February has been most fabulous although it does feel fleeting. Which I say every month I know, it's a tired cliche. There's surprisingly not been much in the way of newness when it comes to beauty and after my massive cull, I've really been sticking to what I know and love. There's also quite a few non-beauty loves this month. Some of which let's be honest won't be that surprising but warrant mentioning again. Anyway, February Favourites...

Fairy Drops Scandal Queen Waterproof Mascara: So this mascara is no stranger to me but I recently cracked open a tube of it that was in my backup stash and I gotta tell you, it is good. The brush on this one is unique with three spherical indents throughout. Sounds crazy, kinda is but whatever it is works to lengthen and volumise your lashes like nothin' else. 

Zoeva Brushes: So part of my makeup cull saw a major brush cull and now many of my brushes come from Zoeva. I love all their brushes. They're soft and super lightweight and are easy to clean. They're also relatively inexpensive as well and are such lovely quality. I recently picked up the powder brush, above and I love it. I've previously used bigger powder brushes but I find this one a better size for building up setting powder, rather than applying a shedload at once. 

L'Oreal Micellar Water*: My beloved Bioderma bit the dust this month and seeing as this was in my stash, I decided to whip it open. I'm very impartial to Bioderma but this may be swaying me. Which is a good thing because it is much much easier to get my hands on. Designed for normal/combination skin, it is fragrance free and removes every last scrap of base makeup. I use it to break down lipstick as well as clean up any eye makeup remnants. If you're after a good, relatively inexpensive micellar water, check out L'Oreal's. 

The Accidental x Ali Smith: I kinda regret including this book now because anything I say about it will not do it justice. I loved how Smith intertwined so many elements; descriptive narration, scattered dialogue, poetry. The novel is broken up into three acts, with each closing with some reference to film and it's just exquisite. Sure, I kinda kept seeing someone I know as one of the characters, which made it a bit more vivid but regardless I really loved it. The more of Ali Smith's work I read, the more I love it and her so I'm going to be working my way through everything she's written from now on.

Call Me By Your Name: If you haven't guessed by the amount of times I've worked this into conversation on and offline, or listened to the soundtrack while I work, or worked out when I should reread the novel the film is adapted from, I loved it. The cinematography is beautiful, the cast is fantastic, the story is so rich and vibrant. I have found myself fantasising about visiting Italy again, reading books out the window of an Italian villa. Pools so picturesque they may as well be sculptures, fruit for days and music everywhere. The monologue towards the end of the film with Elio+his father is so well done. I highly, highly rate this movie and know it's going to remain one of the best things I watch in 2018. 

Lana Del Rey: After remembering how much I love this song I've been on a real Lana Del Rey kick. I'm particularly loving her Honeymoon album but honestly all her music is pretty much the soundtrack of my Summer. Again, it's another thing I've been listening to while I work. Her lyrics and the vivid, cinematic quality of her songs are just magic. I hope she tours to New Zealand someday because I will be first in line.

The Good Place: This freakin' show. I remember seeing the preview image on Netflix and thinking 'frozen yoghurt, okay this looks weird' and not thinking much more of it. Well, I am on the bandwagon now. I won't say too much about this show because it is easily spoiled and you really just need to watch it for yourself. Kristen Bell is amazing as Eleanor and I also love Jameela Jamil as Tahani. Michael Schur, one of the geniuses who bought us Parks & Rec created this show so you know it's going to be special. Just watch it if you're one of the few people who haven't seen it yet.

-What have you loved during February?

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Aka the ride or dies, the ones I would pretty much never be without. It's been an age since I did a post like this, curating a bunch of the beauty bits 'n bobs I have repurchased and will continue to do so. I honestly don't try a ton of new things now and don't feel obligated to follow all the new launches as much as I did so I am gravitating towards what I know and love nowadays. I get by with a little help from my makeup friends or something like that hey...

Bourjois Healthy Mix Powder: Ah interesting, this has been repackaged, possibly reformulated too. I am not entirely certain. This is my go-to setting powder and has been for ages. It gets the job done in terms of mattifying without being too matte. My only qualm is the shade I use, #1 seems to be near-impossible to find here in NZ. I only ever see the darker shades which is disappointing. Otherwise I like this and its relative inexpensiveness.

