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 Empties: Skincare and Makeup

Hello and welcome everyone!

Today is a quick post about products I've used up, or am about to completely finish, and give you a small update on the products, if I've reviewed them before.

Skincare:

1. Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub - This scrub is the purest definition of non-abrasive exfoliant. It is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin, as it does not irritate the skin, nor does it have any fragrance or perfume. However, for my skin, it was far too gentle. I have oily/combination skin, and sometimes my skin needs something with a bit more grit to it. Lately, my skin has been tumultuous and this scrub did not cut it. At the moment, I'm back to using Freeman's Charcoal & Black Sugar Polishing Mask, which I adore. Although this scrub is nice, it isn't a favourite, and sadly this is one Simple product I will not be repurchasing.
   
2. Bio-Oil - I already have a back-up bottle of this stuff. I really love Bio-Oil. It has helped with my hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone greatly. This product is amazing. 

Makeup:

1. Revlon Brow Fantasy in Dark Brown - I know you're probably looking at the picture and saying that it is not nearly used up, however, the brow gel has begun to dry out, and the pencil is now merely a stub. This is my usual everyday, go-to product, but I do want to try something different for a bit. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would. It is a great two-in-one product to have especially if you're always on the go, and need to do your brows in a pinch.
   
2. Urban Decay Primer Potion (Original) - A fresh tube of UDPP is an amazing experience. Perfectly smooth application, that allows for creaseless eyeshadow wear all day.
   An old tube of UDPP is a wreck. I found that the product itself did not apply well to my eye region, my eyeshadows ended up creasing within a couple of hours of wear. I already have a second un-opened UDPP that was gifted to me by a friend, which I will hold onto, because I've really been enjoying my Milani Eyeshadow Primer. Although the UDPP is great, the Milani Primer does the same job, maybe even better job, and is a fraction of the price. Sorry UDPP, you've been benched!
   
3. L'Oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder Makeup (328 Sun Beige) - It took so long to finish using this foundation, because a little goes a long way. I love the finish and the weightless feel of this foundation. In recent months, Trinidad's temperature has been hitting some staggering highs, and this foundation never completely broke down. My oils would break through the foundation, but rarely did I ever notice the product disappearing from my face. In the extreme heat, it held its ground. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would but only if the price drops at my local stores. TT$100 really??? L'Oreal True Match and Maybelline Matte and Poreless are both less expensive, and I absolutely love them, and I would quicker repurchase them. 

 See, a super quick and simple post. My internet has been dropping all day, hence the super late post. Nonetheless, thank you all so much for stopping by this crazy place known as J's Mind Palace. I'm J, and I hope you all enjoy your weekend!

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: Revlon Ultimate All in One Mascara

Hello everyone!

For this past week, I've been testing out the new Revlon Ultimate All in One Mascara.

Revlon Ultimate All-In-One Mascara in 502 Black

Product Claims: 

• High impact formula delivers the Ultimate 5 in 1 benefits:
• Volume
• Length
• Definition
• Lift
• Rich, intense color

This product also has an uber tiny mascara wand, referred to as the Revlon Power Mini Brush, made for easy application.

Revlon Power Mini Brush...it's so tiny!

Now, I'm picky when it comes to mascaras. I want volume, lift and intense colour, which are 3 things this mascara claims to give, so I decided why not give it a shot...although it costs TT$61.
For the price point alone, I was praying this wasn't gimmicky.

This mascara is hands down one of the best mascaras I've ever used. It volumises and lifts my lashes like something out of a dream. It lengthens and gives great definition to each individual eyelash, and it is intensely pigmented. I didn't experience any flaking or smudging with this product. It didn't smear or run on the days my eyes were watery.

Hello Eyelashes, Nice to see you! Only one coat of mascara.

The power of this mascara comes down to the brush. Revlon knew what they were doing with this little guy. It picks up every little eyelash, and coats them with product, making them visibly longer, fuller, and darker than they actually are. My friends were actually able to see my eyelashes, and complimented them, which was a definite first, and I've already started throwing recommendations out for this mascara.

