Saturday 30 January 2016

Product Review: Jordana Cosmetics Cat Eye Liner

Hello everyone, and welcome back to my blog!
I hope you all had a wonderful week, and are currently having a relaxing and chilled Saturday.
Today, I'm going to be doing a first impression review on the Jordana Cat Eye Liner in the shade Orchid.
Admittedly, I've never been the biggest fan or liquid eyeliner, especially the ones with the tiny pointed brush or felt tips and ink wells. I much prefer a felt tip pen liner or gel eyeliner. However, this eyeliner is the first of its kind that I haven't flung across my room due to pure unadulterated hatred.

Jordana Cosmetics Cat Eye Liner in Orchid
Product Claims: 
 Cat Eye Liner
The Purrfect Cat Eye
•Lightweight, Long Wearing, Smudge-Proof Color that Lines & Defines Eyes
•From Novice to Pro; Easy To Use, Tapered Brush Applicator
•Smooth Application

My Experience:
I wore it last Sunday for the first time since purchasing it, and I was very thoroughly impressed. Not only was it pigmented, but it applied very easy, and got opaque quickly. This isn't a single swipe, and bam! perfect eyeliner, you do have to go over a couple times to build the desired opacity, and precision, however, the result is worth it. In my previous experience with coloured liquid eyeliner, they usually difficult to apply, and lack opacity.
The brush is extremely fine, and this allows for precision, and control so the product only goes where you want it to. The long handle adds to the control, and makes application a lot easier. Thank you Jordana for giving us a long handle liquid eyeliner....thank you!

Brush tip and handle, Jordana Cat Eye Liner
 Price: TT$32 (Superpharm), which is a great price for liquid eyeliner.

Longevity (Wear time): This lasted very well for me, I was a hot and humid room for close to 4 hours, and there was no signs of flaking or smudging onto my crease. This eyeliner is not waterproof, it actually comes off easily with water.


Conclusion: For the price, this is a good liquid eyeliner. I love the colour, and the brush, and have been considering purchasing a few other colours, once this is one has finished. After discovering the L'Oreal 24HR Lacquer Liner, and the Milani Eye Tech Extreme, my two Holy Grail eyeliner products, I never thought I would use a regular liquid eyeliner again, but this Cat Eye Liner from Jordana, has shaken things up. If you like fun, bright colours, the Cat Eye Liner comes in 8 shades, and they're super inexpensive. I would recommend to a friend, just remember, it isn't waterproof.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, I hope your weekend continues to be fun and restful.
I will be back next week with another post, so stay tuned.
Stay happy, healthy and positive everyone!
Bye (^_^)/


Saturday 23 January 2016

Best in Beauty 2015: Lips

Hello everyone!
I hope you all had a great week. I'm a bit tired after my first week back to classes, this semester is going to be a tough one.
Today, we finish off my Best in Beauty 2015, with lip products.
I have a fair amount to go through, so let's get started!

Lip Liner 

NYX Nude Truffle (top), Avon Mystery Mauve (below)
 Hands down my most used, and most love lip liners for 2015. Avon Mystery Mauve is a beautiful mauve neutral shade, which I've almost completely used up, and sadly since Avon is no longer available in Trinidad, I can't repurchase it. I'm on the hunt for a similar shade, and I will let you know, once I find it.
Nude Truffle is a beautiful neutral nude shade, both are extremely creamy, and apply easily.
Lip Liner Swatches
Lipstick 

Maybelline Color Sensational Matte - Touch of Spice
Maybelline Touch of Spice
This shade was very "on trend" for 2015. The colour is a mauve toned brown, and it is very creamy and pigmented. Although this is a matte formula, it does not dry out my lips. I'm half-way through my bullet, and considering that I've been heavily into liquid lipsticks in 2015, this is quite the feat.

NYX Simply Nude Lip Cream in Sable 

2015, the year I spoke constantly about this lip cream. It is super buttery, and creamy, extremely pigmented, and doesn't dry out my lips. I don't have a bad thing to say about this product.


