Flawless Foundation
Flawless Foundation Foundation is the base of every great makeup look. It can make or break your entire look if not done correctly. Finding out new beauty tricks when it comes to applying your foundation can be great, but once you have the correct beauty tips for applying foundation, you may not need any tricks.
Foundation is the base of every great makeup look. It can make or break your entire look if not done correctly. Finding out new beauty tricks when it comes to applying your foundation can be great, but once you have the correct beauty tips for applying foundation, you may not need any tricks.
1. Start with a clean canvas: Your foundation will only look as good as the skin underneath, so maintaining a consistent skin care routine is key. Right before applying foundation, it’s important to cleanse your skin to help prevent clogged pores and remove any dirt that may be dulling your natural radiance. Next, gently exfoliate your skin to sweep away any dry, dead skin cells that may cause foundation to go on unevenly or look flaky. Finally, apply moisturizer; foundation sinks best into hydrated skin.
2. Take the time to prime: A primer may add an additional step to your makeup routine, but it will go a long way to ensure that your foundation looks flawless because it turns your skin into a perfectly smooth surface.
3. Be conservative: Always start by applying just a little bit of foundation, and then add more until you have just the right amount of coverage. The goal is to only apply foundation where you need it, so that your skin still looks like skin. If you have to apply foundation all over your face for it to look even, then you’re using the wrong shade.
4. Work from the inside out: Concentrate the foundation in the center of your face where redness and blemishes tend to be more problematic. Apply just a dab of foundation on each side of your nose, and in the center of your forehead and chin, then blend outward. After it is all blended in, pinpoint any other areas of the face where blemishes are visible and apply an additional light layer of foundation in those specific areas.
5. Stipple, don’t rub: Whether you’re using a foundation brush or your fingertips, apply foundation in a stippling motion, which means gently tapping it into your skin. Avoid any wiping or rubbing motions because that will only push the foundation around and cause streaks.
6. Don’t forget your ears!: Often overlooked, your ears are a part of your face, too. If you’re prone to red lobes, lightly sweep your foundation brush over them so that they blend in with the rest of your face.
7.Set it and forget it: Most people associate powder with a matte, cakey look, but dusting a silky loose setting powder, like Blended Loose Powder, over your foundation will ensure it won’t budge without dulling its finish.
Report: Alycia Williams
How to Get Glowy Skin
Getting your hands on a retinol is also key. Retinol is a vitamin A added to creams that boosts the amount of collagen your body makes and reveals the dewy layer of skin.
With summer finally being here, it’s your time to glow. I recently reached out to my Aunt, a dermatologist, to get some tips on how we can achieve a dewy look. This isn’t rocket science, nor will it suck the life out of your bank account. Here are four tips to have you glowing in no time.
The first and most important element to achieve great skin is to make sure you stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will overall improve your body’s health and does wonders for your most important organ: your skin. We also have to think long-term when it comes to skin as well - you’ve heard it millions of times, but applying SPF daily is the most prominent way to keep your skin healthy, and dewy.
Getting your hands on a retinol is also key. Retinol is a vitamin A added to creams that boosts the amount of collagen your body makes and reveals the dewy layer of skin. It does wonders, cutting down fine lines and wrinkles. It may also correct skin tone and color, as well as brightening the skin overall. Adding a vitamin C to your skin care is also a must. They really work. Vitamin C serum can treat uneven skin tone, texture problems, wrinkles, scars, and in general dullness of the skin.
Coming from a dermatologist this should have you glowing in no time, our skin is important and it’s crucial we take care of it.
Report: Emily Andrews
That Glow Tho
When it comes to this company, they are known for their lip cream. But let’s talk about their skincare.
When it comes to this company, they are known for their lip cream. There lip creams are one of the best. Faces, cheeks and lips are essential to the human body. But they are willing to try something different. This new product I’m sharing will make you glow this summer. Laneige, the powerhouse of hydration, was established in 1994 in Korea. In 2000, Laneige turned into the top in deals volume in Korea, driving skincare and restorative brand of Korea for the New Millennium. Since then Laneige has been doing very well in the skincare world. This new product from Laneige is called Glowy Makeup Serum. Glowy Makeup Serum is a lightweight, hydrating serum that holds oil under control for obviously smoother skin and dependable cosmetics wear. This serum has two key ingredients which are Diamond Mineral Powder and Hydration Gel. Diamond Mineral Powder helps your skin have that natural glow.
