Product Review: My Juvia's Place Collection Part 2

Hello everyone!

I'm finally here with the second part of my Juvia's Place Collection!
In this post, I'll be showing swatches of the Douce, Festival, and Magic Mini Palettes!

The Douce Palette 

The Douce Palette

The Zulu which I featured in part 1, is my favourite Juvia's Place item that I own, and the Douce is my number 2. From wearable, work appropriate looks, to smokey with a pop of colour, this palette is capable of producing both with ease.
This palette contains a lovely duochrome shade, specifically the shade Tart which is the middle shade in the top row. It has the most beautiful purple/pink shift, that adds a beautiful pop to the lid or inner corner of the eye. In swatches, it looks like a bright white however, once you see the shift, you'll fall in love. Initially, I was hesitant to purchase this palette because I thought the colours would be too soft for my skin tone, however, the pigment is strong, and they show up beautifully. I believe this is available at Starlite for approximately TT$175.
Swatches 

Shades from left to right: Chocolat, Tart, Creme, Macarons, Custard, Puffs, Berry Mousse, Mont Blanc, Crepes.

Wearing the Douce Palette with the shade Tart on the lid.

The Festival Palette 

This isn't your everyday, work appropriate palette, however, if you want to be daring, this palette gives you bold and striking colours, with Juvia's Place signature eyeshadow quality. Now I will say for a beginner, this isn't a good palette to start with because it can be very intimidating. This is what I consider to be a great companion palette. You can use it with your favourite neutral palette to add a bold pop of colour to your makeup look. This is currently my least used palette from JP, however, I am challenging myself to use it more in 2020. Oro, Aba, and Odogwu, are my go to shades from this palette for a simple eye look with a pop. Uli can be used for a blinding inner corner or face highlight (if you're daring enough). It runs for a similar price to the Douce in Starlite, which has one of the best prices for Juvia's Place (JP) products.
 Swatches

Swatches of the Festival Palette.

Shades Oro, Odogwu, Keleke and Uli used.

The Magic Mini Palette

Magic Mini Palette

This palette is beautiful and versatile. The top half of this palette is filled with lovely warm-toned shadows, while the bottom half is all cool-toned. Most the shades in this palette carry JP's signature, soft buttery formula with the exception of Ife (bottom left), and Yejide (bottom right). Both these shades are drier than JP's usual matte formula, however, they are still very pigmented. These shades need to be used carefully as the can be difficult to blend if too much is applied; it's better to slowly build and blend these shades. I purchased mine at Bella Russe for approximately TT$250+, but you may be able to find it cheaper in other stores. 

Swatches

Shades (left to right): Nubia, Zakiya, Osun, Kesi, Zuba, Nana, Boronu, Kogi.

Shades (left to right): Faso, Aja, Vai, Yemoja, Ife, Yara, Buzo, Yejide.

Shades used: Yara, Buzo, Aja, and Nana.

Conclusion
I've recently added the Warrior 2 and Masquerade palettes to my collect so I may do a part 3 of this series at some point. However, I feel as though it is quite repetitive to share my love for JP's eyeshadows. For the quality, and quantity of eyeshadows for the price Juvia's Place is unbeatable. I may branch out in 2020 and try some other eyeshadow palettes from different brands, and do a review on those.
I'm trying to get back into the swing of blogging, and trying to motivate myself to be consistent this year. Thank you all for always coming by and checking out my blog despite my long hiatus. 
Love you all, and I will see you again very soon.
(^_^)/

Product Review: L'Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation and Full Wear Concealer

Welcome back everyone!

Today's post is going to be focused on the L'Oreal Fresh Wear foundation, and the Full Wear Concealer. These  two products have been very widely discussed throughout the makeup world, and they made their appearance locally in Trinidad a few months ago. I've been testing both of these items for the past few months, and I'm ready to give my opinions on them.

L'Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation

I picked this up in the shade 485 Golden Sun, and it is marketed as a breathable, buildable coverage foundation with 24hr fresh complexion. I purchased it back in June, and I've been using it since. I paid approximately TT$99, at Pennywise. This foundation is one of the most versatile drugstore foundations I own. Earlier this year, I reviewed the Maybelline Superstay 24hr foundation, and I can honestly say that I've been reaching for this foundation over the Superstay on a daily basis.

The Claims: (From L'Oreal's website)

•  Up to 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation provides medium-to-full buildable coverage that lasts all day.
• The formula contains three oil absorbers resist sweat, water, and transfer.
•  The ultra-thin liquid goes on smoothly to give a fresh, healthy-looking complexion that lasts.

