February Favourites + Highlights 2020

I didn’t find January to be a slow month but February has zoomed by! I was on leave from work for the first week and absolutely loved it, I spent time listening to lots of music, completed a jigsaw puzzle, slept in, ate when I liked (I find this makes me less hungry as opposed to having structured times to eat and being in the ‘work routine’) and did some online shopping. I’ve been back at work for the past three weeks and honestly I am really tired. The heat is so draining and I cannot wait for the cooler, autumn weather.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Zoella Reach For the Stars hand cream – One of my closest blogging friends, Dannii, sent me this hand cream along with a few other goodies at the end of 2018. I started using it recently and I’m really enjoying the scent which is a mix of vanilla and peppermint. The hand cream was released as part of the Cosmos Collection but Zoe announced the end of Zoella Beauty so I wouldn’t imagine it’s readily available unless you try eBay or somewhere like that. The cream itself is lovely, it feels very moisturising and the tube contains 90ml of product which will last me ages! I love the iridescent shiny tube as well.

2. The Body Shop Warm Vanilla body butter – Warm Vanilla was one of the Christmas scents released by The Body Shop last year and I’m a sucker for vanilla so I wanted to try something from this range. When the body butter arrived I was a little overwhelmed at how sweet and sickly this smelled and wasn’t sure if I’d like it. After using this for a while the scent has grown on me a lot, when the body butter is applied to the skin the scent isn’t as intense and it’s more subtle. It does have a warmth to it and I thought this would be more suitable for winter but it’s summer in New Zealand and I’m a fan! The texture is soft and luxurious and spreads very easily over the body.

3. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream in Fair – If you’re curious to try this product I highly recommend you do! The coverage of this CC Cream is amazing and the texture is lighter than most regular foundations. I squeeze a little line out onto my hand and dab product over my face and that is enough for me. I find most days I don’t need to go in with additional product in the areas I have more redness. Product blends like a dream and feels good on the skin too. If you read my Testing Four New Foundations post you’ll know this came out on top and got a glowing review!

4. Natio Renew Radiance Night Cream – I have been using this night cream for about a month now and a combination of this product and the heat has meant I haven’t needed to apply my facial oil as my skin hasn’t been dry. A little goes a long way and the cream soaks in quickly and leaves my face feeling soft through the night. My face doesn’t feel greasy and my makeup has been applying nicely the following day. The key ingredients are pomegranate and vitamin C.

5. Louise – Heavy Love – I can’t remember how I first heard about Louise as she hasn’t had chart success in New Zealand but she has such a beautiful, pure tone to her voice with a slight R&B edge. Heavy Love is Louise’s first album in 20 years and is a great pop album! Louise co-wrote the majority of tracks and a lot of the lyrics talk about heartbreak which is to be expected after splitting from her ex-husband. Pop music with a catchy beat and heartfelt lyrics is right up my street. Standout Tracks: Stretch, Not the Same, Hurt, Straight To My Heart, Settle For Nothing and Wrong.

February Highlights:

• I am ahead with my Goodreads goal for 2020 which is exciting!
• I started my one palette, one month challenge where I aim to use one eyeshadow palette each month in an attempt to use all the palettes in my collection more. Each palette is paired with a different highlighter for the month as well.
• At the beginning of February mum and I went out for a belated birthday lunch (our birthdays are three days apart). I had pancakes with bacon, banana, maple syrup and cream.

February’s Spotify Playlist:

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November Favourites + Highlights

My mood feels like it has been a little up and down this month. Compared to October I have slowed down on the reading front which is a little disappointing but there have been a couple of books I have taken longer to get through. New Zealand has had a few mini heatwaves which I’m not a fan of, give me cold, sweater weather any day! Lately I have also been feeling discouraged when it comes to dating and I want to take a back seat for a while. Dating is something I never want to half ass and do because I feel like I have to. I want to go back to having a more relaxed approach and not thinking of it as a chore.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. The North Face Venture 2 Jacket in Collar Blue – I was on the lookout for a lightweight jacket to wear to and from work and something more casual for wearing at weekends. I instantly fell in love with this light blue colour as I didn’t want black or khaki like most people seem to have. Technically this is a rain jacket but it’s also windproof and made from a DryVent fabric making it breathable. The jacket has an adjustable hood, zipped pockets, a front zipper with Stormflap velcro closure and adjustable velcro straps around the wrists. I am surprised how much I have worn this since I bought it – it’s so easy to throw on and goes with everything.

