Showing posts with label beautyblogger. Show all posts

APRIL

So Dr Dennis Gross MD is a pretty rad guy. Dermatologist in the Big Apple, the best of the best for radiance, clarity, and just plain good skin.



He developed his Alpha Beta Peel Pads for his clients, as a way of maintaining their skin in between clinic visits. I could get super science-y here, talk about AHA’s and BHA’s, acids and neutralizers, but let’s keep it basic (like my blonde in January, HA!)



Ultra Gentle Peel Pads – 3 types of acids to exfoliate + coconut oil. Easy peasy.
Original Alpha Beta Peel Pads – 5 acids to exfoliate
Extra Strength Peel Pads – 7 acids
Medi-Spa Peel – 12 acids. Twelve! OH MAMA.

For the record, I use the Ultra Gentle range because I’m really sensitive, and if there’s even a chance my skin could freak out, it’ll do it ANYWAY because it’s thoughtful like that.

The pads are pre-packaged in sachets; you tear one, use it all over until it’s dry, wait two minutes (and scroll through Insta @beautybyasparrow) and then use the second pad to neutralise the acids eating all your manky dead skin. Follow with your normal serum and moisturiser, and boom! You’re done! Yay!

In case it wasn’t clear, these peels chemically exfoliate the skin. The acids dissolve all of the dead skin cells and are able to get deeper into the pore to exfoliate. Some skins can handle daily exfoliation. Mine cannot. Believe me, I tried. (It was not pretty.)

When using peel pads, I go 3-4 days a week. So Monday, Wednesday and maybe Friday or Sunday. They tend to send me quite red, but it calms down by morning. If you hate scrubs (put DOWN the St. Ive’s!) or struggle with break outs and pimples (YO) then these are an amazing option for you.

I love them to pieces, they’ve changed my skin for the better!

Tweet tweet xx

January/February Faves!

I am a terrible person, I was hoping to get these out to you by the end of February but now we're four days into March! I'm sorry my little birds!



L-R: Kikki K planner, Pores Be Pure Mud Mask, Australis Finishing Spray, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri,  Stay Matte Rimmel Setting Powder, MAC Snob Lipstick, MAC Chatterbox Lipstick, Mocha Wallet, Maybelline Undereye Concealer, Australis Stay Put Foundation, Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette, Abode Aroma Intense Candle, Vaseline hand and cuticle cream, Palmer's All Over Firming Lotion, St Tropez Tan Mousse in light/medium, Soap & Glory Oats Smoothie Scrub. 

First up is my Kikki K planner, which I grabbed during their post-Boxing Day Sales. Can I just say I'm now a Kikki K convert? Aside from being my favourite colour (mint!) it has literally saved my behind this year, keeping me up to date with everything from birthdays, appointments, to remembering to drink more water! They're completely customisable, with various accessories and add-ins available online and in Kikki K stores. Such a good purchase, big thanks to Miss (well, Mrs now!) Maddy for inspiring me! 
This year I'm focusing on myself, and doing what I need to do to feel good, balanced, and happy in my life. Whilst that sounds borderline douchey and philosophical, it also translates to GOOD investments. Kikki K products are GOOD, high quality leather, and as you can purchase re-fills annually, they're very sustainable and will last for years and years to come. 

My Pores Be Pure Mud Mask was something I bought a sample pack of once, just to try, and became addicted to. At only roughly nine dollars a tube, it doesn't cost a lot to give myself a treat one-to-three times a week; I was concerned the first time I tried the product, as it tingles and grows warm on your skin. Having used it over the last six months I've found that not only does it not make my skin angry, it leaves it feeling clean and glowing. 

Australis have been knocking it out of the park for me lately! The Finishing Spray smells like roses and feels like mermaids are caressing your face before you leave for work. Not even exaggerating.
I've been raving to my friends about the Stay Put 16 Hour Foundation because it actually does what it says - stays put! My only complaint is that even the lightest shade, Nude, is still too dark for my (unfortunately) pasty skin. That, however, is a small complaint considering how good my skin looks with this foundation, and how long it really does last. Working long days in retail means that not only do I not have time to re-apply my make-up, I don't really want to think about doing it on my breaks. 
     To combat the darkness of my foundation shade, as well as really setting my make up to last all day, I have been adoring Rimmel's Stay Matte translucent powder. Sprinkle of Glitter (a.k.a. Louise) and Substance for Belle  both raved about this powder for so long that when I saw it on sale, I figured, why not give it a go?
I'm never going back to another setting powder! I'll still use my Australis compact on-the-go, but for setting and buffing, this stuff is king!

