The Best Novels I Read In July & August
Saturday, September 19, 2020
Time for a book round up! I've read some really great novels in the past couple of months that I had to recommend to you. Three out of my four favourites have been released this year, so there's a lot of hype surrounding them right now and it's worth it! Also, I gave two of these books a whole five stars, so if that doesn't say get reading them immediately!!!, I don't know what will!
Such a Fun Age - Kiley Reid 4 stars
Such a Fun Age was very well-written, a very-easy page turner, and is a really great and realistic exploration of race and class relations in modern America. I loved Emira's relationship with Briar, who were easily my favourite two characters of the novel. While the ending of the novel was powerful, it was missing a little something and felt very bitter-sweet.
Marian Keyes - Grown Ups 4.5 stars
Grown Ups is the sort of book that you're still thinking about a week after, it had such a strong impact. It's a long one, and yet I couldn't stop reading. I think I read about half of it in one day and it drove me a little bit crazy!
There's a lot of characters in this book - the beginning of the book even includes a family tree, which I found myself referencing a lot, at least to begin with! That means there's a lot of characters to get to know and get your head around. Surprisingly, the majority of them I either didn't like, or could really take or leave. Yet Marian Keyes' writing is addictive, I had to find out what drama was going to happen next.
Me Before You - Jojo Moyes 5 stars
Usually I like to read the book before I watch the book, but the opposite happened here. A few months ago, I watched the film Me Before You, starring Emelia Clarke and Sam Claflin, and absolutely LOVED it. Like, 5 star movie, absolutely cried my eyes out, kind of loved it. So, combined with the fact I've already read a couple of other Jojo Moyes books that I loved, I had high hopes for the novel. Fortunately, I loved it just as much as the film! The storyline is very similar, with additional moments between the characters that make the story even more impactful. I followed it with its sequel After You which didn't quite live up to it - I can't say too much without spoiling the first, but it felt a little dull and nowhere near as touching as the first.
Olive - Emma Gannon 5 stars
If you liked Anna Hope's Expectation, you are going to love Olive. The writing feels similar, as does its focus - an exploration of female friendship and womanhood, set in London. Olive and her three friends, Bea, Cecily and Isla, are all instantly likeable and relatable in different ways. The four of them are all very different personalities, with different priorities in their lives. Each of the women's triumphs and struggles were presented as equally valid, even though such contrasting issues were explored. Gannon explores how friendships are tested by situations such as not being able to have children, struggling as a new mum, and deciding not to have children at all.
The novel is a celebration of female friendship and being unique and true to yourself, being defined by what you want to do, rather than what you're expected to do. I absolutely loved Olive and cannot recommend it enough.
The four novels I mentioned were the best I read the past two months, and I would recommend them to everyone. They all kept me hooked, interested and invested in the characters. However, I read two other novels that didn't impress me quite as much. An Unsuitable Match by Joanna Trollope was well-written, but unfortunately the characters were dull, selfish and constantly moaning! Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid had me feeling completely torn. The interview style format is an unusual choice and has caused controversy between many readers - did it work, or not? For me, it was a good idea in theory, but because it's all about a fictional band, we lacked context of knowing their songs or having any connection to them. With an unfulfilling ending to top it off, it didn't really work for me.
Make sure to follow me on Goodreads for all the book updates! Have you read and enjoyed any good novels lately? I would love more recommendations as we go into the autumnal months!
EG x
Back To London
Wednesday, September 16, 2020 Covent Garden, London, UK
My second year of university is here, and I am back in London! As Taylor Swift said, 'August slipped away' and September is now suddenly upon us. The new academic year is always one of my favourite parts of the year, because it symbolises all things new - from new stationery, new timetables, to new beginnings.
The same can also be said for my blog here - maybe not new, but a restart of sorts. You may have noticed (if you were being very observant) that I haven't posted here lately, which I think would say is for a number of reasons.