Better picture of the jacket.

2. Colourpop Super Shock Shadows in Nillionaire and I Heart This – I am still loving the Super Shock Shadow formula since I tried it at the beginning of the year! The shadows are so pigmented, easy to apply and last all day. Nillionaire is a light bronze with pink and gold ultra-glitter and is one of my favourites, it’s a very Chanelle colour that goes with any makeup look – especially a bold lip! It takes a couple of layers to build up but it builds up quickly. I Heart This is a taupe with silver ultra-glitter. Whilst it is a lighter shade I love pairing it with theBalm’s Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter as a shimmery base shadow and bronzer in the crease for a super simple look.

3. The Body Shop Moringa Body Yogurt – When The Body Shop released their body yogurts I was curious to try one and see how they compare to the body butters. They are fast-absorbing moisturisers with a lightweight, gel-cream texture and suitable for all skin types. The texture is runny and jelly like compared to a body butter and the body yogurts come in fewer scents. Where the body yogurts have the advantage are in size and price. The tubs still contain 200ml of product but they’re more compact and are $15 (NZD) cheaper. I put this product on after a shower and it feels nice and cooling on the skin. It doesn’t feel any less moisturising than a body butter and a little goes a long way. I will definitely consider trying more scents in future, perhaps the Strawberry or the British Rose.

4. YSL Black Opium – I have only had this mini bottle of Black Opium for a couple of weeks but perfume is one of those products you know after a handful of uses whether you like it or not. I have worn this perfume almost every day during the past two weeks and I really appreciate the warmth to the scent and the longevity the perfume has. The scent is not overpowering and I can easily pick out and distinguish different notes (vanilla, coffee, pink pepper etc.) This smells very similar to Prerogative by Britney Spears but this has more lasting power. I don’t think this will become my holy grail perfume but after I finish this sample I will consider purchasing a bigger bottle.

November Highlights

• A long overdue catch up with an old work colleague.
• I made a couple of online orders including a four piece set of mini YSL products and the new xoBeauty Heaps of Sweets eyeshadow palette.
• Halo celebrated her 2nd birthday.

November’s Spotify Playlist:

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October Favourites + Highlights

I got sick in the second half of October which I put down to the changeable weather, one day it’s warm sunshine and the next it’s cold and windy. I have spent the past week or so taking it easy and recovering. My asthma flared up too and it’s important not to do too much too soon or else you’ll set yourself back. I was able to work towards catching up on my Goodreads target and watch a handful of episodes of Poirot which are great sick day remedies. I’ve been a tad quiet on the Instagram front as well. I went through the accounts I follow and cleared out the ones I don’t interact with or accounts that are inactive.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Colourpop Super Shock Shadow – Dare – This shade is the kind of purple I expected to be in It’s My Pleasure but after using the palette and realising I was missing a super sparkly cool toned purple I knew this would fill the gap. I have worn Dare in conjunction with a few shades from It’s My Pleasure and the palette really enhances the shade. Each time I have worn Dare I have gotten compliments and I see it becoming one of my most worn Super Shock Shadows!

2. Colourpop Strawberry Shake Palette – I won’t ramble too much about this palette as I only shared a review last week *CLICK HERE* but in short I love it! The colour story (I dislike that term and this is probably the only time I’ll use it) is girly and fun but also wearable. This palette is versatile and it will also work as a complimentary palette with others in my collection. The orange-peach tones will work with Sol and the vibrant pink shades will work with the pinks in It’s My Pleasure. If you don’t have a lot of pink eyeshadows or you are looking to add some to your collection that aren’t as bright as those from Ooh La La, check out Strawberry Shake.

