beauty lit

Finish by Summer/ Spring Project Pan Update No.1

2015-04-20T17:31:00.005-04:00

Hey all!

This past month has flown by so fast for me. We moved apartments over spring break so I didn't use much makeup, but then I did my sisters makeup twice for photos so I feel like I did make up for that. In some of my products I see significant change and some only a millimeter or so. I really need to put up a post it to remind myself to use some items as well, that has helped me in the past but I haven't added that to my new set up yet.

Project Pan Items 6/7 remaining

Urban decay 24/7 pencil liner perversion |still a nub!| I usually use this to tighten but I admit I dint do it everyday and if I'm too lazy to sharpen it I just skip the step. At this rate it'll take until June.

2. Urban decay smog eyeshadow| widened pan in the middle| I used this more often than not, but if I'm not wearing makeup, or much makeup eyeshadow is usually the first thing to go. The pan is a little wider but I mostly focused flattening the sides.

3. MAC Prolongwear Concealer in nc45 |7-10% left, previously 15%| I've gotten dark enough that I don't have to mix this with my foundation but I still can if I want. I'm going to need another for my sisters wedding because this shade works on her so I may end up repurchasing after its gone. This is definitely a staple concealer.

4. Tarte lights camera action mascara sample |opened 3/1| I've been using this in conjunction with my Loreal Telescopic and its great. I probably won't purchase the full size but I really am enjoying it.

5 . MAC mineralize skin finish natural in deep dark | About 40 squares showing, previously 20 | I've been working on this by using it as a bronzer, I'm really happy with the progress.

6. Shea moisture jbco leave in |20-25%,previously full| This is a great shaving cream and the scent doesn't last on my skin so I don't mind it as much.

7. Oyin handmade juices n berries |DONE| I liked this, finished on 4/5 and I already replaced it with a Creme of Nature one.

NEW ADDITION! MAC fluid line in black track. I have a big dip going and I would like to hit pan on it before summer.

Project Progress- Spring

This part of the project is just to focus on some items and get use out of them. I got into a pattern last year where I bought items "for the future" but by the time "the future" came I had moved on. I want to make sure I dedicate some effort to these products this spring season.

(Goal-dents) urban decay mildew/shattered/grifter - I probably used these 5 times combined so thats no bueno. I need to get braver with adding color to my looks! You can see some use in Mildew, used it on my lash line.

(Goal-dip) Mac indianwood paint pot- The dip in this one is steadily growing but I could stand to use it more. I have used it a few times as valid shade when I want wearing much makeup.

(Goal-half) Nyx peaches & cream butter gloss - I haven't been using this one either, I keep misplacing it I found it under the couch before taking the picture. I do want to get to the second set of writing on the packaging by June.

(Goal-half) Mac RiRi woo - I probably wore this one 3 times which is a lot considering I never wear red lips. I want to wear this on a weekly basis. Its very hard to photograph but I did measure it on the first update, and 'll do it again in June.

(Goal-dent) becca opal pressed - I was really good about wearing this in the inner corner of my eye, unfortunately thats a very small area. I will continue to try and make it work. The texture shown in the middle is the use so far.

Thanks for stopping by!
-Jess

Finish 7 by Summer (With a twist!)

2015-04-09T15:38:00.002-04:00

This winter I was able to finish 12 products during a Project 24 pan I was working on. I decided to call that project quits after I saw that Spring was here. A change in season is a great reason to change up your make up. This spring I definitely want to finish up some older products but I'm running out of really old items! I decided to focus on some old and bring in some new, not to finish them but just to make some progress. You'll see that some of these products are roll overs from my last projects. I want to participate in the 7 bt Summer challenge, but I know most of my products will be done by June 27th. As I finish things I can choose whether to sub in more things or not.

Project Pan Items

urban decay 24/7 pencil liner perversion |nub!| I've been working on this pencil since December. I really like it but it is 2+ years old and drying out a bit.
Urban decay smog eyeshadow|major pan| This one is from the naked palette. I have a backup in the ammo palette. It's already got good pan, so I may as well finish it.
MAC Prolongwear Concealer in nc45 |down to the last bits| I've been making a bb cream with this and it's moving fast. I want to do a b2m soon and this will be my 6th item.
Tarte lights camera action mascara sample |opened 3/1| I really like this one and I've been crushing samples.
mac msf natural in deep dark | About 15-20 squares showing | I've been working on this one and I've been widening the pan since January. If I get enough sun I can wear it all over my face.
Shea moisture jbco leave in |full| This stuff stinks like playdoh:/ I will use it as a shaving cream until it's gone.
Oyin handmade juices n berries|20% left | I like this but I want to try a different one.

Project Progress- Spring

(Progress-dents) urban decay mildew/shattered/grifter - just focusing on spring colors. I plan to use these mostly on the bottom lash line though.
(Progress-dip) Mac indianwood paint pot- it will pair well with smog
(Progress-half) Nyx peaches & cream butter gloss - I loved my raspberry tart shade this winter and this shade makes my nudes and mlbb look beautiful.
(Progress-half) Mac RiRi woo - this is one of my oldest if not my oldest lippie at this point. As much as I love it, It would be a waste to not use it.
(Progress-dent) becca opal pressed - I find myself loving this so much I want more shades but the reality is I need to see some major progress before justifying purchases like this. It's not something I wear daily or can wear a lot of.

