The LookFantastic Beauty Box, which I have reviewed every month for slightly over a year now, contains some of the most amazing products. Unfortunately, the ones that I tend to absolutely adore are the ones that cost £29274, a remortgage and selling a kidney on the black market, but here's a round-up of products that are completely worth the money spent.

1. Eve Lom Balm Cleanser £55 for 100ml

This is probably the best product that I have seen all year, and it did work noticeable wonders for my skin. But the price, the price, the price! I walked into Liberty when I visited London the other week and was immediately drawn to the Eve Lom counter, and I *nearly* spent £60 on a bloody balm to wash my face with. I will crack at some point, I just know it.

2. Christoph Robin Cleansing Volumising Paste £42.50 for 250ml


This is a divine smelling paste, that although seemed a little weird at first, did a truly amazing job of clarifying my hair and lifting at the roots. My hair can sometimes feel a little flat, as it has a lot of weight in the ends that drags it down, and this did a fab boost at the roots... but the price, the price.

3. Scrub Love Coconut Body Scrub £12.50 for 3ish applications


I didn't know whether to include this, as I couldn't work out if it was particularly steep, then considered the fact that one of my favourites, Soap and Glory, do a big tub of scrub for £8. Whilst I thought that this smelled divine and was a good scrub, it did only last for a couple of applications, so would only repurchase if I was feeling spending-happy.

A post, by Amber: a gal who is so done with this aspect of 21st-century living. Take me back to the days of courtship, please. Now.

1. Talking. But basic talking about the weather and each other's lives. You're just friends at the moment, and when you say that, you're not even lying!

2. 'Talking'. So now you're... talking. Yep, you've reached the monumental stage two!

3. Tell your friends you're talking, talking. Stage two felt a little early, but this feels like a good time to drop this person's name into a suitable conversation.

4. You've probably had dinner together by now at least a few times. Not that you're dating or anything.

5. Tagging-each-other-in-memes talking. Wow, don't get too ahead of yourself, you're not possibly dating yet! You've just moved from the land of words to the land of GIFs and 'Type @X and the first name that pops up...'. Have fun, you crazy kids.

6. You're Face-Timing all the time, or each other's number 1 Snapchat best friend, so you know they're not 'talking', talking to anyone else, but you're *not in a relationship*. You know this because...

7. 'But you're together, right?' says the friend who is blissfully committed to their S/O (and knows it!). You die a little inside and decide you must have The Chat soon.

8. The Chat is a) a massive failure and you come away slightly reassured by the fact that the other member is not talking to anyone else, or married, but you're still not technically bells-and-whistles xfriend/xfriend. Or b), it's all quite chilled and you're now Exclusive.

9. At some point you go to an event or occasion where it is Simply Untrue for you to be 'just a friend' so you then reach the glorious, dignified status of 'someone I'm seeing'. As if that doesn't sound like they kind of hate you, but in a lowkey way, because god forbid there are actual feelings involved.

10. You've probably had sex, met each other's families and spent a holiday together but you're still just SEEING EACH OTHER. duh.

11. Maybe you'll get married soon, maybe you won't. Those are the delightful perks of not being *in a relationship*.


(But in all seriousness, this is probably v toxic, although many of us go through it. If you're looking to be with someone and they just aren't in that 'headspace' or 'the timing isn't right', put yourself first and evaluate if it's worth it <3)

This may actually be one of the worst films I have seen. Yes.

I actually thought that Pitch Perfect 1 and 2 were good - the latter being the best of the series, and so I went into the cinema expecting something that was funny, frothy and contained a bunch of good songs to play on repeat from the Spotify soundtrack. I watched it with a group of friends, in the perfect setting and ready to have a fun evening.

However, let’s pretend that the Pitch Perfect universe is canon. It’s a newly-shit universe but let’s nonetheless accept the plot etc, in order to pick out the numerous holes in it.

The problems I had with this film:

1) It is supposed to be about an a cappella group. WHY then do they spend the entire film debating about using instruments, dissolve the group, and then in the big *song* at the end they actually use them??

