Most of my makeup life, I’ve been obsessed with being matte. I am a black woman with combination oily skin, and I grew up in a humid climate. To be oil free with an all-over matte complexion has been pretty much a lifelong goal. But now the makeup world has gone mad for highlighting,…
Reviews
Products With Purpose — Moroccan Elixir Pure Argan Oil
Some brands donate proceeds for a day, others do it for a whole month. And some brands are based completely on charitable donation and through their purchase, we the consumer can support an important cause in an ongoing way. That’s what this new category is all about. Every month I’ll be featuring Products With Purpose,…
Welcome To T&T! Where To Do Your Beauty and Natural Hair Shopping in Trinidad
I haven’t been home for it in an astonishing number of years, but there’s absolutely no doubt — this week right here is THE busiest week for tourism in my homeland of Trinidad. It’s (almost) Carnival and people from around the world are heading to sweet T&T for a dose of sun, mas, and steelpan….
The Best Lipsticks For Brown Skin, Personal Picks 2017 Edition!
Fun fact – sometimes on blustery days when the Chicago wind is howling and I still, for some reason absolutely have to venture out of my home, I don’t wear anything on my face but moisturizer, mattifying primer, sunglasses and lipstick. Gotta have the lipstick. It pulls the look together and makes me look like…
Your Last Minute Beauty, Health and Wellness Gift Guide
It’s the eve of Christmas Eve and if you’re like many of us, you’re hustling to get those final Christmas presents purchased, wrapped and under the tree. No wonder today, December 23, is one of 2016’s top 3 shopping days of the year. Before you run out to the store without a clue, click here…
Holiday Fragrance Guide 2016
Just about every Christmas since I was oh, maybe 12 years old, my mom would get me a bottle of perfume. As a little one it was likely to be something by Yardley, Vanilla Fields, or all throughout high school, Sunflowers (I loved that bottle). When I came of age, Chanel No. 5. In 2014…
Afrobella + Neiman Marcus Last Call Lookbook
My eternal shopping dilemma — I love quality, but I’m not willing and/or able to pay full retail prices. I am all about the look and the labels for less. I love rummaging through a good outlet store. Even moreso, I love looking online for bargains so I know exactly how steep of a discount…
5 Gifts That Will Upgrade Your Kitchen
This year my husband and I made some deliberate decisions to stop going out as often, and to start cooking for ourselves more. It’s a way to save money, a way to make sure you’re eating healthy, a way to enhance your life, your skills, your relationship. At one time in my life, I saw…
Hello, Winter Boots — 7 Kinds I Need in Chicago
I’ve been in deep denial. I’ve been lying to myself. Some days, Chicago plays along — giving me balmy afternoons in the 50’s. But on a day like this Monday, I can’t deny it any more. Winter is coming. It’s cold November raining sideways right now as I write this. Soon that rain will be…
Beauty Brand History — Mr. Bubble goes LUXE for the Holidays
Sponsored giveaway by Mr. Bubble Bubble baths are among my top favorite things in life. I don’t get to bask in their luxury often enough, but when I do it’s a ritual. I even have a Spotify playlist dedicated to Sunday bubblebaths. I get the water to the right temperature, add my bubbles and salts…