Project 24 Pan--FINALE! (Written 3/22)

2015-04-09T15:28:00.002-04:00

I know its been a while, but I haven't forgotten about my project pan goals! I kept putting off my updates so I could have more finished, and then time got away from me! Ill go through the list and tell you all how it went.

maybelline color tattoo bad to the bronze | I made a huge dent! I felt pretty defeated about it at first but now I'm just glad I made some progress. I can always come back to it later. My favorite way to use this is to pop it in the middle of the lid under a darker shimmery shadow like Urban Decay Barlust!
urban decay naked palette toasted e/s | I hated this eyeshadow! But I HIT PAN!!!! Go me Goal Reached!
itsjudytime tan shade | I finished this one up last, I had to re-press it. I ended up using it on my lids and cheekbones to make the final bit disappear. Goal Reached!
itsjudytime brown script dupe | I Hit pan on this one pretty easily with my Mac 224. Goal Reached!
urban decay 24/7 pencil liner perversion |This little guy taught me to love pencil liners, but he's still kicking!
urban decay liquid liner Perversion | The brush on this one broke, its is a big problem with UD packaging because Ive owned 3 of these. I called this one done. Goal Reached!
~~loreal mascara miss magna mascara~~ Finished on 1/3 Will not repurchase, the wand didnt grab the lashes enough
too faced Better than sex sample | Very thickening mascara with a dry formula.Liked it and would consider purchasing. Goal Reached!
~~Milani Brow Kit in Dark (middle shade)~~ Hit Pan 1/13. Will not repurchase as it does not stay on the brows all day, but it is a great outer corner eyeshadow so I'll continue to use it.
nars sheer glow foundation in macao Finished 1/16. This is a holy grail product I would definitely repurchase next time I'm light enough for it.
covergirl ready set flawless in 315 | I mixed with is a darker redder foundation because this one is SOOOO OLIVE! I looked like the grinch lol. Its still hanging around.
mac prolongwear concealer in nc45 | This one progresses so slowly. Its still around.
becca shimmering skin perfectors topaz&rose gold | These broke me out after keeping the samples around for a few weeks. I'm sure the full product wouldn't do that it I won't purchase a full size.
benefit sunbeam | I destashed this, old liquid highlighter samples break me out.
mac blush fleur power | I used this every day and made a dent, the pan is so far away!
mac msf natural in deep dark | I have major pan on this! Goal Reached!
mac lipstick in rebel l/s | I decided to de-pot this and call it a day.
nyx butter gloss in purple l/g |I didn't finish it but its about halfway down now!
kat von d lolita sample lipstick | I finished this at the beginning of March. Goal Reached!
buxom full bodied lip color in San Francisco | I decided to destash b/c I didn't like the tingle.
coach poppy perfume |I finished this finally after years of owning it. Goal Reached!
origins night a mins |I started using this as a handcream because it broke out my face. Goal Reached!
victoria secret love spell | I destashed after never wanting to use it, it was free anyway.
first aid beauty facial cleanser | My skin got too dry for this stuff so I'll pick back up use in the summer.

Wrap-up:

12 Products Finished

8 Products Quit, but Kept

4 Products I Destashed

I'm really happy with the progress I made over the last 3 months. I learned so much about my tastes and preferences, and I can use that knowledge to inform my future purchases. Now I'm ready to start two new projects for the spring. Look out for details in a future post.

Viva Glam Miley on NC50

2015-02-14T19:51:00.000-05:00

I wore it to brunch sheered out, then I built it up so you could see the full color! Im not wearing liner in either pic. This is my first amplified finish (I usually go for matte) so it was a little different for me. I did have to layer to get the full color on but that can be a good thing, it also does stain. I won't be wearing this one to work so I probably can't really test the staying power, but I had it on for 3 hours and it looked good the whole time. It was gone after eating a fairly greasy appetizer. I can see this going with a winged liner look or a neutral eye for a bold everyday look. I did a daytime soft smokey eye, product list below.

Korres Pomegranate Primer
Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation in tawny mixed w/ Lancome Teint Miracle in 500W
Mac prolongwear concealer in nc45 - directly below eye
NARS Radiant creamy concealer in amande - to highlight
Mac color correction palette in dark - under eye, upper lip
MAC Mineralized skin finish in dark & deep dark
Becca highlighter in opal
ABH dipbrow in chocolate
MAC shadows in fig 1 (all over lid) texture+ brown script (crease), arena (brow)
Urban decay sidecar (inner lid, tear duct)
Mac fluid line in blacktrack
kat von d mascara (idk name sorry)
Mac viva glam miley 1 lipstick
nyx gloss in smokey look (first pic )

Project 24 Pan :: 2 week update!

2015-01-17T22:04:00.002-05:00

Hi!

