Top 5 Eyeshadows Part 2

Way back in October I did a post on my favourite MAC Eyeshadows, but as we all know too well, beauty fanatics are a fickle lot.

So without further ado I give you my new favourites!

NARS Cordura

I could easily include the whole of this little palette in my Top 5 but I've gone with a colour that I just can't get enough of in the evening. Cordura is the beautiful dark grey/brown shadow in the bottom right hand of the palette. It just gives a smokey eye something special, and that's coming from a girl who usually runs a mile from glitter.

MAC Orb, Jest & Patina.

Orb: Top Left

Jest: Bottom Left

Patina: Bottom Right

If I went out on a limb with Cordura, I've definitely returned to home ground with these three shades. Every girl needs a few fail safe shades and these are mine.

Orb is a gorgeous peachy pink that you could put on in the dark and still look pretty.

Jest was one of my first MAC eyeshadows and I've remained faithful ever since, It's shimmery but not too over the top and is a lovely pink champagne.

Patina is more on the cool side of taupe, but has a beautiful goldy pink duo chrome running through it to make it just that little bit special.

And finally, my latest obsession.

MAC Beautiful Iris.

I eventually picked this up a few weeks ago as a little treat to myself as I've become more and consumed by the lilac addiction that seems to be going around.

It looks lovely on the lower lash line and really makes my green eyes stand out. It's the grown up way to pull of the lilac eye!

But what do they look like on the skin??

L-R NARS Cordura, MAC Patina, Orb, Jest & Beautiful Iris.

What are your favourite eyeshadows, tell me below!! Maybe you've got some hidden gems I've yet to discover?

Laura xxx

Getting Blissed Out...

I'd been on the hunt for a new skincare system for a while after growing thoroughly sick and tired of the Clinique 3 Step System...

In steps Jennifer's skincare routine and led me try out some Bliss products!

I decided to take advantage of the ASOS sale and snap up the Triple Oxygen + C Energizing Cream & The Youth As We Know It deluxe sample set which includes.

• Moisturiser
• Eye Cream
• Toner
• Cleanser
• Concentrate

Now you will have to excuse me because I have to moan a little bit here.

I first received the products from ASOS on the Wednesday and opened them up like a kid at Christmas.

I was then left ridiculously disappointed.

The Triple Oxygen Cream looked like it had been already opened as pink cream had leaked into the lid and box.

Who wants to pay £27 for a cream that's already going off!?

Not me, that's who.

I was further antagonised when I got out my Youth As We Know It set and realised that both the Eye & Face Cream were...well, would you like to have a look??

I don't remember it looking like this on the box.

I contacted ASOS and to their credit, a new package arrived the next day.

BUT....the picture above is from the SECOND package, I've now lost all hope and I'm not sending it back again, I don't have all day to dither in the post office.

The eye cream was back to normal though.

Bliss have been very nice and offered to send me some more deluxe samples but It is hassle I really could do without.

In the spirit of giving everybody a fair chance I'm going to give the products a good go and see if they work for me, so far they feel AMAZING on the skin (apart from the orange snot...).

The moral of this post is to always say if somethings not right, and don't give up on the second attempt like me.

Have a good Friday Folks!!

xxxx

Going Up & Going Down...

Before I get accused of doing a lazy post, i'll just admit it, I am doing a lazy post as I've just got in from work and I'm just a little bit tired, zzzzz.

GOING UP

Less Is More.

I'm talking less make up, I know, I've shocked myself.

I'm currently sporting just a smidgen of Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer under my eyes and a dusting of MAC MSF Natural and that's it. finito. I've been ditching the foundation in the day for a few weeks now and it really feels liberating!

Barry M Coral Lipgloss

Barry has well and truly got me reaching for the glossy stuff again, the pineapple scent is divine!

Eyebrows 

Without sounding like a complete twit, I'm really loving the shape of my eyebrows at the moment, not to thick and not too thin just the perfect shape for my face, never underestimate the power of a good eyebrow to lift your face! 

BIG hair

I'm addicted to TIGI Superstar Queen For A Day...It's amazing. Its the gorgeous smelling hit of volume I've craved for ages. 

H&M Basics

I can't help myself, everytime I go into that store, I come out with atleast two jersey vests/tshirts/tops...it's becoming an illness.

GOING DOWN 

Topshop Jewellery in the Heat.

