Beauty Box: Birchbox January 2015

I accidentally took a bit of a blogging hiatus over the holidays. I took a trip to New York (expect to hear about it soon), and what with all the festive cheer, and some other (less cheerful) things that happened, the entire month just escaped. I hope you didn't miss me too much.

Birchbox decided to kick-off the new year with a collaboration box featuring Women's Health magazine. I suppose January is a great opportunity to start new habits, and get rid of some old ones too. I definitely want to change a few things this year. I am determined to be a bit healthier - to eat cleaner and take more exercise. It's so easy to forget to keep healthy. And the idea of it often doesn't quite fit with our hectic modern life schedules. But I am going to claim back some time to do something good for myself, I think. If I can find time to watch Netflix, I can find time to exercise. GO!

Birchbox have been very helpful in supporting my aspirations this month. I received a tube of activbod cooling lotion to soothe any sore bits from too many squats (worst pain ever, and if squats was a person, I would punch them). And I got a sachet of Embrace Matcha green tea which I immediately drank. It was really good. Apparently it has more antioxidants than regular green tea, so I would definitely consider repurchasing. And because of course, I want to look good on the outside, as well as feel good on the inside, Birchbox sorted me out with a few new beauty bits to try too. I've been researching new shampoos and conditioners to try on my often troublesome hair so it'll be interesting to see if Philip Kingsley's conditioner is up to the job, it contains wheat-protein which is meant to be great for injecting a bit of body into limp locks. And I also got a REN face mask, and a tube of HealGel, to deal with any skin complaints. I'm particularly excited about the face mask because I've always really liked REN and this product seems great for having a little instant face makeover, a faceover, if you will. Finally, Birchbox treated all their subscribers to a stila lip glaze. The colour of mine seems a bit insipid for my tastes but I'm sure I can find a home for it if it doesn't grow on me. And we also all got a pilates exercise band which will hopefully be a useful incorporation to my new lifestyle. I'm going to get on YouTube and find a few exercises I could try with it.

Although this box didn't particularly wow me, it does contain some useful products. And it'll certainly help me refresh myself after a long year - ready for the challenges of a new one. Let's make it a good one.

What did you think of this month's box? Have you started something new this January?

List: 14 Things I Learnt in 2014

1. Life is fundamentally random. Spend more time enjoying it, and less time worrying about it.
2. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.
3. Putting yourself first doesn't have to be selfish. If you're not happy, you won't be making the people around you happy either.
4. Just because someone else's life looks amazing, it doesn't mean it is. We all do small things. We all sit in front of the TV sometimes. We all feel insecure.
5. Life should be lived in a way that makes you feel good. Who cares if it doesn't fit with someone else's idea of fun?
6. Whatever you're worrying about, someone else will be worrying about it too.
7. When it comes to friends, it's all about quality. Not quantity.
8. The same is true of cosmetics and fashion. But not food. Never food.
9. There is a difference between having a real life, and a virtual life. And you don't need to prove the richness of one on the other.
10. Take risks. Be scared. 
11. There is a comfort in knowing that time will always keep moving.
12. Immersing yourself in a good book or film can be good for the soul. And the imagination.
13. Things change but you have to look forward.
14. Be reflective. Be understanding. And try to have good thoughts - it'll make life more beautiful.

(because 2,014 things might have been a bit much)

Film: Whiplash

If you've read my last film review you'll know that I have become a fast fan of Odeon's latest film experience Screen Unseen. The monthly event gives film fans the opportunity to see a much anticipated film before its general release date. There's only one catch: the audience has no idea what film they're going to see until the opening credits start rolling. I was really impressed with last month's film, and I think that Odeon have again picked something really special.

I hadn't heard of Whiplash before I went to Screen Unseen. When I first saw the title of the film I felt a bit dubious. Was it about a horse rider? Something sexy to compete with Fifty Shades of Grey? Or was it about a failed insurance scam? The answer? None of the above. In fact, Whiplash is about jazz. When I first realised it was a film about an aspiring jazz musician I felt even more dubious.I just wasn't sure it was going to be my thing. Especially when I realised the plot seemed focused around a super motivated student and his relationship with a much respected musician and conductor. But I really needn't have worried. Whiplash is really nothing like other will-they-or-won't-they-succeed feel good films. And it's brilliant.

