This month I decided to take a look back at the beauty posts featured on I Covet Thee in May.
Here's a roundup of 10 of the best for you to catch up on if you missed any!
(Click on an image to be taken to the original post)
01. Part One of my Spring Edit Series: pretty pastel nails verses stand out brights.
02. A trial of the new Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation proving that it might just live up to it's well-loved ancestor.
03. Bringing back the Sunday Pamper with a simple set up from Neom.
04. From masks to exfoliants, here's a look into the skincare extras that bulk up my routine.
05. Part Two of the Spring Edit involves a handful of the perfect sunny-day fragrances.
06. A peak into my travel makeup bag and all the space saving tricks I bring into play when going away.
07. My first and definitely not last Muji purchase is put to good use in organising my the makeup stash.
08. Two highlights from the Rimmel Salon Pro by Kate range, a nail polish collection I'm starting a love affair with.
09. My luxury lust list is revealed with a browse through Space NK's website.
10. A round up of my favourite products from the month of May.
This weekend as you may have noticed from my relentless tweets and Instagram snaps, Darren and I embarked on a little adventure across the South (details of which you can read on Sunday!). On the way back we took a de-tour and stopped off at Chichester, otherwise known as the home of my nearest Space NK. I had been lusting after a visit for some time and wishlist in hand, marched in on subconscious mission to empty my bank account.
Unfortunately the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders which I've been desperately waiting to swatch have evaded me again as the branch didn't actually stock them, so I settled for a substitute from By Terry which has also been on my radar for a while now. This weightless Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder made of hyaluronic acid, the ingredient of the moment for moisture, is completely translucent and promises to resurface the skin and blur out imperfections whilst setting makeup for clear and luminous looking complexion.
I also picked the Shampoo and Conditioner from the new Bumble and Bumble Surf range. As a massive fan of their Surf Spray I have eagerly anticipated getting my hands on this duo for the perfect just-walked-out-of-the-ocean tousled look. I've only just given it a whirl this morning but so far, so good!
Keep an eye out for these products popping up on the blog at a later date, as I'll more than likely want to have a full rave about them once they've been given a good test.
Have you made any purchases at Space NK recently? What are your favourite brands there?
Another month, another handful of impressive beauty products that have been serving me well throughout May. This month I have a small selection of skincare and makeup heroes a few surprising nail polish discoveries and some Spring fragranced themed additions as well. Enjoy!
Living by the Seaside may have it's advantages, but being nearly an hour away from the nearest Space NK is definitely not one of them. Possibly my favourite beauty destination of them all, I could keep myself entertained in one for hours. Here are my current picks from the host of brands that Space NK houses.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light: I've certainly been lusting after this one for a long time. Powered and I have never really gotten along, but with the promise of the perfect dewey finnish that not only holds make up in place but covers imperfections too, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders definitely sound like the perfect products for some all year round glow.
Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Glow in Liquifuchsia: Cream blushers now play a huge part in my make up routine and I rarely choose a powder over these days. The colour alone would sell this beautiful Kenyn Aucoin blush to me but idea of a lit-from-within glow that can be built up to create a strong colour or washed out for a slight flush sounds mouth watering.
Diptyque Philosykos Eau De Toilette: If theres one thing I come to Space Nk for its to have a good sniff of anything Diptyque. I'm certain Philosykos has been on many a wishlist in the past but for some reason I've never taken the plunge and actually purchased it. There's always something very distinct about a Diptyque scent and the fresh fig notes teamed with deeper woody elements make this one no exception.
Pierre Hardy For Nars Nail Polish Duo in Sharp Lines: Inspired by his 2013 shoe collection, Pierre Hardy infuses his ultra modern colour palette into these limited edition nail polish pairs. Varying from a duo of pastel shades to this dark and light combo, it would be extremely hard to walk away with just one set.
Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser: I've practically had to forbid myself from buying this product with its staggering £57 price tag, or what I like to call two weeks worth of food shopping. However, I just can't seem to get it out of my head. Images of Millie Mackintosh (a known lover of Chantecaille) and her impeccably glowing skin spring lustfully to mind and I've never heard a bad word said about the tinted moisturiser that's just so much more.
It's not often I find myself lusting after a nail polish other then Essie these days, so when realised I was making regular trips to the Rimmel stand to gaze at the new Salon Pro by Kate collection, I though I'd better take the plunge and just buy one already. Or two.