Revlon Colorstay Matte Balm Shameless
Revlon Matte Balm Shameless
When applied in 2 or more layers, it is a super vampy, dark purple lip, however, applied lightly, it is a strong vibrant purple. It is very comfortable on the lips, I adore the Revlon Matte Balms, I even got my mom hooked on them now. I have more in my collection, however, for 2015 this was my go-to. I wore it to classes, to go out, I just adore this shade.

L'oreal La Lacque in Lacquey-You
Super shiny, moisturizing, and pigmented. It has a scent similar to Aloe Vera Vaseline, which I actually really like. This was a random, spur of the moment purchase in 2015, but I do really enjoy using this when I'm not feeling for a matte lip. Plus, it is easy enough to keep in my handbag constantly.

Liquid Lipsticks

Kat Von D Lolita Lip Duo
 Lolita is described as a chesnut rose, while Lolita II is a terracotta nude. Very true to description. They last all day on the lips without being extremely drying. They don't flake off at all. I love these. I want more.
Swatches of Lolita and Lolita II
ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in Limbo 

 Firstly, this is the perfect dupe for LimeCrime Salem. Secondly, it is more comfortable on the lips than the LimeCrime. This was my first experience with Colourpop Cosmetics, and now they have me wishing they shipped internationally. The Ultra Matte Lips are beautifully, and I'm definitely going to get my hands on some more eventually.
It applies easily, takes approximately 10-20 seconds to dry, and is very opaque. Wears well throughout the day, and remains comfortable, with no cracking.

L.A Girl Flat Matte Pigment Gloss in Rebel
Can you tell I have a love for purple?! 
Gorgeous colour, however, it is very drying so ensure you moisturise your lips before with a rich lip balm, and exfoliate your lips before use, because this is not a forgiving formula. Nonetheless, it is easy to apply. It does tend to crack at the center of the lip, but despite that I still really like it. Of the 4 I own, this is the most used. 

Lipgloss
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Pink Pop 
 
 When applied to the lips, this lipgloss is a sheer wash of pink. This however, has to be one of the most moisturising lipglosses I have ever used. When my lips are feeling dry and sad, but I want to wear a little bit of colour, this is what I turn to. I actual got this on sale, and I'm happy I did. This lipgloss formula is the bomb.

We are finally at the end of this blog post, and the end of my Best in Beauty 2015 series.
Thank you all for coming by today! I truly appreciate it!
As always, I hope you stay happy, healthy and positive! And here's hoping you have a wonderful weekend and week ahead!

Bye!
(^_^)/. 

Links:
NYX Cosmetics Simple Nude Lip Cream in Sable -  http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/02/january-2015-favourites.html
L.A. Girl Flat Matte Pigment Gloss - http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/08/la-girl-cosmetics-matte-flat-finish.html

Saturday 16 January 2016

Best in Beauty 2015: Face

Welcome back everyone!
I hope you all are doing well.
Today, I have part 2 of my Best in Beauty series, and today it's all about my favourite face products for 2015. Most of the products being mentioned may have full reviews that I will link to at the end the post.

Primer and Mattifier:

elf Cosmetics Mineral Face Primer

New Bottle
This primer is definitely my top pick for 2015. I always repurchase this primer. This primer blurs my pores, and helps my foundation apply more evenly.
Earlier in 2015, I fell in love with the Rimmel Fix and Perfect Primer, but I haven't been able to repurchase it since it hasn't been in stock. However, the elf Mineral Face Primer is cheaper than the Rimmel.

Sacha Cosmetics Mattifier Face Primer 

I do have a full review of this, but to keep it short and sweet. This mattifies the skin beautifully, and keeps me less oily than I would usually be throughout the day. I love the squeeze tube packaging, and its flat black matte finish.

Foundation:

Maybelline Fit Me: Matte and Poreless 310 Sun Beige
I'm currently down to half a bottle of this foundation. I don't think I have anything bad to say about this product, maybe it can use a pump, then again most drugstore foundations don't come with a pump. This just blends effortlessly into the skin, it doesn't matter if you use a sponge or a brush.
My full review will be linked below.

Concealer:

L.A. Girl Pro Conceal in Pure Beige 

I've never really been into using concealer, but doing my Masters' Degree means long, and sometimes sleepless nights, and I also experience insomnia therefore under eye darkness is my old friend. This shade matches my complexion perfectly, and covers up any discolouration or darkness beneath the eyes.