This is my ugly old mug after a solid fifteen hours of wearing my Stay Put foundation.
IT. STAYS. PUT!

SALLY HANSEN INSTA-DRI WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE?!

HOLY MOLEY. I am a SERIAL smudger/lumper/mess-up-er when it comes to nail polish! I'm actually the worst. You know that meme 'thought my nails were dry three hours ago/went to do something/nope'? That's me. Well, it WAS me - you put this stuff on two minutes after you apply a coat of colour, wait thirty seconds AND IT'S DRY
NOT STICKY DRY
NOT EVEN SLIGHT FINGER PRINTS LEFT DRY
DRY
Now I was lucky enough to receive my bottle in a Sally Hansen pack that came with any Chemist Warehouse purchase. Usually it goes for around $14 at Priceline, but obviously keep an eye out for deals, 3 for 2 promotions, and of course, free gifts with purchase. This stuff is amazing, I cannot recommend it highly enough!
My nails do, unfortunately, still chip after use, but to be fair, my nails never last more than a day once I'm at work. I've tried nearly everything and the only time my nails haven't been wrecked by the end of a shift is after a professional salon gel job, and guuurrrrl I do not have the money to be doing that regularly.

I was extremely spoilt on my 21st birthday, and I'm so very grateful and feel so special that so many lovely people thought of me and gave me such gorgeous, thoughtful gifts. I received two MAC lipsticks, my first ever, from a group of friends, and I'm in love. They're my babies, I keep them in their boxes and the zipper compartment of my bag, I never let them out of my sight haha!
The shades I have are 'Snob', an almost-nude pink, and Chatterbox, a pink/coral/bright shade that I love.
Chatterbox and Snob 

Admittedly I've been using Snob a little more, just as I find it's a little more matte and neutral compared to Chatterbox. For work I like to emphasise my eyes, so having a subtle pink works best for me day-to-day. When I do wear Chatterbox, I get that many compliments it's not funny! 
Snob on top
Chatterbox beneath

Speaking of thoughtful, beautiful birthday presents, my work girls spoilt me rotten with a whole collection of gorgeous items, including Too Faced's Naturals Eye Palette. 


I AM IN LOVE. I don't think I've used a single other palette since December. Some of the darker shades aren't quite day-wear appropriate, but make beautiful liners and shades for cut-creases as well. I'll even use Silk Teddy as a highlighter instead of blush. Such a beautiful collection of colours, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a palette that can do nice, neutral day looks, as well as smokey eyes for nights out, this is my pick! (However word is Mecca will soon have the Too Faced Naturals Matte Palette and that may become a new favourite by the end of March!)
(Speaking of Mecca and March, HOW FREAKIN' EXCITED AM I FOR URBAN DECAY?! LOTS!)

Of course, perfecting your eyeshadow game means nothing if you've got big, fat circles under your eyes, and summer heat doesn't make for a peaceful night's sleep, lemme tell you! So imagine my absolute DELIGHT to find Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer. HOLEY RUSTED METAL BATMAN. With Goji berry extract and a foamy roller ball, this goes on like a dream and really, truly works! I couldn't believe it! I've never had an under eye concealer work so well, and so nicely too. As you can see in the photo I've nearly gone through the tube, and I'll definitely be repurchasing as soon as I can! 

The Vaseline Hand & Cuticle cream is a staple in my handbag. I don't find it as hydrating as the Palmer's hand, foot and elbow cream, but it is definitely more quickly absorbed. I'm the worst at remembering to moisturise, so having this in my bag and having to look at it every time I grab my wallet or phone reminds me to do it!

I've said before and I'll say it again; Soap and Glory Smoothie Star Breakfast Scrub is AMAZING and I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE it. 
Did you get that? LOVE IT.
For starters it smells like how I imagine American breakfasts do, all sugary and maple-syrupy, and amazing. It's a nice, smoothing scrub that doesn't leave my skin stinging afterwards (unless I've scrubbed too hard by accident) and my skin is smoother than a baby's bottom after wards.

