MAC-aholism

Hi, I'm Jane and I would like to invite you to join me in MAC world coming to Kingston, Jamaica soon!!! Here's why...

There are certain things you shouldn't scrimp on when it comes to makeup. Now my philosophy is is that if I'm gonna have it for less than a year then there is no reason to pay the higher price when I can pay a lower price for acceptable quality.

And I live by this daily. However, there are exceptions to every rule. In this case, for makeup, I will always have to consider that I am a Jamaican and  a woman of colour. Why does this matter you may say. Well, simply put, as Jamaicans, and women of colour our skin ( a melting pot of different races) is rarer and more varied than women of other ethnicities around the world- this makes it hard to duplicate. Another factor is our climate. Heat makes things melt, or in the case of powder, absorb moisture and clump together resulting in that cake-y appearance that makes us all cringe. (Cringe already! yes, it's supposed to bother you).

So, we have to be careful when choosing makeup that is supposed to mimic our skin or cover our blemishes. Specifically, foundation (or base as anyone before the eighties call it) and concealer. Firstly, most companies make make-up that caters to a largely caucasian consumer base. Now, before we go off on racist rants, I will take a page out of Iman's book and say graciously that this is because most Caucasian women are sorely dissatisfied with their skin and are always seeking to improve it; whereas women of colour generally age slower and have less issues with skin. However, this is now a dated view. More than ever, women of colour have been having issues with discolouration or uneven skin tone, acne and scarring. Considering the pollution and the vast amounts of unhealthy (*ahem yummy fast food) food we are consuming because we are on the go, and the stress and lack of sleep, it is fair to say that everyone, no matter where you are will have an issue with their skin at some point.

It is for this reason that women have been flocking to cosmetic counters and drugstores aka pharmacies for the promise of 'dewy' skin with an all-over even skin tone or matte, velevety complexions. Unfortunately, Jamaica's make-up market has yet to explode. It is slowly getting there but we ain't quite there yet. I am yet to find a match for my skin tone in any of our stores here as many stores carry limited qualities and do not restock goods with enough regularity, and those that do, carry a small selection and very often fail to set out testers. With our no return, no exchange, no refund policy (very customer-oriented aren't we?) women are usually hesitant to buy a foundation they can't be sure will match them. See the problem now?

Well.....dry your mascara-coated eyes ladies! MAC (makeup Artistry Cosmetics) yes THE MAC is coming to Jamaica! Why does this make me so giddy and excited? (if you were following me on twitter when I found out from Monique / Irie Diva you would have seen real excitement) MAC has numerous shades for us. In fact, when I got the opportunity to travel this month I popped by a MAC counter and found my current shade AND decided to wait to buy it here when the store opens just so I could show MAC my full appreciation that they have finally answered my feverish pleas to come to my beautiful island and sell to us. ( I didn't walk away from the concealer though).

The MAC store will be opening in Sovereign Centre some time in December (I'm assuming in time for Christmas) and I expect that the standard will be the same as their numerous stores and counters across the United States and Europe. In other words, testers!!! I am looking forward to running through the doors with a friend or two and a list in hand to defend myself against shopper's remorse. 

Mac PRO Senior Artist Gisele Cavillo - Photo credit - http://m.jamaicaobserver.com/mobile/lifestyle/Cocktails-with---Gisel-Calvillo_12584205

I am also pondering a giveaway for the blog to say "thanks for reading!" to one of my makeup newbies or pros out there. Leave a comment if you want a MAC giveaway in the comment box below and stay tuned for a review of my current MAC items and my MAC wish list. 

Till later!

Jane

Buy This (Chic Bargain Alert!)

Hey Lovelies!

With the holiday weekend here I know several persons are scrambling to get themselves new, unique items to wear at the various hot spots from Kingston to MoBay and back. Here is my take on what to swoop up for the weekend:

Swimsuits

       

You can grab these babies up for only $4000.00 JMD if you call 424-9246 and ask for Alecia. Tell her Jan sent you ;)

(She also has bikinis selling for $3000.00 and separates for $1500.00 each so hurry before she runs out!)

A personal favourite of mine for swimwear and coverups is ASD by Ayanna Dixon. You can also tweet them @asdclothing

Chic Beachbags or Day Clutches

  

I personally always want to put down a beach bag when I have one BUT if you intend to go to a beach party or a packed pool party a day clutch is a better idea. Its easier to carry around and you can easily line the inside with plastic to make sure your phone, ID and cash/cards stay dry. If you want to know how I turn a straw place mat into a clutch leave me a comment and I will film a DIY video.

