July 2013

It's pretty safe to say that Marc Jacobs do Summer perfumes like no other. From Daisy to Lola their fragrances are the perfect light scent to sport through the warmer months and now there's a brand new member of the family to introduce you to..

Meet Honey, a fresh, bright floral that begins with a fruity pear and mandarin twist, levels out with a dash of honeysuckle and sinks down into a deep vanilla and honey base. If you find some floral fragrances too sickly sweet, this is the perfect combination of sugary yet warm and lasts a lot longer than other lightweight perfumes on my skin.

The polka-dot bottle adorned with pearls and bumble-bee wings doesn't disappoint either and fits in with it's long line of abstract predecessors, a beautiful edition to the Marc Jacobs collection and your dressing table. Honey is available now in both 50ml and 100ml sizes, priced at £50 and £68.

To celebrate the launch of the new fragrance, Marc Jacobs are hosting an exclusive competition on Instagram asking you to share your favourite places or 'Honey Spots' to be in with the chance of winning some exciting goodies from the brand. I'll be uploading some of mine so make sure to follow my Instagram to keep up to date!

How it works:

1. Take a picture of your #MJHONEYSPOT on Instagram
2. Tag photo with #MJHONEYSPOTS and name the location of the spot
3. Post picture and you're automatically entered

Honey is a sunny delicious floral - happy and energetic, with a touch of the unexpected. Meet Marc Jacobs new Honey and discover #MJHONEYSPOTS at www.marcjacobsfragrances.com

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Compensation was provided by Coty via Glam Media.
The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Coty.

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July 30, 2013

Marc Jacobs Honey

GlossyBox* - £10 + P&P

As beauty boxes go, there's often that moment of suspense while carefully unwrapping (or in my case, ripping open) the beautiful packaging, wondering if it's going to be crammed full of amazing samples that you can't wait to try, or a handful of things that don't quite excite you. In the past I've often found the most disappointing offerings to be be those with no sense of continuity but when a themed edition comes out (and especially one with with a specially designed box) it's more than likely going to be a good one. This month GlossyBox have taken on the task of finding the best Summer beauty products, and their July box contains everything you could need to achieve effortless beach babe cool.

The Anatomicles Facial Spritz was swiftly dowsed all over my face after opening and although my skin Guru Caroline Hirons, who is a massively against cooling facial sprays which do little more than dehydrate your skin, would more than likely give me a slap on the wrist for loving this, it does contain glycerin for moisture and is alcohol free. It has an uplifting minty-lavender scent and gives an amazingly refreshing boost.

The hair styling offering, a Tousled Texture Mist, from Alterna promises to give you those much sought after 'just-came-out-of-the-sea-without-actually-going-in' waves, which thanks to the Olsen duo and a smattering of Kate Moss I've been in constant longing for years. They've also got Sun protection covered with the Coola Mineral Face SPF 20 which is a Titanium Dioxide based sunscreen, great for those who are sensitive to Zinc and also has a sheer tint of colour giving you a small amount of coverage that doesn't sit heavily in heat.

Although I love the concept of trying new things, I do get a little thrill of excitement when I see a products from a High Street brand in a beauty box. Sleek has always been a favourite of mine and despite all the hype upon their launch I never actually got round to trying one of their Pout Paints. These two are in the shades Minx, a your-lips-but-better nude and Peachy Keen, slightly brighter and orange based. These are extremely pigmented liquid lip colours designed to be worn alone or mixed together. When they say pigmented, they seriously mean it as just a small dab of this is enough to give you a full coverage pout.

Last up, Essie's Sleek Sticks which are nail wraps designed to mimic the feel of an actual painted nail. In the past I've had little success with all things nail sticker, but the thiner texture of these teamed with Essie's impeccable designs (mine are in 09 Stickers and Stones) make for some seriously perfect, chip free nail art.

Have you tried the Summer Edition GlossyBox?