I'm sorry Topshop but you really are crap with the heat, I don't expect to buy a ring and get left with an attractive green residue all over my hand even if it was only £4. It's currently been less than a week and only two wears and it's right down to its copper base...not cool!

Lack of Time

I'm currently in the process of sorting out my masters degree which I'm going to starting in October, I'm very excited but I've been left with no time for myself as it's tied to the trust I work for. I'm just going to enjoy the few months I have left before all hell breaks loose!

Well atleast there are more up's than down's!!

Just because I can't possibly do a post without a lovely picture, I thought you might like to be party to my cats' latest obession...sitting in the fruit basket...

He's a keeper...

What are your up's and down's this week??

Laura xxxx

Credit Where Credit's Due: Barry M Lipgloss.

I'm not a big lipgloss person, the feeling of sticky lipgloss is just not for me. In fact, just thinking of over glossed mouths with strings of lipgloss in the corners of mouths makes me dry heave.

But then I found Barry M lipglosses. It was love at first swipe!!

Top-Bottom

No. 2 Toffee

No.4 Pastel Pink

No.5 Bubblegum Pink

No.11 Coral

They're smooth, glossy and glide on without a hint of sticky...and do I even need to mention how DELICIOUS these smell?

I think the names are pretty self explanatory thank you very much...well apart from one of Barry's latest offerings in the lipgloss department.

No.11 Coral.

Barry M have bought out a number of new shades but this was the only one that caught my eye, well it is Coral!

It's a lovely milky colour which I have a sneaky feeling will look amazing over the 147 lip paint...yummy.

Best of all it only bloody smells of pineapple!! I cannot stop smelling this, it's just beaten Bubblegum to best smelling gloss.

Anyway.

An obligatory swatch...

l-r Toffee, Pastel Pink, Bubblegum, Coral.

 If you're after rediculous colour pay off, don't come knocking on Barry's door. They provide a glossy wash of colour that suits me just fine.

At only £4.25 a pop, I'll take one of these over a Dazzleglass anyday.

What do you think of Barry M gloss?

Lots of Love, Laura xxx

Make Up Hoarders Take Note! Illamasqua Make Up Amnesty.

If your anything like me, you'll have more than a few offending make up items that are well past their sell by date but you can't quite bare to part with them.

The clever people over at Illamasqua are calling the hoarders of the world to arms and are staging a make up amnesty.

What You Need To Do.

Take as much, or as little of your poorly make up into any of these Illamasqua counters from now until the 31st of July and you can claim 25% discount from ANY Illamasqua product!

Counters:

Selfridges Oxford Street, Trafford Centre, Birmingham Bullring, Fenwick Newcastle, BT2 Grafton Street Dublin, Debenhams Glasgow, Belfast and Cardiff

Make the most of this girls, It could be the start of something beautiful!!

Lots of Love, Laura xxx

Jazzed FOTD

So i'd been complaining that I just couldn't get 'Jazzed' lipstick to work for me, as a last resort I stuck Myth from MAC underneath then swiped a bit of Jazzed over it, and it's finally that peachy pink I wanted!!

FACE:

Max Factor Second Skin in Creamy Ivory

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Warm Ivory

MAC MSF Natural in Light

MAC MSF Stereo Rose

EYES:

MAC Grand Entrance, Orb e/s

Maybelline Lash Stilleto Voluptuous & Dior Iconic Mascara

LIPS:

MAC Myth, MAC JAZZED!

Lots of Love,

Laura xxx

Oh No!!

Oh No!

I've been so busy doing important things this week that I totally forgot that on the 16th July, The Beauty Spark has been up and running for a WHOLE YEAR!!

I've had so much fun this last year getting to know the beauty community and putting my two cents out there!!

Thank you for everybody who reads, comments and enjoys The Beauty Spark, because without you this wouldn't be half the fun it is!

I'm looking forward to another great year on here, and i'm hoping to do a few exciting things!

If you have any suggestions or ideas please let me know,

Lots of Love, Laura xxx

Selfridges I Love You...But You're Bringing Me Down!

There's a third reason why Selfridges is dangerous...

I've been after a lovely pair of sunglasses for a while now...

I just couldn't resist that little peice of 2.55!!

They're a classic gorgeous style that I just adore, I'm sure these won't date either.

Selfridges, you're a bad influence!!

Laura xxx

We All Need To Treat Ourselves...

Over the weekend I braved the M6 and headed to Selfridges.

There are several reasons why this is a bad idea.

