Back to class FOTD

Hey guys!

Today marks the beginning of the spring semester for me. I got done with classes today at 1:10 pm so that was nice. I also broke out my brand new snow boots. The campus is still covered in snow and was quite chilly for me. The weather is definitely an adjustment for me, coming from the South.

This is the view of all the snow from my dorm room. It has melted minimally.

I was going to make this an OOTD post, too so I could show off my new snow boots but unfortunately I couldn't get any good pictures :(

This morning I wanted something quick, fairly simple, but really pretty so I could make a good impression on the first day.

Here's what I came up with:

Mind you, these pictures were taken after at least 4 hours of wear and lots of walking all over campus. 

Here's what I used:

-Neutrogena Shine Control primer & foundation

-Palladio Rice Powder in Natural

-NYX bronzer in When Leopard Gets a Tan (contour)

-NYX blush in Pinched

-ELF eyeshadow primer in Golden

-Sleek Storm palette (shimmery pink shade in crease, dark bronze in outer third of the lid and along the outer half of the lower lash line, lightest golden champagne color in the inner portion of the lid and as a highlight under the brow)

-NYX JEP in French Fries along the upper and lower waterline

-ELF liquid liner

-L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara

-LORAC Liquid Lipstick in Trendsetter

What do you guys like to wear on special days like this where you want to impress without looking too overdone?

So I hope you liked that! For those of you starting classes again, I wish you the best of luck! Stay warm my beauties! 

I've got some more posts lining up for later this week! 

XOXO, Jessie

REVIEW: Neutrogena Shine Control line

Hey guys!

Today I have a collective review on the Neutrogena Shine Control line for you. I did not receive these for review, however I won them from a contest on Beauty Undercover.

I've been using them for quite a while now and I'm surprised that I haven't heard/read more about this line since it would seem as though a line of products claiming to control shine would have more hype, but after using them, I understand why...

The "secret ingredient" of this line is what Neutrogena calls a rice protein complex, which I guess is what is supposed to be controlling the shine.

It comes in a 1 ounce (30 mL - standard size) black squeezy bottle.

The primer's claims:

• controls shine all day with or without makeup
• extends the wear of makeup
• matte finish
• won't over dry skin or clog pores

The consistency is kind of creamy - it reminds me of the MUFE HD primer which I love so much. It has tiny gritty particles in it that go away as you smooth it into the skin. There is a slight scent that is probably from the rice protein, but nothing too overpowering.

Honestly, it just doesn't control my shine/oil as much as I expected it to. I have tried it with other foundations and it just didn't work as well as my Monistat chafing gel, which I didn't actually think worked until I compared it to this.

It did not extend the wear of my makeup to the point where I noticed anything. It didn't control shine. 

It does have a matte finish and won't dry out your skin or clog pores.

I don't know how much this primer costs since I didn't actually buy it, but I think it's on the pricier end of drugstore primers. And I don't think it's worth it to get it, unless you really want to try.

The foundation comes in a bottle similar to Revlon Colorstay - glass bottle with no pump. 1 ounce or 30 mL

The foundation's claims:

• 8 hour shine control; won't over dry skin
• Lightweight, breathable formula; natural look

This foundation is awful. It has a thick formula that is very hard to get out of the bottle. I have to keep the bottle stored upside down so that I can get product out of the bottle when I want to use it. It also has the gritty texture that blends out. It does have a natural finish with very light coverage, but I also feel like the coverage is splotchy. It just doesn't look all that great on my skin.

There is no way that this foundation can control shine for 8 hours. It lasts a few hours on my skin before my skin starts looking gross. I feel like the primer and powder will extend the life of this foundation, but I wouldn't even want to try wearing this without those two along with it.

I'm just not a fan of this foundation and I don't think it's really worth your money. Revlon Colorstay doesn't claim to control shine, yet it does a much better job than this Neutrogena foundation.

