My beauty routine has lots of different products that make me feel like the best version of myself, ready to face the day. The two beauty categories that have the most impact on me are skincare and eye makeup. Using these products brings me joy and helps me put my best foot forward. Makeup and beauty are amazing outlets for me to express who I am, get creative, and take a little time out of each day to make myself happy.
Skin Care
In the past few years, a lot of people, including myself, have shifted from not only caring about makeup, but learning the importance of taking care of your skin. I start every morning by using sunscreen, my favorite is the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30. This product has natural ingredients, cruelty free, vegan, and reef safe. Best of all there is no white cast and it leaves your skin super moisturized and glowy. I love the original, but they also make a matte version and a kids version. You can find this black-owned business at their website, ulta, and target.
Every night, I always look forward to using my products from Yay for Earth! My holy grail product is their YFE Sensitive Skin Face Lotion, which a lot of people like to call sunshine in a jar. It is made for people with very sensitive skin, like me. It has completely changed my skin, making it more healthy and glowy. Recently, they have launched some new products. The Hydrosol Spray is excellent at calming and balancing my skin. The new Golden Body Oil smells like honeysuckle and leaves skin feeling so soft and nourished. All of the products from this small business were created and designed by founder, Stevie Van Horn, who is also an environmental activist. All of these products are zero waste from the beginning of their creation to when the customer has finished the bottle.
Both of these products bring me so much joy, I look forward to using them everyday. They give me so much confidence that my skin is being cared for and protected. Taking the time to do my skin care is very therapeutic for me, taking those few minutes to do something nice for myself makes a big difference. Beyond that, it makes me happy to support and share about these amazing businesses.
Eye Makeup
I absolutely love eyeshadow, it is by far my favorite beauty product. Specifically, I love glitter! Wearing glittery eyeshadow makes me so happy, I really feel it expresses who I am and encourages me to be the best version of myself.
My favorite glitters come from the black-owned, small-business, JD Glow Cosmetics. Their eyeshadow formula is so unique, like nothing I have ever tried before. They are super pigmented, creamy, and glittery. Even using a small amount packs a punch, stepping up any eyelook to another level. I especially love the Galaxy Shaddows and can not wait to try out their stunning dou-chromes.
Next is the classic Colourpop Super Shock Eyeshadows, I specifically use the ultra-glitter finish. These are different from JD glow because these can be used as a wash of color or built up to be more intense. The formula is very smooth and easy to work with. The glitter finish is gorgeous and can be used for a one color eye look or with a palette. These products are very beginner friendly since there is a lot of control in how intense the eye look gets.
Lastly, the Elf Cosmetics Liquid Glitter Eyeshadows are the best for a one product dramatic look. They have a variety of colors with lots of beautiful glitters inside, all at an affordable price. I use these by themselves, just all over the lid but they also make for a glamorous, glittery eyeliner. Since these are liquid glitter, the applicator makes it very convenient to apply, avoiding the hassle of having glitter all over your face.
I love using these products because they make me feel empowered and like the best version of myself. Caring about beauty and makeup can be seen as superficial, putting on a mask, or hiding who you are. I am thankful to be seeing the narrative switch to an inclusive beauty and makeup community, seeing their passion as art, empowerment, and fun!