Celebrate World AIDS Day with MAC Viva Glam Lipstick

Hey Beauties!

Today (December 1) is World Aids Day, and I have great news! There is an convenient way to do your share in supporting the cause, and you get to look good by doing good! MAC has the MAC AIDS Fund, which helps women, men, and children who are affected by HIV/AIDS across the world. Beauties can purchase a MAC Viva Glam lipstick/lipglass, and 100% of the proceeds will go to the program. In honor of World AIDS Day 2012, MAC will donate double the proceed price! The lip products are $15 each, so the MAC AIDS Fund would donate $30 for each product purchased.

If you have an investigative mind like I do and would like to know where your money would go if you decided to support the MAC AIDS Fund, I’ve written a post here about what 1 lipstick can do for someone.

Head over to the MAC website right now so that you can do good and look good at the same time! Shipping is absolutely free, and those no minimum purchase price and no code necessary. If you’re unsure about what color to select, my personal favorite is Viva Glam V. I think this neutral pink color looks lovely on brown girls like myself! If you love Nicki Minaj, Viva Glam Nicki is a nice coral-pink that can be manipulated to flatter every complexion. There’s also Ricky Martin’s clear lip conditioner if you’re a guy or if color isn’t really your thing. Just support the cause!

-Jayda

The End of an Era

Hey World!

My blog has been a cherished part of my life for the past two years, but I’ve come to a point in my life where it’s just time to let it go. Jayda’s World started as a blog about  books, music, and makeup. The books section of the blog never developed the way I imagined because I never had enough idle time to sit and read leisurely since I was a college student with my head in accounting and finance books instead. Good music has been hard to find lately, so there goes the music section. Adding to all of that, I’m suddenly uninterested in makeup. The majority of my purchases lately have been replacements to products that I finished, and I find myself walking right past Sephora and the MAC counter when that used to be the only reason I entered the mall. I don’t even surf through some of my favorite beauty blogs as often as before. Rather that spending much of my discretionary income on frivolous items like clothing, shoes, handbags, and makeup, I’m now more focused on saving for the purchase of my first home.

Even if I did still have an interest in blogging, the amount of time that is available for me to devote to it is extremely small now. As a recent college graduate embarking on a new career, I’m striving to make a great impression at the workplace. I’m also devoted to taking and passing every part of the CPA Exam by April 2013. Blogging simply gets into the way of my overall ambition to succeed in my career and my relationship with my new boo thang (LOL).

I know that my love for all things beauty, books, and music will return, but I’ll be signing off until then.

-Jayda

Givenchy Mister Mat, How I Loathe Thee!!!

Hey World!

I had been using Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer – Light ($36 for 1 oz) for over a year, so I decided that I was going to try somethiang new. I had no real complaints about this face primer, but I just wanted to see what else was available for me in the wide world of cosmetics. Whenever my tube of primer was almost empty, I headed over to Sephora to try out a new product. I had a few primers in mind upon completing some research, and after walking around the store with about 6 primers in my basket, I narrowed it down to Givenchy’s Mister Mat Primer ($33 for 0.8 oz). When I tested it out in the store, I thought it was an amazing product! Plus it had a cool name!

Its slick consistently allows it to glide on the skin ever so smoothly, and I immediately noticed the mattifying effect that it had on the skin. The product does contain a fragrance that I would prefer not to have – not because of the fact that it smells bad, but because I generally don’t like  having fragrance added as an ingredient due to the negative effects it could have on my skin.

I wore Mister Mat for five consecutive days, and here is my overall opinion about this product. I would not recommend it to anyone! I would have snapped photos of it, but I returned this product before I even thought about writing this post.

Although I was impressed with the initial “velvety smooth”feel and look of the product, the matte appearance is not as “long-lasting” as Givenchy claims it to be. I actually found myself blotting more throughout the day than when using my Smashbox primer. Walking out of the house without any primer at all could have yielded better results!

More important than this is that fact that I had the breakout of all breakouts! I swear I have the face that only a mother could love right now! I have more dots on my face than stars in the sky. (Side note: So I’m new to this city, and I’ve been calling all over trying to find a new dermatologist. Do you know that I am being told by every secretary that the next available appointment isn’t until the middle of November?! You can’t make me believe that there is enough people in this city with skin issues to fill up the schedule of every dermatologist for the next four months!!! I’m going to go ahead a call bullshit on that one! They’re treating me like I have Medicare/Medicaid or something – no offense to those who do have it. What am I supposed to do with my pizza face for four months?!?!) I’m not sure which ingredient triggered it, but it may have something to do with the fragrance or the cottonseed oil. I don’t understand why cosmetic companies still want to place fragrance in their products nowadays when such a numerous percentage of beauties experience some form of irritation with it.

