March Must Haves...

Just a few products that I've really being enjoying this month...

1.Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream
I realise that every man and his beauty obsessed dog have been waxing lyrical about this face cream but trust me girls it really does live up to the hype. It leaves your skin glowing without looking greasy and I regularly only wear this and a bit of concealer in the day now. I would steer clear of this if you have oily skin but if you want to really moisturise I'd recommend this! RRP. £7.45
2.Michael Kors Very Hollywood
This was given to me as a gift on my birthday last year and got neglected through the winter months as it's a definate summer scent for me. Now mr sunshine has decided to peek through (finally!) It's right back at the top of my list! RRP.£35.00-70.00
3.Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Emerge
An absolute must for those who adore a bit of peach in the spring/summer or for those who don't feel pink compliments their skin tone. I've been wearing this on my cheeks almost everyday this month. I love the fact it's a matte product but doesn't look drying on your skin. If you just can't go without some shimmer just pop your highlighter of choice over the top and your away. RRP.£17.00
4.MUFE Smoky Lash Mascara
I've been a fan of this little make up forever mascara for years and I've really been relying on it this month to give me full dramatic lashes. Cult Status. £17.50 from guru make up emporium.
5.Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
I will admit that until I bought the naked palette earlier this year, i'd never owned this product. I think I may have had a tiny sample in another palette but I don't remember it making any sort of impression on me. I've always been an avid paint pot fan but I've been favouring this a lot recently as it doesn't alter the shade of your eyeshadow at all, all of the paint pots I own have some sort of colour or shimmer to them so when I wear them until matte shadows it just defeats the point. The staying power of the product is wonderful too! RRP.£12.00


Laura xxx

Most Frequently Used Products...

Despite the great raft of make up I've appeared to accumulate over the past few years, I have certain products that get used to death...

After seeing Gemma do the "11 Most Reached For Products Tag" I decided to do my own version!

1.Vichy Dermablend Corrective Foundation: I use this EVERYDAY to conceal any redness and under my eyes, I won't bang on about it too much as It gets enough hype from me anyway!

2.MAC Style Blush: If I'm not sure what to wear, I always go for Style. It's an easy peach/coral shade with the perfect amount of sheen.

3.MAC Phloof! Eyeshadow: Again, if i'm in a rush or just can't be bothered to do something complicated, Phloof! always comes out on top. It brightens tired eyes and can make you look polished in 10 seconds flat when applied with a fluffy blending brush.

4.Vera Wang Rock Princess: I find this to be quite an unusual scent and wasn't sure about it for a while, even though I picked this out myself! Now I really do love it and use it most days as it's usually the first one I reach for.

5.Burts Bees Lip Balm: No explanation needed, the BEST lipbalm you'll ever have. I think I have a tube in every one of my handbags!

6.MAC Espresso Eyeshadow: This is my staple brow product, I apply it with an angled eyeshadow brush and i'm away.

7.Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers: If you want good eyelashes, get some Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers...They know good eyelashes.

8.ELF Warm Bronze: It's super cheap and a lovely bronzer for those of us who are slightly lighter skinned when applied with a light hand, as you can see I've hit pan, so it must be a favourite!

9.MAC Blacktrack Fluidline: I got out of the habit with eyeliner but I've rediscovered this gel eyeliner and i'm officially hooked again, it's getting some serious use!

10.Barry M Lipgloss No11 (Pineapple): I can honestly say these are the best lipglosses I've ever tried. Cheap, None Sticky and they smell AMAZING.

11.Barry M Lip Pencil/ MAC Lady Danger: I've cheated on this last one as I wouldn't wear one without the other but If I don't know what to do for a night out I'll pop this amazing red lip combo on. It's a must!

Have a lovely Sunday and let me know what your most used products are below!!

Laura xxx

Belt Up

                                     

I've got full on summer fever today, lilac nails/eyes included.

I've been using this Wang-alike bag to death since It was delivered last week.

Top: Primark

Belt: Primark

Leggings: H&M

Shoes: Primark

Ring: Topshop

Bag: Ebay

I'm also giving the straighteners a break this week and I'm not missing them. I'm embracing my hairs natural crazy and so far so good!

xxx

Summer Must Have: Origins Incredible Spreadable Scrub

I dug this out of my drawers last week when I decided to re-embark on the summer tanning regime and I forgot just how lovely it is.

