I feel like May has been short and sweet. So I will keep this intro short, and sweet for once. May has been...a ride. More on that some other time, perhaps. On a more positive note, it is May wrap up time. Whoop whoop! Today we have five things I loved, some positive bits from the month (because we are all about the positive vibes, yes we are) and books I have read in May, aka the one where I reread things. 

Five Things I Loved:

*The Years x Annie Ernaux: Shortlisted for the Man Booker International prize, this book is a feast. And I don't mean that in a, bucket of chicken+pot of coleslaw kind of way. I mean it in a decadent, banquet, cup overflowing with champagne kind of sense. The Years is a memoir told through images, snapshots, snippets of a time and a place. The narrator places herself on the edge of the scene and as a result, The Years is a truly unique reading experience. I'm probably articulating this terribly but if you like your memoirs unconventional and non-linear, you will like this. I loved it.

*NARS Liquid Blush in Orgasm: Nowadays I seem to gravitate towards cream blusher and I love the way this brightens and illuminates in one handy pump. You barely need any product too and I love the faux glow it creates. Yass please. 

*Britney's Wellness Week: My uni pal from way back, Brit has been creating some really fricken great videos lately. Don't get me wrong, she always creates awesome+inspiring things but lately they've been really resonating, for many reasons. Anyway, last month I loved her wellness series, as well as videos on self care+mental health. Britney speaks so candidly and openly about her experiences and it inspires me+makes me want to share my stories too. I am getting there. But anyway, I recommend her videos so much. They are real and relatable-go watch 'em.

*Rocketman: THIS. FILM. THO. Or as someone said to me, "Sophie, this is your Bohemian Rhapsody 2.0". So true. I fricken loved Rocketman. It's somewhere between a musical+biopic for me, which I am 100% here for. Part fantasy, part reality. It's a story of Elton at the height of his success and rise to fame, and the eventual mess that is drugs and toxic family backstories. Taron Egerton is amazing as Elton. So talented. And that soundtrack+the costuming. I want ridiculous sunglasses and a denim jacket with star patches now plz. Seriously though-go watch it if this sounds like a bit of you because it is brilliant. 

*That Stila dupe: Props to my girl Lucie for bringing this eyeshadow to my attention. It's sparkly and shimmery and makes me feel like a fairy or something when I wear it. Idk, sparkly eyeshadow makes me feel sparklier. There must be some science/psychological reasoning there. Anyway, what I also like about this is that it is a much more affordable dupe for the Stila Glitter & Glow shadows. I mean, Beige Kitten is basically a near-identical dupe for Kitten Karma. Definitely get amongst it if you like cream shadows+sparkly eyelids.

Five Good Things:

*Literally Lorne-This was a Friday evening of poetry, thanks to the Auckland Writer's Festival. Highlights included hearing Tayi Tibble and Ashleigh Young reading their work in art galleries and the city library respectively. And; you could recite a line from a poem at a cafe and receive a cookie. Small pleasures. For those wondering-I chose "throw me in a haunted wheelbarrow and set me on fire" from 'Monica' x Hera Lindsay Bird. 

*Quiz Nights-What is this, the mere concept of me out on a weeknight!? All seriousness, how fricken fun are pub quizzes? Where have I been... I mightn't be particularly good when it comes to geography, or sport but hey-it's a fun evening and I like to flex my general knowledge muscles. Or somethin. 

*This cover x Lana Del Rey-"Summer tiiiime, and the livin's easy".  I feel like a new Lana Del Rey album has to be on the horizon. I lovelovelove this cover though so much. I've thrown it in a lot of my playlists during May and it's made me go back on a Lana-fest. Quite frankly, that is never a bad thing.

*Treasure hunting at the beach-I'm not sure why it has taken me so long to acknowledge that water+the beach makes me happy. I find the sound of water lapping against the sand incredibly calming. The sight of sunlight sparkling on the water makes my eyes like the heart-eyed emoji. Idk, water just relaxes me. As does looking for beautiful shells and sea glass. Note to self: Sophie, you actually like the beach.