So what is today’s lesson? If it’s not broken, don’t fix it! I had no complaints about the Smashbox Photo Finish Light primer, so I’ll just stick with that – for now! Meanwhile, I’ll be here treating my skin like it’s pure and holy until it gets back to normal.

-Jayda

The Worst Mascara I’ve Ever Tried

07/21/2012 UPDATE: See Nic-Pixiwoo’s YouTube video about Eyeko’s Mascara below. She talks about the Skinny Lash version at the 3:16 mark, and then proceeds to talk about the Curly version afterwards. You can sort of see that she looks like she has 6 big lashes whenever she uses the skinny lash mascara. She also mentions the fact that one coat is like 5 coats. Overall, she likes it, but it’s just not my thing!

Whut, whut! I’m back!

This new life I’m living has me occupied, but I want to take a moment and share a disappointment with you all. I didn’t think it was possible to have a mascara that was horrible. If the inexpensive brands of mascara from the ghetto beauty supply store work okay, one would assume that the Eyeko Skinny Brush Mascara would be a good one with a price point of $19. That’s the type of thinking that gets me in trouble because that mascara was horrible. It goes down as the third beauty product that I’ve ever returned.

When I randomly walked into Sephora that day, I had no intentions of purchasing mascara, but then I saw it. The history behind the mascara thrilled me, and impulsiveness got the best of me. So, I picked up the tester, and opened it. The overall design of the brush was a turnoff for me because I like fuller wands, and I sat there for a moment wondering how that skinny brush would grip my lashes. Then the thin consistency of it threw me off because I knew it would take forever to dry. Even after all that, I still bought it.

Why would you buy something that you knew would not work, Jayda? Because this was the mascara that Adele adored so much that she wore it in her “Someone Like You” video rather than wearing falsies. My mind kept saying to me, “If it’s good enough for Adele, it’s good enough for me.” That damn Adele. I blame her fully for all of this.

When I tested it out at home, reality hit me in the face like Ike hit Anna Mae. It clumped my lashes together, and it felt like I had 5 huge potato chips on my eyes instead of a million fluffy feathers. Yes, it weighed my lashes down and it did not want to dry. I blinked at one point the application, and it transferred to my bottom lashes and my under eye area. I was pissed, but I thought that maybe there was something that I did wrong. The next day, I tried it again, but with a different technique. When I pulled the brush out of the tube, I tried not to pull out as much mascara with it. I allowed the air to hit the brush for a moment in hopes that it would start to dry and the dry down period would be easier. Yeah, I pretty much got the same results. Apparently, the couple behind the Eyeko brand is also behind the Hard Candy brand. You may still be able to find Hard Candy at Walmart, but I never considered it to be a great line. I feel the same way about Eyeko.

What I did enjoy about it was the blue “shield” that one is supposed to place between the lid and the lash while applying the mascara in order to prevent smudging and transferring. Although I would still prefer the Myrabelle Mascara Shield, I’ll admit that this was a cool little tool. I imagine my fingers getting cramps with prolonged use, though, because it’s so small. In the end, I returned this purchase to Sephora, and purchased Benefit’s They’re Real! Mascara instead. <— That mascara is my new fave! I even like it better than my Buxom Lash Mascara, and I didn’t think I’d ever let that one go!

Have y’all tried this and loved it? What did Adele do that I didn’t?!?!

-Jayda

Updates, Updates, Updates

Hey World!

It’s been quite some time, but I’m back after a monthlong intermission. In case you care, let me tell you about all of the major transitions that have occurred within the past month (if you don’t care, let me tell you anyway).

I defeated finals.

My GPA took a minor plunge during my Spring 2011 semester, and my main objective since then was to raise it to a specific average. I disconnected from Twitter, television, YouTube, gossip sites, and blogs to focus on my studies, but it proved to be difficult because I have such a short attention span when it comes to studying for my finance course. Somehow I pulled it off, and finished my very last semester with the GPA I worked hard to achieve. #VICTORIOUS

I completed my internship.

I don’t recall ever discussing this on my blog, but I had the pleasure of interning at a racino (casino and racetrack) as an Internal Auditor for a year. The experience was better than I ever expected it to be, but all things must come to an end. My bosses were laid-back and fun to be around, but they also taught me all of the essential things I needed to know in order to succeed with a real job in the future. What more can a girl ask for in an intern experience? An office? Oh yeah, I had my own office there, too! If you are unsure about which business field you’d like to start a career, interning as an internal auditor will allow you to learn about every aspect of a business.

I graduated again!

This time next year, you will have to refer to me as Jayda ______, CPA! Woot, woot!

I started a real job!

My internship experience provided me with three job offers, and I am confident with the opportunities available with the position that I accepted. After getting that small internship pay for a year, it’s elating to be earning a REAL salary as a Financial Auditor. Plus, I have business cards, y’all. I feel so official and stuff!

I moved to a new city!