While, Hydration Gel helps with dryness and allow moisture on the face. This product has the best of both worlds use it for under your makeup or even for a day without makeup. The small product is perfect because you can take it on vacation as travel size so you can never miss a day of moisture. This new glowy serum will sure be added to your latest serum collection.
Photo Credits: Laneige
Report: Tykaia Rose
Summer Skin Routine
As we are soaking up the summer sun, we must not forget to take care of our skin. Keeping it hydrated and glowing is the key to stay looking young. With just a few of these products or even ones of your own choice, follow this skin care routine order. You won’t be disappointed and your skin won’t be either
Everyone wants to have beautiful, luscious skin as they grow older. In order to do that we need to ensure we take care of our skin every single day. Especially during summer when it's easy for our skin to get dry, we must make sure it stays fresh and hydrated. Here are some products that can help with your daily skin routine.
Facial Wash- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
$9.59 at Target
This product is one that people have been using for years and customers love. We all have different skin types, some dry or oily. But this is one product that works great for all skin types and cleans off dirt, oils and make up really well while leaving your skin healthy.
Exfoliant- St. Ives Apricot Scrub
$4.49 at Target
Next up, exfoliants. It is super important to exfoliate your skin at least 1-2 times a week after you use your facial wash. One product that works great and is inexpensive is the St. Ives Apricot Scrub. It's great for sensitive skin, washes off easily and leaves your skin feeling soft and refreshed.
Facial Jade Roller
$30.00 at Sephora
Face rollers help elevate your beauty routine and leave your skin looking bright and young. It’s best to keep your roller in the freezer and use a facial serum to help it absorb into your skin better. The gentle pressure this roller provides helps leave your facial muscles more relaxed and will de-puff and sooth your skin.
Face Serum- Glossier Super Glow
$28.00 at Glossier.
This face serum holds Vitamin C and Magnesium which visibility energies your skin leaving it with a beautiful glow. The serum isn't sticky and absorbs in your skin quite nicely. Using this product with a cold face jade roller will leave your skin glowing in just a matter of days. Plus, it's great for all skin types!
Moisturizer/Sunscreen- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
$46.00 at Sephora This is the perfect summer product. This tinted moisturizer also includes SPF protectant and make up all in one product. We love that! They also sell oil free which is great for people with more sensitive skin. This will leave your face protected, smooth and beautiful.
Lastly, don't forget to use facial sprays throughout the day. A great one to use is the Mario Badescu facial spray. The aloe, cucumber and green tea facial spray is great for summer. Aloe refreshes your skin after a day out in the sun. The green tea provides antioxidant benefits, while the cucumber replenishes and revitalizes your skin.
Summer is fun and all, but we can’t forget to give our skin the proper TLC it deserves after soaking up in the sun!
Photo Credits: Sephora, Target & Glossier.
Report: Melissa Adragna (@melissa_adragna)
Green Looks Better Than White
This new product will make you want all moisturizer to have a secret ingredient that I am willing to share!
One thing about me I love trying new skincare products. Specially moisturizers over the summer my skin is always oily because of the heat and dehydration. But I have found a moisturizer brand that works really well called Belif. Normally I switch between the gel and cream during the summer and winter because of my oily and dry skin type. This new product will make you want all moisturizer to have a secret ingredient that I am willing to share! Belif was established by Duncan Napier. He had suffered from an incessant hack. In his way , he decided to make a cure out of herbs. With this herb studies for many years he was also able to create natural formulas for the skin. Belif is 100% safe with dermatologically tested. The key ingredient in this moisturizer is Aloe Vera which is known as the "desert lily" for its capacity to endure flaky and dry atmospheres. This new lightweight moisturizer is made of Aloe Vera for a cooling gel that alleviates dry and sensitive skin. Aloe Vera has been utilized for a considerable length of time for its properties. Fun fact of Aloe Vera is known as the “plant of immortality”. This will become your new go-to moisturizer this summer.
Photo Credits: Belif
Report: Tykaia Rose
Five Indie Skincare Brands You Won't Want to Miss!
Want to #slay that skin for the summer? Check out our list of the top five indie skincare brands you won't want to miss!
With all the new indie brands emerging, it is easier than ever to find quality skincare with all-natural ingredients. So if you want to stay hydrated, blemish-free, glowy this summer, you just might want to check out some of these products!