Grown- Up Beach Sandals

No, I do not condone plastic flip flops or crocs for the beach or the pool. If you have a great swimsuit and coverup why would you want to spoil it with ugly footwear? Bridget's Sandals or the local Craft Market will have a viable option for you to sport and feel chic

                                  

Protection

Being in the sun dries out your skin and causes premature wrinkles so be sure to use sunscreen.
My favourite is:



and for the sun burn that may happen :



Extras:

• Light-weight Jewellery is always something I like to add when going to the beach or the pool. I try to make sure it is cheap and that if it turns I wouldn't be upset about it.
• Headbands or Hats draw more attention to your face. So if you want a fellow to look at your face instead of that teeny bikini, try to create interest around your face
• Lipstain or coloured lipbalm. I would not recommend anything sticky because it will melt in the sun and the water. A lipstain like the one mentioned in my september favourites post.
• If you must wear it, then waterproof mascara on the top lids only

Have fun, play safe!!!

Till later,

Jane

September Favourites

Very simple concept - these are products and things I've been liking for September. They do what they say and they don't disappoint - value for money! 

Just click play!

1. Milani Eyeshadows in Rich Chocolate and Sun Goddess (purchased from Beauty Concept)
2. Loreal True Match blush in Rose 
3. Revlon Colorburst Lip butter in raspberry Pie ( Discount Pharmacy in Manor Park)
4. Jewellery - Bow and chain bangles (Kabellas in Little Premier Plaza); Faux Snakeskin bangle ( Bryan's Jewellery and More - City Centre Mall, Montego Bay; Silver bangle - Claire's
5. Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain and Balm in Frenzy ( Discount Pharmacy in Manor Park)
6. Jordana nail colour in Burnt Sugar ( Oaklands Pharmacy)
7. Simple Moisturizer (New Kingston Shopping Centre)
8. Mane + Tail Shampoo (Brooklyn Supermarket)
9. Sterling silver mosaic butterfly ring - old
10. Barrel Brush ( Discount Beauty Centre - Kings Plaza)
11. Loreal Go 360 Cleanser (Mega Mart - Kingston)
12. Suave 24hr Antiperspirant  in powder fresh (Mega Mart - Kingston)
13. Henkel Glitter Glue (Sangsters - Springs Plaza)
14. Zebra print ballet flat - American Eagle (Payless)
15. Kindle Books (see my post here
16. Youtube favourites Judy & Benji and Anna & Jofus

Comments give me a happy! 
What were your favourites for September?

Till later,
Jane

The Jean Jacket - How I Wear It

The Jean Jacket - a nod to the 90s grunge/western era. When I heard that 90s grunge was coming back 'in' for this fall season I literally groaned. The baggy jeans, the large jackets the thicker heavier fabrics and the bare midriffs and cutoffs were nothing to look forward to for me. Quite frankly, I would be happy only seeing that style in reruns of Saved By the Bell. 

Nevertheless, I have a problem, I admit it. I love jackets of every kind and I almost always try to find a way to wear one. It helps that this was not an item I had to spend money on. This jean jacket found itself in my closet by accident. During the storm of Emancipation weekend I was being a super hero and rescuing kids from a collapsed bounce-a-bout and  and got soaked (didn't you know I'm Wonder Woman?). I had to change to remain modest and one of the pieces I located in my mother's stash was a jeans jacket. Several weeks later, I found it in my closet and began imagining ways to style it that gave a nod to the grunge era but in a classier, modern way. Did I just put grunge and classy in the same sentence? 
These are what I came up with:

Sequins

If you've shopped with me you know I'm pretty much a golden girl granny at heart. I am drawn to anything that is sequinned and has shoulder pads. (as long as it fits correctly and isn't tacky of course). So when I saw this dress I knew I had to have it. It can come off a little strong for less dressy events though. The perfect way to dress it down is to add a jacket. Roll up the sleeves, add very delicate jewellery, maybe a low wispy loose chignon and strappy sexy black sandals like the ones seen here or pumps like the ones seen here

Feminine with an Edge

This dress is feminine in all its details - silky, floral with ruffles around the neck. Adding the jean jacket adds an edge and makes it more interesting. Nude pumps and a neutral clutch with mixed metal jewellery and maybe some chunky beading also adds interest to the outfit. (You can get these pumps at Payless Jamaica ) Bridget Sandals in a bronze colour would make this lovely for day-time wear as well.

Preppy

 Pop your collar and add a striped collared shirt, some cuffed shorts and a loafer like the one here or here (I don't have loafers because I haven't seen a pair that I like enough out here yet so I added a gladiator sandal with some gems.)

Classic

This is the first idea that came to me. A colourful skirt and a white shirt with a chunky necklace and heels - which is the same way I would wear a regular blazer. (Yes I used this opportunity to inject more sequins into this post- *snaps for me*)

Casual

What's a jean jacket if you can't wear it casually? I added a grey striped shirt from Old Navy that i picked up for all of $6.00 rolled up the sleeves, added my most worn pair of dark jeans. a cross pendant ( for a rocker flair maybe?) and for some interest zebra striped ballet flats. Of course this is an opportunity to add a silver men's watch and some arm candy.

