Maya Lin (@maya)

beauty, books & quiet tech

Makeup I use every day

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ILIA - Limitless Lash Mascara

Brand: ILIA · Category: Beauty & Care

A clean, buildable formula designed to lengthen and separate lashes without the usual clumping.

The dual-sided wand acts as both a brush and a comb, giving you control over how much definition you want.

It wears for up to 12 hours but washes off easily with just warm water, saving your eyes from harsh scrubbing.

Worth it if you want a reliable, everyday mascara that feels lightweight and gentle enough for sensitive eyes.

Grab this if you prefer a natural, fanned-out look over heavy, dramatic volume.

iliabeauty.com

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MERIT - Flush Balm

Brand: MERIT · Category: Beauty & Care

A sheer, dome-shaped cream blush that melts into the skin for a soft-focus finish.

The texture is lightweight and buildable, leaning more toward a dewy tint than a heavy pigment.

Application is foolproof—just tap it directly onto cheeks or lips with your fingers.

Grab this if you want a low-effort, healthy-looking glow that feels like nothing on the skin.

Skip if you prefer a high-coverage, matte look that stays put all day without touch-ups.

meritbeauty.com

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Westman Atelier - Face Trace Contour Stick

Brand: Westman Atelier · Category: Beauty & Care

Creamy contour stick designed to mimic the look of natural shadows.

Formula uses jojoba oil and kaolin clay to glide on easily while staying put.

Available in two sizes, including a travel-ready petite version.

Worth it if you want a foolproof, low-effort way to add definition without looking like you are wearing heavy makeup.

westman-atelier.com

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rhode - Peptide Lip Treatment - Unscented

Brand: rhode · Category: Beauty & Care

A thick, peptide-rich balm that functions as both a treatment and a high-shine gloss.

The unscented version offers the same cushiony, non-sticky finish without any added fragrance.

Shea butter and vitamin E provide a heavy-duty moisture barrier that lasts through the day.

Grab this if you want a reliable, everyday lip staple that looks polished enough to wear solo or over a liner.

Keep in mind the tube is small, so it’s best suited for tossing in a pocket or a tiny bag.

rhodeskin.com

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Books I recommend

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Chelsea Green Publishing - Thinking in Systems: A Primer

Brand: Chelsea Green Publishing · Category: Books & Learning

Donella Meadows breaks down complex global dynamics into accessible, everyday patterns.

This book moves past simple cause-and-effect to show how feedback loops actually shape our world.

It reads like a clear-eyed manual for understanding why things behave the way they do.

Grab this if you want to sharpen your problem-solving skills or finally make sense of messy, interconnected issues.

amazon.com

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Rick Rubin - The Creative Act: A Way of Being

Brand: Rick Rubin · Category: Books & Learning

A collection of short, meditative essays on the nature of creativity and artistic practice.

Rather than a how-to manual, it reads like a series of gentle reminders for staying open to ideas.

The hardcover edition is tactile and minimal, making it a quiet addition to a bedside table or studio desk.

Worth it if you want a book to dip into when you feel stuck or need a shift in perspective.

Skip unless you prefer philosophical musings over structured, step-by-step advice.

amazon.com

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Gabrielle Zevin - Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

Brand: Gabrielle Zevin · Category: Books & Learning

A sprawling, decades-spanning novel about two childhood friends who become creative partners in the world of video game design.

It moves between the intimacy of their complicated bond and the technical, imaginative process of building virtual worlds.

The story captures the specific ache of growing up, falling out of sync, and finding your way back to someone through shared work.

Worth it if you want a character-driven read that treats gaming as a serious, beautiful art form.

Skip unless you are prepared for a book that lingers on the messy, non-romantic love that defines a life.

amazon.com

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Kazuo Ishiguro - Klara and the Sun

Brand: Kazuo Ishiguro · Category: Books & Learning

A quiet, unsettling novel told from the perspective of an Artificial Friend.

The story observes the complexities of human connection through a lens that feels both innocent and deeply observant.

It moves at a deliberate, steady pace that rewards patience and reflection.