Firstly, one thing I have learnt this summer is the amount of time that goes into finding a flat! Looking for a place to live in London this year took up a huge chunk of my time last month, and as I spent a ton of time on my laptop endlessly scrolling through Rightmove or Zoopla, I didn't want to spend any more time on it doing anything else. Once I found my place, it turns out planning to move in took up a lot of time too. My blog just wasn't at the forefront of my mind like it used to be, but the good thing is, I knew it was only temporary; once my flat was sorted, I'd be back!
But lately I realised that I think I was also in a bit of a creative rut; I didn't really know what I wanted to write about. Everything has changed so much over the past six months or so, and I was bound to feel a bit uninspired at one time or another. Beauty feels a little different now we're covering half our face so much, but I've picked up a couple of eyeshadow products lately that I can't wait to share with you. I started to read a lot more books through the lockdown time, and while I'll have to make a bit more time for that now, I'm really enjoying it, so expect more book related posts too.
And of course, you can now expect a return to my London content too! Now that I'm settled down in London, I'm feeling less overwhelmed and ready to start writing again. London may feel a little different to last year - the West End is still quiet for now, and big events like Winter Wonderland won't be happening, but the shops of Oxford Street on a Saturday afternoon feel as busy as ever. It's weirdly reassuring that things can find a new normal.
This year I'm living in a studio flat that's located more centrally than my uni hall was last year, so expect content around Covent Garden, a stone's throw away from where I'll be. I can't wait to get started with my uni work too. In case you didn't know, I'm a history student at UCL, and while last year my module choices weren't exactly ideal, this year I'm going to be studying some really exciting topics! My modules are all modern, focusing on Europe and America, from culture in the Cold War, to conspiracy theories - yes, I am doing a module all about conspiracy theories, which is so bizarre and fun!
There's a little update for you all - hope you're all doing well! I'd love to hear what you've been up to lately. If you're starting uni this year, or going back, I'd love to hear what you're excited about, or maybe what you're nervous about too! A socially distanced uni life will definitely take some getting used to.
Anyway, I'm off now to watch some Gilmore Girls on Netflix - I think that was truly what's been taking up my usual blogging time last month, it's just too good!
EG x
The Only Lipsticks I've Been Using Lately
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Throughout this whole period of lockdown, I noticed that when wearing makeup, I've really only gravitated towards three lipsticks in my collection. I'm having a moment for bullet, rather than liquid, lipsticks; I'm definitely enjoying something much more hydrating and I know that is going to continue while masks are in full force. They're all very neutral shades, because there's definitely no occasion for a bolder lip right now, so perfect staples in any makeup collection.
Charlotte Tilbury - Very Victoria
Very Victoria has become a staple in my everyday makeup kit, and definitely the lipstick I reach for the most. The shade is just ever so slightly more pink than my own lip colour, so it's very neutral and matches with anything. The reason I love it so much has to be the formula - a lovely non-sticky, but hydrating and moisturising finish. It's from the 'Matte Revolution' range; I wouldn't say it's the most matte lipstick I own, but still it's definitely pigmented and long-lasting enough for me!
MAC - Velvet Teddy
I am almost embarrassed of my photos of my Velvet Teddy because it only has the tiniest stub left - yes, I definitely need a new one! MAC's classic matte lipstick has been one of my favourite lipsticks for years, and probably the only lipstick I will ever be rebuying. It's a lovely, flattering neutral shade, slightly brown toned. It's also very long-lasting and the perfect matte formula, without being drying at all. There are quite a few MAC lipsticks I love, Whirl, Taupe and Honey Love included, but Velvet Teddy is always the one I return to, and the only one I am finding myself constantly using right now.
Tarte - Colada
I bought my Tarte Color Splash lipstick in the shade Colada two years ago now, when I was in America and desperate to get my hands on at least one Tarte product, but somehow it never became one I really used until now. The shade has a gorgeous orange tone to it, which I'm loving this time of year because I weirdly think it makes me look slightly more tanned and glowing. It might be random to mention, but the lipstick itself is such a lovely shape, it makes it so easy that I can apply it without a mirror - don't know why that's handy, but maybe if you're on the go, you know?! It is a 'creamy matte' finish, so it has plenty of colour, but is also designed to hydrate, so it's a super comfortable lip option. I'm now dying for another shade!
