So once again it's that time of the month to discuss all my favourite products from the past few weeks. This one is actually a little special as a whole year ago my 2012 February Favourites was the first video I uploaded to my YouTube channel (and a seriously awkward one at that!) I can't believe how quickly the time has gone and how many lovely people have watched my videos so I'd like to say one big thank you and here's to another year! Click here to see my latest favourites video featuring some wonderful products from Redken, Liz Earle, MAC and more!

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• February 27, 2013

February 2013 Favourites

So once again it's that time of the month to discuss all my favourite products from the past few weeks. This one is actually a little special as a whole year ago my 2012 February Favourites was the first video I uploaded to my YouTube channel (and a seriously awkward one at that!) I can't believe how quickly the time has gone and how many lovely people have watched my videos so I'd like to say one big thank you and here's to another year! Click here to see my latest favourites video featuring some wonderful products from Redken, Liz Earle, MAC and more!

YouTube - Twitter - Bloglovin' - Instagram

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Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Concealer - Light £16.50
I'm sure you all know by now (probably due to the fact I've talked about their Overnight Mask in practically every post/video I've ever made) that Origins is a brand I absolutely love. Believe it or not though I've never actually tried a product from their Make Up range, something I swiftly decided to put right a few weeks ago after a trip to my local counter. I went for their Plantscription Anti-Aging Concealer after hearing it had been widely compared to my Holy Grail item (and probably everyone else's for that matter) the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, another product I ramble on about far too much.

Usually I need a combination of two concealers to cover the dark circles under my eyes; a warm toned corrector to cancel out the blue tones then a light reflecting colour to brighten up, so I was pleasently surprised when this managed to do it all in one. The consistency is similar to the Collection concealer in that it gives really great coverage, but where it differs (and probably for the better) is that it's a lot more moisturising. The only problem I have (dare I say it) with the cheaper counterpart is that it can tend to look a little dry and cakey after a few hours, but I was really impressed that the Origins offering looked fresh for a lot longer and didn't gather in all those nasty creases which I find a lot of hydrating concealers can do.

It's even a shock to myself that I've now shelved my beloved Collection item for the time being and am really enjoying using the Plantscription concealer, so much so I'm looking at maybe investing in the matching foundation. Origins, you've done it again!


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• February 25, 2013

Origins Plantscription Concealer

Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Concealer - Light £16.50
I'm sure you all know by now (probably due to the fact I've talked about their Overnight Mask in practically every post/video I've ever made) that Origins is a brand I absolutely love. Believe it or not though I've never actually tried a product from their Make Up range, something I swiftly decided to put right a few weeks ago after a trip to my local counter. I went for their Plantscription Anti-Aging Concealer after hearing it had been widely compared to my Holy Grail item (and probably everyone else's for that matter) the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, another product I ramble on about far too much.

Usually I need a combination of two concealers to cover the dark circles under my eyes; a warm toned corrector to cancel out the blue tones then a light reflecting colour to brighten up, so I was pleasently surprised when this managed to do it all in one. The consistency is similar to the Collection concealer in that it gives really great coverage, but where it differs (and probably for the better) is that it's a lot more moisturising. The only problem I have (dare I say it) with the cheaper counterpart is that it can tend to look a little dry and cakey after a few hours, but I was really impressed that the Origins offering looked fresh for a lot longer and didn't gather in all those nasty creases which I find a lot of hydrating concealers can do.

It's even a shock to myself that I've now shelved my beloved Collection item for the time being and am really enjoying using the Plantscription concealer, so much so I'm looking at maybe investing in the matching foundation. Origins, you've done it again!


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01. Amazing cakes at the Tenth Hole in Southsea / 02. 100 girlfriend points to me for getting up at five and making Darren breakfast / 03. A mini instahaul. Still haven't been brave enough to use the lavender hair dye! / 04. Standard massive hot chocolate shot / 05. Primark binge, again! / 06. Dungrees. Are. Back. / 07. Flowery Cath Kidston heaven / 08. Someones got a new toy.. / 09. After searching for these EVERYWHERE they tasted horrible! / 10. OMG baby Ryan Gosling / 11. Check out the retro iPods! / 12. Peel off nail polish from Topshop.. not too sure about that one!