3. Freedom at Topshop Aquarius Necklace – I purchased a couple of bits on The Iconic last month and this necklace was one of them. The pendant features stones in the shape of the Aquarius constellation set against a lightweight gold-toned stainless steel chain. The chain can be worn at three different lengths depending on how far down you like a necklace to sit. I love the simplicity and how the necklace also feels semi-personalised with my starsign. The necklace cost around $20 (NZD) and it is well made, it doesn’t feel cheap. A good basic necklace that goes with everything.

4.Postscript by Cecelia Ahern – Cecelia Ahern is one of my favourite authors and when I heard she was a releasing a sequel to PS I Love You I was very excited! PS I Love You is a book that has stayed with me since I read it years ago and the sequel is just as moving and will also stay with me. I read Postscript in two days it was that good. Cecelia Ahern has a writing style that feels warm and friendly and will play on your emotions which is what a good writer should be able to do. My favourite novel of 2019!

Blurb from Goodreads below:

It’s been seven years since Holly Kennedy’s husband died – six since she read his final letter, urging Holly to find the courage to forge a new life.

She’s proud of all the ways in which she has grown and evolved. But when a group inspired by Gerry’s letters, calling themselves the PS, I Love You Club, approaches Holly asking for help, she finds herself drawn back into a world that she worked so hard to leave behind.

Reluctantly, Holly begins a relationship with the club, even as their friendship threatens to destroy the peace she believes she has achieved. As each of these people calls upon Holly to help them leave something meaningful behind for their loved ones, Holly will embark on a remarkable journey – one that will challenge her to ask whether embracing the future means betraying the past, and what it means to love someone forever…

October Highlights

• Continuing to have fun experimenting with Colourpop products.
• Finished five books in total this month.
• Tried a new luxury/high end foundation, review to follow in the coming weeks.

October’s Spotify Playlist:

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September Favourites + Highlights

September has been a month of two halves. For the first half of the month I was on leave from work and it was so good to have a break, sleep in and cruise through each day without feeling like I had to be on a time limit and have a schedule. The second half of the month I have jumped straight back into busy work life and in some ways it’s like I was never away. I’ve made a few purchases this month including my first ever high end foundation! I am yet to try the foundation as I’m close to finishing another and want to get that gone first but I am waiting with excitement. When I do finally get around to trying it, of course I will do a blog post!

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Paco Rabanne – Olympéa – Not so long ago I purchased three new fragrances and Olympéa happens to be the one I have reached for most. This perfume is excellent when you want a scent that is going to last all day and I’ve found myself choosing this one recently when I’ve been out for dinner with some of the girls from work. This perfume is different and more mature than what I usually opt for but in a good way.

2. MAC Fix+ Setting Spray – I purchased this setting spray at the end of 2018 and it is my favourite out of all the setting sprays I have tried. I have the 30ml size but I don’t use this particular one every day. The spray nozzle disperses a good amount of product and the spray doesn’t feel too wet when it hits the face and doesn’t disrupt the makeup underneath. The scent is fresh and this also works nicely to spray on brushes before dipping into eyeshadow when you want a more intense eye look.

3. Colourpop Ultra Glossy Lip in Snow Day – I purchased this gloss in my second Colourpop haul and it really is beautiful! My favourite wear to wear this is as a lip topper as the little bits of shimmer bring out the lipstick colour underneath. The formula is not overly sticky and it has good lasting power throughout the day. I am getting used to the brush applicator now too.

4. MAC Mineralize Blush – Warm Soul – Warm Soul is a blush I lusted over for a while before purchasing it. In the pan the colour may not look the most exciting but it is a gorgeous natural, nude colour that is extremely versatile. I’m not sure how this colour would look on darker skin tones but if you’re fair like me I think you will like this. I will say the packaging isn’t the easiest to open but other people have said the same so I know it’s not just me. My MAC highlighter in Soft & Gentle has the same packaging but is easier to open, possibly because it’s bigger.

