I Got The Potion.

On my recent trip over the France, I decided to take the plunge and purchase MUFE HD Foundation. I've wanted to try it 'in the flesh' for a while as I'm not really one for buying foundation online. 

I ended up picking up the shade 117 from the range and it's a lovely foundation. It's a medium coverage, easily blendable foundation that photographs beautifully...as you would expect. I nearly bulked at the price (nearly £30), but, when in France.

But, the HD Foundation alone is not what I want to talk about, I've been up to my usual blending tricks again and I think I've found my new favourite combination. 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light + MUFE HD = Love.

Now, in theory this should be a disaster. I'm mixing a light, water based foundation with a heavier, gel based product that has a built in SPF...not exactly a match made in heaven. 

BUT 

It really works! I've never been a fan of Doublewear Light on it's own, but mixed with the HD foundation, it gives that extra coverage I sometimes crave & adds a bit of longevity to the base. 

I use equal amounts of each product and just blend on the hand and apply with my Sigma Round Top Kabuki Brush. 

Hello Scary, No Holds Barred Close Up. 

It gives a smooth, flawless finish to the face and is perfect for hitting the town. 

If you want to get your hands on MUFE HD, check out www.gurumakeupemporium.com 

Do you like to mix your foundations or just stick to one? 

Laura xx

Jackpot.

Now, before you say it, I will. 

These aren't ground breaking, super special shoes. 

They are better, they're a simple classic black platform shoes FROM PRIMARK. 

That's right my friend, they're simple, classic, understated platform shoes. 

I rarely seen anything like this from primarche, but when I do, I snap them up! 

For £14, you can't go wrong for a quick fashion fix. 

Laura xx

Little Treats.

Although I loath having to talk about Christmas in October, I had this cute little gift set through my door a few weeks ago and had to give you all a heads up. 

Label M & Giles Deacon have joined forces again to create a set of Christmas goodies. The stocking filler giftbox comes with a mini Colour Stay Shampoo & Conditioner, Shine Spray & Blow Out Spray. 

Giles has created a lovely clutch to accompany the collection, I'm a sucker for gold studding, so it's a winner! 

Although the gift set itself doesn't come with the clutch, the packaging has hints of the print on it, which is a lovely touch for those who don't want to spend hours wrapping!

I haven't previously come into contact with label M but I'm already a big fan of Toni & Guy hair products, the brand was developed by the Toni & Guy team and has strong resonance with the brand. 

So, if you are already thinking about stocking fillers, this could satisfy your hair & fashion fanatical friends! (check out that alliteration.)

RRP £12 

Laura xx

(pr sample - usual stuff applies!)

Connock London Kukui Oil Nourishing Hand Cream.

I first came across Connock when I fell in love with their Wonder Balm , now Connock have released a nourishing hand cream that again harnesses the power of Kukui Oil. 

I'm already a massive fan of the Wonder Balm, it sits in my handbag and I use it on a daily basis, so it has to be said, hopes were high for the hand cream. Winter is drawing in faster than I'd like it to, so a good hand cream is top of my list!

I'm happy to say, that I've called off the search. Connock's cream does everything I could wish for. The cream itself is a rich formulation that absorbs within moments. I cannot stand creams that leave my hand feeling greasy, It needs to moisturise but not leave residue. Connock ticks all the boxes.

Packaging is functional yet chic, it fits with the existing range and I love the pump that comes with the tube, less mess, less waste, sorted! 

The cream is quite strongly scented, but I don't mind it at all. It leaves skin feeling super smooth and supple but most importantly it leaves it feeling like skin. I don't feel like I've applied anything too heavy and for this alone I give Connock top marks.

At £18.50 it's not the cheapest cream on the market, but sometimes you have to invest. Smooth soft hands in winter is something i'm willing to shell out for. 

Connock are fast becoming one my brand to watch out for in 2011-12. 

If you want to get your hands on this, try: 

www.connocklondon.com 

Urban Retreat @ Harrods 

Fortnum & Mason 

or 

www.urbanretreat.co.uk/beautique 

Laura xx

*pr sample, but as usual, I'm telling you like it is!

Product of the Week: Sephora Waterproof Eye Make Up Remover.

On my recent trip across the channel, it would have been rude not to pop into Sephora. Despite not actually buying a huge amount, I had to pop this into my basket when I saw it. 

I recently ran out of my Clinique Take the Day Off Make Up Remover and this looked suspiciously similar. The ingredients also tell an incredibly similar story.  

Well the verdict is...It's just as good. It eradicates any trace of stubborn eye make up and does the job just fine! 

It was a tiny €3 for 50ml, unlike Clinique's £14.50 for 125ml. 

