Black Owned Beauty and Cosmetic Companies

Hey loves!

I'm back with a quick makeup post. I first got into makeup over a year ago. I love the look of makeup and once contemplated going to beauty school. However, my biggest issue with makeup is finding my perfect shade. As a woman of color, it is incredibly difficult to find makeup that matches my skin tone with major makeup companies. I'm sick of looking at L'oreal, Maybelline, Covergirl or other major makeup companies and seeing numerous shades and products for white women and only two shade options for women of color. It's incredibly frustrating so I decided to focus only on makeup products created for and by black women. I did some research and I came across some makeup and beauty companies that cater specifically to women of color.

These are the companies that have gotten the best reviews and come highly recommended. I'm planning to stock up on Black Radiance and Black Opal products soon so expect a product review soon!

• Black Opal Beauty
• Fashion Fair
• LAMIK Cosmetics
• Iman Cosmetics
• Black Up Cosmetics
• Black Radiance Beauty

Buy or Buh-bye! NYX Simply Red Lip Cream Review

Hey loves! I'm back with a new segment for you guys: Buy or Buh-bye!

About a month or so ago I purchased a Simply Red NYX lip cream from a higher end beauty supply store. I was originally going to get the Red Velvet butter gloss but once I swatched the lip cream, I was sold! The shade I have is SR 03. It's a bright candy apple/vixen red. Perfect shade if you're going for a sexy look. The coverage is perfect and the finish is creamy matte.



My biggest issue with this product is how easily it rubs off. By the end of the day, I had stains all over my fingers and my hands. My hoodie and shirt had stains all over it. I ended up just rubbing it off because I was so disappointed. I have worn it on multiple occasions and it happens every time. That is the only real issue that I have but that's enough to not make me buy it again.  I've seen some videos about how to stop that so I'm going to try some of those techniques and hopefully it'll work out.

I'm wearing it here as a part of my Halloween costume!

There is also a Simply Vamp and a Simply Nude line available.
    

Overall Score: 3/5*
Final Verdict: Buh-bye!

*I like to rate my makeup products. It makes it easier for me if I decide to purchase again. I rate based on coverage, texture, kiss tests, consistency and how long it lasts.

All Hallows Eve

Happy belated Halloween everyone! I had bought my costume about two weeks earlier on eBay. It was $30 and I was super excited because I've wanted this costume for years! For the first time ever I actually went out on Halloween. Normally, I don't have plans. I'm not the party/going out type. I'm a homebody for sure but two days before Halloween my best friend invited me to a party she was going to. I grabbed my costume and practically ran out the door!

The party ended up being a dud but we were able to catch a ride into D.C with a guy from the party. He dropped us off at U Street and we wondered around for about an hour or so before we finally decided to hit a hookah bar located downtown. It's called Sawah Diner & Hookah Cafe and we have been there quite a few times before. This time we sat upstairs in a new area equipped with black lights, strobe lights and comfy couches! 

We spent most of our night wandering around the city looking for a place to go. It was a lot of fun though. Of course there were tons of people walking around in costumes. We even saw one guy dressed as an used pad lol! We left D.C around 2:30 but I didn't get home until 4! I was exhausted! 

Check out my costume below!

Me and Imani at the party.

Me and the guy dressed as a used pad.

 Hookah flow!

I hope you guys had a great Halloween. I know I did!