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

Product Review: Sacha Cosmetics Mattifier Face Primer

Hello everyone!

Today, I'm doing a very quick run down of the Sacha Cosmetics Mattifier Face Primer. I purchased this, along with the Sacha Buttercup Powder approximately a month ago, and I've been putting both to the test, however, I shall be reviewing them separately for the sake of time. (Basically, I have assignments due, and mid terms coming up so I need to get to work!)
DISCLAIMER: I am in no way affiliated with Sacha Cosmetics. All products are purchased by myself .

Product/Packaging:

Sacha Cosmetics Mattifier Face Primer

• It is a simple and sleek, matte black squeeze tube packaging. Nothing incredibly fancy.

Product Swatch: Sacha Mattifier Face Primer

• The product itself is a white cream, that blends out and instantly mattifies the skin. It does not leave behind any residue, nor does it leave the skin looking white or ghastly pale. 

Claims:

• Lightweight
• Absorbs Excess Oils
• Smooths the skin 
• Reduces appearance of Fine Lines and Pores
• Dries invisible  

Price:

• This varies depending on where you purchase it. If you live in Trinidad, there are multiple Sacha Cosmetics Image Centres throughout the country where you can find this product. I purchased mine at Pennywise in Trincity Mall, and costed within the range of $32-$50 ( I lost my receipt...sorry)
• If you don't live in Trinidad, you should be able to find the product online at Sacha's website for USD$20.

My Thoughts:

After using this product for 3 weeks consistently, I have to say whether I use it alone, or in conjunction with my e.l.f Mineral Face Primer, this Sacha Mattifier really does mattify. It lives up to all of it's claims, especially when it comes to reducing the appearance of pores, and smoothing out the skin. My foundations glide onto the skin and blend a lot easier. I do still have to blot throughout the day, but not as frequently as I usually have to. I tend to have to blot every 2 hours on the dot, but with this I can go 3-4 hours without the need to blot., and when I do blot, I only have to use half or 1 blotting paper as opposed to my usual 2. Yes, I normally go through 2 blotting papers every 2 hours when I'm either not wearing any makeup, or I wear makeup sans mattifier.

Wearing the Sacha Mattifier beneath my foundation. I'm a bit shiny after 5 hours w/o blotting.

Conclusion:
 
For a Caribbean girl like me, this mattifier is a great investment. We don't have easy access to many of the international brands mattifying products, and once we do find an option, it usually costs a lot more than its worth.
If you're in the market for a mattifier that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, you could consider this one, or if you want another alternative, Milk of Magnesia is a great mattifier, however, it can clog your pores if you use it everyday.
 
 I hope you all enjoyed today's post, and I also hope you have a great weekend. I have a very busy weekend, and week coming up, however, I will attempt to have a post up on Friday as per usual. Thank you all so much for stopping by J's Mind Palace, and I hope to see you all again very soon.
Stay happy, healthy and positive!
Bye! (^_^)/

Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro Primer Review

Hello everyone!

I've had a very emotional week this week, and initially wasn't planning to post today. However, I decided that since I was near the end of my Rimmel Fix & Perfect Primer, that I would a short and quick review for you all.

Before I get started, I just wanted to say thank you so much for 800 views on my blog. I'm very grateful for all your support ^w^.

Rimmel Fix & Perfect Primer 

Rimmel London Fix & Perfect Pro Primer 002

Product Claims:

1. Smoothes
2. Resurfaces
3. Brightens
4. Mattifies
5. Protects
6. Prolongs foundation wear 

For me, the first two claims go hand in hand. This product does smooth and even out the skin's texture. I have enlarged pores on my cheeks, and although they are still noticeable when I use the primer, my skin feels super smooth, and my foundations glide on easily, and my enlarged pores are not as noticeable once the foundation is applied.

I haven't really noticed any brightening effects with this primer so the third claim, I'm just going to cross out. However, this primer does mattify the skin once applied, and depending on the climate you live it, it just might keep you matte for half the day or even all day. For me, I usually have to blot after 3 hours of initial application, but then again oily/combo skin, in the Caribbean, it's to be expected.

Finally, the claim that it protects is slightly vague. I will say that I haven't broken out while using this primer, and I've not noticed any clogged pores. If the claim protects means it protects the skin from whatever you apply on top of it (which all primers basically do by creating a barrier between your skin care products and makeup), then yes it does the job.

Product and Texture:

This product is a white, lotion type primer that dries down clear. It has a very strong fragrance, but it wanes after being applied. The scent reminds me of baby lotion, so if you can't stand heavy fragrances, I'll recommend trying another primer.

Swatches of Fix & Perfect Primer by Rimmel

Conclusion:
I got so wrapped up in using this primer since I purchased it, that it became an everyday staple. This definitely a product that I will buy again. I will however have to add a mattifer on top just to have added oil control, but even without a dedicated mattifier, I really do enjoy this primer. I still can't believe I didn't notice earlier how much I enjoyed this primer, and I'm sad that it's almost finished. If you are in the market for a good drugstore primer, although the e.l.f Mineral Face Primer is my hands down favourite, Rimmel Fix & Perfect comes it very closely in second place. 

Thank you all for visiting my blog once again, I hope you all enjoyed. Next week I am hoping to do a skin care routine post *fingers crossed*
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and I shall talk to you again very soon. Stay happy, positive and healthy, until next time....
Bye guys (^_^)/

DIY Mattifying Face Primer

Hello sweeties, (gotta get a Doctor Who reference in), I teased about this in my last post, so here it is, a DIY face primer that works (for me at least).

