Some things just make their way into your routine, stay on your mind or bring a little joy to your everyday. Here are a few things I've been enjoying lately.
Beauty finds
Fenty Beauty Heat Gloss Bomb in the shade Fenty Glow
Whether I'm wearing it alongside a full glam for an event, keeping things a little more minimal for the office or simply applying it on its own as part of my five-minute makeup routine, it just goes with everything.
It's the perfect everyday companion. The formula is buttery soft, smells incredible, is universally flattering and lasts longer than most glosses I've tried. If you're looking for a gloss that you can reach for whatever the occasion, this one is definitely worth considering.
Natasha Denona Highlighting blush in the shade Bloom
If you're looking for something that instantly makes you look a little brighter and more alive, look no further. It has just the right amount of sparkle, giving the skin a lovely glow without looking too shimmery or emphasising texture.
It's a beautiful blush. A must have for blush lovers, and perhaps even for those who haven't quite been converted yet.
Hair notes
SILKE Heatless curlers
I know they have been trending for a while now, so you probably don't need an introduction. But I'm going to give you one anyway.
If you like the idea of waking up with hair that looks as though you've just stepped out of the salon, then you might want to give these a try. Simply put them in before bed, get some sleep and wake up to beautiful, bouncy curls.
Little disclaimer, I've only tried them on my very beautiful and very much bought hair, so results may vary depending on your hair type and texture.
On repeat
Crime Passionnel by Fally Ipupa
One of the most beautiful languages in the world happens to be the language of where I’m from… Lingala!
Crime Passionnel is taken from his latest album, XX Delirium, which celebrates 20 years of his solo career while paying homage to Congolese rumba.
I also had the absolute joy of seeing him perform live at the O2 Arena this past month. As the first Congolese and, to my knowledge, first Francophone artist to headline the venue, it was such a special moment. I can't quite put into words how proud I felt watching him perform and bring a little piece of our culture to an international stage. I'm so so grateful to have witnessed what felt like a historic moment.
If you haven't listened to him before, it’s not too late to start.
On screen
The Dropout starring Amanda Seyfried
I'm a big fan of documentaries, so when a real life story is turned into a television drama, it usually has my attention.
I'm sure you've heard of Elizabeth Holmes by now, the woman behind Theranos. She set out to revolutionise the medical industry with the promise of being able to detect a range of medical conditions using just a few drops of blood. The technology, however, didn't deliver on those promises, and the company became the centre of a major scandal.
The adaptation is brilliant, and Amanda Seyfried's portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes is excellent. It's an easy and very enjoyable watch.
On my bookshelf
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
I love a good thriller. I love it even more when the story manages to draw you in from the very beginning and keeps you wanting to turn just one more page.
The story follows Lydia and her young son Luca as they are forced to flee their home in Mexico and embark on a dangerous journey towards the United States.
I really enjoyed the way the story unfolds. There really isn't a slow moment, and every detail feels carefully considered by the author.
It's easily one of my favourite reads of the year (so far). If you're looking for a captivating, page turning read that keeps you hooked from beginning to end, I would definitely recommend adding this one to your list.
I hope you've found something here that catches your eye, and perhaps discovered something new. I'll be back with more notes next month.