Thanks for stopping by, this is just a quick update on how I'm doing with the project pan so far. I think I'm making easy progress on everything but my eye products, especially the color tattoo and the UD Toasted Eyeshadow... I just want them to be over. I am happy with the rest of my progress, especially finishing 3 things. My goal is 5 for the month. As far as my other goals like my Low Buy, I have purchased 4 makeup items this month, I got two for free and I plan to purge at least 6 items if not more. I like the idea of one in, one out, especially when I can have the freedom to purge to use things up. When deciding when I want to purge, I find it helpful to think about project panning certain items. If you can't imagine panning the item because you know you would hate it, then maybe it shouldn't be in your collection in the first place.

maybelline color tattoo bad to the bronze | I usually work this is daily, I like it better with satins/mattes than with shimmer shades because it amplifies the already metallic finish but I'm going to keep trudging.
urban decay naked palette toasted e/s | This eyeshadow still isn't growing on me, I only tolerate it. But it does pair well with the Naked 3, so I can get some use from that palette.
itsjudytime tan shade | This is a great go-to neutral for me. I can't wait to hit pan on toasted so I can fully enjoy it.
itsjudytime brown script dupe | This brown can pull purple so it can pair well with toasted too.
urban decay 24/7 pencil liner perversion | I use it everyday, I never realized ow versatile pencils can be, I tight line with it daily, Ive smoked it out for a date night and I can layer shadows over it for a subtle definition. I'll be sad to see this one go I think!
urban decay liquid liner Perversion | The brush on this one went wonky, but its good for a super thin line on the lashes, but not a wing.
~~loreal mascara miss magna mascara~~ Finished on 1/3 Will not repurchase, the wand didnt grab the lashes enough
too faced Better than sex sample | I think its starting to dry out, so I won't be long.
~~Milani Brow Kit in Dark (middle shade)~~ Hit Pan 1/13. Will not repurchase as it does not stay on the brows all day, but it is a great outer corner eyeshadow so I'll continue to use it.
nars sheer glow foundation in macao Finished 1/16. This is a holy grail product I would definitely repurchase next time I'm light enough for it.
covergirl ready set flawless in 315 | I haven't touched it yet, but I will starting this next work week.
mac prolongwear concealer in nc45 | I haven't been super loyal, and I can't see any progress yet unfortunately
becca shimmering skin perfectors topaz&rose gold | I often forget to add these :/.
benefit sunbeam | I honestly haven't touched it.
mac blush fleur power | I use this everyday, and have started to mix it with other blushes.
mac msf natural in deep dark | I use it daily as bronzer, Goal: Hit pan by FEB
mac lipstick in rebel l/s | I maybe have worn this 5x
nyx butter gloss in purple l/g | I wear this almost everyday and the shade has really grown on me
kat von d lolita sample lipstick | I', still enjoying the lip combo of this and the butter gloss.
buxom full bodied lip color in San Francisco | I havent touched it yet.
coach poppy perfume | I haven't used it everyday, but its really hard to squirt out, Goal: Finish by FEB
origins night a mins | I hit jar 1/10!
victoria secret love spell | I kind of hate this stuff and I never remember to spray it.
first aid beauty facial cleanser | I try to use this once a day, either morning or night depending on what my skin needs.

Thats all I have for today!

Love, Jess

Project Pan Reloaded!!

2015-01-05T18:43:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my Project Pan 24 by 24 week 1 update.

So I had to revamp my project pan since my original post in December. I made a video to kickoff my new plan that I posted a few days before New Years! Here it is below.

I wanted to do a more in-depth blog post about it but I was enjoying my 2 week winter break too much! I did get started with my products and even finished one!!! But I am at a point where I need to change some things. I figured that I would need to re-evaluate my project pan items after working with them for a month or so, but it was clear after a week that I had way too many purple items! A purple eyeshadow base, 2 purple hued eyeshadows, and a dark purple lipstick. I like the color, but that's too much!

So as of now there are 23 products and 2* have been swapped in. I've also decided to classify my highlighter samples as 2 separate products instead of 3.

Updated List of products (product| approx amount left| how Im doing with it)

maybelline color tattoo bad to the bronze | 88% | I need to really get into using this. I sort of resent how it looks more taupe than bronze on me.
urban decay naked palette toasted e/s | 80% | I found a new shade to pair this with, Barlust from ud smoked palette is gorgeous.
*itsjudytime palette soft brown | 100%| This is a replacement for the purple shade.
*urban decay 24/7 liquid liner perversion |50%?| I've already had to replace the brush because it got cracked so I may as well use it up too.
urban decay 24/7 pencil liner perversion | 50% | Ive started wearing it under my eyeshadow because making a line with it is so much harder than liquid!
loreal mascara miss magna mascara |FINISHED| This is my first empty achieved 1/3/14
too faced better than sex mini| 80%| It gives a nice thick lash I can't complain.
milani brow kit in dark (middle shade) | 40 %| I am 40% to pan I think. I started using it in the crease so I can move on faster. Once I hit pan I'm getting dip brow! *all hail dippie*
nars sheer glow foundation in macao |10%| The pump stopped pumping so I deported into a sample jar.
covergirl ready set flawless in 315 |99%| Used once to test it, its so green :( I might mix it with a red toned BB cream have
mac prolongwear Concealer in nc45 |38%| I can only use this if I wear foundation too
becca highlighter samples (topaz&rose gold) |80%| I mixed the two samples in a 4g jar.
benefit sunbeam mini | 80%| used 1x
mac blush fleur power | 40%| used every day, no pan yet.
mac msf natural in deep dark | 35%| used everyday as bronzer.
mac lipstick in rebel l/s | 50%| I never want to wear this to work because it so bold.
nyx butter gloss in raspberry tart l/g | 95% | I've been using this a cap ton, no change yet.
kat von d Lolita mini |80%| I also use this a crap ton, and I like it.
buxom full bodied lip color in San Francisco |35%| haven't touched it.
coach poppy perfume |7%| Its getting hard to squirt out.
origins night a mins | 50%| I find reasons to use this.
vaseline body lotion 18 oz |92%| Ive been using it after every shower so far.
victoria secret love spell |?| I forgot to mark this so I will before the next update
first aid beauty facial cleanser |50%| I use this 10/14 times washing my face.

