De-clutter and Empties: The Return to the Mind Palace

Return to the Mind Palace! 

Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog!
This is the first time in over a year that I've actually sat down to post, and I feel excited to be working on the blog again. Honestly, due to how hectic things have been in the past year, I lost my zeal for blogging. I just could not bring myself to sit down and dedicate time to the blog because it felt like a chore, and I felt that my lack of enthusiasm and interest would reflect in anything I posted. 😓😞
After many months away from the blog, I started playing around with ideas to motivate me to return. I love my blog, I love makeup and beauty, but I felt as though nothing about my blog stood out enough for me to enjoy returning to regular posting so the break continued. After a conversation with some friends, it struck me, Mental Health. I'm a training psychologist who is passionate about talking about mental health and breaking down mental health stigma, why not do posts dedicated to Mental Health?! Slowly, behind the scenes, I begun to reconfigure the blog, and give it a bit of a face lift.
Thank you all for being so very patient with me, and I can't wait to get back to posting regularly. Now to the De-clutter!

De-clutter and Empties!

The De-Clutter Gang!

I love makeup, and like many makeup lovers I tend to keep some products around for far too long. If I love a specific product, I want to hold onto it for as long as possible (even if I don't use it frequently), and if I dislike a product, I still try to get my money's worth. However, there comes a time in a makeup lovers life where they just have to let go of the products that are just taking up valuable space in their collection.

Eyes

Starting with eye primer, and cream bases. I absolutely love the Milani Eyeshadow Primer. I already have a back up of this in my collection. Honestly my favourite eyeshadow primer that I've tried. 

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bold Gold, and Caramel Cool while they are great cream eyeshadows, I just don't use them. I've had these two for far too long, and it's time for them to go. While they are great products in terms of colour pigmentation, texture, and longevity, I do not think I'll be repurchasing them.

Shades: Oro (left), Pine Nut (right)

My original NYX cosmetics eyeshadows. They're both extremely old so they had to be de-cluttered but definitely some of the best eyeshadows I've owned, and I will miss them.

I typically get rid of mascaras regularly (between 3-6 months). Jordana Best Lash Extreme is still one of my favourites, and is a guaranteed repurchase. Rimmel Scandaleyes Retro Glam while it is a nice mascara, I find the brush to be a bit too large for my eyes but the large brush gives really lovely volume to the lashes. Will I repurchase? - Maybe not. I've got a couple of mascaras to try out, and this mascara wasn't one I was enthusiastic about.

Milani Eye Tech Extreme - possibly the only liquid eyeliner I use because it is easy to apply, and very pigmented. However, this time it started to apply very streaky and would end up smudging on the outer corner destroying my wing. I don't know if the one bought was just super old but it has me discouraged from repurchasing anytime soon.
Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal (Sparkling Black) - Didn't like it at all. The glitter takes away from the colour, so rather than sparkling black, you get a glittery grey that isn't waterproof at all and barely lasts on the eye. Not going to waste my money on this particualr shade, but I am willing to try their regular colours; brown, black, white, and nude.

Face

I did a full post on this and the Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation in Sun Beige (310). I do like this powder, however it started to get old, the texture was off and it was not buffing in seamlessly anymore. I am currently testing the new Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder (future post maybe?)

Lips

SMLC- Ibiza

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cremes are one of my favourite lip formulas. However, this colour just did not work for me. It was streaky when applied, and with the applicator I just could not make it work for me.

Nails

I don't remember the names of either of these nail polishes but they're old and goopy.

Makeup Remover

I love both of these so much. Maybelline Clean Express Makeup Remover has been discontinued or at least they are no longer stocked in Trinidad. One of the best makeup removers I've ever used.
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water is awesome. I typically use Micellar Water after removing my makeup with coconut oi to clear the skin of any remaining oil and makeup debris before I wash my face. I am currently using the L'Oreal Micellar Water and it is very similar so at the moment there is no need for me to repurchase.

Well folks, that's all I have for today. Thank you all so much for stopping by, I do hope you enjoyed!
I'm so happy to be posting again, and I can't wait for the next post. Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and positive!
Bye ^_^)/

J's Thoughts #2: Self-Care (Coping with Stress)

Hello everyone!