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• February 24, 2013

This Week #39

01. Amazing cakes at the Tenth Hole in Southsea / 02. 100 girlfriend points to me for getting up at five and making Darren breakfast / 03. A mini instahaul. Still haven't been brave enough to use the lavender hair dye! / 04. Standard massive hot chocolate shot / 05. Primark binge, again! / 06. Dungrees. Are. Back. / 07. Flowery Cath Kidston heaven / 08. Someones got a new toy.. / 09. After searching for these EVERYWHERE they tasted horrible! / 10. OMG baby Ryan Gosling / 11. Check out the retro iPods! / 12. Peel off nail polish from Topshop.. not too sure about that one!


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Coat, Jumper & Shirt: Primark
Jeans: Asos
Necklace: Topshop
Shoes: Primark
Lips: MAC Lady Danger

This outfit somehow subconsciously turned into an all blue affair, and with the addition of the stripy coat I feel a bit like a sailor. I do however love how easy this boyfriend style blazer is to wear, even if I don't quite think £20 is anywhere near a bargain when it comes to Primark (and in the sale too! Tut tut). I can definitely see this being thrown over summer dresses on warmer evenings rather than adding to a snowball of layers to try and keep myself warm. I'm also aware that jeans don't make for the most inspiring of looks, but I could honestly live in this pair from Asos. All I want to do right now is wear the warmest, comfiest things possible! If only it was acceptable to wear a onesie outside, life would be perfect. Oh a girl can dream..

• February 21, 2013

Blue Jeans, White Shirt

Coat, Jumper & Shirt: Primark
Jeans: Asos
Necklace: Topshop
Shoes: Primark
Lips: MAC Lady Danger

This outfit somehow subconsciously turned into an all blue affair, and with the addition of the stripy coat I feel a bit like a sailor. I do however love how easy this boyfriend style blazer is to wear, even if I don't quite think £20 is anywhere near a bargain when it comes to Primark (and in the sale too! Tut tut). I can definitely see this being thrown over summer dresses on warmer evenings rather than adding to a snowball of layers to try and keep myself warm. I'm also aware that jeans don't make for the most inspiring of looks, but I could honestly live in this pair from Asos. All I want to do right now is wear the warmest, comfiest things possible! If only it was acceptable to wear a onesie outside, life would be perfect. Oh a girl can dream..

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1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Really loving everything alphabet/letter print at the moment and this oversized sweat shirt would look perfect with Topshop's new hight waisted Joni jeans and some chunky gold and neon jewellery. I've actually had a pair of fake Converses for a while now and I've gotten so much wear out of them the soles are falling apart! That's what you get for paying £7 in Primark for shoes.. I think I need to invest in a real pair as I love the laid back edge they give to an outfit.


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• February 17, 2013

Things I Want This Week #13

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Really loving everything alphabet/letter print at the moment and this oversized sweat shirt would look perfect with Topshop's new hight waisted Joni jeans and some chunky gold and neon jewellery. I've actually had a pair of fake Converses for a while now and I've gotten so much wear out of them the soles are falling apart! That's what you get for paying £7 in Primark for shoes.. I think I need to invest in a real pair as I love the laid back edge they give to an outfit.


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Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate, Laura Mercier Oil Free Primer, Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer, Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder, EVE LOM Kiss Mix*, E.L.F Brow Kit, Bourjois Eyehadow in Bronze, Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette, MAC Coffee Eye Pencil, Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara, Clinique Lash Power Mascara, MAC Harmony, Stila Convertible Colour Blush in Gerbera, Topshop Crescent Moon Highlighter, Maybelline Superstay Lipstick in Stay With Me Coral.

The day of love is upon us and this year I thought I'd show you a quick whizz through the make up I'll be wearing. I went with my usual base of the killer Laura Mercier combo; Oil Free Primer and Silk Creme Foundation, but jazzed it up a bit with a chocolate smokey eye courtesy of Bourjois's Bronze Shadow and the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette. Top off with some dewey looking cheeks and a bright pink lip (could there be a more appropriate colour?) and you've got yourself one Valentines make up look.

