Product Hype!

Di Palomo- Wild Fig & Grape Hand and Nail Cream

This hand cream is the epitome of luxury; its gorgeously scented cream, giving hints of fig and grape is one of my absolute favourites. Stuffed full on natural goodness, such as Grapeseed Oil, Olive Oil and Fig Fruit Extract, it is rich in vitamins which when applied to your hands and nails, will leave them smooth and soft, and smelling divine.

I love using this hand cream wherever I go, and always have a bottle in my handbag. Whenever I am giving myself a mini manicure, I love nourishing my hands before I repaint my nails, so after I take off the previous colour and my nails feel particularly dry, I treat them so this wonderful smelling and my hands are instantly hydrated and soft, ready for a burst of nail colour.

The packaging for this product is lovely as well, encapsulating the chic Italian style that inspires the brand. The product is particularly perfumed but is such a nice, enriching scent that you may be caught throughout the day unintentionally smelling your hands due to their gorgeous aroma.

The brand make all their products in England but are inspired by all things Italian, the scents, the style, the quality; making them a locally sourced but exotically inspired beauty company.

Check out Di Palomo’s website for a full view of all their products-

http://www.dipalomo.com/

Wild Fig and Grape Hand & Nail Cream- £7.00

Laura, x

Wednesday Woman of Inspiration!

Adele!

Well, 2011 definitely Adele’s year! The 23-year-old singer from London shot up the charts with her sophomore album 21, with the album hitting number one in 26 countries!

But not only is she a wonderful singer that pours her heart and soul into her music, she is also one of the funniest, charming and down to earth icons in the modern music industry today. I have watched numerous clips on Youtube of ‘Adele’s funniest moments’ and she makes me laugh so much by how completely genuine and real she is.

I also love how she feels like she doesn’t have to conform to the ‘plastic Barbie image’ of today’s celebrity perception and that she has stayed true to herself.

I truly think she is a beautiful woman, both inside and out, and for that reason I have chosen her as my Wednesday Woman of Inspiration.

I love the way she presents herself, with her vintage, yet simple eye make up and those gorgeous hair of hers. I adore her fashion sense too! Is there anything Adele doesn’t master?

Although she has announced she plans to rest awhile before starting her third album, I can’t wait to see what Adele stuns the world with next!

The painting is Acrylic paint on cardboard and shows my painting style which is quite expressive.

Laura, x

Barry M Nail Varnish

Now as you can see in my picture, I do quite like Barry M nail varnish...

Apart from the gorgeous, bright pop colour range they have, I love the bottle shape, the consistency of the varnish and just the brand as a whole.

I first started collecting Barry M nail varnishes last year, and it wasn’t an intentional thing really, I just found if I had a few spare coins in my purse or enough points on my Boots advantage card, I would perk myself up on my shopping trip and treat myself to a new colour nail varnish, and as a consequence, my stash grew and grew.

So now I have 16 colours, and I’m still going strong. I love going over to the Barry M section in pharmacies and seeing which colour I haven’t got yet and choose the next one to add. I have tried every single one that I’ve bought and I love them all, and I am never stuck for choice haha!

I even distinguish them between seasons, dark, jewel colours for winter, and bright vivid colours for summer. Then of course I have fun mixing it up a little bit.

They are most definitely more than worth their price, and even putting on a new colour nail varnish can brighten up your day and instantly lift your mood.

I have a lot of love for Barry M cosmetics!

Check out Barry M’s website-

http://www.barrym.com/

Laura, x

Product Hype!

Viktor&Rolf- Flowerbomb

 Once, I heard Dita von Teese say in an interview that women should pick their favourite scent and stick with it for life. She said that a woman could then be defined by her fragrance and that if a special someone was to smell the certain scent, anywhere in the world, it would instantly remind them of her.

Well, whatever your thoughts are of this, she definitely sold it to me, so previously I have been a dedicated wearer of Vera Wang- Princess because I love sweet scents that aren’t too obviously floral. But since starting wearing it at 16, and after three years, two bottles, and maturing into an adult, I decided that Dita’s idea was all well and good, but when we constantly change our tastes and ourselves, it could be a tricky thing to sustain.