The most important thing when you're trying something new is the fit. I like this jacket because the fit is somewhere between a blazer- with its flattering darts to still remind people I'm a girl, and an anorak- with the longer fit to my hip, and the swing it provides by not being too fitted. The colour/wash is important as well. If it is too bleached, it can be a bit too eighties and too dark would make it too western. I can always distress this later when I'm a little more comfortable styling it but for now I like the mid-tone wash it is. Rolling your sleeves up to your elbows helps to make it a little more modern as well. If you are a diy-er you can always add studs to the shoulders or across the back to make it a bit more interesting.

How would you wear a jean jacket today? Let me know! *Comments give me a happy*

 Till next time,
Jane

Five Products to a Sultrier You

Sometimes, a lady just needs a little help to feel sultry. When it's been one of those weeks I rely on these five products to put the sashay back in my hips. (*insert wink here*)

1. Cocoa Butter/ Neutrogena Body Oil

I like using extra moisturizing products after a long hot shower to put the moisture back into my skin and to make my skin touch-ably soft instead of just plain squeaky clean. You don't need to use these specific products but plain lotion won't do. Baby oil gel is a favourite of more than one of my girlfriends as well, and I enjoy using that too. An extra trick that works great at night on the legs or on the shoulders is if you add a dollop of highlighter to your moisturizer and run along the centre of your shin or along your shoulders and collar bone. It gives a sultry glow that makes you look radiant in low light.

     2.  Mascara

I cannot even begin to describe the wonders that mascara works on any woman. It opens the centre of the eye and elongates the end of the eye giving that Cleopatra effect. If you are new to mascara then try a dark brown voluminous mascara. That way if you mess up it won't be too obvious. If you are more daring then you can try a combo of a charcoal eyeliner with blue mascara. The effect at night is gorgeous. (Don't worry the blue isn't super obvious but has an eye-opening effect).

  3.   Red Nail polish

It's a classic. Red nail polish is sophisticated and classy and just a little bit sultry. (Just don't apply them to bitten down nails unless you're going for an ironic vibe).

 4.   A Heady Scent (Vanilla, Musk, Sandalwood)

Scents that remind you of food, vanilla, cinnamon, spices etc will get you compliments from the fellas. Lol. don't even try to figure that out, just accept it and move on. I like to mix Bath and Body Works - Warm Vanilla Sugar and Ralph Lauren's Romance for a musky vanilla scent

 5.  Charcoal Eyeliner

Smudge this into your lashes and swipe over with a cotton swab or smudge brush for a no-fuss smokey look. Much softer than black and more sultry than brown.  

What products do you use to make you feel sultry and sophisticated? Share in the comments below and I'll be sure to give them a try

Till later,
Jane

OXBLOOD!!!

When I first heard the name given to the deep rich red colour trendy for the fall season a couple years ago, I must admit my stomach roiled because of the vivid imagery the name stirred up. Nevertheless, those that be in the fashion world persisted and everything that was originally referred to as a form of burgundy is now being labelled the more chic term 'oxblood'. 

Now I am not a red girl, but deep burgundies look good on almost every person because the deep colour warms you up and gives you a rosier appearance. This is the reason why you will also find so many celebrities and models now wearing the same deep burgundy colour on their lips. It is reminiscent of that flapper era as well, when glam was still trendy and grunge didn't exist.

I am as in love with the colour as I am in hate with the name, and so I've derived several different ways you can wear the trend this season:

1. Faux Leather: 

Leather is really really hot this season and we are seeing more and more of it popping up even in tropical Jamaica. The coolest (and I do mean this literally) way to wear leather is on your bottom half - shoes and skirts are what I recommend. A float-y circle skirt will keep your thighs cool while adding a bit of edge to your outfit without sacrificing femininity.


2. Chiffon/Sheer

The sheer trend of this spring is continuing into Fall because of its ability to layer well. Pair a chiffon dress with charcoal heels as an alternative to black. And you can wear a maxi skirt with a sleeveless button up top and a bib necklace or with a heather grey off the shoulder loose fitting top tucked in. Cobalt blue shoes are also a nice alternative.



3. On the lips

As a nod to the 40s flapper era, deep coloured lips are back. If you are a newbie to colour on the lips, your best bet is to grab a lipliner in a chocolate brown or a deep burgundy line the lips then follow with a similar-toned lipgloss. If you are feeling more daring then by all means, go for the new lip stains that are on the market so that the colour is less likely to fade or bleed. This can be worn matte or glossy.



4. Nails

Dark nailpolish has always been trendy for fall. Oxblood has the unique quality of making your fingers look sophisticated and trendy at the same time. I snagged this nailpolish in the pharmacy above Subway in Oaklands but these colours are popping up everywhere.


How do you plan on wearing oxblood this season? Leave me a comment and let me know if you're into this trend or if you'll skip it.

(All images courtesy of the web, except last image)

Till later,
Jane.