My truth videos in the beauty community

Hello Everyone


I know, it has been a long time since I posted on this blog. I can't say I have been more focused on my personal blog but that one if I am honest, has gotten more love. I will try to be more consistent here as well.

I am not even a micro influencer, I'm smaller than that so many of you may be thinking "Why should we care about her opinion?" if that is the case, it is fine you can cease reading. For those of you do care then, thank you.

I will be honest, I ceased watching beauty videos a few years now. I only purchase new products to replace damaged or used ones. I felt like most brands were releasing the same products and the quality was more or less the same, so there was no real need for me to purchase any more. After watching a video by thefancyfaced i.e. Tina, reviewing Makeup Geek foiled eyeshadows, I felt like other influencers were just trying to promote a product and didn't even care whether it was good or not.

I actually put the blame on the brands. Most of these influencers aren't even old enough to drink or get into bars, yet brands instead of spending their money on proper Research and Development, decided to spoil teenagers and buy their loyalty with expensive vacations, huge paychecks and luxury gift items. I totally understand that brands saw the influence that these young gurus had on the beauty community and decided to capitalize on it. However, it has moved beyond paying for sponsored posts but to bribing Youtubers with luxury trips in the hopes they would give not only their products a good review but to trash other brands in the process. It is similar to what executives do to young black athletes, now entering the arena that is fame. So now that brands are lashing out at influencers calling them entitled. Well honey you created that monster.

Anyway, I wanted to keep this short. Thanks for reading.

Linked are a few "My Truth" videos that give an in dept analysis of what went down. I thoroughly enjoyed them.

Marlena Stell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBNZrvGLmyQ

TheFancyFaced
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJRo9xY78oQ

7 Holiday Beauty Tricks.

Hi everyone. It is that lovely time of year again, with the Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas parties, Hanukkah celebrations and New Year's countdowns. Of course this calls for a brightening up of your usual beauty tricks you have in your arsenal.

Here are 7 Easy things you can do to spruce up your beauty regime this holiday.

1. It is all about the Eyes

                                          Courtesy: cflowermakeup

Dust a shimmery eye-shadow all over the lid. Blend with an eye-shadow that matches your skin tone.

2. Continue playing with the eyes

Courtesy: Shonagh Scott

Another trick is to add a glitter eye liner over your regular black eyeliner for a festive look.

3. Matte skin

Use a matte foundation such as Revlon Colorstay or MAC Pro foundation to balance out the shimmery eye-shadows and bold lips that we usually pull out at this time of the year.

4. Bold lips are the way to go.

Many of us love a bold red lipstick, especially this time of the year. However, this year let's mix it up and go with a deep red or plum lip colour.

5. Don't forget the nails.

Courtesy: Nails my Polish

This holiday season, try a nude nail polish. They are classic and as such will never go out of style. You can add a glitter overlay for a holiday touch.

6. Blow out the hair. 

Courtesy: She knows

You can blow out your hair and flat iron it and add a silver or gold comb to hold it in place.

7. LBD

                                                            Courtesy: Simply dresses

                                                      

Every woman should have one. Every woman needs one. It is the ever popular LBD- Little black dress. The best ones to own are those that can transition you from work to party, day to night with just the change of makeup and accessories.

Okay, there you have it. My top 7 beauty tricks for the holidays. Go forth and look fabulous. Happy Holidays everyone and hope it will be blessed.

Pretty Thrifty

Hey Guys

Pretty Thrifty is having a ton of giveaways this holiday. So just click on the links and you may be eligible to WIN.


http://www.prettythrifty.com/sephora-collection-color-festival-blockbuster-palette-giveaway-241-value/


http://www.prettythrifty.com/free-blog-giveaways-contests-sweepstakes/

First time for everything: Bh Cosmetics itsjudytime palette review

Hello everyone.

I was super excited when I heard that Judy from itsjudytime on Youtube had teamed up with Bh cosmetics and they were releasing a neutral palette. Now, 2014 had been the year of the neutrals for me.  Don't get me wrong, I still love my bright colours, but I have been gravitating to more natural looks this year. I had to wait until any local Facebook sellers would be selling this palette. I stalked various Facebook pages waiting, when finally this past August, I saw it on Halener Rustique's Facebook page.

I have had this palette for a couple days now, so I feel like I can only give a first impression of the palette.

Packaging:

I am slightly disappointed by the size. While it didn't look like a large palette, it appeared much larger in videos.  Sorry for the awful picture. It was taken with my smartphone. 

It is a black cardboard plastic type material that is embossed with gold details. It looks quite sleek and sophisticated. It does rival the packaging of higher end palettes such as those by Too face cosmetics and Urban Decay cosmetics. Inside has a mirror which is nice for those who like to use the mirrors when travelling. Underneath the mirror it says "Natural is beautiful but makeup is glam". I believe that is a saying of Judy's. I don't know for certain.