Darren got back at 4 am this morning from a trip to Finland to see the Northern Lights (most jealous person ever right here) so as he's currently zonked out in bed I'm not sure if we're going out or staying in. I'm seeing either a Jamie's Italian or a rather large Chinese in the distance.. Either way I'm sure we'll have a lovely time and I hope wherever you are, who ever you're with, you're having a great day too!

* Gifted PR Samples

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• February 14, 2013

Get Ready With Me: Valentines Make Up

Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate, Laura Mercier Oil Free Primer, Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer, Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder, EVE LOM Kiss Mix*, E.L.F Brow Kit, Bourjois Eyehadow in Bronze, Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette, MAC Coffee Eye Pencil, Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara, Clinique Lash Power Mascara, MAC Harmony, Stila Convertible Colour Blush in Gerbera, Topshop Crescent Moon Highlighter, Maybelline Superstay Lipstick in Stay With Me Coral.

The day of love is upon us and this year I thought I'd show you a quick whizz through the make up I'll be wearing. I went with my usual base of the killer Laura Mercier combo; Oil Free Primer and Silk Creme Foundation, but jazzed it up a bit with a chocolate smokey eye courtesy of Bourjois's Bronze Shadow and the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette. Top off with some dewey looking cheeks and a bright pink lip (could there be a more appropriate colour?) and you've got yourself one Valentines make up look.

Darren got back at 4 am this morning from a trip to Finland to see the Northern Lights (most jealous person ever right here) so as he's currently zonked out in bed I'm not sure if we're going out or staying in. I'm seeing either a Jamie's Italian or a rather large Chinese in the distance.. Either way I'm sure we'll have a lovely time and I hope wherever you are, who ever you're with, you're having a great day too!

* Gifted PR Samples

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So this afternoon I've been ransacking the kitchen cupboards and cooking up a treat for Valentines day tomorrow. Love them or hate them, Red Velvet cupcakes couldn't be more appropriate for this time of year and they're super simple to make!

You will need: 100g butter, 100g sugar, 2 eggs, 100ml milk, red food colouring, 250g flour, 10g cocoa powder

Just cream the butter and sugar together, add in the eggs and whisk. Mix enough of the red food colouring with the milk to turn it bright red and add half to the mixture. Then just add in the flour and cocoa podwer, mix again and add the rest of the milk. Bake at 180°c for 20-25 minutes depending on the size of your cupcake cases, and voila! A Valenties treat. I cheated and used ready made vanilla icing but you can make your own if you're a real baking queen! The rose pattern is so simple too, just make thin circles from the outside in with a piping bag, then start again from the inside and repeat untill it starts looking something like a flower.

Ps. I promise beauty related posts will resume soon. I'm a lazy, cake making blogger!


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• February 13, 2013

Valentines Cupcakes

So this afternoon I've been ransacking the kitchen cupboards and cooking up a treat for Valentines day tomorrow. Love them or hate them, Red Velvet cupcakes couldn't be more appropriate for this time of year and they're super simple to make!

You will need: 100g butter, 100g sugar, 2 eggs, 100ml milk, red food colouring, 250g flour, 10g cocoa powder

Just cream the butter and sugar together, add in the eggs and whisk. Mix enough of the red food colouring with the milk to turn it bright red and add half to the mixture. Then just add in the flour and cocoa podwer, mix again and add the rest of the milk. Bake at 180°c for 20-25 minutes depending on the size of your cupcake cases, and voila! A Valenties treat. I cheated and used ready made vanilla icing but you can make your own if you're a real baking queen! The rose pattern is so simple too, just make thin circles from the outside in with a piping bag, then start again from the inside and repeat untill it starts looking something like a flower.

Ps. I promise beauty related posts will resume soon. I'm a lazy, cake making blogger!