Disclaimer: I didn't not develop this recipe, I found it on Pinterest, and I have a link to my Pinterest to the right.

Link to source post: 

http://m.instructables.com/id/DIY-Starter-Makeup-Kit-and-More/step3/Primers-Toners-and-Setting-Spray/

I was searching Pinterest for ideas of homemade mattifying primers, because my oily skin has just been out of control lately, (yay hormones)( "-_-), and I came across a very simple recipe using milk of magnesia. 

I've personally have been using milk of magnesia as a mattifier but only for special occasions because it tends to clog the pores. 

The recipes requires a spray bottle, water, milk of magnesia and rose water (optional). 

Milk Of Magnesia

Distilled Water

Depending on how oily your skin is, you can tweak the recipe, however I used equal parts of water and milk of magnesia (1/2 cup each) and 2 tbps rose water. Pour into the spray bottle, give it a good shake and voila! 

Having it in a spray bottle makes application a breeze but I still recommend patting it in with a sponge to ensure that it gets distributed evenly on the skin. 

I've been using this in conjunction with my e.l.f Mineral Face Primer and my L'Oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder foundation and it makes my skin look naturally flawless (which it isn't). It doesn't clog my pores and my level of oiliness isn't as ridiculous as it normally is...yay! 

This is a quick and easy DIY, and it makes me want to try out some more finds from Pinterest.
Until next week, stay happy, healthy and positive!
Bye (^_^)/

Update: Work and Makeup.

Hey lovelies, it's been a minute. 

Working temporarily in research is exhausting. I have done nothing but work and sleep for the past two weeks. I haven't touched a video game nor have I experimented with makeup. It's been primer, foundation, mascara and lip stain for the past two weeks. 

Insert random at work selfie:

Primer: elf Mineral Face Primer/ Prestige Primed and Ready + D.I.Y mattifying primer

Foundation: L'Oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder Foundation (328 Sun Beige)

Mascara: L'Oreal Miss Manga 

Lip Stain: NYX Simply Nude Lip Cream (SN06 Sable)

I have been playing around with some  D. I. Y's that I will definitely do a post on next week! Get pumped! 

I think next week I'll break out my Smashbox Full Exposure Pallette and try some different looks? Should I take pictures or try a pictorial? So many questions...

Random Pokemon News: I got a shiny Reshiram!!!!!! Best GTS trade ever! 

Anywho, I think this is all for this week. Have a great weekend guys and I'll see you next week. Stay happy, healthy and positive! 

Bye (^_^)/

Makeup Battle Royale: Face Primer Edition - e.l.f Mineral Face Primer vs. Prestige Primed and Ready Face Primer

We about to showdown!!

Hey guys, today we will be having another battle royale. If you are new to the blog, hello there, it's nice to meet you! Basically this is were I compare two products, from two different brands and tell you which I prefer of the two. This is my second battle royal the first was about 'drugstore' eyeliner pens,which can be found in my blog archives. 
 Let's get ready to rumble! 

The e.l.f Mineral Face Primer became my favourite face primer late last year, but I kept wondering if I can find something a bit better. Don't get me wrong for an affordable face primer it works amazing well, but since I started my blog, I've felt more incline to test out new things, rather than just sticking with my ride or dies. So for my birthday in December, I went on a little makeup purchasing spree and picked up the Prestige Primed and Ready Face Primer (which came with a free sample size Primed and Ready Eye Primer, that will be reviewed in a future post).
                                                          

Packaging: 
I prefer the packaging of the e.l.f mineral primer over the Prestige. The e.l.f primer comes in a frosted glass bottle while the Prestige's is a hard plastic. The e.l.f primer just looks a lot more expensive and almost higher end, compared to the Prestige. 
The nozzle of the e.l.f primer is slightly wider than the Prestige, so you can get the perfect amount of product with just one pump, whereas the Prestige, one pump isn't enough but two is far too much product.

Cost: 
e.l.f Mineral Face Primer - TT$50-60 
Prestige Primed and Ready - TT$65-70

Prestige (Creamy White) on the Left, elf(transparent) on the Right

Product: 

The Prestige Primer comes out as a creamy white liquid, while the e.l.f is completely clear. They have a similar consistency, both have silicone feel to them and they both blend in smoothly, evening out the complexion.

Effect on the skin: 

e.l.f primer : 

• Blurs pores and any fine lines on the skin
• Keeps skin matte, controls oils well 
• Helps foundation to blend smoothly and evenly 

Prestige Primer: 

• Blurs pores
• Creates a smooth and flawless canvas
• Helps foundations blend in smoothly  

As you probably noticed I didn't mention anything about the Prestige primer it's oil control ability, and that's simply because I still get extremely oily when I wear this primer. Unlike the e.l.f primer which tends to keep my oils at bay for 3-4 hours after application, the Prestige primer only controls my oils for 1-2 hours at most, which sucks! I absolutely love the way my skin looks and feels after applying the Prestige primed and ready but the fact that I still get extremely oily when I wear it, makes me reach for it less than the e.l.f Mineral primer.

However, despite the lack of oil control, I still truly like the Prestige primer and I think for dry to normal skin types, it will be awesome. I will continue to use it but I will have to pair it with a mattifier. 

Results:

Who wins this face primer battle royale?!!!!

e.l.f Mineral Face Primer!!! Go one with your bad self! 

This truly has become my favourite face primer I have ever tried and I will continue to repurchase it. If you're in the market for a face primer but don't want to spend a lot of cash give the e.l.f primer a try. 

That's all from me for now. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and a great upcoming week. I can't believe January is finished already (O_O). As usual stay happy, positive and healthy and I will see you Next Friday.