Tick! Tock! I Must Beat The Clock Pt2

(Click here for Part 1)

As I thought about it I realised that I really did not have much of a choice, I had to reduce the time spent on my eyeshadow.

At first I tried only Steps 1 and 2 and added a brow highlight.  The brow highlight looked amazing but the skintone eyeshadow required to much effort for something that is basically invisible.

Skintone Eyeshadow and my natural brows (http://instagram.com/beautifulandunspoilt)

Skintone Eyeshadow (http://instagram.com/beautifulandunspoilt)

The only thing left to do was to leave out the eyeshadow all together. Never in a million years would I have anticipated this.  I didn't think that I could do it because I love eyeshadow so much.

To compensate for my loss of colour I decided to add some drama. I started lining my eyes with black eyeliner and I started wearing mascara and blush. I haven't looked back since and surprisingly, I don't regret it.

My 'new' look received raving reviews and created alot of fuss. I was shocked at the response.  I never thought I would say this, but strangely enough I don't even miss the eyeshadow.  Don't get me wrong, if time was on my side I would be rocking my eyeshadow.

No Eyeshadow (http://instagram.com/beautifulandunspoilt)

The icing on the cake was when I used concealer to even out my brows.  My natural brows are uneven,  so I fill them with a brow pencil to enhance them.  I prefer my brows to look identical, I'm even willing to settle for similar but they must look alike.  This particular morning one brow was filled thicker than the other and my efforts to make them even by wiping with a tissue was failing miserably.

I was running out of time, and out of desperation I reached for my concealer.   The concealer worked like a dream and gave a finish out of this world.  I was so impressed and excited.  I made sure the concealer was well blended and not visible.  Visible concealer seems to be the trend right now, but that is a trend that I will not be following.  It's called concealer for a reason; you are supposed to see the effect of the concealer not the concealer itself.

Using concealer on my brows does take some time and effort but it is worth it.  The result far outweighs all of this. I had to give up something to enable me to do this, so I no longer line my eyes with black eyeliner.

I have now reached the point where I had to stop wearing foundation, mascara and blush, and I only use concealer when needed.  I think I've reach my limit - I am now down to primer, browfill, powder,setting spray and lipstick /lipgloss.  I do miss what I call the 'extras' - mascara, eyeliner and blush.  But a girl has to do what a girl has to do to leave the house on time.

Now that I don't wear my eyeshadows these days, I'll have to find more night events to attend so that I can wear them.  I'm still trying to figure out what to do with my neutral lipsticks which I would wear if my eyeshadow was bold.  Just give me some time and I'm sure I'll think of something.




"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Tick! Tock! I Must Beat The Clock Pt1

I'm wearing less make-up products these days, not as a result of any careful planning, but through necessity.  I'm always trying to beat the clock but I usually end up losing.  Well I decided that it was time for me to win.  I have reached the point where I'm tired of running out of time when doing my make-up.  I want to complete all of my tasks before I leave home; instead of having to skip some of them.

Here is my everyday make-up routine:

Step 1  Eyeshadow
Step 2  Brows
Step 3  Foundation
Step 4  Powder
Step 5  Lots of blending
Step 6  Setting Spray
Step 7  Lipbalm, Lip Colour and Lipgloss

Seems simple enough, but Steps 1 and 2 do take quite a bit time.  By the time I finish Step 1; I have to rush through the other Steps, and then I have to rush through all of the other non-makeup tasks that need to be done.  To make a bad situation worse,  the Sleek BB Cream that I am currently using (which I love), has a better finish with foundation primer.  This means there are now 8 Steps instead of  7,  which I have to finish in the same amount of time.

The reality is my eyeshadow application requires too much effort, and the results do not equate to the time spent.  I have to apply multiple layers because the colour barely shows up on my dark skin tone. Plus I have a sizeable eyelid so a quick sweep of the brush never works for me.

Check out these shots of the make-up I wore to work.  You can't even see the eyeshadow.