2) It seemed like a spoof parody of ‘Spy’ with Melissa McCarthy (which is hilarious in itself as it is an intentionally spoofy film) which just is not Pitch Perfect. There seemed to be very few actual songs :/

3) The format was so the same, but also do not the same. But it was all of the worst parts of each. The things that hallmarked the previous films seemed formulaic, with the standard sitting around deciding to finally move on in their lives and the riff off which seemed like just a crowd-pleaser to get out of the way,

4) The lack of competition. The whole premise is that there is some form of competition that they overcome in order to find sisterhood. The competition was to get on DJ Khalid's tour, but it didn't really drive the plot, plus they totally wouldn't have won anyway. Beca's song ended up being a rip-off of Ed Sheeran that surely every member of the group could have sung a part of rather than her using a loop pedal after completely selling out and going it alone?!

5) Very, very anti-climactic. Pitch Perfect 2 ended on such a high note, with all of the old members returning and them *conquering the world*, and then this ended on a massive disappointment, with Beca having just ‘gratuitously’ invited her BANDMATES onto the stage that she had decided to do without.

6) Randomly getting rid of Jesse, Benji and Bumper with absolutely no reason why - except 'oh yeah we broke up'. In interviews, the actors have claimed they were ready for PP3 and were not invited back.

7) Most jokes fell flat, and although I adore Rebel Wilson, she overtook Anna Kendrick as lead and her jokes became too much and it just got annoying.

Redeeming qualities of Pitch Perfect 3:

1) Anna Kendrick

2) Ruby Rose

As is becoming customary, it is time for our annual digest of the year; this year made even more special due to the fact that we are now, of course, a trio, as opposed to last year's 'Amber and Klar review'. 2017 has been an awful year for many, and I am no exception to that, but we thought it would be nice to take a look at some of the things that have made it fab, and take you, dear reader, along on our journey in the way that DepSoc is supposed to!

1. Favourite meme

Amber: Salt bae for sure, a classic but since I often feel petty inside, I can identify on a lot of levels.



Klara: Spongebob TaLKinG LiKe THiS.
Ana: All of the classical art memes.

2. Favourite purchase

Amber: My holiday to Greece (read about it here) and countless train tickets to London - 2017 has really been a year of travel for me.

Klara: MacBook Pro - so easy to use and super useful for uni.

Ana: My holiday across Europe (read here): Riga, Berlin, Milan and The Ordinary's skincare products. I've really enjoyed both.

3. Favourite musical discovery

Amber: Christine and the Queens, a fab French band, or Rat Boy, who I had heard in passing, but really enjoyed at Reading.

Klara: Two Door Cinema Club - I'd heard of them before but only really got into them after Reading

Ana: Dua Lipa

4. Song of the Year

Amber: 'Want You Back', Haim 
I have seen this live and it was a slightly harder guitar line that they used, and I cried like a little baby.

Klara: According to Spotify, it was 'Fluorescent Adolescent' by the Arctic Monkeys

Ana: 'New Rules' by Dua Lipa
I find it very empowering and perfect for days when things aren't going so well, or I need a little bit more confidence in myself.

5. Album of the Year

Amber: 'Relaxer' by Alt-J had so many fantastically creative songs on, as well as setting them apart from the indie crowd, or Harry Styles' debut, which had some real crackers on.

Klara: 'Divide' by Ed Sheeran, hands down

Ana: 'Culture' by Migos for sure

6. Film of 2017

Amber: Paddington 2... so heartwarming, so amazing, so much better than the absolute rubbish that is Pitch Perfect 3. For a serious film though, I'd highly recommend watching Okja. 

Klara: I know it wasn't released this year, but Love Actually has made me exceptionally happy this month, so it has to be that.

Ana: Although they were released a long time ago, both of the Pink Panther movies have made me laugh a lot recently so I'll go with that.

7. Book of 2017

Amber: I think '1984' by Orwell has really epitomised 2017 for everyone, from fake news to creepy Big Brother/AI allusions. Creepy but a fab read.

Klara: 'The Chemist' by Stephanie Meyer: feel-good romance with an edge of suspense.

