Moden Makeup

Allow me to stray off topic for this one.

I was having a conversation recently with a friend/MUA/fellow beauty lover. I recommended a store in which she could find a product she was looking for. Her response basically was one of my favourite Bajan sayings: "dem caan spend my money". She went on to describe the racist/classist treatment she received while in the store. She was judged based on Lord knows what as not worthy of their assistance.

Now, I'm gonna tell you something I don't admit often. I am a creative. Singing, dancing, acting, creative writing...I've done it. It's in my genes. The only thing I truly suck at is drawing/painting. I say that to say, creatives are usually uber conscious; almost on the verge of paranoia. We sense "vibes", we pick up on "energy"; all that mumbo jumbo (I kid I kid). So when I am in a store and I sense that the store owner/staff "getting on funny" I am rarely wrong.

On the flip side, I have wo…

Information overload caused Part One to be cut short so let's continue now shall we?

The Body Shop Tea Tree Cleansing Wipes

The Tea Tree line always catches my eye since that ingredient is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. While I have seen this range in Cave Shepherd, I don't think they carry the Cleansing Wipes. From the UK site: "These one-step wipes for blemished skin remove make-up, pore-clogging impurities and excess oil. Cleanse and refresh skin on the go.
Remove make-up, impurities and oilReduce excess shineDo not over-dry the skinHandbag-friendlyBiodegradableHow to use: Simply wipe over face and neck whenever required".


Wipes Per Pack: $25
Price: $13.50USD on Ulta.com or $12.50USD on Amazon.com
Size: 21 cm (8 inches) x 16 cm (6 inches)

"FULL INGREDIENTS: Aqua (Solvent/Diluent), Sorbitan Laurate (Surfactant - Emulsifying Agent), Glycerin (Humectant), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Cyclopentasiloxane (Skin-Conditioning …

In the other posts titled this way, I really meant that the quest to find the best one was a hassle. In the case of liquid eyeliners it is a literal woe. I ain't a beast on the eyeshadow blending but I could still throw some on and look presentable. But yuh see eyeliner, particularly the brush/felt tip/gel type? Dem does gimme licks.

So this comparison should really be taken with a pinch of salt due to the aforementioned operator retardation.

Milani Eye Tech Extreme Liquid Eye Liner vs. NYC High Definition Liquid Eyeliner


Milani says: "It’s always great to have options. And with this versatile “extreme” felt tip tool, you can line your lids in three different intensities - thin, medium and heavy – just by switching up the angle you hold it. About the formula: It’s waterproof, non-feathering and glides on smoothly in a single stroke. Available in Blackest Black. Extreme felt-tip point creates three line styles:
Thin: use the very tip for a slender, extremely thin line. 


Medium: ho…

L.A. Girl has been the talk of the town for some time now. So much so this "brand awareness" post could be seen as futile. I mean, who hasn't heard of them?

The parent company Beauty 21 Cosmetics, Inc. has been in business from 1985 producing the brands: L.A. Colors, L.A. Girl and Arissa Studios. From the L.A. Colors site: "Since 1985, Beauty 21 Cosmetics, Inc., has taken pride in offering the highest quality products at the most affordable price. Our L.A. COLORS® line targets the diverse beauty needs of women of every demographic around the world.
Our research & development team continues to expand the line with innovative products, brought to you in trendsetting colors and styles. By expanding the L.A. COLORS® line we continue to add strength and dignity to the L.A. COLORS® brand. At the same time, the marketing department works side by side with management to keep pricing low and quality high, therefore, maintaining excellent customer satisfaction.

We have an …

I remember asking Jessica from Beautezine years ago on one of her YouTube videos, how she cleared up her post acne hyper pigmentation. I was shocked when she answered - 'cause yuh know some of these vloggers like dem is could only address the trolls - and said "exfoliation and time". She was oh so right.

I've tried a lot of topical treatments for hyperpigmentation. Some expensive and some not so expensive. For sure I can tell you that very few topical agents work that do not contain some form of exfoliant. The layer of skin that is 'damaged' literally needs to be gone making way for fresh clear skin. You Mavenz know I am a big fan of chemical peels. Going to Jenai gave my skin the jump start it so desperately needed. After a round of treatment I found that it was much easier to maintain the results with the skincare I used at home. One such type was physical exfoliators.

[Click photo to shop]
The items pictured are classified as physical exfoliators because the…

What's a #LipSwatchWeek without mentioning lip liners? I have so many lip liners it's ridiculous...and looking at them to compile this post I realised they're mostly brown or mauve/berry toned. I like what I like. Sue me.

Most of these will be no surprise to regular readers but I guess it's still convenient to have them listed in one place.

Too Faced Cosmetics Perfect Lips Lip Liner 'Perfect Spice'

I'm surprised I don't have more of these. This formula is so soft you could easily fill in your entire lips and wear it as a lipstick. The packaging is also completely colour coordinated - so no getting lost amongst the madness - and it features an ergonomic 'finger rest'? Man it's just easy to use all around.

Too Faced Cosmetics 'Melted Nude' + 'Perfect Spice'
Absolute New York Long Wear Waterproof Gel Lip Liner 'Berry'

Cheap and sweet. I believe the waterproof claim too; in the arm swatch you'll see at the end, this prod…

At the beginning of this series I told you about the colour category I favoured the least. Now lemme show you where I live. Live yuh hear me! I guess I love the mauve undertone nudes because they're so close to my lip colour. My eyes are automatically drawn to these shades in any and every collection. It's a problem.

Maybelline Color Elixir by Color Sensational 'Rose Redefined'


Milani Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss 'Mauve Fetish'


M.A.C PatentPolish Lip Pencil 'Kittenish'


Nars Audacious Lipstick 'Anna'


M.A.C Cremesheen Lipstick 'Creme In Your Coffee'

#fav

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick 'Irresistible'


Look at what I mean when I say my attraction to this shade is a problem...


Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil 'Rhubarb'


There's more to come.

Lasonta said she wanted to see the lip version to this post so here goes.

Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color

Though the packaging leaves a lot to be desired, the quality of these lipsticks can not be denied. Impeccable pigment which also lends to longevity and they're comfortable to wear. These receive a lot of YouTube hype also because they're very affordable.


Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte
MrsLolaLynn and LipglossLeslie were singing the praises of this line from the time it was launched; but it was when my #HaulHero Tarababyz said that this formula compared to the Tom Ford mattes that I was truly impressed. As with the aforementioned lipsticks, these too won't break the bank.

Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon
Another YouTube darling. "Bite is beauty for lips that’s good enough to eat. With highly pigmented, trend-forward color palettes, Bite’s hydrating formulas are infused with food-grade ingredients—so your lips feel as gorgeous as they look". These cray…