New Foundation Quest...

As my trusty MUFE gasps it's final laboured breath, I've decided to branch out and try a new light foundation for daytime, I went to Birmingham yesterday for some light retail therapy and ended up getting colour matched in two foundations: MAC Face & Body and Chanel Aqua Vitalumiere.

I must say, I'm not sure why the Chanel foundation is being hyped so much, it felt nice, the coverage was light and it did the job, but I certainly won't be parting with the £31.50 price tag it commands...

Instead I left with a sample of MAC Face & Body in N2, and so far I like it. Truth be told, I would have bought it then and there if the customer service in the shop hadn't be so spectacularly bad...but don't we almost expect that from MAC now?

I've got MAC F&B on today, and I do think it's lovely, light foundation and it suits my normal/dry skin down to the ground...at £23.50 for 120ml, I'm more than happy to part with my cash as well...

Serious faces all around today!!

A Ridiculous Photograph to Balance Proceedings...

Hope you've all had a fantastic Royal Wedding day, I'm off to sweat off the champagne breakfast I scoffed this morning in the gym!!

Laura xxx

A Different Look Inside My Handbag...

Being involved in the beauty blogging game, I'm sure I've seen the inside of many handbags. But yesterday I contents of my bad were taken to a whole new level when I had a handbag 'reading'.

After raving about the joys of Sudocrem below, their 'people' got in touch to let me know about a few things...firstly, the wonder cream is now available in tube form, which believe me looks a whole lot more attractive than a sexy grey tub on your dressing table.

The simple omission of "Napkin Rash, Eczema, Bed Sores" from the packaging is a marked improvement...

But, enough about that, you'd much rather hear about the exciting part...(and at the risk of turning the blog this week into a sudocrem fest...)

Sudocrem teamed up with a leading "Bagologist" to dissect the contents of your bag and tell you a little bit about your life and personality.

I'm a bit of a sucker for anything like this so of course I gave it a go!!

You just take a snap of your current handbag contents and Debbie works here magic...

This is what she had to say...

Laura I fear I am going to say some rather obvious things – but I can only read what I see so here goes! Your bag is calling out for balance! It seems things are a bit ‘topsy turvy’ – just as you like it! But maybe there is an easier way ...(some of the time)! At the moment, in particular it seems something is alluding you – there is something you can’t get your head around (or someone!). I think you are looking in the wrong place. It feels as though the more you try to see and perceive the less clear things could be. Break things down into smaller pieces, and take them one at a time, rather than as a whole. You seem to be a lady who needs to make decisions – procrastination won’t suit you in the long run! You like a sense of movement but progression is just as important now especially in helping you to achieve more balance. Tap into people who share the same values, interests or ideals as you to get a sense of their source of power in life. I think your power is spread a little thin or maybe you aren’t sure of what your stand out strengths and talents are. One thing for sure you are not someone who suits routine. Uniformity will be a word you dislike! Repetition will be totally monotonous for you and is to be avoided. Back to the need to be progressing I sense you are someone who does well when you know where you are heading (going in life). Be intuitive and follow your gut, head or heart – they will all serve you well. Your bag is suggesting that your head is full of creative ideas. What is your plan for letting them out? In amongst the fun and rough and tumble of your bag your carefree ways should not be read into too much. For the flip side of you includes a lady who is deeply loyal and committed to people, things, causes of importance and who is capable of feeling deep compassion for others. Don’t shield yourself behind these qualities – remember you will need and deserve loyalty and commitment back and a dose of understanding now and again. Have fun putting your bits and bobs back into your bag – and keep in touch!

Some of what Debbie picked up was suprisingly accurate at the moment, all that from the humble contents of my handbag!

If you want to give it a whirl too (I would, it's marvelous fun!) just click HERE and post a photo of your contents on the wall, she'll be picking three people daily to read until the 10th May.

So, What Does Your Bag Say About You??

Laura xx

The Sudocrem Test

If I say Sudocrem to you, I can imagine that babies bottoms come to mind. Personally, just a whiff of the stuff sends me into a nostalgic tailspin, but who knew such an unassuming product could have so many tricks up it's sleeve?

After scraping the last remnants of my latest night cream out of the tub a few weeks ago I decided before splashing out on another "wonder cream" for my face, I'd give the old Sudocream a go. With celebrities like Cheryl Cole and Amanda Holden swearing by the stuff, I didn't have much to lose!