Ana: 'The Princess Saves Herself in This One' by Amanda Lovelace (read my review here)

8. TV Show 

Amber: Orange is the New Black Season 5 - the most interesting and dramatic series thus far and I'm so intrigued as to what could possibly happen next. Jane the Virgin and Stranger Things are also highly, highly commended.

Klara: Riverdale because I have been looking forward to it all week every week.

Ana: I don't watch too many TV shows but Love Island made me laugh a lot, even if I'm not the biggest fan of reality TV.

9. What are we most grateful for?

Amber: My health following glandular fever.

Klara: My grandparents, who have propped me up emotionally and financially this year.

Ana: The experiences and emotions I've had throughout the year, which made 2017 a lot better for me.

10. Biggest disappointment/setback of 2017

Amber: Losing some relationships this year, and coming to the sad realisation as a result that some people will not change, no matter what they say.

Klara: Not getting the A levels I had hoped for.

Ana: Fatigue during the exam season.

11. Worst political moment of 2017

Amber: Trump allowing racism, homophobia, transphobia and sexism to become 'normal' again through his highly aggressive policy towards certain groups in society.

Klara: Theresa May in general because I hate her.

Ana: The aftermath of the US General Election was tragique.

12. 2017 Relationship Status

Amber: Messed around by a bad egg, then single

Klara: Taken

Ana: Taken

13. Makeup Product of 2017

Amber: The Benefit 'They're Real' Lipsticks - a beautiful formula and combine a lipliner and a lipstick into one.

Klara: L'Oreal's False Lash Superstar X Fiber Mascara - no clumps but really long black eyelashes.

Ana: Maybelline Great Lash Mascara - looks very natural and doesn't feel heavy on my eyes.

14. Proudest moment of 2017

Amber: Exam results.

Klara: Getting a first on my first essay at uni.

Ana: Reaching the semi final of my first university debating competition.

15. Hopes for 2018

Amber: Pass my driving test. And blog more!

Klara: At this stage, I'm just hoping I'll survive it lmao.

Ana: Travel more.

Having joined the blog this year, I have been able to invest more time into writing and expressing myself. It has been the perfect opportunity for me to document my adventures, life lessons, and anything else that I have been wanting to share for a while.

I think it is safe to say that we all hope to continue this blog and hopefully increase our reader numbers and instagram followers. I know I personally aim to write posts more often and look forward to seeing ourselves and our blog grow. Happy new year everyone!

I recently went down to London to catch up with friends and got to see Francesca, who had been *trying* to get me down in order that I could receive my birthday present (all the way from October!).

It turned out to be tickets to go and see Young Marx, a play that opened this autumn (actually on my birthday!) at the new Bridge Theatre, by the river. It was such a fab gift idea, as I love the theatre, comedies and a bit of Karl. It followed a fab day of eating nice foods, strolling around the Christmassy shops and markets (including John Lewis, where I spent rather a lot of money on a giant Ferrero Rocher as a gift) before she at last revealed where we were heading.

The Bridge Theatre itself is a brand new commercial theatre in London, and it has a beautiful and ambient foyer, that can be seen in the picture below. There was no time before the show to get a drink, but the box office was an open table that seemed friendly, and there was some lovely ice cream at the interval.


The play itself is a dramedy featuring a revolving stage, interchanging accents and a lot of climbing into cupboards. There were several jokes that made me giggle, and I did find it very enjoyable. In terms of a critique, I think I would give it 4 stars, as although there were many positives, some aspects were a little under-acted. I adored the set, the theatre itself, jokes and the play, although perhaps would have seen it tightened up a little dynamically, in order to maintain its wit.

Particularly this seemed to be noticeable at the point of the death of one of the main characters, who was grieved over for one scene, but Marx, in particular, didn't seem to be... sad for much time at all. My main problem is with this character, as his genius also seemed a little curtailed by the content crammed into the play, and although I loved parts such as his meeting with Darwin, it did appear a little underwhelming.