*This article on reading, a lot. I am going to leave this here as it really speaks for itself. And it resonated, a lot. I get told at least once a week that I read a lot-in varying degrees of judgement. I will leave this extract here though: "That something so innocuous can provoke such a range of strong responses is very interesting. How can a quantity of books represent a reproach to some and a celebration to others? To me, as the perpetrator they are neither." 

Books I Read in May:

*Ah and on that note, here's what I read-well, most of it. You'll notice at least half are poetry volumes-short & easy.

/ Harry Potter-Books 1 & 2: Earlier in the May I was a bit poorly #thxflu and it meant a lot of reading+sleeping. I was feeling nostalgic so I reached for the Harry Potter books and it was magic. I know JK Rowling is a bit problematic nowadays but you cannot deny how brilliant these books were and are. 

/ How I Get Ready x Ashleigh Young: Ashleigh is one of my favourite writers so I was highly anticipating her poetry volume. It didn't disappoint. I read it in one frenzied go on my train ride home from work and loved every second of it. 

/ Terrific Mother x Lorrie Moore: A short+sweet read from Faber's 90th birthday series. It's darkly funny and sharply written. I need to read more of Lorrie Moore's words soon.

-What did you love during May?

Another month, another round of beauty+lifestyle bits I've been loving. I feel like May has gone 'blink and you'll miss it' fast. It's been mostly good but a lil' not so good. Anyway... During May I've found a few new beauty loves, rediscovered some things from times past and finally read a book I'd avoided for years. May Favourites, here's lookin' at you. 

Eyeko 'Eye Do' Eyeliner: I used to use this eyeliner back in the day, after I purchased it in a set with the Eye Do Mascara, designed in collaboration with Alexa Chung. It's still alive and well and thankfully so because it's a bloomin' good liner. Easy to use, blacker than black, budge proof. There's not much more to it than that really. 

The Body Shop Adriatic Peony Bath & Shower Cream*: Peonies are some of my favourite flowers so I was probably bound to love this. Regardless, I feel like The Body Shop do bath+shower products well. Their shelf-lives are reasonable for starter. This one is available in a travel-friendly size too. Always a bonus. This is essentially an in-shower body moisturiser. It does have a slight lather as well and the scent is divine. It's not overpowering and is perhaps only detectable to the wearer post-spritz but I don't mind that in the slightest. 

How To Build A Girl** x Caitlin Moran: So I admittedly held off on reading this book for ages. By ages, I mean years. I think I had it in my head that Moran's fiction wouldn't live up to the greatness of her essays. A very misguided prediction. Safe to say I loved this 'semi-autobiographical' novel about Johanna Morrigan, an aspiring music journalist who dreams of seeing her name in print and a life of notoriety in London. She gets that and more, although perhaps at a cost. Such is the nature of being young and making mistakes. This book is hilarious, moving and captivating. Caitlin's fiction didn't disappoint me. I cannot wait to read How To Be Famous, released in July. 

MAC Extended Play Mascara: So I finally grabbed this after hearing Sam sing its praises in her videos for years. Worth the hype and it looks amazing layered up and worn with curled lashes. I know mascara's such a subjective thing but I believe this is one of MAC's bestsellers so that probably speaks volumes on its own. I think I might have found my dream mascaras in the last two months. It's only taken me a few years. 

Moleskine Notebooks: Way back in the Uni days, these were my notebook of choice. I had them in varying sizes and colours. Well I've gone back to these ones and they are so good. I use them for journalling, keeping to-do lists, noting down podcast recommendations and of course the not so exciting grocery shopping lists. I love that they're well-made, relatively inexpensive and have a back pocket for stowing away random scraps of paper and the like. 

Coco Mademoiselle Intense: The original Coco Mademoiselle is a staple in my perfume lineup, see this post for evidence. So when I spritzed and had the new incarnation sweep me off my metaphorical feet, I needed it. Think of this as a more longer lasting, powerful version of the original. It's my new MVP perfume.

-What have you liked during May?