Red is very hard for me to wear. It must be something to do with the undertones in my skin because whatever variation of the colour I seem to go for my hands end up looking a bit wrong. Step in Hip Hop, the orange toned wonder that first caught my eye. It may be the season for Spring pastels but this little beauty has been adorning my nails all week and it's one of those colours that hard not to spend your day staring at. I also picked up another mint hued polish, because having twelve in my collection wasn't quite enough. I was drawn to the shade Peppermint as it seemed a lot more on the blue-grey side of things than any of the others I own.
I have to say I couldn't be more impressed with the application and wear time of these polishes. The brush is a large chunky affair that pretty much coats the entire nail in one swift stroke and the formula is well pigmented and could really be worn with just one coat (although I always opt for two for good measure!). Although after a few days I started to notice some tip wear I've experienced no actual chipping, something I loath in a nail polish.
Similar to the lipstick range that Kate Moss launched for Rimmel last year, I think these polishes are going to be a big hit and I'll no doubt be heading back to Boots for more colours while they're still 3 for the price of 2. Can't say no to an offer like that!
Have you tried Rimmel's new collection? What's your favourite shade?
Originally I wanted the three draw set up but as the Muji site never seems to have more than 10% of their products in stock at once I ended up getting the two draw unit instead. At the moment I have a selection of my most used lipsticks along with bronzers and highlighters in the top draw and a stash of foundations and bases in the bottom.
I've already got the itch to purchase some more of these acrylic beauty's and stack them as far as my dressing table (and disapproving looks from the boyfriend) will allow!
What's your favourite bit of Muji storage?
Top Shelf: Topshop Ooh La La Lipstick | Topshop Macaroon Lipstick | Topshop Whimsical Lipstick | Bourjois Rouge Edition in 11 Fraise Remix | Revlon Lip Butter in Juicy Papaya | Maybelline 14 Hour Lipstick in Stay With Me Coral | MAC Charcoal Brown & Omega Eyeshadows | MAC All That Glitters, Soba, Woodwinked and Amber Lights Eyeshadows | MAC Vegas Volt Lipstick | MAC Lady Danger Lipstick | MAC Patisserie Lipstick | Sleek Papaya Punch Lipstick | Benefit Posietint | Benefit High Beam | MAC Harmony Blush | Sleek Face Contour Kit
Bottom Shelf: YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat Foundation | Jemma Kidd Light As Air Foundation | Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation | Dr Jart Waterfuse BB Cream | MAC Face and Body Foundation | Liz Earle Signature Foundation* | Bourjois Radiance Reveal Healthy Mix Foundation | Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser | Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit | Bobbi Brown Corrector
When it comes to packing up my extensive make up collection for a Weekend away, some serious editing needs to be done. I try to keep my make up bag small and simple, making room for the products I can't be without, otherwise know as the fail-safes and some that are just brilliant at multitasking. Here's a glimpse into everything I'll be taking away with me this Bank Holiday Weekend.
Clear Make Up Bag | Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation (shade Rose Ivory) | Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit (shade Cool Sand) | Sleek Face Contour Kit (shade Light) | Nars Orgasm Blush | No7 Beautiful Brows Pencil (shade Brown) | Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette | Rimmel Scandaleyes Nude Kohl Liner | Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara | Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara | Bourjois Intuitive Liner | Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm Stick | Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick in Fuschia-Ristic | Maybelline Super Stay Lipstick in Stay With Me Coral | Real Techniques Expert Face Brush | Real Techniques Contour Brush (from the Core Collection) | Sigma E25 Blending Brush | Real Techniques Blush Brush
01. Iced raspberry Tea with a slice of lemon is the perfect Spring drink | 02. Coca Cola's marketing team are geniuses. Even if they spelt my name wrong. | 03. Homemade spinach and mozzarella pizza | 04. The infamous River Island knuckle rings and Rimmel's Rose Libertine | 05. When I found out Origin's had launched a Ginzing moisturiser it was in the basket and ordered in under a minute. | 06. My two favourite baking books, Cupcakes from the Primrose Bakery and Boutique Baking | 07. Anniversary treats from Darren | 08. White roses, my favourites | 09. Getting Sunday breakfast right.
On The Wishlist: After having a good long browse through my new skincare idol, Caroline Hirons's blog there have been more than a few items added to this wishlist this week. Top picks include Peptabright, REN's ClearCalm 3 Clay Cleanser, the Superfacialist Rose Cleansing Oil.. I could go on for hours.
Although the Spring weather seems to be wavering slightly in England lets cheer ourselves up with the seconcd part of my Spring Edit and four lovely perfumes that make me think dreamily of blue skies and short skirts.
Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche: Possibly the first perfume I ever fell head over heels in love with, this little green bottle will always have a place in my fragrance roster no matter the season, but Spring I think is when it really stands out as the scent I can't get enough of. Light, zesty and above all packet with warm citrus it lingers on the skin and oozes the feeling of a fresh Spring afternoon.
Stella McCartney Lily Absolute: Floral perfumes have never really been my forte and Lily of the Valley always seemed like an old fashioned scent in my mind but the notes of spicey black pepper and amber in this fragrance bring it back to life in a mysterious but beautiful way. The word sensual springs to mind when I wear this perfume, but it's still light and fresh enough to wear on a sunny day.
Jumper & Belt: Primark
Jacket: New Look
Skirt: Charity Shop
Boots: Topshop
Watch: Michael Kors
Hold the phone, whats that? A bare leg? Well a bare ankle at any rate. After a burst of Spring sunshine the Winter clothes were officially shelved and I'd started to hang some fancy florals and dare I even say the word.. shorts in my wardrobe. Unfortunately I must have jinxed it as were now back to grey skies and thick jumpers.
I've had this skirt from way back in my penniless college thrifting days but have unbelievable never worn it. It's quite lightweight so I'm sure it'll be getting a lot of outings after it's recent rediscovery, come rain or shine. What a bargain for £2.99!
I've haven't quite transitioned into sandal wearing yet and these Topshop Mighty boots have been permanently glued to my feet since I bought them to replace my dearly loved River Island Chelsea boots. Considering Topshop's boots are usually around the £80 mark nowadays (ouch) I was shocked to find these for a not too shabby £45 and I'm definitely eyeing up the tan versions for a summer alternative!
P.S. 10 points to anyone that's spotted the missing fringe!
My skincare routine has become a very basic one recently and I've been enjoying using just a handful of products that suit my skin well. There are still a few things however that I like to incorporate in every so often to keep it in tip top condition and smooth out any problem areas. From masks to extra cleansing tools, here are my skincare extras!
Clarisonic Classic | Origins Clean Energy Cleansing Oil | Superfacialist by Úna Brennan Tea Flower Deep Clean Mask | EVE LOM Rescue Mask* | La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Masque* | Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask | Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel | REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask* | La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo | Balance Me Stellar Face Balm* | Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion | Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub
Sunday for me is the epitome of a chill out day. I like to take it easy and get myself mentally prepared for the week ahead and nothing does this better than treating yourself to a Sunday pamper. I've gone into more depth in my previous Sunday Series with some no messing about hardcore preening, but sometimes it's nice to take a more simple approach.
Towards the end of the afternoon when the Monday blues are already beginning to settle in I run a nice hot bath and jump right in. This weeks pamper goodies are from Neom's Scent With Love Gift Set*, full of beautifully fragranced products designed to relax. Having everything you need to unwind all wrapped up in a neat little box is definitely the way to go for some stress free bathing.
I start by pouring a cap full of the Tranquillity Organic Bath Oil into the water which immediately fills the room and your peace craving nostrils with a heavenly mix of Lavender, Sweet Basil and Jasmine. Next its onto the Sensous Organic Body Wash, a little more invigorating with it's mix of Ylang Ylang, Frankincense & Patchouli, this luxurious foam softens and prepares the skin ready for moisture. After a good long soak preferably with a glass vino (if you're old enough!) I hop out and liberally apply the Sensuous Organic Body Lotion which is fragranced with the same spicy scent as the Body Wash, infusing it into the skin for even longer and locking in moisture with it's hydrating formula full of Shea Butter and Argan oil.
It's then straight on with the pyjamas and a cosy up on the sofa. I find this is always a good time to get my nails prepped for the week while I sit with either a good read or something preferably starring Ryan Gosling. After a good file, buff and a careful selected nail polish I like to round it all off with a nice thick layer of the Complete Bliss Moroccan Blush Rose Organic Hand Cream which melts in beautifully and leaving hands incredibly softened and non-greasy.
There's nothing like a good pamper to clear your mind and relax your body so take half an hour or so just to yourself and you'll feel unstoppable once that 7:00am alarm rings on Monday morning!
This month like many others I've done a little splurging on beauty products and have a few new additions to welcome into the crowd. From some new spring cheek products to a heavy duty SPF and even a perfume I vowed never to purchase, here's what's made it into my shopping basket.
I'm pretty sure I could count on less than one hand the amount of lower end 'drugstore' foundations that I actually get along with. I'm no snob when it comes to make up but premium brands are always the ones I turn to with confidence for a flawless base.