What lip products are you loving right now?
EG x
More Shows You Need To Watch
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Today I'm back with more of my favourite tv series I have recently watched, from easygoing sitcoms, to gripping dramas. A couple of months ago I wrote a post including some of my favourite shows to watch on Netflix during lockdown, but today I have expanded into a couple of other streaming platforms to find the best shows online right now.
NETFLIX
Community
Community is my most recent sitcom discovery, with a whole six seasons that are enjoyable from beginning to end. The series centers around a group of students at a community college in Colorado who become a tight-knit study-group. The episodes are very creative, some are more conceptual and inspired by media such as action movies, westerns and mockumentaries. It's a very 'meta' show and the whole ensemble is very lovable together.
New Girl
One of my favourite ever shows, New Girl, has recently been added to Netflix and so I had to give it a mention; if you haven't watched it before, I'd give it a watch now! Ditzy teacher Jess, played by Zooey Dechannel, moves into a loft apartment in Los Angeles with three guys and revolves around their relationships and careers. Every character of this ensemble comedy is absolutely hilarious, it's such an easy-watch, fun show.
Living With Myself
A Netflix original starring Paul Rudd and Aisling Bea, Living With Yourself is about how Rudd's character Miles ends up with an almost identical clone of himself, the difference being the clone is better than him. It has a little bit of a wacky premise but is really easy to get into - consisting of eight 30 minute episodes, it's a fun quick watch. It's dramatic with elements of sitcom; watch this hilarious dance scene and you will be sold.
Space Force
Netflix's latest comedy Space Force has an all-star cast including Steve Carell, who's character Mark Naird is in charge of achieving the POTUS' wish of 'Boots on the Moon'. It has some outstanding comedic moments and great characters. Their space themed antics are very fun; sometimes outlandish, but in today's climate it's not really that unbelieveable. With ten thirty minute episodes, I just wish there were more episodes; highly anticipating a second season!
APPLE TV
The Morning Show
I still cannot get over how blown away I was by The Morning Show. Apple TV's biggest selling-point, the drama series stars Jennifer Aniston as Alex Levy, a morning TV presenter who is distraught when her co-anchor, played by Steve Carrell, is fired for sexual misconduct. Aniston is joined by Reece Witherspoon as Bradley Jackson, a journalist whose life is turned around when she's suddenly plucked out of obscurity. You can tell Apple TV had a high budget; the New York setting is gorgeous and the cast are truly sensational. This gripping series gets better and better with every episode, culminating with one of the best season finales I have ever watched - I guarantee you will be amazed too!
Trying
Another Apple TV series I absolutely loved is Trying. The show follows Nikki and Jason, a couple who begin an adoption process after being unable to conceive a child, only to find a whole new set of challenges along the way. The show is set around London, particularly in Camden, which is one of the reasons I loved it so much. The characters are also so likeable; Nikki in particular is just the sweetest! It's the sort of show that just makes me feel so warm and happy, I absolutely loved it.
Defending Jacob
A series with a darker side that I am currently half way through watching is Defending Jacob. After a small Boston town is shocked by a tragic crime, a lawyer finds himself trying his best to defend his son, accused of murder. So far I have really enjoyed this series, which tests the strength of family bonds and considers the pressure of neighbourly judgement. I had high hopes for the cast, including Chris Evans and Jaeden Martell, who after starring as cousins in hit film Knives Out now play father and son in this series, and they certainly haven't disappointed.
ALL 4
This Way Up
A comedy written by and starring Aisling Bea as Aine, an English-as-a-foreign-language teacher in London, This Way Up may only have six short episodes (the joys of British TV) but it is well-worth a watch. After having a nervous breakdown, Aine puts on a brave face for her worrying sister, and forms a bond with a French boy she is tutoring. The series considers mental health and using humour as a defence mechanism in such a poignant way; I wish the show was longer so it could have delved into the back-story of that a bit more, but I have high hopes for a second season!