My Experience 

After months of use, I can honestly say that this foundation will be an essential for me. It's lightweight formula, that has such a natural finish on the skin, I often forget that I'm wearing foundation. I definitely consider this foundation to be a buildable, medium coverage. While testing this foundation, Trinidad experience a heat wave, therefore, the humidity and heat really pushed the limits of this foundations claims of being sweat, water and transfer resistant. During the heatwave, I did sweat profusely (my air con died right before the heatwave also), and I got very oily in a few hours of wear, but the foundation never cracked or separated. I was able to blot the oil and sweat off without it lifting or shifting the product from my face.
Recently, I've been mixing the Fresh Wear foundation with my matte, full coverage foundations to reduce the intensity of the matte finish, and it has been phenomenal. Its thin consistency makes it the perfect mixing companion for thicker liquid foundations.

Wearing Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation in 485 Golden Sun  and Full Wear Concealer in 375 Latte

L'Oreal Infallible Full Wear Concealer - 375 Latte 

This concealer has thrown my L.A. Girl Pro Conceal out of rotation since I first used it. Super lightweight, and creamy formula. It's pigmented and very full coverage that a little goes a long way. I've been using it exclusively since purchase. I usually prefer lighter coverage concealers, however, allergies and fatigue issues have pushed me towards higher coverage. I purchased mine at Starlite for approximately TT$110.

Claims
L'Oreal website claims, "Our extra large applicator provides maximum coverage in one stroke to cover under-eye circles, acne scars, and discoloration. Our waterproof, non-greasy formula won't transfer, fade, or flake so your full coverage look is locked in all day."
In my experience, this concealer does not breakdown, nor does it transfer onto my glasses during the day (yes, I wear glasses). I've not experienced it getting cakey, nor have I experienced any cracking or shifting during hot and humid weather.

Final Thoughts

This foundation and concealer combination has become my immediate go-to since purchasing. I love the texture of the foundation, and it's beautiful finish on the skin, as well as the impeccable coverage of the concealer. I don't regret purchasing either of these products because they are outstanding, and I would highly recommend them for anyone looking to try something new. 

We've come to the end of this review, but I'll be back soon hopefully looking at some eyeshadow palettes.

Bye (^_^)/

Product Review: L.A. Girl Pro Matte Foundation

Hello everyone!
Today, I'm going to be doing a review of the L.A. Girl Pro Matte Foundation. This is the first foundation from this brand that I've tried, and I must say I'm very impressed.

The shade I purchased is Light Tan, and it is an amazing match for my warm, lightly golden skin. I got it at Wonderful World for TT$60. It claims to provide smooth and buildable coverage, that has a soft and suede-like finish. Recently, L.A. Girl expanded the shade range to 24 shades, with the addition of 10 shades along the medium to deep spectrum.

My Thoughts 
This foundation is honestly one of the best "drugstore" foundations I've tried. I would say this is a solid medium to full coverage foundation. This foundation is a thick liquid but it glides onto the skin effortlessly. It is very easy to blend out with both a brush or blending sponge. I use either the elf Ultimate Blending Brush, or the Sacha Cosmetics Blending Sponge for my application, and I get even coverage every time. This has a suede/matte finish, which makes it suitable for combination and oily skin, and even for a hot and humid climate like we have here in Trinidad. If you have a drier skin type, I believe this in combination with hydrating skin care and a hydrating primer can work for you. However, if you're not a fan of full coverage, suede/matte finish foundations, this definitely is not the product for you.

I have combination-oily skin, and this foundation manages to maintain its integrity through humidity and the oil slick that is my T-zone. It doesn't separate or breakdown, and there is little to no transfer once it is properly blended into the skin. This also happens to be one of the best shade matches I have in drugstore foundations. It's the warm yellow undertone that I need!

Wearing L.A. Girl Pro Matte Foundation in Light Tan

 I've really been enjoying this foundation, and I've been using it in combination with the L'Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation, and they make a gorgeous combination.

Conclusion 

I thoroughly enjoy using this foundation and given it's suede finish and longevity during heat and humidity, I would recommend it for persons looking for a "special occasion" foundation on a budget. A great inexpensive full coverage with a decent shade range. L.A. Girl released some Pro Color Foundation Mixing Pigments to work with the current shades in their range in order to cater to more skin tones, however, I hope in the future they will further expand their range.
This is the end of this post. I decided to make it short and sweet since I'm now getting back into the swing of things.
I will be doing a review on the L'Oreal Fresh Wear foundation and Full Wear concealer soon. I'm working on product shots for other posts including the second part of my Juvia's Place palette collection.
I hope you all have a fantastic week ahead, and I shall see you soon!
(^_^)/

Makeup Battle Royal: NYX Microbrow vs. Absolute New York Super Slim Eyebrow Pencil

It's time for another Makeup Battle Royal!
I've been stewing on this post for some time now but I'm finally ready to get my thoughts out.
Today's battle is all about super slim eyebrow pencils, and the NYX Microbrow has quite frankly been one of the most popular and hyped eyebrow pencils on the market.  I've had this brow pencil sitting in my collection for some time because I got hooked on the Absolute New York Super Slim Eyebrow Pencil.