Rory Kinnear, as Marx, did show him to be a flawed character indeed, however: made all the more effective by the juxtaposition of the more restrained Jenny (Nancy Carroll) and Nym (Laura Elphinstone) - especially when they did unleash their justifiable anger.

• Bellapierre Kiss Proof Lip Creme in 40s Red

After reading Klara's post about the coil (linked here), I decided to get a slice of the action myself, and post about my experience with the Mirena coil. I had mine fitted at the beginning of September, and thus far have been very pleased.

A few things to note: the Mirena coil is supposed to be used for women who have had children, and since I have never been pregnant, it is likely that some of my symptoms were worse than for those women who have, particularly the insertion. Also, it is 99% effective (according to the Mirena website) and suitable for people like me who cannot take the combined pill, as it only contains progestrogen. There are some health risks, so talk to your doctor first!

1. It fucking hurrrrrttsssss. Seriously, had I have known how much, I might have not gone through with it. It also will hurt for a while afterwards, but almost three months in and I am having absolutely no pain or cramping.
2. Prior to the Mirena, I had horrific periods, and had previously tried a range of things, from Mefenamic Acid to the mini pill, with no success. For me, the IUD has sorted everything out, but this may not occur for all people.
3. You might stop your period altogether, which is completely normal, and I'm personally very very glad about. Don't worry, you're almost certainly not pregnant!
4. You might want to get the string length shortened, even if you're not having sex. You're supposed to be able to feel it, and it's important to keep it long enough that your doctor can remove it at the end of the 5 years, but if you're concerned about it, go get it cut a little shorter. Not only this but they do soften a lot after the first couple of months, and often curl up, especially if you use a tampon.
5. If you're susceptible to things such as UTIs, you may want to choose a different contraception type, as there's a link between the coil and increased urine infections. 

Finally, I return, after a little messy hiatus where I was stressed af. Here is this month's playlist, full of new stuff that I'm enjoying, and there's lots for you to enjoy!


I had to include a few standard songs, but particular standouts this month include Khalid, Mondays, Gabriella Cilmi, and the return of Macklemore (on his own, too). Old, returning favourites also include Scouting for Girls, and Ellie Goulding, as I listened to 'How Long Will I Love You' on a bus through London and had the indie little tear rolling down my cheek.

Klara

Recently we were contacted by OGECHI's press team and asked to review her new music video (out 22nd October 2017) called BLVCK + WOMVN. If I'm honest I hadn't heard of her before but the information the company sent to me she is a poet, author, recording artist and dancer. She made her debut at only 17 years old in 2015 and I'm all for supporting young artists, and Amber and Ana agreed so we decided to go ahead with the review. The lyrics are a poem so they're very deep and explore race and femininity which I personally liked, I think these are important topics which are often avoided due to perceived taboos. The video also depicts a woman dancing while onlookers ignore or glance over her which I think represents the struggle for women, particularly those of colour, to be noticed for their work. Overall I would definitely recommend watching this music video.

Amber

I listened to the video first out of us, and really, really enjoyed it, in terms of aesthetic, music, and substance. I loved the strength of Ogechi, even showing through the bare-bones title, and shows intersectionalism from her perspective of a woman, who is also black. We all picked out the symbolism of the solitary dancer: rejected by her peers and still dancing on. In terms of musical content, I thought the opening was Beyonce-during-Formation-reminiscent but then she really came into her own. She directly addressed issues such as misogyny and other struggles she has experienced, and obviously, with her album entitled 'Intersectional Blvckness' she is highly aware of the importance of intersectionalism, which was fab. Not only is the content very personal and informed, but the music is great too, and it works so well as a song, rather than just as poetry.

Ana

Having not heard of the artist before I was curious as to what the video will be like and was pleasantly surprised. Being quite interested in the issues surrounding gender and race, I found the video to be an insightful and powerful take on the intersection between the two. The portrayal of a woman as a lone dancer voiced several messages to me; it was both a depiction of the struggle women go through and the strength they have to keep going. Another element which I found interesting is that at the end of the music video the performer is silenced by a man, which illustrates the ignorance and lack of engagement with the art produced by women of colour, and therefore the lack of attention the messages those powerful lyrics send to the listener. I would definitely recommend watching this video as it forces the audience to engage with the struggles of women, and more specifically women of colour and further comment on the ignorance exhibited towards the said issues by society.