BBC IPLAYER
Glow Up
My kind of reality series, Glow Up is a makeup competition hosted by Stacey Dooley, where a bunch of aspiring MUAs tackle creative briefs and real world challenges until one is crowned the winner. There's two full series to watch on iPlayer; I enjoyed watching them week by week as they came out every Thursday, but now the whole thing is available to binge-watch at your demand. It's such a fun show and I seriously cannot get over how talented the MUAs are!
Make sure to read my last series round-up here for even more recommendations. What are you currently watching?
EG x
4 Novels Read In June
Wednesday, July 08, 2020
I have been really enjoying having the chance to catch up on some books during lockdown, and update you all about my latest reads. I try to read a variety of both fiction and non-fiction as much as possible, but today I will be sharing four modern novels I read in June. They have all been wonderful reads that I think you will love too.
Half A World Away - Mike Gayle
Warning: this one is an emotional read! I think they could have done with writing that in the blurb, because I really thought this was going to be a nice, easy novel that I wouldn't end up crying at - I was wrong!
Half A World Away follows the perspective of two long-lost siblings, Kerry and Noah, who both live in London, yet belong to different worlds. Noah's fate found him adopted into a caring family, and now living in Primrose Hill supported by a well-paid job, whereas Kerry struggled through the care system and now tries to protect her son from the rough estate they live in.
I really enjoyed how the book was written from the two perspectives. Mike Gayle doesn't reveal everything about the characters at first, but feeds snippets of information so the reader ends up just as misled as the characters. This clever touch provided some great plot twists. The characters are wonderful and the novel oozes love and compassion - just make sure to have tissues handy!
The Switch - Beth O'Leary
Beth O'Leary's first novel, The Flatshare, is one of my favourite
novels, so I was excited to see if The Switch would be just as good. While her writing style is just as enjoyable the second time round, I didn't love it quite as much - maybe almost as much?!
The premise of The Switch is fun and unique; Leena and her grandmother Eileen switch lives, with Leena finding herself stuck in the middle of rural Yorkshire, and Eileen trying to achieve a second chance in London. Who knew all you needed was a change of scenery to learn what you really want from life? While on the surface, this is a story of two women navigating romance, at its heart the novel is about family. It was a really uplifting read with very likeable characters - not just the two main characters, but Leena's London friends and the whole bunch up in the Yorkshire village - Beth O'Leary always does an amazing job at creating a whole cast you will love!
The One Plus One - Jojo Moyes
After reading The Giver of Stars a couple of months ago, I was eager to read another of Jojo Moyes' novels, and came across The One Plus One. While The Giver of Stars is set almost a century ago in a small Kentucky town, this one has a much familiar, modern setting; I'm really impressed that Moyes has such a versatile writing style!
The One Plus One follows a third person narrative, but the chapters focus on the perspective of different characters; including Jess, an optimist worrying about money but simply wanting the best for her children, Tanzie, her incredibly intelligent young daughter, or Ed, who accidentally ends up entangled in their lives while trying to solve another problem. The novel takes you on a crazy journey with its characters (both emotionally and literally), who are all incredibly likeable and make the story a very fun read. This being the second Jojo Moyes novel I have loved, I now embark on a mission to read her entire back-catalogue, because her novels are seriously in a league of their own.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine - Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant follows the same routine every week; go to work, have a meal deal, come home, repeat. She's fine. But is she?
I absolutely loved the character of Eleanor Oliphant, she's the sort of character you aren't too sure about as you begin to read her narrative, but her quirks become more and more charming as the novel unfolds. Eleanor tells herself she is fine with her loneliness, but through the novel her outsider status is slowly broken down. Through some new acquaintances, she finds there can be more to live than her monotonous routine, and that being supported by others might actually be enjoyable. I find myself rooting for Eleanor throughout, and enjoyed that the twists in the novel were not at all predictable.
Make sure to catch up on the novels I read in April and May here. What have you read in the past month? I would love to hear!
EG x
New In Beauty, Summer 2020
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Fortunately for us beauty lovers, lockdown hasn't postponed some great launches, meaning we have some brand new products to get really excited about. From high-end, luxurious eyeshadows, to affordable yet super cute skincare, there's something new for everyone right now. Here's which products are on my radar, that I just can't wait to try out!