The only drawback? It's from Sephora... 

I had to plump for the 50ml bottle as I was only travelling with hand luggage, how I wish I'd picked up another bottle as it's not going to last long. 

J'adore! 

xx

I Look Like Yes and You Look Like No.

Jumper: Aquascutum 

Shirt: H&M 

Trousers: H&M 

Boots: Primark 

Rings: France, Accessorize, F21. 

We're back to shoddy DIY outfit photo's, But I've found a nice big new mirror to take advantage of! 

Currently obsessed with this green Aquascutum jumper, it's a blatant sibling cast off but it's too good to pass up. 

Obsessed with this ring combo at the moment, I picked the gold multi band up in France for a couple of euro, it's the right balance between statement and understated, does that make sense?! 

I've been pretty much living in this sort of outfit for a few weeks - jumper, black skinny jeans, collar, boots -sorted.

Right, after all of the outfit love, a bit of a disappointment. I tried some of the Charles Worthington Purity Shampoo & Conditioner (before I took these pictures actually) and I couldn't believe how dry it made my hair feel. It felt like straw, for the literals. I had it down in curls for about 10 mins after these snaps, then it was up in a bun before I went out of the house, vile. 

Right, Over & Out. 

Laura xx

How To: Halloween Horror.

When it comes to Halloween, I'm far more inclined to go all blood and guts or silly dressing up, rather than the Mean Girls approach..."I'm a Mouse...Duh".

If you want to add some really gorey wounds to yourself but don't know how...keep reading!

You Will Need:

Foundation

Special FX Wax

Eyelash Glue

Brown Eyeshadow

Purple Eyeshadow (I used Purple Face Paint)

Cake Blood (Available from most fancy dress shops)

Cotton Buds

Disposable (Sacrificial) Make Up Sponge.

STEP 1.

I'm going to do this on my hand, but it looks amazing on the forehead, chest etc. It really can go anywhere you please.

I've just added a thin layer of the foundation onto my hand, I've gone slightly lighter to help with the dead/blood drained look...how lovely.

STEP 2.

I've used Special FX Wax as it's the easiest thing to create a realistic hole, but if you can't get hold of it or don't want to spend the money, you can build up the layers with tissue and eyelash glue.

FX Wax Method: Simply scrap some out of the pot with handle of a spoon and any small spatchula and role into two small sausages. Attach with eyelash glue onto the hand, don't worry at the moment if it looks odd, it gets better!

STEP 3.

Simply blend the wax into the skin using the spatchula until it begins to look like part of you!

STEP 4.

Now this step takes a bit of patience, but it really worth it as it seals the wax in place. It's a must if you're going to a party as the wax will move around!

Now, let this dry.

STEP 5.

Now, just build up the foundation, it still will look a little 'rustic' and the foundation I'm using here photographs ridiculously yellow, but trust me it should match your skin!

It doesn't matter if it doesn't look perfect, at the end of the day it's a bloody wound, it's not going to look like a neat surgery incision!

STEP 6.

Go to town with the brown, purple and cake blood! 

I'm afraid I got a little bit carried away and didn't take a picture of the inbetween stage, but you should be left with something like this. There really isn't a hard and fast way to do this, just go to town and do what you want.

  

Have a very happy halloween and let me know if you give this a go!

I did some similar special fx looks in this post HERE, it's a couple of years old some may be new to you, have a little browse!

Laura xx

Bonjour Monsieur, Bonjour Madam, Bonjour Madamoiselle.

Salut, Je suis retourné.

France was great, some hard work done but a good dose of fun was thrown in too.

Normal service will resume tomorrow, I'm currently just about to do some sort of halloween post with a plethora of fake blood etc.

Speak Soon!

Laura x

The Beauty Spark Is Away...

I have to pop over to France for a week, and with limited wireless overseas and failure to plan it's going to leave The Beauty Spark looking a little bit lonely. Have a wonderful week and I'll be back soon.

Laura xx

p.s Commenting has again gone mental so apologies for that, I've tried my best to fix it today but it's not having any of it! If you need to ask me anything, just tweet me @TheBeautySpark and i'll be able to get back to you there. Sorry!

Hello, Hi, Hola, Hey. (Hot Shots 005.)

I've been a little bit off the radar the past week, I realise that I've neglected you all!

So, What have I been doing??

Driving Up North - Strawnoffee Pie - Newcastle - Instagram Apples - Newcastle 2.0 - Hadrian's Wall - Beamish - Glorious Shower Gel.

If you haven't guessed, I spent the weekend up in Northumberland having a lovely time, lots of laughs and exploring.

I'll be back soon with something far more relevant.

Laura xx