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Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
32 Treats That Are Actually Quite Practical To Buy For Yourself
A "Birthday Cake Stick" lip balm that earned its place as a cult-fave — not only is this super nourishing on your lips, but it tastes like vanilla cake, buttercream icing, and rainbow sprinkles, so now you can have your cake and moisturize with it, too. Tree Hut Desert Haze Shea Sugar Scrub — yes, the chronically sold out, cult-fave scent is in stock on Amazon ... for NOW. Reviewers are obsessed with this smoky, floral "loud" scent that blends jasmine, raspberry, and musk, and how satisfyingly exfoliating and gentle it is on skin. A weighted eye mask that's basically like a weighted blanket for your human eyes, designed to decrease stress and encourage ~deep sleep~. They also feature a 3D contour, so they're hollowed out in the middle and won't rest right on top of your eyes. Naked Sundays SPF 50+ Hydrating Glow Mist that heard a little voice in the dark ask, "What if my setting spray had SPF and combined two steps in one??" and said, "Bet." This is designed to spray as a hydrating fine mist that *won't* leave you oily, and will keep your makeup perfectly intact. Londontown "Nail Veil" Protectant, which is designed not only to protect your nails, but to act as a sheer tint to enhance their natural look. It's basically "no makeup makeup," but for your fingernails. Olay Super Serum Body Wash that will make anyone with dry or dull skin REJOICE — this is packed with niacinamide, shea butter, and collagen peptides to nourish your skin for 24-hour hydration that will make you feel ~luminous~. (Psst — this is the body wash version of their TikTok-famous, super effective facial Super Serum, so you KNOW they mean business.) A dimmable flexible clip-on mushroom light so versatile that it'll become your Emotional Support Shroom — this gizmo clips to desks, cribs, bedside tables, and computer monitors to give an ambient, soft glow that's easy on the eyeballs when you're trying to focus. (Also, it's just so darn precious??) Medicube Deep Vitamin C Golden Capsule Face Moisturizer for a K-beauty staple that's almost a little *too* fun to use — it comes with liposome capsules you can pop on your skin, helping oxidize, brighten, and smooth your complexion with the added burst of concentrated vitamin C and niacinamide. This is designed to have both instant *and* lasting results, with many reviewers noting an immediate difference in skin's radiance after the first use! A crochet succulent car air freshener holder that will not only keep your car smelling fresh, but will be an adorable little buddy to keep you company on long commutes. Note — this includes a glass bottle to hold essential oils, but not the oils themselves, so you can pick your favorite! A set of hair tie bracelets designed to look like *actual* jewelry, so you won't be kicking yourself when you realize you left a hair tie on your wrist for every photo. A three-pack of vintage-inspired polarized sunglasses for anyone who needs to stock up on a few "these look like Ray-Bans, but I won't cry into my Baja Blast if I accidentally leave them in the Taco Bell parking lot" pairs this year. These are especially handy because you can match the subtle prints to whatever 'fit you're wearing! A NeeDoh "Dream Drop," one of the many excellent variations from the *elite* Needoh sensory fidget toy line for anyone who wants to add more calm and focus to their day. This goo-filled, delightfully colorful fidget has a satisfying squish with a "slow rise" before going back to its original shape. Reviewers also love that it doesn't have the kind of stickiness that picks up debris and makes it hard to clean. Built's "Puff Protein Bars" that are basically chocolate-covered marshmallows that also, by some witchcraft, have 17 entire grams of protein in them?? And NO weird aftertaste. If you are also someone who is in a perpetual state of "I need protein or I will bite someone's brain off," I am telling you, nothing in this WORLD will feel better than pulling one of these out of your bag. Glossmetics' Lychee Overnight Lip Mask, a Laneige or Tatcha alternative that's already a cult-fave in the making — you can wear this non-stick, ultra glossy lip shine during the day or overnight as a lip treatment to help hydrate, soften, and condition your lips. Not to mention you will taste *delectable* all day and night. (Just ask the many lychee martinis I have downed on this here earth!) An affordable, Lululemon-esque longline sports bra so comfy, supportive, and versatile that reviewers love it both for outdoor workouts, gym use, *and* errand running. This is designed be supportive without being too compressive, with lightweight fabric that keeps you breezy in the heat. A brand spanking new *mini* Kindle — it's faster, it's brighter, and more importantly, it's TEENSIER. The new