Blog Hiatus! - Taking a Break.

Hello everyone.

Due to the volume of assignments and examinations that I have in the upcoming weeks, I have decided that it will be in my best interest to take a bit of a break from blogging to focus on my work. I wish I didn't have to take the hiatus, but sadly I would be stretching myself far too thinly, to maintain a good academic standing, as well as maintaining the blog.
The hiatus will last for three (3) weeks. On Friday December 18th, I shall return to regular posting.

I hope you all remain safe during the time I am away.
Thank you all so much for the continuous support, I shall see you all very soon.

Bye!

First Impression Review: Maybelline Pump Up Colossal Mascara

Hello everyone!

Today's post is a first impression/quick review of the Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal Mascara. 

Maybelline Pumped Up Mascara in Classic Black

I wore it for the first time last night, I have to admit I was impressed. It gave my lashes great volume, and some definition. It was easily available without getting clumpy. The formula in my eyes is the perfect consistency, not too wet or too dry, and it applies beautifully onto the lashes, and it stays put. I've also had no flaking and I have not seen any smudges either. 

Colossal Wand (top), Pumped Up Wand (bottom)

The brush is massive, so it helps build volume. The bristles are short and spiky towards the ends, and slightly longer in the middle, grabbing each lash for full volume and definition. I don't have the best eyelashes in the world, but this mascara makes them look full and lush.

Compared to the regular Colossal Mascara from Maybelline, I do prefer the wand of the Pumped Up a lot more.

Wearing Pumped Up Colossal on my lashes

 For a random mascara pick up, I am surprised. I'm not a hardcore Maybelline mascara fan, but this mascara is good.

 I'd honestly repurchase the Pumped Up over the regular Colossal any day. 

Pumped Up has won my heart...a bit

Thanks for stopping by today. I know the post is very short, but I have multiple assignments due soon, so I have to put a lot of time into those. 

However, this is a first impression, so I wouldn't have a lot to say after just one use. 

As always, I hope you have a safe and fun weekend. If you're a student like me, make it a productive weekend.

Stay healthy, positive and happy, and I shall talk you again next Friday. 

Bye (^_^)/

Product Review: L.A Girl Pro Conceal in Pure Beige

Hello everyone!!

I finally have another makeup review for you today...yay!

L.A. Girl Pro Conceal, is a very popular product. From Youtube to Instagram, this product is a rave hit, and after listening to Youtuber Jackie Aina, rave about this product, I finally decided to cave and give it a try.

For those of you who need shade references; my best foundation matches are;

1. MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC44
2. Maybelline Matte and Poreless 310 Sun Beige 

FYI, I actually use the shade Pure Beige mainly as a foundation, because it seamlessly matches my skin tone. I do use it to conceal my dark circles occasionally, because I personally don't like the ultra highlighted undereye look on myself. When I do use it as an undereye concealer, I set with my Sacha Buttercup powder (loose), and I get of softly brighten undereye area.

Swatch of L.A. Girl Pro Conceal in Pure Beige

Pros:

• Inexpensive - I bought mine on sale, however, the price can vary between $50TT-$65TT. 
• Creamy, easily blendable
• Super pigmented 
• No Creasing - I have super oily skin, once I set this with powder, it stays in place all day.
• Doesn't clog pores

Cons:

• Packaging - I hate the brush tip applicator! I would prefer either a jar, or doe foot applicator. The brush tip to me just obstructs getting the product out, and it allows for bacteria to build up easily. 

This picture was taking yesterday, after class and running errands. I used the smallest amount of L.A. Girl Pro Conceal at 7:30 a.m. (under my eyes), and took this picture 2:30 p.m. I took this picture to see just how good the coverage is, and also the longevity of the finish. This concealer is one of the best investments I've made.

After 7 hours of wear.

Have you tried the Pro Conceal? or Do you have any concealer recommendations? 

Feel free to leave them as a comment here or comment on my Instagram (@ladyjpsych) and/or Facebook (J's Mind Palace).

That's all from me today! I hope you all enjoyed, and thank you for taking time out of your day to visit me here. As usual, I shall be back next Friday with a new post. Stay happy, healthy and positive and I shall talk to you all soon.

Bye guys!

(^_^)/

J's Thoughts #2: Self-Care (Coping with Stress)

Hello everyone!

Today, I'm slowing it down a little. I've just completed one of the most strenuous and exhausting weeks of my Masters', and I just need to take it easy. I can honestly say I've never felt this exhausted before. I'm used to being physically tired or physically drained, but feeling mentally depleted is kind of new to me, at least depletion to such a high degree.

I'm used to be tired and yawning constantly, but falling asleep on myself, and mentally blanking out in classes and conversation...that's very new.
To be honest, I'm struggling to write this post, because I can't concentrate on what I want to say or the point I want to get across, but I feel so exhausted, I just want to curl up in bed and not leave for another 2 days.

I figured that there may be many persons like myself who need some help with figuring out some good stress-coping (self-care) tips, so I'm just going to put a short-list of things I think are great for coping with stress, and that I'm actually going to be doing this weekend.

Self-Care (Stress-Coping) List

1. Sleep - Sleep is essential for proper mental, emotional and physical functioning.  
2. Exercise - I may not look it, but I love to workout, and exercise is one of the best ways to reduce the levels of cortisol (stress hormone) in the body. Whether it is yoga, running, swimming or dancing, whatever you like to do to get active, do it!
• P.S remember to remain hydrated
3. Spa Day - Whether you choose to do it at home or go to a spa, spending some time to pamper yourself, is a great way to deal with stress. I personally prefer at home spa days, where I treat myself to a face mask, and/or do my nails, it is just a great way to unwind. Also, add some scented candles and some instrumental music...hello relaxation haven!
4. Indulge in a hobby (Reading and Video Games)  - Hobbies are one of the best ways to reduce stress. It wouldn't be a hobby if you didn't enjoy doing it. Whatever your hobby is, set some time aside and just indulge yourself, it works wonders. Baking is one of my favourite hobbies, so I will be making some time to make some yummy baked goods this weekend.
• Reading - Yes, reading. Novels, comics, graphic novels, anything besides your textbooks or work notes or newspaper. Leisure reading is a great way to unwind.
• Video Games - Yes, video games! You didn't think I would forget about my beloved video games. Hearthstone, Sims 3, I'm coming back for this weekend...(T_T). Seriously, playing video games is one of my favourite ways to cope with stress, just being able to leave reality behind for a few hours, helps me. 
5. Music - Listening to music is always a great, and easy way to decompress and relax. If you love singing, sing your heart out!

*At this point, I've curled up at my desk about 10 in the past hour of writing this post*

As I end this post, I just really want to drive home the importance of de-stressing or relaxing, because it is essential. I know many of us would prefer to just keeping going, but no good comes from burning yourself out.  I am, myself learning how to relax. I'm so used to just pushing myself, that I forget to treat myself human sometimes...

I hope you all have a lovely weekend, take care of yourselves, and I hope to see you here again next Friday.
Bye guys!
(^_^)/