A Taste of Salt... Review on Salty Cosmetics Mineral Eye Shadows...

I decided to take some of my own advice.  Whenever I am asked how I learned to do my makeup, my answer is Carmidy from What Not to Wear and I played.  Playing with my face is one of my favorite things to do (who am I kidding; I’ll play with anyone’s face).  Thing is I usually play with the same old stuff.  I am trying to expand my makeup horizons, and I have discovered some pretty good brands and colors out there.  Have I tried all of these discoveries?  Not even close.  I am trying to change that!  I am going to venture out and really try things out of my comfort zone.  First thing I had to do was decide where to start...

I received a jar of Glama- Zoid Mineral Eye Shadow from Salty Cosmetics (I think it was in an IPSY bag) and thought it was great.  It is a beautiful white iridescent color with undertones of violet and pink.  It looks more violet on my skin.  It is a wonderful accent color or highlight.  I usually use it as a highlight in my inner tear duct.  

Me wearing Glama-Zoid through out my lower lash line

That was where I was going to start.  I powered up my laptop to check out what else the company offers.  Salty Cosmetics is pretty well rounded.  They offer lip glosses, foundations, and even nail polish.   I found a great selection of colors... so great that it was a little overwhelming.  Then I discovered the grab bags.  For $10 you receive 10 samples in either a day or night option.  It didn't say what came in the grab bags, but that is a part of the adventure.  I of course I was super excited.  How could I not try that?  They are samples so if I didn't like them I wouldn't feel so bad.  Then I saw that you can get samples of all of the colors!  That is AMAZING.  I can't tell you how many times I have bought full sizes of things that I ended up hating.  Then I would be kicking myself for wasting my money.

So I bought the two grab bags plus a few samples of other colors that I really wanted to try and waited oh so patiently for them to arrive (it was torture).  When I received them I was surprise because the grab bags contained more than just eye shadow... I got lip gloss, bronzer, and blush too.  The samples are a good size.  Good enough to get more than one time use.  I like that, because I have more opportunities to play and experiment.

These are most, but not all of the samples I received

So I swatched most of the colors on my arm to see what I had to work with.  I was pretty happy with what I got.  I got only one double (I was afraid I was going to get a lot of doubles).  Only down side... a few came without names.  There is a pretty light blue that I assume in Sergio's Ojo's and a light pink that I think might be Pinky.  As much as I wanted to stay up all night playing with the colors, I knew that wasn't option.  I did grab two and started to play.

From left to right:
Nebula, Cosmic Martini, Goddess of Bronze, Antiquey, Bad A$$, Persian Goddess, Queen of Venus, Chester Copper Pots, 24 Karat Rose, Sergio's Ojo's (?), Cool Glitz, Pinky (?), Mirage, & Northern Lights

From left to right:
Morenci Black, Butt Nakie, Coca-Mocha, & House of Hash

They are so easy to work with!  So soft and blend able.  Each sample is a great pigment.  The matte colors are smooth and the others had just the right amount of glitz.  I was most excited to try Queen of Venus.  I have been looking for a more eggplant kind of purple for a while.  If you didn't know purple is my favorite color, shame on you!  How could you not?  Have you seen all my purple lipsticks?  It was exactly what I wanted without really knowing it.  I usually lean more towards matte colors (don't get me wrong, I love me some glitter!).  So, when I would find a color to try, it was always harsher than I wanted.  I knew I wanted something more on the eggplant end, but not eggplant.  Queen of Venus was exactly what I envisioned in my head, but couldn't find.

In Queen of Venus and Butt Nakie

I was also very impressed with the Morenci black.  Most of the black eye shadows that I have tried are grayer looking on me.  Not this one... it's BLACK!  I didn't think I would like the 24 Karat Rose as much as I did.  I thought it was pretty, but I didn't really see me wearing it.  Once I put it on it was hard not to love it.  It's not something I would normally wear.  That is a good thing; I am supposed to be venturing out, right?  Another one that I just adore is Persian Goddess.  I really felt like a goddess when I put it on.  It really is the perfect gold.

In 24 Karat Rose

In Goddess of Bronze

Chester Copper Pots

If you  are interested in purchasing please visit the website.  Also there is coupon code.  15% off of your first purchase with the code SALTY15!  

I will leave you with one of my favorite looks...  I was channeling my inner Cleopatra...

In Persian Goddess and Serjio's Ojo's (?)

