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

NYX Matte Finishing Spray Review



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!
On the right you can see the shine along my nose, as well as my forehead, however I hadn't touched up with power as I usually would during the day. Considering this, I thought the NYX spray had done an excellent job.

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

Priceline/Myer Haul!



I went make-up shopping alone and friends, there was damage done. Oh yes. And oh dear.

Myer is currently having a HUGE stocktake sale on EVERYTHING, including apparel, accessories, and, of course, make-up! (You'll be happy to hear I did manage to show some restraint during that little trip)

I picked up the  Chi Chi CLASSICS glamorous palette for $17.21 - I honestly could have bought one of every palette, but I was attracted to the matte shadows and essential shades. The colours in this palette are muted without being silent, and judging by my other Chi Chi palettes, the pigment of these shades last from morning to night without dimming or fading away.

I also spotted this little SugarBaby beauty in the sale bin for $11 and thought, why not? I find I struggle to find good, contrasting bronze palettes during summer that aren't overwhelmingly sparkly, and the fact this palette includes six lip colours as well is an added bonus.

And then I went and met an old foe - my nemesis and yet my dearest friend and love - Priceline. Oh boy.
Maybe one day I'll be able to go into that store and buy the one thing I went in for. But Wednesday was not that day!

I'll start with the make up (because that's what you're all most excited about, right?)

Firstly I made a beeline for a new waterproof mascara - my last Maybelline Falsies tube had seen better days, and I have a few events coming up that will mean shedding a few tears, but no room for panda eyes! This is a new formula from Maybelline New York, claiming to give the falsies effect combined with the Volum'eyes volumising boost. I've used this once and so far it's stayed on (waterproof - tick!), it hasn't clumped or made my eyes itchy (tick!), but do I love it more than the original Falsies? Only time will tell, my little birds

I also recently purchased the Great Lash mascara - I like the way it glides on, but for work or important events I don't feel like it opens my eyes up quite enough. A great everyday go-to, definitely!

I then wandered over to Sally Hansen, and snapped up the Salon Manicure polish in Cherry Cherry Bang Bang, Peachy Keen, and as a part of the 3-for-2 deal decided to grab the Big Matte Topcoat and I LOVE IT. I ADORE IT. I will use this topcoat on every shade, especially when I want my nails to have a pop of colour without shining like a mirror

Back to the Maybelline New York shelves to pick up an old favourite, the BB cream with 2% salicylic acid. My skin has been misbeaving something shocking these last few weeks, so I'm hoping a few days without a full face of make up and this soothing beauty balm will calm things down. Now the FIT Me stick foundation was a spontaneous pick up two weeks ago from Chemist Warehouse, but let's face it, I'm most likely to re-purchase from Priceline! I've been using the shade 130 to contour, and whilst I need a little more practice, I'm loving the matte finish this foundation gives. I'd definitely recommend giving it a try, but be warned - this is an OCCASIONAL foundation. As in, great for a big occasion, occasional on-and-off use, but after a week my cheeks began breaking out. Not a daily pick ladies (and fellas)!

Over to Almay to re-stock on my Holy Grail concealer - this Blemish Clear concealer has been my best friend and best defence since teenage breakouts, and soothes any pimples whilst totally hiding them from everyone else. If you have problem skin, hormonal breakouts, uneven skin tone, blemishes - THIS is IT! Try it and see!

And to the other love of my life, hair - I have been dying to get my hands on a Detangler ever since my favourite YouTuber Kayley Melissa introduced them onto her channel late last year. Holy moley does my hair tangle, especially during these windy wintry months, and so far this Detangler has lived up to the hype! Also - it's pink! Use on wet or dry hair to de-tangle and de-knot hair without watery eyes and pain.