Perfect for using before tanning, and I have to say, I now understand the hype around St. Tropez. One of my last posts from 2014 mentioned me buying the tan on sale, and I'm so, so glad that I did. It's a green based mousse that goes on smoothly with a beautiful finish, and doesn't look harsh or fake or orange. I'm very careful with how I use this tan, as it can stain your hands, and I leave my arms and legs out straight for about an hour after I apply, to make sure I don't smudge or mess it up. The problem with St. Tropez, for me, is the price. On sale I could justify the mousse and the mitt (which washes and dries like a dream, and is always ready to-go for application!), but coming in at closer to $50 than I'd like, I'm afraid this will be my first, and possibly only bottle. It IS on sale this week at Priceline so hopefully I'll be able to duck in and grab another, but no guarantees! This time around I might try the gradual tan, just so I can compare it against the Palmer's Cocoa Butter tan.

Palmers is another brand that's been surprising me lately, especially the Firming Lotion. I mentioned this product in a post earlier last year; I grabbed it just to try, and fell in love. It actually works! My thighs appear smoother, my skin feels better, and I've been recommending it to anyone concerned about cellulite, stretch marks, or skin tone. Team it with the Scrub and you'll have skin to die for!

More birthday goodies!

My work team are incredible. They're also thoughtful, generous, and kind, and heard me mentioning that I'd been looking for a new wallet. Imagine how excited and grateful I was to open my new Mocha wallet! IN MINT! Honestly these girls know me too well - it's gorgeous, it's patent leather, it fits everything I could ever need, and I adore it. Mocha are quite a cute little boutique style of stores found in most Melbourne shopping centres; they also stock Samantha Wills jewellery, if anyone else is in love with the Bardot Bohemian rings like I am! 

My gorgeous girl Hanna gave me the Abode Aroma candle in pineapple and guava, and in case you can't tell, I've nearly burnt it down to the quick! I LOVE THIS CANDLE. I light it nearly every night before bed, and it smells so summery and fresh. I leave its lid off during the day, so that when I come home my room smells like a mini-tropical get away.

That gorgeous china with the Lindt balls is Royal Albert, the Miranda Kerr collection. I was absolutely SPOILT and surprised, and humbled to receive the cake stand, tea strainer, as well as the tea cup, saucer and plate. They're absolutely beautiful and I know I'll keep them forever, and pass them down to my granddaughters one day. 
Fun fact about me: I collect tea cups. I think it's residual tea party obsession from when I was a little girl. 

Well that is it for now, my little birds! Any questions about any of the products mentioned, please just leave them in the comments - or if you've used any of these yourself PLEASE tell me what you think? Am I totally wrong? Is there something better I should be trying? Something I should know! Tweet it loud, tweet it proud! 

Until next time, 
Tweet tweet xx

Summer 2014/15


(A photo of yours truly, as I accurately appear during the summer season)

Summer. Sun, sea, sand, surf, skin and sangria.
Also heat equivalent to what an individual must feel at the doorway of hell, in Australia at least. 

As the weather slowly, but surely, starts to warm up, it's gotten me thinking about not only my favourite parts of my favourite season, but my general tips and tricks for surviving some of the harshest conditions that can be thrown at a lil' bird. 

For starters, if you're pale, don't kid yourself. Slap that sunscreen and, in some cases, invisible zinc on, and just deal with it. Don't try to tan, because believe me, I have had enough summers attempting a natural glow only to end up with a glow similar to that of a HOT STOVE. Sunburn HURTS, it SUCKS, and it can damage your skin (to the point of melanoma!). A great thing to do is use a body moisturiser that already contains SPF, so even if you forget to use sunscreen or are planning on staying indoors for most of the day (whether that be for work, school etc.) at least your skin is a little protected. 
My top picks are
Palmer's Cocoa Butter with SPF 15+ https://www.priceline.com.au/skincare/hand-and-body/body-moisturisers/cocoa-butter-formula-spf-15-body-lotion-250.0-ml
Dove Gradual Tan in Fair-Medium SPF 15+ https://www.priceline.com.au/skincare/sun-and-tanning/instant-tan/summer-glow-gradual-self-tan-body-lotion-fair-to-medium-400.0-ml
Invisible Zinc SPF 50+ https://www.priceline.com.au/index.php/skincare/sun-and-tanning/sun-protection/spf-50-4hr-water-resistant-lotion-50.0-ml

