June has been quite a busy month; books, house sitting, listening to a lot of Florence & The Machine+The Beatles, going on rather lengthy wanders, among other things. Of course, amongst the gems there's been some 'ugh' moments. Just remember that we see a mere snippet of anyone's lives online. I'm not going to post pictures of the wad of tissues I went through for example. Just bear that in mind when you look at anyone's blogs or social channels, not just mine. Anyway, June Favourites-a smattering of makeup but mainly a bit of everything else in the mix. Keep reading if you are intrigued...

Hourglass Veil Retouching Fluid: Did I need a new concealer? No. Did I feel like my undereye concealers of choice were no longer cutting it? Yes. Bring in this good'un. Smoothing, brightening and it stays put. Oh and the best part? No creasing. Nada. Impressive stuff. I use the shade Vanilla which is the perfect match for me. 

Slouching Towards Bethlehem x Joan Didion: Confession time, I love Joan Didion. Her writing is magnetic and I always find myself wanting to stay lost in her words all day whenever I pick up one of her books. Slouching Towards Bethlehem is one of her classic volumes and one of those books I've seen creative women referencing a lot. I'm not quite finished this book yet but I am about to read the titular essay and am really looking forward to her essays on keeping a notebook and self respect. 

NARS Erdem Collection Blush, limited edition: This colour is appearing as sold out online but it might still be in stores. I feel like this collection is exclusive to Mecca Cosmetica, rather than Maxima so I suggest heading there if you are keen. I don't usually get drawn in to limited edition collections anymore but NARS+Erdem are two of my favourites so this time, I was won over. I have the shade Loves Me Not, a softer, blush pink. It contains slight shimmer particles but it's nothing crazy and definitely veers more on the matte side of things. I love colours like this for Winter. Also, look at that baby blue, clamshell packaging. Ugh, too good. 

The High Low Podcast: If my excited, almost weekly tweets when a new episode launches don't say it, I don't know what will. Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes are the icing on top of the cake that is my week. It's become a ritual for me to listen to their podcast episodes at work. Good luck to anyone who dares to interrupt me when I am listening to one. I jest, or do I... Many of you are probably familiar with this podcast but if you love a good banter, humour, talk about what these ladies are reading+watching and of course topical things, go have a listen. 

Agate Coaster x Anthropologie: My lovely international bestie Amy grabbed this for me on her travels to the States and my god I love it. Yes, I do actually use it for its intended purpose but c'mon. These agate coasters are too beautiful not to use, and admire. I want more. 

-What have you loved during June?

Podcasts are my jam. I cannot live without them these days and find they're the perfect accompaniment when I'm at my desk working. Today we have four podcasts+some radio programs you should have a listen to. They're all ones I've loved and enjoyed lately and will keep listening to. Enjoy...

Stephen Fry x The Happy Place: This podcast comes at the recommendation of Emma, thanks Em! A podcast discussing mental health as well as generally fantastic yarns between Fearne Cotton and her guests. She's also interviewed Alexandra Shulman, formerly of British Vogue among others but her conversation with Stephen Fry stands out. Frick he's an amazing man and conversationalist. Get Fry on every podcast. All of them. 

Anne Marie Duff x Desert Island Discs: I bloomin' love Desert Island Discs. I've listened to some of the episodes more than once and have a lengthy list of archival episodes to listen to. A favourite, just for the sheer fascination alone is the Princess Margaret episode from the 1980's (questionable music taste, entertaining interview). Anyway, one of Kirsty Young's latest castaways was Anne Marie Duff, an amazing actress of both stage and screen. I think she's usually a bit press-shy so it was really fascinating listening to her talk about theatre and her schooling+background, as well as her songs she chose+why. Also, love the mix of music she selected as well. So good. 

The High Low: Hosted by Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes. My current favourite podcast and one I am probably going to make my way through the archives for. It's very topical and usually centres on a wide range of things per episode. You're never bored listening to this refreshingly raw and always hilarious podcast. Dolly and Pandora could yarn for hours and I would not tire of it. 

Emma Freud + Vanessa Kirby x Love Stories: Another podcast hosted by Dolly Alderton, this time in celebration of her book. It's not all lovey dovey and nauseating romance chat, which is what I feared it might be. I'm really not sure how to best describe this podcast but it's really interesting and I loved hearing Emma and Vanessa speak on the subject of lurve. Side note: Emma Freud also needs to be on every podcast. All of them. 

God Only Knows x Soul Music: I'm not sure if this is a podcast or not, I just listen to it on the BBC's website. This. Episode. Though. I don't have a particularly memorable relationship with this song, other than I just love it for mostly inexplicable reasons. Okay because it plays during this scene at the end of Love Actually and it makes me all emotional and happy and argh. Anyway, Soul Music interviews people from all walks of life, sharing their memories and associations with particular songs. This episode focuses on The Beach Boys classic and it is a ride from start to finish. Yes, I did have to disappear quick smart to the stairwell to have a lil' moment after hearing the story of the woman whose husband never came home. I need to look at some of the other songs they've covered actually.

-What podcasts do you listen to and rate?