Fave Five June

I have made some recent purchase that I just adore!

Fave Five June by jelobo2 featuring lips makeup

1. Salty Cosmetics Mineral Eyeshadow in Queen of Venus:  I am just starting to experiment with eye color.  What I really love about Salty Cosmetics is that they let you buy samples.  I bought two Grab Bags (10 for $10) and 4 other samples.  One of which was the Queen of Venus.  It is a gorgeous color and easy to play with.  I will have a full review of all the ones I bought up on the blog shortly.
2. Limecrime Opaque Lipstick in Chinchilla:  This was on my wishlist last month and I am beyond happy that I bought it!  It really is more gray than it appears in the pictures that I have taken with it on, but that is what makes it a fantastic neutral!
3. Forever 21 Floral Flush Bodycon Dress:  I wasn't sure about this dress when I first saw it, but I put it on an loved it.  It is made in a really soft easy material and the cut out in the backs are very cute.  I did have to get a size bigger than I normally did, but it's a bodycon dress, so that is normal.
4. House of Lashes Latex-Free Eyelash Adhesive:  Hallelujah!  A few weeks ago I suffered an allergic reaction from my eyelash glue.  I of course was devastated.  I didn't know if I was going to be able to wear lashes ever again.  Luckily for me I decided to try a non latex formula to see if it was just the latex that hates me.  It was and I now have a fabulous new eyelash glue!  Stays on extremely well and smells like flowers!
5. House of Lashes Goddess Collection Lashes in Siren:  While I was purchasing the new eyelash glue, I decided to risk it and buy new lashes as well.  I got three new pairs all of which are wonderful, but the wispy Siren ones are my favorite.  House of Lashes has some great lashes!  Great quality and reasonably prices.  I think I shall be getting all of mine from here!

June Wish List

June Wish List by jelobo2 featuring a black dress

1. Forever 21 Knotted Southwestern Headwrap:  I think I am going through a bohemian phase at the moment because I am obsessed with maxi dresses, boho prints, and head wraps/scarves at the moment.  Forever 21 has some great head wraps, this one included.  There is also an Etsy shop that has really really cute ones.  However she is from the Philippines and well I am just not that patient....
2. Sugarpill Cosmetics Lumi Loose Eyeshadow:  I saw a look on IG and FB and just about died!  This iridescent white is so pretty with the undertones of blue and green and can change when mixed with darker colors to a turquoise.  I could totally be a mermaid!  LOL :)
3. Forever 21 Tribal Print Scuba Knit Dress:  Summer is here and I live in dresses and skirts.  I like this one because I can go out in it, but it’s still casual enough for me to wear during the day.  Plus it’s different, I like different.
4. Dustine by Madison T-Strap Heel from ShoeDazzle:  T-Straps are one of my favorite types of shoes and these go with my boho obsession at the moment.  Plus they are yellow?  Who doesn't want to rock a yellow heel in the summer?
5. Wet Seal Cross-Hatch Print Zipper High-Waist Shorts:  I hate shorts!  However there are times that it's just not feasible to wear a dress or skirt and pants are way too hot.  I saw these and they changing my feelings about shorts. I won't know until I put them on....

MORE WISHLIST ITEMS:

1. ASOS Curve New Look Inspire Geo-Tribal Print Bandeau Jumpsuit:  Continuing with my boho obsession...
2. Michel Studio Printed Jogger Pants from Addition Elle:  I am not really into jogger or harem pants (just not my thing), but these one’s that I saw on GabiFresh are adorable!
3. The Lip BarSip of Summer Lipstick in Kamikaze:  THAT COLOR!!!!!!!!!!  Not to mention, how cute is it that all their colors are named after drinks?
4. Benefit They're Real! Push Up Liner:  I am super excited to try this eyeliner out!  I like most, struggle with my cat eye and my winged styles.  This liner makes it so easy... or at least makes it look so easy!  It hasn't been release yet (booo!), but you can get on the wait list.
5. Modcloth Take A Staycation Shorts:  Another pair of shorts I would be willing to try...
6. Sugarpill Cosmetics Buttercupcake Pressed Eye Shadow:  A while back my friend Manda and I did an order from Sugarpill cosmetics and I LOVE the colors I got.  I also loved the color Manda got.... I have been thinking about it ever since...
7. MAC Lorde Collection Lipstick in Pure Heroine:  Do I need another purple lipstick... nope... should I get another purple lipstick... probably not... am I going to get another purple lipstick.... what do you think?
8. ASOS CurveHigh Waisted Jean in Coated Denim:  I love these coated curve hugging denim pants!  It’s like wearing leather pants without actually spending the money on leather pants!

