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!
(^_^)/

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

Milani Eyeshadow Primer - Is it a Dupe for Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion?

Welcome back to my blog everyone!
Today, it's all about the Milani Eyeshadow Primer.

Milani is one of my favourite inexpensive makeup brands, and can be found in Trinidad at Wonderful World.
I've been putting off getting this eyeshadow primer, simply because I own a fair few, and I didn't really want to buy another one. If you're a regular visitor, you would know that I've been searching far and wide for an inexpensive alternative to my trusty Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (UDPP) and my Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Eyeshadow Primer.

**I've tried eyeshadow primers from Nicka K (which I previously reviewed; http://jsmindpalace.blogspot.com/2015/05/nicka-k-perfecting-eyeshadow-primer.html).
**I've also tried one from Rimmel, which I did a quick review on my Instagram (@ladyjpsych).

Now to the Milani Eyeshadow Primer:

Milani Eyeshadow Primer

I've been using this primer for two weeks now, and I can safely say that this is a great dupe for the UDPP.
The product itself is similar in appearance, texture and finish to the UDPP. The only difference I find between the two is the price. The UDPP cost approximately $190-$200TT, which roughly around US$18-US$20 while the Milani Eyeshadow Primer costs approximately $60-$65TT (US$5.99).

In terms of longevity, this primer holds up well. I've gotten between 8-10 hours of wear with little to no creasing or fading whatsoever, similar to the UDPP, in my experience.

After 10 hours of wear.

When I use this product, not only do I use it on my eyelid but I also put some in my brows to help make my brow products last a bit longer during the day, and it really works. Usually my oily/combo skin eats away at my brow products, leaving gaps but since I started priming my brows with this, I've had no problems with that.

Milani Eyeshadow Primer applied all over the eye and into the brows.

This primer is unbelievable especially for the price range. I absolutely love this eyeshadow primer. I've actually put away my UDPP and have been strictly using the Milani primer because it's so good.

This to me is definitely an amazing dupe for the UDPP, I highly recommend it! ^O^

Please forgive me, I know this post is a lot later than usual, got thrown off schedule a bit but better late than never...right?!
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and a great week next week. I don't think I'm going to be doing a monthly favourites for June, simply because I did my Favourite Single Eyeshadow posts, and those were basically my loves for June. Feel free to check it out if you'd like. As always stay happy, healthy and positive, come over to my Instagram (@ladyjpsych), I'd love to have you there. I've been contemplating starting a Facebook page for the blog, let me know if you guys would be interested in that in the comments.

Thanks for stopping by everyone,
Bye (^_^)/.

Easy Everyday/Work Makeup

Hello everyone, welcome back to my blog. Hope you had a fantastic week. Mine was a bit stressful, but it's Friday so let the weekend begin.....with makeup ideas for the office! (Say what!) (-_-)

I know on a Friday the last thing you want to hear about is work or school but I'm hoping that this post would give you some ideas for some super easy, very neutral makeup looks for the upcoming week. 

Forewarning: my brows weren't filled in at all this week as I currently have one brow that is wider than the other (don't you just love getting your brows waxed) and also I ran out of brow powder and haven't been able to repurchase any. 

Monday: it's the simplest and quickest look of them all. 

Eyes: 

1. Prime the eye - I used Urban Decay Primer Potion
2. Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze all over the eye, from lash line into crease. I used the Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush to apply it.

3. L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara

Face: (the same for each day) 

1. e.l.f Mineral Face Primer 

2. DIY mattifying primer (blog post available in archives)

3. L'Oreal Magic Nude Foundation  

Lips

1. Maybelline Color Sensational Matte Lipstick in Touch of Spice. 

Tuesday - Neutral Warm All Round

Eyes:

1. Prime eyelids - Smashbox 24 hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer

2. Smashbox Full Exposure Pallette - S3 (all over the lid), M3 (transition/purple dot), M2 (crease colour/bright red dot) 

3. L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga 

Lips: 

NYX Simply Nude Lip Cream (SN06) - Sable 

Wednesday = No makeup day

Thursday - Cool-toned Neutral Eyes w/ Glossy Lips 

Eyes: 

1. Prime eyelids - Smashbox 24 hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer 

2. Smashbox Full Exposure Palette - M5 (crease/purple dot), S5 (all over lid), M6 (outer corner/bright red dot) 

3. L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara 

Lips: 

1. Avon Ultra Glazewear Lipgloss - Palm Beach Pink

Friday: Matte Eyes & TGRL! (Thank God for Red Lips!)

Eyes:

1. Prime - Smashbox 24 hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer

2. Smashbox Full Exposure Palette - M3 (transition/purple dot), M2 (outer crease and crease/bright red dot), M4 (all over lid) 

3. L'Oreal Infallible 24HR Lacquer Liner w/ Real Techniques Fine Liner Brush - Blackest Black

4. L'Oreal Lash-Out Butterfly Mascara. 

Lips:

1. Lipliner : NYX LipLiner - 817 Hot Red

2. Avon Color Precise Lipstick - Just Right Red (discontinued) 

    Alternative - Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick - Certainly Red (crème), Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick 111 (matte)

Left- Avon Color Precise (discontinued), Center- Revlon Super Lustrous, Right- Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick.

Apply lipstick straight from the tube, then blot with tissue. Repeat process 3 times, for all day wear. 

Brushes: (considering doing a separate post about my everyday makeup brushes)
Eyes:
For each day, I used the same eye brushes in rotation, and they were all spot cleaned after each use.
1. CALA 313 Eyeshadow Brush
2. CALA 311 Blending Brush
3. Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush
4. Real Techniques Fine Liner Brush
Face:
1. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
2. e.l.f Complexion Brush 

This post was originally meant to go live last Friday, but illness and exhaustion prevented me from completing it on time. However, I do have some more wearable, office appropriate looks that I may include in another post because why not?!
Until, next week, I hope you all have a fantastic Easter and if you don't observe Easter, have a fantastic weekend, and I will see you Friday.
Stay happy, stay healthy and stay positive!
Bye (^_^)/

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 (^__^)/