Firstly, this stuff is cheap...at under £3 for 125g of product, I was more than willing to take a risk. Granted it's not one for your vanity, but I strived ahead with hope in my heart. After all, Oilatum is currently working wonders for my skin, so who says another cheap and cheerful product couldn't do the same??

I've been applying a thin layer to my face at night and applying an extra layer under my eyes and forehead.

It may be the sun, it may be the Sudocrem working it's magic, but my skin is looking the best it has in ages, i'm spot free, smooth skinned and I love it. Maybe some of the baby bottom magic has rubbed off!

If you look at the ingredients it's easy to see why it's been a long time beauty secret of those in the know, Zinc Oxide is a key player in battling spots, Lanolin to sooth the skin, I'll take some more please waiter!

There have been reports that the Benzyl Alcohol in the product can dry the skin out, but as I have more normal/dry skin I haven't had this problem.

I'm beginning to think, the simpler the better with skin care...

Laura xx

Video: Product of the Week

Hi Guys,

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

In case you're wondering, this is what Baby Blue looks like...shame it wouldn't dry!

Laura xx

Overnight Essentials

I'm currently sitting in the guest bedroom of my lovely friends house and waiting for her to surface and it got me thinking about my essential products for an overnight stay. If I were a simpler creature the answer may be a clean pair of knickers and a toothbrush, but alas that's not exactly my style.

Simple Face Wipes

I've been a long time fan of these face wipes as they dont irritate my skin and are the perfect lazy way to remove make up without having to cart potentially hazardous oily make up removers around with you.

MAC Palette

I've had brief flings with other eyeshadows but I cannot beat my trusty MAC palette. It's filled with my favourite shades and can conjure up a whole host of looks, it also holds my brow colours too that are an absolute must for me!

Light Foundation

When your staying at a friends, you don't want to spend ages slapping on foundation, I tend to just apply a bit of face and body foundation with my fingers and touch up with concealer, sorted!

Mascara/Eyelash Curlers

My definate desert island products, I happily just wear moisturiser and mascara if I'm popping to a friends, it makes my eyes look bigger and gives me a boost! MUFE Smoky Lash is a must but try Maybelline Lash Stiletto if you're looking for a purse friendly alternative!

Right, I think I hear some signs of life, have a great Easter weekend!

Laura x

Random Ramble...

Hola!

I've been a little slack on the blog front for the past few weeks as I've been in the midst of a massive report, but now it's done and dusted and I can get back to lavishing attention on The Beauty Spark!

In Other News...how nice is the weather right now, I've been cracking out the gladiators big style but in the process I've been left with a selection of lovely blisters on my feet and toes...rubbish.

Another lovely present from the sun is the arrival of my summer freckle face...

You can't see it very clearly on the photograph but my forehead has gone into freckle overdrive!!

Finally, i'm back in love with MUFE Smoky Lash, it really is my favourite...I mean look at those lashes.

Hope you're all having a wonderful week,

Laura xxx

Summer Holiday Treats...

I'm not sure what it is about miniatures but they always put a smile on my face!

These are just a few of the products I'll be putting in my weekend bag...

Umberto Giannini Dazzline Shine Shampoo and Conditioner

This little duo smell EXACTLY like holidays to me...don't ask me why but it's divine...unlike other travel sized hair products these have enough product in them to easily last me a few days, even with my long thick barnet!

The Sanctuary Body Butter

I got a couple of free mini sanctuary products in a recent Boots promotion and they are the cutest things!

I always have to have a good moisturiser of body butter with me when I'm away. This would easily last me a week away as a little goes a long way, big thumbs up!

The Sanctuary Body Scrub

Even though I'm still in love with the Origins Incredible Spreadable Scrub this is the perfect size for travelling and a pretty good dupe! It smells divine and really does a good job of keeping my skin smooth and flake free!

Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover

You'll probably recognise this mini sample from the recent Glamour promotion and I have to say it's brilliant! I've been using it to remove my eye make up that just seems to melt off with this product, I'm certainly considering purchasing the full size product but I'm going to keep this little bottle and refill it for when I go away!

Do you like mini products when you go away or do you find they just don't cut it?

Laura xxx

Little Gems: Accessorize Nail Polish

I was cruising down the ailse of my local Superdrug I stumbled across the Accessorize Make Up stand, I realise i'm not up to the minute on the launch date but I fell in love with a couple of the colours...

51 Apricot Crush is a perfect summer peach and is ridiculously opaque, if your a fan of bright creams, this could be for you. It also reminded me of Illamasqua Purity, so if you're looking for a cheap dupe, check this out.