* Gifted PR Sample

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July 25, 2013

GlossyBox Does Summer

* Gifted PR Sample

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01. Red lips in the Sun | 02. I may not be the biggest Starbucks fan, but their Mocha Cookie Crumble is definitely something to shout about | 03. Bright Summer nails with Nails Inc Portobello Road and Didi midi rings* | 04. No better way to spend an evening than with a barbecue and good company | 05. Starting off our road trip to Bath | 06. A stop off at Pizza Express | 07. Greeted by Champagne and chocolates in the hotel room | 08. Cheers! | 09. Quite honestly the best thing I have ever tasted; Salted Popcorn Ice Cream, Chocolate Fondant Pavé and toasted marshmallow gooeyness | 10. Castle Combe living up to it's title of 'Prettiest Village in England' | 11. Birthday nachos! | 12. Another bright lipstick worming it's way into my collection in the form of MAC Impassioned.

Posting has been a little scarce this week due to the heat in England. I know we moan when it's hot and moan when it's cold but this weather is ridiculous and I can only just about manage to lay on the sofa surrounded by fans let alone film and photograph under hot studio lighting. Woe is me. I did venture out this weekend however as it was Darren's birthday on Saturday so we took a little trip up to Bath and stayed in a gorgeous hotel just outside the city. I do love a weekend away!

July 21, 2013

This Week #47

With a heatwave that's making even the most waterproof of mascaras melt into oblivion currently scortching it's way through England I think it's pretty safe to officially call it Summer. Spring pastels are a thing of the past and for me this season is going to be all about bright corals, pinks and oranges and what better place to start than with a bold pout and my pick of the best eye popping Summer lipsticks.

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in Stellar | Maybelline Super Stay 14 Hour Lipstick in Stay With Me Coral | Sleek Papaya Punch Lipstick | Topshop Ohh La La Lipstick | Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Riviera

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July 15, 2013

Best of the Bold Summer Lip Products

I was pretty much overwhelmed last weekend when I found out my YouTube Channel had been shortlisted under the Best Beauty Vlog category in the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards 2013. I'm not sure I can quite express how much it means to me that you all watch and value my videos, which I've always though as more of a supplement to my blog, enough to put me up theres with some amazing company that I could only dream of be as good as one day.

July 15, 2013

A Thank You

It's not too often that I have access to all my favourite beauty brands under one roof, so on arriving back from my three day Birthday trip to London at the end of last month I came bearing bags and bags of shopping and a bank card that's now gone into recovery. I had a good spend up in all the big beauty spots, Selfridges, Liberty, Space NK and a very large and well stocked Boots. Here's what I got!

Illamasqua Pure Pigment in Ore | Illamasqua Glean in Aurora | Georgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation | MAC Paint Pot in Vintage Selection | MAC Crosswires Lipstick | Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream | Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask | Diptyque Philosykos Eau de Toilette | Diptyque Figuier Candle | Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light | Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer | Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Riviera | Escentric Molecules Molocule 01 | Bioderma Sensibio H20 | Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask | Origins GinZing Moisturiser | Origins Make a Difference Plus+ Moisturiser | Origins Plantscription Concealer | Origins No Puffery Eye Mask | SinfulColours Nail Polish (in Snow Me White, Easy Going, Unicorn, Island Coral, Boogie Nights and Pistache) | Too Faced Natural Eye Kit | Benefit Hervana Blush | Clinique High Impact Extreme Mascara | Bumble & Bumble Deeep Hair Mask | Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Buttercream |
Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Wash | Real Techniqes Limited Edition Duo Fibre Brush Set | Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick in Bashful | Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in Stellar

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July 12, 2013

London Beauty Haul

I think it's pretty fair to say that I love a new beauty buy. Trying something for the first time, testing it to it's full extent then onto the next one and repeat is definitely my idea of a good time, feel free to judge me. Therefore when an actual repurchase is made it's usually something to shout about and when it gets to the point of occupying a permanent list of things to buy as soon as they run out (and even sometimes requiring one or two backups in the cupboard) then you have my ultimate trusted beauty products.