Grab this if you want a story that lingers long after the final page, or if you enjoy fiction that explores what it truly means to love.

amazon.com

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Tokyo cafés I want to try

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Koffee Mameya - Koffee Mameya Coffee Selection

Brand: Koffee Mameya · Category: Food & Drink

Tokyo-based coffee curators focusing on precise bean selection and brewing profiles.

Operates as a minimalist lab where the focus is entirely on the origin and roast characteristics of each batch.

Expect a highly technical approach to coffee that prioritizes clarity of flavor over traditional cafe atmosphere.

Grab this if you want to geek out on specific bean origins or need a curated recommendation for your home brew setup.

Skip unless you are ready to treat your morning cup as a deliberate, measured ritual.

koffee-mameya.com

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ONIBUS COFFEE - ONIBUS COFFEE Single Origin Coffee

Brand: ONIBUS COFFEE · Category: Food & Drink

Tokyo-based roaster known for a clean, bright approach to specialty beans.

Expect a rotating selection of single-origin lots sourced with a focus on sustainability and direct relationships.

The shop offers everything from approachable daily blends to experimental microlots for the curious brewer.

Grab this if you want to bring a piece of the Nakameguro coffee scene into your home morning routine.

Check their subscription options if you prefer a steady supply of fresh roasts delivered to your door.

onibuscoffee.com

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Fuglen Coffee Roasters - Coffee Beans and Drip Bags

Brand: Fuglen Coffee Roasters · Category: Food & Drink

A Tokyo-based roastery known for light, bright, and clean profiles that highlight the specific character of each origin.

The selection rotates frequently, featuring single-origin beans from regions like Colombia, Peru, and Honduras.

Convenient drip bags are available for those who want the same quality without the full brewing setup.

Worth it if you want to experience a Nordic-style roast that prioritizes clarity and vibrant acidity over dark, heavy notes.

Grab a bag or an assortment box if you are looking to refresh your morning routine with something nuanced and thoughtfully sourced.

fuglencoffee.jp

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% Arabica - % Arabica Coffee Roasters

Brand: % Arabica · Category: Food & Drink

Kyoto-born coffee roaster known for minimalist design and precise brewing.

Focuses on single-origin beans and high-end espresso equipment.

Operates as both a global cafe network and a source for home brewing gear.

Worth a look if you prioritize clean aesthetics and a specific, curated coffee experience.

Skip unless you are ready to dive into their specific roast profiles or signature hardware.

arabica.com

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Dream studio setup

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Apple - Studio Display

Brand: Apple · Category: Tech & Tools

A 27-inch 5K Retina display designed to act as a seamless extension of your Mac setup.

Integrated 12MP camera, six-speaker spatial audio, and a three-mic array handle video calls without needing extra peripherals.

Choose between standard anti-reflective glass or the nano-texture option if your workspace faces direct sunlight.

Worth it if you want a clean, all-in-one desktop experience that prioritizes color accuracy and desk simplicity.

Skip unless you are fully committed to the Apple ecosystem, as its features are optimized specifically for macOS.

apple.com

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Herman Miller - Aeron Chair

Brand: Herman Miller · Category: Beauty & Care

The standard for ergonomic task seating, defined by its signature breathable mesh suspension.

It uses a tensioned pellicle material that distributes weight evenly and keeps you cool through long work sessions.

Adjustable lumbar support and recline mechanics allow for a highly personalized fit.

Worth it if you spend eight-plus hours a day at a desk and need a chair that actually supports your posture.

Skip unless you are ready to commit to a permanent, utilitarian aesthetic in your workspace.

hermanmiller.com

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Sony - A7C II Mirrorless Camera

Brand: Sony · Category: Tech & Tools

Compact full-frame mirrorless body designed for travel and daily carry.

Balances high-resolution sensor performance with a noticeably smaller footprint than standard professional bodies.

Pairs well with prime lenses to keep the overall kit weight manageable for all-day shooting.

Worth it if you want full-frame image quality without the bulk of a traditional DSLR or larger mirrorless system.

Skip unless you are ready to invest in E-mount glass to match the sensor's capabilities.

electronics.sony.com

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