You will need, to serve one:

• Beef meatballs (or Quorn meatballs) if you wish
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• 1 pepper
• A few pieces of cauliflower
• Mushrooms (but I didn't have any at the time lol)
• Half an onion
• 1 bay leaf
• A suitable glug of red wine
• Olives (I really like them so probably used way too much)
• Paprika
• Cayenne Pepper
• Italian herbs
• Garlic Salt
• Tomato Puree

1. Chop the olives, onion, pepper, cauliflower and mushrooms
2. Soften the onions, and then add the other sauce ingredients
3. Cook at a medium heat for around 20 minutes, or until the red wine has reduced a lot
4. Season the meatballs and start cooking them, until they're cooked to your liking, depending on size
5. Add pasta - spaghetti is recommended, and cook until al dente
6. Serve with some fresh basil, with garlic bread or Ana's veggie salad

Today's post isn't a preachy one as such but instead contains a little more information on a really worthwhile cause: the Anthony Nolan Foundation (linked). I recently registered myself on their database, having heard a talk from a representative and so thought I'd share my thoughts.

There are thousands of people waiting around the world for a stem cell donation, usually to treat leukaemia, and the problem is that a stem cell match is harder to find than tissue matches or blood group matches. So if you register with Anthony Nolan, you're added to the global register and could save anyone's life from around the world (but you don't have to travel there, obviously).


Most people, when they hear the words 'stem cell donation' think of some Middle Age-esque bone sawing, but 90% of the stem cell harvesting is now done via blood, like when you donate blood. Also, the chances of you matching with a person are actually pretty slim, but to think that I could potentially save someone with leukaemia's life is pretty satisfying.

Hello friends, and welcome to the 1 year anniversary post of this series! Sorry for the deelay, but I have recently returned to state-mandated education (sixth form) and it's been a little hectic. Anyway, here's this month's LFBeautyBox, which I have had even longer to test out before this post, so I hope you enjoy.

I think this might be my *favourite box ever*. Yes. I loved every product in this box and thought it was utterly fab. The theme was 'the birthday box' which is interesting, since it's the birthday of the blog and also mine is coming up in the next month!

• Decleor Hydra Floral Anti-Pollution Hydrating Gel-Cream

• Hikari Eyeshadow Quad in Tonya and LookFantastic Unicorn Eyeshadow Brush (which I can't find a link to - apologies)

• Illamasqua Contouring Gel Sculpt in Silhouette 

• Eve Lom Cleanser

• Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumising Paste

About a week ago I decided to go on a stationery shopping trip to buy everything I needed in order to stay organised and encourage myself to keep working. On my trip I went to both Ryman and Muji in central London and below are the things I have purchased. Enjoy.

Aside from my pens I have also decided to purchase some other stationery which I would categorise as "the usual" as those are the supplies everyone purchases before the start of every new academic year; pens, rubber, ruler, you name it. I also decided to purchase a clear pencil case for this year as I feel like that is what works best for me due to the fact that I can see all of my supplies and easily get what I need or identify what I need to put into my pencil case. I purchased this particular pencil case from Ryman, however you can get it from Ebay or Amazon too.





 Lastly, I also purchased some folders before the start of this new academic year alongside some dividers which I find very useful at helping me separate information within my folders and therefore make the large ring binders easier to navigate. I purchased both my folders and dividers from Ryman as their folders tend to last a long time period and look nice and presentable. I purchased the regular folders sold at Ryman, all in different colours in order to assign them to different subjects and therefore make my system of organisation easier to navigate.

A lot of the time, wearing a lot of makeup sounds unappealing and time consuming, especially for those of us who live very busy lives or just aren't as invested into wearing false eyelashes on a daily basis. Given the availability of makeup products at the moment, a natural makeup look can be a good way to look put together on a daily basis in a non-over the top kind of way.