Finding the right beauty product at the right price can be a tricky, trial-and-error type of process. You may find yourself splurging on a palette that doesn’t live up to expectations, or settling for a less expensive product that barely holds for an hour.
So we caught up with celebrity hair and makeup artist Sarah Laidlaw to chat all things hair, makeup and everyday beauty. She has worked with celebs like Anna Heinrich, Isla Fisher, Delta Goodrem and Kelly Rowland and is currently Make Up Director at Priceline.
Here, Sarah’s take on the best beauty products on the market that will elevate any beauty addict’s collection without breaking the bank.
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Pocket Rocket Mini Pro Straightener by VS Sassoon, $19.99 at Priceline
“I love a mini straightener. I use them on myself and on shoots every single day,” says Sarah. Shorter and narrower plates mean you can get right down to the roots with ease and smooth out tiny kinks as well as those pesky wispy strands around your hairline.
Plus the mini size makes it perfect for travelling or desk-to-date touch-ups!
Chloe Morello Capri Lashes by Eyelure, $19.99 at Priceline
We can’t go past a good pair of falsies — and neither can Sarah.
“I love a lash and am always looking for wispy, soft ones that blend in beautifully. This style is quite full and a dramatic length, but the ends are my favourite kind of spindly and fluffy and they wear beautifully.”
Soft Shine Beach Wave Spray by Kristen Ess, $24.99 at Priceline
Coveted celeb hairstylist Kristen Ess ups the beach hair game with this soft, shiny topcoat that doesn’t leave your hair feeling wet and crunchy. It’s infused with a strengthening complex that will “zip-up” any split ends, giving your locks that dreamy, salt-water bounce.
Sarah’s advice? “Spray it on dry hair after you’ve waved it for a lightly textured ‘been at the beach’ feel.” Your summer hairstyle, sorted.
Expert Concealer Brush by Real Techniques, $17.99 at Priceline
Makeup tools can make or break a look, so choosing the right ones — especially for your base – is essential. This brush is Sarah’s top recommendation for everyday use, and her go-to for every client.
“This brush for applying concealer has a soft fluffy texture that blends the concealer as you apply it,” she says. “I have six of these brushes in my kit and they’re the first thing I reach for with every makeup application I do.”
Glitter Primer by NYX Professional Makeup, $12.95 at Priceline
The festive season calls for seriously statement beauty looks — think glitter, highlighter and a high-gloss finish. This product is an essential for any glitter lover, adhering perfectly and coming off easily when the night is over.
Sarah recommends this product to make any look pop! “It’s perfect for priming the lids (or cheeks or wherever!) for glitter application. Just tap on with a fingertip before pressing on your favourite glitter.”
Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter by Maybelline, $19.95 at Priceline
“If you like your highlight to be seen from outer space, then this is the product for you,” says Sarah. This pressed highlighter is finely milled to deliver a super-pigmented chrome finish — the ultimate everyday statement.
Available in rose gold or golden chrome, it effortlessly complements all skin tones and can be built up for an eye-catching glow. For an everyday look, Sarah suggests a sheer sweep across the cheek.
Skinny Mini Mascara by Australis, $17.95 at Priceline
Say hello to your new beauty staple. This mascara is perfect for your lower lash line, with a micro-wand for enhanced precision with every swipe.
“A tiny mascara brush is sooo good for getting right into the roots of the roots for extra fullness and perfect for getting every single tiny hair on the bottom lashes without getting mascara all over your skin,” says Sarah. “Love this!”
The Original detangling hairbrush in Sweet Lilac by Tangle Teezer, $19.99 at Priceline
Designed for all hair types, this brush is set to be your go-to saviour on bad hair days. It works to detangle any knots with minimum breakage and damage, leaving your locks smooth, shiny and bouncy.
Sarah uses hers to prep and style everyday — “It doesn’t put stress on the hair and detangles easily and quickly — excellent for brushing out, backcombing or fine, tangly hair.”
Magic Retouch Precision Instant Grey Concealer by L’oréal Paris, $17.99 at Priceline
Unlike sprays, the concealer provides a more precise and flawless cover up to ensure your up-do remains free of any grey hairs. Sarah recommends it for last minute touch-ups and for use in between salon sessions.
“The Precision product comes in a mascara kind of packaging with a mini comb applicator and is brilliant for
those fine hairs around the front hairline where you don’t want a coloured spray to be too heavy on the scalp.” Cya greys!
Tinted Balm SPF 30 in Perfect Nude by Lanolips, $14.99 at Priceline
Finish off your beauty look with this gloss that works for everyday or evening glam. And the SPF formula makes it perfect for summer to protect and perfect your pout.
“This gloss is an absolute staple in my makeup kit,” says Sarah. “Nothing else fixes lips like Lanolips. It’s 100 per cent natural, incredibly hydrating and Australian made. The Perfect Nude is the perfect sheer tone for that ‘your lips only better’ colour that everyone searches for.”
Main Image: @ksenijalukich
There’s something fabulous for everyone at Priceline this Christmas. Check out their Christmas Gift Guide for more gift ideas!
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