Today, I'm slowing it down a little. I've just completed one of the most strenuous and exhausting weeks of my Masters', and I just need to take it easy. I can honestly say I've never felt this exhausted before. I'm used to being physically tired or physically drained, but feeling mentally depleted is kind of new to me, at least depletion to such a high degree.

I'm used to be tired and yawning constantly, but falling asleep on myself, and mentally blanking out in classes and conversation...that's very new.
To be honest, I'm struggling to write this post, because I can't concentrate on what I want to say or the point I want to get across, but I feel so exhausted, I just want to curl up in bed and not leave for another 2 days.

I figured that there may be many persons like myself who need some help with figuring out some good stress-coping (self-care) tips, so I'm just going to put a short-list of things I think are great for coping with stress, and that I'm actually going to be doing this weekend.

Self-Care (Stress-Coping) List

1. Sleep - Sleep is essential for proper mental, emotional and physical functioning.  
2. Exercise - I may not look it, but I love to workout, and exercise is one of the best ways to reduce the levels of cortisol (stress hormone) in the body. Whether it is yoga, running, swimming or dancing, whatever you like to do to get active, do it!
• P.S remember to remain hydrated
3. Spa Day - Whether you choose to do it at home or go to a spa, spending some time to pamper yourself, is a great way to deal with stress. I personally prefer at home spa days, where I treat myself to a face mask, and/or do my nails, it is just a great way to unwind. Also, add some scented candles and some instrumental music...hello relaxation haven!
4. Indulge in a hobby (Reading and Video Games)  - Hobbies are one of the best ways to reduce stress. It wouldn't be a hobby if you didn't enjoy doing it. Whatever your hobby is, set some time aside and just indulge yourself, it works wonders. Baking is one of my favourite hobbies, so I will be making some time to make some yummy baked goods this weekend.
• Reading - Yes, reading. Novels, comics, graphic novels, anything besides your textbooks or work notes or newspaper. Leisure reading is a great way to unwind.
• Video Games - Yes, video games! You didn't think I would forget about my beloved video games. Hearthstone, Sims 3, I'm coming back for this weekend...(T_T). Seriously, playing video games is one of my favourite ways to cope with stress, just being able to leave reality behind for a few hours, helps me. 
5. Music - Listening to music is always a great, and easy way to decompress and relax. If you love singing, sing your heart out!

*At this point, I've curled up at my desk about 10 in the past hour of writing this post*

As I end this post, I just really want to drive home the importance of de-stressing or relaxing, because it is essential. I know many of us would prefer to just keeping going, but no good comes from burning yourself out.  I am, myself learning how to relax. I'm so used to just pushing myself, that I forget to treat myself human sometimes...

I hope you all have a lovely weekend, take care of yourselves, and I hope to see you here again next Friday.
Bye guys!
(^_^)/

J's Thoughts #1- Chit Chatting about Feeling Down

Hello everyone,

I know for the past month, I've been throwing out product reviews and I even revived my Game Corner Series, which was mega fun for me, however, it's been a while since I just wrote about myself and how I've been doing, so I figured that today I would do that.
I had planned to do a skin care blog post to talk about some new products I've introduced to my routine, but I just have no drive to make that post today.

Today for the first time in approximately a month, I have no drive or excitement to post or write or even to play a video game. I told one of my friends earlier this week that I just feel so exhausted by everything, but today is definitely the worse day of them all. I posted some swatches on my Instagram today, only to delete it an hour later, simply because I didn't feel excited about my post. I'm usually really excited to post my swatches, or pictures of my dogs and random selfies, but today, I just feel meh.

You're probably wondering why I've decided to share this on my blog?

Well the answer is simple, I know I am not the only person who falls into these slums. Also, as a person who is planning on becoming a Psychologist, it's important for me to acknowledge these moods, and negative emotions, and find means to adapt or just simply relax and let them run their course.

I've spent so much of my life hiding behind a fake smile, try not to acknowledge my feelings, that only now I've come to realize, I'm not always going to be happy or optimistic, I'm going to have days, hell even weeks where I just feel run down, sad, and unenthusiastic.

I just need to remind myself, like I am reminding you, better days are coming. Even if it doesn't feel that way, hold on little one because they are. These feelings and moods won't last forever, and you just need to take baby steps to get your groove back.

I know this isn't in the usual nature of my blog, but this is not just my space for sharing my favourite games, makeup and beauty items, but it's also a place for me to place what's on my mind, it is my Mind Palace!