size makes it easier to fit in the palm of your hand, easier to travel with, and a heck of a lot easier to slide into carry-ons and airplane pockets. It's also glare free and has a battery life that lasts for up to six weeks on a single charge. A set of dual-sided heart-shaped sponges because home is where the heart is ... and incidentally, where all the constant messes are. At least you'll have fun tackling them with these adorable little scrubbers on your side. A lil' polar bear hydrating eye stick for some sweet, sweet relief when you wake up with puffy, aching eyes. This formula is blended with Iceland glacial water to help tighten skin and tackle dark circles so you look and feel more ~refreshed~. A copy of Burn After Writing, a guided journal that tens of thousands of reviewers swear by — through a series of questions and thought experiments, it encourages people to take time away from their screens to explore their feelings, both new and old, so they can embrace meaningful ones and try to let others go. An "Exfoliate & Glow" premium scrub mitt for that oh-so-squeaky clean sensation that comes with sloughing off dead skin. No, for real — one reviewer saw all the dead skin left in their shower floor and dubbed themselves a "Lizard Person" after shedding it. This is great for helping even out skin texture and tone, preventing ingrown hairs, calming keratosis pilaris, and removing self-tanner, too! A handy adjustable neck reading light so you have to let the sun and/or the humans living with you decide when their Designated Reading Time is over. This flexible neck light comes with three brightnesses that all keep the focus on the page, so you can keep the strain off your eyeballs without disturbing anyone else's darkness. A pair of pretty pastel wireless over-the-ear headphones crafted to look like AirPods Max, so you can still enjoy the comfort and chic style of their iconic headphones without shelling out hundreds of dollars. These feature premium cushion padding, a built-in mic with the ability to take calls, 10 hours of playtime per charge, and surprisingly decent noise blocking for the price. An oh-so-classic pair of slip-on pointed toe ballet flats reviewers *love* as a cheaper alternative to the beloved Vivaia and Rothy's version, especially since these are also designed for all-day wear without any painful break-in periods. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Mist Oil for an *instant* and long-lasting dry skin fix — this blend of vitamin E and jojoba oil is designed to moisturize, soothe, and restore skin, and do it REAL quick and easy for those of us who don't have time for a whole song and dance of a body moisturizing routine. A wildly impressive handled BrüMate tumbler designed with a completely leakproof straw lid that might be actual witchcraft, and ~BevGuard insulation~ that will keep drinks ice cold for over 24 hours. Finally, a ginormous emotional support tumbler that not only fits in your car's cup holder, but can get tossed into your bag worry free! A guided visual "breathing partner" you can use for meditation and calm to shift your mindset. This is designed to guide you through either the popular 4/7/8 or 5/5 "calming breaths" to help reduce stress and anxiety, using colors that fade in and out softly as cues. Bonus: it's kid-friendly! A goth popcorn maker and bowl for anyone who wants an extra side of spook with their saltiness. This silicone skull is so easy to use that you can pour in the kernels, pop it in the microwave for two to three minutes, and get eight cups of freshly popped popcorn without even having to use oil! A two-piece lounge set that's inspired by a popular mall brand's version, and so cozy and elevated that even looking at it makes me feel smug and snuggly at the same time?? (Is "smuggly" a valid emotion now???) This is a perfect travel option for staying cute, comfy, *and* able to move fast at a moment's notice. A pair of lightweight, entirely waterproof cloud pillow slippers for anyone whose feet are pretty little princesses who need to be pampered at all times. These are near weightless, but have a cushioned, thick sole that absorbs impact on hard floors and surfaces. Reviewers with arthritis and plantar fasciitis also swear by these for alleviating foot pain! A set of classic bamboo mini crew socks giving "cozy, but sophisticated." These are soft and breathable without being overly bulky, making them *fashion's kiss* perfect to pair with Uggs, Birkenstocks, and an elevated sneaker. A pair of ~Dreamlux~ leggings made with an oh-so-buttery soft material reviewers compare to Lululemon's Align ... but WAY cheaper. If you're looking for a reliably squatproof, comfy, compressive legging, look no further than these. A set of deeply precious sardine pens so the next time someone's like, "Does anyone have a pen??" you can pull one of these out of your bag and let everyone know you're ~off the hook~.