This mascara has gone from testing, to everyday must have. I am officially in love with this mascara, and I'm probably going to be testing out the others in this range. I already have the Ultra Volume Mascara (pink cap) from Revlon, that I will be trying out next month.

Revlon has been killing it with some of their new releases lately. I wasn't supposed to post this this week, however, I just love it so much I had to make a post about it.

Feel free to let me know your favourite mascara at the moment in the comments.

I hope you all have a great weekend!
Stay happy, healthy, and positive, and I shall see you all again next Saturday!
Bye guys!
(^_^)/

Review: Revlon Ultra HD Matte LipColor

Hey everyone! Welcome back!

Today, I'm doing a quickie review on the Revlon Ultra HD Matte Liquid LipColor. 

I have this in the shade Passion, which is a beautiful red. Prior to purchasing this, I saw a lot of mixed reviews on this particular product, and was very apprehensive when purchasing mine. However, since purchasing this, I've worn it for almost 2 weeks straight. I've been out of the habit of wearing red lips, but this product made me fall back in love with red lips.

Revlon Ultra HD Matte LipColor in Passion

The consistency of this product is perfect, it isn't pure liquid, nor is it too creamy. If I had to give a specific texture, it'll be almost gel like. It glides onto the lips easily, and I haven't been a victim of it bleeding or moving outside of my lip line. It takes a long time to completely dry down, which is a bit of a hassle, however, a quick blot with a tissue and you're good to go. I ritually blot my lips when it comes to any lipstick, cream or liquid, just to ensure it doesn't get onto my teeth, so this step didn't bother me, nor did it impact my opinion on this product. 

The applicator on this liquid LipColor is divine. It is small, and triangular making application a breeze.

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Applicator

 

My only problem with this product is the scent. It smells like cherry cough syrup. I guess it fits with the colour of the product but I could do without the strong fragrance.

Swach of Ultra HD Matte LipColor in Passion

I've truly been enjoying using this product, despite the strong fragrance, however, I know many people wouldn't consider this to be a true liquid lipstick, since it doesn't dry down to a full matte finish in a short period of time. It does manage to last through eating and drinking, and wears comfortably and beautifully throughout the day. It is small enough to fit in your pocket, so it is great for me whenever I want a punch of colour on the go. 

I would personally recommend this to my friends, but only this shade since I am yet to try others from the line.

I'm sorry about the short review, however, I have a lot of stuff going on personally right now, and my time is very divided.
This may be my last post of the next two weeks, depending on how things go, however, I am in the process of testing some products out, and I hope to bring those reviews to you very soon.
Until next time, stay happy, healthy and positive.
Bye (^_^)/

Best in Beauty 2015: Lips

Hello everyone!
I hope you all had a great week. I'm a bit tired after my first week back to classes, this semester is going to be a tough one.
Today, we finish off my Best in Beauty 2015, with lip products.
I have a fair amount to go through, so let's get started!

Lip Liner 

NYX Nude Truffle (top), Avon Mystery Mauve (below)

 Hands down my most used, and most love lip liners for 2015. Avon Mystery Mauve is a beautiful mauve neutral shade, which I've almost completely used up, and sadly since Avon is no longer available in Trinidad, I can't repurchase it. I'm on the hunt for a similar shade, and I will let you know, once I find it.
Nude Truffle is a beautiful neutral nude shade, both are extremely creamy, and apply easily.

Lip Liner Swatches

Lipstick 

Maybelline Color Sensational Matte - Touch of Spice

Maybelline Touch of Spice

This shade was very "on trend" for 2015. The colour is a mauve toned brown, and it is very creamy and pigmented. Although this is a matte formula, it does not dry out my lips. I'm half-way through my bullet, and considering that I've been heavily into liquid lipsticks in 2015, this is quite the feat.

NYX Simply Nude Lip Cream in Sable 

2015, the year I spoke constantly about this lip cream. It is super buttery, and creamy, extremely pigmented, and doesn't dry out my lips. I don't have a bad thing to say about this product.