Absolute New York (ABNY) Super Slim Eyebrow Pencil
I bought this pencil on a whim while Wonderful World TT was having one of their Semi-Annual sales since I was in the market for a new eyebrow pencil. At the time of the sale it cost around TT$55, which is definitely on the inexpensive side for slim eyebrow pencil. I've been using this pencil off and on for approximately six months. This pencil is extremely creamy, and has great pigmentation, so a little goes a long way. This pencil allows me to fake hair like strokes which is great for producing more "natural" looking eyebrows as opposed to the more full and structured eyebrows that are popular on social media. What I truly love about this pencil is the colour. This pencil is the perfect cool-toned ashen grey black which matches my natural hair perfectly. I have naturally black eyebrows, and most dark brown pencils tend to run far too warm on me, and it tends to make my eyebrows look unnatural.This never looks overly harsh, and blends easily into my hairs with the spoolie.

Wearing ABNY Super Slim Eyebrow Pencil

NYX MicroBrow Eyebrow Pencil

I purchased the Microbrow at Starlite for TT$75 in the shade Black, hoping it would perform similarly to the ABNY Super Slim. One the first use, I did not like this pencil at all. It was hard, and was barely getting the pigment to show up. I felt as though I had to continuously drag the pencil over the eyebrow just to get the pigment to build. The second time I used this I decided to run the pencil along the back of my hand first, in order to warm it up to see if that would aid the application, and it did. With the product warmed up, it applied easier, and blended into my brow hairs fairly well. Similar to the ABNY pencil, the size of the pencil as well as the colour make it easy for me to fake hair like strokes, to produce a more natural looking eyebrow. However, it should be noted that the MicroBrow is still a bit larger than the ABNY Super Slim.

NYX MicroBrow vs Natural Eyebrow

I think it's important to note that every person has their own preferences when it comes to brow pencils. Some prefer a harder pencil, while others prefer something softer. I personally love something that's soft, but not overly soft because that tends to lead to fading and smudging throughout the day, and I'm pretty sure no one wants their eyebrow to smudge off by midday, especially if you live in a hot and humid environment. ABNY Super Slim Eyebrow Pencil can fade or smudge if too much product is applied. However, if it's evenly applied, it can last for up to 8-10 hours. The NYX Microbrow has similar lasting power, however, it takes work for it to build on itself.

NYX MicroBrow and ABNY Super Slim

Final Thoughts

In Trinidad, the NYX Microbrow ranges from TT$75-$90, which is far too expensive for something meant to be a drugstore/inexpensive brand, and NYX can mainly be found at Starlite or at the NYX Kiosk at Trincity Mall. ABNY is mainly found in Wonderful World stores and can range from TT$55-TT$75 for this product. Honestly for me, the ABNY Super Slim does exactly what I need it to do,therefore, between the two pencils, the ABNY Super Slim is my preferred mainly due to the creamy texture of the pencil and its price.

Should I do an eyebrow routine video? Please let me know.

Thanks for stopping by!
Bye guys (^_^)/

What's Up #9: Just a Chill Post

Hello everyone, and welcome back.
Today's post is going to be a very relaxed post as I'm currently not feeling well, but I still wanted to do a post.

Today's has been a day of quiet reflection for me. Typically, I try to set aside at least 5-10 minutes per day to reflect on my feelings and thoughts, in an attempt to keep track of potential mood triggers. My mental health has become a priority following months of being ill, which allowed my mental health to deteriorate.

Today as I was reflecting, one word constantly came into my mind. That word was gratitude. As a clinician, teaching and understanding the power of gratitude is an essential part of my practice with clients, however, within my own personal life, I allow it to be overshadowed by other events in life. As 2019 opened, I made it my goal to look for small moments every week that I was grateful for. From seeing beautiful butterflies fluttering in my garden, to hearing rain during our hot dry season here in Trinidad. Thus far, the results of this practice have been astonishing. I've noticed that I'm purposely looking for the good in everyday, rather than focusing on one event that may have been negative and dwelling on that negativity which would in turn greatly affect my mood. Rather, I would look for the lesson in that negative event, I take that lesson to heart and let the event go to rest.
While this is an ongoing process, and while my anxiety isn't miraculously cured, I've gotten a better hold on my anxiety, and I've experienced much fewer events of panic. I've been able to ground myself better because I've been practicing and learning to shift the focus from the event/catalysis to what I can learn or gain from this event.