The setting powder comes in a circular compact with a mirror and puff. I don't use the powder puff to use this product. You get 0.37 ounces or 10.4 grams of product.

The powder's claims:

• Instantly eliminates shine for a fresh look that lasts all day
• Layers invisibly over makeup
• Matte finish

This powder is probably the gem of the Shine Control line. I actually just hit pan on it today.

It will eliminate the shine. I have used it to both set my foundation and touch up my foundation throughout the day and it will get rid of shine. 

It is a translucent powder, so it does layer invisibly. I haven't noticed it looking cakey at all.  It also does have a matte finish.

I wouldn't say that this powder will extend the wear of my foundation when I use it as a setting powder. I have other powders that don't claim to be setting powders or shine control powders and they do a better job than this one. But I do think it's a pretty decent powder if you're looking for a translucent powder to set your makeup with and to use as a touch-up. 

Depending on how much you want to spend, I would say go for this product. 

And now for pictures of me with the products... This is the first time I'm posting my naked face on this blog!!

To the left is my completely naked face and to the right is me with the primer on. Nothing really noticeably different.

To the left is my skin with the foundation on and to the right is with powder on top (of the primer and foundation). 

I don't think you can really tell the coverage from the photos, but I would say it is a sheer to medium coverage. The powder, although translucent, does manage to make the foundation look like it covers a little better. I'm wearing the foundation in Classic Ivory 10. 

OVERALL, I think if you want to try this line, go ahead, but I don't think it's the best. The powder was the best I tried from the line and it still was pretty mediocre. 

Have you tried any of these products? What's your opinion? 

Fall jewel-toned eyes with Sleek Bad Girl

Hey guys!

So if you've been keeping up with the latest makeup trends for this season, you would know jewel-toned eyes are very in for the fall! This includes emeralds, amethysts, etc.

Here's the look I created! These pictures were taken right when the sun was beginning to go down, so it was hard to get good lighting. Sorry about that!

Products Used:
Neutrogena Shine Control primer
Neutrogena Shine Control foundation in Classic Ivory
Neutrogena Shine Control translucent setting powder
ELF eyeshadow primer in Pearl
Sleek Bad Girl palette (Intoxicated all over the lid, Envy along the lower lash line and in the outer corner, Gullible under the eyebrow, Innocence in the inner corner/tear duct)
WetnWild Color Icon black eyeliner (waterline)
ELF liquid eyeliner
Lorac Multiplex 3D Lashes mascara
NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder
NYX bronzer in When Leopard Gets a Tan
NYX blush in Pinched
Mary Kay lipliner pencil in Primrose
Ulta lip plumper


I hope you guys enjoyed this! If you try out the jewel-toned trend, I would love to see the looks you create!

Also, thank you again to my newest followers, as well as those of you who have been following me for the long haul. Your support means so much to me!

It's a red lipstick and fur kind of day

Hey guys!

I thought I would do a quick post for you guys today on a quick look that I threw together for going to class.

The Maybelline Color Tattoos are so simple to slap on my lids with a little eyeliner and mascara to go to class. I like adding some red lipstick to go with that and make the look even more polished if I want to look extra cute.

So I put this together: (These pictures were taken five hours after I actually put on my makeup)

Products Used:

Neutrogena Shine Control primer

Neutrogena Shine Control foundation in Ivory

Neutrogena Shine Control translucent setting powder

ELF Mineral eye primer

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bold Gold (all over the lid)

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Tough as Taupe (in the crease)

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze (along the lower lash line)

ELF liquid liner 

WetnWild Coloricon black eyeliner pencil (along the waterline)

L'Oréal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara

NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder

NYX Bronzer in When Leopard Gets a Tan

Clinique blusher in Sunset Glow

NYX Round Lipstick in Pure Red

And last but not least... my OOTD:

Black leggings are my new staple. They were against the dress code at my high school and now in college they're all I wear!

The black leggings I'm wearing are ones I got at Forever 21.