Revlon Colorstay Matte Balm Shameless

Revlon Matte Balm Shameless

When applied in 2 or more layers, it is a super vampy, dark purple lip, however, applied lightly, it is a strong vibrant purple. It is very comfortable on the lips, I adore the Revlon Matte Balms, I even got my mom hooked on them now. I have more in my collection, however, for 2015 this was my go-to. I wore it to classes, to go out, I just adore this shade.

L'oreal La Lacque in Lacquey-You

Super shiny, moisturizing, and pigmented. It has a scent similar to Aloe Vera Vaseline, which I actually really like. This was a random, spur of the moment purchase in 2015, but I do really enjoy using this when I'm not feeling for a matte lip. Plus, it is easy enough to keep in my handbag constantly.

Liquid Lipsticks

Kat Von D Lolita Lip Duo

 Lolita is described as a chesnut rose, while Lolita II is a terracotta nude. Very true to description. They last all day on the lips without being extremely drying. They don't flake off at all. I love these. I want more.

Swatches of Lolita and Lolita II

ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in Limbo 

 Firstly, this is the perfect dupe for LimeCrime Salem. Secondly, it is more comfortable on the lips than the LimeCrime. This was my first experience with Colourpop Cosmetics, and now they have me wishing they shipped internationally. The Ultra Matte Lips are beautifully, and I'm definitely going to get my hands on some more eventually.
It applies easily, takes approximately 10-20 seconds to dry, and is very opaque. Wears well throughout the day, and remains comfortable, with no cracking.

L.A Girl Flat Matte Pigment Gloss in Rebel

 

Can you tell I have a love for purple?! 

Gorgeous colour, however, it is very drying so ensure you moisturise your lips before with a rich lip balm, and exfoliate your lips before use, because this is not a forgiving formula. Nonetheless, it is easy to apply. It does tend to crack at the center of the lip, but despite that I still really like it. Of the 4 I own, this is the most used. 

Lipgloss

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Pink Pop 

 

 When applied to the lips, this lipgloss is a sheer wash of pink. This however, has to be one of the most moisturising lipglosses I have ever used. When my lips are feeling dry and sad, but I want to wear a little bit of colour, this is what I turn to. I actual got this on sale, and I'm happy I did. This lipgloss formula is the bomb.

We are finally at the end of this blog post, and the end of my Best in Beauty 2015 series.
Thank you all for coming by today! I truly appreciate it!
As always, I hope you stay happy, healthy and positive! And here's hoping you have a wonderful weekend and week ahead!

Bye!
(^_^)/. 

Links:
NYX Cosmetics Simple Nude Lip Cream in Sable -  http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/02/january-2015-favourites.html
L.A. Girl Flat Matte Pigment Gloss - http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/08/la-girl-cosmetics-matte-flat-finish.html

Best in Beauty 2015: Eyes

Hello everyone! Welcome back!

Today, I'm going to be talking about my favourite eye makeup of 2015. A lot of the products being mentioned would have separate reviews that I shall link to at the end of the blog post.

Eyebrows:

NYX Tinted Brow Mascara

Revlon Brow Fantasy

• NYX Tinted Brow Mascara - BrunetteThis product has become a staple for me since I first purchased it. My only problem is that my local NYX retailers never seem to have it stock. This tinted brow mascara has become my everyday, go-to eyebrow product, for natural fuller looking brows.
  
  
  
  
  
• Revlon Brow Fantasy - Dark Brown  
  For slightly more defined brows, this two in one pencil and brow gel is what I turn to. It is easy to use, and the pencil has the right mix of stiffness and pigmentation to help you avoid going overboard on the brows. 

Primers:

• Smashbox 24HR Photo Finish Eyeshadow Primer
• Milani Eyeshadow Primer 
• Urban Decay Primer Potion 
  

 

My trio of Eye Primer Faves - Smashbox 24 Photo Finish, Milani Eye Primer and UDPP

I know you're probably sick of seeing these three (3) eyeshadow primers constantly, however as a Caribbean girl, with oily eyelids, believe me when I say these primers work. They don't cause my shadows to slip or slide (both cream and powder), and I get very minimal to no creasing with them. The Smashbox 24 Hour Eyeshadow Primer, is thicker in consistency, and lasts the longest of the three, however, because of its limited availability in Trinidad, I tend to save using it for special occasions. The Urban Decay Primer Potion and Milani Eyeshadow Primer, are very similar, I shall leave my review for those at the end.