CairoScene
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Review: ‘Urchin' Is A Familiar Story Elevated by a Star-Making Turn
Review: 'Urchin' Is A Familiar Story Elevated by a Star-Making Turn Harris Dickinson, best known for 'Triangle of Sadness' and 'Babygirl', makes an impressive debut as a writer-director with Urchin. The film is a compassionate and darkly humorous portrait of homelessness. It evokes memories of Mike Leigh's 'Naked', though it lacks that film's philosophical depth. That said, Frank Dillane delivers what will surely be a breakout, star-making performance as Mike. He plays a junkie who's spent the last five years living on the streets. His only real connection is Nathan, a fellow drifter played by Dickinson himself in a cameo. Egyptian actor Amr Waked rounds out the cast as Mike's employer. At its core, Urchin is a reflection on the brutal cycle of substance abuse. The cycle of abuse is a brutal spiral. It starts with desperation. You steal, you mug, you hurt people just to get some cash so you can guarantee your next hit. Sooner or later, you're caught. Jail gives you a break. You go through withdrawal symptoms. Get clean again. You meet someone who mistakenly thinks they can save you. And for a while, you believe you can be a better person. You try to do better. You go to meetings, listen to self-help books, apply for jobs, and clean yourself up. Someone gives you a shot. And before you know it. You're working. Earning. Living almost like everyone else. But all it takes is one bad day. One mistake. One moment of weakness. Suddenly, it's all gone. You're back on the streets. You shove a man who won't stop staring. You scream at a car that won't stop honking. You lose most of the fist fights you get yourself into and end up curled up in a doorway stinking of piss and blood. People pass. They glance, then look away. You don't feel human anymore. You feel like a stain on the sidewalk. That feeling is unbearable. All you want is one hit to numb it all out. Just one more hit. This might all sound a bit too bleak for a film, but Harris Dickinson isn't out to depress the viewer. He balances the darkness with sharp dialogue, unexpected humour, and stylised visuals that feel reminiscent of Trainspotting. Admittedly, part of me felt like I'd seen this kind of film before. Maybe even better versions of it. But the truth is, I'm glad Urchin exists. If for nothing else, then for the lead performance. Frank Dillane is magnetic. He reminds me of a young Johnny Depp. His quirky facial expressions, awkward glances, and effortless charisma allow him to land a laugh with nothing more than a look. There's one scene that really showcases his talent. Mike comes face to face with the man he once mugged. Someone who was only trying to help him. The man doesn't yell or accuse. Instead, he calmly says it wasn't the mugging that broke him. It was going home bruised, and seeing the fear in his daughter's eyes. That moment crushes Mike. And Dillane lets us feel every bit of it. In a matter of seconds, he moves from funny to vulnerable to utterly heartbroken. It's a remarkable feat. One that never feels performed; it feels lived in. Urchin doesn't break new ground. It doesn't reinvent the genre. But it does feel very honest, and Harris Dickinson shows real promise as a filmmaker. He finds moments of humour and warmth in the darkest places. And with Frank Dillane at the centre, the film becomes more than just another film about addiction. Urchin asks us to care, even when it's easier to turn away.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Urchin' Review: Frank Dillane Is a Self-Destructive Car Crash in Harris Dickinson's Impressive Directing Debut
It's not difficult to guess at some of the influences absorbed into Harris Dickinson's raw character study, Urchin — the bleak nihilism of Mike Leigh's Naked; the unvarnished realism of Ken Loach; the immersive textures as well as the loose-limbed vitality of Josh and Benny Safdie's Heaven Knows What; the subjective realism, grubby poetry and surreal interludes of Gus Van Sant's early films, Mala Noche, Drugstore Cowboy and My Own Private Idaho. That's not to say the English actor's feature directing debut is derivative or doesn't reveal his own voice. Any first-time filmmaker capable of distilling his inspirations into a highly personal portrait of the kind of life on the edges of society he has clearly observed firsthand is a talent. More from The Hollywood Reporter Sylvain Chomet Won't Be Using AI Anytime Soon 'Wild Foxes' Review: Budding French Star Samuel Kircher Jabs His Way Through a Tough Yet Tender Debut Boxing Drama Cannes: 'Militantropos' Directors on Identity and the Limits of Art: "The War Has Become Part of Us" Dickinson's protagonist, Mike, is an addict trying — with fluctuating degrees of commitment — to break the pattern of self-destruction that seems baked into his DNA. Neither the writer-director nor Frank Dillane, who plays Mike with nervy volatility offset by insouciant charm and