Photo Credit: Herla Beauty
Founded by a grandmother-granddaughter team, Herla Beauty uses local beauty secrets from around the world to create all-natural, responsibly-sourced products. The brand even employs a primarily-female staff. With skincare friendly to all ages, one of Herla Beauty’s most popular products is the nourishing Damask Rose face cream.
Photo Credit: Urban Skin RX
Urban Skin RX was founded to create corrective skincare for diverse skin tones and skin types. Its inclusive, lab-researched products cover skincare concerns from eye creams to serums, and the brand’s best-selling product, the Even Tone Cleansing Bar, touts the Essence Best in Black Beauty Award.
Photo Credit: La Flore
La Flore uses groundbreaking probiotic technology to decrease redness and acne by neutralizing harmful bacteria on skin. The all-natural, clinically-tested products increase elastin production and collagen. Its best-selling Probiotic Cleanser gently exfoliates skin and is suitable for all skin types.
Photo Credit: Kopari Beauty
Focused on being natural and toxin-free, Kopari Beauty products are made from organic coconut oil sustainably sourced in the Philippines. The brand has coconut products for every skin care need, but its best-seller is a Vitamin E infused Coconut Melt that can deep condition hair, moisturize skin, or remove makeup.
Photo Credit: Biossance
Biossance employs biotechnology to create skincare without harming animals or the earth. Pioneering sustainable beauty, the brand vows to use trustworthy, natural ingredients to create products that it ships with carbon neutral shipping. Its popular Squalane and Vitamin C Rose Oil is firming, brightening, and environmentally friendly.
Report: Rachel Attar
The Beauty Industry After CoVID-19
Despite the growing convenience of online shopping, consumers still prefer to try before they buy when it comes to their makeup. Yet, retail beauty is on an indefinite hiatus, with stores like Sephora and Ulta closed for the shelter-in-place period.
There’s no amount of internet research on undertones, swatches, or ingredients that can compare to just trying a foundation on your face. The same can be said for serums, or eyeliner, or lipstick; there’s just an unmatched security in test-driving a product before you buy it. You can see for yourself whether the shade suits you, how it wears throughout the day, and how it reacts with your skin, all before committing to the purchase! This is one of the greatest allures of brick-and-mortar cosmetics.
For the average makeup consumer, places like Sephora are the easiest way to try a multitude of products at once. In fact, e-commerce contributes to 15% of all US retail in 2008 but only accounts for 5% in the health and beauty sector. Despite the growing convenience of online shopping, consumers still prefer to try before they buy when it comes to their makeup. Yet, retail beauty is on an indefinite hiatus, with stores like Sephora and Ulta closed for the shelter-in-place period. Launches have been delayed, with data showing that customers are simply not interested in new products right now. Brands with e-commerce infrastructures have quickly announced sales and free shipping, and social media has become even more pivotal to marketing makeup. As non-essential businesses reopen, the hygiene concerns of beauty retail mean that the industry may recover much slower than other retail sectors.
CoVID-19 will catalyze a rapid shift to digital services and technology in the beauty industry. Currently, the industry is rapidly adapting to remote work, with service providers like hair stylists and makeup artists offering online classes and consultations in lieu of direct contact. Artificial intelligence and augmented reality will also continue to play a huge role. Sephora’s Virtual Artist is an app feature that leverages AI and AR to allow shoppers to try on products with surprising accuracy from the comfort of their home. Combined with other features that help you through your skin type or style, Sephora has done a phenomenal job of approximating their retail experience online and sets an example for how the rest of beauty retail will adapt. Although these virtual services aren’t quite the same as hitting up your local Sephora, it can come pretty close.
Report: Emily Hui
The Honey Pot Accused of Racism After Innocent Target Commercial Airs
Black Owned Business The Honey Pot Accused of Racism After Innocent Target Commercial Airs- And It Only Causes Sales to Soar.
A black owned feminine hygiene business, The Honey Pot, was accused of racism after an innocent Target commercial featuring the brand first aired in February. The commercial was released for Black History Month, and was highlighted to promote and encourage black female entrepreneurs. In the commercial, founder of the company Beatrice Dixon mentions wanting The Honey Pot to do well as an example for the next young black girl who has a great business idea, just like she did. Apparently some viewers missed the point, and interpreted the ad as “racist.” They began leaving her 1-star reviews online, claiming that Dixon was saying her products were meant only for black girls. Twitter caught wind of the dispute, and the controversy quickly went viral all over the internet. Many loyal customers came to Dixon’s and her company’s defense, countering the negative reviews. Users who saw the controversy and were supporting Dixon also said they now planned on buying her products, and they did exactly that.