Despite my profession, this isn't a help guide post. This post is legitimately just me pouring out what's in my brain at the moment. I'm grateful that I have this platform to allow me to speak freely about what I love and what I care about. I'm passionate about mental health and opening the door to discussions on mental health, just as much as I'm passionate about sharing my love for makeup. I'm grateful for each person who reads any of my blog posts; for you to willingly take time out of your day to come visit my blog means the world to me, and makes me very happy.
I'm planning on doing more posts like this one, where I pour my heart and brain out onto a keyboard. It's a personal touch, and as aforementioned I'm passionate about mental health, so it's important to me to speak openly about my own struggles.

Thank you all for coming by today. I'll see you all next time.
Bye guys (^_^)/

Product Review: Sacha Cosmetics Pro Powder Foundation

Hello lovelies! Welcome back!
Today, I was planning on posting a time lapse video of me applying a quick and easy makeup look, however, my video quality was extremely poor. I'll continue to test out filming conditions because I would like to post some videos both here and on my social media platforms.
DISCLAIMER: I am in no way affiliated with Sacha Cosmetics. All products are purchased by myself .

A staple product for my quick, and easy makeup days is the Sacha Pro Powder Foundation. I purchased this foundation in July 2018, and it's one of my favourite products I've ever used. On Sacha's website, it retails for TT$75, however, if you purchase it at one of their Image Centers and you have their loyalty card, it will be discounted.

Sacha Pro Powder Foundation - Pure Beige

Shade
I purchased it in the shade Pure Beige, after being matched by one of the artists at the Image Center located in Trincity Mall. It is a perfect match for my yellow undertone. Most foundations tend to pull too cool-toned (pink) on my complexion.
If you're curious about my other foundation matches:

• 310 Sun Beige in Maybelline Superstay Foundation
• W6 Sun Beige L'Oreal True Match 
• 370 Natural Tan Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation

Product Claims

On their website, Sacha describes this product as "oil-free, 2-in-1 powder foundation absorbs oil and eliminates shine all day long. Quick and easy to apply, it provides full coverage, fits like a second skin and gives you a flawless airbrushed finish."

My Experience 

I use this product with a dry Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, and buff it in with my Urban Studios Buffing Brush and I do get a medium-to full coverage. The coverage depends on how much product you load onto the sponge in my opinion. It feels extremely lightweight on the skin, and it tends to trick the untrained eye into thinking you have flawless skin. Every time I've worn this foundation, I've been complimented and asked what I use on my skin to make it look seamless and flawless. 

In terms of oil absorption and eliminating all day shine, that's where I have to dispute these claims. I have combination-oily skin, and currently in Trinidad, it has been hotter than Satan's armpit. Coupled with having PCOS which causes my hormones to fluctuate, this powder does not eliminate my oily sheen all day. After 3-4 hours of wear, if I'm out and about, I will have to blot and do a small touch up around my nose as it tends to break down fastest there. However, if I'm indoors in air-con, I stay shine free for longer. 

I've also used this product to set my liquid foundation, and it helps extend the life of my foundation, as well as balance my complexion, if my foundation is running too cool. I really enjoy using it for minor touch ups, since it has a huge mirror.  

I never expect to have any powder or foundation last long on me however, despite the fact that it sometimes breaks down around my nose, elsewhere on my face, it tends to stay in place. Oils may peak through but the powder lasts. (My nose is a beacon of oiliness!) If you have any patches of dry skin, or in my cause healing breakouts (I know I should pick or pop my pimples but the temptation is real), the pro powder foundation will cling to those areas. 

I recently wore the Pro Powder Foundation to go visit my hairdresser, and I took some photos;  one being fresh after application, and the other 4 hours later. In the second photo, I noticed my nose becoming very oily, and breaking down the powder, as well as emphasis on some breakouts that are currently healing. 

Wearing the Pro Powder Foundation

After 4 hours (Look at that shiny nose)

Conclusion

I do really enjoy the ease that this powder foundation provides. Is it worth the price? For me, yes it is. It's versatile, quick and easy to apply, and easy to touch up if required. On hot days if I feel to wearing some makeup, this is what I reach for because it is extremely light on the skin, that I forget that I'm even wearing makeup. Sacha has been hitting it out of the park with their products lately, and I hope they maintain their momentum. 

I will link some of my other Sacha product reviews below this post, and until next time stay safe, and thank you for dropping by.

Bye(^_^)/

Sacha Reviews 

Buttercup Powder (Original): https://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/10/product-review-sacha-cosmetics_16.html

Intense Matte Lip Velvet: https://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2016/03/product-review-swatches-sacha-cosmetics.html

Product Review: My Juvia's Place Collection Part I

Welcome to the first post of 2019!
I do hope you all are doing well.  I'm so very sorry for abandoning the blog in 2018. However, I've rededicated myself to posting, and will be introducing new content to the blog throughout the year.