Palette:

•  MAC Cosmetics Warm Neutral Palette
  

  

  MAC Warm Neutrals Palette

  Was there any need for me to mention this?! It's a palette fulled with beauty warm neutral colours a.k.a. my eyeshadow heaven. I've already done  full review with swatches, so I won't linger on this. 

Single Eyeshadows:
 

Most Loved Eyeshadows of 2015

•  Prestige Single Eyeshadow in Golden Retriever 
• Avon Single Eyeshadow in Champagne 
• ColourPop Cosmetics Super Shock Eyeshadow in Hammered 
• L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Golden Sage
  
  Both the Avon and Prestige Shadows have been featured previously. Check links at the end of the post. In 2015, I developed a love for green eyeshadows . They not only complement my eye colour, but they work great with my skin tone also. I've had the L'Oreal Infallible in Golden Sage for quite some time, but was too scared to casually wear green eyeshadow, but once I reminded myself that people's opinion on my makeup don't matter, I popped it on and fell in love.

L'Oreal Infallible in Golden Sage

Golden Sage, led to my decision to purchase ColourPop Hammered, because I wanted a smokier olive green eyeshadow for the longest time but again was to afraid to buy it and never use it. ColourPop eyeshadows are amazing! The texture is creamy, and is extremely pigmented. I'm definitely wanting to get my hands on some more.

ColourPop Super Shock Shadow - Hammered

 Mascara:

In 2015, two (2) mascaras stood out from all the rest I've tried, although I still love the L'Oreal Butterfly Effect, Jordana Best Lash Extreme and Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal Mascaras, were my definite favourites. Honourary mention to Maybelline The Rocket Mascara, which I also enjoyed this year.

Favourite Mascaras 2015.

Eyeliner:
L'Oreal 24HR Lacquer Liner in Espresso and Blackest Black ( I haven't tried anything new that beats this)

 This is only part 1 of my 2015 Best in Beauty, next week will be Face products of 2015.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog today, I hope you enjoyed.
As always stay happy, healthy, and positive and I shall talk to you all soon.
Bye (^_^)/

Links to Reviews featuring products in this post:

1. NYX Tinted Brow Mascara - http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/10/product-review-nyx-tinted-brow-mascara.html
2. Milani Primer - http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/07/milani-eyeshadow-primer-is-it-dupe-for.html
3. MAC Warm Neutrals - http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/09/mac-cosmetics-warm-neutral-palette.html
4. Prestige Eyeshadow -  http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/06/my-favourite-single-eyeshadows-part-1.html
5. Avon Single Eyeshadow -  http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2014/08/product-rave-avon-single-eyeshadow.html
6. Jordana Best Lash Extreme -  http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/08/july-makeup-favourites.html
7. Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal - http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/11/first-impression-review-maybelline-pump.html

September Favourites - Makeup and the return of Doctor Who

Hello everyone!
Welcome back to my blog. Today's post is going to be my September Favourites, however, before I get into the makeup, I need to geek out about the Series 9 Premiere of Doctor Who.

Undoubtedly one of the best premieres in recent Who history! Within the 5 minutes my jaw had hit the floor. I am not one to post *River Song's voice* "Spoilers", and I will not be posting any for the upcoming series! Last week's episode has me pumped up for tomorrow night's new episode. Also, Jenna Coleman is said to have filmed her last scenes as Clara Oswald, which means we will be seeing a new companion with the Doctor. We all wish Jenna the best in her future endeavours!

Now onto the makeup!

September Makeup Favourites

September was the month of lips and lashes for me. Theses are the products I used the most for September, and disclaimer, I did purchase all of these with my own money! I don't have any sponsors!

• Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain - Parisian Passion
• Revlon Colorstay Matte Balm - Shameless (Deep, vampy purple), and Standout (red)
• Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Powder - 310 Sun Beige 
• Maybelline the Rocket Volum' Express Mascara - Black 

Lip Pics - Parisian Passion (left), Shameless (centre), Standout (right).

