Beauty by a Sparrow

The photos above haven't been altered or had any sort of Instagram filter put on them. Those angry, red and pink blotches were a bit more vivid in real life, and they weren't pleasant at all. 

I mentioned in an earlier blog that the FIT ME stick foundation was for occasional use - the last time I'd used this product more than a few days in a row, it'd irritated my skin a little, but not to this extent. This time around I'd used the FIT ME stick to contour perhaps four days in a row, and obviously my skin did not appreciate it. 

As much as I would love to give this foundation the benefit of the doubt, after I stopped using it all together my skin calmed down SIGNIFICANTLY, and I'm unfortunately now certain that it was definitely the foundation that set it off. 

I may use this product again in future for nights out, where I need heavier make-up or a heavier contour, but otherwise it'll be shelved.

I want this to serve as a warning to my little birds with sensitive skin - stick foundations are heavy-duty, long-lasting, and for want of a better word, cake wear. Unless you are appearing on stage, need heavy, full coverage, or are heading to an event (such as a wedding or formal), I would recommend staying CLEAR of this product, or, not using it at all. 

Sorry to be a downer! I promise my next blog will be a lot more cheery! 

Tweet tweet xx

(Aside from a whole lotta sass, obviously) 

(Pictured with my beauty bag is my beauty CASE, but that's for another time!)

I got this little zip-up in a three pack from Typo ($29.99), but seeing as it's the smallest and the sassiest I thought it'd work for a daily tag-along. The other two bags are silver glitter, which has a waterproof outer, and a Tiffany blue bag which is much too big for a daily bag. 

So, what's going on in there...? 

Pictured left to right; bronzer, powder, mascara, lip balm, eyeliner, brow pencil, concealer, concealer, powder brush, bronzer brush. 

DREAM SUN BRONZER by Maybelline New York

This was a snap purchase from Priceline as my usual Chi Chi bronzer had its lid snap off in a horrible contouring accident a few weeks ago. In truth, my Chi Chi bronzer wouldn't have fit in this bag, so it's probably worked out for the best. I chose the lightest shade (Bronze 03) and still find it a little too sun kissed for my (let's face it) beige complexion. I think with a little more colour or a darker foundation it would sit quite well, and for a throw-in bronzer that I can whip on quickly, it does the job. 

FRESH & FLAWLESS POWDER by Australis
This is my go-to powder, and again, I probably could have gone a shade down - if they had one. I'm currently using Natural, but I'm looking at moving to a powder with no pigment, just to avoid over-laying and caking my face. Considering this powder goes for about $11.95, it's a great buy, and I've re-purchased this three times as it doesn't irritate my skin, leaves a matte finish, and lasts quite a while. 

VOLUM' EXPRESS THE FALSIES EVER LASTING WATERPROOF MASCARA by Maybelline New York
I love falsies mascara. I love volum' eyes mascara. So when Maybelline brought out a product that could combine the two, AND was waterproof, I was all over it. Generally I won't re-apply my mascara as putting on MORE after your original coats have dried leads to clumps, lash breakage, and general not-niceness. I more have this in my beauty bag just in case some freak accident of weather causes all my eye make up to dribble off, and I need to re-apply. Also good for after gym/no make-up on scenarios. 

BABY LIPS LOVES COLOR LIP BALM by Maybelline New York
I honestly don't wear this lip balm all that often, as the pink (Cherry Kiss) is a bit too pink for my daily taste (I'm a red lipstick girl, all day erryday). It is however very hydrating, shiny, smells nice, and is very good to pop on when my lips are feeling dried out and I'm going for a more neutral/nude make-up look. 

MASTER PRECISE LINER by Maybelline New York

I. FRICKIN'. LOVE. THIS. EYELINER.
In blackest black, this is the easiest, quickest, best eyeliner I have ever used. It's essentially like a Faber Castell felt tip texta, just you use it on your eyelids. The fine tip and liquid formula makes cat eyes a breeze, same for wings, not to mention that it's ridiculously easy to do just a fine, little line along your top lashes. I cannot get over how much I love this product. I've re-purchased it twice and if you're looking for an easy-to-use, inexpensive eyeliner (comes in at around $13.95), THIS IS IT. I love it. Love love love.