Charlotte Tilbury is one of my favourite brands - they are on the pricier side, making their products a real treat, but their quality is truly in a league of its own. Their most recent release, the Airbrush Bronzer, seriously excites me. Now, this certainly isn't your average bronzer. It's packed with incredible ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, so it claims to not only provide a lovely bronze glow, but to smooth and soften the skin too. While its benefits had my heart swooning, its price at £39 did dampen my spirits a little - however, with some skincare built in, it's understandable why it would cost more than your average bronzer!
Sticking with Charlotte Tilbury, I'm also really excited by their new eyeshadow quad release, the Desert Haze palette. I've never tried one of their quads before, mostly because the four shades are never enough to create a full look, so what's the point if I'd need another palette too? However, the Desert Haze has definitely solved this problem. It includes four gorgeous matte shades - a creamy beige, a burnt orange, then a cooler and a warmer toned brown. Because I am a huge matte fan, this palette is really screaming out to me - I think it is so versatile for both day and night!
Moving onto some skincare, Boots' new 'Glow' range definitely deserves some talk. It is a super affordable range, with all the products in the collection priced at only £4, and includes everything you could ever need for a perfect skincare routine - from cleanser and moisturiser to a gel mask. Aptly named Glow, the range promises to revitalise your routine for glowing and hydrated skin. The pink packaging is absolutely stunning too.
Revolution is one of the leading drugstore makeup brands right now, so
imagine my excitement when I found out they had released a whole new
range! XX by Revolution blends both skincare and makeup together to produce some incredible looking products. Their range of primers look the most promising, targeting every skincare need possible to provide the perfect makeup base - I really fancy the Cloud Complexion primer for 'blurred and brightened skin'. Their eyeshadow palettes are also stunning - and if Revolution's other ranges are anything to go by, I'm sure they will be great quality.
A product yet to be released, yet I'll be picking up as soon as it is on sale is a new version of Glossier's Priming Moisturiser. So far, there's the original for normal skin and the 'rich' option for dry skin, but nothing for oily skin. Until their new 'Priming Moisturiser Balance - Oil-control Gel Cream' started circulating, that is. I have combination skin so I can't wait for this release; Glossier is one of my favourite brands right now, so I have high hopes!
What new beauty products are you excited about this summer? I'd love to hear your thoughts if you have already tried any of these, or perhaps you're just dreaming about them like me!
EG x
Everyday Makeup Routine, 2020
Monday, June 15, 2020
Lockdown doesn't provide a mass of opportunities to wear makeup, so recently I have got used to wearing it less than usual. When I am, I tend to reach for the same products, creating a sense of consistency and routine.
MY EVERYDAY MAKEUP ESSENTIALS
I keep an everyday makeup kit in my bathroom, away from the rest of my
collection in my bedroom and this system has two key benefits for me.
Firstly, when I am in a rush, in my usual, non-lockdown life, it is super
easy to grab and go without getting distracted. Or, nowadays, it's a
simple way of applying makeup without too much thought.
BASE
I haven't used foundation since lockdown began and can't see myself using it for the foreseeable. I had started to only use it for events while at uni anyway, because everyday it seemed like too much effort. Skipping that step we go straight to concealer which comes in the form of the L'Oreal True Match. I've been using this for years and go through them pretty quickly, so like how affordable it is. I pop this under my eyes and on any pink areas around my T-Zone, then blend it in with a damp sponge.
I then follow with transparent powder, the Rimmel Stay Matte. I've been using this for as long as I remember; for only £2.99 it is a truly trustworthy product. It minimises the oil on my forehead while keeping the concealer in place.
CHEEKS
I absolutely adore the Too Faced Chocolate Matte bronzer. It has a huge pan; it has been my everyday essential for two years now and there's still plenty in there to go. For me, this is the perfect bronzer shade, not too orange, or too light or too dark. It's super easy to blend out too.
I love a good highlighter, and right now it is the Glossier Nite Shine in 'Pale Pearl' that you will find in my kit. The liquid highlight is so easy to use, because the applicator ensures the perfect amount of product is applied - you don't end up with a huge sparkly splodge on your face!! I apply this to the high points of my cheeks with the applicator, then use my fingers to blend in. It's such a natural glow.
