Sunday, 8 December 2013

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

Thursday, 21 November 2013

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

Thursday, 14 November 2013

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

Friday, 1 November 2013

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

Tuesday, 29 October 2013

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