Hello and happy Thursday to y'all. April is here and rather than a list of five 'things' per se, I have a selection of clickable links instead. They're mainly all stories but for those of you who want a bit of digital retail therapy, you're sorted here too...

Our most private collections: I seem to flit in and out of the Man Repeller blog but right now I am firmly back. Their articles have been on point lately and I am one hundred per cent here for it. Anyway, my inner nosy-parker loved this story on people's private collections. It gives me throwbacks to the 00's girl magazines who'd share stories like this as well. Anyway, well worth a read as is the Man Repeller archive. Do it. 

You are going to be okay: Thought Catalog is a site I stumbled upon early in my university days and would frequent regularly. They feature brilliant pieces but this one particularly resonated. I keep it bookmarked for days when everything seems to be going pear shaped. It's short but effective-I've even forwarded it to friends in need a couple of times as well.

Tavi Gevinson, photographed x Tom Newton

Where to start with Ali Smith: As the title gives away, Laura has written an article for Book Riot of where to start with the sometimes daunting writing of Ali Smith. I completely agree that The Accidental is a perfect place to start, followed by How To Be Both. Her short story volume Public Library is a great introduction as well. 

Shop small: The online independent maker-scene is one of my favourite places to find new illustrators and artists to support. Rebecca shared this list of her favourite stationery brands+art prints as well as places to buy cute treats for your doggos. I'm lusting after things from Wildflower Illustration Co. as well as Sonni & Blush.  

Tavi Gevinson: Prepare to feel old because Style Rookie recently turned ten. Anyway, in honour of the occasion and Tavi being one of the faces for Kate Spade's new fragrance, she shared her Top Shelf over on Into The Gloss. It's worth a peruse and her bathroom is seriously dreamy. 

After spying this post on Rebecca's blog I had to put my own spin on this beauty alphabet of sorts. For my take, I've gone through most of the alphabet and marked products or brands that deserve some more attention. Many you will have heard about around these parts before, some haven't really been mentioned for a while. Either way, I hope you find some gems and maybe some new discoveries in among the letters. 

A

Aesop Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm: If I could bottle up this and wear it as a fine mist I would. Unfortunately it does not exist as a fragrance but fortunately I can lather my limbs in its moisturising, vanilla loveliness instead. The tube is massive and a little goes a long way so this will be in my collection a while yet. 

B

Bioderma Sensibio: The only micellar water I will use and repeat-buy. I've tried a few others and none of them really match up to this French pharmacy must-have. It's not the easiest to track down in New Zealand (still) but it is well worth searching for. 

C

Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette: If I had to identify my favourite luxury makeup item, this would be it. Aside from the special packaging, inside you have velvety, luscious bronze tones and a glitter that is makeup magic. I often reach for this on special occasions but really it should be a staple in anyone's collection. 

D

Dry Shampoo x Ouai: Thank goodness for Jen Atkin. Her products are a godsend, although I only own two of them. I'm all about dry shampoo on days when my hair needs a refresh or I cannot be bothered washing it. It helps that it doesn't leave residue in your roots and smells exquisite as well. The beautiful branding is appealing too.

E

Eyeliner: I'm not really devoted to one liner in particular although I've tried and loved liquid liners from L'Oreal and Lancome. For eye kohls I rate Maybelline's, MAC's and Colourpop's. NYX do a lovely navy blue pencil too. Eyeliner is one of the first makeup items I remember buying myself, I had a twist-up MAC black one that I used to wear and smudge under my eyes. Anything to look like an Olsen twin. I would be lost without liner. 

F

Fairydrops Scandal Queen Mascara: This is not currently in my collection but it is easily one of my all-time favourite mascaras. Relatively inexpensive, super black and perfect if you like lengthened, spidery lashes. It holds a curl really well and I love the brush. 

G

Glossier: The brand that is truly all about word of mouth and some really effective social media work. Their products are simple, no-fuss and designed for the busy individual. My skincare must-have is the Super Pure Serum. Boy Brow and Balm Dotcom are fantastic as well.

H

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer: My favourite bronzer for my pale skintone. It adds a little radiance too and doesn't leave things looking orange or ridiculously bronzed. I read somewhere online a few days ago that they're adding some paler hues of the bronzer and blushers to their lineup soon too. 

I

Illamasqua Pigment: This is rather old and perhaps shouldn't still be in my collection but I do like to bust Ore out for fancy occasions. Beautiful bronze glittery goodness. Yes it's a bit messy to use but it's worth it for the dazzling effect it gives. 

J

Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede: Oh Jo M, you are the way to my luxury fragrance loving heart. Peony and Blush Suede is my favourite and I always have it on me. It's one of those scents that seems to get better as the day progresses and it subtly fades away. The candle is tempting me as well although honestly I have far too many of those right now.

K

Korres Santorini Shower Gel: Summer in a bottle. It's slight zesty quality is rather invigorating first thing in the morning and I love it. It is a bit of a nostalgic product for me too as I always use it on holidays. 

L

Lancome Mascara*: Of the luxury mascaras that I've used recently at least, Lancome's are among my favourite. They bring it on the drama front and generally do everything a mascara should do. There's a reason they are department store bestsellers the world over. 