1) I could live in Selfridges.
2) I can spend A LOT of money when I go there.

Case In Point.

I was pretty restrained in the beauty hall.

Despite placing not one, but two orders from the MAC website. I ended up picking up two things, then promptly hopped over the NARS and picked up a cream blush that has been occupying most of my make up thoughts for a while!!

L-R Beautiful Iris, Hue l/s, Penny Lane Cream Blush.

I've been after Beautiful Iris for a while, as I'm a little obsessed with soft purples at the moment. It looks divine on the lower lash line and even as a wash of colour, the perfect to way to play with a bit of colour!

I was left a little disappointed with MAC Jazzed lipstick, it just doesn't suit my skin tone at the moment, maybe with a tan?? I'd been after hue for a while and I really think it's satisfied my desire for a pink toned nude!

Penny Lane is just a gorgeous cream blush, a little on the pricey side, but it's so pretty who could say no!

I decided on one more beautiful item whilst I wandered through the departments but I'm going to give it it's own post!!

I'll keep you guessing...

Lots of Love, Laura xxx

Sigma Brushes: What's All The Fuss About?

Sigma have been creeping into the beauty blogging community for some time now, whether it be through YouTube gurus waxing lyrical about the brush sets or the multiple sigma giveaways that pop up from time to time, I think it's fair to say that Sigma are very much "doing the rounds"

I decided I couldn't form an opinion about the brand without trying a few brushes for myself, so when I was browsing http://www.lovemakeup.co.uk/ I noticed they had a few Sigma brushes for sale. So in the name of curiosity I purchased two brushes.

I took a gamble on the SS134 and the E40 (formally the SS224)

I constantly use my 187 brush to apply powder and bronzer but I've been after a large dense powder brush like this for a while, I paid £11.99 for the sigma version so already it trumps the MAC version which retails for £35.50...

It's lovely and soft, it's washing well so far, but I'll keep you updated on how it fairs in the future.

It applies bronzer like a dream, and I've officially swapped from my trusty 187 for a while!

Overall it feels well made and sturdy, so I'm pleased with it. But we shall see how this quality holds up.

I purchased the sigma E40 (SS224) because I've been using my 224 brush for applying my concealer, but I also love it for blending, so when I'm in a rush It's just easier to have two of these rather than having to clean one in between!

So far so good, the brush is slightly longer than the MAC version, but that doesn't exactly bother me, and it feels a little denser, but then that could be because it hasn't had the use that my old 224 has endured.

Whilst the MAC version is retailing for a staggering £20.50, I picked this up for £4.99. I know which one I'd prefer for a back up!

By the way, have MAC hoisted the prices of their brushes up? I'm positive I didn't pay as much for mine.

 This brush is also soft and to be honest, there doesn't seem to be the slightest difference other than the length.

So here we have it, It appears Sigma might just be something to shout about, but I've only touched the surface.

These would be perfect for someone whose starting out in make up, as building up a collection is (I'll tell you from experience) extortionate.

Have you tried Sigma? What do you think??

Laura xxx

Getting In The Groove

 I've not really got caught up in the MAC hype during the last few collections, I've picked up a few bits and bobs but I haven't hauled from one collection like this for a long time...

I put in my order on Thursday and I originally only ordered three things...then got majorly caught up in the hype and ordered another one on Saturday!!

l-r Stereo Rose MSF & By Candlelight MSF

After hearing the excited whisperings about Stereo Rose MSF it sounded right up my street, a frosty coral peach, yes please. By Candlelight was a last minute impulse buy, and I must say it's love, such a delicate highlight colour thats sits perfectly with my skin tone.

l-r All Styled Up & Jazzed

I originally plumped for All Styled Up as I'm a sucker for this type of pink, but I ordered Jazzed after everybody was going crazy for it.

Note To Self: Don't get influenced by the hype!! I like it, but I already own a lot of lipsticks along these lines and It just doesn't strike me as majorly special, maybe with a better tan??

Swatch Time!

L-R Stereo Rose, By Candlelight, All Styled Up, Jazzed.

Did you pick up much from In The Groove??

Lots of Love, Laura xx

♥

Keeping Up With Korres.

Unless you've been hiding under a beauty free rock your entire life, you'll know that without a decent sunscreen, no amount of lotions and potions will reverse the damage left by those pesky rays.

I must admit I'm not always diligent with my spf throughout the winter monthes, but since the good old UK appears to be having a run of good weather it's been ever present in my mind.