humor, courts our sympathies, even as the film shows unquestionable compassion. Mike is a fuck-up who's chronically dishonest and quite often a selfish asshole, capable of violence when he's at his most desperate. He's the kind of mess most of us just quickly walk by on the street and pretend is invisible. Perhaps the key achievement of Urchin is that it makes us see him and feel for his struggle. The director grew up around people battling addiction and has worked with charities dedicated to homelessness in his local East London community for several years. The character of Mike was drawn from a handful of people Dickinson encountered — some he had been close to and some through his involvement with support groups. That connection no doubt adds to the authenticity of Dillane's performance. We first see Mike on what seems a typical morning, waking up in a daze on the pavement to the booming voice of a Bible-thumping street preacher. He scowls at her as he ducks down an alley to retrieve his rucksack from behind a dumpster, then takes up a spot panhandling on a busy corner, where people mostly ignore him. He talks his way into a restaurant to charge his phone but gets kicked out when he starts falling asleep at the table. There's almost a documentary aspect to these early scenes. Dickinson gives us nonjudgmental access to the day-to-day existence of one among any number of unhoused addicts, while Dillane presents Mike with all the prickly edges of a societal reject. Without ever resorting to melodrama or framing Mike as simply a casualty of an unforgiving system, the actor gives subtle indications of his intelligence — of potential that at some point slipped away as he found illusory refuge in drugs. Mike gets into a brawl when Nathan (Dickinson, uncredited), a fellow addict also living rough, steals his wallet and blows all his cash. A well-meaning stranger breaks up the fight and offers to buy him some lunch. But Mike throws the man's kindness back in his face by knocking him out and lifting his watch and wallet. Mike is swiftly arrested, and when he claims self-defense, a cop dryly points out that the entire incident was captured on CCTV. Dillane's 'Oh' is priceless. That entire section unfolds with livewire energy, pumped up by Alan Myson's driving techno score and by the shock of the assault. At this point in the narrative, when Mike is sentenced to 14 months jail time, more conventional addiction dramas would dig into the trauma of incarceration and the agony of substance withdrawal. But that part of Mike's experience is only of interest to Dickinson in so far as it lobs him back into the system when he's released early seven months later. All we see of his spell in prison is a brief intake scene, one of the movie's moments of unexpected humor, in which Mike amusingly whines about a guard's cold touch, asking him to warm up his latex glove during a strip search. Prison time also prompts one of a handful of magical realism flourishes — some of them better integrated than others — when Mike is showering, and the camera follows the soapy water down a drain, into the fiery bowels of the earth and beyond, entering a cosmic void with brightly colored amoebic forms floating around. The most significant of these fantastical detours is the recurring motif of Mike seeing visions of a woman who possibly represents his biological mother. Dickinson shifts the tone in Loachian scenes with a parole officer and later a counselor. Having bounced around uncaring foster homes as a child, Mike maintains minimal contact with his adoptive parents and is skeptical about how much help the authorities can provide with his rehabilitation. He seems sincere in his desire to stay clean, but whether his big talk about wanting to start a limo service is a pie-in-the-sky boast or something he believes he could make happen remains ambiguous. Dillane often conveys a sense that Mike is performing the role that's expected of him in these encounters, possibly even trying to persuade himself that he can stay out of trouble. But he does appear to show genuine remorse at the end of a terrific scene in which the counselor sits him down with his assault victim. Mike moves into temporary hostel housing and gets a restaurant job as a junior chef. At night in his austere room, he also starts listening to meditation tapes, on which a woman's soothing voice spouts self-help platitudes like: 'You're in the driver's seat. You're going to be just fine… The road is clear. Each decision is yours.' Does he really buy into this or is he just going through the motions in order to be able to say the right thing at parole check-ins? Again, Dillane skillfully teases out the ambiguity, and more than once Mike acts like he's owed everyone's sympathy, making him almost as entitled as he is at-risk. Before long, his head is not in the restaurant job, and his violent impulses resurface. He gets work picking up litter from public parks and sparks up the beginnings of a romance with French co-worker Andrea (Megan