I'll return to my normal postings next week, but for now, I need to rest. I know this post is a bit of a downer but everyone experience lows in their life, I'm just choosing to share my with the world.
Until I see you lovely people again next week, stay safe.
Bye guys (^-^)

Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation and Powder Review

Hello doves, I'm still very ill hence why this post is a little bit later than usual. My sinuses are congested, tonsils are painfully inflamed and I have really bad muscle aches, but I am going to fight through it to get this post up. It's going to be a concise post because I really need to get some rest. It's been over a week, and I'm feeling worse now than when I first got this cold.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation 310 Sun Beige

Holy crap, I love this stuff! My only wish is that it came with a pump. This shade matches me perfectly. If you need a reference I'm a W7 in L'Oreal True Match and NC44 in MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation. I've used this foundation with and without a primer for a week, ( I haven't worn makeup since I got sick...yikes!) and I have to say this foundation is awesome.

Firstly, it has a beautiful consistency, it's isn't overly thick but it is not at all watery. It's creamy and super lightweight and it blends like an absolute dream. I use my Real Techniques Expert Face brush, and buff the foundation into my skin. Super quick and easy.

The second thing I absolutely love about this foundation is the finish. The finish is not at all heavy or cake-y, your skin just looks demi-matte and naturally flawless. My makeup area is directly next to a window, so I usually use a mix of natural light  and artificial light to apply my makeup, so I can usually see off the bat if my foundation is looking heavy, and it never has.

Third, this foundation does indeed leave you looking poreless. I personally, have a lot of open pores on my cheeks and around my nose, but with this foundation, you can't tell and that makes me quite happy.

Finally, this foundation, does a pretty good job at keeping me matte. I have to blot a lot less with this particular foundation than usual. I usually have to blot every 2 hours, but with this I can get away for 4-5 hours straight without needing to blot (if used with powder), or 3-4 hours without blotting if used on it's own.

In conjunction with the Maybelline Matte and Poreless Powder, also in shade 310 Sun Beige, the longevity and oil control ability is really great.

Maybelline Matte and Poreless Powder 310 Sun Beige

N.B. I've rocked the powder sans foundation with just a bit of primer underneath, and the coverage is light/medium which is impressive for a pressed powder. It does a great job of controlling oil and evening the complexion.

I wore both to Ani-Market 2015 that took place here in Trinidad, and goodness me did this foundation hold out. I applied it at 8 am, I got wet in rain, got sweaty thanks to high humidity, spent hours walking around the convention with my friends, blotted once during lunch at 1pm, snapped a selfie with one of my best friends close to 3pm, and this is what my skin looked liked (I'm the one with the purple hair)...

Selfie @ Ani-Market 2015 with my Best Friend ChenChen

It's absolute craziness!

In the end, I absolutely love this foundation, before I tried it, I was on the fence about purchasing it, but I'm really happy that I did. It's about $60-$70TT which is cheaper than my beloved L'Oreal foundations, so I am positive that this will be a staple in my makeup collection.

This concludes this week's blog post, I'm going to go lie down and listen to some music and continue fighting this beast of a cold. I hope you all have a great weekend. Ramadan Mubarak to all of my Muslim readers, keep safe during this time. To all of my US readers, have a great 4th of July weekend, keep safe.

Question: If I were to get my hands on the L.A. Girl Nude Eyeshadow Palette, would you prefer to see a review with swatches, or a few looks and review? Comments are welcomed here.

Feel free to follow me on Instagram (@ladyjpsych) I post stuff there, and my Pinterest (J's Mind Palace). I also have a Tumblr under the same name, where I reblog all of the weird/nerdy/psych related things.
I hope everyone keeps safe, and stay happy, healthy and positive and I shall talk to you all very soon!
Bye (^_^)/

Mascara Triple Threat Battle: L'Oréal Butterfly vs. Maybelline The Rocket vs. Maybelline Lash Sensational

Hello everybody, welcome back to my blog. This week, I'm going to be reviewing not one, but three mascaras. Now I know I've mentioned the L'Oréal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara in previous blog post, but I was getting a bit bored of it so I decided to try a couple other mascara both from Maybelline, and do a comparison of them and try to figure out which one I like the most. So enough rambling, let's get on with the battle!