Starting off with the make up remover that currently has two twins ready and waiting in my beauty stash, Bioderma Sensibio H20. I've certainly shopped around when it comes to Micellar waters and although one or two nearly came close, there really is no comparison to the ultimate. Thankfully this one is now slightly easier to get hold of, being stocked on www.escentual.com and also in the odd independent pharmacy if you can find (like I did at Zest Pharmacy on Broadwick Street which resulted in me raiding half their supply). The other make up buster that goes hand in hand with Bioderma is the Clarins Instant Eye Make Up Remover. This two-part wonder effortlessly cuts through any type of eyeliner, long-wear shadow and maraca: waterproof or not, that you can think of and although there may be a vast number of bi-phase removers out there, this one is certainly worth the price tag.

Making it's thousandth appearance on I Covet Thee comes the best moisturising treatment in town, the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. For the amount I use this stuff I'm surprised I'm only on tube number three but a little goes a long way and a small blob is all you need to wake up to the most radiant looking skin you've ever seen. Another moisture booster thats crept it's way into my routine and now become a staple is Hydraluron, a gel-like serum that helps get the most out of whatever is layered on top and lock in the hydration all day long. Boots often have these on 3 for 2 and when they do a handful is always swiftly thrown into my shopping basket.

Last of all a game changer in the nail department, O.P.I Nail Envy, a strengthener that can either be used as a base coat or a week long treatment. My nails were non-existent until I found this and although it actually pains me to shell out nearly £20 every few months for it, I can't say no to the product that took my nails from stumpy and brittle to long and strong.

What are your most repurchased items?

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July 09, 2013

The Repurchase Roster

If you'd asked my opinion on a tinted moisturiser two or three years ago I would have more than likey looked at you with confusion. I was an Estée Lauder Double Wear girl through and through and nothing less than full coverage was coming anywhere near my face. I like to think that as I've gotten older and matured (albeit only ever so slightly) I've taken a step back from seeking the uber-flawless face and learnt to embrace my skin for what it is .. for the most part. I'll still happily layer on a good helping of Laura Mercier Silk Creme on special occasions but more often now I've been opting for a lighter finish and especially as we're finally starting to see some Sun peeking through the clouds, it's quite refreshing to step out in a breathable base. Here are my top picks.

The Tinted Moisturiser: My first foray into sheer bases and undoubtedly still one of my favourites. Laura Mercier's range of Tinted Moisturisers certainly cater to all skin types but it's the Oil Free version that floats my boat. As far as tinted moisturisers go this one definitely has the benefit of reasonably good coverage but thanks to the formulation doesn't sit heavily on the skin, sinking in enough to give an unnoticeable but smoothed complexion just a few minutes after application. When they say oil free, they really mean it and this can be vouched for my my rather impressively shine free nose after a long day of wear without touchups.

The BB Cream: I'm a little sceptical when it comes to the term 'BB'. The marvel product from across the seas has definitely been turned into something a little gimmicky as it's been Westernised. I've tried a few and felt okay about the whole thing but it wasn't until the Vichy Idéalia BB Cream* made it's way into my life that I really started to be impressed. For the most part these creams are just a glorified tinted moisturiser, but what I love about this one is how incredibly lightweight it feels on the skin, rather impressive considering it contains an SPF 25. Although I may not have noticed any skincare benefits, the fact that I can't tell I'm wearing this until looking in a mirror and seeing it's skin tone evening effects definitely makes it a winner.

The Buildable Coverage: MAC I rate among the highest of the highs .. their foundations however, I don't. Odd colours and bad oxidisation just don't do it for me but hiding amongst it all is one little gem of a foundation, Face and Body. The buildable coverage of this product is down to it's thin liquid consistency which can be blended in ever so lightly to give the sheerest wash of colour or layered up gradually giving the skin a gorgeous dewey glow. I reserve this mostly for evenings as I find it has the best staying power of the four and the pared-down natural finish works wonders teamed with a smokey eye.

The Skin Finish Foundation: For those that still go wobbly at the thought of anything less than a medium coverage, I give you the foundation that looks like you're not wearing any - but in a good way. Revlon's Nearly Naked is certainly a 'does what it says on the tin' case with a texture that I've found to be quite unique. As you smooth the product on (I find fingers serve this one best) it instantly blends into the skin and leaves a soft satin finish, not quite glowy, not quite matte, just the perfect 'actual skin' look. The downfall is it can be known to cling to dry patches, but with a good moisturiser this one will have you converted from full coverage in no time.