September Highlights

• My two weeks off from work was bliss – so nice to have a break!
• Nice to feel included and be invited out to dinner with work friends twice this month.
• I made my third Colourpop order. A haul post will be up soon.
• I’ve been listening to Tove Lo a fair bit this month and can appreciate how catchy her songs are.

September’s Spotify Playlist:

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March Favourites + Highlights

March has zoomed by, I swear each month gets faster! March has felt busy and I feel like I haven’t had much time to take it easy but I have been reading more in March which makes me happy. My mood has mostly been good and I’ve made some new purchases, namely fashion items. I also caught up with an old workmate and had such a good time.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Schwarzkopf Extra Care Hair Treatment Leave In – Whilst I am a proud redhead my hair is very heavy and thick. It doesn’t always look as sleek as I would like and I was in the market for a product to help with that. I didn’t want to spend a lot of money in case I didn’t notice any difference and the idea of this leave in treatment appealed to me. The product is suitable for all hair types and aims to be nourishing and add shine. It contains liquid keratin to repair damage and straighten hair. It is advised to apply this when hair is 90% dry and comb/brush it through. I have been using this for the past month or so now and I like how smooth and sleek my hair feels. The smell is pleasant too.

2. MAC – Velvet Teddy – I purchased this mini lipstick at the end of 2018 before my lipstick ban kicked in after seeing Cleia talk about it. The first time I used it I didn’t love it but the more I have been using it the more I like it. This is incredibly comfortable for a matte and doesn’t feel drying whatsoever. (Not sure whether that’s all of MAC’s matte shades or just this one!) I love applying a light layer of gloss over top to make the shade more pink but it is pretty on it’s own as well. I don’t know if this has happened to anyone else with MAC’s mini lipsticks but the bullet has lines in it like it is moving and pushing up against the tube when I apply it. I’m guessing that’s because of the smaller size but I hope the lipstick doesn’t snap!

3. Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick #55 My Nude – In February a parcel from an extremely close blogging friend arrived and this lipstick was one of the items inside. Funnily enough this shade is a little similar to Velvet Teddy and I love this one too! Rimmel lipsticks are some of my favourites, they’re affordable without compromising on quality or pigmentation. This lipstick is one of six shades released as part of a 15th anniversary celebration with Kate Moss. The collection features three of Kate’s favourite nude shades and three of her favourite reds. #53 Retro Red is my favourite of the reds and I’d love to pick it up at some point after my lipstick ban is over.

4. Married At First Sight Australia – I don’t watch a huge amount of trash/reality TV but this show has got me hooked! It is literally what it sounds like, a couple meet for the first time and they get married – they don’t know anything about the other person and have been matched by a team of ‘experts.’ The couples are eight weeks into the experiment now, they’ve been on their honeymoon, they’re living in an apartment together and they’ve done home visits. At the end of each week there is a commitment ceremony and each person has to choose to stay in the experiment for another week or they can write leave. If both people write leave they leave the experiment and end their marriage. If only one person writes leave the couple stay for another week. This show has cat-fights, drama, shit stirrers and isn’t always believable but it’s addictive!

March Highlights

• I placed my first Colourpop order! I bought a few eye products and a haul post will be up at some point – I want to use everything and form opinions first.
• I found a pair of wide leg black trousers that look nice on me and aren’t too long.
• I caught up with an old work colleague and good friend. We ate, went shoe shopping and generally had a blast!
• Speaking of shoe shopping, I bought the cutest pair of toffee coloured boots. Normally I always buy black shoes (because they go with everything) but these are pretty and still neutral enough to work with a bunch of outfits.

March’s Spotify Playlist:

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December Favourites 2018

December has been another fast paced month! I’m settling in to my job and I have been able to read a little bit more. I get a one hour lunch break so I take my book and get to read it most days. We’re keeping Christmas lowkey this year and it’s nice not to have to worry and enjoy the time off I get. December has had some really special moments and I’m ending the year on a high. I feel a lot better mentally and I’m hoping 2019 will bring more joy!