Fairydrops Scandal Queen Waterproof Mascara: I seem to go through phases with mascaras but I know what I like and this mascara ticks many of those boxes. This must be my third or fourth tube of this mascara now and I honestly love it. Lengthening, volumising, holds a curl and stays well put. It really puts those Western mascaras to shame. 

Glossier Balm Dotcom: I love Balm Dotcom, I use it every morning to prep my lips and also always have one in my bag. I use it during the day at work, when I remember, ahem chapped lips central. It's also great to use as an eye gloss when you can't be bothered faffing around with beauty. Oh and it smells divine. My favourite is this birthday cake scented one pictured. 

Too Faced Hangover Primer: I'm not sure why this primer earnt its name but one isn't fussy when it's this brilliant. Packed with a load of friendly skin ingredients, it's also moisturising and keeps your base looking top notch all day long. I've tried a few primers over the years and this is definitely my favourite of the bunch. 

Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer: I have it on good (ish) authority that this is finally coming to NZ soon! I don't know when exactly, Maybelline tends to drop a ton of products here all at once so I'm guessing it won't be far off. Anyway, under-eye concealer of choice to cover up sleep deprivation and tired, tired eyes. Whoops. Again, I've been through so many of these that I've lost count but it's a fan favourite for a reason. 

By Terry Ombre Blackstar: So I received a Mecca voucher for Christmas and recently repurchased my beloved Misty Rock. My original was quite old and to be fair probably wasn't really fit to be used on my eyes anymore. These eyeshadows are stunning and do not budge all day. Seriously, I've been wearing this in the midst of Auckland's...unusual heat wave, occasionally in a building with broken air conditioning and it's stayed put. 

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base: If this primer ever gets discontinued I will buy up every last one. Well, perhaps not but it is the only thing that stops eyeshadow becoming a line in my crease come morning tea time. I like that it is clear so it doesn't interfere with the colours of eyeshadow either. I've been using this for five or six years now too-cripes! 

Coco Mademoiselle x Chanel: I haven't had to repurchase this yet as both times I've received it as a gift, thanks 'rents. That being said it is one of the few perfumes I own that I would buy over and over. We all know I am not fond of describing perfumes because I tend to slaughter them. Chanel perfumes are iconic so I am sure you'd recognise this upon spritz. 

-What are your beauty mainstays? 

Like last month, I was feeling really decisive about my favourites. In fact, there are two favourites posts this month-there was just too much to love! First up we have the beauty bits I've been loving. There seems to be a lot of pink and then some utter gems for the base+limbs. 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Wardrobe, limited edition-I've really been loving my radiant, glow-enhancing blushers this month and this palette's been getting a thrashing. It was limited edition but all of the shades are available as singles as well. There's just something about Hourglass' blushers and despite having shimmer to them they still look flattering on the skin. My favourites are Dim Infusion and Incandescent Electra. They're just stunning.

Fairydrops Scandal Queen Waterproof Mascara-Believe the hype guys, this mascara is amazing. If I want lashes that look curled, full and all out fabulous, this is the mascara I go for. This mascara has fibres in it too I believe which seem to make all the difference. Despite being waterproof though, it is easy to remove, thank goodness. It also holds a curl a lot better than some of the other mascaras out there. I'll definitely be picking this up again at some stage, it's that good.

Mac Matte Lipstick in Mehr-Y'know when you see your friend swatching something and decide you need to have it too? That totally happened here and there was no impulse purchasing guilt around these parts whatsoever because I love this shade. Nine times out of ten, this has been what's on my lips this month when the occasion calls for lipstick. It's a rosy pink with a nude base plus a matte finish which means it sticks around. Despite its matte qualities it's not drying or dehydrating. If you're after a decent matte lipstick, check this one out.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water*-This primer water was something I'd only heard good things about so I had high hopes for it. Like all the other products mentioned this month it also delivers in spades. Dare I say it, I prefer this to the Urban Decay finishing sprays. This is designed to be used pre or post makeup application and for the most part I use it to set everything down. It's also great on a makeup sponge like this to pat in concealer so it looks less caked on. It definitely helps your makeup stick around too. Like the mascara, this will be on my repurchase list when I've run out.