Northam), who lives in a caravan. Unaware he's in recovery, Andrea gives Mike some ketamine while they are out partying one night, an exhilarating sequence in which they whirl around the capital to the sound of the '80s French synth-pop banger 'Voyage Voyage,' by Desireless. But that high reopens the door to Mike's drug and alcohol abuse, dismantling any tentative stability he has achieved once he starts getting wasted with strangers. Dillane's helplessness in these scenes is haunting — pathetic one minute and threatening the next. Staggering about while trying to scrape together enough cash to buy a dime bag of coke, he reconnects with Nathan, who has gotten clean and has found shelter in an unusual — probably opportunistic — arrangement. Somehow, through his haze, Mike seems to realize this is not the kind of solution he wants. In the final stretch, Dickinson shifts into a woozy state that clearly mirrors what's going on in Mike's head as visions of the enigmatic woman become more frequent, along with other, more unsettling fantasies that build to an emotionally resonant final image. Urchin would be nothing without a gifted, vanity-free actor (the lead is the son of Stephen Dillane) who has clearly dug deep into the milieu of addiction and homelessness and is willing to go anywhere the script takes his character — from rapturous highs to desperate lows and all their consequent indignities. Dickinson and Northam make strong impressions in their secondary roles, as do several other actors who almost seem to have been plucked off the streets. But this is fundamentally a one-person show, piloted by Frank Dillane like a reckless driver forever losing control of the wheel. The other key collaborator is cinematographer Josée Deshaies (Passages, The Beast), who shuffles between intimate shots and wider frames, her camera jostled among the sea of people in the city or composed in its gaze, with minimal movement. The visual textures as much as Dillane's performance contribute to making the movie feel at all times in the moment. Since his big-screen breakthrough in Eliza Hittman's Beach Rats, Dickinson (who's not yet 30) has mostly skipped the standard pretty-boy route of rom-coms and action hero vehicles in favor of working with idiosyncratic directors like Joanna Hogg, Ruben Östlund, Sean Durkin, Halina Reijn and Steve McQueen. (He's slated to play John Lennon in Sam Mendes' tetralogy of Beatles movies.) Those shoots appear to have functioned as an informal film school, equipping him to tackle a much-trafficked subject in ways that are thoughtful, distinctive and clearly culled from close study of a highly specific world. 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The Citizen
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Buying a car from a private seller? Here are some tips
The Consumer Protection Act does not cover a private sale, so you do not have an implied warranty to fall back on if the car has defects. Buying a car from a private seller can really be tempting, but you have heard so many stories about what happened to other people when they met a private seller and were robbed or even murdered. But what should you do if you find a really good deal from a legitimate private seller? You can usually save some money when you buy a used car from a private seller, but it also has some risks you will not face at a dealership, Ernest North, co-founder of Naked, a digital insurance platform, says. 'To ensure that you make a wise purchase, you must ask the right questions, ensure the paperwork is in order and take some common-sense precautions.' ALSO READ: Buying a car? Keep this in mind Keep these tips in mind when you buy a car privately North has these tips to keep in mind when you buy a car privately: #1: Do your homework on pricing Before you even phone the seller of a car that catches your eye, check the average price of similar models online (try sites like or AutoTrader). You should not only avoid cars that are too expensive, but you must also beware of cars that seem like a massive bargain. #2: Ask the right questions when you buy a car privately Before you even meet to view the car, collect some basic information about the car. It is a red flag if the seller is unwilling to answer questions on the phone and insists on interacting only through text messages or email. Some questions to ask include: How old is the car? How many previous owners did the car have and for how long did the most recent owner have the car? What is the current mileage and what was it when the seller bought the car? Was the car involved in an accident or have major repairs? Is there outstanding financing on the car? Does the seller have the service history logbook and a roadworthy certificate for the car? Why is the seller selling the car? ALSO READ: Here's why you should – and why you shouldn't – buy a new car #3: Meet in a public place If you buy the car from a stranger, the next step is to view the vehicle. Meet during the day in a public area to ensure you are