From L-R
1,2 and 6 = red eyeshadow,
3 and 5 = navy blue eyeshadow
4 = purple eyeshadow

 (http://instagram.com/beautifulandunspoilt)

Here's my typical eyeshadow application process:

Step 1  Primer or base
Step 2  Two layers of skintone eyeshadow
Step 3  At least 3 layers of the eyeshadow colour for the day
Step 4  Lots of blending to make it flawless

For each layer of eyeshadow I have to swirl the brush in the eyeshadow 8 times  to get maximum colour payoff.

All of this takes time...

Too much time...

Time that I do not have to spare.

I'm a girl that loves to see colour on my eyelids, it lifts my spirits and makes me happy.  But the time/effort needed vs the final result was frustrating me. (CLICK HERE for the details)

I have tried various brands - Fash Professional 120 Palette, Sugarpill, Maybelline Colour Tattoos, but the results are the same.  I do have Naked and Makeup Doll Cosmetics eyeshadows which are vibrant, but I prefer to wear those at night. ( CLICK HERE to find out why)

I needed to find a solution to my problem and I needed to find it fast.

Click here for Part 2.


"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Review - ADORAtherapy "Smart" Gal on the Go Mood Boost™

Wouldn't it be wonderful if  you could boost your mood anytime or anywhere?

(L-R Awake, Inspired, Seductive,  Balanced,  Beautiful, Peaceful and Smart)

Gal on the Go Top Notes

Well, the seven scents in ADORAtherapy's  Gal on the Go Mood Boost™ Collection promise to do just that.  All you need to do is spray Gal on the Go™ on or around your body, and read the affirmation printed on the box.  

Yes, according to ADORAtherapy™ it's that easy.


I was granted the opportunity to put this product to the test when I was sent the "Smart" Gal on the Go™ to review.  (This sample was provided courtesy of http://www.BeautyStat.com)

As I held the package that I had just collected from my US Post Box, I wondered if it's contents would really work because I was not familiar with the brand nor the product.  

I opened the package and was immediately impressed with "Smart" Gal on the Go's™ box.  It definitely looked the part with it's glamorous persona and powerful affirmation printed on the box.

Smart Gal on the Go's™ Persona

Smart Gal on the Go's™ Affirmation

Open Sesame

Strategically Placed Reminder

Smart Gal on the Go™ 10ml Spray

I sprayed "Smart" Gal on the Go™ on the back of my hand and enjoyed its light, citrus scent. So far, it had passed the visual and scent test, and I felt very inspired and empowered after reading the affirmation.  But  the final question still remained - would it really boost my mood?  I'd find out sooner rather than later.  

Early one morning while I was taking out the garbage, my neighbour's dogs barked loudly at me as though I was a stranger. I could not understand why they were behaving so hostile, they do not normally behave in that manner.  This had me very upset and disturbed my peace of mind.  As I made my way back home trying unsuccessfully to shake off the negative feelings; I realised that it was time for "Smart" Gal on the Go's™ final test.  

I sprayed it around me, closed my eyes and inhaled.  The bad mood I was in began to fade away with each breath that I took.  I could not help but focus on and enjoy the fresh scent.  I was surprised that it was so easy and I was happy that the product had fulfilled its promise.

Wait, there's more!

While writing this review I had a bit of writer's block and was feeling frustrated.  I reached for "Smart" Gal on the Go™ and I made more progress in the next hour than I had made in the last few days.  "Smart" Gal on the Go™ really works.

Are you interested in a Gal on the Go™ for yourself or for someone you know?  Then check out ADORAtherapy's™  campaign on Indiegogo. 

