Lipstick Love | Milani Bold Color Statement Matte Lipstick

Lipstick holds a special place in my heart and my makeup bag. So you know I brake whenever I see new-to-me tubes in my local stores. Sometimes I'm lured by the promise of being long-lasting in their titles. Other times I'm teased by their incredible range of shades. However, most of the time, it is the packaging of a lipstick that makes me stop and take notice immediately. Not only did the sleek, matte black packaging of the Milani Bold Color Statement Matte Lipsticks make me pause; the affirmation of each label made me want to add them to my cart ASAP.

According to the Milani website, the Bold Color Statement Matte Lipsticks are "extra in the best way." Now doesn't that sound like a lipstick you would feel confident wearing? These lipsticks have a guaranteed "no smudge, won't budge" formula that boasts to last all day.

LIPSTICK DIARIES | 3 Steps to the Perfect Pout

If you've been reading here for a while, you already know I believe in the power of lipstick. There's something about wearing a flattering shade of lipstick at any event that provides the best confidence boost. And as much as I've discussed alluring shades and formulas here in this space, I have yet to share how I make sure my lipstick is always looking flawless. Well that changes today!

In this space, I'd like to take the opportunity to REALLY talk about lipstick. I mean, we spend countless hours in the beauty aisles debating on which lipsticks get chosen and will be coming home with us. We stare at them in the tubes, we imagine what they might look like applied generously on our lips, and we might even sniff the lipstick to see how we feel about the fragrance. But how often do we talk about how to properly apply our lipstick to REALLY make it look the best on us?

Sure, we want to make sure our lipstick has the best chance of showing up and showing out for us. We want to make sure it's placed perfectly on our beautiful lips each time. We want to make sure our lips are primed and ready for a dope application. And we want to make sure that baby lasts for as long as we want it to each and every time. So if you're new to the lipstick game and want to make sure your lipstick is on point, keep reading to learn three steps for the best lipstick application and performance.

Lazy Girl's Wash Day | Natural Hair With Tapered Cut

Happy Wash Day, ladies and gentlemen! It's been a while since I've shared a wash day post, hasn't it? Since it's the start of a new year, I decided it was high time to do so. I did the big chop back in November of 2018 and have been experiencing a lot of trial & error when it comes to finding products that work for my natural hair. Now that I've found a happy medium with what works (and doesn't) for my hair, I thought it would be a great time to reintroduce wash day posts here on the blog. Check out my recent wash day routine for my tapered cut + natural hair below.

MANICURE MONDAY | Trust Fund Beauty Polish in Where's My Money?

No matter how many times I say I'll wear deep, dark shades of nail polish in the fall & winter months, I always go back to my tried-and-true favorite polish color- PINK! It doesn't matter the shade, either. I will go from a stunning hot pink to a muted pastel pink in no time and leave all those pretty polishes I grabbed at the drugstore sitting in my toiletry bag collecting dust. There's just something about pink that makes me feel like my nails are officially primed, polished, and pampered. And since we're on the subject of being pampered, you all know by now the ironically-named polishes from Trust Fund Beauty make me feel like a spoiled princess when I use them.

Using any polish from Trust Fund Beauty makes me feel like I'm giving my nails a fancy little treat when I'm applying them. This pretty pastel polish aptly named "Where's My Money?" however, sounds like I'm letting folks know I'm not playing about my coins.

Weekend Reading Recommendation: Every Day I'm Hustling by Vivica A. Fox

Every Day I'm Hustling by Vivica A. Fox was a 5 star read for me! When I tell you reading this book was like having a sit down with my favorite auntie (in my head) please believe me!

In Every Day I'm Hustling, Vivica A. Fox gives you tips and tricks on how to put your best high-heeled foot forward when it comes to hustling. She does this with such style and candor, it feels like you're having girl-talk with a trusted friend that has your best interest at heart. Vivica talks about her beginnings in the business on down to what she's up to now, leaving nuggets of wisdom all the way through. And she doesn't sugar coat anything or give just her highlight reel either. Ms. Vivica keeps it all the way real, honey!

Fall Style Inspiration | Casual Weekend Wear

When you live in a state that has weather as temperamental as North Carolina, you can't tell what the weather will feel like from one moment to the next! One day it will feel like spring has made its landing, slight breeze and sunny skies covering everything. The next day, however, will feel like late fall vibes with a wind chill creeping up on you like an uninvited guest. This means you and your style must be prepared for either of these extremes.

This week has been our introduction to cold weather this fall. The winds have been disrespectful, the temps have been in the 40s, and the rainshowers have been showing up and out. And according to weather reports, we are in for some chilly winds this weekend. On weekends like this, it's ideal to  dress cool, comfortably, and preferably in layers just in case. And to me, nothing says cool and comfortable in the fall quite like a plaid button-up, a trendy jacket, and booties.