Andrew (Miles Teller) is the super focused drummer hoping to win the approval, and a place in the jazz band, of industry superstar Fletcher (J. K. Simmons). Andrew has a focus and passion for jazz that is beyond what would be expected of someone of his age. His walls are covered in posters of jazz greats, he seems to rarely socialise with anyone near to his age, and the most extracurricular fun he has revolves around cinema trips with his dad. It is clear from the start that Andrew has a passion. But the depth of his passion is only revealed as the film progresses. When Fletcher picks up Andrew to initially be second chair drummer in his band, Andrew is thrilled. This is the break he's been waiting for. But it soon becomes clear that Fletcher has a very unique way of working. During Andrew's first rehearsal alone he has a chair flung at his head, is made to cry, and is generally humiliated, by Fletcher. But Andrew somehow responds to this extreme method and overhauls his life to focus on becoming a great in the jazz world. Cue seriously disturbing and somehow sensual scenes of bloodied hands, cymbals shimmering with sweat, and grimaces of genuine pain etching Andrew's face as he tries to learn Fletcher's music and match his tempo. The film is really a series of ups and downs as we see Andrew struggle to progress in his career. And the end is truly startling.

Whiplash does something I've never really seen in a film before, and the closest comparison I can make is to Black Swan, starring Natalie Portman as an ambitious ballet dancer. Both films, although different, are able to inject very real tension and grit into industries that are often portrayed as quite wholesome and mellow. I hadn't expected to feel so emotionally invested in a film about the world of jazz - a genre I've never listened to much. Andrew's lust for success is as sexy as it is harrowing. It is more thrilling than a high budget blockbuster and far scarier than most horrors I've seen. Andrew and Fletcher's relationship is fascinating and extremely hard to define. Simmons does a brilliant job as Fletcher, he is cruel, extreme and completely unreadable. I was never able to fully understand whether he truly believed in Andrew, or whether he even wanted him to succeed.  Teller is just as fantastic and plays a believably desperate student, who will stop at nothing to be the best - even with Fletcher clinging to his ankles.

Whiplash is really so much more than a film about a jazz band. It is about the human need to mean something, to achieve something, and the sometimes ugly nature of competition. More than that, it is a film that questions motivation and ponders an alternative way of nurturing talent. It is filled with beautiful, and often darkly humorous, dialogue and shows a side of the cut throat music industry that isn't often explored. Go and find it. It's out in cinemas early next year.

Would you go to a Screen Unseen event? Do you like the sound of Whiplash?

Beauty Box: My Little Cosy Box

Bleurgh. I'm feeling a little bit delicate today. I was out and about with some university friends last night and ended up having to get the night bus home because I missed the last train. If you want to see London at its finest/most bizarre, take a night bus. Amazing.

There probably couldn't be a more apt box than My Little Box's cosy edition for how I'm feeling right now. Like Birchbox, the French export decided to go for a snuggly, autumnal-esque theme this month and I actually think they pull it off better. I am always incredibly surprised by the amount of love and attention to detail that is given to every My Little Box beauty box. And this month is no different. I immediately fell in love with the dinky little mug, which has now joined my shelf of pretty crockery. Yes, I have a shelf of pretty crockery. And the microwavable pillow is perfect for keeping cold feet warm in bed. I tried out the Yves Rocher eye shadow last night and managed to create quite a good smoky eye. The shape of the applicator really helps the process. It can be used either like an eyeliner for a thinner line, or to cover the whole lid. I'll keep the Star Liner black kolh eyeliner for when my current one runs out but it passed the try-it-out-on-my-hand test and seemed pretty soft and smudgeable. I just bought a new mascara so I don't currently need one but I'll probably stockpile the My Little Beauty mascara too. I've read in a few places that it's not the best, but I'll try and save judgement until I give it a whirl. It does make a satisfying pop sound when you pull the brush out of the tube. I'm pretty sure that is not the mark of a good mascara but hey, I like it.

My Little Box just seem to always get it right. I love the mix of lifestyle products and full-size beauty bits and everything just looks so pretty. I think we can all look forward to something special for their Christmas box - I reckon it'll be a good-un.

Are you in need of a cosy weekend? Which beauty box brand is your favourite?

Beauty Box: MEMEBOX SUPERBOX #69 Banila Co.