This only thing I will say is the constitency is a little tricky, and you need to work fast, it does dry quickly though so you don't need to worry about sticky nails!

For a purse friendly price of £4.00 you can't go wrong.

The other colour I picked up was in the sale so I paid £2.00 for a lovely baby eggshell, I haven't worn this yet but will let you know how it fairs!

It's called 23 Baby Blue if you're interested!!

Laura xxx

Sunday Saver: Top 5 High Street Make Up Picks.

When we're looking for new products, it's far too easy to assume that a higher price means higher quality... 

Here are a few products that really do give you a lot of bang for your buck.

1. Revlon Colourburst Lipsticks.

I cannot praise these lipsticks enough. Despite them being a lovely lipstick, the extra attention to detail just makes them feel a little bit more special than your average lower end product. The 'Chanel-esque' stamp onto the front of the bullet is a nice touch and the packaging itself channels the double C's too.

These deliver a glossy pigmented lip that takes zero effort but adds a million dollars to your look.

RRP. £7.99.

For A Detailed Look Click HERE.

2. Sleek Blush.

Despite past issues with Sleek, I have to admit if you're looking for a blusher with pigment to spare you should look no further. Again, the packaging is compact and feels like a quality product and for the £4.29 price tag, you really can't go wrong.

To Inspect Closer Click HERE.

3. L'Oreal Color Appeal Eyeshadow.

If you're a sucker for metallic eyeshadow I beg you to give these a try. They don't win any awards in the packaging stakes but you're not exactly going to be totting an eyeshadow around in your handbag.

A light swatch yields a crazy amount of pay off, even exceeding some of my higher brand products.

RRP. £6.99

4.17 Mirror Shine On Lipstick.

If you can excuse the fact that these little gems melt like nobodies business in anything more than arctic temperatures, these are a girls best friend. If you suffer from dry lips but want to try a lipstick, why not give these a shot? They're a lovely lipstick/gloss hybrid that you could apply in the dark and still look polished.

RRP. £4.59

For A Closer Look Click HERE.

5. Revlon Fabulash Mascara.

As a long term drugstore mascara fiend, this always seems to hit the right notes when I apply it. The perfect balance of length and volume without being too wet or transferable. I've repurchased this many times and will continue to do so!

RRP.£7.99

Want A Closer Look? Click HERE.

Ultimate Highstreet Favourite: Vichy Dermablend Corrective Concealer...I'm not going to bang on about this product anymore than I already do, but trust me, it's a gem...If you want to read my review, click HERE.

Have a lovely Sunday,

Laura xx

Summer Summer Summertimee...

I'm well and truely getting into summer mode with this orange and pink combo...

Barry M Block Orange

Barry M Bright Pink

Laura xxx

Bits & Peices...

I've been a bit of a bad blogger this week as I've been really busy with work but let the ramble commence...

OOTD

Sandals: Mui Mui

Leggings: Topshop

Stripe Top: Rare

Belt: Primark

I'm so glad it's getting a bit warmer, i've missed having to leave the house in less than four layers!

Recent Obsession

I've become far too accustomed to sticking my hair up in a pile on the top of my head, I feel it's a slippery slope as it just seems like effort to do it nicely anymore!!

In Other News...

I've fallen in love with Urban Decay "half baked" eyeshadow, it's the perfect summer eyeshadow...

Laura xxx

What's in Laura's bag??

Hello, hello, hello!

I hope you enjoy my tentative foray into the world of video making, I apologise for the lack of decent lighting but I didn't think it was too important for a nose into my bag!

Also, grave apologies for the "let me know below" parting shot...so wrong on so many levels but I'm not really 'au fait' with editing...

If you have any requests/questions feel free to leave a comment below.

Laura xxx

Day Of The Dead...

Today's Outfit:

Boots: Topshop

Leggings: H&M

Printed Vest: Topshop

Cardigan: Topshop

Scarf: Tie Rack

I found this Day of Dead skull print vest in the back of a drawer this morning and decided to throw it on, it's not my usual style but I quite liked the change!

Today's Face: 

Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream

Bourjois Bio Detox Concealer

ELF Mineral Blush in Coral

MUFE Smoky Lash & Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero

MAC Espresso e/s through brows.

MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Calm Mode

Who can be bothered with complicated make up during the day at the weekend? Not Me!

Today's Obsession:

I dug these shoes out from my wardrobe and instantly fell back in love with them, I've had them for years now but they just don't seem to get worn.

They're coming out with me tonight though!!

Laura xxx