Today, I'm making my return by doing a series focusing on my Juvia's Place (JP) eyeshadow palette collection. I currently own five (5) palettes from their current line, and for this part,  I'll be reviewing and sharing looks and swatches of the two (2) palettes that I have owned the longest.
In December 2017, I purchased the Zulu, and the Saharan II palettes at a local store, Jeulynn. I paid TT$250, and TT$275 respectively for each palette at the time. However, Starlite recently added Juvia's Place palettes to their store with prices starting at TT$195, and they are authentic.

The Zulu Palette 

The Zulu palette was initially a limited edition launch by JP, however, it is still being sold on their website. I truly love this palette, and I hope and pray that they never...and I mean never discontinue this palette. This palette is absolutely beautiful. The colours are vibrant and vivid. When I bought this palette, I was stuck in a neutral eyeshadow rut. I was terrified of colourful eyeshadow due to my colourful hair, thinking they would clash with each other.

Juvia's Place Zulu Palette

This picture makes my palette look pristine, and untouched. However, I use this palette all the time. Whenever I need to add a pop of colour, I pull this palette. Whenever I feel like doing a colourful look, or a character inspired makeup look, this is what I reach for. *(Character inspired looks will be returning this year yay!!)* 

Swatches

These swatches are done with my fingers. The yellow and purple were layered (built up) to show the opacity of the colour. These colours build up well, and also blend well. I've not experience difficulty blending the purple eyeshadow; no patchiness and it does not blend away. I have experienced some staining with the bright pink, however, it doesn't deter me from using the palette.

The Saharan II 

Modern day neutrals that aren't for the faint-hearted with some pops of colour, is how I would describe the Saharan II palette. I bought this palette to help me ground the Zulu palette since it was far out of my comfort zone.
My Saharan II is very well loved. It was my first introduction to the texture of JP eyeshadows as I used this palette before breaking into the Zulu.

Current state of my palette. Very well loved.

These eyeshadows are the epitome of buttery, and blendable. The metallic and shimmer shades are very soft and delicate. I learnt this the hard way when my palette fell and Hadiya (top right) broke. I managed to repair it with some rubbing alcohol, and I've not experienced any texture change with the shadow since that. The mattes in this palette blend very easily, and are extremely pigmented so a little goes a long way.

Product Review: Maybelline Superstay Foundation

Hello Everyone! Welcome back to the blog today.

Today, I have a review of the Maybelline Superstay Foundation. I've been testing this foundation for two (2)months.....yes, TWO (2) months! This is the longest I've ever taken to test a product, and that's mainly because I've been having a hard time deciding whether or not I love this foundation.

I have this in the shade 310 Sun Beige, which is the lightest shade that is carried here in Trinidad. Firstly, I am not pleased with the colour selection available in Trinidad.This is a consistent issue with "drugstore" base makeup locally. I am far from the lightest complexion you'll see in Trinidad, and they carry too few shades for deeper complexions also. One would think that in a racially,and ethnically diverse country, the cosmetics being imported would reflect that diversity, but it does not.
Secondly, the pricing will vary according to the store you purchase it. I paid between TT$65-70 for mine, but I believe some stores have it for more than that.

Product Claims
This foundation claims to be/have;

• Full Coverage
• Matte finish 
• Lasts for 24 hours
• Breathable and Comfortable 
• Fade and Transfer-Resistant 
• Oil-free (Doesn't clog pores)

Does it live up to its claims?
I've worn this foundation for 8+ hours, and while my skin did get oily,the foundation itself was flawless. I didn't experience it breaking down throughout the day. The entire time I wore it it didn't feel heavy on the skin, and there was no sign of it fading in pigment or coverage during the day. I did experience a small amount of product transfer when my skin was oily, but it didn't impact the coverage whatsoever.

This foundation is full coverage. It hid any breakouts I was experiencing and it did not accentuate any pores when worn with a primer (I always wear primer underneath foundations). I love to apply this foundation with a damp makeup sponge (I use the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge),or with a buffing brush like the elf Ultimate Blending Brush. I get the same level of coverage with both tools, however, the brush requires a bit more time to seamlessly blend the foundation into the skin.

The left side of my face (right side of the picture)is bare. The right side of my face (left side of the picture) is310 Sun Beige.

I saw many people complaining that they got very oily throughout the day being one of the main reasons why they didn't like this foundation. However, the foundation does not claim to be an oil-controlling foundation. I do have combination/oily skin, and I do get oily regardless of the oil-controlling abilities of a foundation, so it didn't really bother me or my opinion of the product. A quick blot with blotting paper, and its good to go.
Regarding the claim of not clogging pores, I have not experienced any breakouts, or increase in blackheads or clogged, congested pores since I started using this foundation.