The scrub is bursting with Ginger, a smell I literally could never get tired of. It has real chunks of Dead Sea Salt, Brown and White Sugar in the scrub too which really make it feel like it's working. The scrub is finished off with Olive Oil which leaves your skin feeling heavenly.

This has definitely taken its place in my summer skin routine again, what more could a girl ask for?!

RRP £21 for 250ml

It's available here but appears to have been repackaged.

xxxx

Let The Sunshine In...

The weather here has been lovely today so I decided to give my hair the day off from heat and let it dry naturally in the sunshine!

I simply sprayed some Schwarzkopf Guardian Angel through my hair when it was wet then as it dried I smoothed some Umberto Giannini Curl Friends Silky Curls Smoothing Balm through it to define curls and prevent any major frizz...

I ended up taking a few grips and pinning back the front section for an easy going summery look!

To expand on theme of keeping things natural today I simply applied some Oilatum and concealed under my eyes and around my nose with Bourjois Bio Detox Concealer then added some Stereo Rose MSF to my cheek bones. Eyes were very simple: Rubenesque PP and some MUFE Smoky Lash. Lips: Burts Bees!

What do you think about going natural, are you for it or are you too attached to your straighteners?? xx

Run Baby Run

It was requested that I let you all know what's on my gym playlist so here we are!

I must say before I launch into what I listen to that you should just listen to whatever gets you going, gym music is a very personal thing and what might get some people pumped up will leave others flat.

PLAYLIST:

Missy Elliot: I'm Really Hot

I love a bit of Missy Elliot whilst I'm working out as they have a really good beat.

Lupe Fiasco: Superstar

I've been jogging along to this a lot recently, It's just a really happy song!

Robyn: Dancing On My Own

I'm am actually a bit obsessed at the moment!

Ellie Goulding: Lights

This whole album has been played to death in the gym...

Shy FX: Shake Your Body

The perfect remedy for when I'm flagging...and oldie but a goodie!

Other Suggestions...

I'd really recommend any of the Fabric Albums and check out the Ministry of Sound compilations too.

Never underestimate the power of your iTunes Genius as it's put together some wicked playlists for me in the past!

What Do YOU Suggest??

I'd love to know if you've got a favourite gym playlist or album that really motivates you.

Laura xxx

Monday Ramble

I rarely just sit down and unload thoughts here but why not?!

Sunday bought the most delicious hint of summer and it's got me so excited to pack away the knits/coats/gloves and scarfs and embrace gladiators/floaty dresses and sunglasses once again! It did occur to me though that summer is a lot more high maintenance beauty wise...

You've got:
Fake Tan
Ahem...Hair Maintenance
A Constant Perfect Pedicure

Basically a lot more maintenance all around...

The glimpses of summer we've been having have also got me thinking about playing around with a little bit of colour in my hair. I realise i'm not exactly going to be winning any awards for innovation but I think i'm going to jump on the ombre/balayage train. What's the worst that could happen??! If I hate it I can always just dye over it.

I've once again shown Diet Coke the door. Water and Green Tea (and the occasional costa/starbucks/work coffee) will be the only (non-alcoholic) drinks to pass through my system. The reason for the latest casting out is an unusual patch of acne on my chin. Despite eating healthily, exercising three times a week and taking good care of my skin in general I couldn't shift this particular outbreak. I tracked it back to when I went a bit mental on the Diet Coke consumption front. Low and behold after avoiding it for a week the situation seems to be improving.

On another note, I reached a little milestone yesterday. I've somehow managed to shed 2 stone since January! I haven't really banged on too much on here because I don't feel like i'm in a position to give you all diet and exercise advice but I will say I've done it in the best way possible.

Eat Less Shit. Exercise More.

If you want to know anything else, please ask but i'm not going to sit here and profess to having awesome weightloss knowledge...because I don't!

I've been having a pretty hectic time in other areas of my life outside of the Beauty Spark blog but I've been trying really hard to keep up with you all! I've got classic bloggers guilt I think... I'm temporarily moving in just over a month to do some work down south so that will a whole new adventure to take you on!

I've also got rather obsessed by Robyn's 'Body Talk' Album. It's been on repeat for 2 days straight now...

RIGHT...

Requests/Ideas/Comments??

What do you want to see here, what am I doing right...and wrong?!