My hairbrush has been looking worse for wear, so when I spotted this Lady Jayne brush for $4.89 (YES! $4.89!) I snapped it up straight away!
I'm still new to this whole dry-shampoo thing, but after watching the lovely Alexandrea Garza do a vlog about the batiste brunette dry-shampoo, and how it adds texture, covers re-growth, and is great for second (or third... or fourth) day hair, so I thought I'd give it a shot


That little baby on the right? The NYX product? Oh - oop! No, not yet! This little one gets a whole other blog post! Just wanted to give y'all a hint of what's to come!

And that's it for me! Now to go have fun with all my new babes!

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

Meet My Fab Five





For April I've been focusing on taking care of my skin - since upping my time at the gym I've noticed how dry and sensitive my skin has gotten, but also how glowing and full it looks after a great work out!

Trying to keep up this healthy, glowing look has lead me to these five products which I adore, and I hope you'll love them too!

1. Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defence 50+ Daily Moisturiser 50mL
If you're an Aussie girl I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to use UVA/UVB protection, especially on your face! The intensity of the sun ages our faces prematurely, so anything above 15 in SPF is perfect.
Available from Priceline, RRP $19.99
http://www.priceline.com.au/index.php/skincare/sun-and-tanning/sun-protection/uva-uvb-defence-spf-50-50.0-ml

2. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E (Fragrance Free) 250mL
Whilst I love a good smelling moisturiser, I find Palmers' can be a tad overpowering, so I stick with the fragrance free when I can. I love this product, it feels like it lasts all day and my skin doesn't feel dry or tight - plus it's great for helping to fade stretch marks, as well as looking after sun damaged skin.
Available from most leading outlets, available from Priceline RRP $5.99
http://www.priceline.com.au/skincare/hand-and-body/skin-moisturisers/cocoa-butter-formula-fragrance-free-body-lotion-250.0-ml

3. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 50mL
I've been using this cleanser for over a year, and nothing has been better for my face - whilst I still suffer from breakouts (don't we all!), I find this really is gentle, and removes excess make-up and oil without irritating my skin. I've also found it's been gentle for my arms and chest too.
Available from Chemist Warehouse and Priceline, RRP $9.95
http://www.priceline.com.au/health/medicines/medicated-skin/gentle-skin-cleanser-250.0-ml

4. St. Ive's Blemish Control Apricot Scrub 150mL
Oh my gosh. I love this almost as much as I love their green tea scrub. It leaves my skin tingling and feeling so fresh and clean - I use this mostly in the mornings, or in the evenings if I've worn a particularly heavy face of make up and just don't feel like my usual wipes and cleanser can get everything off. Also great for minimising blackheads and whiteheads!
Available from most leading outlets, Priceline RRP $9.99
http://www.priceline.com.au/skincare/face-care/facial-cleansers-and-scrubs/facial-blemish-control-scrub-150.0-g

5. Glow Girl Buttery Salt Scrub 300mL
I used this scrub for the first time last night and I am addicted. Oh my God! My skin felt incredible afterwards and so, so, so soft. I started to use this after seeing the lovely substance for belle (http://www.substanceforbelle.blogspot.com.au/) review this and love it - picked it up on sale from Coles and it will definitely become a constant in my cupboard!
Available exclusively from Coles, RRP $9.77

Welcome!

Hello everyone!
I know I'm not the first beauty blogger, nor will I be the last, but I promise to try and bring you as many unique and wonderful beauty tips, tricks and reviews as I can, and keep an eye out for tutorials - coming soon!

 I'm a Melbourne girl and that means a certain thing when it comes to beauty, friends: 

BE PREPARED.

 Melbourne is a city that can throw anything and everything at you in a day, humidity to rain, university classes to dinners and cocktails! 
That means versatility, compromise and pack everything. Even if you don't think you'll need it, pack it. 

I'm also a retail girl, so when it comes to long wear make-up and being on trend, I'm always on my toes - fire all your questions at me and I'll do my best to answer
You can call me Sparrow, I'm twenty, and this is Beauty by a Sparrow xx




(image credit to PiP Studios http://www.pipstudio.com/en/bed/duvet-covers/duvetcovers/pip-birds-in-paradise-grey)
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