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

Happy Friday. Today we have a guest post from one of the most amazing young bloggers around at the moment. Her name is Grace Georgia and she's a total girl-boss in the making. She's written a book review for us all today and when you're done, you need to go check out her work because it's fantastic. Anyway, I'll let Grace's words do the talking from here on in...

I gravitate strongly towards modern literature and nonfiction; as a child I never read Percy Jackson and I have no real interest in any mystical fiction, or general fiction-unless we're talking Louise Pentland's. new novel because I am sure to give that a go. The reason I love non-fiction so much is that my true heart is found in writing. I love telling people's stories. I love the writing of literature, the bringing together of an article-and so non-fiction and modern literature like personal essays, they give me that feeling of story telling. I myself am not telling the story, but when I open the pages of Jordan Bone's  memoir I am privy to her personal journey and that makes me feel more connected on another level than writing does, with the journalist I am. 

Non-memoirs don't win out when it comes to popularity on Goodreads. People love fiction-in part this is probably because men and women read to escape the world for a bit, as you can in fiction. Rather than just read about the world and its people like you do with non-fiction. As a journalist and writer I love reading about the world and its people as an extension of the storytelling I am tethered with.

My most favourite nonfiction book, that probably falls under the modern lit category is a series of personal essays by Melissa Broder called So Sad Today. Melissa's essays are definitely not designed for the 'every reader'. I would describe them as beautifully uncomfortable, gracefully disgusting I suppose. Basically when and if you read these essays get ready to abandon social niceties and 'acceptable subject matter'-but I promise you if you do make yourself vulnerable and read this book-you will only gain. Melissa's ability to say what 99.9% of people are afraid of saying, her fearless raw nature will give you a new perspective on everything. It might even ruin you in that beautiful way that all consuming and worthy literature does. 

For the non-fiction lovers and fiction buffs amongst us, you'll love this book. It gives you a fascinating insight into the life of another human, and this insight might almost appear fictional because it could be so far from the life that you know, so in that sense it becomes a narrative which still has all the appeal of a non-fiction text.

I did say 'you'll love this book' but the truth is I probably shouldn't make such a definitive statement. It is one of those texts you either hate or love. It is something you'll either connect with or fall out with but either way it is worth a try. If you're in the right headspace it is a text that could change your perspective on all things from relationships to technology, pop culture to food and eating habits. 

This text will make you rethink how you think about everything and then it will make you fall in love with the parts you don't talk about. It to me is the definition of a fabulous text for all these reasons. I''ll be picking up Louise's novel for sure but my great love of lit will always be non-fiction and Melissa Broder's 'So Sad Today'.

-Grace is a freelance writer and the founder of gracegeorgia.co.nz. Follow her journey on Facebook and Instagram too.

As the year is now in full swing, the beauty launches are coming through thick and fast. Today I have some new products from local beauty brands to share with you all, as well as some from the indie brands like MAC Cosmetics, L'Oreal, y'know those underground ones...

Antipodes  'Moisture Boost Natural Lipsticks' in South Pacific Coral and Queenstown Hot Chocolate*-I must admit, when I first saw these lipsticks I wasn't immediately taken aback but once I tried these two shades in particular I was sold. Queenstown Hot Chocolate reminds me a touch of Whirl x MAC and I can see why it's a beauty blogger favourite. It's a darker, natural nude and I feel like this would flatter a wide range of skintones. South Pacific Coral is a soft, pastel coral pink and I love it. Now these lipsticks are moisturising but they're not so creamy that they're going to glide right off your lips. I'd say they have more of a satiny finish because they're not overly matte but they aren't the creamiest formula around. They're made with natural ingredients too such as avocado oil and shea butter so you know your lips are being well looked after. At $34, they're hardly going to put a dent in your wallet either. 

Mellow Cosmetics Brow Pomade in Chocolate*-Mellow Cosmetics is one of those brands I've seen all over Instagram but only recently worked out they're from New Zealand. Anyway, brow pomades are one of those products that can make your brows look tidier than they are, in my experience at least. This one is just as creamy as others I've tried and it's so easy to apply to your brows and then brush through the colour. Don't be intimidated by these types of products. They're much easier to use than you would think. 

MAC Cosmetics 'Next To Nothing Face Colour' in Medium*-It's very early days with this product so I won't wax lyrical on it too much yet but the name says it all. This is definitely one of those 'no makeup, makeup' bases. It still gives you a hint of coverage, but in a way that it veils your skin in the lightest amount of colour. Think the oft used cliche, 'your skin, but better'. I've only used this once as I literally received it less than a week ago but found it wore really well throughout the day. So far, so good. I've got a full review on this coming next month though so keep an eye out.