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Rita Ora – Phoenix – I have listened to Rita’s music for a number of years and I was happy to get my hands on her long awaited second album last week. I tried to pick up the album earlier but there’s only one shop that sells CDs in my city and they didn’t have it so I had to wait until I went to Auckland for the Shania Twain concert. This album is catchy pop with an emotional R&B edge. Phoenix sounds current and the majority of tracks would not be out of place on radio. Standout Tracks: Anywhere, Lonely Together, Only Want You, For You and Cashmere.

2. Daniel Wellington Petite Melrose Watch + Cuff Set – Whilst I love having small wrists it makes buying watches difficult. The best thing about this watch is that the clasp can be moved to suit a range of wrist sizes. It’s also useful if your wrist size fluctuates. I was drawn to the Petite Melrose because of the rose gold colour and how dainty and elegant the watch looked. The watch face comes in two different sizes (28mm and 32mm – for reference I got the 28mm) and you can also choose the colour of the face: white or black. The black looks striking but I chose white as it looks more classic. The watch straps can also be swapped out so if you don’t want to have more than one watch you can change the strap for a different look. If you don’t want to order a cuff with your watch you can order a second strap or simply buy the watch on it’s own. This is the nicest watch I have ever owned – it’s the perfect fit and so lightweight to wear.

3. Shania Twain concert – December 18th 2018 is a day I’ll never forget; the day I got to see Shania Twain in concert. I have been a fan since 1998 and I never thought all these years later I would get to see her live, let alone have her touch my hand as she made her way to the stage. Shania is one of my biggest inspirations, her life story is so interesting and she’s had her share of ups and downs. The show itself was spectacular, the band are talented and Shania is such a professional, she knows how to work the stage and the crowd and treats her songs with respect. She doesn’t oversing or try and create new versions of the hits she’s known for. I was up singing and dancing all night and I feel blessed to have been in the same room as her.

4. Rimmel 107 Lipstick – I wore this to the Shania Twain concert and my love for this shade has been reignited. This lipstick has been in my collection for a few years now and I really should wear it more. The lipstick is pigmented, easy to apply and lasts well throughout the day. 107 is a gorgeous berry red and one of the best reds I own. This lipstick is lovely all year round but it’s especially beautiful around Christmas!

December’s Spotify Playlist:

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What were your favourite things in December?

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November Favourites 2018

November has been a whirlwind! I got offered a new job, began training for the new job whilst I was still working my old job and officially started my new job last week. I have been listening to music and singing most days which is still my most favourite thing to do and similar to last month, I haven’t read much during November. My mind feels very full with information and I’m already looking forward to the Christmas break to have a rest and wind down.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. xoBeauty Radiant Glow Highlight Powder – Aurora – This is the most recent addition to my highlighter collection. (Post on my collection *HERE*). The powder is very finely milled and so soft and easy to apply. This is the most subtle of my highlighters and it can also double as an all over face powder. Applying with a big fluffy brush works best and allows the product to really be swept over the skin. I am considering picking up the other shade of this powder too which is more golden.

2. NARS Mini Orgasm Blush Highlight Duo – I don’t often wear blush and highlighter together but with this mini duo I can’t go wrong. Orgasm is a flattering shade for a lot of people and if you want a blush shade that is versatile and a little glam, you should try it! The highlight looks quite plain in the pan but once it’s on the face it gives a lovely glow. The highlighter is exclusive to this mini, it’s a special Orgasm highlighter which I’d class as a peachy-pink champagne shade.

3. The Body Shop Metal Lip Liquid 018 Plum Titanium – It’s common knowledge I’m not a fan of matte liquid lipsticks but this formula from The Body Shop is super comfortable and velvety smooth. The pigmentation is good, the colour lasts all day and the formula isn’t streaky to apply. This has a slight fruity scent that is nice and doesn’t linger if you’re not a fan of scented lip products. Plum Titanium is a gorgeous deep red, perfect for Christmas! It’s a wearable red that doesn’t look strictly metallic, making it a safe option all year round.

