August is well and truly underway and with that comes another of my roundup posts. I feel like I need to preface this post and apologise if things are a bit lackluster on the blog front. I'll try my hardest to keep things consistent but at the moment I'm still trying to suss out how to manage my time outside of work. Bear with me! Anyway, five things for August; a magazine discovery, a makeup marvel, podcast finery and more...

The Sunday Girl: After bemoaning the lack of magazine outlets in Auckland CBD, I discovered a newsagents close to my work that has quite the selection. Props to those of you on Twitter who pointed me in the direction of it. I grabbed the latest issue of Glamour UK (August) and also The Sunday Girl, pictured. The latter is one I've spied on Liv's many channels and liked the look of. From the quick flick-through I had on my afternoon tea break, it looks super promising. Check out their site here and their dreamy Instagram feed here. 

Saying hello to Mecca Maxima+Mecca Max: In case you missed it, Mecca Maxima landed in Auckland last week and sent a range of beauty lovers into an excitable frenzy. Case in point, whenever I've walked past at lunchtime this week and even after work, the store has been filled to the brim with people. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you why having a Mecca Maxima around is a good/perhaps dangerous thing. Along with last week's launch which coincidentally fell on my birthday, Mecca Max, the new and extensive brand dropped. I still haven't had a chance to look at this range properly, see previous sentences but I did pick up the light bronzer. It's all reasonably affordable and the branding+thought behind the entire line is definitely worth noting. 

Podcast Loves: To break up the work day a bit I alternate between listening to music and podcasts every now and again. Solange, Lorde & Florence+The Machine are my go-to for music whilst I work. Podcast wise-I basically search for people/guests I want to listen to and go from there but I have found a podcast I really love. Glamour mag's Hey It's Ok is one of my favourites. Start with Jennifer Saunders' episode. You're welcome. I also recommend the Penguin UK podcast episode with Alexandra Shulman and Richard E Grant. So. Good. Last but not least, this episode with Scarlett Curtis on Emma Gannon's podcast is worth a listen.

Zoe and Morgan: I've been obsessed with Zoe and Morgan's gorgeous pieces for a while and was lucky enough to receive this for my birthday. Okay there was some very unsubtle hinting involved. I love it so, so much. It gives me Stevie Nicks vibes, never a bad thing and because it was a birthday gift it has that sentimentality attached to it too. Good luck getting me to wear any other necklaces now. 

Books & Things: So you may have noticed book blogging has really taken a backseat lately. In fact my last book post was nearly a month ago (!). Whoops. So just a quick PSA, the book blogging is still a thing. In fact I have a book themed post coming Monday. If you ever want more of a glimpse into what I'm reading, you can check out my bookstagram, which is dedicated mostly to books, naturally. You'll also find the odd Rory Gilmore picture that seem to attract a ton of likes, a mystery to me. 

A couple of weeks back I set off on a day trip to Wellington, partly because I like to escape on my own every so often and partly so I could check out the new Mecca Maxima. I was lucky enough to avoid the crazy line snaking around the block on Willis Street but it was pretty crowded inside. I'm not the hugest fan of crowds so I gravitated towards what I knew I wanted and made mental notes of what I'd look at online later. The store is huge and so spacious, despite the fact it was filled with people. All the beauty favourites are there although fans of Byredo and Diptyque, you'll have to find your luxe fragrances online now/in Auckland if you fancy a treat. Still there's plenty of other delights to keep even the most seasoned of beauty fans happy. Speaking of, here's what I nabbed on the day. My basket was considerably fuller and I did change my mind a couple of times but I've been using all these products religiously since I got back to Auckland so I have zero regrets...

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, mini size-Longtime readers will know this is my concealer of choice however for the longest time I've felt like Vanilla is just a bit too pale for me. When I saw they had minis of the shade Custard I had to get one. You know I already love this concealer and its skillfulness when it comes to concealing a multitude of complexion sins. Blemishes and redness, I'm looking at you. Custard really suits me a lot better so when I've run out of my current tube of Vanilla, I'll be heading for this instead.

Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara-I've wanted to try Kevyn Aucoin's mascaras for a long time as I know they're incredibly popular. Also because Zoe Foster Blake recommended them and I have a bit of a girl crush on her. She knows her stuff people. This mascara contains lash fibres so it really lengthens and adds the drama. I already have quite long lashes but this takes things next level and I love the effect it gives. It's a tubing formula too which means it doesn't smudge or flake so it's great for those of you who find mascara goes everywhere. It isn't the cheapest but bold claim, it's easily one of the best mascaras I've tried in recent years.

Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow-My love for these shadows is also well documented around here and I had to get Bronzed Bell when I saw it. A little enabling from Morgan may have been to blame as well. Who am I kidding? It was all me folks. This bronze is shot through with silver reflects and looks stunning. I am still absolutely smitten with this formula. If you're a shimmer fiend, you need these in your life.

-Have you been to the new Mecca Maxima? What did you think of it?

The titling may be misleading. Maybe this is 'alternative facts', beauty blogger style. I jest. At the end of February, Mecca did their latest drop of new beauty launches and I raced online come payday to buy these both. My bank account may have heaved a frustrated sigh but my beauty-loving self may have metaphorically fist pumped with joy when these arrived. In case my excitement does not make it obvious, or you choose to read no further, these products do not disappoint. For those who want the details, read on...

NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer: When NARS launch a new concealer/base product I do sit up and take notice. They do many beauty products well but it's their foundations, concealers and of course the famed eye primer in particular that I love. This new concealer is designed to be heavy duty but surprisingly it is not thick so you don't look like you've caked it on. How NARS do that, I don't know, magic I suspect. There are sixteen shades, ranging from very pale to the darker colours. I have shade Light 2.5, the third lightest shade, better known as Creme Brulee. Soft Matte Complete concealer is great for pinpoint concealing, so I tap it on to my face with fingers and then use a detailer brush to blend it in. Hygiene-wise it isn't ideal, being in a pot but then again unless you're a makeup artist that probably isn't going to be a major issue. I highly rate this concealer though.

Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow: These liquid eyeshadows have caused quite a frenzy. To the point where they sold out in hours apparently and Mecca aren't overly sure when they will be back. I am hardly surprised by that though because these are stunning. If you like glittery eyelids, that look like they're drenched in liquid metal, this is for you. They deliver on their promise of no fallout, at least not until they're removed and stay put once they're on the lids. The shade Kitten Karma, a champagne shot with silver and copper reflects is just exquisite. Rose Gold Retro is top of my list, come the eventual restock. 

-Have you tried either of these products? What did you think of them?