First Impression versus Continued Use
When I first tried this foundation, I fell in love with the coverage but nothing else. I thought it felt super heavy, and looked cakey, and I just wanted to get it off my face that day. On this first use, I had used 2 full pumps of foundation, so I decided the next time I used it I would use less product. This was the key to falling in love with this foundation. Less product is important. We live in a world of social media videos showing gurus piling on layers upon layers of product, which may translate great on camera but in everyday life, not so much. This was why I initially disliked this foundation, I was too heavy handed. Now I tend to use 1 full pump all over my face, and then if I feel the need to add more coverage I use a touch of concealer, however, I've found myself refraining from concealer because this foundation does such a good job at covering whatever I want to cover.

Final Thoughts
This foundation has many mixed reviews, and initially I didn't want to try it because of this. However, I am a believer in trying out products and forming my own opinions, as well as my genuine curiosity as to whether or not this foundation can hold up in a tropical climate. During the two months of testing, Trinidad has had some incredibly hot and humid days, and while I did get oily, the foundation itself held up very well. Honestly, I believe with a good mattifying primer, and good setting powder and setting spray, this foundation is worth the money.

Thank you all so much for stopping by today. I hope you enjoyed.
I'm playing around with the format of my review(s) posts here, hence why no review blog post is the same. Feel free to let me know what elements you like or dislike, and I can adapt that into future posts.
Until next time, stay happy, healthy and positive.
Bye (^_^)/

Makeup Play #5: Olive me!

Hello everyone!

I promised on my last Instagram post (see here) that I would post the details of the makeup look here on the blog. I've been struggling with both a carpal tunnel flare, and lovely allergies, so I apologize for the delay in posting. 

Anyways, enough random blabbering, and on we go to the makeup look.

Eyeshadow

For this look I used;

1. Juvia's Place Saharan II Eyeshadow Palette - Taza (bottom right), and Fez (Bottom left) were both used in the crease to add warmth to the look. Aziza (Second shade in Top Row) was used as my inner corner highlight.
   

   

   Juvia's Place Saharan II

2. Tartlette in Bloom Palette - Smartypants and Jetsetter, located in the second row (the first and second shades), were used as transition shades before using Fez and Taza from the Saharan II in the crease. Activist and Smokeshow were used in both the outer corner, and lower lashline, to smoke out the look.

   

   Tartlette in Bloom

3. MAC Sumptuous Olive Single Eyeshadow was used on the lid.

   

   MAC Sumptuous Olive

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Eyebrows and Mascara

   Revlon Colorstay Brow Pencil in Black
   City Color Cosmetics Brow Duo in Medium to Dark (discontinued) 😢
   CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara  in Black (Review Coming Soon)

   Face

   Foundation - L.A. Colors Truly Matte Foundation in Golden Beige (Full Review Coming Soon)
   Concealer - NYX Dark Circle Corrector in Medium 
   Powder - L.A. Colors Translucent Setting Powder 
   Blush and Contour - BH Cosmetics Contour and Blush 2

   Lips

   Sacha Intense Matte Lip Velvet in The "It" Color
   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
   We've come to the end of this post,and thank you so much for stopping by. I have some product reviews coming soon, as well as an update to my Sacha Lip Velvets post in the works as well. Is there a product or a post that you'd like to see? Feel free to leave a comment with a suggestion.
   Until next time, have a great week!
   Stay happy, healthy and positive, and I'll talk with you soon.
   Bye guys! (^_^)/
   
   

Empties: Makeup and Skincare

 Hello everyone!
Today's post is going to be an empties post, with mini reviews of the products I've used up.

Makeup Empties

 

L'Oreal True Match Foundation W6 Sun Beige- One of my go-to foundations. It's got a nice medium buildable coverage with a natural finish. My best colour match, and I often mix this in with foundations that are far too cool-toned (pink) for my skin. I tend to use this foundation on days when I don't want a full matte face. This product doesn't break me out or clog my pores. I always repurchase this foundation, and I already have one in backups draw.

Revlon Colorstay Brow Pencil (Soft Black) - This brow pencil has quickly become one of my absolute favourites. The formula is super creamy and pigmented, so a little product goes a long way. With light pressure, you're able to achieve hair like strokes, with increased pressure, you can obtain the perfect Instagram brows. The spoolie on the end combs the product through evenly. I genuinely enjoy using this product, and since repurchasing it, I've been using it every time I do my makeup.

Kleancolor Mellow Gel Eye Pencil (Indigo) - Pigmented, and creamy while it lasted. I was thoroughly enjoying this inexpensive eyeliner until the bottom of the pencil snapped off, and the product just dropped straight out 😞. Not going to repurchase!