~~kicked off the "~~~~eye land"~~
maybelline color tattoo painted purple | 90% left | its super super old and theres no way .
itsjudytime 10th purple shade / 100%/ its not a flattering color on me
urban decay smoked freestyle e/s | 98%| I am switching this one out too. Its too pale/ashy

Project Pan 2015! Intro Post

2014-12-11T22:13:00.000-05:00

Project Pan Items 12/11/14

I already posted a...post about why I'm doing this project pan, you can read it here. Here is my first project pan that officially starts today! I was going to start it on January 1, but today happens to be 6 months until my birthday so I think thats even more fitting.

I decided not to go on a no buy, but I am on a low buy. I have an upcoming post about my ideal makeup collection and basically I have some categories that I only have a few items in so its ok for me to buy more. A low buy for me means that I will restrict my shopping, aiming for l new purchase each month with the goal to save up for a birthday haul in May.

I guess I can just go into my rules:

1. Use all PP items 5x a week. I usually wear makeup to work and on one weekend day so 6x total. On the 6th day I can use whatever products I want. Most of my other makeup is packed away at this point so I can focus on my products.

2. Reapply Lip items 4x a day. I am super nervous about my lipstick and lipgloss in this challenge, but this way I can wear another color during the day and apply the lipstick after work or when I'm just lounging at home.

3. One Eyeshadow at a time. I have 6 eyeshadows in this thing so I am going to only focus on using up one at a time so I don't get too frustrated.

4. Pan means pan. I will be happy to hit pan on my items and if I finish them that would be like a bonus.

5. The amount I hit pan on is the amount I can buy over the period, including my birthday haul. So if I buy 5 things before my birthday and I only finish 5 items, then no birthday haul for me :(

6. I will be on this journey for 6 months, ending on my 24th birthday. Updating once a month.

And Here are my items:

1. urban decay naked palette sidecar

2. urban decay naked palette buck

3. urban decay naked palette half-baked

4. urban decay naked palette smog

5. urban decay naked palette toasted

6. urban decay smoked palette rockstar

7. mac lipstick in rebel

8. nyx butter gloss in raspberry tart

9. urban decay 24/7 pencil liner perversion

10. mac blush fleur power

11. loreal mascara miss magna mascara

12. nars sheer glow foundation in macao

13. mac msf natural in deep dark

1-6. I'm tackling about half of the naked palette! As you can see nick and smog already have pan showing so the goal is to nearly use those up. Half baked has a crater so I should be able to hit pan on that quite easily. Sidecar and Toasted are another story they both have small dips form me making efforts to use them all fall but theres not much progress. I'll be focusing on Toasted to hopeful get close to pan by next update! As far the the purple shade, I will be using that mostly as a lower lash line pop of color.

7. mac lipstick in rebel This is one of the first lipstick I fell in love with. I remember getting it back in 2012 after I crossed because all of my line sisters had it. But it is getting old and I need to get some solid use out of it before it goes bad. Hopefully I can keep up with reapplying it because I have a decent chunk of product to run through here. I measured it up against a game of thrones coaster I keep on my vanity (I marked after the photo). I pray to the old gods and new I can finish this thing soon.

8. nyx butter gloss in raspberry tart I got this gloss on a whim when I was in nyx butter everything heaven and they were 50% off at ultra this summer. I'm really more into matte lips if I'm wearing a vibrant color. I'm really only into nude or light pink/peach glosses so I really don't need this one. I have only used up one lipgloss back in college when I owned a total of two so I'm super nervous on this one as well. its 99.9912% full.

9. urban decay 24/7 pencil liner perversion I got this one in my smoked palette which I've had since 2012 so its time for this one to go as well. I love the look of liquid liner so I plan to put this down first and then sharpen my line with the liquid. Same Coaster different line :)

10. mac blush fluer power I have had this blush 2011! It was the first blush I owned but I guess I event shown it enough love to hit pan on it. I can see that some of the pan is showing on the sides of the product so I suspect I have been wearing it down evenly. We shall see!

11. loreal mascara miss magna mascara This is the newest product of the bunch. I got it in September 2014 and it's a really good mascara. I needed something easy in the challenge right!

12. nars sheer glow foundation in macao This was my first high end foundation and I love it to pieces. It's a light yellow toned color that only matches me in the dead of winter but its beautiful when it does. I definitely recommend it if you have a color match. The coverage isn't sheer at all, and I may mix it with a bb cream if it feel its too much coverage. Middle school kids will ask their teacher why she's wearing so much makeup -__- I may need a beauty spatlula to really empty this out.