So, I wanted a change, and therefore went on the perfume hunt until I could no longer functionally smell properly.  After much deliberation, and wafting samples under all my family’s noses, I decided on Viktor&Rolf- Flowerbomb and am so so pleased with my decision.

The fragrance isn’t too light, and it isn’t too dark and musty either, it sings notes that are just right! It is like floral, but with attitude and is definitely fresh and fun. The packaging and bottle are perfect with the hint of pink, and I have received so many compliments from wearing it. Definitely a big product hype!

 So who knows, maybe someone, somewhere, has already had myself spring to mind as they have walked past Flowerbomb, I guess I’ll never know haha…

Tip: When purchasing perfumes, keep the bottle in its box! 

This allows the fragrance to keep the scent for longer and also protects the perfume from sunlight and air, which can alter the chemicals so by keeping it in the box, you can to see the gorgeous packaging on display, whilst knowing your perfume is going to keep its scent for much longer. 

Laura, x

Benefit Make Over

After receiving some Benefit gifts for Christmas from my parents, part of the goody bag they got me included an invitation to get a complementary make over with one of Benefit’s expert beauty artists at my local store, so of course I instantly booked an appointment. 

It was a great experience, really refreshing to have someone else’s ideas and methods of applying make up, as well as seeing all the lovely products Benefit have to offer.

For Christmas, I received the High Beam luminescent complexion enhancer which has a gorgeous shimmer to it and leaves your highlighted features such as cheek bones and brow bones glowing.

Also, I was given the Benetint rose-tinted lip and cheek stain which smells soooo good, exactly like roses and leaves your cheeks with a natural colour and is really fun to use.

A little sample of Benefit’s new Triple Performance facial emulsion that smells lovely and really moisturises the skin.

And then, as previously mentioned in my Inspiration post, the POREfessional balm, which minimizes the appearance of pores and again, feels fantastic.

So with these lovely gifts on my dressing table, I was very excited to see how to use them from a different perspective and was very impressed by Niomie the beauty assistant. She showed me combining the POREfessional and the Triple Performance moisturiser really preps your skin and leaves it glowing, ready for foundation.

So after being transformed, I had to purchase Benefit’s new eye cream ‘eyes It’s Potent!’ because I find my eye area my biggest concern, as I often have dry, dark circles under my eyes so now, thanks to my demonstration,  hopefully I will have dewy bright eyes!

It was a fantastic experience, I loved feeling like a model being prepared for a photoshoot haha, and with my invitation acting like a voucher, I received a free Benefit make up bag with my purchase of the eye cream.

Here are all my goodies together-

                         

Laura, x

Wednesday Woman of Inspiration!

Solange Knowles!

My Wednesday Woman of Inspiration for this week is the yummy mummy Solange Knowles. Solange is a multi talented lady: apart from being Beyoncé’s younger sister, and mum to 7-year-old Julez, she is also singer-songwriter, model, and DJ.

This lady knows how to juggle family life whilst still being uber fashionable and always looking amazing.

She often channels tribal looks and lots of bright and vibrant colours which I love about her, and she always seems to push trends and know exactly what suits her body. She is frequently spotted walking the red carpets of fashion world’s elite events and has recently becomes the face of cosmetic brand Rimmel London.

When asked by Rimmel what was Solange’s no.1 beauty tip, Solange responded:

Be healthy, be happy, be beautiful, be whole-heartedly you!

Check out her profile on Rimmel London's website:

http://www.rimmellondon.com/us/en/ourfaces/ourmodels/solange-knowles/

After the success of her album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams, she has said recently on Twitter that she hopes her new music to be released soon, and I can’t wait, I absolutely love her voice.

But until then, she has posted this song for her fans of what is to come and it’s a must play, such a relaxed and chilled sound.

I created the portrait of Solange by using HB & 2B pencil and a splash of water-soluble wax pastels, and have used bright vibrant colours to represent her bubbly personality and her lively and energetic fashion sense.