Unfortunately when you fall into the above category of white, sunburn does occur
When this does happen, I have a few sure fire ways to soothe my skin and heal the damage.
First and foremost, ALOE VERA IS THE BOMB DIGGITY. The plant, absolutely, but the gels that you can keep cool and ready in the fridge are amazeballs, super soothing and calming. Although they are, unfortunately, sticky and take a little while to seep into the skin, they instantly cool any heat and make it easier to concentrate on whatever it is you want to be doing besides feeling the pain of the burn.
Coles have an excellent aloe vera and green tea gel that goes for about $7 a tube. I have one at home, one at the boy's house, my best friend has one in her fridge... you get the idea.
If you're not up for the stickiness of the gel, Aloe Vera sprays are also a quick way to relieve the heat and pain.
Aloe Aftersun Spray https://www.priceline.com.au/skincare/sun-and-tanning/after-sun-care/aloe-aftersun-spray-250.0-ml
And if you're as desperate as I was last Thursday, and in as much pain and overheating, follow the below steps. 
1. Wet a face towel
2. Place in freezer for 10 minutes
3. Take out of freezer
4. Place on burn until it's no longer cold, and feel the relief!
(Also HYDRATE. Your skin is in shock and dehydrated, your body is working super hard to fix your skin, and you've also been out in the sun. DRINK WATER.)

TIPS & TOES
Summer means thongs, sandals, open toe wedges and pumps, and bare feet running quickly across burning sand. This means there's a tiny bit more pressure than usual to have a nice(ish) pedicure and polish happening. 
(http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_li8kk8vxkb1qezpw2.jpg)

OK, don't feel pressured to do anything as cute as the above, because those skills are reserved for the beauty elite. Also if you're working a lot this summer (like yours truly) there simply isn't time for tricks and patterns, so my favourite polishes are quick-drying and one-two coats. Throw on an episode of your favourite TV series and chill while they dry, so you can be 100% sure they won't scuff or smudge. 
Rimmel 60 seconds dry https://www.priceline.com.au/cosmetics/nails/nail-polish/60-seconds-nail-colour-8.0-ml6
I love shades of blue, turquoise and jade for summer - they're such deep, jewel tones that go along with many trends, and look so pretty against sandals or peeping out of a cute pair of flats.
Sally Hansen Complete Manicure https://www.priceline.com.au/cosmetics/nails/nail-polish/complete-salon-manicure-14.7-ml
I also love a pop of pink or orange on the toe, whether they be pastel or rich, as they compliment a nice (fake haha!) tan and also go with summery colours and tones. 
Another trend I still love from Summer 2013 is the all-white manicure. Use smooth, soft strokes to ensure your polish looks like polish, and not White-Out.
Maybelline Color Show in Porcelain Party https://www.priceline.com.au/cosmetics/nails/nail-polish/color-show-nail-color-7.0-ml

In terms of manicures, my line of work means keeping polish un-chipped is IMPOSSIBLE. Which is why I absolutely love love love LOVE press on nails. They don't damage your nails like DIY stick-ons, and they look AMAZING and last for about 2-3 weeks depending on how rough you are with your hands.
House of Holland offer AMAZING textures, colours and shapes, but come in at around $17 a pack https://www.priceline.com.au/cosmetics/nails/false-nails/house-of-holland-nails-royal-explosion-1.0-kit
Fing'rs are a little more affordable and ADORABLE https://www.priceline.com.au/cosmetics/nails/false-nails/prints-girlie-glam-on-the-dot-1.0-kit
And my go-to are Broadway nails - they're quick, easy, and the packaging is a prime example of someone seeing an opportunity and TAKING IT, and I appreciate that https://www.priceline.com.au/cosmetics/nails/false-nails/b-press-and-go-nails-190-call-my-agent-24.0-pack

Stay tuned for another post about how to live, as well as survive Australian summers! 

Until then, tweet tweet and much love my little birds xx

Priceline Haul



Ah Priceline, why the 40% skincare? Why? I needed to grab a few basics and got sidetracked by the sales, but this time around I didn't do too, too much damage!