13. mac msf natural in deep dark This is my second MSF in this color, the first one turned before I finished it so I'm excited to use this one up. Right now I'm using it as a bronzer and the entire dome of the product is worn down so I think I can do it. I think I can...I think I can.

OK thats it! Feel free to follow with Google +, or bloglovin to keep up with my progress!

If you have a project pan going on let me know so I can follow :)

-Jess

Whats in my Z-Palette?!

2014-12-10T12:28:00.000-05:00

Last Wednesday, after school and my grad night class, I went to Sephora to return my ambient lighting palette. I got 48$ back since I bought it in the VIB sale. I also had my $20 dollar off $50 coupon so you know I had to get something. I wanted to maybe get a Becca highlighter, but I really didn’t feel like driving all the way to the location near me that carries that line. I also didn't feel like spending my whole refund on one item! Those highlighters are HELLA expensive, especially if you factor in cost per wear, which I always do. If I pay $50 dollars for a foundation, I’m ok with that because I can use it every time I wear makeup, however I’m a middle school teacher so my everyday makeup routine does not usually call for highlighter. (Definitely not a 40+ dollar one). I just can't justify it.

But that was a tangent!

I ended up using my coupon on a First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser, a Small Sephora Z Palette, and a (gotcha item from the travel section) the Kat Von D Lip Love Set.

I took all my new goodies home and re-did my Z palette! I have my Original Naked Palette in here, my UD Smoked palette that I de-potted that night, 4 MAC shades and my contour color that cracked horribly when I de-potted it. She's a beaut aint she!

what's in my z palette

I love it! It gives me so much variety and I can see everything I have at once. And now that I also have the smaller Z palette it gives me more options to mix and match for my travel makeup bag.

Hope you enjoyed!

Love,

Jess

Why I'm going on Project Pan

2014-12-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

If you are like me (a Youtube beauty junkie) then you have been sucked into the vortex which I like to call “buy all the things!”

If you have had this moment you know what I'm talking about: You're watching a few people’s monthly favorites and before you know it you have a 5 different carts on makeup websites full of random items totaling a few hundred dollars.

Beauty bloggers and Youtube Gurus are influencers who often get sent products to try, they make money off of their internet presence and need to keep reviewing an trying new things to keep their audiences interested. ALTHOUGH I AM WRITING A BEAUTY BLOG AT THE MOMENT, I AM NOTHING MORE THAN A SMALL TIME BROKE-A** GRADUATE STUDENT! Maybe one day I’ll be on that level, but I assure you I am not currently. It’s great to learn about new products and want to try them out but for the everyday person, it can get out of hand quickly.

Because of this, I have decided to change my focus from “buy it all!” to “use it up!” There is an awesome project pan community on Youtube and in the ‘blogosphere’ where beauty lovers decide to focus on really enjoying, using and loving the products they have before indulging in more, more, more.

Last month I shared my makeup inventory, which was my way of holding myself accountable to the items I have. There are over 100 items on there and only about 5 empties. That means that I’m constantly buying things and either not using them or not getting through them before I buy replacements.

I’m realizing that I don’t need to buy everything that I like, even if it’s cheap, because I have plenty of stuff at home I can use to get a similar look. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY GOLD/BRONZE EYE SHADOWS I HAVE!?

For example I have 55 total eye shadows. It could take 3 months of constant use to finish an eye shadow and lets say I use 3 a day so that’s 12 finished a year. Going off that, it would take me 4.5 YEARS to finish the shadows I have now with everyday usage! That’s enough to discourage me from buying the 2 palettes I wanted this holiday season.

Just some food for thought. Sorry if I went OC on the caps lock!

-Love

Jess

Weekly Makeup Basket #1 WOC edition

2014-12-08T13:27:00.000-05:00

I'm starting a project pan for 2015! I have a whole post on why I made the decision coming up tomorrow. But my first step is starting up doing weekly makeup baskets! The purpose of this is to challenge myself to focus on particular products and find awesome go-to looks that will come in handy when my panning challenge actually gets started.

I also noticed that every morning my tiny vanity table ends up a mess! It’s because I have too much crammed on to it. So in deciding what I will be using for a week or two I can pack my other products away and cut down on clutter.

So here are the shadows I'll be working with.

And the eye bases, the third one is MAC Indianwood

Finally, my foundations.

NC45

Since this is my first time doing this I wanted to just focus on eyes and face products. I didn't do a full face for a few reasons: 1. I don't own multiples of everything (ex. I own 1 face primer) 2. I still need to figure out what blushes and lippies look best with the eyeshadow 3. Since I'm new at this I didn't want to make it impossibly restricted.

All the best,

Jess

De-potting Adventures

2014-12-08T11:54:00.002-05:00

I decided to take the plunge (or spatula) and de-pot my Urban Decay Smoked Palette. I got this one back when it came out in 2012 because I was on the “buy everything” bandwagon. When I did use it I mostly lived on Barlust because it’s like a more intense version of Smog from my original Naked Palette. Other than that I used the blue (Evidence), green Loaded) and purple (Rockstar) shades a handful of times. I decided to depot this palette because I realized that it’s not the perfect travel palette for me. The shades are mostly dark and smoky and when I travel I'm more likely to wear minimal or neutral eye shadow and I’ll wear a bright lip for going out. It just made more sense to get rid of the packaging and have easier access to the actual eye shadows on a daily basis.