My new job is in a city where I never imagined dwelling, but I’m excited about it nonetheless. I don’t know many people in this new city, but I have another soror (my LS to be exact) who also graduated with me and will be moving to the same city in a few weeks to begin her career in nursing. She also originates from here, so at least I have someone to call when confusion strikes. One of the perks about being in a sorority is the comforting in knowing that there are Zetas and Sigmas everywhere. The blue and white family has welcomed me, and I’m sure that I’ll be okay with establishing a social life.

I have my own apartment!

I’ve been mooching off my parents while I’ve been in college for the past three years, and it is now time for me to start a real life as an independent woman. All this means is that it’s time for me to start paying bills! The idea of designing my own apartment the way I want it and making my own rules is thrilling, but the idea that my small apartment rental costs more than my parent’s mortgage infuriates me!

I met my new boo-thang.

LOL Let me just refer you to my post about my singlehood for a moment. I wasn’t out here in these streets looking for a relationship; it just happened. Who knows where this is headed, but I’m happy (as usual).

And that is that! I’m finally getting settled into all of the “newness,” so I should have more time to devote to updating this blog consistently throughout the summer. Here are some things that I’m looking forward to blogging about this summer:

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation – OMG I don’t know how I’ve lived so long without this foundation!
NARS Sheer Matte Foundation – Good foundation, but it has been overshadowed by the Lancome foundation.
Revlon Colorstay Foundation – Are they discontinuing the 410 Cappuccino for Oily/Combination skin, the only drugstore foundation I use?!?! Target doesn’t even have a slot for it anymore, and I’ve had the most difficult time trying to find it.
Eyeko Mascara – I just don’t understand how this can be a good mascara! Maybe my application technique is wrong?
Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara - I haven’t even opened the packaging yet, but I’m excited to see how this compares to my favorite Buxom Lash Mascara
NYX Desert Rose Blush – approved for brown girls, and one of my new favorite blushes right now, aside from NARS Liberté
Orascea prescription from my dermatologist
Boscia blotting linens vs. ELF blotting linens - because I really think they are the same
Arts and Crafts - My new bookends!
Book updates – Walter Mosley, Toni Morrison, and Malcolm X; should I do another failed Summer Reading List?!?!

I really haven’t been buying a lot of beauty products lately since my spare money has been going towards home decor for my new apartment, but I’m excited about getting back into the beauty market. I’m so behind on the latest collections!

-Jayda

RANT OF THE DAY: What I HATE About My Local Sephora

I went to Sephora today to return Urban Decay De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray. This is actually the second beauty product that I’ve EVER returned, so you know I definitely HATED it. At any rate, because I couldn’t find my receipt, I ended up getting a store credit instead of a full refund. I hate having store credits, so I walked around the store for a while and decided to spend that credit that day. As I walked around searching for something to buy, I was reminded of why I despise shopping at my local Sephora store. They always stalk me the entire time that I’m inside the store, and it proves to be a very uncomfortable experience. This is how it usually happens:

As soon as I walk into Sephora…

Beauty Advisor: Hi! Welcome to Sephora! What brings you in today?
Me: I’m just browsing today.
BA: Well my name is _______. Let me know if you have any questions.
Me: Okay, thanks. [strolls over to the NARS section]

Beauty Advisor #2: [walks over to me] Hi! Do you have any questions about anything?
Me: [thinking: No, I don't have a damn question! You haven't even given me time to look at anything!] No, thank you.
BA2: Okay! [remains standing there while I look at a Blush/Bronzer Duo] Oh, that is a blush and bronzer duo.
Me: [thinking: No shit, Sherlock. smirks and walks away to the CoverFX section]

Beauty Advisor #3: Are you looking for anything in particular?
Me: [thinking: Don't you have some makeup brushes to clean?] No, thanks. I’m fine.
BA3: Okay, let us know if you need anything!

Beauty Advisor #4: Are you doing okay?
Me: [thinking: ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME??? IS EVERY DAMN EMPLOYEE ON THE ROSTER GOING TO GREET ME TODAY?!?! DO YOU HAVE ANOTHER EMPLOYEE IN THE BACK OF THE DAMN STORE WHO NEEDS TO BOTHER ME, TOO?!?!] I’m fine, thanks.

Is it wrong that my thoughts are filled with foul language even if I don’t verbalize said language in real life?

I swear, this scenario occurs every single time that I walk into my local Sephora. This is why I tend to shop online for my beauty products. If I’m in another city, I’ll stop at its Sephora instead. The irony of it all is that my very first experience at a Sephora store (which wasn’t my local Sephora) was so fabulous, but it has never been that way again. I actually prefer to shop at ULTA nowadays because I practically get ignored there.