Let Me Know!!

Laura xxxx

Spring Make Up Trend: Going Natural...

I'd like to begin by saying this is not so much a trend as a natural thing to do as we enter into the warmer seasons, it's a classic. BUT there's going natural and going natural...with a little help.

(Stella McCartney Spring 2011)

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS:

BASE:

You need to keep it fresh and clean, if you feel confident enough to do so ditch the heavy foundation and powder routine. Try a light foundation like MUFE Face & Body or Chanel Aqua Vitalumiere.

If you've got the odd blemish, disguise it with a light dab of creamy concealer so it doesn't look cakey.

A nourishing cream will make the perfect base for a dewy finish, try Oilatum. If your skin is combination/oily try a lighter moisturiser such as La Roche Posay Toleriance.

REMEMBER: It's what works for your skin! You can adapt the products and the look to work with your skin type, if you feel the need, dust a light mineral powder over the top to set the foundation.

A BIT OF COLOUR:

In Spring/Summer cream products come out to play. To get a natural healthy glow try NARS Penny Lane Cream Blush or browse MAC's new creamblend blush range - So Sweet, So Easy is a dream.

Illamasqua Rude Blush will be divine on darker skin tones but equally fabulous on paler girls who crave a pop of a peachy coral cheek.

Keep eyes simple, try Becca's eye tint in Baroque for an easy eye or if your loyal to your powder eyeshadow Jest from MAC provides a hint of golden peach.

BROWS:

If you're going natural, brows need to be prepped and groomed. They're going to become a central feature to your face!

See HERE for a more in depth look and step by step

LIPS:

Bold lips are another big trend this S/S but keep them natural for this look. Try a lip tint or tinted lip balm to enhance your natural lip colour. Have a look at Max Factor's lip markers for a range of gorgeous hues or try the Body Shop Lip Stain for a flawless pout.

My Personal Favourite Combo? Body Shop Lip Stain in Shade 01 and MAC Calm Mode Tinted Lip Conditioner.

LASHES:

This can be up to you, always curl before mascara application to give your lashes maximum impact without and falsies. If you want to go the whole hog make like Stella and go without but if you can't bare the thought of leaving the house without anything on try to go without on the bottom lashes for a fresher appearance.

TOOLS:

Fingers!! This look lends itself to blending with your fingers, cream blush, eyeshadows and lip balm are the ultimate in easy blend! Try an angled eyebrow brush to achieve perfect brows.

Will you be going Natural this Spring??

Laura

xx

Friday Round Up

After a hectic week I'm so glad it's the weekend.

Product of the Week

It's a tie between Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Emerge & MAC Calm Mode Tinted Lip Conditioner

I cannot get enough of either of these products...

Something New

After hearing rave reviews left, right and centre about this cream, I picked some up in my local boots and so far so good. I'll keep you posted!

Favourite Song

I've been listening to a massive mix of music as i've been doing a bit of travelling but I've re-ignited my love of the cribs, they remind me of lovely times!

Currently Craving

Hair like Lily Aldrige

Also Loving...

Beetroot

Green Tea

MAC Orb Eyeshadow

Ballerina Buns

Laura xxx

A Trip Away...

Forgive the alarmingly dull outfit, I was off on a day of work related fun!

JUMPER: PRIMARK

TOPS: H&M

LEGGINGS: H&M

BOOTS: TOPSHOP

If you haven't already guessed, H&M is my shop of choice at the moment!

I'm especially in love with these leggings, I bought them a while ago but couldn't get them to photograph but the light in my hotel room was brilliant!

The suede panals are the best.

One of the site visits was to Stonehenge...

It was RIDICULOUSLY windy!

This does show my lovely Topshop scarf that I bought at the weekend though, so snuggly! I wore my camal coat over the top to keep warm as it was chilly.

Laura xxx

Goodies...

I may have popped into MAC...

I've had my beady eye on the new Creamblend Blushes as they've reformulated them and bought out a few new shades. I went for So Sweet, So Easy. I've never been tempted by this shade before but in the flesh it really is lovely!

I also picked up Harmony Blush as I wanted a contour colour that wasn't too orange as it can look strange on my skin tone. This is a really nice contour colour for those of us lacking in sunshine on our skin!