I'm also wearing:

Pewter colored lace cami from American Eagle Outfitters

Boyfriend button down from H&M

Rabbit fur scarf my bubbe bought me in Paris

Nine West American Vintage Collection shearling boots

ALSO, I would just like to say a big thank you to my newest followers! I'm only one follower away from 100! 

I hope you all enjoy what you see/read! Feel free to give me feedback, etc. Let me know if you like these LOTD posts. I do have some reviews coming up soon as well!

Join me on Twitter and Instagram @jessiefrancaise!

"Autumn Again" inspired LOTD & OOTD

Hey guys! It's starting to get chilly out here in the Midwest and fall is definitely here!

Michelle Phan posted a new tutorial the other day called Autumn Again which you can view here. Mind you, I am not her biggest fan by any means. I just liked this look and thought that I could recreate it with the Sleek Oh So Special palette, which I have been loving lately.

I was able to take these pictures right before the sun went down, which means that I had had my makeup on for six hours at the time I took these pictures. Not bad!

I really really love this look and actually got compliments in one of my classes! This girl told me my makeup always looked so perfect and that she was jealous. It's the little things in life that count :) hahaha

Products Used:

Neutrogena Shine Control Primer

Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation in Ivory

NYX Concealer in a Jar in Fair

Neutrogena Shine Control Translucent Powder

ELF Mineral eyeshadow primer

Sleek Oh So Special palette (Gift Basket on outer portion of lid and along lower lash line, Boxed in the crease and along the lower lash line, Organza in the inner portion of the lid and around the tear duct, Noir in the outer-v and crease, Bow as a highlight under the brow)

WetnWild Coloricon black eyeliner pencil

ELF liquid liner

Lorac Multiplex 3D Lashes mascara

NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder

ELF Essentials Blush in Bronzed (actually a bronzer - used to contour)

L'Oréal True Match Super-Blendable blush in Innocent Flush (matte peach)

WetnWild Coloricon lipliner in Brandy Wine

WetnWild Megalast lipstick in Bare It All

Last but not least... my OOTD

It was actually the first time I've worn jeans this season!

I'm wearing:

Striped top from H&M (I actually bought this shirt back in May with intentions of wearing it once I got to college)

Skinny jeans from Forever 21

Ohm scarf from World Market

Mary Janes from Urban Outfitters

I hope you guys liked this post! Leave your comments below :)

Join me on Twitter and Instagram @jessiefrancaise

Project 10 Pan! (LONG & picture heavy!)

Hey guys!

Today I am going to be talking about products that I have that I never use and want to use up before I add more and more to my makeup madness. I'm sure you all have seen posts about Project 10 Pan.

Basically, I am about to start college. I am starting a new chapter in my life. I think it's necessary to part with several makeup products I've been hoarding. However I don't believe in wasting makeup and I would rather just use these to the best of my ability before saying goodbye.

I could not pick any ten given products, and since there's so many things I want to use up and get rid of, I have many more than 10.

Another aspect of this "project" is that one does not buy any new makeup until these ten (or in my case MORE) products have been used or hit pan on. I have one major exception. My birthday is in less than three weeks and I always buy myself something for my birthday. This will be a minimal Sleek haul. More details on that later. Another exception is stocking up on things, such as foundation, mascara, etc. I know that many of these products will take forever to use up, so I will clarify the other various exceptions I am making for myself when talking about each individual product.

Maybelline quad in Amethyst Smokes - I got this as a "hand me down" from my bubbe. She's not much of a Maybelline woman so it looks like she barely used it. It will take a while to use up.

Maybelline quad in Velvet Crush - another "hand me down" from my bubbe, same thing as I said above applies to this one

L'Oréal Soft Effects single eyeshadow in Sable - I used to use this a lot. It's just a light matte taupe shade that's good for blending and what not. I got this as a "hand me down" from my other grandma. 

