Learning to Cope with Grief

Hello everyone!

Today, I'm doing a very different post. Earlier this week, I lost someone very dear to me, and I have been going through the emotional roller coaster that is grief. I've spent so much of life being a rock for others, that I've neglected tuning into and feeling my own emotions. Not this time!
I've become very aware of my emotions, and have chosen not diminish their meaning. When someone asks me how I am, rather than simply stating I'm okay, I acknowledge that I'm feeling sad, or angry, and it actually makes me feel better knowing that I'm not hiding what I am truly feeling.

I know I've made this blog into my space for talking about makeup or video games, but I feel that there is a need for me to be real and raw sometimes, and to just put whatever is on my mind out into the world. I'm not the type of person who freely opens up in conversations (something I'm working on), however, I have this platform to just be free and talk/write about whatever I feel, and today, I feel like talking about the fact that I am sad, but I am trying to cope.

Coping with the death of a loved one is never easy, even if you think you've prepared yourself enough, the emotional toll is still quite severe. You learn that the 5 stages of grief aren't linear stages, they get all jumbled up, and sometimes it makes it harder to acknowledge or know exactly what you are feeling, but it's okay. It's okay to feel confused about what you feel, as long as you feel it. Allow yourself to experience the emotions, the sadness, the anger, even the joy that comes from sharing your favourite memory. Allowing yourself to experience your own emotions is by far one of the healthiest ways to cope with grief. Don't bottle it up!

As much as I am typing this for anyone out their struggling to cope with the loss of someone dear to them, I'm also writing this for me, as a reminder that it is okay to feel what I am feeling. It is okay not to bounce back within the first 2 weeks of their loss. However, it is not okay to bottle up your feelings. It is not okay to alienate the people who care for you, and who are trying to reach out to you. It is okay to feel vulnerable, it is okay to cry.

I feel as though I've unintentionally vented, which truly wasn't the purpose of this post, but honestly, I feel so much better having all these things written in front of me, as opposed to being locked up in my head. If anyone out there is coping with the loss of someone they loved dearly, please don't lock yourself away from experiencing your emotions, or from the people who love you and care for you.

I may take some time away from the blog, but I've yet to decide just how long. I will do some posting on my Instagram, some hauls, selfies, and pictures of my puppy and anything else that I enjoy, so feel free to follow @ladyjpsych on IG.

Until next time lovelies,
Bye.
(^_^)/

Product Review & Swatches: Sacha Cosmetics Intense Matte Lip Velvets

Hello everyone!

I apologize for my disappearing act last week, but I was a bit under the weather, and decided to take it easy, hence no post. However, I'm back today with a review that I am extremely excited to bring to you!
Within recent months, Sacha Cosmetics, which is a Trinidadian brand, launched their Intense Matte Lip Velvets. These are their liquid lip colours, and they're beautiful. I had a few friends raving to me about these Lip Velvets, so I decided why not give them a try. I must say Sacha did a great job on these. From packaging, to colour range, Sacha hit the nail on the head.

Sacha Intense Matte Lip Velvet

Price:

• At local Pennywise stores, these cost TT$44, while at Sacha Image Centres they cost TT$50. I don't believe these are available online at website. 

Packaging:

• I adore the packaging of this product. I really love polka dots, and paired with the flat matte finish of both the glass bottle and plastic lid, it screams cute and chic. 

Applicator: 

• This has your everyday doe foot applicator. 

Product:

• The texture of the lip velvets are very reminiscent of the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams, which I adore. They are soft, velvet smooth, and they aren't extremely drying on the lips. 
• For me, they are opaque in one coat/application, but you can build up the intensity if you like. 
• These don't have any fragrance or scent to them, so if you're sensitive to fragrance, you can give these a try. 
• I've heard positive reviews from persons with extremely sensitive skin and lips about these, and they don't cause them any irritation.
• These are not completely budge proof, but they do hold up after eating and/or drinking. 
• They don't flake like the L.A. Girl Matte Flat Finish Pigment Gloss, and are easier to reapply if needed than the L.A. Girl. 

 Swatches: The following are swatches of the following four (4) shades: 

1. Partner In Crime - Red-Toned Chocolate Brown
2. I'm In The Nude - Neutral-Toned Nude
3. That's What She Said - Vibrant Purple *(2 layers)
4. Pass The Money - Vibrant Fire Red

Conclusion:
I honestly don't have anything bad to say about these. I've been wearing Partner In Crime and I'm In The Nude, almost everyday since I bought them, and they really are some amazing lip products. For the price, the quality of the product is exceptional. I prefer it over my ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip, because this formula is more comfortable on the lips, even if you forget to prep your lips with lip balm. The L.A. Girl Matte Flat Finish Pigment Glosses can't stand up to these. These are honestly one of the best matte lip colours I've tried. This and the Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color are my new go-to liquid lip colours.

If you can get your hands on these, you definitely should. They are worth every cent. I would definitely recommend these to everyone!
Great job Sacha Cosmetics!
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I haven't worn That's What She Said because it is the latest one I've recently added, but I will be trying it out on the lips very soon. Stay tuned to my Instagram (@ladyjpsych) for pictures of that.
I'm considering doing a full lip swatch picture on my IG, so please let me know if you'd like to see that.

Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and positive!
Bye!
(^_^)/