BROWS
Right now, my brow routine simply consists of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade in the shade Ebony. I apply it with my Morphe M158 Brow Brush to perfect my brow arch and fill in sparse areas towards the inner edge of the brow. I've used a few brow pomades but nothing lives up to the ABH product, it lasts all day and the product doesn't dry up in the tub - a win win.
EYES
My eyeshadow is generally more minimal than usual these days, but I still always begin with my Morphe Eyelid Primer. I mentioned this in a recent post; it is amazing to keep your eyeshadow in place all day without creasing. I apply this all over the lid, then pop a bit of Rimmel Stay Matte over the top, so that my eye base isn't too tacky and the shadow can still blend.
I usually grab the Modern Renaissance palette from Anastasia Beverly Hills - this is a go-to for me because of it's gorgeous range of shades. I can either create a pinky, mauve toned look, or go for oranges and reds, depending on what I feel like. Today I'll be using the shades Raw Sienna and Burnt Orange in the bottom left for a simple, matte orange look. I use a couple of Real Techniques brushes to achieve this, along with my favourite Spectrum B06 brush.
I add a little of the Bare Minerals Lash Domination mascara to complete my eyes - it's a very natural mascara, adding some lovely length and curl.
LIPS
My everyday lipstick favourite is from Charlotte Tilbury's matte revolution range, in the shade Very Victoria. It's very much a 'your lips but better' shade and has such a comfortable formula. I love how it is matte and long-lasting while also feeling hydrating too.
What are your everyday makeup essentials?
EG x
The (Romantic) Comedy Movies to Watch on Netflix
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Lockdown has provided me with the perfect opportunity to work through the long list of films I want to watch. I have been watching plenty of comedies, particularly of the rom-com variety, because they are so easy to watch and enjoyable. Today I have compiled a list of fifteen of my favourites on Netflix that you need to watch, from old favourites of mine to recent discoveries.
Begin Again (2013)
Begin Again can be perfectly described as a musical comedy, starring Keira Knightley whose character Gretta's life is transformed when a struggling producer promises to launch her career. The New York setting is at the heart of the film as they record an album around the city and there are some really stunning locations chosen. I really enjoyed this one, there's so many themes explored but I especially loved the emphasis on friendship.
Long Shot (2019)
This one surprised me, because I was expecting a comedy, not a romantic comedy, but that doesn't mean I was disappointed! Played by Charlize Theron, Secretary of State Charlotte Field is about to embark on a presidential campaign when she employs childhood friend Fred, now a controversial journalist, as her speechwriter. Could the chaos that will ensue ruin her campaign?
La La Land (2016)
My all-time favourite film, La La
Land is an absolute must-watch on Netflix. You might be like me, having
watched it many times before and still cry at its ending, or maybe it
has passed you by, in which case you have the perfect opportunity to
give it a watch. As the title suggests, the film is set in Los Angeles
about an aspiring actress and a struggling musician, considering which
dreams to pursue in life.
Two Weeks Notice (2002)
You might be able to tell that I absolutely love films set in New York because I love oohing and ahhing at the panned shots of the city, and this one is no exception. Sandra Bullock is the overworked lawyer to Hugh Grant's millionaire businessman and as she decides to leave her job, they both realise how vital they are to each other. Definitely worth the watch for the gorgeous views while they take a helicopter ride over the city, if nothing else!
Murder Mystery (2019)
This comedy is actually so hilarious that it is even funnier than the idea of Jennifer Aniston starring in the same movie as David Walliams. Who would have thought? The movie title suggests the film is a 'murder mystery' and it certainly is, even though it definitely is a mystery with a difference because of the comedic factor. You will end up suspicious of everyone, even the main characters who are trying to solve the mystery, a New York cop (Adam Sandler) and his wife (Jennifer Aniston) who have no connection to the victim!