Bourjois's Healthy Mix however, I have always been quite loyal to through all three of it's variations; Original, Serum and now the new Radiance Revealed. The original healthy mix was a light/medium coverage that could be built up well. It had a satin finish with a slight amount of radiance. The new formulation is very, very similar, so much so I can't really tell the difference, not even in the colour (which I am 51 for reference). The packaging has been given a sleek update and it now sits in a glass bottle as apposed to plastic. Bourjois claim to have enhanced the formula rather than completely changed it to now incorporate a whole lot more 'fruit therapy' goodness for added radiance and hydration. The products still contains that same fruity scent, but no more so than before.
The only downfall (and I can safely say this applies to all the variations) is the lasting time, which for my combination skin is usually around four or five hours before I notice a lot of shine on my t-zone. That being said though, Healthy Mix is still one of my go to foundations for a light feeling base that gives my skin a polished finish. For a budget foundation, I don't really think you can go wrong here and especially now that the colour range has been increased to eight different shades which is rare for a drugstore brand, there should be something for everyone.
Have you tired the new formulation? How do you think it compares?
01. Costa and Doughnuts for Breakfast | 02. If it were bookshops vs. beauty halls I'm pretty sure books would win every time | 03. A mini BB Surf Spray, adorable! | 04. Some seriously holographic heels in Next | 05. Daisy Cupcakes from this post | 06. Fringe! | 07. The best kind of working lunch | 08. More unhealthy food. Addicted to Costa. | 09. Trying to make things right again with some healthy juicing | 10. Receiving four GlossyBoxes from my old address and not even knowing I was still getting them! | 11. Playing with some spring colours for yesterday's post | 12. Best Chcolate Fudge Cake I've had in some time!
Must Watch of the Week: Anna's fashionable goings on with This Works' new In Transit range, a group of products I've been keeping a close eye on recently. Informative and incredibly well put together, can this girl do no wrong?
On the Wishlist: Neal's Yard Healing Foods Recipe Book, more than likely spurred on by this post from Suzie. You may think from the amount of pizza/cake/chocolate and generally unhealthy foods I post on instagram that I don't have the best of diets, but aside form those little treats I do really care about what I put into my body on a daily basis and this book looks just up my street.
After nearly a week of consecutive sun (touch wood) I think we can safely say Spring has arrived! The beauty wardrobe deserves a seasonal revamp and the first port of call for me is always nails. Ten little fragments of colour that give noting but hope for warmer weather. The big dilemma however is pastels or brights? I've picked five of my favourites in each category that will definitely be adorning my nails over the coming weeks.
Pastels have always been good to me. Their soft hues are flattering and pretty and suit almost every skin tone. First up we have Essie's Fiji, the palest of all the pinks, think ballerina. The formula is opaque which creates a subtle statement on the nails. Another nude that I can't seem to talk about enough is Lychee from the Barry M Gelly Collection. Easy to apply and super glossy this is the ultimate 'mannequin nail' colour for me, and they don't half last long! Topshop's Parma Violets has been in my collection for a long, long time but what's not to love about the perfect pastel lavender? This one take a good few coats but with all Topshop nail polishes it's definitely worth it. Essie makes an appearance again with Bikini So Teeny which although hailing from last years Summer line, is still a firm favourite for a soft touch of blue. Finally the newbie of the bunch from B. Cosmetics is a serious contender for the mint green of the year. Sea Foam is my first purchase from their nail polishes but the formula and wear time have definitely impressed me.
The Lip Crayon seems to be the height of popularity at the moment with brands bringing them out left right and center. From the glossy to the matte, well pigmented to sheer formulas there seems to be one to suit every preference and in the absolute sea of these lip products I've picked out three of my favourites.
Balmy, rich and with a glossy finish the Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Sticks are some of the most hydrating I've come across. The shade Fuchsia-ristic looks almost neon in the stick but translates to a soft bright pink on the lips. The colour lasts well but not all day but the balmy texture keeps on moisturising the lips for a good few hours. If you're looking for longevity though the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Lovesick really sticks around. I wouldn't really class it as a balm but it definitely has a slick glossy finish too it and a colour that will last you all day long. Last up, the Laura Mericer Lip Crayon is the most lipstick-like of the three. It's extremely pigmented and has a matte finish to it, although it does't dry my lips out and reapplies well after an hour or so. The colour of this one is my favourite. Mayan Sun; a peachy pink neutral shade which is currently part of their Folklore Collection, so hurry as this one might not be around for long!
Have you bitten the lip crayon bullet yet? What's your favourite?