Product

The palette comes with  twelve (12) eyeshadows, four (4) of which are matte while the rest range from shimmer and satin. 

As you can see they aren't exactly the most pigmented. The matte shades, specifically the lighter ones are not ethnic or women of color friendly at all. The second and fourth shades on the top row, don't even show up on my skin.  The bottom row swatches much better, many because those shades are shimmery and darker. The pigmentation on those are still quite poor.

Price

I purchase this from Halener Rustique a local Facebook seller for $110TT. You can purchase this on Bh cosmetics website for $20USD. They are having a sale where you can pick it up for $8.95USD.

http://www.bhcosmetics.com/products/its-judy-time


Rating: C+

How to build a high end makeup collection

Hello everyone,

Are you the girl who practically lives in the makeup section of Wal-mart, CVS or Walgreens but dreams one day to have a vast collection of higher end makeup? Maybe you are that girl who goes into Sephora, collects samples from the hottest and most luxurious brands, never purchase anything but then run off to meet your friend the Wal-Mart shopper, where you purchase a cost effective lipstick. If you are anyone of these girls, don't feel shame, we have all been there. With drugstore makeup improving each and everyday, most girls will never dare to try a more expensive brand even if money wasn't an issue.  Building a high end makeup collection to some,would be like starting all over again. They wouldn't know where to begin. After years and years of being frugal, where is a girl to begin if she were to be transplanted into a Sephora.

If you feel overwhelmed or before you end up with every Urban Decay Naked palette ever created, here are some tips I created to help you to slowly build your high end collection.

1. Purchases based on application and/or uses.

Unintentionally, when I started purchasing high end makeup, I bought an eyeliner, then I purchased 2 lipsticks. After realizing this, I decided I would buy items based on uses. So instead of buying 5 or 6 eye shadow palettes that were higher end, I decided to separate my purchases into categories similar to what you  see on a cosmetic website: face, eyes, lipsticks, accessories. My intention was to purchase one item from each category so I could have a complete look that consisted of high end makeup. 

For example, you can start off with a foundation from MAC, then you can move across to one of theirs or another high end lipstick, then eye liner and so forth. So you end up with a completed high end look. Additionally, you can purchase all the necessary items from one category and then move on to the next.

For example in face you can purchase, foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer and highlighter then move on to eye shadow, eye liner, mascara. The key element to this is to prevent yourself from purchasing all of one of the same kind of item. You don't want to end up with 4 MAC Lipsticks.

Courtesy: Lancome website

2.SALE SALE SALE..... Did I say sale?

Some of the higher end items I have acquired and are interested in became plausible due to sales or discontinued items. Sometimes companies such as Urban decay are changing up the formulation of items or coming out with newer versions so current faves that may be discontinued become more affordable.

Courtesy: Jetemo.com

3. HOLIDAY HOLIDAY....

Holiday season is one of the best times to dive into higher end cosmetics. Companies like Benefit and Too Faced offer great deals on some of their most sort after items, in sets during the holiday season. These sets usually contain one or two full size versions of their popular products. These sets usually retail for less than the value of the items they contain. For example Benefit's Its a Love fest set which was part of their Holiday Collection 2013 was priced at 36 US but the total value of the items were 75 US. In fact that Benefit Porefessional face primer alone is 30US. So at this price it was steal.

Courtesy: Musings of a muse

There you have it, 3 simple techniques you can use to build your high end makeup collection.

Happy Shopping!

Simple Tips

Today, I am going to share with you some simple tips that I have learned that can really help improve the look of your makeup.

1. Let the foundation dry

When applying your foundation and concealer, you must let them set before applying your face powder. Often times, we apply foundation/or concealer and we put on powder and we realize that the powder is appearing to be blotchy on the skin. We of course blame the powder. It isn't the powder. If the foundation and/or concealer is still damp, it clumps together when it comes in contact with the powder and forms little ball like residue on the skin. So we must always remember to wait  a few minutes for the foundation to set before applying face powder.

2. Set the foundation.

Many of us apply foundation and we do not set it with powder. When we do this, especially those of us who have oily/combination skin, this leads to serious transfer of foundation to clothes, documents and other important personal items. You can set your foundation with a loose powder that is translucent or one that has a little tint to it or a pressed powder that is perfectly matched to your skin.

Covergirl Professional Translucent Face Powder in Medium Neutral

3. Puff don't brush.

Most makeup brush sets, even the most affordable ones come with a face brush. As such many of us are tempted use these brushes to apply the face powder. If you do this, please Stop. This causes us to be heavy handed with the powder and can cause us to obtain that cakey look which is no bueno.