 I have full reviews on the Matte and Poreless Powder and the Rocket Mascara, so I shall leave links to those post below.

LINKS
Matte and Poreless:  http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/07/maybelline-fit-me-matte-and-poreless.html
The Rocket Mascara: http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/05/mascara-triple-threat-battle-l.html

I have a couple of products that I have been in the process of testing out, and they will be getting their own devoted post very soon. I have to keep this week's post very short, because I have 5 chapters of readings to do by Tuesday, so I really need to get back into it. However, I do hope you enjoyed, follow my Facebook page (J's Mind Palace) for some exclusive content, hauls and sneak peaks as well as my Instagram (@ladyjpsych) where I just post randomly. Also, as the new seasons of many of my favourite shows continue, I will be posting a Nerd Favourites hopefully in the coming month! Yay!

Thank you all so much for coming out and supporting my blog, I truly appreciate every view, you are all amazing! If you're having a bad week or rough month, hang in there you amazing person, things will get better! I send you warm hugs and tons of love xoxo
Until my next post stay happy, healthy and positive.
Bye (^_^)/

Makeup Battle Royal #4: Battle of the Setting Sprays - Sacha Cosmetics versus L'Oreal

Welcome back to my blog.
Today, I have another Battle Royal(e) all about makeup setting sprays. One of which I've used for years, and the other is new to me but I've been enjoying it a great deal. Today, I'm putting the Sacha Cosmetics Fix It Setting Spray up against L'Oreal Infallible Pro Spray & Set.

Sacha Fix It Setting Spray (left), L'Oreal Infallible Pro Spray & Stay (right)

Packaging:

• Sacha: Throughout the years, the Sacha Fix It has gone through many cosmetic changes. At first it was in a translucent plastic spray bottle, then it was a pure glossy black plastic bottle. However, the new Fix It spray comes in a silver metal spray bottle which I really do like.
• L'Oreal: This is a matte black plastic spray bottle. I love the matte black and it feels extremely light, so your arms won't get tired when holding it up to spray.

Cost:

• L'Oreal : $99.99TT; US$16.99 (L'Oreal Paris Website)
• Sacha: $55-70TT (cannot recall the exact price, but prices vary where you purchase it); US$20 (Sacha Cosmetics Website) 

Product Claims:

• Sacha: Sacha Fix It Spray instantly sets makeup, keeping it fresh and smudge-resistant for hours.
• L'Oreal:  Makeup Extender Setting Spray, Long Lasting Finish, extends just applied makeup look. 

Don't expect either of these to keep you mattified throughout the day, because they are not designed for that. They strictly made to set your makeup and hopefully extend the wear of your products.
I will say that when I use the Sacha spray, the finished look tends to seem a bit more lived in but I have oily/combo skin, and I often experience my makeup smudging when I blot, even if I blot with blotting paper. However, with the L'Oreal I don't experience much smudging at all. The places I experience smudging with the Sacha spray are on the nose (glasses wearer, so it's common), under the eye and my forehead; whereas with the L'Oreal the smudging occurs on my nose only.


Scent:
Now I must warn you, the Sacha Fix It spray has a harsher scent than the L'Oreal. The Sacha tends to smell like astringent while the L'Oreal smells a bit like aloe baby powder with alcohol (weird description I know!). I've gotten use to the scent of the Sacha Fix It so it doesn't bother me too much, but if you're sensitive to smells you may prefer to try the L'Oreal.

Winner?! - It's a Draw!
Honestly, I can't choose a clear winning because some days, I prefer the finish of the Sacha over the L'Oreal and vice versa, and sometimes the smudging does not bother me. To me these are both well preforming setting sprays, and what it truly boils down to is how much you want to pay for your setting spray.

Thank you for coming out and reading today's post, I hope you enjoyed. I'm sorry I couldn't choose a clear winner, but at the end of the day, my word is not the be all and end all, what I may enjoy you may dislike.
Anyhow, I do hope you all have a great weekend, Eid Mubarack to all of my Muslim readers, and I shall see you all next week with another review (I'm on fire with these reviews...lol!)

Remember to stay happy,, healthy and positive,
until next time...
Bye (^_^)/

Easy Work/Everyday Makeup Part 2.