Phew. If you've seen my slightly pathetic attempt at blogging during the week, you might have gathered I was stuck in an essay blur. I had had to be very stern with myself and say that I wouldn't write a blog until I had finished said essay. Of course, I just started looking at poems about procrastination and time instead - perhaps the definition of procrastination? Anyway, my latest MEMEBOX was like a little ray of sunshine that arrived on my doorstep during a long week, and now that I've finished my essay (albeit a bit of editing) I think it's time that I shared its contents. Yay!

Banila Co. is apparently a bit of a big deal in China and South Korea. I hadn't actually heard of it but when I saw that MEMEBOX was releasing a box dedicated to the cosmetics brand, I decided it was time I had an introduction. It was pretty exciting to get a box filled with goodies for my face. It practically had an entire routine covered. The make-up removal balm and peeling clay face scrub are both really interesting. Don't you just love the name Claypatra? Amazing. The balm is described as having a sherbet like texture. Not sure about that. But it made my skin feel really soft.

And I also got some make-up goodies. The gel eyeliner arrived at a great time as I'd just lost mine. I'm pretty sure I have a make-up eating monster, as well as a sock eating monster, living under my bed. I also got a primer, which I'm not so keen on because it has quite a greasy texture, and a bright red lipstick which I'll probably add to my stash or re-home. I might have mentioned before that I only wear lipstick very rarely. I just haven't managed to find the one for some reason. My favourite product is the tint balm. It's a bit magic. It is very transparent in colour in the pot but when you add it to your lips it gives a really natural pink blush. What is this witch craft? It'll be a great addition to my handbag to give my everyday look a bit more polish and colour. I have to actually leave the house tomorrow and submit my essay so maybe I'll take it for a spin. Wish me luck.

What do you think of my latest MEMEBOX? What's your favourite handbag product?

Thought: Procrastination

We push time from us, and we wish him back;
Lavish of lustrums, and yet fond of life;
Life we think long, and short; death seek, and shun;
Body and soul, like peevish man and wife, United jar, and yet are loth to part.
Oh the dark days of vanity!
while here, How tasteless! and how terrible, when gone!
Gone! they ne’er go; when past, they haunt us still;

An excerpt from Edward Young's Thoughts on Time

I'm having one of those days. What are your top tips to avoid procrastination?

Beauty Box: MEMEBOX Global #16

If you regularly read my blog you'll already know that I'm a big fan of Korean beauty box brand MEMEBOX. I have yet to receive a disappointing box, and they are always packed to the brim with exciting, full size products. MEMEBOX's latest Global box is no exception. Advertised as providing all your beauty essentials, I certainly found a few new things to incorporate in to my beauty routine. The box contained 6 full size products with a joint value of over $100. Not bad considering I bought it for $23.

I had quite a long day out in London last weekend. I went with friends to a food market at Southbank and then on to fireworks in Hackney. It ended up being a lot of fun but a lot of travelling around and time spent on my feet. I certainly could have done with my new Elizavecca leg cream which apparently shrinks and soothes swollen calves after a long and stressful day. Regardless of what the cream's like, I'm smitten just because of the cute pig on the packaging. I think I'm becoming immune to the surprise of discovering snail mucus in products too. The Mizon gel recovery cream contains 74% snail mucus and I actually put it on my face. It smells pretty good and is meant to provide non-irritating blemish and wrinkle care. This is right up my street because being in my twenties I guess a small part of me somewhere is thinking about wrinkles, yet I still have to deal with teenage style breakouts. A confusing time indeed.

My favourite product was the RiRe skincare system. It included a blackhead brush cleanser and a pore refining cream to use afterwards. It is designed specifically for the nose area, which is a problem area for most people, but I imagine it could be used to target other areas too. I tried it on my nose and my skin felt really cleansed and soft afterwards. I also really liked the Hair + nutri-injection which is designed to be left in hair after washing and conditioning. I did give it a little try. I washed my hair as normal and then put the cream through the ends before drying and styling. My hair was a bit heavier and limper than usual but I just wore it in a ponytail. When I next washed my hair I was delighted by how soft and shiny it was. Really great little find.

I went to see Lykke Li at Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith last night which was ruddy amazing, and I think I'm off out again today and tomorrow - despite my best intentions to have a quiet week. I am rubbish at lying in so feeling a little tired today. I could definitely do with a spritz of my new Unni Recipe vitamin re-charger mist to liven up my face for the day. Or a power nap.

What have you been up to this week? What do you think of my latest MEMEBOX?