If you pledge a certain amount today by going to their Indiegogo site by clicking —> HERE, ADORAtherapy™ will send you the following prizes:

PLEDGE $5 or more — “Adore Yourself™ “ Wristband, made of 100% silicone

PLEDGE $15 or more — Gal on the Go Mood Boost™ in your choice of 7 scents

PLEDGE $30 or more — Travel & Office Good Mood Boost™ (120 ml size/10 ml)

PLEDGE $35 or more — Gal On The Go Mood Boost™ Spray & Screen-Printed T-Shirt

PLEDGE $45 or more — Gal On The Go Mood Boost™ Spray & Two Tone Deluxe Tote Bag

Go to their Indiegogo site to see the other PRIZES you can WIN —> HERE!

We must always remember that our mood is part of our inner beauty, which affects our outer beauty.  We therefore have to work on our inner beauty first before we can even think about our outer beauty.

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Make-up Sanitisation Poster

Do The Right Thing by n2fab featuring a foundation brush

Don't Dew Me

I prefer a matte finish for my make-up.  So even though I love my Sleek BB Cream,  I had to find a way to tone down it's dewy finish.

Initially I tried using my Iman Luxury Pressed Powder after applying the Sleek BB Cream, but the results did not last very long.

Next I applied NYX Studio Perfect Photo Loving Primer before applying the Sleek BB Cream, and I applied the Iman Powder last, still not enough.

I decided to mist my face with Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray after applying the Iman Powder and I knew I had hit the jackpot.  This gave me a noticeable and lasting result.

I wondered how my recently purchased MAC Fix+ would fare, so I misted my face with it after applying the Sleek BB Cream and again after applying the Iman Powder.  I then misted my face with the Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray and this combination also gave a noticeable and lasting result..

I had to so how MAC Fix+ would perform without the Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray. The results were also noticeable and lasting, but the Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray was the clear champion of this battle.

Here's the winning combination:

Step 1 Primer
Step 2  BB Cream
Step 3 Finishing Spray
Step 4 Powder
Step 5 Finishing Spray
Step 6 Setting Spray

(If you don't have both Finishing Spray and Setting Spray you would just skip the relevant Steps i.e 3 and 5, OR 6)







Results may vary according to skin type and product type, so be sure to use the correct products for your skin type to get the best results, because each skin type has different needs.  Most product labels specify which skin type they are for, so choosing the right ones shouldn't be too difficult.






"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

More Make-up Minis Please

Oh how I wish that  more make-up products were available in mini sizes.


"What?"

"She must be crazy!"

"Why would a make-up artist(MUA) and enthusiast want less make-up?"

"The more make-up the better."


I'm sure these thoughts and more may have just crossed your minds, so let me explain.

The regular sizes are great for my MUA kit, but my personal collection is overflowing, and that is what I want the mini sizes for.

I currently have enough lipsticks, lip glosses and eye-shadows to last me a very, very, very long time.  And I know that I will buy more because new products and new colours are launched frequently; that's just the way the make-up industry is.

For My Lips

For My Eyes

For My Eyes

For My Face

Another reason I would love minis is because make-up, like most things in life, will not last forever.  You see, even make-up expires  and should be discarded; unless you want bacteria/germs on your skin which usually leads to breakouts. Make-up expiration and hygiene was the theme of my booth at the Jabez House Fundraiser.  From the response of the public it's something most persons aren't aware of.  In fact, I only found out about it late in my make-up journey.

I'm happy to see that OCC now has Mini Lip Tars  because you only need to use a tiny drop and that is enough to cover your lips.  I have three of their regular sized products Stalker, Hoochie and Meta which I hardly use because even though I only have one pair of lips, I have a multitude of lip products to choose from.

Believe it or not I still have quite a few items on my make-up wishlist.  So if I don't need it I try not to buy it but sometimes I want it so bad that I can't resist.

What about you?

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Mini Haul - MAC Technique 2013

I thoroughly enjoyed MAC Technique and was now faced with a very tough decision.  Which products should I choose when redeeming the MAC Technique fee?

I wanted all the help that I could get, so I asked Lucinda Robinson(who is a MAC addict) of Moden Make-up  for some recommendations and I also checked MAC's website to familiarise myself with their product range. 