Hello everyone,
I'm finishing off my work/everyday makeup ideas post today with part 2.
Note: Base Makeup is the same for all looks, with the exception of the Bronze Daytime Smokey Eye. For details on the base products used in all the other looks, see part 1 ( http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/04/easy-everydaywork-makeup.html).
Now I love a good winged liner look, and for all of these looks, I had winged out eyeliner, ranging for subtle to bold, but I got away with it because I wear glasses, and my frames detract from the bold eyeliner (yay four-eyed perks!)

Work/Everyday Makeup pt.2

Look 1 - Copper Winged Liner 
I started off the week by doing subtle winged liner with an eyeliner pencil. I used the Avon Mega Impact eyeliner in Rich Copper.It gives definition to the eye without being as dramatic as a black eyeliner, and the copper colour brings out the warmth in my dark brown eyes. This liner does contain some gold glitter, which I played off of by adding Sacha Gold Rush Eyeshadow (I believe this is discontinued) in the inner corner. Some mascara and a soft neutral/nude lip (I'm rocking some lip balm here) and the look is complete.

Copper Liner with Lip Balm

Look 2 - Work and Event Look (Bronze Daytime Smokey Eye)

The next look I did was for both work and an event that I attended after. It's was bronze-y smokey eye, with winged liner and pinky lips.I used my Smashbox Full Exposure Palette for the eyeshadows, L'Oreal Lacquer Liner for my winged liner and my lip colour was Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Sultry.
My foundation was L'Oreal True Match W7 because it has a natural finish, is long-lasting and feels lightweight on the skin. I also used Milk of Magnesia as a mattifer because I knew it was going to be a long and hot day. 
Brushes used:

 *Smashbox Full Exposure Palette Double Ended Brush,
 *CALA Eyeshadow 313,  CALA Blending Brush 311 , Real Techniques Fine Liner Brush

Smashbox Full Exposure Palette

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm- Sultry

Look 3 - Golden Eyes

A simple, one eyeshadow look but unfortunately I cannot find this eyeshadow in stores. The eyeshadow in question is Nicka K HD Eyeshadow in 3009 (Love!). It is a beautiful golden brown shadow, that when blended out in the crease transforms into a gorgeous satin finish brown. I used the Eco-tools Full Eyeshadow Brush to apply the shadow and then I went ahead and lined my eyes with the Jordana 12HR Made To Last Eyeliner Pencil in 02 Espresso Last, and popped some of Sacha's Gold Rush Shadow into the inner corner.
Lips: Jordana Twist and Shiny - Honey Love

Sascha - Gold Rush (circular pan), Nicka K HD Eyeshadow - 3009 (rectangular pan)

Look 4 - Winged Liner on Fleek!
Ugh...I can't believe I used the term fleek but I think that maybe the only term to describe just how much I love this liner look and just how great it looks, especially if you wear large framed glasses.

Winged Liner Appreciation.

Without my glasses, it looks incredibly long and bold but with the frames on, it looks like your run of the mill, everyday wing.
I started off by priming my lid with my Smashbox Shadow Primer, then I used Milani Single Powder Eyeshadow in Caramel Brown from lash line to crease, again using my Eco-tools Full Eyeshadow Brush.

Now for the wing, I used the L'Oreal Infallible Lacquer Liner in Blackest Black and my CALA 508 Eyeliner Brush. The 508 is similar to the Real Techniques Fine Liner Brush, but the bristles are a tad shorter and less tapered, which makes doing the wing very easy. I just draw a line from the edge of my lower lash line, and go up towards the end of my eyebrow. I stopped where my orbital bone starts and then dragged the liner inwards towards my eye and lash line. I am considering doing a short video or pictorial on how I do my liner exactly, since it's hard to explain in just words.
Lips: NYX SN06 (I'm hooked on this stuff!)

I honestly wish I wasn't anxious about sitting in front of a camera and actually recording my eyeliner application, but I have a tendency to clam up in front of cameras (never going to be an actress ever!). I think I'm going to try and conquer that fear just to do a video on my winged liner application, although there are a lot of videos on YouTube about it.
Anywhosies, that is all for me today, and as usual I do hope you all have a fantastic weekend. Stay happy, healthy and positive and I will see you next Friday.
Bye (^_^)/

November Favourites!

