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 (^_^)/

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 (^_^)/

My No-Makeup Makeup Look

Hello everyone!
If you follow me on Instagram, you would notice that I've been rocking some heavy makeup recently.
I've always been a bit of a minimalist when it comes to my makeup, so recently I've been stepping out of my neutral comfort zone, and been playing around with bolder colours, but I do have my days when I just don't feel like putting in all the effort to do my makeup.

For me, makeup application is usually the most fun, and even therapeutic part of my day, however, I've been extremely tired and run down, essentially burnt out, and it takes a lot out of me to pull off what to many may seem as a basic eyeshadow look.
On those days when I just don't have the energy or will to do a full face of makeup, but I still want to look awake, and pulled together, I turn to my go-to no-makeup makeup look. It is a quick and easy look to do, using some of my favourite drugstore products.

Left (Bare Face), Right (No Makeup-makeup look)

From the picture, the difference is as clear as day.

No-Makeup Makeup Look Requirements: These are my personal requirements, however, you can feel free to alter to your own needs.

• Filled in eyebrows (I wear glasses, so my brows tend to get lost behind my frames)
• Mascara (lifts my eyes, makes me look more awake)
• Evened out complexion 
• Dark circles lightly concealed
• Neutral lips ( usually matte, although I go for the occasional gloss)

Products Used:

• Face: L'Oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder Foundation (328 Sun Beige)
• Under Eyes: L.A. Girl Pro Conceal (Pure Beige) w/ Sacha Buttercup Loose Powder to set
• Eyebrows: Revlon Brow Fantasy in Dark Brown
• Mascara: Revlon Ultimate All-In-One Mascara (502 Black)
• Lips: NYX Cosmetics Soft Matte Lip Cream in London (SM04)  

Unless I've pre-planned a makeup look, this is my go-to look, and I absolutely love it.
This brings us to the end of this week's post, and I'm sorry that my posting is still a bit sporadic, but I'm truly trying to recover from burn out. I did have a scheduled post for last week but it did not come out the way I wanted so I chose no to upload it.

Anyways, I hope you all have a great weekend! Feel free to follow me on Instagram, and/or Pinterest (J's Mind Palace Blog).
Stay happy, healthy, and positive guys, and I will talk to you soon.
Bye (^_^)/

Links:
 L'Oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder Foundation 

Revlon Ultimate All-In-One Mascara:
 http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2016/02/product-review-revlon-ultimate-all-in.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

Product Review: NYX Tinted Brow Mascara

Hello everyone!
Welcome back to J's Mind Palace! I hope you all had a wonderful week, and are looking forward to the weekend. I have officially started my Postgraduate studies, and to be honest it is a bit overwhelming, but I am attempting to keep up my promise of posting every Friday for 2015.

For today's makeup product review, I will be talking about the NYX Cosmetics Tinted Brow Mascara in the shade Brunette. I picked mine up at Wonderful World here in sweet T and T (Trinidad and Tobago), for approximately $50-$60TT, however, if you live abroad you should be able to find it on NYX Cosmetics website.

NYX Tinted Brow Mascara in Brunette

 My eyebrow hair is black/brown, however, I currently have purple ombré hair, and I wear black, metal-framed glasses, so I don't like going too dark or too warm, where my eyebrow products are concerned. The shade Brunette is a beautiful ashy brown, which works well for me.

Claims: 
This specifically formulated gel adheres to skin and hair for filled, defined, and natural looking brows.

I've been using this product for approximately two weeks, I have to say I am very impressed, and that it does live up to its claim.

Before and After using the NYX Tinted Brow Mascara

Please forgive the slightly messy application, I applied the product right after I applied my Bio-Oil to my skin. P.S my skin isn't flawless, my phone camera was just being super nice today (@_@)

I don't have the greatest eyebrows naturally, I'm in the process of training them to grow, especially towards the tail because they are quite sparse, however, this Brow Mascara helps me to fake it until I get the growth I'm looking for. I've worn this product on some of the hottest days here in Trinidad, and it did not budge. It stood up through heat, humidity, and sweat, even afternoon naps without fading or smudging.

Eyebrows - NYX Tinted Brow Mascara, Lips - L.A. Girl Backstage

I really enjoy this product, and it is definitely going to become a go-to product for me especially since I'm now pursuing my Postgraduate studies, and I do have days where I need to look put together and professional, but I may not have the time engage in a full on brow routine. 

I highly recommend this product, especially for all my glasses wearing friends out there, who are scared of fulling their eyebrows because they clash with your frames, this NYX Tinted Brow Mascara will give you defined brows that stay in place all day, but without the drama and fear. 

I hope you enjoyed today's post, and thank you for stopping by today!

I hope you all have a wonderful day, and wonderful weekend. 

Have fun, stay safe!

As usual stay happy, healthy and positive, and I shall see all of you lovely people soon!

Bye (^_^)/

Nerd Favourites #2 (and A Few Makeup Faves too!)

Hello everybody!