*PR Sample

**Review Copy

May, a month of goodness (Auckland Writers Fest, full license acquiring, sparkly brogues) and also some less than great things. In the interest of keeping things positive and upbeat, today I'm focusing on some of the things I loved in May. There's quite a bit of beauty, including another mascara dalliance as well as a revisited book and the album I'm a bit obsessed with...

An Extraordinary Theory of Objects by Stephanie LaCava: Why it has taken me so long to revisit this book, I have no idea. Objects, their associations and their stories have always fascinated me. I am that person who will want to know where items of interest are from in people's houses and find the mini curations we display and collect so interesting. Naturally this book was always going to appeal to me, and the way in which it discusses anxiety and outsiderness is so refreshing. LaCava's writing is fantastic.

Texturizing Hair Spray x Ouai: This was a buy from Sephora Melbourne last year and I love it. It also acts as a dry shampoo in part which is a major bonus for me too. I spritz it liberally through my hair and it just adds a bit of oomph. Basically it makes me look like I've at least attempted to style my thick, unruly hair. It also helps that it's scented beautifully too. 

Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette x Anastasia Beverly Hills: It's probably no surprise this palette is making an appearance this month. I've really only used this when I've been wearing eyeshadows. They're beautifully pigmented, versatile and easy to blend. Honestly the colours are perfect. This palette's getting a lot of attention but it is so worth it.

Brow Definer* x Mellow Cosmetics: Mellow Cosmetics have only come to my attention recently and it's their brow products I've been loving. Pictured is their brow definer pencil, I have the shade Chocolate. It's not too crazy pigmented but it's just enough to add a bit of something-something to the brows. I love the angled pencils like this too as they're so quick to swipe through, brush with the spoolie and be done. Lazy makeup ftw. 

Harry Styles: Possibly cheating a bit by including this album, given it only came out just over two weeks ago. It's pretty much been in my car's stereo ever since. What I love most is the distinct story the album takes you on from start to finish. The way the tracks are arranged works perfectly and there's a mix of softer ballads with rock and some slight country+alt-pop influences. The songs are catchy as anything too. If you're skeptical because Styles started out in a boy band, put your cynicism aside and give this a listen, you may well be surprised. Standout tracks for me are; Carolina, Only Angel, Ever Since New York and From The Dining Table. 

The Volume Mascara x Kevyn Aucoin: So I feel like a bit of a mascara traitor, having endless flirtations with various formulas and brands. I do feel like in Kevyn Aucoin's Volume mascara though that I've found the one. Now that is a bold, bold claim. For now though I can see why this mascara is so highly regarded. The secret is in the lash fibres, they take things next level. As it's a tubing formula it's super easy to remove at the end of the day as well. I lovelovelove it. 

Pure Clay Mask* x L'Oreal: You know that time in between seasons when your skin packs a sad? That is my skin currently. When I feel like things are looking a bit red or congested I've been reaching for the charcoal clay mask. It's gentle, but it leaves things looking a lot smoother and clearer. 

-What were your May Favourites?

*PR Sample

Eligible* by Curtis Sittenfeld-This book though. I am obsessed with it. Much like the retellings of Shakespearean plays that are being released at the moment, Jane Austen's books are receiving the special treatment as well. Eligible is a reinterpretation of Pride and Prejudice, set in modern-day Cincinnati. Liz Bennet is a journalist for beauty-bible, Mascara, Jane is a yoga-instructor, Darcy a neurosurgeon and Chip Bingley, a contestant on a Bachelor-esque reality show. I'm sure you're all familiar with Pride & Prejudice but this modern spin on the story is brilliant. It's so, so cleverly done and incredibly witty. Sittenfeld even throws a bit of subtle shade at the abundance of characters in Austen's novels, I love it. 

Aesop Parsley Seed Masque-My skin has been angry this month and has been rewarding me with blemished and red cheeks. I know, I win the complexion lottery.. *ahem*. Thank goodness this mask exists. The parsley seed mask helps to soothe and calm down irritated skin. It gets rid of all the nastiness and is so, so gentle. The beautiful packaging and scent help as well of course but it's so deserving of all the hype it gets. 