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01. Finally got hold of the cult Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate / 02. L'Oreal Confetti top coat over Essie Sand Tropez reminds me of speckled egg shells / 03. One packet of Mini Eggs wasn't enough! / 04. Lovely gift from Balance Me / 05. The latest video on my channel: My Skincare Tour / 06. Kettle Vegetable Chips are amazing! / 07. Date night at Pizza Express / 08. Followed by an entire box of Krispy Kremes. Oops. / 09. A Valentines inspired manicure for the weekend

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• February 10, 2013

This Week #38

01. Finally got hold of the cult Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate / 02. L'Oreal Confetti top coat over Essie Sand Tropez reminds me of speckled egg shells / 03. One packet of Mini Eggs wasn't enough! / 04. Lovely gift from Balance Me / 05. The latest video on my channel: My Skincare Tour / 06. Kettle Vegetable Chips are amazing! / 07. Date night at Pizza Express / 08. Followed by an entire box of Krispy Kremes. Oops. / 09. A Valentines inspired manicure for the weekend

YouTube - Twitter - Bloglovin' - Instagram

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Once again, it's time to meet the lovely ladies of this month's sidebar! If you're interested in advertising on I Covet Thee next month for a small fee, please click here for more information.

Beau Blushes: Becky is a newbie blogger who writes about beauty, interior design, fashion and lifestyle. Although her blog may just be getting off it's feet, it already promises to be full of great design ideas, beauty posts and lovely rewiews. She's also got a really handy post on the difference between Bioderma Crealin and Bioderma Sebium (something I didn't actually know) which you can read here.

Secret Diary of a Fashion Journalist: Laura's blog is a mix of lifestyle, beauty and fashion. She's got a great bubbly, carefree writing style that makes you feel like you're talking to a friend. I'm loving her Beauty Bedtime Box (might just have to rustle myself up one of those), but who doesn't love a little nosey into people's skincare routines!?

Fragmented Splendour: Annabel's blog is one of those rare finds that's not only visually stunning, beautifully photographed and well laid out (I'm a stickler for aesthetics) but is also full of fab content including detailed reviews, great beauty posts and a little bit of her own art thrown in for good measure. Check out her great little series Quick Reviews, trying and testing all the samples that most of us keep hidden away in draws for years. They're really snappy and informative and have totally motivated me to dig out my hundreds of miniatures!

Beauty by Ren: Ren is one seriously stunning girl who knows a thing or two about make up, I only wish I could apply mine as flawlessly as her's! Her blog is full of great beauty reviews and swatches and gives us a nice little insight into the all the brands and beauty buzz in the US. I love the look of the Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer she's testing out here. Oh how I long for a trip to Sephora!


YouTube - Twitter - Bloglovin' - Instagram

• February 05, 2013

February Sidebar

Once again, it's time to meet the lovely ladies of this month's sidebar! If you're interested in advertising on I Covet Thee next month for a small fee, please click here for more information.

Beau Blushes: Becky is a newbie blogger who writes about beauty, interior design, fashion and lifestyle. Although her blog may just be getting off it's feet, it already promises to be full of great design ideas, beauty posts and lovely rewiews. She's also got a really handy post on the difference between Bioderma Crealin and Bioderma Sebium (something I didn't actually know) which you can read here.

Secret Diary of a Fashion Journalist: Laura's blog is a mix of lifestyle, beauty and fashion. She's got a great bubbly, carefree writing style that makes you feel like you're talking to a friend. I'm loving her Beauty Bedtime Box (might just have to rustle myself up one of those), but who doesn't love a little nosey into people's skincare routines!?

Fragmented Splendour: Annabel's blog is one of those rare finds that's not only visually stunning, beautifully photographed and well laid out (I'm a stickler for aesthetics) but is also full of fab content including detailed reviews, great beauty posts and a little bit of her own art thrown in for good measure. Check out her great little series Quick Reviews, trying and testing all the samples that most of us keep hidden away in draws for years. They're really snappy and informative and have totally motivated me to dig out my hundreds of miniatures!

Beauty by Ren: Ren is one seriously stunning girl who knows a thing or two about make up, I only wish I could apply mine as flawlessly as her's! Her blog is full of great beauty reviews and swatches and gives us a nice little insight into the all the brands and beauty buzz in the US. I love the look of the Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer she's testing out here. Oh how I long for a trip to Sephora!


YouTube - Twitter - Bloglovin' - Instagram

Read More >