Armed with this information I went to the MAC store at Limegrove because it's opening hours were more convenient for me.  As I walked through the door I was instantly overwhelmed with all of products on display.

Here is what I eventually decided on, and yes I spent more than I had planned to, which always seems to happen when MAC shopping:

1) Mineralize Charge Water Moisture Eye Cream - I'm hoping it solves my my dark, under-eye issue.

2) Fix+ - I fell in love with the way it sprays on so evenly and easily.  I want to see if it improves the application and look of my make-up.

3) 'Fashion Boost' Pro Longwear Lip Pencil - I was impressed with how easily this applied and also how vibrant the colour was.  I love that it can be worn alone as a lipstain or under lipstick to line to lips.

I really wished I could have gotten the Lip Conditioner. It was only after I left the store  that I realised how soft the area that I tested it on was, compared to the rest of my hand.  Rest assured that it shall remain on my Wishlist.

Well I'm all 'MAC'd Out' for now,  stay tuned for the reviews of the products.

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Review - MAC Technique 2013

  Last Saturday I attended the sophisticated affair that was MAC Technique. 

It felt wonderful and exciting to be in the midst of make-up artists, enthusiasts and so many products.

The session was informative, fun and worth every cent.  I was still able to learn a few things despite my vast knowledge of make-up.   Even if there had been no refreshments, or the registration fee was not redeemable in MAC products; I would still have been the happiest make-up artist in the world.  It really was a win-win situation.

Before (No Flash)

The time flew by so quickly that I can't believe the session lasted for 3 hours.

I only wish that it had started at 3:00pm as advertised.  Having to wait in the sweltering heat was not fun at all and then we were rushed  to finish at the end. It was dark when I left the venue and I found myself alone at the bus stop after 6:30pm, I am thankful that the area was well lit by the gas station nearby.

For whatever reason there was not enough blushes nor lipsticks for each table but the MAC Ladies were very helpful in ensuring that each table had a chance to use them.  A scheduled break would have been a good idea because when I went for refreshments at the end of the session, the table was bare.  You see, I didn't want to miss anything and wanted to complete every stage before having a snack, but that was a bad decision it would seem.

Oh how I would have loved a Certificate of Participation.  I think that would have been the icing on this cake, hint hint for future sessions.

The Aftermath

After (No Flash, With AC)

After (With Flash, No AC)

Overall it was a WOW experience and I would recommend it to make-up enthusiasts and novices alike; to MAC addicts and those curious about MAC.


MAC here's a huge thank-you for taking me on a magical, make-up escape.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I must also thank Moden Makeup for posting the MAC Technique details; otherwise I would not have known about it.  Moden Makeup was in attendance and I did not even realise that Lucinda had taken a photo of me while I was getting MAC'd; check out her review here.

I now have to decide which MAC products I will choose. These will be my first MAC products and I can't wait for them to join my make-up family.

It was a tough decision, click here to find out what I purchased.

What are your MAC faves?

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Night Elegance

Night Elegance by n2fab featuring a moisturizing lipstick

Chanel powder blush
nordstrom.com

Ilia lengthening mascara
$30 - colette.fr

Jouer moisturizing lipstick
beauty.com

Victoria s Secret victoria secret eyeshadow
victoriassecret.com

Get 25% Discount Off Lucy B Products

For 25% off just use discount code ILOVELUCYB at checkout, it's valid until October 31st 2013.

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

UPDATED - Sam Fine Is Coming to Barbados!!!!!!

Sam Fine Postponed

I just found out that the organizers of the Caribbean Work Life Balance Trade Show
have postponed the event at until March 29-30, 2014.

The excitement that I was feeling this morning has been replace by HUGE disappointment.  

 Nakita
9th October 2013
@6:27pm

***********************************************************************************

I am so excited.

Sam Fine, top celebrity make-up artist, will be one of the speakers at Work Life Balance Trade Show   .


WHEN? October 12th 2013 at 12:00noon - 2:00pm

WHERE? Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Barbados 

I remember just a few months ago I saw a photo of him posing with blogger ScandalousBeauty, and wishing that someday I would meet him too.