Clinique Pep Start Eye Cream*-Lightweight, brightening, magic. I'm not sure what it is about this eye cream but I can be looking like I've walked out of the makeup department on a Tim Burton film and a couple of dabs of this seems to mask those epic dark circles. It's the perfect daytime companion. 

The Grand Budapest Hotel-So I finally got around to watching this at the beginning of the month and I am now obsessed with it. Wes Anderson has to be some kind of magician because his films are always so dreamy visually and aesthetically pleasing on every level. How amazing does that hotel look too guys? I wouldn't be upset if I ended up in a hotel that looked like that. If you've not seen it, go watch the trailer and then watch the movie. You will not be disappointed.

Tarte Aquacealer Concealer in Light-This reminds me a lot of the Urban Decay Naked Skin concealer, it's very similar. In place of foundation for most of the month I've been using this as a base. Mainly because it dries down matte enough for my liking but also because it has an oversized applicator. It makes it easy to apply foundation-style. There's quite a decent colour range with this concealer, and there are options for darker skintones. I'm not sure if I'd repurchase this just because I like the NARS Creamy Concealer a little bit more but it's still pretty decent.

MAC Whirl lipstick*-Note, this is limited edition packaging from the Brooke Candy collection but Whirl lipstick is part of Mac's permanent range now so you can buy it year round. Whirl is a favourite of Kylie Jenner's with its dirty-rose (Mac's words, not mine) hue. It's matte but it still has more of a satin finish so it doesn't feel as drying on the lips. Whirl is one of those colours you can just grab without thinking about it too much and I love it for that.

Lemonade x Beyonce-It would be rude to not acknowledge the goddess that is Beyonce this month. After all, Lemonade has been virtually all I've listened to up until Ariana Grande's new album dropped last week. Anyway, back to B. Beyonce broke the Internet+pop culture again dropping a full-length music video and album on us. She's even got us all wondering who Becky with the good hair really is. It's Beyonce at her rawest and realest. Standout tracks include; Hold Up, Sorry, Sandcastles...the whole thing really. 

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Blush Stick* in Rose-I'm always wary of swipe-on products like this as they aren't effortless and require a bit more concentration. Thankfully I made the effort with this cream blush stick from Estee Lauder because I love it. I swipe it over one cheek at a time, blend and then it stays put all day. Seriously it does not fade, it does not settle into pores. Impressive. This rose colour has a bit more of a terracotta undertone to it so I feel like it'd flatter deeper skintones as well. 

-What have you liked during May?

*PR Sample

How is it the end of May!? It feels like literally last week I was falling out of bed in a slightly jet-lagged stupor in Sydney. It was time to start thinking about what I've loved in May and for the first time in a while it was quite an easy choice. So what made the cut this month? Read on..

Colourpop Eyeshadows in La La and Sequin-In case my frequent raving didn't get it across, I'm a bit obsessed with these eyeshadows. Cream eyeshadows in general are my favourite to be honest. These two colours from Colourpop are really stunning. Sequin, the coppery bronze is my favourite but La La, the rose gold is a close second. If you're yet to try Colourpop I highly recommend you start with their eyeshadows.

Real Techniques #200 Oval Shadow Brush*-Let's all take a moment to marvel at my flawless dirty brush. In seriousness, this brush is a thing of beauty. It reminds me a lot of the Mac #217, just denser and larger. It's perfect for both packing on colour and blending shadows out really easily. One thing that annoys me about this brush is they don't stand up like the other RT brushes do, although it redeems itself because they're designed to not roll off tables, benches etc. 

Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder in Vanille-This powder is fabulous. It's matte but not overly so. As a result you aren't left with a cakey, obviously powdered looking complexion. I love that it's in a secure compact with an accessible mirror too. It makes it perfect for on the go touchups as well. 