Here are the results!

It was a super easy process I used the spatula provided in the Sephora Z palettes and used the no-heat method from this video

Stay tuned for my Full Z- Palette!

Much love,

Jess

Face of Yesterday

2014-12-03T13:17:00.000-05:00

Face

black radiance bb cream in cafe

nars radiant creamy concealer in amande

ben nye luxury powder in topaz

mac msf natural in deep dark

nars blush in liberte

Eyes

too faced shadow insurance

maybelline color tattoo in inked in pink

naked 1 buck (crease) toasted (lid) sidecar (inner corner)

mac swiss chocolate (crease) brown script (lower lash line)

urban decay smoked palette loaded (lower lash line)

Lips

sephora nano liner in chic coco

milani power lip gloss stain in creamy cafe

I went with a lighter makeup look to see how it would go. I learned that the Ben Nye powders DO NOT control oil. I was oily on my nose after a few hours...and I have dry skin. I have been experimenting with some eyeshadows I had been neglecting, because I am thinking about doing a project pan with some of my naked palette shades. I also bought the lip color on Monday at CVS because I have no will power... Its a long wearing lip gloss from Milani in a pretty pinkish nude color. I think it looks good. Its hard to pair lippies with pinky toned eyeshadows!

On the teaching side, I was told I looked happier while teaching today. I think I am.

Nuff Love,

Jess

FOYesterday & First full day of teaching

2014-12-02T10:04:00.000-05:00

Face

Black Radiance BB Cream in Cafe

MAC Prolongwear Concealer in NC45

MAC MSF Natural in Dark and Deep Dark

Nars Blush in Seduction

Urban Decay All-Nighter

Eyes (The light totally washed it out)

Milani Brow Kit in Dark

Too Faced Shadow insurance

Be a Bombshell cream eyeshadow (the one that came in the ipsy bag)

Naked Palette Buck & Sidecar

MAC swiss Chocolate

ItsJudytime palette bronze shade

MAC Blacktrack gel liner

L'oreal Miss Magna Mascara

Lips

Bite Beauty Cashmere Lip Cream in Sancerre (as a long wearing base)

Revlon Matte Balm in Standout

I'm actually liking the Black Radiance BB cream. It barely gives any coverage at all, and its a little darker than my skin so I thought it would be a no-go. But once I put on the concealer (Kim K style) and powered it looked like a pretty medium coverage. I reapplied the red lips once during my planning period and they he'd up like champs. I did notice that some of the product built up where my lips meet and I had to scrape the gunk off so that wasn't pretty. I am thinking about trying to pan a red lipstick so the Matte balm was my first stab at seeing whether or not I could stand doing it. I'm really not sure yet, especially with teaching I can't have lipstick everywhere and I can't reapply or check it often like I feel the need to.

On another note, I solo-taught all day long all by myself! Im so proud of that :). I was a little nervous knowing that my teaching coach wasn't there but I have to say I rocked it. It wasn't perfect, but I've already realized that it will never be perfect so I'm happy.

Another accomplishment: I bought 0 things for black friday/cyber monday! I am participating in boycotting the sales in solidarity with Ferguson. All weekend I only bought some yoni eggs from Organic Blood, which is a black owned business and some kanekalon braiding hair.

Hope you had a great start to your week as well.

K love you bye,

Jess

Sephora Haul!

2014-11-26T23:14:00.000-05:00

I became a VIB at Sephora in August or September of this year thanks to my Cohort Teacher Franz who enable me. So I was of course super excited for the VIB 20% off sale like everyone else in blogger/Youtube land. Here is my haul!

Since this haul was almost a month ago I have opinions on everything. Let the mini reviews commence...

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

Its so fancy, but I really can't tell the difference after an hour or so. I watched a few tutorials on how to use it more effectively, and there were basically two dark skinned girls who had some info. They were Destiny Godley and Simplebeautyblog on youtube. Even still I don't think that it makes enough of a difference to justify spending so much. Its going back.

Wearing Ambient Lighting Powders on NC50 Skin

Recommend? Nah

Nars Blush in Seduction

This blush, I hear, is a dupe for MACs Fever. Its a plummy wine color that works great on my skin tone. The blend ability and lasting power is awesome, I am the type that needs easy fool proof blushes because I still don't know what I'm doing! It works great with vampy lips too so I'm definitely happy with it.

Nars Blush in Seduction

Recommend? Yes! Especially brown girlies! But fever may be a bit cheaper so check out that one too.

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in 07 Dark Berry

YAAAAASSSSSSS to this vampy sexy lip right here! Its a dark brown burgundy with visible bronze shimmer and its so perfect. I can rock it alone or under MAC Rebel to MAC Diva lippies. This is my second cream lip stain from sephora, and I can honestly say these are awesome products. The colors are opaque and long lasting. They go on as a thin blend able liquid and then dry down, actually the formula is similar to Mac prolongwear concelers. The cream stains are easily build able, and my favorite way to use them is as lipstick bases.You need one of these in your life, go check them out.