Even if I don't get to pose with him, nor have a conversation with him, just to be in the same room with him is enough for me.

I will be there, will you?

Did I mention how I excited I am?

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Instagram Here We Come

Don't miss Beautiful & Unspoilt's 'FaceOfTheDay' and much more on Instagram .

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Guidelines For Recreating Make-Up Looks

One of the best feelings in the world is being able to recreate a make-up look that you love, whether you saw on it Youtube or in a magazine etc.

But...sometimes trying to recreate these looks can be very challenging and frustrating, especially when they don't look the way they should, even after a few attempts.

Well I have great news for you!

If you use the correct Techniques, Tools and Products, and you Practice (and practice some more); those gorgeous make-up looks will be all yours.

Yes, it really is that simple; no rocket science here at all.

You may have to try it again and again, (and then still try it one more time), but DON'T GIVE UP!!!  All of your time and effort will be worth it in the end.

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Vote For Me - September 2013

Whenever there is a make-up contest, and I am inspired by it's theme I can't resist submitting an entry.

September 2013's Black Opal Beat that Face Contest with it's rainbow, glitter and sequins theme caught my eye and my imagination.

Below is the photo that I entered - I wanted to create a look that was colourful and fun, yet wearable.

Click Here to vote for my entry by Liking the photo or Commenting.  You can also Share so that others can vote too.

Thanks so much.

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Say Goodbye to Eye-shadow Fallout

Image Source www.fromupnorth.com/inspiration-gallery-130-photography/

It seems as though eye-shadow fallout is here to stay.  

Sometimes no matter how careful we are when applying eye-shadow; it will put in an appearance with some eye-shadow dust here or specks of glitter there.

In my post Nightmare on Make-up Street - Eye-shadow Fallout; I shared what I call the Dip Tap Apply (D.T.A) method and some other useful tips.  Since then, I found this Beautylish article Four Ways to Deal with Makeup Fallout which contains some helpful information, both written and visual.

Here's my review of the article:

The Targeted Eye Remover Swabs and the Anna Sui Makeup Remover Penn would be useful  when you have to go a function directly after work, and you want to change your eye-shadow look.

The Makeup Wipes would be useful if you wanted to remove all of your makeup and reapply it.

I would love to try the Spark-L Duster, it sounds like a great product.

I would never use Scotch Tape on my face, and I wouldn't advise you to either.  I use Medical Tape instead (thanks for that tip Moden Makeup), and it's fantastic for cleaning away glitter fallout and minor eye-shadow fallout.

So let's say goodbye to eye-shadow fallout -  the uninvited visitor when applying eye-shadow.

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Beautiful You

Beautiful You by n2fab on Polyvore

Vogue Germany
models.com

Summer Breakfast
fotki.yandex.ru

Beauty Buyers Beware

I wanted a purple and a pink lipstick, in fact they were all that I could think about.  So to put my mind at ease, I added them to my shopping list and the hunt began.


The pink lipstick was no problem and the price was so right that I bought two of them, but the purple lipstick was another story.  I had visited a few stores but they did not have any, and there was one more store that I could check. 


I was late but I still wanted to stop to buy a purple lipstick (mistake #1).  I checked my watch and hurried into the store which is known for selling a particular affordable brand.  The Sales Rep advised that there were no purple lipsticks and recommended a lipgloss which I tested on my hand. It was so gorgeous and pigmented that I knew I had to buy it.


As  I went to select my product from the display case I noticed that it was shaped differently and packaged differently to the tester and to the other lipglosses beside it.  The Sales Rep saw my reaction and assured me 'oh it's the same thing'.  I pushed my doubts aside figuring that the packaging had been updated and bought the lipgloss.


When I reached home and went to swatch the lipgloss I felt devastated.  


Yes, the product was the same colour and it even had the same name but it was a different brand, and one that I have no problem using but it is not the brand that I went into the store to purchase.