To apply your setting powder, use a powder puff. Many setting powders provide a small puff sponge to apply their powders or you can purchase them at cosmetic retailers such as Pennywise or Wonderful world. They are cost effective as the cheapest ones can be around $6 at Pennywise.

What you want to do is take a little of the loose powder and place in the centre of the powder puff, then you fold it, with the sides meeting at the centre where the powder is. This is done to work the powder into the puff. Next, you will fold it in the opposite manner with the powder side out. Now using rolling motions, press the powder into the face. The powder brush comes into play, to dust off any excess product that may be on your face.

Using some of these tips, you will be sure to get a smooth and flawless finish.

Splurge or Save

Hello Everyone!

 When it comes to all things beauty, it is really hard to determine which items are worth shelling out the money and those that are not.

The question I often ask myself is: Is it  ALL necessary? Don't get me wrong, these companies have a right to charge the prices they do. They provide excellent quality products. But is it ESSENTIAL? Do we need MAC foundations, concealers, false eyelashes, eyeshadows. e.t.c ? Drugstore makeup has really improved over the years, so much so that the gap between drug store and department store is narrowing.

DISCLAIMER: If you have the money and you wish to spend it on  Smashbox, Lancome and previously mentioned department store makeup then by all means do your thing girl. 
This post pertains to those ladies who have to be frugal with their expenditure.

Here are my list of beauty items I think are worth spending top dollar on and those who can Save.

Splurge Time

1. EYE SHADOW, EYE SHADOW, EYE SHADOW, EYE SHADOW.

Eyeshadow is worth spending the money on. It is very difficult to find eyeshadows with great pigmentation, blend ability and smoothness in the drugstore especially matte eyeshadows. Most drugstore eyeshadows contain copious amounts of talc in them and appear quite ashy and chalky on the skin. Some may swatch beautiful but become powdery and dusty when applied to the eyes. 

Recommendations

The Sugar Pill Cosmetics 4 pan eye shadows. They retail for about US$34 dollars and can be purchased on the Sugar Pill website. For your bright eye shadow looks I would highly recommend these palettes.

 http://www.sugarpillshop.com/products/heart-breaker-palette

For my Caribbean makeup lovelies you can purchase them at the Facebook page:

Makeup Attitude for TT$250

http://www.sugarpillshop.com/products/heart-breaker-palette

For  more neutral eye shadow needs, I would recommend the Balm nude tude palette. It retails for $36 dollars.

Amazon-$36

http://www.amazon.com/theBalm-NudeTude-Nude-Eyeshadow-Palette/dp/B00683MOWK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396188988&sr=8-1&keywords=the+balm+nudetude+palette

Makeup Attitude- TT$250
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=605294036156175&set=a.550489741636605.133230.480382931980620&type=3&theater

Makeup Haven- $240
http://mymakeuphaven.com/shop.php#!/~/product/category=4009430&id=21675612

2. Makeup brushes
This can be quite controversial topic. While I don't think everyone needs to have a brush collection filled with MAC brushes, I think certain key brushes need to be of good quality. Elf brushes are amazing but I wouldn't rely on their flat foundation or stippling brushes to apply my foundation. You want brushes that are soft to the skin, the hairs stay in tact and the ferrule and the handle are firmly glued together.


Recommendations
Sigma- They have great dupes for MAC brushes
They can be purchased on their website
Sigma Website
http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Brushes_s/47.htm

Or Locally at
Makeup Attitude
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=587081644644081&set=a.550489741636605.133230.480382931980620&type=3&theater

Beauty Insider Life
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=627490527318745&set=a.540177556050043.1073741828.533997736668025&type=3&theater


MAC Cosmetics
Can be purchased on their website
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/146/826/Products/Brushes/Face/109-Small-Contour-Brush/index.tmpl

Locally at their West Mall store.

2. Blush
Like eye shadow, it is all about pigmentation. It is quite difficult to find pigmented blushes that are super cheap. I have tried blushes from Milani, L.A girl and because of my deep complexion most cases they appear ashy on my skin.

Recommendations.

MAC Blushes
These can be purchased on the Mac website or outlets in your area.

Exception:
There are some good blushes from NYX.


Savings Time
 1. Macara. I never spend much on mascara. (although the price of Ruby Kisses and Milani in Wonderful World I may as well buy L'oreal and Revlon which are more reputable and cost more in the US. Wonderful World convert US products by the US price by 10, while Pennywise where brands like L'oreal, Revlon, Maybelline are sold multiple their items by 7. So a Revlon item at US $9 would be $63 while a $7 item at Wonderful from Milani would run you $70).
I don't see the need. When I spent money it is all about longevity.  It is all about the formulation and the brush. Some require more liquid consistency, others prefer drier texture, while others partial to one that is neither liquid or dry in consistency. Most women choose based on their mascara needs.
Most mascaras last no more than four months and even the ones that are packaged as lasting a year tend to dry out. In my personal opinion, spending $100 dollars for something that you may have to throw away three months later, worse yet if you only wear makeup on weekends to church or happy hour with friends.


