January 2014 Favorites and FOTD

Hi friends.  I hope you've had a nice week.  Thanks to the polar vortex, we've been snowed in all week.  Thankfully we were safe and sound.  The craziness in the south was so horrible to watch.  I'm glad my friends and family fared well through it all.  I hope you all made it safely through this unwelcome weather phenomenon.

I must admit, I've been kinda hoe-hum with makeup. When you're snowed in, food, particularly baked goods seem to be appealing.  Or is that just me? Anyone?

Tried and Tested: Equate Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

Hey friends.  We all love makeup – that’s why we’re here right? Right? Taking off our makeup can sometimes be a chore.  At the end of the day, the last thing I want to do is spend a lot of time removing my makeup.  I’ve tried a ton of different products, particularly to remove eye makeup, and many have fallen short.  I don’t like waking up in the morning with the residual panda eye look.  I’m not of the opinion that you need to spend lots of money on expensive makeup removers.  You can imagine the happy dance when my latest find works like a dream and is incredibly affordable.  It’s the Equate oil-free eye makeup remover.


This brand can be found at Wal-Mart.  It’s said to be a comparison or dupe to the Neutrogena oil free eye makeup remover.  I’ve never tried that one, so I can’t tell you if it compares or not.  What I can say is this stuff is amazing.  It removes my eye makeup so easily.  I soak a cotton square and just place this on my eye and let it sit for 15-30 seconds, then gently wipe away.  Although it claims it’s oil free and has no oily residue, it does have an oiliness to it.  It’s not overly oily, but just so you know there is a bit of that with this remover.  I don’t find it an issue; it doesn’t break me out and I haven’t had any adverse reaction to it.    Tried and Tested 50/50 approved.  I don’t think it lives up to the claim of “no oily residue” but it definitely removes all my eye makeup.  I haven’t met an eyeliner this remover couldn’t tackle.  At a retail price of under $4, it’s definitely worth a try.  Tell me what your favorite eye makeup removers are and if you’ve tried equate.

Tried and Tested: Pssssst Dry Shampoo

Hi friends.  Today, I’m reviewing a dry shampoo.  Unless you’ve been under a rock, you’ve heard the buzz on dry shampoo.  Apparently it’s the end all to beat all in the hair revolution.  I’m not one for bandwagon trends; some are silly and others are common sense.  But I got suckered into the dry shampoo trend after one of my friends said she used it with good results.  I tried one, but I got that icky white cast.  My brunette hair with a white cast was not cute.  So I passed on them.  Until I received a sample of Pssssst Dry Shampoo.

2013 Beauty Favorites

Hi Friends.  I’ve rounded up my favorite, most used products for this past year.  The products I’ll be mentioning are ones I’ve reached for the most this past year.  I won’t be doing full reviews of the products listed below.  But if there is something you’d like more information about, please let me know in the comments.  Let’s get started because it’s a a lot!

First group is face products.  These are my foundational type products.



These face products were the ones I came back to over and over again.  They are from left to right:
1. Cover Girl 3 in 1 Outlast Foundation in 857 Golden Tan
2. Mally Poreless Perfection Powder
3. MAC Prolongwear Concealer in NC42
4. Bobbi Brown Creamy Corrector in Dark Peach
5.  Tarte BB tinted Primer in Tan

Neutral Face of the Day Using NYC Trio

Hi friends.  Today’s post features a quick FOTD.  I used a product I received from my Influenster Jolly VOXBOX.  If you’ve not heard of Influenster, they are a sample box service that will periodically send out samples for online content creators to try.  This was my first box and I loved it!


The look I created is something that I can put together in 10 minutes or less. Real talk.  It’s my go to neutral look.  The box featured a trio from NYC.  I’ve never tried their makeup, but I received it in my  VoxBox so I decided to give it a whirl. 

Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation

Hey Friends!  Hope you’re all doing well.  Today, we’re talking foundation, specifically Becca!  I was introduced to Becca Cosmetics through social media.  I’m always on the hunt for products that cater to women of color.  Many makeup brands don’t account for the varying skin undertones.  The undertones in your skin a very important when color matching.  Many brands are either too pink or too yellow – basically too generic.  But Becca was different.

(Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation – Bamboo)

The great thing about Becca Cosmetics is their focus on natural looking skin.  Which means they hone in on the undertones in a woman’s skin to help you achieve the best color match.  You can read more about their approach here on their website.  After reading that, I googled various reviews and I was sold.   My only challenge was locating their product.  The only place to order was online; there was not a physical location in my area that carried them!  So imagine my happiness when Sephora starting carrying the products.  I wasted no time in driving to my local Sephora to check them out.  But again I was dismayed.  My local Sephora did not carry them!!!  You could only order online - which I eventually did.  After a bit a research using the description of the foundations on their website and searching Youtube, I decided on a color.  I placed my order for a few products (more to come on those). 

