combats the dreaded dry, darkened lips from smoking (even without blunts!) has been a journey. I’ve tried countless products, and finally, I have something worth raving about.

🔥 Beauty Hits Rating: 4.9/5 Hits

  • Hydration High: Leaves lips feeling moisturized and looking glossy without stickiness.
  • Glow Factor: Provides a natural, healthy shine that’s perfect for any occasion.
  • Stoner Friendly: Easy to apply on-the-go, making it ideal for quick touch-ups during smoke sessions.
  • Stoner Repurchase Worthy? Absolutely. It’s affordable and effective, a win-win.
  • Price Point: At $10, it’s a steal for the quality, especially when compared to higher-end alternatives.

When compared to higher-end alternatives, ColourPop’s Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balm stands out!

Final Stoner Verdict:

If you’re looking for a lip balm that provides hydration, shine, and affordability, ColourPop’s Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balm is a must-try. It has become a staple in my beauty routine and fits seamlessly into my stoner lifestyle. It is best suited for daytime use. Are you interested? You can get it here for only $10! Try it out!