According to Buzzfeed, “after a barrage of negative and racist reviews were posted on Trustpilot, Dixon said her company’s sales were up 40% to 50% higher than what they would be on a typical day.” Thankfully, the backlash from the commercial going viral ended up being a great promotional tool for the company, and the true message of the commercial was conveyed to many who are inspired by Dixon’s story. Dixon told CNN “she [also] hopes the attention will highlight the fact that only a tiny percentage of venture capital funding goes to businesses run by black women.” Help support the business by leaving a positive review, and shop The Honey Pot’s products now!
Words by Libby Ayers
Look for BlackGirlSunscreen on Your Next Trip to Target!
BlackGirlSunscreen has now become the first black indie sun care brand to have full time placement in a major retailer, Target.
BlackGirlSunscreen was created in 2016 for the “need of melanin women to have a sunscreen brand that caters exclusively to them.” Many people falsely believe that people and women of color don’t need the extra protection from the sun that sunscreen provides, but there is still a major risk for burns, sun damage, and skin cancer for people of all skin types.
The creator, Shontay Lundy, wanted to be able to go into a major retail store and find a sunscreen product made specifically for her, as well as other black and brown women. After years of dedication and hard work, BlackGirlSunscreen has now become the first black indie sun care brand to have full time placement in a major retailer. You can pick it up at your local Target today! The formula is cruelty free, vegan, reef safe, and contains a high SPF of 30. It is also infused with natural ingredients such as avocado, jojoba, cacao, carrot juice, and sun flower oil that make it perfect for everyday use. BlackGirlSunscreen provides protection from the sun while simultaneously moisturizing, and doesn’t leave the aggravating white residue on the skin that is common with most sunscreens.
Shop today to not only protect and nourish your skin, but to also support a black-owned beauty brand!
Report: Libby Ayers
BCBGeneration Launches Makeup and Skin-Care Collection, Gen Beauty
BCBGeneration Has Launched it's First Makeup and Skin-Care Collection, Gen Beauty
BCBGeneration has just launched its first makeup and skincare collection, Gen Beauty. The brand was founded in 1989 by Max Azria, and over the years became a highly successful premiere American fashion brand called BCBGMAXAZRIA. In 2008 Azria created BCBGeneration, which made the brand more accessible and affordable for women of all generations.
After years of keeping up with the latest fashion trends, BCBG is now releasing their first ever makeup and skincare line, Gen Beauty. As of right now, there are 22 skincare products- ranging from collagen gel masks to coconut aloe facial mists, pore strips to cleansing brushes, and even day and night creams. The makeup selection features a series of highly pigmented eyeshadow palettes, mascaras, highlighters, lip glosses and balms, and much more.
BCBGeneration is known for their affordable prices, and stays loyal to this tradition with Gen Beauty. Everything in the collection is priced between $6 and $20. Ready to shop? All Gen Beauty products are available now at bcbgeneration.com
Words by Libby Ayers.
Boscia Introduces New Cherry Blossom Bakuchiol Resurfacing Lip Repair
Get the healthiest, plumpest lips of your life with Boscia lip repair treatment.
Boscia is a beauty and skincare brand that’s been committed to making plant-to-bottle products since 2002. It’s preservative free, and perfect for those who have sensitive skin as no harmful irritants or chemicals are used in any of their products. Boscia is introducing a new cherry blossom bakuchiol resurfacing lip repair ($20.00), which also contains lactic acid, chamomile flower oil, jojoba seed oil, and cocoa seed butter. The formula is also vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and contains no artificial fragrances. Bakuchiol is a natural retinol, a vitamin A derivative that helps to resurface and improve texture overtime. That’s a lot of anti-aging power for only $20.00! The cherry blossom is also made up of antioxidants that help protect from environmental stressors and free radical damage. It’s advised to use the treatment twice daily, once in the morning and before bed. It can also be worn with lip color or alone, as it has a beautiful pink tint.
Shop Boscia Cherry Blossom Bakuchiol Resurfacing Lip Repair
Words by Libby Ayers.
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.