December is upon us, Christmas is almost here, my birthday is quickly approaching *sighs*, the year 2014 is almost at its end....someone find me a TARDIS ASAP! I don't know why time is in such a rush, slow it down a bit. Anywho, let me stop yammering due to my denial that I'll soon be 23 (o_o) and get on with this November favourites post.

We got a little bit of everything this month, so let's me jump right in! 

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Melted Violet....errrrmerrrgerd!!! It's absolutely beautiful! Quite possibly the best lip product I've ever worn! It's creamy and highly pigmented liquid lipstick and the colour is gorgeous. It is my first purple lip product and it won't be the last. 

Avon Ultra Luxury Lip Liner in Rosebud is a soft, creamy rose colour lip liner which looks beautiful on its own when used to fill in the lips. This past month however, I've been using this liner in conjunction with Wet n Wild's Bare It All lipstick, talk about the perfect my lips but better lip combo!

elf Mineral Face Primer and elf Complexion Brush.

elf may be "cheap" to many but most of their products that I've tried are worth so much more than their price. The elf mineral primer is my Holy Grail primer, beating out both the MAC and Revlon primers I owned previously. It has a silicone texture which I enjoy, often times non-silicone based primers do nothing to smooth out/blur  the appearance of pores. It truly creates a barrier between your skin and your makeup and allows for your foundation to buff out perfectly. It hasn't clogged my pores or caused any breakouts or weird skin reactions, so this primer gets a huge thumbs up. 

elf Complexion Brush is the best multitasking face brush I've used. It's great for applying your setting powder and I also use it to apply my blush. Its bristles are fluffy,soft and slightly tapered so it allows for light application of powder products.

Finally the eye products.

1) L.A Colors Volumzing Mascara in Clear: This bad boy keeps my eyebrow hairs on lock down. It helped to keep my brows in place and smudge proof all day long. 

2) Mini-Sephora Palette: This was given to me as a gift from one of my best friends a few years back and it's become quite a staple in my daily routine. The dark brown eyeshadow is perfect for filling in the eyebrows. The medium mauve shade, smack in the centre of the palette is gorgeous!! My favourite  all over lid colour. My only complaint is the dark blue, it applies beautifully but when blended out it becomes patchy and loses its vibrancy, however when used to set a navy blue liner it stays. 

3) Revlon Photoready Concealer in 005 Medium Deep: I use this strictly to clean up around my eyebrows. It has a creamy consistency and has a medium to full coverage which is perfect for hiding to fine hairs around the brow that just don't want to be plucked. 

4) Avon Big Daring Volume Mascara: hnnnng! This gives my lashes life, it looked fits and volumises and the small bristles get to the whimpiest of lashes and makes them look awesome. I am in love with this mascara. It definitely beats Maybelline The Falsies for me. 

5) Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Stick in Bad Girl Bronze: Super creamy, blendable but it stays put without an eyeshadow primer...in the Caribbean. I don't know how it stay so well in humid as hell Trinidad, but it did and it blows my mind. It's a quick and easy option if you don't have a lot of time in the morning. 

6) NYX Angled Brush: I've had this brush since I was in secondary school and only now has it fulfilled its purpose. This is my go to brush for filling in my eyebrows. It's thin and sharply angled, so the brows are never too thick or too thin.

7) elf Eyeshadow Brush: This  brush is a tool of beauty. The bristles are soft and packed tightly together allowing for precise application of eyeshadow onto the lid. My go to eyeshadow brush for packing on colour and it's extremely affordable. Highly recommend this brush to everyone, newbie to pro, it is amazing and deserving of all praise. 

This post has come to an end, now excuse me while I go wallow in the fact that soon I'll be 23.....or go play more World of Warcraft!

Please let me know some of your favorites from November in the comments or tweet them to me, links are to the right hand side of the blog. 

Until next time, sty holy, stay healthy and stay positive and I'll talk to you soon.

Byes (^_^)/