ELF Studio single eyeshadow in Pebble - I like this shade a lot, just never used it much. I want to grow an appreciation for this one. This will take a long time to hit pan.

Covergirl Eye Enhancers in Pink Chiffon - I've already hit pan, but I want to use it up completely. I got this years ago and it's a gorgeous highlight color. 

Revlon EyeGlide Shimmer Shadow in Pearl - I literally got this for my birthday in 5th grade I think. Yes, I still have it. It's the perfect brow bone shade. It should be gone soon.

Mary Kay eyeshadow duo in Onyx - I got this for Christmas what seems like a gazillion years ago. I made some pretty sophisticated looks with it back in middle school (yeah sophisticated back then). 

Hard Candy Eye Candy in Caramel - I really do like this shade and the gorgeous gold sparkle. I just don't use it much. 

Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Duo in Sweet Dusk - This was my HG eyeshadow my freshman year of high school. It looks perfect with my eyes, skin tone, and hair color. I used it back in this post. 

ELF Mineral eyeshadows in Natural, Caffeinated, and Sassy - I LOVE my ELF mineral eyeshadows. There are just some that get used more than others. These don't get as much love. I'd like to change that. (Click here to see a look I made with Caffeinated) These are an exception as I realize it would take me an immensely long time to finish these up. 

Clinique Pair of Shades eyeshadow duo in No Show Taupes - These shades make a decent natural soft smokey. This might be featured in a future LOTD post for glasses. I like these colors okay.

Clinique Soft-Pressed eyeshadow in Twilight Mauve - I wore this shadow frequently in 5th grade. I wanted to wear makeup on a daily basis, but I was young, so I picked this light shade and my glasses frames hid it for the most part. Gorgeous shade.

Clinique eyeshadow trio in Strawberry Fudge/Buttermilk - I absolutely love these. I used this all the time in middle school. I have a backup of Strawberry Fudge.

Clinique eyeshadow trio in Pink Tweed/Confetti - another one I used all the time in middle school. Very pretty. 

Clinique Quickliner for Eyes in Dark Chocolate - Just a simple brown liner. 

Ulta Bronzer - Yeah, it doesn't even have a name. It was a freebie in a gift bag after I spent a certain amount on Ulta brand products, which shows you how old this is. It warms up the complexion and has gold glitter. 

Palladio Rice Powder in Natural - I bought this to stash in my book bag for touch ups during the school day. I bought a primer and didn't need it anymore. Now I am a big girl and don't use a book bag. This will take a long time to finish.

Clinique Beyond Blusher Oil-Free Everywhere Color in Peaches - It's a peachy kind of blush. It creates a very soft hint of color on the cheeks. 

Shiseido The Makeup Accentuating Color Stick in Champagne Flush - Nice subtle highlight that I'd like to use more.

Lancôme Magique Blush in Raspberry Soufflé - I can't for the life of me seem to use this properly. It's a mousse blush. Gorgeous color. I can't seem to throw it away.

NYX Blush in Desert Rose - I have only used this a couple times. This is obviously an exception. It goes on dark, but I'd like to make it work.

ELF Natural Radiance Blusher in Bronzed - Obviously this is a bronzer. It used to be my favorite bronzer actually. Well, I'm on to better bronzers. Let's use this one up.

Ulta eyeshadow in Pink - This was from a Christmastime offer where you can get 5 select products for $5 for stocking stuffers. This isn't very pigmented, so it works as a soft highlight.

Clinique City Cover Compact Concealer SPF 15 - Umm, this concealer is ancient. I think it works well. It needs to get thrown out, but I'd rather use the last little bit. Maybe I'll get some more someday. 

So we'll see how this Project 26 Pan with exceptions goes. I will surely post updates. Have you guys ever tried the Project 10 Pan? Let me know your experiences in the comments section below! Also, if you want reviews or looks with any of the products pictured above, please let me know!

I hope you all are having a lovely weekend!