FOTD Friday

Hi Friends.  Below is a look I put together and I liked how it turned out.  I used the Anastasia Lavish Palette.  Can we just stop and take a moment to discuss how wonderful this palette is?  I’ve used this so much since I purchased it.  It has quickly become my go to.  I plan to do a more in-depth review of it soon.   But back to this look, I think it’s a wearable look for the fall.   I’ve also listed the products I used below.  Let me know what you think.

Mally Evercolor Shadow Sticks

Hi Friends.  Today I bring you an amazing cream shadow stick.  I love cream shadows because they are easy to work with and on busy mornings, I can create a lovely smoky eye in no time.  There are many cream shadow products on the market; both in stick or pot forms. The Mally Evercolor Shadow Sticks are my favorites. 

My favorite Concealers

Beauty truth time.  I have a slight obsession with concealers.  I won’t show you the drawer that holds them, but I will say, it’s more than any one person needs.  Now that we have gotten that out of the way, let’s dig in. 

I truly believe concealer is a girls best friend.  It’s a miracle worker and a forgiver of skin sins.  I am always on the hunt for the perfect concealer.  I’ve narrowed my favorites down to four; yeah still a lot but they all serve different purposes. 

First up, a product I use EVERY DAY regardless if I use foundation or not is Bobbi Brown’s corrector in the shade dark peach. 


Now technically this is not labeled a “concealer” but a corrector.  The purpose of this product is to neutralize any darkness under the eye.  It also helps to brighten the area under the eye.  Now when I use this product its like someone has flashed a soft light under my eye and evened out the skin tone and texture.  It doesn’t crease and you only need to pat a little to cover the area.  It comes in a  pink or peach undertone, so you're bound to find a shade to fit you.

Winter Skincare Staple–Josie Maran Argan Oil

It’s cold outside.  And this Florida girl is not pleased.  Well, to be honest, I do appreciate the changing seasons.  For instance, watching the leaves change is still something I get excited about!  You don’t see these types of colors in Florida. 

I’ve been in VA for over six years and I’ve slowly learned that products that worked for me in FL, don’t necessarily cut the mustard now; (bonus points to anyone who understood that saying).



When it comes to the drier season, skin hydration is very important.  Now I always make the disclaimer, skincare is a very personal thing.  Most of it is trial and error.  Sometimes it takes a while to figure out the balance.  But if you feel you have skin similar to mine, here's what works for me.  

I have oily skin.  In a very short time, my t-zone is a veritable oil slick.  I’m always on the hunt for products that mattify my skin (more on that later).  What I’ve discovered in my search was surprising.  Although my skin is oily, I still need a fair amount of products that hydrate the skin.  I would typically look for oil free products; but I’ve found that my skin would only produce more oil.  I must keep my skin properly hydrated to decrease it’s natural oil production.  Here is a product I’ve found that works very well for me an my oily skin.

Josie Maran Argan Oil

My Favorite Lip Balms

Hi friends!  Tis the season for dry lips.  Alas the colder months are among us and with that brings dry skin.  My moisture routine changes in the winter; everything from my hair care to body lotion.  I'm always on the hunt for a great moisturizing lip balm.  I've heard recommendations for many that are far to pricey for me to even contemplate.

My search led me to Sally beauty.  I was doing my regular perusing of the shelves and near the front counter there were lip balms... on sale even.  I thought, why not?  I'll give them a try.  AND I LOVE THEM!!!!!

They are the Palladio herbal lip balms.

These lip balms are amazing.  They are truly moisturizing AND they have a great deal of pigment for most of the shades.  I swatched them below.

(l to r: rosey, brownie, cotton candy)

(l to r: rosey, brownie, cotton candy)

I like that I can get great moisture and a bit of color too.  I keep one in my purse and car so I can have the color and moisture on the go.  The best part??? They retail for under $5; but truth be told they are ALWAYS on sale.  Keep your eye out for these and grab a deal on them.  You can find these in Sally Beauty or online if one isn't near you.  I highly recommend these.  

xoxoxo 

Ja'Nelle 

Golden Girl - FOTD

Hi Friends!  Today's look was centered around one product.  I'm absolutely in love with the Maybelline color Tattoos.  They are really impressive and you cannot beat the price point.  I don't compare them to MAC paint pots.  While they have a similar idea behind them - a long wear shadow base - they have different consistencies.  I do find they perform pretty much the same on my lids; so I love them both.  For today's look I wanted to use the Gold Rush color tattoo.

The color is truly gold and has a glittery shimmer.  It's pretty intense - and I LOVE it!!  Let me know what you think!

(left with flash; right no flash)

Here are the details of what I used for this look:

On Lid:

• Too Faced Shadow Insurance
• Gold Rush Color tattoo (limited edition, but something similar here) 
• Lorac Pro Pallet - light bronze inner corner, gold on center/outer and garnet in outer V
• Lorac Au natural on brow bone (no longer available)

Mascara : Tarte lash primer and Lights Camera Flashes 

Eyeliner: Essence gel eye liner black 

Tried and Tested: Rimmel Show off Lip Lacquer

Hi friends.  This is the first installment of my "Tried and Tested" series.  I plan to review various products and the company's claim and let you know if I think it lives up to the claim and if you need to try it.  The first product I'll be reviewing is the Rimmel show off lip lip lacquers.