4. Andy Brown – Cedarmont – I feel a little naughty having a copy of this CD. I originally pre-ordered a signed copy from the artist’s official store but the album release got cancelled and my money was refunded. I caught wind Amazon US had copies available and one buyer left a review confirming the CD arrived and is genuine. I ordered a copy myself and it arrived less than two weeks later. In short, the album is really good and I have been playing it on repeat since it arrived! I have loved and listened to Andy’s voice for years (he’s also the frontman of British band Lawson) and this album further proves his talent. The lyrics are heartfelt, catchy and this album makes me happy when I listen to it. I hope it gets the proper release it deserves. Standout Tracks: Talk of the Town, Put That Record On, Hold On, Keeper and Breaking Your Heart.

November’s Spotify Playlist:

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What were your favourite things in November?

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October Favourites 2018

October has felt like a busy month. We are heading towards the end of the year and this month has had many different things going on. I made some online orders (clothes and makeup), myself and my mum have been ill and I haven’t read as much as I would have liked due to busy pace. The past few weeks I’ve felt tired and haven’t eaten all that well due to being sick.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Urban Decay Primer Potion – I purchased the Primer Potion from MECCA Beauty last month and I have been using it non stop! In this post it was love at first use and one month later I feel exactly the same. This is one of those cult beauty products that is worth the hype! Going into warmer weather this will help my eye makeup stay on longer. This primer doesn’t irritate my eyes and it’s just as easy to remove as it is to apply.

2. Kmart Iridescent Metal Straws – Metal straws are good because they are reusable but what’s cool about these ones is they are iridescent and change colour depending on the light. Sometimes mum and I make milkshakes if we have milk that’s going to go out of date and we don’t want to waste it. We’ve started using these straws in our milkshakes instead of plastic ones. The texture of the metal is different if you’re used to plastic but it’s no big deal. (FYI, I’ve reused plastic straws in the past too, I don’t always throw them away after one use).

3. Kylie Little Stars Duvet Cover – This duvet cover is actually for children but it doesn’t look like it. The duvet is a double and I don’t know about you but I never had a double bed as a child – I still don’t – it has the perfect amount of drop for my king single bed. The duvet is a lovely blush pink colour although it looks more cream in photos (the duvet was the backdrop for the main image). With this duvet set I got two pillowcases and three cushions and a couple of weeks ago I posted a picture of the cushions to my Instagram. The sparkly sequins are what make this set look more grown up.

4. The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Body Butter – I have only used this a couple of times already but I do like the scent. The scent is zesty and fresh and not like the girly, sweet ones I usually plump for. I bought this in a Boxing Day sale in December 2017 so I’m glad to finally start using it! I do think it is an appropriate spring scent and using this in winter would have been odd. I love the lime green colour of the body butter and the texture is super soft and creamy.

October’s Spotify Playlist:

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What were your favourite things in October?

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September Favourites 2018

September has been a bit of an odd month if I’m honest. After a mostly positive August, my mood slipped again around the middle of the month and I reached a very low point. It’s a reminder that I still have bad days and to be gentle with myself. The feelings became magnified again because it would have been the two year anniversaries for everything for my ex and I: talking to each other, meeting each other, kissing for the first time and I am an incredibly sentimental person. I keep going and try to move on because I hope one day it won’t hurt anymore.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. MAC – Hug Me – I received Hug Me for free as part of MAC’s National Lipstick Day and it is such a beautiful shade. I will admit I hadn’t heard of it before, maybe because it’s not a hyped up shade that’s often talked about. MAC describe Hug Me as a warm pink with pearl finish but on me the colour has hints of brown as well. Hug Me is a lustre finish which is one of my favourites from MAC, it’s very comfortable to wear and lasts on my lips just as well as other formulas to be honest. A fellow blogging friend, Katie bought the lipstick after seeing me wear it and it’s stunning on her too!

2. xoBeauty Tulip Powder Brush – Before I bought this brush I only had one big, fluffy brush – the Real Techniques Blush Brush – and I tend to use that for bronzer. I really wanted to invest in another one that I can use to sweep blush and highlighter over my cheeks when I want a glowy look or set my face with powder, basically a great multitasking brush that has more than one function. The bristles on this brush are so soft and the tapered end helps to disperse a light wash of product. I love this to apply Soft & Gentle by MAC all over the face or even using it just to apply Soft & Gentle to the tops of my cheeks.

