Happy Friday, everyone. And happy end of Summer! Jk, it’s going to be 43° on Sunday. Summer is sticking around for a little bit longer here. But how was the last three months for me? Not bad. The high temps and humidity have made wearing makeup difficult, as per usual. But I did manage to find five standout products from the last few months. So, let’s talk about them!
MAC STUDIO RADIANCE LUMINOUS LIFT CONCEALER – $55.00
This one was on my wishlist for a while. And it’s 100% worth the price. The formula is so light and easy to blend out. It’s more medium coverage, which I tend to prefer for my day to day makeup. And I find that it has a slight blurring effect under the eyes. Making those fine line a little less obvious. You will see me talk about this again in the near future.
TBH SKINCARE REBOUND ONE NIGHT STAND SOOTHING GEL FACIAL MASK – $44.95
Listen, I failed to put this in my end of year favourites despite me shouting out the now viral Skin Milk. So, consider this my act of penance. This mask is phenomenal. It’s loaded with Cica, Panthenol, Colloidal Oatmeal, Ceramides, Antioxidants, and all of the good things that my occasionally angry skin needs to heal. I especially love this on retinol nights to really lock in that nourishment. But I have been using this in place of my nighttime moisturiser 3-4 times a week. Believe the hype with this one.
KAYALI YUM BOUJEE MARSHMALLOW EDP – $163.90 for 50ml
I’ve already given this one it’s flowers recently. But it bears repeating. Good God, Mona Kattan knows how to make a gourmand. This is juicy, fluffy, girly heaven! And just in case you’re wondering. Yes, it pairs magnificently with Yum Pistachio Gelato.
AUSTRALIS INCREDI-BROW BROW GEL – $15.95
I know that the Emotional Support Mascara has been doing the rounds on Instagram. But I have been really loving the new Incredi-Brow that Australis launched at the same time. This stuff is perfect as a one and done brow product. It tints, fills, and sets all at the same time. Making my life just a little bit easier. Best of all, it’s so affordable. Get on this!
ELF FINE AS FLECK GLITTER EYESHADOW in CHAMPAGNE SHOWERS – $12.00
Oh boy, did this shade cause a stir when it launched in the States at the end of last year. With the internet split on whether this is a dupe for Space Cowboy from Urban Decay. Well, I have the answer. Is it a dupe? No. But what it is is the most gorgeous one and done sparkle shade for a quick eyeshadow look. If I’ve been wearing anything on my lids lately, it’s been this. I love how the glitters are a slightly different shape. Giving the eye look some dimension. I know that $12 for a single shadow is a little much. But when this shade goes on sale, I reckon it’s worth picking up if you’re a sparkle lover like me.
So, those are my beauty faves. Let’s quickly chat about some other faves from the summer months. Yes, these are all movies. It was a quiet month for other stuff, what can I say? If you do want more of my movie reviews, you can follow me on Letterboxd.
NOSFERATU – In Cinemas Now
I’m starting this with probably the easiest movie to review. If you’re at all familiar with Robert Eggers and his previous work, this is going to be right up your alley. Even if you’ve never seen the 1922 original silent film, all you need to know is that it’s basically a German interpretation (though a less charitable way of phrasing would be rip off) of Dracula. It does make some interesting changes from the original. Adding a more psychosexual element to the film. But it’s phenomenal. Bill Skarsgard is otherworldly in his performance, Nicholas Hoult is probably the best portrayal of Jonathan Harker I’ve ever seen put to screen (his character isn’t named Jonathan Harker, again, this is Dracula with the serial numbers filed off), and I am infuriated that Lily Rose Depp isn’t getting the awards recognition that she sorely deserves for this role (don’t let The Idol fool you, she is the real deal). I know that this is available to rent. But if it’s still playing in a cinema near you, I recommend you see it on the biggest screen possible
HUNDERDS OF BEAVERS – Shudder
Something you may not know about me is that I have a very eclectic sense of humour. I’ve always had a weakness for slapstick, satire, just off the wall kinda stuff. So, when I saw this movie doing the festival rounds back in 2023, I knew I had to check it out. Y’all, this movie is nuts. The basic premise is in the title. A guy has to hunt down, literally, hundreds of beavers. But the way it’s presented is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. It’s shot in black and white, it’s almost completely silent, but the wackiest thing is all of the animals (including the aforementioned hundreds of beavers) are all people in human sized fur suits. And it’s all played so ridiculously over the top. I haven’t laughed this hard at a movie in years. This will not be for everyone. But if you spent your childhood watching Monty Python, Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry, or anything from Adult Swim, you will love this.
STRANGE DARLING – Amazon TV
Now this is the hardest one for me to review. This is one that I saw frequent a bunch of my favourite critic’s top ten lists with the cheeky ‘I can’t tell you why it’s good, you just have to watch it’. And damn it, they’re right. All I’ll say is that it’s a thriller centering around a man and a woman hooking up for a one night stand. But the way it’s presented is pretty unique and worth the watch.
And those are my Summer faves! A pretty solid array, if I do say so myself. Let me know what you Summer must haves were in the comments.
Cheers and love
Emily xo