Setting Powder:

Undereyes: Sacha Cosmetics Buttercup Loose Powder

Full review is available.
I have nothing bad to say about this powder. Sacha Cosmetics has greatly improved the quality of their products over the years.
This powder is silky, and just beautiful. I use it to set my concealer under my eyes.
Face: Maybelline Fit Me: Matte and Poreless Powder 
Maybelline Fit Me: Matte-Poreless 310 Sun Beige
Soft, blendable and keeps me matte. (Review will be linked below).

Blush:

Milani Powder Blush in Romantic Rose and City Color Cosmetics Be Matte Blush in Papaya

Both of these blushes are matte in finish, they are also very smooth and pigmented, so a little goes a long way. they blend out easily. Both colours are very neutral, and good for everyday wear.
These blushes wear for a full 8 hours.
The City Color Blushes are a lot cheaper than the Milani, they retail for approximately TT$22-TT$25, while the Milani ranges from TT$55-TT$65.

Milani Romantic Rose (left), City Color Cosmetics Papaya (right)

Setting Sprays: Sacha Fix It & L'Oreal Infallible Pro Spray and Set 
My go-to Setting Sprays
Both set my makeup beautifully, and reduces the "cakey" look that powders leave behind. However, the L'oreal truly prolongs the wear of my makeup throughout the day. The Fix It Spray, while it doesn't prolong the wear of my makeup, does a good job at just setting the face. I tend to interchange my use of these products, hence why they're both 2015 favourites.

I don't bronze, contour or highlight my face, therefore I have no favourites for those categories.


Thank you all so much for stopping by!
Next week, I'll be concluding this Best in Beauty 2015 with Lips. I'm also going to be beginning my second semester for my Masters' Degree, and I am anxious.
As always stay happy, healthy, and positive and I will talk to you all soon.

Bye! (^_^)/

Links:
Sacha Mattifier - http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/10/product-review-sacha-cosmetics.html
Maybelline Matte and Poreless (Foundation and Powder) - http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/07/maybelline-fit-me-matte-and-poreless.html
L.A. Girl Pro Conceal -http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/11/product-review-la-girl-pro-conceal-in.html

Sacha Buttercup Powder - http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/10/product-review-sacha-cosmetics_16.html
Setting Sprays - http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/07/makeup-battle-royal-4-battle-of-setting.html


















Saturday 9 January 2016

Best in Beauty 2015: Eyes

Hello everyone! Welcome back!

Today, I'm going to be talking about my favourite eye makeup of 2015. A lot of the products being mentioned would have separate reviews that I shall link to at the end of the blog post.

Eyebrows:
NYX Tinted Brow Mascara
Revlon Brow Fantasy
  • NYX Tinted Brow Mascara - BrunetteThis product has become a staple for me since I first purchased it. My only problem is that my local NYX retailers never seem to have it stock. This tinted brow mascara has become my everyday, go-to eyebrow product, for natural fuller looking brows.




  • Revlon Brow Fantasy - Dark Brown  
    For slightly more defined brows, this two in one pencil and brow gel is what I turn to. It is easy to use, and the pencil has the right mix of stiffness and pigmentation to help you avoid going overboard on the brows. 






Primers:
  • Smashbox 24HR Photo Finish Eyeshadow Primer
  • Milani Eyeshadow Primer 
  • Urban Decay Primer Potion 
 
My trio of Eye Primer Faves - Smashbox 24 Photo Finish, Milani Eye Primer and UDPP
I know you're probably sick of seeing these three (3) eyeshadow primers constantly, however as a Caribbean girl, with oily eyelids, believe me when I say these primers work. They don't cause my shadows to slip or slide (both cream and powder), and I get very minimal to no creasing with them. The Smashbox 24 Hour Eyeshadow Primer, is thicker in consistency, and lasts the longest of the three, however, because of its limited availability in Trinidad, I tend to save using it for special occasions. The Urban Decay Primer Potion and Milani Eyeshadow Primer, are very similar, I shall leave my review for those at the end.

Palette:

  •  MAC Cosmetics Warm Neutral Palette
    MAC Warm Neutrals Palette
    Was there any need for me to mention this?! It's a palette fulled with beauty warm neutral colours a.k.a. my eyeshadow heaven. I've already done  full review with swatches, so I won't linger on this. 