Hair and Skin Care

Biore Charcoal Cleanser - Favourite face wash of all time. I've had less blackheads and breakouts since I started using this product. I tend to repurchase this whenever I get low, and recently I had a lot of difficulty finding this cleanser so I switched temporarily to Noxzema Cream Cleanser, which I've been enjoying but I can't wait to return to this cleanser. I may begin to rotate between the Noxzema and Biore as they're both inexpensive, and clean the skin well without over-drying. However, the Biore tends to keep breakouts at bay better than the Noxzema for me.

Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15 - Favourite moisturizer of all time. I started using this in 2016, and it's the only moisturizer I continually repurchase. It's light enough to be worn under makeup without breaking down the product, but still incredible moisturizing. My skin tethers between combination to extremely oily, and this just brings balance to my skin. I absolutely love this product.

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave In Cream -  I have chemically straightened,and dyed hair, and this leave in kept my hair hydrated and soft to the touch. It has UV shields that help prevent color fading, and lock in the moisture as well. This was my third bottle, and now I cannot find it to repurchase anywhere in Trinidad 😢😢. I have been without this now for 2 months, and my hair gets extremely dried out by the sun without it. I may have to switch to something new, but I don't know what to try. If I find it, I will definitely be stocking up.

QOTD: What is your favourite leave in conditioner or leave in cream? Feel free to leave a comment, because I would love to get your recommendations.

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

De-Clutter: Goodbye Lippies

Hello everyone! Welcome to a new de-clutter  post here on my blog.
I won't lie, this post took a very long time to get done because I found very difficult to part with a couple of these products. The main product focus of this de-clutter are lip products.

Lip Product De-Clutter

Lipsticks

Revlon Superlustrous in 525 Wine with Everything

Revlon Superlustrous in 740 Certainly Red

Limecrime Glamour 101

Limecrime Glamour 101 - Beautiful red lipstick. However, as it's gotten older, it has begun to dry out and it is very patchy when applied.I constantly have to build up the opacity,and it's just not worth the effort anymore. Won't be repurchasing.

Revlon Superlustrous in 740 Certainly Red - My favourite red lipstick. Creamy, pigmented, and just absolutely beautiful on the lips. It is a cream lipstick therefore it doesn't survive through eating and drinking, but I don't mind reapplying or touching up on the go with this. Definite repurchase.

Revlon Superlustrous in 525 Wine with Everything - Another beautiful lipstick. I really enjoy the cream formula of the Superlustrous lipsticks. For me, this is the perfect everyday lipstick. It packs a punch of colour without being jarring or overpowering. It's a wine lipstick that does not go into the deep, sultry or even vampy category of wine lipsticks.Definite repurchase.

Lipgloss

Back in early 2017, I did a yearly favourites for 2016, and it featured my Revlon Superlustrous lipgloss in Pink Pop. Sadly, Pink Pop and its sister Desert Spice, are being de-cluttered. The consistency of both glosses has changed dramatically, and the scent has gone off completely. The Superlustrous glosses however, have an amazing formula. They are high shine, and thick without being tacky, and they are very moisturizing. I may purchase a new gloss from this line, but since I don't wear lipglosses frequently, I'll hold off on making any definitive decisions. 

 Other

My final two lip products being de-cluttered. While I enjoyed them, I'm no longer interested  in wearing them. They both have great pigmentation, and feel very comfortable on my lips, but I just don't reach for them. I've had these on my chopping block for months, trying to convince myself to use them but I just have other products I'd rather use.

Parting is such sweet sorrow, especially when it comes to my red lipsticks. However, it's time for me to try new products, and I can't do that until I rid my collection of the unused, the expired, and/or the neglected.

My next post will be an empties post, and who knows maybe it'll drop next Sunday 😏😸
Until next time, stay happy,healthy and positive.
Bye (^_^)/

Product Review: L.A. Colors Browie Wowie Brow Pencil and Tinted Brow Gel

Happy 2018 everyone! Welcome back to J's Mind Palace!
I'm starting off this year of blogging with a review of a couple of eyebrow products that I've been using for the past couple of months. Typically, I tend to know whether or not I like an eyebrow product after 2-3 uses, however, I've been making an attempt to thoroughly use and test any products I purchase. It ensures that I'm not basing my opinion on a first impression, and that I've given myself enough time to try various means of applying the product in order to give my truest opinion.