Before getting into the bulk of the post, I just wanted to put some love and prayers for the victims of the Nepal Earthquake, the citizens of Baltimore, and any other individual who is going through a hard time and just needs some love and positivity. <3 
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It's been a long week but today is the start of a brand new month, and a new month means new opportunities and experiences awaiting you! (^_^)
I figured I'd start off the month of May with my Nerd Favourites!! It's been too long since I did one of these and I've been over the moon about a few nerdy/geeky things this past month so let's jump right in! Oh and I'm going to throw in a couple of makeup things cuz why not?! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Venom (2011)
OMG! This comic is amazing! The art is beautiful and gory! I personally am a huge fan of grit and gore, so characters like Venom and The Punisher have always been some of my absolute favourites. These characters aren't portrayed well in films, so I tend to stick more to comics to get the true thrill and the true nature of the characters without the PG-13 label attached.
This version of Venom does not follow Eddie Brock as Venom but instead a guy named Eugene "Flash" Thompson, a war veteran, who lost his legs while serving, is a recovering alcoholic and works for the government secretly as Agent Venom...and that's as much of the story I'm willing to give away. It truly is an amazing comic, so much so I've been stretching out reading it because I'm almost ot the end and it makes me sad. Alas, all good things must come to an end.
 
Gotham (NO SPOILERS!)
This show just keeps getting better and better...there are no words to truly express how much I adore the writing and the characters of this show. Oswald Cobblepot is still my MVP, but Edward Nygma & Selina Kyle are gunning for that #1 spot! If you don't watch Gotham, I highly recommend that you check it out. It is truly great to have a show that doesn't solely evolve around Bruce Wayne, and you get to see the development of some truly amazing characters that we know and love from the Batman world.  

Judge Dredd Superfiend (Bootleg Universe)
If you like Judge Dredd and grew up in the 90's watching The Ren and Stimpy Show, you're probably going to enjoy watching this animated bootleg series brought to you from producer Adi Shankar. The animated series is available for viewing on YouTube and it is so damn good. It's gory and twisted and was bootlegged off of Dredd 3D which Shankar himself produced. What's better than someone bootlegging themselves? Nothing! Go check it out, you won't be sorry. His YouTube channel is filled with great bootlegs including a Punisher bootleg called Dirty Laundry...\(^o^)/....singing to the heavens because that bootleg is what I expect from anything involving The Punisher, gore, blood and a lot more gore.

Now for any of my lovelies who aren't as big of fans of gore as I am, I'm sorry but now you have arrived at the safe place, where makeup will be discussed.
I don't have very many favourites this month because I recently purchased some products that are new to me, and I've been putting them to the test for the past week. If you follow me on Instagram you would have seen me haul some stuff, one of those products will be getting a full review of its own on the blog, and another I have already posted an instareview on, so you can head to my Instagram (@ladyjpsych) to check that out.

Mt first makeup favourite, is something I've own since late last year, I believed I hauled it in the early days of my blog, but I never got around to doing a review and that product is Rimmel London Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer in 230 Deep Ocean. It's a rich, deep blue retractable pencil liner, that is super softy and creamy but it doesn't budge. Whether you use it on your top eyelid with or without primer or on your waterline, it remains where you put until you take it off. I am planning on buying a few more colours because I have the hardest time finding an eyeliner that won't wear off on my waterline, so this pencil is a great, inexpensive find!

Rimmel London Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer - 230 Deep Ocean

Swatch of 230 Deep Ocean

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax
It's a clear wax chubby pencil that you use to hold your brows in place. It's just that simple. I usually use this on days when I just feel too lazy to do my brows, to keep them in place, since my eyebrows like to do there own damn thing. It also works great if you fill your brows in with a powder product because it creates a tacky surface for the powder to adhere to. 

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax & My Pained Fingernails XD

I have a few reviews heading your way soon, but I'm still currently working full time (temporarily) so I'm not sure if I'll be doing a review each week for May...or maybe I should. Maybe I should make May, my month of reviews? Hmmmmmmmmm......decisions, decisions.
Well, I hope you all have a lovely first day of May and a lovely weekend, and if I don't get a chance to say it to you on the day, I'll say it to you now.....May The Fourth Be With You!....  ^_^)
Love you guys, stay happy, healthy and positive and I shall see you all next Friday!
Bye! (^o^)/

Graduation 2014 : BSc. Psychology (Special) w/ Criminology Minor

Friday 24th October 2014 - My UWI Graduation Ceremony

Me!! XD

3 years have come and gone since I first entered The University of The West Indies BSc. Psychology (Special) programme and it was by far one the most stressful  but rewarding experiences of my life. A lot has happened in those 3 years, that helped me grow and become the person am I today. I've made some amazing new friends and reinforced some of my oldest friendships through it all. I'm so grateful for the support of all of my family and friends over the years and I will continue to pursue Psychology til the very end. Clinical Psychology Masters programme I look forward to you in September of 2015, until then....I need a job!

So now that sappiness is over with let's get onto the makeup! I kept the makeup and hair fairly simple, not because I overslept and was running behind time *facepalm* I had one job! 

shameless selfie!

Eyebrows - 

• Milani Powder Single Eyeshadow - Brownstone
• L.A Colors Mascara - Clear 

Eyes - 

• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
•  Beauty Treats 88 Professional Palette - Matte Soft Brown (Crease), Shimmery Light Golden Peach (Lid), Matte White (Under brow and Inner Corner)
• L'Oreal Infallible Lacquer Liner 24 hour- Blackest Black
• Avon Big and Daring Volume Mascara - Blackest Black

Face - 

• elf Mineral Face Primer 
• Milk of Magnesia (Mattifier)
• L'Oreal True Match Foundation - W7 Caramel Beige 
• Tres Belle Cosmetique Rice Powder 
• Avon Ideal Luminous Blush - Antique Rose

Lips - 

• Avon Ultra Luxury Lip liner - Rosebud 
• Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate (Red Packaging) - 107

In the next post I do I will post the pics of the specific products I used since they are all favourites from both the months of September and October. Until next time, stay positive, healthy and happy and I'll talk to you soon. 
Bye (^__^)/