Mac Studio Waterweight Foundation in NC20*-This foundation was reviewed on the blog last week so I'll keep this short and sweet. It's the base where a little goes a long way and you can expect a satin finish from this one. It's long-wearing, with or without a primer and you cannot fault that shade selection.

The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Body Scrub, limited edition*-If there is one product The Body Shop does well, it's their body scrubs. This one has an almost gel-like texture so it doesn't feel as abrasive as the scrubs that are much more granulated. It helps combat any dry patches (win) and has a divine, uplifting scent. 

-What beauty products have you been loving during October?

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Last week I headed off to Wellington for a not-so-official long weekend of sorts. It was awesome and given that I was heading away, I decided to take some beauty products I'd not had a chance to use away with me. I feel like when you're away it's the best time to try new things, whether that be beauty or whatever else. You're usually so zen that a step out of your comfort zone is no big deal. Maybe that's just me, but holidays turn me into my much more chilled out self.  So what did I take away with me aside from an abundance of lip products? Read on..

MAC Matte Lipstick in Mehr-Reading this name just makes me want to say 'Meh'. Although this colour is far from meh. After seeing Fiona swatching this during a Mac session I felt obliged to throw one in to my little black bag as well. It's described as a dirty blue pink. Resisting the urge to make a bad makeup joke here. It reminds me a little of Syrup x Mac, just with less of a sheen to it. It's such a gorgeous colour and I'm obsessed with it.

Clinique Pop Lip Colour+Primer in Melon Pop*-Melon Pop has been on my wishlist for the longest time so it's getting a good thrashing now it's in my makeup bag. I was expecting this to be more of a pinky nude but it's definitely more on the coral side of things, as the name would suggest. Clinique's pop lip colours are hydrating and nicely pigmented. After the initial gloss wears off, the colour stays put so you're left not having to reapply. If you're feeling coordinated, you could also pair this with its matching blush like I did yesterday.

Fairy Drops Scandal Queen Mascara-The wait for this mascara to dry up before I allowed myself to open this was long. It was certainly worth the wait though, because I think, and this is a bold claim, this may have changed my tune on waterproof mascaras. It holds a curl like nothing else and separates your lashes so freakin' well. If you can get your hands on this, because it is a little hard to track down right now, grab it. You won't regret it.

Maybelline Baby Lips Crystal Balm in Pink Quartz-There's probably no difference, aside from the packaging but I swear the American Baby Lips are much different to the ones available here in NZ. I've been wearing this colour as a base underneath lipsticks. There isn't much more to it really but I find these lip balms are inexpensive and not as drying as some of the other cheaper lip balms out there.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water*-After spying this in a few of my friend's makeup bags the temptation to experiment with it myself was imminent. It's early days with this one but I think I prefer it to my All Nighter Setting Spray. The Primer Water is a fine mist that sets makeup in place while also adding a bit of dewiness to the skin. It sets down really fast as well and is just lush to use. Y'know those products that have the whole ritual with them that feels luxurious? This is one of those.

NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien-Isn't this just the cutest lil' thing ever? I had actually dismissed this colour, which came in the Sephora VIB birthday set this year, but looks can be deceiving. Rikugien, strange name and all is such a lovely shade. It's the perfect, rosy pink. Very Estee Lalonde-esque. I find these shades are great when you can't really wear a bold lip but want to wear something a bit more exciting than a nude. As it is a satin lip pencil, the lasting power isn't amazing but it's so easy to reapply. I may have to repurchase this in the full size when it runs out.

What are your makeup must-haves when you are traveling? 

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If the eyes are the windows to the soul then surely mascara has to be the pretty drapes or curtains that deck out those glass panes. Just go with the analogy guys I'm feeling proud of that piece of imaginative prose. Mascara is probably the one makeup product I never like to miss out, even if I'm not that bothered with beauty products that day. As a result it's one of my favourite things to try and I like testing out a lot of different ones. Some of these experiments are usually the aftereffects of some master enabling from fellow friends and beauty bloggers. See below for the evidence...