Browie Wowie Brow Pencil - Black 

Honest opinion - This eyebrow pencil is nice. It is not my favourite eyebrow pencil but for the price, it works. I paid TT$18 for this product at Wonderful World, and I've been using it almost every time I do my makeup. The Browie Wowie is a dual ended pencil (product on one end, spoolie on the other), which has a triangular tip, which is seemingly becoming a popular trend among eyebrow pencils from both drugstore and high-end makeup brands. I am personally not a very big fan of this shape because I don't get the control and precision of a slimmer pencil. However, despite the shape of the product, it has a good balance of waxy to creamy texture (weirdest description I've ever given). That is to say, that the product provides a bit of hold to the brows, while not depositing intense amount of colour pigment onto the skin.
I am not a huge fan of the colour of this pencil. Most 'black' eyebrow pencils tend to be a blackened brown, while this is more of a charcoal grey, and it isn't extremely pigmented . I tend to prefer a blackened brown, as it matches my natural hair colour.
If you're looking for something to give you 'natural' eyebrows, this can work, however if you want intense, Instagram makeup looking eyebrows, then this definitely isn't for you.
I often use this pencil to map out the shape of my eyebrows, and then fill it in with my City Color Cosmetics Brow Duo in Medium to Dark (I wish City Color didn't discontinue this 😭) when I want a bolder brow, but for days when I just want a "natural" makeup day, I use the pencil alone with the Tinted Brow Gel in Dark Brown.

Using the Browie Wowie Brow Pencil (Black), and Browie Wowie Tinted Brow Gel (Dark Brown)

Browie Wowie Tinted Brow Gel- Dark Brown

Browie Wowies Tinted Brow Gel in Dark Brown

This Tinted Brow Gel at the time of purchase was TT$18, same as the brow pencil, and I love it! This is essentially tinted brow cement. Once you put this on, your eyebrow hairs are locked into place until you take off your makeup. The colour is a blackened brown which works perfectly with the pencil I use, as it adds some dimension to my eyebrows, and it doesn't look like a pure charcoal grey mess on my face. The brush on this product is tiny, and can grab brow hairs you didn't even realize you had. The only problem I have with this brow gel, is the fact that the tip of the brush/wand, holds onto a lot of product. 

Browie Wowie Tinted Brow Gel Brush/Wand

I tend to wipe off the excess product onto a tissue before running it through my brows, however, the amount of product wasted in the process is very annoying. Yes, it is an inexpensive product, but I genuinely dislike wasting product, especially a good product. 

Comparing this to my beloved NYX Tinted Brow Mascara, this wand on the Browie Wowie is a lot smaller, but the hold, colour and wear time are very similar. I would honestly just rotate the two of these in my collection, until I find something that puts them both to shame. 

What it boils down to...would I recommend these my friends? 

Browie Wowie Pencil - If you need an inexpensive brow pencils that comes in a variety of shades then sure. For the price, it is a good buy.

Browie Wowie Tinted Brow Gel - Yes! It's a great product and it is at a very reasonable price.

Below is the link to my review of the NYX Tinted Brow Mascara for those interested.

https://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/10/product-review-nyx-tinted-brow-mascara.html

Thank you all for stopping by the blog to day. Feel free to follow me on my Instagram (@ladyjpsych).
Also, what's your go to eyebrow product? I'd love to hear from you all.
Thanks again, have a wonderful week.
Bye guys (^_^)/

Product Review: L.A. Colors Sweet! 16 Eyeshadow Palette

Hey everyone!
I'm sorry for the delay in posting this review,but I've been experiencing bad carpal tunnel flares, and it has impaired my ability to type for long stretches of time.
While I'm still experiencing the pain, I wanted to get this post done.

Today,  I'll be sharing my thoughts on the L.A. Colors Sweet! 16 Eyeshadow Palette named Brave.

I've bought this palette approximately one month ago for $40TT at Wonderful World, and I've been using it almost every time I wear makeup. If you don't live in Trinidad and Tobago, this palette is available on the L.A. Colors website. I thoroughly enjoy using this palette. The shades are versatile for both everyday, simple,neutral looks,as well as dramatic, smokey looks. The matte shades are soft,and buttery, and they blend beautifully. The shimmer shades are good. They aren't intensely pigmented but are easy to build up on the eye.

My two (2) main problems with this palette are;
1. The two pink shades require a lot of work to build up the pigment
2. Some of the shades are very similar in colour (slight variations in undertone)

Swatches

Top Row - #1- #6

Middle Row - #7 - #12

Final Row - #13- #16

I wholeheartedly believe that swatches do not do this palette justice. It performs better on the eyes than it looks in swatches, and yes #13 barely shows up in a swatch but it makes a beautiful inner corner highlight, as well as a lovely subtle highlight on the face.

My previous post illustrated a look I created with this palette, and I will leave a link to it at the end of this post, however, I've decided to include some other looks I created with this palette.

 
I enjoy using this palette, and for the price, the quality of the eyeshadows is above par. This is quickly becoming my everyday eyeshadow palette. Would I recommend this to a friend? Yes, I will, and I already have. I think it'll make a great gift for anyone who likes makeup, or for someone who is just starting to use eyeshadows or makeup in general.

Thank you all for stopping by today! Have a wonderful week, and I will talk to you all very soon.
Bye! (^_^)/

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