3. Sophie Hannah – The Mystery of Three Quarters – I finished this book in two days and I always think you can tell how much you enjoy a book by how quickly you read it. This is the third ‘new’ Hercule Poirot mystery from Sophie Hannah and she captures the character wonderfully and in a way Agatha Christie would be proud of. I really really hope Sophie Hannah writes more of these!

4. Miss Selfridge Check Scarf – I picked up this scarf on a whim when I placed an ASOS order at the beginning of the month. I ended up sending the item I originally wanted back and keeping the scarf. The scarf is black and bright pink and it is so beautifully warm and soft. My other scarves are neutral, plain colours and this one really pops against black clothing. This scarf is quite long so it can be tied in numerous ways or even worn as a wrap/shawl. It’s good scarf weather in New Zealand at the moment with spring upon us.

5. Goodreads – After almost completing my challenge to read 50 books in a year and sharing blog posts of what I finished, I still wanted to document and keep track of what I read. I’ve heard Goodreads talked about in the blogging community and decided to jump on board and join up. It’s relatively easy to use and I like the organisational component and sorting books into categories/shelves. You can also include the dates you start and finish each book and the website gives you stats about your reading habits. If you have a Goodreads account and want to be friends, add me: https://www.goodreads.com/chanellehayley

September’s Spotify Playlist:

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What were your favourite things in September?

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August Favourites 2018

August has been the first month in a while where I have felt positive again. I am not crying and wallowing and I feel like I am moving on. I am listening to music a lot and singing which always helps and I take joy from small things. Time is a healer and I hope each month continues to get better.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle – Hands up who knew this would feature! I have used this item pretty much every day since I got it and the colour adds such a gorgeous, subtle glow to my skin. I’ve tried it as an all over face powder a few times too which also looks nice. This is quickly becoming one of my favourite makeup products for daily use.

2. L’Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation in W1-2 Porcelain Ivory – I purchased this foundation back in March and while I am focusing on using Rimmel’s Match Perfection as part of my Project Pan I have delved into this foundation numerous times since purchasing it. The formula is lightweight and thin in texture which I like as it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. This gives a dewy effect without too much shine and is a really lovely foundation.

3. Roxy 33 Black Glasses – When I toyed with getting new glasses a couple of months ago I knew I wanted a black pair. I went on many trips to the optometrist and tried on numerous pairs of black frames – I had a criteria. I wanted satin-matte black frames, plastic arms (my previous pair had metal arms and the coating was peeling off which is why I was hesitant to have metal arms again) and the lenses couldn’t be too deep otherwise they’d touch my cheeks and look too big for my face. I settled on this pair from Roxy as the pink metal on the inside of the lenses and bright pink arms are very me. I was so close to choosing the Kylie Minogue 04 frames in black though. I’ve received a few compliments on this pair of glasses and I feel pretty when I wear them.

4. xoBeauty Liquid Lipstick in Serendipity – In my June Favourites I featured another of these liquid lipsticks in the shade Carpe Diem. I absolutely love Carpe Diem and Serendipity is beautiful too. Serendipity is a lovely peachy-pink nude and the formula is amazing, they don’t dry down matte and stay slightly creamy once applied. They fade evenly throughout the day and last through eating and drinking at work. They have a lovely creme brulee scent too.

5. ‘The Breakup 💔’ – Earlier this month I shared my most personal and intimate blog post yet detailing my breakup. I am so proud of this post and since writing it I feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest and I’m not carrying around this big secret anymore because I shared what happened and how the breakup came about with my blogging friends. Everyone has been so supportive and the comments on this post make me smile, people really poured their heart into what they said. *CLICK HERE* if you haven’t read ‘The Breakup 💔’ yet.

August’s Spotify Playlist:

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What were your favourite things in August?

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