What are your sheer base must haves?

* Gifted PR Samples

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July 06, 2013

Best of the Sheer Bases

* Gifted PR Samples

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Toners. Some may love them, some may think they're a waste of time. I've always had one or two sitting on my shelf ready and waiting but more often than not just skipped the step altogether. However, since becoming a little too obsessed with my, and many others, new skincare idol Caroline Hirons (whose cheat sheet on toners I highly recommend a browse through, if not her entire collection of them) I decided it was probably time to take a good look at my routine and this step in particular just wasn't cutting it.

I've been alternating between two different products and even using them together at times depending on what my skin needs. First up the Dr Jart V7 Balancing toner which comes in a scientific looking bottle with a rather fancy pipet. Always a sucker for packaging. This is my toner of choice for the mornings when I want something light and refreshing and is packed full of vitamin complexes which help to control sebum production, hydrate and generally neutralise the skin in preparation for the next step of my routine.

Since taking the decision to stop using manual exfoliants I've been relying on AHA based products to do the job of sloughing away those dead skin cells. Although it had all the potential and a great concept, Alpha H Liquid Gold just didn't work for me so I set out looking for something a whole lot milder and the Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Toner has been my port of call ever since. It's almost bordering on a lotion in consistency but soaked into a cotton pad and swept across the face it uses a combination of glycolic, salicylic and tartaric acids in a very small amounts to polish the top layer of the skin and soften any rough patches. One of the main ingredients is glycerine which makes it incredibly comfortable to use and despite it's exfoliating nature, injects a good boost of moisture too. This one I reserve for the evenings to let it work it's magic overnight and with the help of a handy travel spray bottle I'll occasionally use a spritz of the Dr Jart toner on top to keep everything balanced.

Although it may not have the instant wow effect, using a toner has improved the texture of my skin dramatically, yes, dramatically! Of course I'll also put some of that down to Caroline's magical knowledge regarding a host of other skincare products but for now I wont be forgetting that magical post-cleanse sweep that's now a firm feature in my daily routine.

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July 05, 2013

A Tale of Two Toners

I've been a little distracted on the beauty front this month which I'm blame entirely on frivolous spending and trying out a thousand new things at once. There aren't a whole lot of products that I've been sticking to religiously and loving, but I do have a handful of real gems that have served me well throughout June. Meet the cream eyeshadow with no rivals, a hair combo that makes me want to crack out a surf board and the moisturiser so close to my heart you're probably all sick of hearing about it!

MAC Éclair Paint Pot | Vichy Idéalia BB Cream (shade fair)* |No7 Stay Perfect Mascara* | Origins GinZing Moisturiser | Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing Balm | Bumble and Bumble Surf Shampoo | Bumble and Bumble Surf Conditioner | Nivea In-Shower Body Moisturiser

* Gifted PR Samples

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July 03, 2013

June 2013 Favourites

* Gifted PR Samples

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It's no secret that Essie and I have a serious love affair going on and I'll happily snap up a new colour on a weekly basis so when a new collection is released, there's really no stopping me. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying I've never finished an entire pot of nail polish and it seems Essie are on the same wave length with varnish fanatics like myself and have released this set with three mini colours from it's Summer 2013 collection.

The shades included are Naughty Nauticle, a emerald green with a touch of blue, Full Steam Ahead, a pastel lilac and Sunday Funday, a tangerine hued coral with a hint of pink that really packs a punch. All three colours have a finely milled glitter running through them that only really shows up in the bottle and when the nails catch the light. Although I'm not usually one for a 'shimmery' nail polish, I love the fun touch this adds to the collection.

These will definitely be dressing up my nails over the coming weeks and even if we don't get a real Summer here in good old England, I'll have ten little pops of colour to brighten up my day!

The set is available at Boots for £12.99.

Wishbone Midi Ring* - Shop Dixi
* Gifted PR Sample

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