Sephora Lip Cream Stain in 07 Dark Berry

Recommend? YASSSSSSSSS! If you love MAC's Diva you need this.

Sephora Collection Nano Lip Liner

This is my first lipliner from Sephora. Its a small little thing but the color is perfect to go with the Dark Berry cream stain. And it was only 5 bucks so no complaints here.

Recommend? Meh, its a lipliner, it does the job.

Kat Von D Immortal Lash and Line Kit.
This comes with a full size mascara and the famous tattoo liner. Both are bomb!! The mascara took about two weeks to get good, the want is a stiff plastic thing that is hard to work with at first, but once you get used to it it gives great lash. I alternate between combing my lashes with e spiky head and twirling the spiral section from the roots to ends. Its good stuff.

The liner is as good as everyone says. Its not a felt lip, but its not quite a brush like I'm used to either, its like they had a perfect baby. It has the perfect combination of a sharp point and a still body. It makes liquid liner so easy I think I'm hooked. It knocked my Urban Decay Liquid Liner 24/7 in Perversion out of the game for sure.

Recommend? If you see this kit, get it.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
Nars Nars Nars, I feel so conflicted about this product. I want to love it as much as everyone else does but I just don't. I got the shade Amande which is a great shade for me, and the finish is very pretty, but that about it. I guess I expected a miracle product. Ok so here are my qualms: 1. Its not creaseless, it creases under my else no matter how little product I use, or how fast I set it. 2. it cakes up under my eyes when i try to set it, my MAC prolong wear doesn't. 3. it can look a little dry/crepey under the eyes. I don't need concealer to make me look older, my job will do that just fine. But rant over. I still want to like it so I may keep it, I'm not sure.

MAC Prolongwear NC45 / Nars Amande

MAC Studio Tech NC45/MAC Prolong NC45/Nars Amande/MAC Studio Tech NC50

Recommend? Not over the Mac Prolongwear, I don't.

All together now!

OK, Love you, Bye!

Back again? & My Makeup Inventory Nov.2014

2014-11-26T19:13:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking about getting back into blogging again for a while. This past May I started graduate school to become a secondary english educator (fancy words, I really just attempt to entertain 6th graders all day while tricking them into learning to read and write new things). The whole doing student teaching 4 days a week while dealing with other life changes has been ridiculous. I kept planning this big catch up post but it always became too daunting of a task, and I'm my brain daunting tasks that aren't a grade get put on the lack burner indefinitely. So I'm going to do what educators do and start where I am and go from there.

Last weekend as I procrastinated on a short paper I was supposed to write, I created something amazing. Its a Makeup Inventory in excel. You can see it on google drive here

Here is a screenshot of the first page. I have everything in categories of Eyes, Lips, Face, and the broken down into type. Since I did most of this without knowing how to use excel, I don't have everything completely organized by brand. But after I saw the list compiling, I had the Ides to at least include the product shade name and the actual color it is. I then listed the asking price and the season I bought it in. All Fall 2014 purchases are going to fall under 9/1/2014 for example.

On a separate chart in the same file, I have an empties inventory list as well so I can track what I'm using up and record any thoughts, this is only the end of that chart. I have used up 109.00 dollars worth of product since this summer.

This is definitely excessive, but I want to analyze how much I'm spending on makeup vs. how much I'm using up in 2015. For fun. Im so grad school analyzing data is fun for me.

If you would like the original file to make your own, feel free to email me at beautylit2@gmail.com

Love ya, Bye!

Spring 2014 Wishlist

2014-02-13T23:42:00.001-05:00

Spring 2014 Wishlist by iwasjess featuring Wet Seal

LinasBeautyDiary: Voulez vous NAKED avec moi? * GIVEAWAY *

2012-03-18T15:28:00.001-04:00

LinasBeautyDiary: Voulez vous NAKED avec moi? ***** GIVEAWAY *****:

check out this chance to wil a naked 2 palette!
'via Blog this'

NOTW 3-18

2012-03-18T12:07:00.001-04:00

Hey Yall,

Here is a little NOTW that I did with WnW Megalast "Through the Grapevine,"WnW Fast Dry " Hannah Pinktana," and Essie Luxeeffect in "shine of the times." I layered creme, glitter, and flakie colors to make every nail a unique sparkle. The pictures do the flakie gold shine no justice at all!

Shinyyyy lol.

later!-jess

We Do Abortions Here by Sallie Tisdale

2012-03-14T22:23:00.001-04:00

This a wonderful article and story. Everyone should read this.

We Do Abortions Here:

'via Blog this'

WOC Lipstick review: MAC Cremesheen dare you

2012-03-11T14:02:00.000-04:00

Hey loves,

Today's Review : Mac 'Dare You' Cremesheen Lipstick

I'm starting to go through my makeup stash, swatching and reviewing my products.

A little about me & my reviewing style: I am a college aged, African-American female. I have both golden and red tones to my skin depending on the time of year (redder in the summer, more gold in the winter). I use Smashbox HD foundation in Dark. For reference, my closest MAC shade is NC50, it is my concealer color. I live on a college (tiny) budget and I will rate my products on affordability and if I feel the product is worth the money.

