Spring Reads and Beauty

As we enter the heart of spring, it’s time to move the long sleeved shirts and fleece pyjamas to the back of the wardrobe, and bring forth the dresses and tees.

But it’s not only fashion that changes with the seasons; beauty and yes, reading, can change too. So let’s talk about some refreshing reads and beauty items that I think are great for spring.

While I read any genre of book all year round, I do tend to read more fresh contemporaries during spring and summer. Being Australian, this totally clashes with wintery Christmas reads in summer but whatever. Spring for me is all about the flowers (damn you hay fever), discovering new things, and coming out of the so-called cocoon from winter.

For me, it’s staying out later - balmy nights with a slight breeze, chilling outdoors on a Friday night with a glass (or two) of fruity Moscato. Spring also means November storms and rain – perfect for a night in and reading!

Golden by Jessi Kirby

I feel that Golden is such a nature-style book as it’s infused with Robert Frost’s poetry throughout. We follow Parker as she goes through her senior year unravelling a mystery and ultimately, taking the road less travelled. I fell in love with Frost’s poetry all over again.

A Court of Thorns andRoses by Sarah J. Maas

Starting out in the human realm in winter, ACOTAR is primarily set in the Spring Court amongst the fey. If this isn’t the epitome of spring I don’t know what is. It’s a Beauty and the Beast retelling with faerie folklore and sweet baby Jesus, my fav retelling yet.

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

A coming of age story where our MC learns to accept herself, face her past and find purpose in her life through the Victorian language of flowers. I loved learning about the different meanings to flowers and how they can be used to convey messages.

The Iron King byJulie Kagawa

What is it about faeries and spring? I think I just put them together because the Summer Court reminds me more of spring with all the flowers in bloom. This is one of my favourite series ever, about a human girl who finds out her father is faery king and journeys through the Nevernever. Nature, young love, Summer Court? Springggg. My ship my ship <3

The Secret Garden byFrances Hodgson Burnett

Probably my favourite children’s classic of all time. We follow Mary Lennox as she’s transported to the cold England to live with her uncle in his imposing manor. But when she finds a locked garden, she makes it her mission to restore it to its former glory. I loved the themes of family and identity in this one.

Urban Decay Naked 3 palette; NARS Orgasm blush and Laguna bronzer; Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF 30; ChapStick Strawberry SPF 10; Pleasures Estee Lauder; Hourglass Ambient Lighting Wardrobe

I’m thinking soft tones. Subtle pinks and rose-golds for the eyes (the lighter shades on the Naked 3 palette are perfect for this - Limit, Buzz and Burnout are my favs) and natural lips. Slightly flushed cheeks for that sun-kissed look with a hint of bronzer and highlight for when the sun hits your face. With the sun’s rays intensifying, it’s also important to start wearing stuff with SPF! Top it off with a fresh, floral scent so that you bring spring wherever you go.

Spring Tunes

Wonderland by Taylor Swift // Sun Goes Down by Robin Schulz feat. Jasmine Thompson // Oh Sailor by Mr Little Jeans  // We Are Giants by Lindsey Stirling feat. Dia Frampton // Only Teardrops by Emmelie de Forest