Just Go With It (2011)
Another one starring Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler, in this rom-com a plastic surgeon recruits his assistant to pose as his ex-wife to cover up a lie he told his new girlfriend. The film has some real laugh out loud moments, and an amazing blackmail by a kid that ends up with them on holiday in gorgeous Hawaii. Just Go With It is a fun and easy watch that will have you rooting for the main characters by the end!
You've Got Mail (1998)
What If (2013)
A very underrated rom-com starring Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan, What If is set in Canada. The two characters, Wallace and Chantry, meet at the wrong time of their lives, but still spark an instant friendship, leading many questions about if that will be all they will ever be. What If realistically explores the complexities of their relationship and really has you rooting for them. I watched this a couple of years ago but rewatching the trailer reminded me how much I had to include it.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Another absolute classic rom-com, this story explores the idea of if men and women can truly just be friends, and all the complications that come with it. It has so many great, humorous moments and has you rooting for the main characters. If nothing else, it's worth a watch for Meg Ryan's amazing 70s eyeshadow in the opening scene.
Did You Hear About The Morgans? (2009)
An easy watch starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant, I almost don't want to say too much about this one because it has quite the plot twists! An estranged couple get transported out of their normal lives in New York to an area of America that you rarely see in a glamourous rom-com. It's full of hilarious surprises that make it a fun watch.
Carrie Pilby (2016)
Set in New York, Carrie Pilby is a nineteen year old who has an IQ way higher than the average person, but still needs to learn how to make friends and get a job. After her therapist sets her a list of things to achieve, Carrie embarks on a journey learning more about herself and those around her. This coming of age film is really fun and relatable and has such a gorgeous setting in the city.
Dumplin' (2018)
Another 'coming of age' movie starring Jennifer Aniston as an ex-beauty pageant queen, and her Dolly Parton loving daughter who doesn't fit the average beauty-queen mould. Dumplin' is a really easy watch with strong themes about friendship and self-love.
Clueless (1995)
At the time of posting this, all these films can easily be found on Netflix so it couldn't be easier to give them a watch. What's your favourite film? I'd love some recommendations!
EG x
The Morphe Product You NEED To Know About
Wednesday, June 03, 2020
Morphe are best known for their gorgeous eyeshadow palettes and beautiful brushes, but if I had to keep only one item from my Morphe collection, I know what it would be. It's one that will surprise you!
The Morphe Eyelid Primer, retailing at £10, is an essential in my makeup bag. I've had it for about a year now, and honestly can't imagine doing makeup without it. This surprised me; I had never found a primer that I felt was particularly worth it, but this one has really blown me away.
I absolutely love creating eyeshadow looks, but always get disappointed when, in a few hours time, the colours would fade and I would be left with a dark brown line in the crease, no matter what shade. This would happen whether I was using cheap eyeshadows or my favourites from Anastasia Beverly Hills. Using concealer as a primer helped, but it still never lasted long enough.
I finally decided to try an eye primer, but was put off by some of the prices of the most popular ones out there - Too Faced's Primer Potion is a classic, but what if it didn't work? So, I found an affordable option by Morphe and decided to give it a go. I was amazed when I went out all day that my eyeshadow looked exactly the same, not only after a few hours, but by the evening too, after at least twelve hour wear.
The product is so easy to use - I find that squeezing a small amount onto the back of my hand and then blending it onto my eyelids with my fingers works best. Then I follow it up with a transparent powder to make sure it isn't too tacky, so you can still blend eyeshadow easily. The primer is a 'translucent' shade which means it blends out to become basically invisible, suiting all skin tones.
I'm really glad that I bought this product and encourage you all to try it out. It's not the most exciting looking makeup product in the world, but it makes a huge difference to application. Because a little goes a long way, one tube lasts a really long time. I use it the majority of times I apply eyeshadow, and it has lasted me about a year. I ended up purchasing a second one so I could have one at home and one at uni, I love it that much!
The eye primer is available at Boots & Selfridge's, or you can get it for half price at Morphe's own store. It's a lot more affordable than popular eye primers from the likes of Urban Decay and Too Faced, and I imagine it is just as good. Do you have an essential primer in your collection?