Single Eyeshadows:
 
Most Loved Eyeshadows of 2015
  •  Prestige Single Eyeshadow in Golden Retriever 
  • Avon Single Eyeshadow in Champagne 
  • ColourPop Cosmetics Super Shock Eyeshadow in Hammered 
  • L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Golden Sage

    Both the Avon and Prestige Shadows have been featured previously. Check links at the end of the post.
    In 2015, I developed a love for green eyeshadows . They not only complement my eye colour, but they work great with my skin tone also. I've had the L'Oreal Infallible in Golden Sage for quite some time, but was too scared to casually wear green eyeshadow, but once I reminded myself that people's opinion on my makeup don't matter, I popped it on and fell in love.
L'Oreal Infallible in Golden Sage

Golden Sage, led to my decision to purchase ColourPop Hammered, because I wanted a smokier olive green eyeshadow for the longest time but again was to afraid to buy it and never use it. ColourPop eyeshadows are amazing! The texture is creamy, and is extremely pigmented. I'm definitely wanting to get my hands on some more.
ColourPop Super Shock Shadow - Hammered

 Mascara:

In 2015, two (2) mascaras stood out from all the rest I've tried, although I still love the L'Oreal Butterfly Effect, Jordana Best Lash Extreme and Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal Mascaras, were my definite favourites. Honourary mention to Maybelline The Rocket Mascara, which I also enjoyed this year.
Favourite Mascaras 2015.
Eyeliner:
L'Oreal 24HR Lacquer Liner in Espresso and Blackest Black ( I haven't tried anything new that beats this)

 This is only part 1 of my 2015 Best in Beauty, next week will be Face products of 2015.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog today, I hope you enjoyed.
As always stay happy, healthy, and positive and I shall talk to you all soon.
Bye (^_^)/

Links to Reviews featuring products in this post:
  1. NYX Tinted Brow Mascara - http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/10/product-review-nyx-tinted-brow-mascara.html
  2. Milani Primer - http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/07/milani-eyeshadow-primer-is-it-dupe-for.html
  3. MAC Warm Neutrals - http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/09/mac-cosmetics-warm-neutral-palette.html
  4. Prestige Eyeshadow -  http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/06/my-favourite-single-eyeshadows-part-1.html
  5. Avon Single Eyeshadow -  http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2014/08/product-rave-avon-single-eyeshadow.html
  6. Jordana Best Lash Extreme -  http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/08/july-makeup-favourites.html
  7. Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal - http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/11/first-impression-review-maybelline-pump.html

Saturday 2 January 2016

New Year! New Schedule and Content!

Hello everyone!
Happy New Year!!
Welcome 2016, I wish you all the best for the upcoming year. I wish you health, prosperity, and happiness for this upcoming year, and I thank you for all of your support during 2015.
2015 was a bit tumultuous for me, especially coming down to the end of it, however, I've survived, and ready to tackle 2016, and I hope all of you are ready to take on the new year also. 

I'm about to enter the second semester of my Masters degree...yikes! This upcoming semester, and this year is going to be incredibly hard and hectic, therefore I have to make some changes to both my posting schedule, and content.

In terms of content, I will attempt to maintain posting product reviews, and even some makeup looks, however, my country, Trinidad and Tobago is currently in a recession, therefore I will have to control my spending since prices on imported goods will sky rocket. Also, considering my semester fees and textbooks, new product releases are going to have to go on the back burner for a while.
I've talked about posting content related to my Masters/Post Graduate journey, which I'm still working on, however, I've been toying with the idea of doing it like a bi-weekly journal entry (once every two weeks), to chart any personal or professional growth throughout the remainder of my programme.

My posting schedule for 2016 will be shifted to the weekends. For now, I will be posting on Saturday afternoons, however, there may be some weeks where it will shift to Sunday mornings, to accommodate for my assignments and projects

The schedule is not set in stone, since I have no clue how my semester is planned out, so any changes will be updated.

Thank you all so very much for stopping by, and again Happy New Year to you all.
As always, stay happy, healthy and positive and I shall talk you all very soon.

Bye (^_^)/