Where Can You Find Me?

You may have noticed that posting has become rather sporadic over the last few weeks. I'm afraid life outside of my online bubble has got in the way and trying to fit everything in has become a bit of struggle. 

So, I thought I'd just remind you of where you can find me if you're interested in the smaller snippets of my life! 

Twitter 

If times are hectic, It's a lot easier to find a minute to tweet rather than sit down to write a post. 

You can find me at www.twitter.com/thebeautyspark 

If you have any questions, just tweet me and I'll get back to you! 

Instagram 

They say a picture paints a thousand words, and instagram is the perfect antidote. 

My instagram name is: 

laurabeautyspark 

If you don't have access to instagram, you can have a browse through my feed in the column to your right! 

Things will pick up in due course, but until then, stay in touch! 

Laura xx

Quick Fire Review: July Glossybox

Instead of the usual open box style post about Glossybox, I decided to take a little bit of time to trial each product and give a quick opinion. 

So, without further ado. 

Collin Paris Regenerated Collagen Gel: I was really curious about this little product as I have really been enjoying French skincare at the moment. Initially the smell really put me off, it smells exactly the same as a generic liquid soap you find in most public toilets. Once that image was locked in my mind I was less than willing to put it on my face. But to give credit where credit is due, it did leave my skin feeling soft and felt silky smooth. But I simply cannot get over that scent. 

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Texturizing Sea Spray: I recieved the styling treatment oil in a previous box from the same brand and I absolutely adore it. A complete 180 from the Collin product, the ginger scent is absolute heaven. I'm trying to use less heat on my hair so I enjoyed giving this a go. I'd recommend this if you're not a fan of crispy locks, but fancy some beachy texture. 

Kryolan Satin Powder in SP 333: This has to be my stand out product of the month. Initially I wasn't too impressed as lets face it, I'm never going to rock a bright peach/orange eye. But I've found that it's an absolutely lovely highlight if you've already applied a peach cream blush. Paired with Illamasqua's Emerge, it's a dream. 

Monu Extra Rich Night Cream: I'll be honest, I gave this a night. Simply because I've used Monu in the past, and I don't think it gets on with my skin. I'm really happy with my Origins night cream so I found a better home for it. 

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Samples: I enjoyed trying these little sachets out and used the cleanser, serum and lotion to mix up my daily routine. It left my skin feeling nice and smooth, but as the sample was so small I can't give you a definitive opinion. It was a nice treat though! 

The round up...what do I think of July's Glossybox. 

I didn't really pack a punch when I opened the box, but for the Kryolan alone it's been a good month! I would think about looking into the Elizabeth Arden further once my current skincare has run out. I'll look forward to seeing what the next month brings! 

*PR Sample, but opinions are my own yo. 

Like, Love, Loath #1.

I spotted this lovely little idea for a post over on Lauren's blog, and decided to join the gang.

LIKE - MAC Studio Sculpt

I go through phases with MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer. Sometimes I love the coverage it gives, and other times I think it's far too thick. But at the moment, after a concerted effort to use it up, I actually really like using this under the eyes. It's not one of my favourite products, but I can live with it. 

 LOVE - Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Coral

I have a new found love for rouge, and Revlon Colorburst in Coral has come out on top. I wouldn't actually say this is a coral at all, more bright fire engine red. It's not drying and really goes the distance if you pop a lip liner on underneath. J'adore.

LOATH - Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream

I gave this a whirl last week. It did not impress. 

I don't consider myself to have oily skin, but I was powdering on the hour, every hour when I wore this. I also noticed that it oxidises quite badly and I felt on the wrong side of orange by the end of the day. I'm sorry Maybelline, but this wasn't a hit for me.

What are your likes, loves and loathings this week? 

Laura xx

I Love Necklace.

Slap my thigh and call me Ron Burgundy, this necklace is ticking all the boxes. 

I picked it up yesterday from good old H&M, and it just feels right! 

I've tried (and failed) to get into the serious collar trend - I even bought a full blown metal collar - but it just felt too chunky around my neck, a bit too suffocating and little bit kinky (I'm sorry, I know). 

This still picks up on the trend whilst looking a little bit more refined. I also like the fact it hangs a little lower on the neck, I can breathe! 

I couldn't find this online but if you see it, I'd grab it whilst you can. It set me back just under a tenner, FYI.

Laura xx

Zara Studded Slippers.

I didn't go into Zara for studded grandad slippers, but I couldn't leave without them. 

I've desperately tried to resist hopping on the studded slipper trend, but these are just so damn cute. 

How could I resist a shot of soft nude and a double dose of gold studding? Well, I couldn't. 

I prefer these to less structured ballet flats as they give a bit more support and don't leave my feet looking too 'flat'. 

You can pick them up here. 

I dare you. 

Laura xx

June Favourites

Essie Sand Tropez - L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara - No7 Beautiful Skin Eye Make Up Remover - Tresemme Ultimate Hold Touchable Finish Hairspray - Osmo Berber Oil - Victoria Secret Love Spell Refreshing Body Mist - Yves Rocher Sexy Pulp Mascara* 

This month, I hardly had to think about what my favourites were, as all of these were immediately obvious to me as I've used them nearly everyday, 

I cannot believe I've made it through life so far (oh the drama) without Essie Sand Tropez. It's a perfect nude shade that I keep returning to. It's a habit I'm quite happy not to break. Similarly, Osmo's Berber Oil has emerged as a product that I need in my life. I went without it for just a few days whilst I was waiting for a new bottle to arrive, and my hair hated me for it. It's quickly becoming a holy grail product. 

I've been rocking two mascaras this month, one new discovery and one forgotten gem. L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes was put in the drawer and neglected, but due to my new found determination to slimline my overflowing stash, I've realised what a lovely product it is. It gives me fluttery, separated lashes that are perfect for the daytime when you don't want to look too 'done', but you can also layer it up to create amazing doll eyes if you choose. Yves Rocher Sexy Pulp (amazing name) came in the June Glossybox, and I've really enjoyed using it. The massive brush gives lovely long lashes and can be built up to create a gorgeous effect. 

On a slightly duller note, No7 Beautiful Skin Eye Make Up Remover has really earned its spot this month, as I didn't think I'd find anything to replace my beloved Sephora Eye Make Up Remover without breaking the bank. Thanks to the boots £5 voucher promotion that run ever so regularly, I picked this up for £3.50, not only was it a steal but it works like a dream. It removes all traces of mascara (even stubborn waterproof) before I cleanse in the evening. It's a winner. 

Still sticking with the not so interesting products, the Tresemme Ultimate Hold Hairspray has served me well. I initially bought it to use as an emergency handbag/car/desk drawer hairspray, but it's actually been the one I've reached for most of June. It does the job and doesn't leave me hair weighed down or sticky, which is always a bonus. 

Last but not least, In an effort to use it up, my Victoria Secret Love Spell Refreshing Body Mist just takes me back to Crete whenever I spray it. So how could that not be a favourite!? 

What are your favourites this month? 

Laura xx

NARS Foreplay Palette

I mentioned in my last post that I was currently lusting after NARS blush in a big way. The press release that popped into my inbox yesterday has only intensified it.

NARS Foreplay Palette

 The (Sephora Exclusive...Sob) Foreplay Palette has chosen to de-construct the cult Orgasm blush so you can create your perfect combination. I love the idea of getting the peach-pink hue without loading on the golden highlight, but, equally going to town with the shimmer when the mood takes me.

If you're within reach of a Sephora, I'm a) ridiculously envious and b) implore you to go and check this out.

Available August 1 at Sephora & sephora.com

$49  

xx