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