Laura, x

Capturing Beauty

I think beauty can be highlighted and perceived through the way it is captured.

Therefore, in my forthcoming posts, I will be making use of my camera and once I’m reunited with the camera lead (it being in a different city doesn't help), I will start uploading new photography of all things creative and inspiring.

I studied an element of photography as part of my Art education, but it will be interesting to see how my creativity grows when not under the regime of exam boards.

Unfortunately my camera isn’t the one I’ve drawn, the one depicted was a vintage camera I found in my parents loft but unfortunately it was beyond repair but is now, however, a fantastic prop. The camera I will be using is a Nikon CoolPix S6, not exactly groundbreaking in the world of photography but I won it in an Art competition I entered a few years back so I am very proud to use it.

Watch this space!

The drawing of the camera is A1 in HB & 2B. I did it about 2 years ago, and I remember the size and amount of shading it took nearly killed me.

Laura, x

Timeless beauty

Sometimes beauty exists before its even fully created...

“Beneath the makeup and behind the smile I am just a girl who wishes for the world.”

-Marilyn Monroe. 

Start of A5 HB pencil drawing I did in 2009.

Laura, x

Product Hype!

Sanctuary’s Fresh Faced Purifying Wash

I swear this product has holy powers.

I always find cleansing wipes okay, but often I feel like I’m almost sandpapering my face trying to remove my party eyes, so when I discovered this gentle, cucumber smelling miracle wash, removing my make up instantly became a pleasure rather than a chore!

It will remove the toughest eye make up in the gentlest way, smells lovely and feels silky before it becomes a bubbly foam.

And it’s so simple to use as well, if I’ve been partying the night away, and come back simply wanting my head to hit the pillow, I know that in one simple splash of water over my face, 20 seconds of gentle cleansing and another splash to wash away the grime of the night and in less than a minute, I’m squeaky clean and ready to slumber.

I’ve been using this facial wash for years now as my cleanser, even before they changed all the packaging to much more appealing hues of blue as its amazing formula was always a seller for me, and I think I would actually weep if they ever discontinued it.

Other aspects to make it even more amazing-

It so gentle, it doesn’t irritate my eyes at all (and I have particularly sensitive skin)

It’s made in the UK (locally sourced is always a winning aspect for us patriotic Brits)

The brand is against animal testing (being animal friendly constantly gets brownie points)

Sanctuary’s Fresh Faced Purifying Wash    £8.99

Can be purchased from:

 http://www.thesanctuary.co.uk/fresh-faced-purifying-wash-details.htm

Or your local Boots if you live in the UK.

Laura, x

New Year's Resolution

I know that every year, whatever New Year’s resolution I commit to seems to only last a week before I accidentally slip up (and therefore conclude that carrying on is completely pointless) or forget that I even made one. But this year, along with my new batch of resolutions, I am going to resolute to keep them up and actually benefit from my choices of improvement.

I always find that writing down a New Year’s resolution really helps in sticking to it, because, if its in permanent ink on a piece of paper, it’s not that easy to forget or ignore.

Also, I know some people are rather ambitious with their resolutions, creating about 6 or 7 to stick to in order to transform them into the perfect being, but realistically, too much too fast will only lead to meltdown mode and every resolution you made wont be fulfilled.

So, what are my New Year’s resolutions for 2012?

1. Drink more water. In true Brit style, if it’s not a cup of tea, I’m usually not drinking anything, so this year I am going to make a conscious effort to try and drink the recommended amount (about 8 glasses) of water a day. If what they say is true, I should be looking forward to glowing skin very soon!
2. Stop squeezing any blackheads. I am awful for doing this; it really is my worst habit. Even though I know that they aren’t particularly visible, if I’m about a centimetre away from the mirror and therefore can see a blackhead looming on my nose, I feel an absolute compulsion to squeeze it. But all this does is irritates the pore and I end up with a big spot, which equals a big, no no. Therefore, when I can see a blackhead taunting me in the future, I am going to try and walk away when the urge to squeeze occurs.
3. Exercise at the gym every other day. Like most people this Christmas, I have over indulged on mountainous chocolate and have let my fitness and my body go a little bit. I have a membership at my local gym, so this New Year, I am actually going to use it! Victoria's Secret VSX range are doing this really fun idea where you pledge a commitment to be fit in 2012, and in doing so, you are entered into a competition which could allow you to win some VSX goodies. So with VSX motivating me, hopefully, during this year I will be hydrated, have good skin and be fit and healthy!