We all know sunscreen isn't sexy, and that smell with forever mind me of being attacked with the sticky white stuff by my mother at a young age.

I was perusing the ailses of TK Maxx...stay with me...and I decided to have a route around the beauty section, I always presumed it just consisted of CK one, ill fated celebrity perfume brands and a few exfoliation gloves. But I can say right now, how wrong I was!

I decided to embrace my inner bargain hunter and get down and dirty amongst, I will admit, about a hundred exfoliation gloves and bottles of CK one, to find these two little gems.

Korres Watermelon Sunscreen Face Cream & Sweet Orange Sunscreen Emulsion.

I got both of these for £3.00 each, bargain!

The only hitch, they go off in October, but heck, I've got all summer to use them up!

First impressions are good, they both smell delicious, without a hint of eau de sunscreen in either, and they don't leave that sticky residue that I detest, yummy.

I'll let you know how I get one, but I just had to share this with you!

Laura xxx

What's In My Basket?!

Despite the mountains of make up that has seemed to creep up on me over the years, I am a creature of habit.

This is where the basket comes in...

If I find a combination that works for me and I'm particularly fond of, I'll stick to it religiously...until something nicer comes along!

I put my "star products" in this little heart basket as it just makes it easier to reach for in the morning.

My default face routine at the moment is:

NARS Sheer Glow in Mont Blanc

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Warm Ivory

MAC MSF Natural in Light

E.L.F Warm Bronze

MAC Fleur Power Blush 

MAC Style Blush

Eyes & Lips change more regularly but I haven't strayed from Bare Study Paint Pot from MAC for a while now, it's just too easy to use!

My mascara of choice at the moment, is Revlon Fabulash...I can't beat it!

Put it all together and what do you get??

Yours Truly, failing to pull a face vaguely resembling natural.

The only additions in this photo are Sleek Pout Polish in Electro Peach & MAC All That Glitters e/s.

Do you like to mix it up, or do you stick to what you love?!

Laura xxx

St Tropez Everyday Spray

Dear All,

My name is Laura, and I'm addicted to that summer glow.

From about April onwards, an unhealthy urge to get bronzed grips me and I begin my seasonal battle to achieve a natural bronzed look that nature has so cruelly neglected to bless me with.

It's those rediculous Scottish genes...

Somewhere out there I believe there is a product that doesn't smell, doesn't streak and doesn't make me look like I stepped out of the Michelle Heaton school of beauty.

So far this summer I've been quite happily using Xen-Tan Gradual Tanner, and I've been quite happy with the results. But something started to niggle away and me, for a gradual tanner you have to be bloody careful where you put it. I slapped it on in a rush last week and woke up in the morning looking like a tiger.

Whilst in Boots, I rashly decided to pick up St Tropez Everyday Spray, after Laura spoke highly of it in her blog.

 

I knew I trusted her judgement for a reason!!

I decided to give this a go on my arms last night, and I was impressed.

1) The smell is far from unpleasent, a bit like hairspray, but not stomach turning.

2) It took me less than five minutes to spray myself, even though I will admit the clear spray did feel a bit unnerving.

3) I woke up this morning and the colour is just perfect.

I finally have "natural" olive skin!!

There's zero streaking and even my hands have escaped without any tell tale signs.

Even though the camera has washed out my lovely golden hue, I hope you can pick it up a bit!!

 

For all of you pale paulines out there I'd really reccomend giving this a whirl, as far as i'm concerned, it's £20 well spent.

St Tropez, we have a winner!

Laura xxx

If It Ain't Broken...

I've been a long time fan of Maybelline Lash Stiletto, It gives me lots of length and doesn't go clumpy, one of my absolute pet peeves.

But for all of it's virtue's it stays confined to the daylight as it just doesn't cut it in the volume department.

Enter Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous...the answer to all of my woes!

Hold On.

The curved brush promises voluptuous, long lashes and promises to go above and beyond the bar set by the original.

I don't know if it's just me, but I'm just feeling a bit blah about poor old voluptuous...

It's alright, it does the job and I'll probably use it up. But I just can't get excited about this one.

The formulation is nice, but I just don't notice a massive improvement.

The only main difference I see is that my lashes seem to clump...not my cup of tea!!

I'm afraid it's just not coming close to my beloved Fabulash at the moment!!

So if it's ain't broke...don't fix it!

Laura xxx