The thing that broke the camel’s back for me today was a brief conversation with Beauty Advisor #3. After being hassled by everyone in the store, I finally had a legitimate question about the Eyeko mascara. Her rude response was simply, “Oh, these are new.” She said that so quickly and standoffish, and walked off as if she had something else to do. So, wait one minute here! I’ve been getting harassed since the moment that I walk in the door. When I finally do have a question, you don’t have an answer. The fact that you don’t know isn’t an issue because I appreciate the honesty. However, the fact that you don’t even try to figure it out, provide an opinion, or elaborate on anything is an issue. Then you just walk away and leave me hanging! This all backwards. When I don’t need something, you’re all over. When I need something, I get nothing! WTF!

Wooosahhh!!!

Beauty Products I Regret Buying

Jayda’s Pre-Disclaimer: I’m not saying that these are bad products, but they are products that did not suit my needs, didn’t work well with my skin type, didn’t live up to the hype surrounding it, etc. I’m very anal about the consistency of a product, so that can influence my opinion greatly.  These items weren’t bad enough that it warranted a return to the store, but I definitely won’t be repurchasing any of these products again. This is just my opinion, and I know some people who swear by these products. My opinion is not meant to persuade anyone against trying a particular beauty product.

Urban Decay Primer Potion – Oh Lawd, people talk about UDPP as if it is the second coming of Christ! My eyelids aren’t abnormally oily, but I still experience creasing with this product that is marketed for “all-day wear with absolutely no creasing.” Smashbox has a better eye primer, but the packaging pisses me off.

Urban Decay De-Slick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray – I have a difficult time explaining my impressions about this product. It should assist with oil control, but I don’t find it noticeably effective in controlling oil. I feel like I would be better using my blotting sheets and blotting powder.

MAC 6 Warm Smokey Eye Packed to Go Palette – I wanted to love this palette. I think I even went so far as to name it one my 2011 Favorites, along with a disclaimer about the quality. Honestly, I do use Naked Lunch on a regular, but the other 5 eyeshadows are fails. I literally had to scrape off the top of them before I could use them. Then the pigmentation was subpar. I expected to have to work with the two eyeshadows with the lustre finish, but having trouble with all of them was frustrating!

Revlon ColorBurst Lipsticks – These went one sale right before Revlon released the ColorBurst Lip Butters toward the end of 2011, so I bought like five of them. Unfortunately, I’ve only worn one of them so far. Yes, they are good quality items, but buying lipsticks in bulk just because they are on sale was a lesson learned for me. I actually like 4 out of the 5 shades that I have, but I just don’t wear them for some unknown reason. Revlon is one of my favorite lipstick brands by the way!

Ruby Kisses Big Lash Mascara – The consistency is very thin, and the dry time is longer. The brush fails to grip my lashes for a nice coat of mascara.

MAC Duo Pencil Sharpener – There was not one single good thing about this product. It didn’t even sharpen correctly. Evidently, MAC agreed because it has been discontinued.

MAC Pro Longwear Foundation – I don’t even know why I keep trying MAC foundation. I like the coverage of the Pro Longwear, and my only issue with the foundation is the shade selection. That is my common issue with all foundations, though, and I wish their employees would stop telling me that I’m an NW45. The Pro Longwear concealer is one of my faves!

Sonia Kashuk Brush Set – SK’s individual brushes are pretty good, but the brush sets are usually a fail. I’m assuming that the reasoning is because of different manufacturers/mass production? Gradually, I’ve thrown away most of the brushes that I’ve had from the set because they were too scratchy and a deep conditioning treatment couldn’t even save them.

Not Pictured:

NARS Taj Mahal Blush – I fell into the “every woman of color should have this” trap. This is a really good blush, but I’m not a fan of the gold shimmer, and I feel like it looks better on a caramel brown diva – not a chocolate brown gal like myself. No doubts about it though, it has superior quality, and I cannot think of any other brands that have duplicated this color efficiently. My alternative for an orange cheek is Illamasqua’s Libido Cream Blusher.

ELF 100-Piece Eyeshadow Palette – I don’t even understand why I bought this. Even more, I don’t understand why this company exists. Their products are horrible, and this is just another testament of that. Every word that could be used to describe a bad eyeshadow can be used to describe the one’s in this palette. Now that I’m thinking about it, I’m just going to toss it in the trash can right now!

Carol’s Daughter Rosemary Mint Shampoo – just.too.thick. I do love the Black Vanilla Shampoo, though!

-Jayda

My Second E-Crib: Jayda Loves Music

Hey World!

I think it’s time to do some spring cleaning here in Jayda’s World, and I’ll be starting with my new e-crib, Jayda Loves Music. Rather than having all of my blogs about music posted here, I am now posting them at my new e-crib. Jayda’s World will continue to focus on beauty, skin care, makeup, and all things Jayda. Instead of clogging up this site with so many posts about music, I now have a second site devoted to my love of the art!

Check it out!

-Jayda