BRING ON 2012!

Hopefully these resolutions will inspire you to create some of your own, and even if you don’t fancy keeping something up that’s a dramatic change, just drinking more water will definitely make you feel better! 

You can watch the Victoria's Secret campaign here, it’s quite inspirational, would definitely not mind looking like those VS Angels!

Laura, x

Wednesday Woman of Inspiration!

Miranda Kerr

Every Wednesday, I’m going to create a drawing/painting of a successful female that I believe to be a beauty icon or an influential individual on other women around the world.

For my first Wednesday lady, I have chosen to draw the wonderful Mrs Bloom a.k.a Miranda Kerr.

Apart from being a Victoria's Secret Angel (jealous!!!) and one of the world’s most successful supermodels, Miranda Kerr isn’t all looks and posing, but also a thriving businesswoman in her own right with her Organic beauty range KORA.

Created 3 years ago, KORA, her skincare range, is sourced only from plant based and organic origins and her products are pure and gentle and are a natural way to care for your appearance whilst being described as ‘food for the skin’.

Her brand also encourages self-esteem and Miranda is very much concerned about how women sometimes need inspiration and encouragement in all aspects of life, including appearance. In her recently published book Treat Yourself, she contributes personal anecdotes and important lessons that women sometimes require in order to gain confidence through self-improvement to create a sustained beauty both inside and out.

I have been a fan of Miranda Kerr for a while now, her flawless beauty and undeniable charm have inspired me to pay more attention to my own looks and like Miranda, embrace what I have with dignity and class.

To create her portrait I used HB & 2B pencil and a splash of water-soluble wax pastels to create her gorgeous plum lips (a look which I have tried to duplicate but have yet to master) and subtly highlight her gorgeous features.

Check out her website-  http://www.koraorganics.com/

Laura, x

Inspiration for 2012!

My beauty inspiration for the forthcoming 2012 contains of lots of zingy colours and bright hues. Think lime, blue, yellow, and aqua; turn your January blues into dazzling, vivid tones!

I’ve taken a special interest in the eye and eyebrows (my favourite aspect of the face when it comes to make up) because if you can make your eyes pop then your expression should surely follow suit. I love the idea of a structured, strong eyebrow that frames a colourful eye.

I received the Benefit’s POREfessional for Christmas, and oh my! It’s amazing! Not just for its instant coverage but also for its silky texture, making your skin a pleasure to touch. As with most Benefit cosmetics, I adore their packaging, making the artist within me very happy with their quirky and colourful bottles and tubes.

Added a few of my paint strokes in to show you how the colour of art can be the colour of beauty, yay!

Seen in mood board-

Eyebrow pencil- Yves Saint Laurent   £18

Solange Knowles- http://mydamnblog.com/

POREfessional- Benefit   £23.50


Laura, x

Creation & Foundation

Creation & Foundation is a beauty based inspiration blog that explores the idea that beauty is simply an extension of art. As an artistic individual, I often use a paint brush and acrylic paint to express myself, but on a smaller scale, everyday with my foundation brush in my hand and an eye shadow palette full of colour and unlimited possibility, I find I'm just as excited to express myself through my appearance; simulating my face as a piece of artwork produced through my sheer passion for creation.

Through advice, discussion and inspirations, I hope this blog to become a platform for opening eyes to the world of opportunity surrounding beauty by integrating colour, style, products, fashion, and everything that sparkles to create an exterior that represents the inner potential.

I believe that you don’t need to be a supermodel to be gorgeous. Every face is a canvas, and through the expression of your internal beauty, girl, you can be FABULOUS!

Laura, x