M

MAC Lipstick: Ahh MAC, a rite of passage brand for many a makeup lover. I was saying to a friend the other day my first memory of the brand was their Barbie campaign and collection. Anyway, their lipsticks in my opinion are their star product. The array of colours and finishes are never-ending and I  always find myself coming back to their lipsticks. Favourite shades over the years have been; Impassioned, Lady Danger, Patisserie, Modesty, Mehr, Heroine and more. 

N

NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base: If this is ever discontinued, I will buy every last one. Exaggerations aside, this product stops my eyeshadow disappearing entirely and I am forever indebted to NARS for making it. My oily lids would be lost without you NARS. 

O

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel: My favourite cleanser. Part oil, part gel, super luxurious. It leaves your skin feeling so smooth and clean afterwards.

P

Pixi Glow Tonic: I wish this was still in my possession, my bottle was getting past it so I had to bin it sadly. For an exfoliating toner, it still feels incredibly gentle on the skin. This will definitely be repurchased when my current toner runs out.

Image by Faith for this guest post.

R

Real Techniques Blush Brush: My go-to for bronzer and lighter dustings of powder. I have quite a few Real Techniques brushes and love+use them all religiously. This one is my all-time favourite brush of Sam and Nic's though. I have two of them now.

S

Stila Glitter and Glow Liquid Eyeshadow: Glittery, liquid metal amazingness. You've seen me write and photograph this all over the place lately. I am still obsessed with this and will be for a while yet.

T

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed: This is my Winter blush as it seems to be what I always gravitate towards in the cooler months. It is one of those staple shades of nude-pink powder that suits an array of skin-tones. I know some people are a bit picky about the formula of Tarte's blushers but I happen to think they're spot on. 

U

Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics: Up until quite recently this was my go-to, matte eyeshadow palette for neutral looks. It definitely is still worth looking at, especially if you want a simplistic, natural eyeshadow look. The shadows are cooler toned and thus complement paler skin-tones perfectly. 

W

Wet Brush: Not pictured because mine has seen much, much better days. If you have thick, knotty hair that makes you wince as you run a brush through it, this is the brush for you. I'm not sure how it does it but it is not painful and glides through the most troublesome of hair. I can vouch for that. My hair is super thick and borders on Mia Thermopolis hair, pre-makeover obviously most days. I've even got the mini, keychain friendly one in either my car or handbag as well.

X

XO Beauty Brushes: Local YouTuber Shaaanxo's brushes continue to be popular and I have a couple of the eye ones in my collection. They're relatively inexpensive and well designed. My favourites are the eye brushes, the ones I have are no longer available but they do not disappoint. 

Y

YSL Touche Eclat*: Brightening, perfection. To loosely tweak the saying, a Touche Eclat a day keeps the tired eyes away. Seriously, as an eye brightener this is a lifesaver. You can also use it to highlight in a Kim K sort of fashion but I prefer it strictly for under-eyes. It is not the cheapest but it seems to last an age. My current one has being going strong for at least a year now. If you're eagle eyed, you can often buy it in special packaging too, like the starry one above.

Z

Zoeva Eyeshadow Brushes: If I had to recommend one budget friendly, eyeshadow brush these would be my go-to. Zoeva's brushes are super luxe feeling and are so, so soft. It helps that they are beautifully designed too. Their face sets are said to be amazing as well.

-If you made it to the end of this post, congrats! To any other bloggers reading, if you tackle this post as well-tag me in it so I can see+comment/share etc. 

*PR Sample

Happy Friday, TGIF and the rest! It does feel a bit cheeky saying that, given it was a short week here in Auckland but it's just been one of those weeks, y'know what I'm saying? It's been a long time since I've shared the love for some of the many rad blogs that exist. Way too long in fact so today I decided to share with you four of the blogs I am loving at the moment. Given Bloglovin is broken, for me at least, these are some of the few I've been managing to check regularly and I recommend you go have a look at them as well..

Tea and Sage-Aside from being one of my best friends, and possessive of exquisite taste, Amy also runs a rad blog. Tea and Sage is her space for sharing all she loves, from wholesome delicious foods to stunning landscapes. She's recently moved back to Australia and is sharing some absolutely stunning photo diaries of her adventures. I'm biased, but her Instagram is pretty spectacular as well.

Chloe Larkin-Chloe's blog makes my eyes fill with heart emojis. It's so aesthetically pleasing on so many levels and for that, I take my hat off to her. She shares her love of design, photography, art and a life well lived. Her blog is beautiful, simplistic and so well put together. I love it.

Girl Lost In The City-I have fan favourite Zoella to thank for my discovery of Emma's blog. When Zoe makes a recommendation, you listen. Emma's a digital journalist, soon to be published author and all round amazing woman. She writes on everything, from film to books, pop culture to being a twenty-something woman in the internet age. Her writing is brilliant by the way. I highly recommend you take your eyes, and a hot beverage of choice over to her blog for an hour or two.

From Roses-Rebecca's blog, much like Chloe's is all kinds of aesthetic goodness. She has amazing style, and she is a book and beauty lover. She does really inspiring lifestyle posts too which are well worth looking over. Definitely go visit her blog if you like stunning pictures and top notch writing. You will not regret it.

-What blogs have you read and loved recently?