Fairydrops Scandal Queen Waterproof Mascara-Enabler: Anna, the master enabler herself. Until Cult Beauty bought this in stock the chances of owning this mascara were slim as it's very hard to come by outside of Asia. I've not opened this one up yet as I am still using its sister mascara which I love. I am expecting similar results though albeit with a longer lasting formula and curl holding properties. I will keep you posted.

Essence Lash Mania Mascara-Enabler: My friend Jess, confidante and fellow beauty devotee. Jess has extremely good taste in many things, especially beauty so when I literally witnessed her picking up this mascara and a few backups in Priceline I knew it had to be good. Apparently it's amazing for enhancing lashes and making them look ten times more fabulous. Bold claims huh? If you're in New Zealand, Farmers have this mascara available although it's often sold out here. Clearly it's popular across the ditch too. Again, I shall keep you updated with this one..

-What mascaras do you use and love?

Well it's that time of the month and I've just realised things are looking a little sparse. That may be because I forgot to mention a couple of my favourites. Inside Out, here's looking at you. Anyway, I sat myself back down in front of the MacBook and waxed lyrical on all the beauty bits+the book I couldn't get enough of this month. The result is down below for your perusal. Enjoy!

-What have you loved during July?

I'm sounding the monthly favourites klaxon, reference c/Anna . This month's been a bit of in with the old and the new when it comes to beauty. I've rediscovered just how good a certain concealer is and found my new favourite bronzer. There's also my monthly book favourites and a DVD which I am sure will come as no surprise to many of you.. 

Beauty

Real Techniques Bold Metal Brushes, #100 and #300-My brushes are dirty so yep, I have not cleaned them. *taps wrist for being a bad blogger* On the other hand, that just shows how well loved and used these gems are. I've already written about these here but in short, the powder brush is amazing for setting makeup down. Its density means it doesn't pick up too much product so you aren't left looking caked in powder. The blush brush is ideal if you find application scary. Its tapered edge fits perfectly into the cheekbone area. Lovelovelove. 

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla-My concealer of choice for blemishes and whatnot offers great coverage but I find the heat just makes it slip off my face way too fast. I rediscovered this Nars one this month and haven't looked back. I love that I don't really need to touch up concealer with this on because it just stays put. The colour range is fantastic as well and it provides decent coverage without being too thick. 

Soap and Glory Solar Powder-Aside from its cardboard packaging, this bronzer is perfect. It's matte so there's no shimmer if that's something you like to avoid. These two shades are perfect for paler complexions as there's no orangey tones to them whatsoever. If you can get your hands on this bronzer, get one asap. 

Mac Lip Pencil in Soar-This seems to be sold out everywhere online but try in stores because they may be floating around there. You've probably already seen this liner online a lot. According to Kim K, it's little sister Kylie's liner of choice. This mauve-pink liner is such a flattering colour. It'd complement a range of skintones. It makes your pout look fuller, regardless of whether you overdraw your lips. I like to wear this on its own or under my more brown based nudes. 

Fairydrops Quattro Mascara, a gift-Fairydrops is notoriously difficult to find unless you're in Japan or can easily access a BeautyMart. One of my friends bought this back for me from her travels recently and I'm not gonna lie, I was quite excited. The wand on this one is quite bizarre, google it to see what I mean. The effect it has on the lashes however is stunning. It's not the most dramatic of mascaras but it really separates the lash and holds a curl.

Extras

All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven*-This has to be one of the best young-adult novels I have read in a long, long time. The way it presents mental illness, dealing with grief and the multi-faceted role that is being a young adult is fantastic. In no way does this book romanticise any of the serious issues at hand which some YA books/films tend to do. I found this book really touching and beautifully written. Read it. 

New Girl Season One-As always, I'm a bit late to the bandwagon with this one. I freakin' love New Girl though. It's one of those shows that never fails to put me in a good mood. The hilarity and awkwardness of Zooey's character, while a bit too relatable at times, is brilliant. Not gonna lie, I think Schmidt is rather fit as well. 

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell-I couldn't pick one book this month so you're getting two. Again, Eleanor and Park deals with some heavier issues. It also unites two outcasts who bond over pop culture and their different upbringings. It's a sweet story but be warned, it will make you feel all the feels. 

-What have you been loving during February?

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