May Wish List

Wish List- May by jelobo2

1. Shifty Shape Sunglasses from Urbanog.com:  Summer is fast approaching, and even though I have a basket full of sunglasses.... well, a girl can never have too many!  Sunglasses are like shoes.  I don't have any round sunglasses.  I know these are octagon shaped, but close enough. 
2. Monki Smile Lips Clutch Bag:  I love handbags and I love lipstick.  A bag with lips is a must!  It is so happy looking... you can't help but smile when you see it, right?
3. He Haw Hawaiian Top from Pinupgirlclothing.com:  This top is absolutely adorable!!!
4. Pedal to the Metal Heel from Pinupgirlclothing.com:  These appeal to the vintage girl in me.
5. Lime Crime Opaque Lipstick in Chinchilla:  I know I have a lot of purple lipsticks (it is my favorite color after all), but this one is more of a gray with lavender undertones.  It would be more neutral rather then my bright or super dark purples.

MORE WISHLIST ITEMS:

1. Feed Me & Tell Me I'm Pretty T-Shirt:  What else needs to be said?  EPIC t-shirt!
2. Contrast Sleeveless Dress:  With summer right around the corner (or here since it was 91° today) I am going to be living in dresses.  I can totally wear this to work and go out after.
3. Zoya Pixie Dust Nail Polish in Dhara:  I finally got my hands on some Pixie Dust nail polish (both neutral colors) and I love them.  I want as many of them as I can get my hands on!
4. Alex Drawer Unit from Ikea:  This summer I am finally going to get to some DIY projects that I have been planning to do.  First I want to make my vanity with super organized makeup drawers.  I found this idea on Pinterest and knew I had to do it... if you want to here are instructions for compacts and lipsticks.
5. Lazy Shoe Zen:  I need someone who is handy in my life to help me make this!!!

Finally Inked!!

I love love love love love tattoos.  I think they are sexy and expressive.  After years of debating on what to get, where to get it, if I even should really do it, if I could HANDLE doing it, I got my first tattoo.  It feels great to finally do something that I have always wanted to do.  I got a fabulous sense of accomplishment crossing it off my bucket list.  However, I was a HUGE ball of nerves before hand.

I am the definition of a scaredy cat!  I hate needles.  It has been fear of mine since I was little.  I have been wanting to get a tattoo since I was 18, but the thought of it petrified me so much it took almost 11 years!  I made a goal/resolution that I would get 1 of the 3 that I want (yes I said 3) this year and I am really glad I finally grew some balls and did it!

I came to the conclusion to get the triad on my wrist for a few reasons.  I wanted something simple with 4 lines to represent each of my nieces (Holle, Zaina, Deja, and Jazmine) and well lets just face it... a square wouldn't have been cute.  Also, I knew that I wanted to start off small to see if I could handle it.  My other 2 planned tattoos are going to be very detailed and very painful.  Another reason why I choose the triad is because I am very into geometric shapes/prints.  The last reason is because I am a GIGANTIC Thirty Seconds to Mars fan.  It all just kind of fit.

My friend Shaela did the tattoo for me.  I am glad I had someone that I know doing it rather than a stranger.  She knew I was very nervous and just made everything easy.  She suggested using the dotting technique because it is let painful and I am glad we did.  It wasn't anywhere near as bad as I hyped it up to be in my mind, but I am glad I did hype it up.  I think it helped me get through it.  Not to say there was not times of pain (especially around my veins), but all in all it wasn't very painful.  I thought there would be lingering pain and soreness.  Nope. There were moments it tingled the next day and when I apply the ointment it's a little tender, but no pain.

              Shaela drawing the stencil.                                             The placement of the stencil on my arm.

I am not going to lie... when she pulled out the tattoo gun while setting up I almost bolted out the door!

My face looks really calm, but I am totally freaking out.  LOL

I didn't think I would smile at all when getting it done... so happy it didn't hurt as much as I thought it would!

Finished results!!

So there it is... my simple triad that I am extremely happy with!!!

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH SHAELA!  

I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!  IT LOOKS AMAZING!!

