Daisy Covets: February 2016

February Favourites 2016

So, February is over and the usual cliché of how fast the month has flown by still applies. It's not been a huge month for make up discoveries as, to be honest, I've not been out much so I've not strayed far from my make up uniform of a slick of eyeliner and a nude lip. That being said, I do have a new nude lip in the rotation and it's a budget one! I've really enjoyed using the Kate Moss for Rimmel Nude lipstick in 45. The packaging is right up my street and the lipstick is a lovely and comfortable cream formula. 45 is a very natural soft pink that works on my snow white complexion but would also look great on a darker skin tone.

For Christmas, I was lucky enough to receive a Vogue subscription, which is such a great idea as it's the gift that keeps on giving and a new edition lands through my door every month. I know in an increasingly digital world, getting a print magazine may almost seem outdated, but (and I feel the same about books) it's just so nice to actually have something physical to hold and flick through at your leisure.

I have been a bit of a baking fanatic the past month or two and I dedicate pretty much every Sunday to whipping up something sweet. Something new that I tried and really enjoyed was the Hummingbird Sugar cookie recipe, they were so simple but absolutely delicious and I'll be sure to make them again!

Finally, I've really been trying to stick to my resolution of drinking more water and to encourage that, I picked up this adorable pink glass mason jar from New Look and so far, so good! I basically just carry this around with me all the time and make sure I'm constantly filling it up, it definitely has encouraged me to drink more as before, I would go hours and hours without a drop of water. I know I could probably just use any old glass but having my own fun one has definitely encouraged me to drink more! Actually, I should take this time to say that in general, the New Look home range is pretty fab, it's full of cute and cool accessories that are so on trend and affordable. Good job New Look!

So long February, hopefully March brings warmer weather and more lipstick discoveries!

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, by DaisyCovets

Beauty

Rosie for Autograph

There are new make up launches popping up every 2 seconds so to get really excited about a new launch can take a lot. It definitely helps when the new launch looks as dreamy as this and has the beautiful Rosie Huntingdon- Whitely behind it. Rosie has been collaborating with Marks and Spencer's to create a really incredible make up range and when I saw it in store last weekend, I knew I had to pick up some pieces!

First up, the entire range is housed in beautiful rose gold packaging that is so dressing table worthy and very reminiscent of a more expensive make up brand (cough, Charlotte Tilbury, cough). The range seem incredibly well though out, all the products are in colours that are so wonderfully wearable, I had such a hard time not walking away with the entire range!

But alas, money does not grow on trees and so I restrained myself.

I picked up the eyeshadow quad in Ballet Slippers which contains four beautiful shimmery neutrals, a light shimmery champagne highlight, a cool shimmery taupe, a black shimmer and a light pink toned shimmer. With this, you could create such a lovely day or night look and the colours are universally flattering. The shadows are soft and have good pigmentation to them. Admittedly, not quite as good as the likes of Urban Decay, but they can definitely be built up for an intense look.

Next is the lipstick in Camisole Blush. This is such a gorgeous pink nude that is great for my pale skin, not too dark or brown but not too light that it will wash me out. In fact, the range has a really varied selection of nude lipsticks so whatever your skin tone or preference, I think you will be able to find one. The formula is creamy and moisturising so it's super comfortable on the lips.

The third item is the highlighting powder in Rose Bud. This is a loose powder that blends out to give a beautiful iridescence. It's quite subtle but can also be built up for a more intense glow. I personally don't wear highlighter in the day but I'm really excited to wear this in the evenings!

I also picked up a pretty metallic make up bag as a free gift and it's really lovely, plus a good size for everyday use.

I'm definitely planning on picking up some more pieces from the range, the cream blushes look gorgeous and the quad I Feel Like a Million Dollars has my name on it!

Shop the range here

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, by DaisyCovets

Lifestyle

Simple Sweetheart Sugar Cookies

Valentine's Day is a bit of a love/hate holiday (ironic, since it's all about love) but I love a good theme and an excuse to bake. This year, my boyfriend and I are keeping things casual. We're on a bit of a budget since we've just booked a holiday and may have got a little carried away with all the extras (Late check out? Sure! Swim up room? Go for it! It's not like I have to you know, buy food to live or anything). We've also been trying to eat a little healthier in 2016 so for Valentine's we are letting that all slide for a day and ordering a big 'ol greasy Domino's and will spend the evening pigging out and watching films. My idea of heaven. If you're on a bit of a budget, I definitely recommend baking something, it's fun, affordable and personal. Even if you're not celebrating, I recommend baking these sugar cookies because they're so easy and so tasty. Plus, decorating is the best part, although mine do look a little amateurish, I still had fun!

I took this recipe from the Hummingbird Bakery book, which is a firm favourite of mine. The recipe recommended using an electric whisk and typically, when I got mine out of the cupboard, it had broken. However, it does go to show that a wooden spoon and a mixing bowl can still do the job just fine! The recipe says it makes about 20, I'd say closer to 30 though, I had so many!

You will need:

200g unsalted butter at room temperature
280g caster sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
400g plain flour
a pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Icing to decorate

Preheat the oven to 170°C (325°F) and prepare 4 baking trays with greaseproof paper.

Put the butter, sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl and mix until light and fluffy. Then add the egg and mix.

Next, add the dry ingredients, the flour, salt and cream of tartar, and mix well. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture and scrape any unmixed ingredients from the side with a spatula. The dough should be light,soft and easy to handle.

Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour and roll out the dough. Cut shapes with your chosen cutter and arrange the dough on the baking trays. Although this dough does not really spread, ensure the cookies are spaced out on the tray.

Bake the cookies for approximately 10 minutes, ensuring they don't burn. The cookies should be golden at the edge and paler in the centre, but be sure to watch them as they can burn easily.

After 10 minutes, leave the cookies to cool completely on a wire cooling rack before decorating.

So, there you have it, super simple sugar cookies that make a delicious treat for any occasion!