PLAYLIST: FEBRUARY 2016

6 Mar 2016

All through February, I've spent a lot of time working, as well as travelling between Hull, Manchester, and Newcastle. We're into the second term of university, ergo most of this month's listening has been during my daily commute, and on many long train journeys. It's been a short but busy month, and this is the music I've been listening to through it all.



1. Fool's Gold LA - I'm In Love (Poolside Remix)

Fool's Gold, an LA-based band, released this in 2014, and I'm a bit disappointed about how late I am to it. This version has been remixed by Poolside, a duet also based in LA. I can't say I've ever been too much into music from the U.S, but this is funky.

2. Flume - Never Be Like You feat. Kai

Flume is baaaacccckkk, and just as commendable as ever; this electronic track is first-rate. Flume has firmly established his signature style, making his tracks instantly recognisable, and resulting in me using words such as 'Flume-esque' to describe other music.  

3. Pools - Summer Sunday

There's not much I can tell you about Pools, but it won't stop you enjoying this mellow track. Its name describes the perfect time for this song to be enjoyed, but I don't wanna save it just for then. It's relaxed and smooth, and will leave you lusting for warmer afternoons. 

4. Kenton Slash Demon - Syko

Denmark-based Kenton Slash Demon have recently produced this unique track, and some of the comments suggest it to be quite Burial-influenced. I found this through recommendation of Flume, and if it's good enough for him, it's good enough for me. The Harpe/Skyo EP is out now with Future Classic, and there's a music video for Harpe here.

5. Ida Engberg & David West - Abataka

This is something really different. The track is supporting a charity project called 'It Began in Africa', which was set up to aid children in their fight against poverty. The description states that "All profits made from the sale of this compilation will be donated to The African Children's Choir and their further projects; i.e. building schemes, the founding of nurseries, and schools to help children get away from a life on the streets." The message behind this is amazing. 

6. COEO - Back In The Days

This track comes from duo COEO, and it's much more 'deep house' than I'm usually into. I like how the energy grows throughout, and we're kept hanging on till the last minute; 2:34 is where it really peaks. Released by Toy Tonics at the end of January, this one will be on my party playlist for a while. 


For more of my playlist picks, check out my Soundcloud profile

Playlist artwork by Gunta Stölzl

NOTES ON WINTER BEAUTY

10 Feb 2016

The north of England has been bitten by the frosty Winter bug and I'm shrivelling into a dry prune. As with a lot of people, my skin is much dryer this time of year, which creates a plethora of problems. How can I moisturise without being oily? I don't want my skin to look dull etc. Alongside my flaky face: dry hair. I need nourishing products to assist me from November through to March; here I've compiled a list of examples which work for me. 

1) Eucerin Replenishing Face Cream

My daily morning moisturiser, Eucerin Replenishing Face Cream with 5% Urea, is specifically tailored for dry skin. Urea is a humectant naturally produced by the body to keep skin hydrated. However, as we age our skin tends to produce less - resulting in dryness. Eucerin have created a product that reintroduces Urea back into the skin to make it soft and bouncy, while also suitably preparing the skin for makeup application.

2) Jojoba Oil

Each night, I like to moisturise with oils. Jojoba oil is what people in the biz call a carrier oil, and I add tea tree and lavender oil to the mixture (a relaxing ritual before sleep). I'm not loyal to any particular brand, but the one I'm currently using is Balm Balm Jojoba Oil. It is 100% organic, inexpensive and suitable for the most sensitive of skins. 

3) Lush Mask of Magnaminty

A product popular with many people and for a very good reason: it really works. This inexpensive minty mask is self-preserving and smells refreshing. According to the packaging, it 'does everything it can to fight eruptions and outbreaks and return skin to tip top condition'. Its combined effects are rarely found together in one product: fighting outbreaks, brightening, non-drying and balancing. I tend to use this once a week.

4) Milk_shake Whipped Cream Leave-In Foam

For a long time I've used the spray version of this product, but since early January I've added in the more heavy duty Leave-In Foam. It balances oils in the hair and maintains colour integrity (something you may be interested in if you use dye). Suitable for all hair types, this is a product that moisturises without making hair look greasy. Apply from mid-lengths to ends of wet hair. Milk_shake products are limitedly available in a cute pink bottle for their breast cancer campaign.

5) Pixi Makeup Fixing Mist

Containing Rose Water and Green tea, this product is incredibly nourishing.  Applied before or after makeup (I tend to after), Pixi Makeup Fixing Mist adds a soft focus finish and really locks makeup into the face. It hydrates and balances while tightening pores, it also can be reapplied throughout the day to refresh the skin and makeup. Pixi are unsurprisingly famous for their skincare products, including the famous Glow Tonic, which I am also a huge fan of.





What are your winter beauty essentials?