EG x
Four Novels Read In Lockdown
Saturday, May 30, 2020
As mentioned in my recent book haul, I have been enjoying reading again, now that we are on lockdown and I have much more time. While I enjoy reading a variety of different books, from history, memoirs to classic fiction, over the past two months I have read four novels that are worth sharing with you all.
The first two of the books I read, I used the app BorrowBox, an app that connects to your local library - you need a library card for this, but that's very easy to get if you don't have one, even from the comfort of your own home. It works in the exact same way a library does, reserving, borrowing, renewing and returning books, and there is such a great selection of books; both featured in today's post are relatively new and popular. It is even more useful with libraries not currently open - the perfect way to save money and read some good books!
The Giver of Stars - Jojo Moyes
While Jojo Moyes has plenty of best-selling books, before The Giver of Stars I had never read any of her work, so wasn't sure what to expect. From my knowledge, I believe this was her first based on a true story, set in 1930s Kentucky about a group called the packhorse librarians. Her protagonist, Alice, is from England, swept away to the states after marrying an American husband. However, this exciting new life she was promised didn't live up to her expectations - until she volunteered to join the librarians who deliver books on horses to families across the area.
The strongest themes in this book are friendship, empowerment and freedom; Moyes raises brilliant points about attitudes towards gender and race in 1930s America through the diverse range of characters. I absolutely loved this one - you will find yourself rooting for the main characters through their struggles and hoping for a happy ending for them all.
City of Girls - Elizabeth Gilbert
Largely set in 1940s Manhattan, City of Girls is just as glamorous as it sounds. After dropping out of college, Vivian Morris' life changes when her parents send her to live with her theatre-loving Aunt in New York. The narrative comes from Vivian at ninety-five years old, reciting the story of her life to 'Angela', whose father Vivian had a connection to.
The first page of the novel sets out that it will explain who Angela's father was to Vivian, however I felt disappointed that they only "officially" meet 80% of the way through the book - I felt like I was waiting for something for so long and couldn't work out what direction the book was taking. For me, it was worth reading for that final twenty percent of the novel, the life of Angela's father was far more compelling than Vivian, who spent a lot of time frolicking around the city, oblivious to world war. The book explores feminism, friendship and the many different kinds of love and I did enjoy it, but it didn't stand out to me.
Expectation - Anna Hope
This novel had been sitting on my shelf for a few months and yet I hadn't picked it up, because I had high hopes and was so scared it wasn't going to live up to my expectations. However, I'm so glad I finally read it this month, because I loved it just as much as I hoped I would.
Anna Hope's story focuses on three women, Hannah, Cate and Lissa, who were the best of friends living together in their twenties, yet ten years later all three of them find their lives to be not as they expected. Through flashbacks to parts of their life as young as twelve years old, as well as their uni years, you really get to know the characters and everything they have been through. Hope manages to create three women who are such three dimensional characters - they wear their flaws on their sleeve, and yet they are so relatable and lovable. Of course, I absolutely loved the London setting - the author goes into great detail describing the area making me miss my uni city even more.
The Flat Share - Beth O'Leary
After seeing this novel all over Instagram over the past few months, I finally gave in to the hype. The Flat Share's narrative alternates between two characters, Tiffy and Leon, who share a flat and a bed but have never met. Described as the perfect rom-com novel, the book is on the whole very light-hearted and provides plenty of laughter, but also delves into some more serious topics including the effects of a gaslighting ex-boyfriend, and a wrongly imprisoned brother.
I read this in a day and a half, undoubtedly the sort of novel that I couldn't put down no matter how hard I tried. I loved the technique of the two characters writing post-it note letters between themselves as they got to know each other better. The side characters are equally as endearing; friends, family and patients, I found myself caring about them just as much as the main characters. Instagram is right - this book is brilliant and I can't wait to read more from the author (I have The Switch on my shelf, and I'm excited!).
Overall, all four of these books are worth reading, but I particularly recommend The Giver of Stars for someone interested in historical fiction, and The Flat Share for a feel-good that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Make sure to follow me on goodreads to keep up with all the books I read!
Have you read any good novels lately? I've got a few more to get through on my shelf, but welcome all recommendations!
EG x
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