Rimmel describes these as "intense rich lip color, enhanced by a satin shine."  The claim is that it gives you the best of a lipstick with the shine of a gloss.  I am quite picky about my lip colors.  I like them to feel moisturizing but still be opaque.  I do like some shine, unless I'm going for a complete mat look.  That's why I was so curious about these when I heard about them.

I swatched the three shades above so you can see the pigmentation of them.

(l to r: celestial, apocalyptic, nova)

As you can see from the swatches above, they are extremely opaque.  The pigmentation is seriously strong.  They have a doe foot applicator which makes applying the color very easy.  When you pull the applicator out of the tube, there is PLENTY of product to easily cover both your top and bottom lip.  You won't need to dip the wand more than once.  I do find that these have a slightly smell to them; but it fades and doesn't linger on your lips. Although the product doesn't claim to be plumping, I find these have a slight tingle on my  lips; nothing uncomfortable, but just wanted to let you know that.

I find the glossy layer does fade if you're drinking or just regular conversation.  And while they don't bleed outside the lips, they are not kiss proof ladies (ask my husband).  After the color starts to fade - which is about 3-4 hours - I find a nice stain on the lips.  This is particularly true in the red/pink shades; which I like.

The one con I have is wearing these out in the harsh winter wind, I noticed that they dried in that weird way when a lip product creates that funky line of color.  That was no cool.  But when I wear a good lip balm underneath I find that is not an issue; just something to be aware of.

My final thoughts?  This is definitely a try it product!  The opacity of the color rivals many high end lip products.  They wear nicely on the lips and lives up the claim of the richness of a lipstick with a nice shine! They retail for around $6 and you can find these at most drugstores.  Be on the lookout for a BOGO 1/2 off sale; CVS and Walgreens frequently run these. Tried and Tested Approved!

Let me know if you've tried these products and what you think.

xoxoxo
Ja'Nelle

Neutral Glam - FOTD

Hi friends.  I absolutely LOVED this look I put together.  It's a basic neutral look, but I added a twist with a plum highlighter instead of a black.

Here are the product details:

On Lids:

• Tarte eye candy waterproof amazonian clay shadow wand in Bronze (no longer available, but something similar here)  outer V of lid
• Mally evercolor shadow stick in Firework  inner corner lid
• Urban Decay Buck in crease

Eyeliner:  Mally evercolor waterproof eye liner in Dusky Plum (no longer available, but something similar here) 

Mascara:  Revlon grow luscious 

On Lips

• Buxom Full Bodied lipstick in Menace 

Let me know what you think or if you attempt to recreate it.

Monthly Favorites - October 2013

Hi friends!  At the end of each month, I hope to tell you about the products I've been loving and reaching for throughout the month.  I'm hoping this will give you some ideas of new products to try.  Plus I hope you share with me what products you've been loving.

This month I've been absolutely in love with my Tarte BB cream in Tan.  The consistency of this product is very thin.  It's not a silicone feeling, but it's very sheer feeling.  This BB cream really does mesh well with my skin and gives me an even tone and texture.  On busy days, I've applied this over my moisturizer and a thin layer of setting powder and off I went.  Other times, I've used it under my foundation.  I've found it's truly helped in controlling my oily skin.

Another product I've been loving this month, is my Too Faced Shadow Insurance eye primer.  When I initially tried this product over a year ago, I found it to be a bit too greasy for my lids.  It didn't seem to work well for me.  However, my lids have been dry this past month and my usual primers just weren't cutting it.  I reached into my makeup drawer and decided to give this another shot. And I LOVE it!! I do still feel it's oilier than other eye primers, it's absorbing into my lid quite nicely.

My favorite lipstick of the month has to go to Buxom Full bodies lipstick in Menace .  Maybe it's the season, but I'm in love with this deep wine/oxblood color.  The consistency of this lipstick is amazing.  It's incredibly moisturizing and the staying power is phenomenal.  I highly recommend this lippy!










Finally my favorite hair care product of the month is Shea Moisture Organic Yucca & Aloe Thickening Growth Milk.  I picked this up from CVS at the start of the month.  There was actually a sale for buy one get one free.  Of course I was all over that!!! I specifically picked the fine hair option.  While I have a lot of hair, it's very fine and heavier products tend to weigh it down.  This product has enough slip it in to give me a great deal of moisture, but it's not too heavy that it weighs my hair down.  It's a nice addition to my hair care routine.  I look forward to trying more products from the brand.

Well, that's it folks.  These are just a few of my standouts for the month.  I hope you found some new things to try!  Please let me know in the comments below what products you're loving and what you think I should try next!

XOXO
Ja'Nelle

Welcome!

Hello there!  Thank you so much for stopping by.  I created this site to talk about all things beauty.  Throughout these pages you'll find information about some of my favorite products.  I'll tell you about products that worked well for me and how I created various looks.  The topics will range from makeup, skincare and hair care.  I look forward to sharing with you and learning from you!  I appreciate you visiting and hope you'll look around.