Fave Five Beauty Products- April

Fave Five Beauty Products- April by jelobo2 featuring lips makeup

1. Sugarpill Cosmetics Pressed Eyeshadow in Velocity:  This only came in the mail yesterday, and I have only had one opportunity to play with it, but I am in love with it.  I love that is actually looks that vibrant on me.  Being of a darker complexion most colors don't look the way I want them to on me.  Thank God this is very pigmented, I would have been really sad if it wasn't because I love it so much!
2. Peter Thomas Roth Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel:  My skin right now is a mess.  I know your skin changes every 7 years, but geez.  By mid day I am a shiny mess.  This lightweight gel keeps the oil under control.  I have only used it twice (it is a recent find), but the difference so far is amazing.
3. Revlon ColorBurst™ Matte Balm in Complex:  I love matte lipstick.... and though I love my nude Lip Tar in Interlace from OCC, I don't like it matte (on me anyway, I always top it off with my Buxom Lipgloss in Samantha).  On a whim I decided to just grab this and I am sure glad I did.  It is a great color and because it is a balm it still keeps my lips moist while giving it the matte look that I love.
4. Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Gash:  I am so excited this color is back!  This is the only item on my list that I don't own, but I will be getting soon.  I have only recently started wearing lipstick, but I always admired it on other people.  I saw this color on Gwen Stefani and thought it was fantastic.
5. Ardell Curvy False Lashes in 413:  Before my obsession with lipstick my makeup obsession was mascara/lashes (well I am still am).  I usually go with more natural looking lashes, but lately I have been changing things up and going for some more drama.  While walking around Ulta I saw that they had a BOGO on Ardell lashes and I saw these and had to try them.  They are really fun and make me feel like a pin up!  

March Wish List

It's that time of year... time to put away the winter and get ready for spring.  That of course means COLOR!!!  I plan to do exactly just that.  Get some much needed color in my wardrobe.

March Wish List by jelobo2 featuring Forever 21

1. Furano by GX by Gwen Stefani for Shoedazzle:  OMG OMG OMG OMG... words can not explain how excited I am for this line.  I ADORE Gwen Stefani!  I am going to go broke because I basically want everything that is in the line for Shoedazzle.  This bag is bold and spunky and completely bad ass!
2. Electric Palette by Urban Decay:  I have experimented with lipstick a lot, but not really eye shadow... I think it is time that I start!  I saw this palette from Urban Decay on Kandee Johnson's blog and it would be so much fun to play with.  It hasn't been released yet (Coming to stores in April or available March 18 online!).
3. ASOS CURVE Cami in Check Print:  Even though I am trying to add some color in my life, I still love my black and white, I'll just pair it with some colorful skinny jeans!
4. Riviera Burst Necklace:  The color combo is great and even though the colors are pastel I still feel like it would be great for the tropical vacation that I am so not taking anytime soon!
5. Color Cascade Knee-Length Skirt:  Do I NEED another knee length skirt?  Probably not, but I sure want this one!  It is soo fun, plus how cute would it look with the neon yellow necklace on my February Wishlist??

MORE WISHLIST ITEMS:

1.  Sugarpill Pressed Eyeshadow in Velocity:  This gorgeous color is super pigmented.  I saw it on a makeup artist that I follow on instagram (@makeupshayla) and fell in love, but was too scared to try it.  I'm saying screw it and buying it soon!
2. Emiko by GX by Gwen Stefani for Shoedazzle:  I wasn't kidding when I said I wanted like everything, but I will limit this wishlist to two items!  How fabulous are these?
3.  City-Chic Faux Jacket from Forever 21:  I already own this jacket in burgundy and love it... then they came out with the grey... seriously considering buying the grey... 
4. Grazia Illusion Zip Front Dress from Simply Be:  This dress is gorgeous and hugs your curves perfectly.  Unfortunately the US Simply Be doesn't have it... I found it on their UK site...
5. Studio Abstract Print Fit & Flare Dress from Eloquii:  This dress is a statement piece!
6. TriBeCa Dress from Rue 107:  Do I really have to explain why I want this... it’s an amazing dress!
7. Geo Print Peplum Skirt from Ashley Stewart:  Love the purple and orange together!
8. Antiqued Sterling Silver Plated Medieval Cross Swords and Filigree Accented Ear Wires by Ghostlove: Man that is a mouth full, but I am really digging these earrings!