Retail Price: $14.50

Product description: (Cremesheen) Creme-based lipstick that imparts bright full color, with a soft and supple shine. (Color) Deep brown red.

MY REVIEW

Color: (5/5) This “deep brown red” lippie my first (and only) MAC lipstick. I went to the Georgetown store looking for a red that wasn’t too out there, and found this. Dare You stood out to me because of its deeply pigmented, sophisticated color and the gold/orange undertone. I love warmer shades and I really love the color of this because I can rock a red-red lip with it or a subtler red-bronze/gold look. I get complemented when I wear it, so that also helps me build the courage to rock it more often.

See the subtle gold shimmer?

Texture: (5/5) Dare You is a smooth and satiny cremesheen. The texture feels light although the color is bold. It feels soft and moisturizing, but I like to use a gloss to keep moisture in. With this lippie, you lips cant be more than only slightly chapped because it will call you out! (ol) But that has more to do with the red color than the texture. The soft shimmer camouflages minor imperfections.

BEAUTYLIT GRADE: A!
I love this lippie, and I recommend it as a safe bet for a red lip. The color is rich rather than being loud so it easy to rock. And the quality and feel of the product shows that its worth the price, you get what you paid for wit this one. I’m sure I’ll love it even more when I start my teaching career; it’s my power color!

My goals for 2012, a 2 month update

2012-03-08T18:17:00.000-05:00

So........
I'll admit it, its been hard to keep up with my goals for the year so far. I think it's partly because I have not loked back at them since I wrote it...I definitely need to implement a visual reminder. But let's go back and see what I have and have not done.

Education:
1. I have writen all but one of my papers on time. I can still achieve this
2. I still procrfastinate, but its only gotten to a stressful leel once.

Overall there is still hope for me here. On the other hand, I have accomplished more then ever on campus in planning my first event so I'm proud and can say I accomplished something in the past 2 montss.

Health:
I'm failing here! Leaving my schedule open and going to excersize ehen I feel like it is not woking for me. I need to modify my goal to make it more specific because 1x a week is generally ineffective.

Financial Goals
1. My I have paid the bulk of my discover bill down but I'm not there yet.
2. I have only been able to stick to my beauty budget, its been so hard to figure out how to factor in unexpected expenses. Does anyone else have the problem where if you have a plan like to spend only $50, and you have to dip into it, youll spend that 50 anyway. I'm way too defiant to budget. (Something to work on)

Overall, I realize I'm a little off track, but I can still recover at this point. I need to focus mainly on my purchasing.

Nail Art: Cheetah

2012-03-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hey Y'all,

This is a nail design I did over winter break. I really waned to buy a Konad nail art kit, because i wanted leopard nails. Since I didn't have any money, I decided to try to make it myself. It wasn't that hard when I got a hang of the nail art brush. I'm definitely going to try more designs in the future :)

This was dont with $2 Wet'N'Wild polishes that I already owned!

Awkward Black GIRL!!!!!

2012-02-28T21:23:00.002-05:00

Hey Y'all!

Are you fans of The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl webseries???

If not, you should be! Seriously, click here and go watch!

I brought their college tour to our school and it was an amazing event and experience. I learned so much about planning, coordinating, and paying attention to details. I wouldn't trade last Friday night for the world.

Here are some pics!

Aren't Madison and Issa beautiful lol :))

Overwhelmed!!!

Packed house!

Everyone who helped out!!! Love them :)

This was such an amazing day :)

Please check out ABG and become as awkward as me lol

-love jess

Feeling Colorful (I am ;) )

2012-02-26T02:07:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone!!!

How was your week???
I just wanted to share some recent pics of my hair and makeup. Woop! (lol)

I recently re-discovered mt Wet N Wild lipstick...I'll have to do a review on it but its a purple shade.
I just threw my coral ELF lip conditioner in on top and voila!

I'm going to have to rock this lip look again as for my eyes, I'm wearing my WnW comfort palette and probably brown script e/s from MAC.

'cuz I'm really loving it.

My hair is actually from my very first braid n curl, Curly Nikki style!

I made a Leave-in from my Giovanni Direct Leave-in, Castor and Olive Oils, and Aloe Vera Gel.

My roommate let me borrow her yellow perm rods and I worked it out from there.

Pretty Good Huh??

Lots of love!!!!!!

Tutoring, Naked, Mint apple w/ FX (blogged from phone)

2012-02-17T09:36:00.001-05:00

Soo...I'm sitting in the football team house waiting for a student. This is my second tutoring job. My first is working with highschool student on Saturdays and I definitely like that job better. I'm pretty blown at the irresponsibility and the lack of caring. Why should I care if he doesn't? I suppose that is the ultimate dilemma of a teacher/ educator: sometimes you WILL care more than they do, but even when they repeatedly let you, their family, and themselves down, you still have to care. If no one believes in them, they will never improve.
Any who, here's my breakfast and my NOTD.
Naked berry veggie juice. This is not my favorite, but it is decent way to get red friuts and veggies in my diet. I'm more of an orange mango girl.
Sinful Colors Mint Apple nail polish and milani jewel fx! I'm so happy to finally find it after of months of keping an eye out!