Glossier Balm Dotcom in Coconut-Another Glossier newbie, well new to me. I'm pretty sure Balm Dotcom was the first product they launched. Is there anything overly special about this lip salve? Probably not but I find it sits a lot nicer on the lips for a balm that's on the thicker side. It's also much easier to blend in as well. Okay so maybe it is a bit special. The coconut scent reminds me of popcorn, I'm not sure why but I'm not going to complain about it. Beautifully designed too if aesthetics are your jam.

L'Oreal Extraordinary Clay range*-Not pictured, the empty shampoo and conditioner bottles because I've used this religiously since I received it in March/April. It's been in my shower ever since. Designed for oily roots and drier ends aka, my hair. It feels lightweight and not 'heavy'. Oily haired gals, you know when you have product that just sinks into your hair and doesn't leave? This is not like that in the slightest. The dry shampoo, pictured, is pretty top notch too. There's also a hair mask in this range but I'm honestly not one for hair masks so I can't tell you how it performs. If you struggle to find shampoo+conditioner for you though, this range should be your new hair BFF. I can't find it linked online but it's available from supermarkets and most Farmers stores in NZ now.

-What beauty products are you putting to the test this Autumn?

*PR Sample

This is not exactly a haul, this is more a post of acquisitions. Seeing as I bought neither of these things and was lucky to receive them, I'm perhaps doubly excited. I love eyewear, I love Diptyque candles. Yes, there is more to life than luxury candles and eyewear but sometimes, it's things like these that can make you feel like a 'together' person. The kind who keeps loads of lists and burns candles for ambience. I jest, I'm so not that person. Although I do keep a lot of lists. Anyway, today I thought I'd wax lyrical on a couple of luxe loves...

Baies Candle x Diptyque, a gift-This was a thank you gift for housesitting and no joke I was like "Baies, for me!?!?" before quickly peeling away the plastic wrapping from the box. I promise I don't like this candle just for the somewhat catchy name, Baies=bae. The scent itself is divine. Combining roses and blackcurrant leaves, it's just exquisite. You'll notice it's not been burnt yet. I'm trying to finish up my Figuier candle first.

Ray Ban Wayfarers*-Sixteen year old Sophie would be so excited if she knew she'd one day own real Wayfarers. I did have a pair of much-loved knockoffs from Equip (RIP) but I broke them on my first ever day of Uni (again, RIP). These are a classic shape and while I'd probably suit the oversized style a bit better than these I still love the way they look on. The tortoiseshell frames adds a point of difference too. Side note; I love the sturdy case they come in as well and the lenses are perfectly tinted, not too dark, not too light. Actually these are great glasses for driving. Can you tell I love 'em just a bit?

-Do you have any luxe loves?

*These snazzy shades were sent to me by Smart Buy Glasses. This post is not sponsored and all love of classic, iconic eyewear is my own.

It's 10pm, I should probably be asleep but I want to write. If only for some semblance of normality. I was going to label this post five things I'm loving but that seems trite* so instead I'm just using the somewhat abstracter title of five things. Five things that right now have significance for me and are making my life richer as a result.

1) Walking the dog, more specifically in the Botanical Gardens. I'm very lucky to live only a short drive away from one of my favourite places in Auckland. As well as having many trails and of course plants in abundance, they also have a huge dog park or free-run if you will. Despite it being right next to the motorway I always feel a sense of peace here and it's such a fantastic place to escape to. The dog loves it too.

2) Music through noise canceling headphones. My love of music is perhaps less well-documented although I do slip in albums every so often around here. Anyway, I found my Frends headphones again recently and have been using them to listen to music on my iPod. Ancient relic I know, ahem. It's the perfect way to zone out and appreciate every single element of the song. It enhances the music listening experience and I love it.

3) Familiar reads. Despite having a crazy volume of books to read, sometimes I just need to immerse myself in pages well trawled and familiar. There is something incredibly comforting and ritualistic about it and I love it. My current revisited tomes are; Bloom x Estee Lalonde, It x Alexa Chung and An Extraordinary Theory of Objects x Stephanie Lacava. 

4) This photo (see below). Sometimes I cut up beautiful magazines and their imagery. This was salvaged from a discarded issue of Kinfolk I believe and I am obsessed with it. Whenever I see it, it reminds me of The Secret History, Camilla in particular and also the Lisbon sisters from The Virgin Suicides had they reached adulthood. I wish I'd made a note of who captured it because it's now one of my all time favourite photographs. 

5) My stardust, aka my wonderful friends. You know who you are and probably all prefer the anonymity. Thank you for listening to my rants about life and at the other end of the scale, enthusiasm for ideas and projects in equal measure. Thank you also for sending me cake in the mail when I need it or even just a text. Y'all are the best x.

*Apologies for the cynicism and lack of elaboration. Maybe I'll discuss it someday.