PENCIL IT IN BROW PENCIL by Sportsgirl

Back when brows were just starting to become the biggest beauty trend, I timidly bought this pencil thinking it could help me out. And I was correct! This brown pencil has a wax-like, highly pigmented formula that makes outlining and filling in brows an ease. Stay tuned for a video of how I do my brows! What I adore about this pencil though (aside from the $9.95 price tag) is that it's double ended; the bristled end makes pulling through colour, and pulling stray hairs in to place, the easiest thing ever. Perfect for rushed mornings and precise, bold brows! #datbrowgametho needs to start trending!

LINE SMOOTHING CONCEALER and CLEAR COMPLEXION CONCEALER, both by Almay

The blue capped concealer is for my under eyes, the white cap is to conceal blemishes. I've been using both these concealers for around three years now, and whilst I absolutely worship the Clear Complexion Concealer (in 'light'), I'm still in the market for the perfect under eye concealer. As my work load at uni, and my job, increases, so do the dark circles under my eyes, and unfortunately the Line Smoothing Concealer (again in 'light') just isn't cutting it any more. However, as daily picks, these two are winners. With lid applicators (they're tipped in little sponges), re-applying on the go is easy as anything. Both are pricey, as are all Almay products, but for me, the Clear Complexion products are most definitely worth the price tag ($19.95). 

POWDER & BRONZER BRUSHES by Forever New
I have had my Forever New brush set for about two years now, and they're all still perfect. Made in the same factory as Bobbi Brown brushes, they've always applied my products smoothly. The big, soft powder brush is good for broad coverage, whereas the thinner bronzer brush is good for not only bronzing cheeks, but contouring along the cheek bones and nose as well. The brush sets are usually available around Christmas time and come in at around $29.99. 

So there you have it, a sticky beak into my daily (fabulous!) make-up bag! 

Next blog will be HAIR focused, so make sure you check back to see what's going on. 

Have a beautiful week

Tweet tweet xx 

Today I ran out of deodorant, and I think we can all agree that is a VERY necessary purchase that could definitely not wait! I prefer roll-on to sprays, as they tend to irritate my skin. This Dove Clear Touch roll-on doesn't leave marks on my clothing, and considering that I wear a lot of white for work I really love that I don't have to worry about yellow marks during the day. 

Another necessity that I grabbed, taking advantage of the 40% off, was my Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defence SPF 50+ moisturiser. This usually clocks in at about $17.99, so I was more than happy to pick it up at a discounted rate! 

This new Palmers' Cocoa Butter Formula claims to 'tone and tighten skin', even after weight loss. I've been working at the gym, but I'd also like to be a little more toned insummer before I start tanning again! And with 40% why not give it a go?

My balyage ombré is still looking fab after my cut and colour two weeks ago, but I can't emphasise enough how IMPORTANT it is to use TONER on any and all blonde colouring in your hair! Without proper toning and care, your blonde can turn brassy, or, worse, green! This John Frieda Sheer Blonde Colour Renew Tone-Correcting Conditioner is around $15, and whilst a little pricey for a conditioner, it does wonders for blonde and colour treated hair. 

And last but not least, I thought I'd try these face masks by Formula 10.0.6

And that's it! Another Priceline Haul, another blog! 

Be well my little birds! 

Tweet tweet xx

I picked this up from Target about a month ago - I'd heard a bit about NYX Cosmetics, and I'd been looking for something (aside from powder) to set my make-up and minimise shine. It retails for around $14.95, so I thought, why not? 

Below you can see my face from the first day I tried the product. The picture on the left was taken around 7:40am, the one on the right was taken at 8:45pm (no filter!) 

Between then I'd worked a full eight hours, travelled to and from home to work, and everything else you'd do on a daily basis. 

I'll admit the lighting wasn't perfect in the first shot, but you can see my make-up is set, matte, and looking as good as it usually does when it's freshly done!

I now use the setting spray for long days at work, uni, and evenings when I need my make-up to stay in place. I do usually use a powder, as well as the spray on these days. Overall I will re-purchase, however I don't think I'll be trying the Dewy Setting Spray as my skin already has a shiny tendency, and I don't think a dewy/shiny product will help with any of that. 

So - if you're looking for a setting spray, love a matte finish as much as I do, give this NYX Matte Setting Spray a go!

 Tweet tweet xx

That's it for now! Tune in, more beauty updates soon!

Tweet tweet xx