safe. Avoid remote or private locations and always get the full address in advance. Also bring a friend or family member with you if you can, and let someone else know where you are or even drop them a live location on your phone. #4: Inspect the car Look for signs of wear and tear or damage to the exterior, interior and engine of the car, paying special attention to the tyres and brakes, lights and electrics, fluid levels and leaks and windscreen and wipers. Bonus tip: If you are not confident in your own car knowledge, you can pay for a professional inspection via a provider like DEKRA if you want to buy the car. ALSO READ: How much does mileage matter when buying a used car? #5: Take the car for a test drive If you consider making a serious offer for the car, ask to take it for a test drive and drive it for at least 20 minutes and pay attention to things such as braking (try a safe emergency stop), handling and steering response, gear changes and any strange noises like rattling from the engine or grinding from the brakes while the windows are down and the radio is off. Also turn the car off and restart it to test the ignition. Bring your driver's licence with you to show the seller. Also ask to see the seller's insurance details since you could be held liable if you have an accident and the car is not insured or if the insurance only covers the driver's named in the policy. #6: Confirm the car's documentation is in order Before any money changes hands, ask the seller for original copies of the registration documents in his or her name and ask to see his or her ID book, roadworthy certificate that is valid and current, proof of ownership and full service history. Also check that the vehicle identification number (VIN) and engine number match the documents and ask the police to confirm the car is not stolen. ALSO READ: Why is 2025 the perfect time to sell or trade your car? #7: Look out for signs of a potential scam Red flags include a price far below market value, a seller who avoids calls or insists on email messages or who pushes for a deposit before you have seen the car. Also beware of a seller who does not have the original paperwork or asks you to pay money into a foreign bank account. If anything feels off, walk away. #8: Payment and ownership transfer Avoid paying cash. Bank transfers are safer because you will have a paper trail. If the car still has outstanding finance, the seller must settle it before you make the full payment. Never hand over money without seeing the car and paperwork first. #9: Put it in writing Create a contract with detailed information about both parties, the car and the sale terms to protect both of you. Include details such as your ID numbers, full vehicle details (make, model, VIN, mileage, registration number) and terms and conditions (such as 'sold voetstoots' or 'seller agrees to fix faulty brake light before transfer of ownership'). ALSO READ: Car tips: How to change ownership when buying or selling privately #10: Register the car in your name After the sale, transfer ownership at your local traffic department. You will need the roadworthy certificate, sales agreement, proof of residence and a copy of the seller's ID. This step is essential because until you register it, you do not legally own the car. Also remember to get insurance before you get behind the wheel. This graphic sums up the advantages of buying a car from a private seller or dealership:
Glasgow Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Brit rock band announces anniversary gig in Glasgow
REEF will perform at SWG3 in the West End as part of a special run of dates across the UK to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut album, 'Replenish'. The concert will take place on Friday, October 17, 2025. This year marks three decades since the release of the Somerset band's iconic 1994 album 'Replenish', which they will celebrate with the tour. The band's singer, Gary Stringer, said: 'We will, of course, be playing the album in full as well as other fan favourites. READ MORE: Rock band announced concert at beloved Glasgow venue READ MORE: Billboard installation by New York artist unveiled at SWG3 'It's lush to revisit the starting point of what has been a wonderful adventure. So do come and join us. "Replenish is where it all started. That record changed our lives. 'It's kids from the countryside coming to the city and saying, 'This is us, this is our energy, this is what we want to share.' And people connected with it.' Somerset rockers REEF will be playing at Glasgow's SWG3 (Image: Supplied) Produced by Clive Martin, the raw energy of this album spawned the hit singles Good Feeling and the riff monster that is Naked. The Place Your Hands rockers are kicking off the tour at Rock City in Nottingham this October as well as a number of other 'beloved' venues around the country. They'll finish their country-wide dates at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire on 8th November. For more details and to buy tickets, visit
