Beauty favourites were a bit thin on the ground, last month, but I did do quite a bit of reading so I’ve shared this video between reading recommendations and beautifying tips. The Anne Tyler book (here) is just a beautifully gentle, slow-paced novel, examining the relationships within a family and gradually revealing more and more about their backstory. It’s not a “page-turner” (that’s not really what Anne Tyler does) but I still looked forward to getting back to it every night before bed – it made me very contemplative and appreciative of my own family and friends.

I’ve only just started Emma Cline’s The Girls (here) but already I’m hooked. It’s set to be quite a dark read, I think – I have tried not to look at any reviews (it’s getting a lot of publicity), but from what I gather it’s about a murderous Charles Manson-esque cult. Gritty subject matter, but the writing style, so far at least, is totally engaging – shrewd and observant but with a certain softness. I’ll report back when I’ve finished, but I think that this will be a great summer read, if you’re after one.

On with the video! A list of favourites can be found by scrolling down the page, if you don’t want to sit through my waffling…

A Spool of Blue Thread, Anne Tyler: http://amzn.to/29KoKb0

David Sedaris: http://amzn.to/29yK8OH

The Girls, Emma Cline: http://amzn.to/29CpdOe

Alpine Ear Plugs: http://amzn.to/29t2yAM

YSL Saharienne Bronzing Stones: http://bit.ly/29t341I

L’Oreal Paris Sexy Balm Shade 102, Gossip: http://amzn.to/29t2UY0

First Aid Beauty Serum: http://amzn.to/29rPJKt

Alpha H Beauty Sleep Power Peel: https://www.ruthcrilly.co.uk/2016/…

Dirty Works Cucumber Eye Pads: http://goo.gl/TVELXz