L'Oréal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara
Undoubtedly a favourite of mine, I've mentioned in multiple posts including favorites and it is my golden standard for mascara. It lengthens and voluminizes the lashes without clumping, smudging or flaking. It's one of the best mascaras I've ever used and it is a staple in my collection. 

Lash-Out Butterfly Mascara in Blackest Black

Maybelline The Rocket Volume Express Mascara

This mascara has had a lot of hype and raving reviews since it first launched, but I was quite skeptical about it so I never tried it out until two weeks ago, and man, do I regret not trying it out earlier. The volume and definition this mascara gives the lashes is crazy. It gives me a more dramatic look than the L'Oreal Butterfly and Miss Manga Mascaras ever did. I have to give credit to the wand on this mascara, it's a rubber want with small bristles that get to ever single lash, including the ones I didn't even know I had. The formula is a bit wet, even after being opened for two weeks, but it doesn't cause my eye lashes to droop throughout the day, it's practically weightless. Another major plus for this mascara is the fact that it does not give me crunchy, brittle eyelashes. I'm definitely going to be repurchasing this mascara, it is indeed now a must have for me!

The Rocket Volume Express by Maybelline

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara (Waterproof)

I accidentally picked up this mascara in the waterproof formula, and I will admit I'm not the biggest fan of waterproof mascara, because the leave my lashes feeling crunchy and brittle, however, I got so excited when I finally found it, I didn't realise it was the waterproof formula but I figured I'd still give it a fair chance. Unfortunately, despite being waterproof, I experienced some smudging and flaking with this mascara, which usually never happens when I wear waterproof mascaras. Neither the Voluminous Butterfly nor The Rocket have smudged on me and they aren't waterproof, so I don't know why that smudging occurred. 

Another thing I've noticed, despite this mascara having an identical want to the Voluminous Butterfly Mascara, the Lash Sensational gives the lashes a very natural and defined look, it's not very sensational at all in my opinion. It's a good mascara if you aren't looking for a dramatic lash look, or if you in a rush and just want to pop on some mascara without your lashes looking like you're wearing a lot of product. Honestly, with a name like Lash Sensational, I was expecting sensational lashes, but all I got was a natural and defined lashes. I will continue to use it, but I highly doubt I will be repurchasing this mascara. 

Lash Sensational Mascara by Maybelline

Winner!: Mayybelline The Rocket Mascara!!!

I was completely blown off my feet with the impact this mascara has on my lashes and I will continue to purchase it. As much as I love my Voluminous Butterfly Mascara, The Rocket amplifies my lashes, truly intensifying the drama.

 

I thought about doing this post last night, which is why it's so late (if you're reading this on Friday). I had to wait until I got home from work to complete this post, so thank you all for being patient. Next week's post will be on time (hopefully). Thank you all for all of the support, stay clued to my Instagram (@ladyjpsych), where I'll be posting another IntsaReview during the week and maybe a few more selfies.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend and great upcoming week, stay happy, healthy and positive and I shall see you soon! 

Bye-bye (^_^)/

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 (^_^)/

What's Up #6: Rough Week

Hey guys, today's post is going to be very different. I've had a whirlwind of a week this week, and it's left me with no gusto to play around with products, or to even come up with an idea for a blog post this week. I'm not going to go into what happened, but I know that there may be others going through a rough time and just need to know that they're not alone.

If you're having a rough day or a rough week or month;

1. You have every right to feel those emotions, it's okay to feel sad or angry, holding in emotions, burying emotions damages your emotional and mental health.
2. DO NOT let anyone make you feel guilty for feeling sad or for crying. It's healthy to express negative emotions
3. Take some time to yourself. If it makes holding up in your room watching old, funny YouTube videos or re-watching an childhood favourite series, then do it. Invest some time in yourself, doing something you know you enjoy, to give yourself a boost of positivity. 
4. Please do not turn to self harm or self loathing
5. If you have someone close to you who you trust, talk about it. Sometimes, talking about a problem with a trusted friend really does help to lift some of the weight off of your shoulders.

Also, if you haven't heard any of these recently,

1. You're amazing.
2.  You're loved.
3. You're beautiful, and don't ever forget that.
4. You are worth more than you can imagine. 
5. I believe in you.