(l-r So Sweet, So Easy. Harmony)

Both of these retail for £17.00 xx

Illamasqua Toxic Nature

Yesterday, I whizzed down to London to take a sneak peak at Illamasqua's stunning new collection Toxic Nature.

As I couldn't make Wednesday's gathering Alex & Hayley and a few other lovely bloggers sat around drinking smoothies and waxing lyrical over the collection...

Illamasqua describe the collection as:

Unpredictable, Uncharted and Unnatural, Illamasqua unleashes Toxic Nature for Spring/Summer 2011, a colour collection born from a visionary concept of nature fighting back against the genetically modified society that plunders it. Illamasqua has created the Toxic Nature Collection through a palette of lurid shades, corrupted hues and glistening muted tones that offer intoxicating versions of their original selves.

(l-r Emerge, Mould, Hollow, Dab, Bedaub and Delirium)

(l-r Radium/Purity/Stagnate/Bacterium/Gamma)

The collection is full of gorgeous products but the new cream pigments and eyeshadows really stood out to me, they're a brilliant mixture of wearable lovely shades with a daring Illamasqua twist on it.

I've already got Purity,Stagnate and Bacterium on my list!

The new cream pigments really do deliver on every level. They're creamy but long lasting and fiercely pigmented.

(TOP ROW: Dab, Embrace, Delirium)

(BOTTOM ROW: Bedaub, Hollow, Mould)

(l-r Atomic, Flare)

Two beautiful, wearable brights are included in the collection and feel a lot creamier than previous Illamasqua matte lipsticks.

 (l-r Divine, Torture)

The two sheer lipglosses still pack a punch with pigment but accompany the lipsticks brilliantly...

(Toxic Claw)

If you feel like going all out, why not get to grips with Illamasqua's second thumb nib designed by Mike Pocock.

I went away with some lovely goodies to play with including the AMAZING Glister Precision Ink, a lovely oyster eyeliner...

(l-r Glister, Abyss)

If you want to find out more about Toxic Nature, go to http://www.illamasqua.com/ for a sneak peek or shop the collection from the 10th March!!

Laura xxx

Hello Sailor...

It should be apparent now that I don't exactly hold the key to the perfect outfit pictures...

BUT

I FINALLY discovered self timer on my camera the other day, so we may just be getting there.

I wore this down to London on Saturday.

I couldn't quite get my timing right...

Just about!

OUTFIT:

Top/Cardigan/Belt: All H&M

Leggings: Topshop

Shoes: New Look

Rings: Topshop/Random

If I'm stuck on what to wear I'll always grab a breton striped top, It's going to be a hard habit to break with the onset of colour blocking this season!!

Laura xxx

Product of the Day: MAC Calm Mode Tinted Lip Conditioner

I'd given up all hope of ever having this beauty when MAC (stupidly/bizarrely/inexplicably) decided not to include this in the European release of Cham-Pale...

BUT

Seanna was an absolute STAR and picked me one up from Duty Free!

It's a delicious pinkish nude infused with lavender = AMAZING!

I haven't used anything else on my lips since my parcel arrived.

This might actually be one to back up at all costs...

Laura xxx

A Few Favourites...

I've really got out of the habit of doing monthly favourites, but as I adore reading what you're all loving as well I thought I'd share, even if we are into March already!

NARS Penny Lane Cream Blush

I think I've put this on my cheeks almost everyday, it's the perfect pink to bring a bit of life to my pale Pauline complexion!

Illamasqua Rude Cream Blush

If you haven't already guessed the theme I've been in love with cream blush this month, it's foolproof, quick and leaves a gorgeous healthy finish. Rude is a lovely coral peach and is fiercely pigmented, what more could you want!

Revlon Colorstay

I'm currently going through a Colorstay phase, I've been running low on my usual F&B foundation and although this is the other end of the spectrum it really does last all day, I put this on at 7:30am and it lasted all the way until I took it off, and I even went to the gym imbetween...ridiculous coverage! (p.s I don't advise sweating it out in Colorstay though!)

Umberto Giannini Hold Me Curl Hairspray

I mentioned this recently so won't go into detail but it really is a lovely hairspray, I find it keeps any frizz at bay and really works for my hair type even if I've blowdried it straight.

OTHER FAVOURITE THINGS:

• Tuna - I think i'm getting a bit obsessed.
• Jimmy Choo Perfume
• InStyle Beauty Guide 2011

What are your top picks??

Laura xx