Recommendations

I recommend Revlon's Lash Fatasy Total Definition. It comes with a primer that lengths the lashes with the mascara end provides volume.

                                         

Amazon- $19.95

http://www.amazon.com/Revlon-Fantasy-Definition-Primer-Mascara/dp/B001EKASZM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396190684&sr=8-1&keywords=revlon+lash+fantasy+mascara

Pennywise- $40-$50

2. Lipgloss
Lip glosses aren't known for their opacity. Lip glosses are usually applied for high shine, therefore an affordable one will do just find.

Recommendaions

Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss
These are great if you just want that nice glossy look, that isn't tacky and has no taste.

Amazon- $4-$7
http://www.amazon.com/Revlon-Lustrous-020-Pink-Afterglow/dp/B000H3I3YK/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1396191512&sr=8-5&keywords=revlon+super+lustrous+lipgloss

Or Locally
Pennywise-$34

3.Liners- Eye and Lips.
Unless you are looking for a specific or unique colour, eye and lip liners from the drugstore will work just fine.

Recommendations
L.A girl gel eye liner
These gel eye liners are super pigmented and creamy and will last you quite some time. I bought mine more than a year ago and while I don't use it as often it is still usable.

Jordana has a wide selection of great lip liners.



Depends

1. Lipcolor.
As fast as a MAC lipstick is released on the market, you will see dupe videos trailing behind. As such it has become quite difficult to discern whether or not you should shell out $15-17US on their lipsticks.
When it comes to most high end makeup, I usually purchase those items that are not only unique but something I will get the most use out of. If you want a pink or purple lipstick, there are many affordable options.

Recommendations (affordable)
 L.A Girl Luxury creme lipsticks are amazing. They have twenty four (24) beautiful shades.

Drugstore.com-$3.49
http://www.drugstore.com/search/search_results.asp?N=0&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&Ntk=All&srchtree=1&Ntt=L.A.+Girl+Creme+Lip+Color&Go.x=6&Go.y=15&CSRFToken=vbl6yewnSfvaIywl8lPrEKp6dYYAOdoaL5oXuceZ41Q%3D

Wonderful World- $14

Recommendations (high end)

Lime Crime velventines are everything. They are kiss proof, smudge proof,  are long wearing but guess what they are not drying.

Lime Crime Website-$20
http://limecrime.com/lips/velvetines-37.html

Locally
Makeup Attitude-$175
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=762482233770687&set=a.587296621289250.1073741826.480382931980620&type=3&theater

Beauty Insider Life-$200
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=666709416730189&set=a.540177556050043.1073741828.533997736668025&type=1&theater

Beautifusion Instyle-$200
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=534279179961002&set=a.483397648382489.1073741826.100001367754759&type=3&theater


2. Foundation and concealer
It can be quite difficult purchasing a foundation from the drugstore especially if you live in the US. You need to be color matched and many drugstores it isn't available. So it is quite understandable. It can be quite frustrating when you wish to test out a particular foundation  and your shade is not available. If you are someone who hasn't found that one foundation that you love or you just love trying new ones, it can be annoying. However, if just need that one foundation that matches you and you can easily find it in the drug store, then there is no  need to splurge on a higher end.

Recommendations (Affordable)

L'oreal True Match Super Blendable Foundation

It comes in twenty three (23) shades from cool to warm tones and even some neutral shades.

Ulta.com- $9.99
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2094973&productId=fs1017872&navAction=push&navCount=1&categoryId=cat80022


Recommendations (high end)
 MAC Cosmetics
While their eye shadows and lipsticks are quite famous, their foundations have their own cult following. They are often used as a reference for color matching.

One of their popular foundations is the Pro Longwear foundation. It provides excellent coverage, last long and comes in a variety of shades.

MAC Website-$31
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/158/10180/Products/Face/Foundation/Pro-Longwear-Foundation/index.tmpl

Locally
MAC West Mall

Concealer

One of the best concealers in my opinion is the L.A girl Pro conceal HD concealer. Comes in a variety of shades and at an affordable price you can mix and match to find your ideal shade.

Drugstore.com-$2.99
http://www.drugstore.com/l-a-girl-pro-conceal-hd-concealer-toffee/qxp503256?catid=183547

Locally

Makeup Haven-$23 (all the shades are available)
http://mymakeuphaven.com/shop.php#!/~/product/category=2260296&id=34067767


Wonderful World-$15 (5-10 shades available)


These are just my two cents. Feel free to disagree.