First on my list was new razor heads - yes I do shave, but my legs have been in hibernation as this has been a particularly chilly winter in Melbourne. I've been using Venus products since I was sixteen, and I find them easier to use than trying something new.

 Second up with Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes. I tend to swap between these and the Johnsons' facial wipes, however, I've found lately my skin has been agreeing with these Simple wipes. In addition to removing waterproof make-up, they remove foundation very effectively, and make my skin feel a little fresher after a long day.


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
This Skin Clarifying Mask with strawberry and yarrow sounds amazing, and after all the winter heating, make up, washing, cleansing and rubbish my skin has had to put up with, I thought it deserved a treat. These masks come in a two pack for about $1.99 a pop, and I'm eager to give them a go - stay tuned for a review!
And that's it! Another Priceline Haul, another blog! 
Be well my little birds! 

Tweet tweet xx

Pout About It

This is honestly one of the BEST kept secrets of the Aussie beauty scene. And I'm about to tell you.

Come closer
closer
lil bit more...
ok, the secret is.......

                        SPORTSGIRL AUSTRALIA HAVE THE BEST LIPSTICKS


Lemme break it down for you;

They're $9.99 each (see http://www.sportsgirl.com.au/beauty/lips/pout-about-it-bombshell-red-all)
They come in both matte and shiny varieties
The colours offer GREAT variety and tones, with a high pigment that lasts
And
well
they're ten bucks!

Below are FOUR of my favourite Sportsgirl lipsticks that I HIGHLY recommend to anyone looking for
a) a great colour
b) a beautiful red
c) a lipstick that can double as a blush, and
d) a long lasting bargain
BOMBSHELL


I can't even begin to tell you how many compliments I get when I rip this red lippy out. It can be a little drying so I always pop a lip balm or a tiny bit of Vaseline or pawpaw underneath (this also helps the colour last). It has a slightly blue base to it, so if you're looking for a more coral or orange red this isn't the one for you! BUT if you want a show stopper, retro-esque, Marilyn worthy red, this is it!
( http://www.sportsgirl.com.au/beauty/lips/pout-about-it-bombshell-red-all)

POWDER PUFF












This pastel pink has the right balance of pigment and pale - if you're looking for a more purple toned pink, I recommend Pink Ladies, and if you're after a more pale, candy tone pink, Beauty Queen is the way to go! I also LOVE to dab a tiny bit of this across my cheek bones for days when I'm not feeling a powder blush, or I want a more dewy look. This pink also looks quite a bit paler in proper light, I'm sorry my camera was doing something weird!
(http://www.sportsgirl.com.au/beauty/lips/pout-about-it-powder-puff-soft-pink-all)

WANDERLUST












I feel like I need to rush to the defence of this lippy after a My Kitchen Rules contestant wore something similar and got SLAMMED for it - I'm not going to deny that this is a hard shade to pull off, and it's one of few candy pastels I can pull off without looking like I'm about to be violently ill. For the brave and the bold, this purple-unicorn-pastel colour is incredible. Matte without drying, this lilac is beautiful when teamed with a simple eye and floaty floral prints. It's not my daily choice, but when I'm in the mood, or when the outfit calls for it, I can be daring enough to (attempt to!) rock it - now the photo looks VERY purple, but it does have a touch more pink in real life
(http://www.sportsgirl.com.au/beauty/lips/pout-about-it-wanderlust-lilac-all)

BERRYLICIOUS












THIS is my go to lipstick of the moment - berry tones (or radiant orchid according to Pantone) are highly in at the moment and I was looking for this colour - exactly this colour! - and there it was, sitting in Sportsgirl waiting for me! The photos above show it as it truly is, a touch more pink than anything else really, but a statement colour that I adore and  I will most definitely go through more than one tube of this baby!
(http://www.sportsgirl.com.au/beauty/lips/pout-about-it-berrylicious-purple-all)

Here's a few swatches of the colours on my skin tone (which is quite pale, we could even call it beige?) to give you a better idea of how these work for me:

That's it for now! Tune in, more beauty updates soon!
Tweet tweet xx
http://www.sportsgirl.com.au/beauty/lips
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