To make things worse it did not look nor feel the same way as the brand that I had tested.  In fact the store is not known for selling this brand, which is also affordable, but is not a prestigious as the other one.





I was sad, upset and angry.  In my opinion what the Sales Rep and the store did was unethical and dishonest.  


After much thought I decided to keep the lipgloss because my schedule would not have permitted me to return to the store anytime soon. 


Plus I hadn't seen any purple lip products in the other stores that I had checked.


I considered making a complaint, but knowing how customer service is in Barbados, I doubted that anything would have come out of it.    Thankfully it only cost BDS$10, so it didn't cause my purse too much pain.  I cut my loses and learnt a huge lesson:


1. Never go make-up shopping for a new product when I am in a hurry
2. Don't ignore my 'gut-feeling'
3. I can't trust Sales Reps 100% (so sad but so true in this case) 


 Sales Reps have a critical role to play because they make recommendations that influence your purchase decisions.  This is the first time I have experienced something like this and it is not something that I would want to ever experience again. 

 How to Choose the Right Shade of Foundation or Powder highlights a another bad experience that I had.


Come on Sales Reps, you can and should do better than this.


*UPDATE* - Would you believe that eventually fell in love with purple lipgloss?View the Facebook tribute here.


"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

The Eyes Have It

Wow, where do I begin?

Apparently a popular beauty trend in Korea right now is Aegyo Sal aka under-eye bags.  Yes, you read it correctly.

I first learnt of this trend after reading Beautystat's post and I could not believe my eyes - pun intended.  I did a double-take and my mind began to work overtime, because under-eye bags are usually avoided like the plague.  I can't even begin to understand it, I'll just accept it and move on.

I find it interesting that there are varying interpretations of beauty, especially in different cultures.  It is not a trend that I will be trying.  In fact my under-eye area is the total opposite, it is sunken and darker than the rest of my face.

In my search for a solution I've read that this is caused by broken capillaries.  It seems like my under-eye area has been like this forever, well they have been for my entire adult life.  It's as though I woke up one morning and they appeared.  I don't recall ever doing anything that would damage the thin, super-sensitive skin there.

Hold that thought - while writing this post I stumbled across Hello Magazine's article that gives more detail than anything else I have read so far.  I think stress may have caused mine.  I was studying diligently for an Undergraduate Degree; which was a far cry from the A'Level studies that I had just completed in 6th Form. Actually, stress would be an understatement.

That article also lists some solutions but I honestly don't think any of them will help me much.  I had started applying coco butter to the area after reading an article that assured it's readers that this would work.  There has been a subtle improvement but I may be at fault because I usually forget to do it.  I'm still trying to make it into a habit, but any change no matter how small is welcomed.

I am still hoping that one day I will be rid of it, but until I find the answer concealer will be my bestfriend.

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Swatch Me - Meta OCC Lip Tar Stained Gloss

At first glance I thought that this 'neon-red' was too bright for me and that I would never be able to wear it.  I'm happy to say that I was wrong and I actually like it.

Meta is a fun, playful colour and that is exactly how I feel when I wear it.  It isn't opaque like the Lip Tars nor as thick.  The colour is still very lovely and the name isn't bad either.

Wondering what a 'Swatch-Cloth' is?  It's how I affectionately refer to the evidence of my swatching.  I included it to give a behind the scenes peek - there is alot of wiping off and reapplying (to say the least).

Special thanks to Lip Factory, Inc. for taking me out of my 'Colour Comfort Zone', I won Meta in one of their giveaways. Even though I always find a way to wear most make-up colours, and look great while doing it; I would never have given that colour a second glance.  

As the saying goes 'don't knock it until you try it' because you may find a lovely make-up treasure.

In case you missed them here are swatches of OCC Lip Tar Hoochie and OCC Lip Tar Stalker , who also make an appearance on the 'Swatch-Cloth'.

Thanks so much for visiting, see you next Wednesday.