I think this is where I'll leave things off for this week. I shall see you all next week.
Love you all!
Bye (^_^)/

What's Up #5: Rambley, Slightly Ranty, Just Keppin it Real

Today is the day I ramble! Well technically, tonight is the night I ramble, I spent most of the day hunting down information for my research proposal for my application for my Masters' program and I've gotten nowhere. What country doesn't research depression and suicide within their own population? Two days of searching for resources and I have found no local statistics...(-__-)" FAIL!
Sometimes I feel as though I'll end up going crazy because I chose the path of psychology and for research I always seem to choose the one area that has the least amount of local and regional research, so that should be a fun thesis to do. 

How has everyone been? I know I'll probably never get a response to that question but hey it's polite to ask. It's been a pretty gnarly week for me. I finally got around to applying for my MPhil in Psychology (hoping and praying I get accepted) but I still have some things to finish for my application before I start reaching for that. The university that I'm applying to here, University of the West Indies, has been in the news as of late. Seems that the professors haven't been given their back-pay so they're withholding students grades, during the registration period, and as I type this classes for those students start on Monday. Fail!

I know my blog is usually a space filled with positivity and happiness but I can't lie when I say that this week, I really wasn't feeling the happiness and positivity. From the terrorists attacks in Paris, to the massacre in Nigeria by the Boko Haram and let's not mention in Trinidad the murder toll is at 18 I believe...Happy New Year I think not! (Rest in Peace to all the victims of these tragedies.)

Sometimes I wonder, what goes through the mind of a person who can willing kill another but then again do I really want to know? It's questions like this that plague me, especially since my end goal is to become a Forensic Psychologist. I'm going to at some point in time interact with killers, kidnappers, rapists even pedophiles, and despite the fact that I am curious as to what goes on in these individual's minds, I'm terrified as to what I would discover. 
Sometime I wonder whether or not I'm mentally strong enough to handle becoming a psychologist and I hate doubting my abilities and my strength but at the end of the day I have to otherwise what's the point of continuing along this path if I'm unable to deal with the responsibilities that it presents me. It's all about baby step I guess, growing a little bit stronger and a little bit more confident everyday. It's about not giving up and remembering why I chose this path in the first place.

I'm not usually one to put my self doubt out in the open, but this felt good. I've always buried all my negative feelings until I implode but putting them out in the open, takes a small amount of weight off. I'm going to try and not make it a happen of putting out my fears and doubts on here because I really do want this to be a place of positivity, but I think a post like this makes me a feel a little more human. It's strange to say, but yeah that's how I feel. 

What's Up #3 : Lil Update

What's up everyone?

It's been over a week since my last post...the World Cup withdrawal is real :'(.
However, it doesn't mean the football drama is over. Both Philipp Lahm and Steven Gerrard announced their retirement from international football </3. Transfer season has been hot with new signings every other day and the rumour mill running overtime. This upcoming season is going to be worth the wait.

Now for some updatey, type things:

1.  I did my last exam as an Undergrad student on the 14th, yay me! Feels odd saying that I completed my degree, 3 years over and done with in the blink of an eye. Now I get to start job hunting :/ , although I've been thinking of doing some makeup/cosmetology courses even some baking/pastry courses since I'm taking a year off before doing my Masters. I still have some decisions to make pertaining to doing my Masters, so I didn't apply immediately for the new semester.
2. I dyed my hair. I've been rocking a deep burgundy colour for a while now and decided that I wanted a change, so I dyed it purple. Yep, purple. It's dark so without sunlight you can barely tell that it's even there which I really enjoy. It's been very gloomy these days in Trinidad (what do I expect it's the bloody rainy season here) so it's been hard to get a good pic of my hair colour but once I do, I'm sure I'll put it up on my Instagram. *Link to my Instagram and other social media things are to the right if you want to follow me ;)
3. Caught a bit of a cold, so I've been under the weather for the past couple of days. I was supposed to post up a small haul this past Sunday but since I haven't been well, I've just been taking it easy, training and breeding my Pokémon (Yes, I play Pokémon!)

I will post my mini haul later on in the week, hopefully by Friday I should post it up. I have a butt ton of blog post ideas that I need to get working on. 

Anywhosie, that's all for this lil update post, I hope you all are happy, healthy and safe. Remember to stay positive and I'll talk to you all soon.
Bye :)