The Heir by Kiera Cass-I can't remember if I've mentioned The Selection series on my blog before but I am obsessed with this series. The fourth book follows the life of Eadlyn Schreave, aka 'the heir' as she gets ready to face her own selection. Inevitably, some drama ensues. While this story didn't follow America as closely it was still really good. Eadlyn is quite different to America so it didn't feel too similar reading her story. It received four out of five stars on GoodReads from me because I liked it that much. Here's hoping a follow-up isn't too far away.

West Elm Heart Bud Vase-This was one of my Sydney purchases and I'm so happy I picked this one up. The vase is covered in teensy little gold foil-leaf hearts. It's just so beautiful and I'm looking forward to putting flowers in this come Springtime. 

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Celebrated-There's just something about Tarte's blushers which make them so irresistible. It could be the gorgeous packaging or intricate designs. In reality, I think it's the fact all the colours are so wearable and also ridiculously long-wearing. Seriously, these blushers stick around. I'm obsessed and now own four of them. Yep, I have a problem...

Karen Walker Wreath Ring-This was one of my purchases with a voucher I won from BeautyDirectory last month. The wreath ring has been on my wishlist for the longest time and I could finally justify getting it. I really love Karen Walker's jewellery, in particular the rings and I tend to wear them a lot more than any other jewellery these days. The design of this one is a bit fancier than the simpler bands she does but I love it.

Bumble & Bumble Pret A Powder-I described this as a hair saver last week and it really is. If you're like me and find hair washing a bit too tedious you'll like this one. Part dry-shampoo, part style extender*, this helps to disguise oily roots and lifeless, second day hair. It's so lightweight and doesn't leave you with an annoying whitecast as well. Wins all round.

*What does that even mean? Cryptic hair product lingo...

-Have an utterly awesome weekend everybody! I'm not gonna lie, this week's been a bit on the not-so-awesome side and at times it's left me feeling a little bit blue. Thankfully it's a long weekend so I can recharge the batteries. I'll be listening to Florence's new cd (out today!) on repeat, having a bit of a DVD watching sesh and I'm going to a lil' movie screening with Hannah. x

It's May Favourites time again and this month there's probably few surprises, as many of these products will have appeared in posts or on my Instagram at some point over the last few months. They're all tried and tested, and many of them have become stash staples. There's even a trio of blushers this month which may be a first for this blog..

Beauty

Elf HD Undereye Setting Powder-Elf is not a brand I've dabbled with a lot but Shannon often raves about the setting powder in her tutorials so I was looking forward to using it. It does not disappoint. This pearlescent powder brightens and sets your concealer in place. I thought this powder may have been a bit gimmicky and would not do an awful lot but it really does make a difference. It's super affordable too. What's not to love?

Antipodes Vanilla Pod Day Cream, limited edition size sold as part of a set-This is another product  where I really notice a difference if I forget to use it. It's thick, but not overly so. You can still wear it underneath your makeup. It is also incredibly hydrating and luxuriously scented. It'll be a sad day when this mini tube runs out.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushers, pictured are the shades Exposed and Tipsy-"Well I gotta buy a vowel because oh my god". Pardon the Friends reference. but these blushers are amazing. They're super pigmented and have no detectable shimmer so they won't add any unwanted sheen or emphasise your pores. There must be something magical in that Amazonian clay because these blushers also last for a long time on the cheeks. It's love. 

Real Techniques Blush Brush My powder brush bit the dust last month and after spying the Real Techniques brushes on many a beauty blogger's posts I decided to purchase this one. I use this for powder and find it deposits the perfect amount of product onto the face without creating a chalky effect, not to mention it blends like a dream. These brushes are lightweight and super soft, they remind me of the more luxe Hourglass brushes at a fraction of a price. I loved this brush so much that I went and ordered this one for more precise application. 

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Eyeliner in #4 Taupe and #12 Bronze I have a confession to make, my black eyeliner has gone into hibernation this month and these beauties have well and truly taken its place. These pencils are super creamy and look amazing at the edge of the lashline for a bit of definition. My favourite way to wear them is like that and then I use the edge of a flat shadow brush to smudge the line out to make it look more natural. These do not budge all day either. I hope they release a gold shade in this formula because they are amazing.