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Swatch Me - Hoochie OCC Lip Tar

I remember my reaction when I first heard about OCC Lip Tars.  I was very confused as visions of lips covered in asphalt danced through my mind. Thankfully I was totally wrong.

If you are unfamiliar with this product; you can find out more about this breakthrough in the Make-Up Industry.

Presenting 'Hoochie' (I'm not a fan of the name)-

What do I love about it? - It is VERY pigmented and a little bit goes a long way.

What don't I like about it? - The product separates in the tube, but a quick shake solves this.



Depending on my outfit and the occasion, I sometimes wear a coloured gloss over it.

I bought the Lip Tars here in Barbados from Dee Blackett/Essential Trends.  (I also bought my Sleek BB Cream and Sleek Blush by 3 from her, see the swatch and review for them here) and  I won Meta in a Lip Factory Inc giveaway.

Next on the 'Swatch List' are OCC Lip Tar Stalker and OCC Lip Tar Stained Gloss in Meta.  See Stalker and meet Meta.


"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

FYI - Date of Next Post

Just a quick note to let you know that the next blog post will be up and ready for you to read by 9th August 2013, once everything goes as planned.

Beautifully Yours,
Beautiful & Unspoilt

Strip Eyelashes - Get the Wow Eyelashes You Crave!

This week has been all about eyelashes so far.  In case you missed it, click here for Monday's Facebook post  'Battle of the Maybelline Mascaras'.

Mascara is the traditional way of enhancing your natural eyelashes, but for those of you like me who have short natural eyelashes it may only make a subtle difference.

Today we are going to a whole new level with Strip Eyelashes.

Wow, what a noticeable difference! They give me the lovely lashes that I crave.

This is the Strip Eyelash that I used:

I only wear Strip Eyelashes for make-up contests but I have vowed to put them to the ultimate test someday and wear them for a special occasion.  I prefer Strip Eyelashes that look natural not the ones that look like thick, plastic doll lashes.

With enough practice Strip Eyelashes can be applied quickly and easily.  But if they don't form part of your regular make-up routine,  it  will require some time, effort and patience, but the end result makes it all worthwhile.

Have you ever worn Strip Eyelashes before, or any other type of Eyelash Extension?  What was your experience like?

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

How to Stop Your Make-up from Running, Smudging or Fading

Summer is here, and with it comes the sweltering heat that makes you perspire and usually makes your make-up run, smudge or fade.

The question on many lips is "what can be done to help my make-up beat the heat?"



I have normal skin, with combination skin in my T-Zone area, and what works for me is make-up setting spray.  As the name implies, setting spray sets your make-up and makes it more smudge-proof and more moisture-proof.  Once Summer is over I use it whenever I want my make-up to last all day or all night.

I have tried two brands so far; here is a quick review of them:


Make-Up Forever Mist & Fix (US$29 for 4.22oz bottle)

1. Mists evenly 
2. Dries with an undetectable finish
3. Pleasant smell
4. Gentle on the skin 
5. LOVE IT!

Graftobian Make-Up Setting Spray (US$6.95 for 1.25oz bottle, US$21.99 for 8oz refill bottle)

1. Sprays in uneven drops
2. Each drop dries to leave a visible, crusty dot. 
3. I have to use my powder brush to blend the drops into my make-up before they dry
4. Alchohal smell 
5. Tingles on the skin
6. I do not like it, would not repurchase

The Graftobian Setting Spray let me down big time; I really expected more from it.

 I tried shaking the bottle before spraying,  I used my empty Make-Up Forever Mist & Fix bottle,  I sprayed from the furtherest distance possible,  I tested it on my hand and neck, but I still got the same result.

 I know other persons who use it and it works for them.  That's the thing with make-up, everything does not work the same for everyone.  You have to try products to see if they will work for you.

It goes without saying that Make-Up Forever Mist & Fist wins this one by a landslide!

How do  you make your make-up last?

*New* Click here to see how E.L.F Make-up Mist & Set compares. 

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires