30" BUSS DOWN | FEATURING WOWANGEL HD LACE WIGS

If you're like me and love a good wig, you'll want to read all about this high-quality, HD Lace Frontal Wig I've been wearing as a protective style lately. While this post is a paid partnership with WOWANGEL Wigs, all thoughts and opinions about the hair + experience are my own. To read more about my disclosure policy, click here.

It's no secret that we love a high-quality wig around here. Since growing out my natural tapered cut, I've been wearing braids and wigs to protect my natural hair from the elements. And as much as I love wearing lace front wigs, all of them are not created equally. Some don't have the parting space I need. Others don't have the density to rock the full look I usually go for. And I'm not always able to find a nice, HD lace that melts perfectly around my hairline with minimal effort. However, after rocking high-quality HD Lace Wigs from the likes of WOWANGEL Wigs, I have become hooked! Read below the jump to learn more about my experience with the latest 30-inch Buss Down I've been wearing lately.

IN MY BAG | NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss

If you are a beauty lover like myself, I'm sure you've had your share of  NYX Cosmetics filling your makeup bag. Over the years, beauty brand NYX Cosmetics has been a staple in my beauty arsenal. Their primers, lipsticks, eyeliners, lipliners, brow pens, and blushes have been automatic repurchases, as I've been so pleased with the quality and affordability of theses items. And as much as I've gushed over said products in the past, nothing has quite compared to my love of the NYX Butter Gloss. Any gloss girlie can tell you-- NYX Butter Gloss was, is, and will always be THAT GIRL.

THE HYPE | NYX BUTTER GLOSS

Deemed "America's #1 Lip Gloss" on the NYX Cosmetics website, Butter Gloss is a fan favorite for good reason. With 29 shades of creamy gloss, there's a color (or 3) for everyone. Each gloss gives sheer to medium coverage, with the exception of the clear gloss. And the best thing about them? They glide on beautifully, giving your lips just the desired amount of shine WITHOUT the stickiness. I don't know about anyone else, but for me, a tacky lip gloss can ruin an entire lip look. But not Butter Gloss. She plays well alone or layered with other lip products, such as liners and lipsticks. 

While talking about these glosses with a friend the other day, I was asked which were my favorites among the bunch. So, I decided to share my top three here with you guys as well. I've bought so many different shades of NYX Butter Gloss over the years. However, three in particular are always found IN MULTIPLES in my makeup bag, in my purse, and on my vanity. ENTER: Tiramisu, Praline, and Ginger Snap.

Lipstick Love | The Lip Bar Matte Lip in Rich Auntie

When is the last time you've worn a lipstick that made you feel like "the one" when you stepped out with it perfectly applied on your lips? I mean, when you look in your bathroom mirror, you feel confident giving yourself that last once-over? And as you go on about your day, you notice others are admiring your brilliant smile as well? Some may even stop you to ask you the name of the lipstick you're rocking. I don't know about you, but I love when someone asks me about lipsticks. Especially if it stands out as much as Rich Auntie from The Lip Bar.

If you didn't know, let me be the one to tell you: Rich Auntie is THAT GIRL. I usually go for nudes and chocolates for everyday wear, but there's something about Rich Auntie that makes me want to grab for her and rock her fearlessly every day. I don't know if it's the shade or the feeling she gives when I put her on, but I love it, either way! She has been holding a secured spot on my makeup vanity for months and now that she's BACK IN STOCK, I need to purchase a few more! Peep the details below to learn why I'm so obsessed with her after the jump.

LIPSTICK LOVE | NYX Lip Lingerie in Honeymoon and Beauty Mark

When the seasons change, I am always inspired to switch out items from daily wear makeup bag. The bright lippies and blushes from warmer months have now taken residence in the makeup cases in the bottom of my closet. My favorite plums, reds, burgundies, and deep browns have made a comeback! And while browns and nudes never really disappear from my rotation, I do forget many of my all-time favorites and have to bring them back out. 

If you've been here for a while, you know I love a good, affordable lipstick. And for that reason, I keep repurchasing lippies from the NYX Cosmetics Lip Lingerie line. Lip Lingerie boasts to have a "nude for everybody" with over 20 shades between the original and the XXL line. Two of them that I just can't seem to get out of my system are my beloved Honeymoon and Beauty Mark. 

I've been rocking these two for years and can always seem to find a replacement when I run out from virtually any big box store or drugstore. So, as long as these stores continue to feed my habit for the low, I'll continue to slather my lips with their product. Check out how they look on the pucker below.

Easy Skincare Routine featuring Good Molecules

When is the last time you tried something new on your skin? Now I will be honest and admit I don't usually enjoy change when it comes to my skincare. I've tried so many different products in the past, that once I find products my skin loves, I tend to stick with them. Like, forever, forever ever, forever ever! But every now and again, I come across a "new to me" skincare line and I grow curious. If they mention fighting oily skin, I draw closer. And if they make mention of fading hyperpigmentation, I get all up in their mix! This is how my fixation with Good Molecules came to be. I had been following the brand for a while on Instagram, as well as reading rave reviews from satisfied customers. So, I felt like it was kismet when the brand reached out to me offering a PR package with some of their most loved products. 

Since I've been using their products for a while now, going on to create my own skincare regimen and repurchasing items, I knew I had to share these products with you guys. Read below to check out the full details of my current skin care regimen using Good Molecules.

10 Easy Ways to Add Luxury to Your Life

When you hear people speak of luxury, what automatically comes to mind for you? 

 

Luxury as a noun means the state of great comfort and extravagant living. Now I know everyone’s definition of extravagant may vary. However, I believe that everyone should have access to great comfort in their lives. I am a person who relishes in the small things, things that awaken my senses and bring me joy. It could be as small as the sheer curtain sweeping over my window to let in the slightest bit of sunlight. Or it could be something as major as getting a massage from a top-rated spa in the city. But because the latter is only occasional maintenance for me, I create ways at home to give myself the same type of comfort + care the spa trip permits.

Read below the break to learn more about easy and affordable ways to add luxury to your everyday life.

Lipstick Love | Black Radiance Perfect Tone HD Lip Sculptor

As the seasons change, I always find a way to add a few new lipsticks to my makeup bag. It's such a habit! And while I like to peruse the beauty aisles for what's new, looking for long-lasting shades and finishes that promise to hydrate and show-out, I sometimes tip-toe back to the familiar. You know how it is. You get all the compliments from that lipstick you were rocking at the function last year only to find it has long run out. You recall that lipstick you used to wear before the pandemic that people passing by always said looked amazing on you and realize you need to see if it's still available in stores. Those were my feelings when I sought out to repurchase the Black Radiance Perfect Tone HD Lip Sculptor Lipsticks I swooned over in the drugstore a couple of years ago.

When I first purchased a couple of these beauties, I had not saw many reviews of them online. However, I haven't been disappointed by Black Radiance yet. With an array of shades to choose from and an awesome price point, I knew it would be no problem for me to purchase and repurchase these lipsticks for as long as they were in stock. And since I was so impressed with the formula, I bought quite a few as my local store started discounting them recently.

Read below the jump to learn more about these beauties!

My Evening Skincare Routine

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I receive commission if you make a purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. To read more about my disclosure policy, click here.

In my last skincare post, I shared my simple morning skincare routine with you guys. And while I admit to sticking to the same formula throughout the seasons, hydration is an absolute must for even the oiliest skin in the winter. I make sure to target my trouble areas, such as the hyperpigmentation on my chin, in conjunction with keeping my skin lush and hydrated. 

In my evening skincare routine, only a couple of steps are altered from the morning routine. My biggest concerns at night are thoroughly removing any debris from the day and targeting hyperpigmentation overnight. And with this easy, low-maintenance regimen, I've been able to do this well. Read below to check out the full details of my current evening skincare routine.

My Morning Skincare Routine

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I receive commission if you make a purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. To read more about my disclosure policy, click here.

How do you attend to your skincare needs as the seasons change? Does the change in seasons even affect your skincare routine? As someone with oily skin throughout the year, I usually stick to my core products. I will, however, add or remove serums or moisturizers according to my skincare concerns. And though I may switch one product for another, or try a new product or line every now and again, there are some products that hold permanent spots in my skincare stash no matter the season. 

Today, I'm sharing my current regimen and rotation of products with you guys. While I have oily skin, my t-zone is oilier in the warmer months and fairly dry in the winter months.  So, I make sure to keep my skin hydrated as much as possible these days. My biggest skin concerns are currently keeping my skin radiant and correcting my hyperpigmentation . Through this regimen, I've been able to take care of these issues quite well. Read below to check out the full details of my current skin care regimen.

LIPSTICK LOVE | Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipsticks

I know everyone is in love with so many of these new creamy lippies that have been showing up in the beauty world. Believe me, I do, too. But can we please take a second to pay homage to my favorite lipstick finish for a few minutes? Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am talking about the ever-so-faithful matte. Once you get acquainted with a nice matte lipstick, she will stick closer to you than a supportive homegirl. 

And since we've been wearing masks, matte lipsticks are the only lippies up to the task of lasting through the extra layer of protection.  So how about we take it back to some of my favorite matte lipsticks for a bit? Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipsticks have been getting a lot of play around my way this winter and since I haven't shared any swatches here on the blog, I thought today would be a great day to do so. 

Lipstick Love | The Lip Bar Lipstick in Purple Rain

Have you ever had a lipstick that was just perfect for ANY occasion? I mean, you could be going out for groceries, going out for lunch, or even meeting up with a friend, and that one lipstick stays front and center for the choosing? I don't know about you, but I have a few of those lipsticks in my makeup bag. And for the longest time, creamy purple lipsticks seem to always go high on my everyday lipstick list. 

Don't get me wrong: I love my nudes, hot pinks, and my deep berries (especially during the fall). But there's something about one purple lipstick in particular that makes me feel like my best flirty and feisty self. And that lipstick is none other than The Lip Bar lipstick in Purple Rain. This lipstick has been holding a secured spot in my makeup bag for a minute and is definitely an instant repurchase when I run out. Peep the details below to learn why I keep running back to her after the jump.

Skincare to Try: Pixi Rose Infused Skintreats

Do you change up your skincare regimen as the seasons change? For the most part, I stick with my basic routine. But every now and again, I love trying new systems. For example, Pixi Beauty always seems to have a skin care system that suits about every skincare need possible.

Since my skin has been looking for a bit more hydration and nourishment this season, I've decided to revisit my tried and true Pixi Rose-Infused Skintreats. These products are ideal for those with dry skin, but are suitable for all skin types. And for those of us who like to indulge in the occasional spa-like experience for less, I thought it would be a perfect time to share my thoughts on these goodies with you guys.

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.

Seven Items To Add To Your Makeup Bag This Fall + Winter

Now that it's finally feeling like Fall here in Southeastern North Carolina, I've been making some changes, starting with my makeup bag! Remember a few weeks ago when we were talking about updating our wardrobes, beauty products and all that good stuff over on IG? Well since I've been cleaning out my makeup bag and replacing a few items, I thought it would be great to bring you guys along for the ride with this post. Here are seven items I felt must be added to my makeup bag for these cooler months. A change has come, and it is time to embrace some new hues, honey!

IN MY BAG | The Lip Bar Liquid Mattes

If you are a beauty lover like myself, I'm sure you're no stranger to beauty brand The Lip Bar. Often  introduced as the brand of colorful lipsticks first seen on Shark Tank, The Lip Bar is so much more. This Detroit-based vegan + cruelty brand created by Melissa Butler (that started off selling lip products online) has recently expanded to selling eye and face products as well. And for customers like me who hate running out of their favorite lipsticks and waiting for them to ship, the lip products are now sold in Target.

IN MY BAG | The Lip Bar Liquid Mattes

With the launch of The Lip Bar's new products, particularly the Fast Face Kits, I've been reminded of why I fell in love with this innovative beauty brand. After my first purchase of Purple Rain a few years ago (because, Prince), I knew this brand would be one to look out for. Not only were the lipsticks offered in vibrant, in-your-face shades, they were cruelty free AND created by a black woman. While there has been a boom in liquid matte lipsticks in recent years, one could get overwhelmed shopping in stores looking for shades that actually looked flattering to wear. Finding a brand that had all complexions in mind made me feel like I had found a winner in The Lip Bar.

And since I've been giving plenty of fall lipstick suggestions in my DMs, I decided it was about time I shared my favorites from the liquid matte line here on the blog. Keep reading below the jump to find out which four I'm keeping in my makeup bag this fall and how to catch them on sale for a limited time!

Natural Fall Makeup with Believe Beauty

Fall is officially here, ladies and gentlemen! And I, for one, am so excited about it. As much as I love packing away my warm weather clothing for apparel suited for cooler temps, I get more hype about updating my makeup bag. This means swapping my BB cream and tinted moisturizer for foundation, using darker, deeper eyeshadows, and pulling my nude, wine, and berry colored lipsticks out. And if you're like me and love taking long walks down the beauty aisle, updating that makeup bag can become expensive if you're not careful.

That's why I've recently gotten familiar with the Believe Beauty line that launched this Spring in Dollar General. This line has quality, cruelty-free cosmetics with each item retailing for $5 or less. And it has everything from lipsticks, base products, and eye makeup on down to nail polish and beauty tools. Does that make your beauty-loving heart as happy as it does mine?

Since I've been grabbing for said Believe Beauty products exclusively at Dollar General so much lately, I decided I would not only share the products but the look I achieve while using them. Read more below to check out each step I took and each Believe Beauty product used for this easy look.

My Experience With Scentbird: a Review

My Experience With Scentbird: a Review

If you have ever entertained the idea of trying different fragrances before choosing a signature scent, I'm sure the word Scentbird has come up on your radar a few times. This popular subscription service has not only assisted me in finding a signature scent for each season, it also brings me joy to receive a monthly fragrance catered to my tastes without leaving the house!

While I love shopping for new fragrances in department stores, I often find myself wanting to switch up my scent. Whether the season changes or my mood does, I love having the option to do so with ease. And spending a lot of money on a bottle of perfume I won't finish is not in the best interest of my frugal purchasing habits right now.

For that reason, I've found myself completely stuck to my Scentbird subscription for a little over a year. It's given me the opportunity to "date" different scents before committing to an expensive single purchase of perfume. Under the break, I'd like to share with you how my Scentbird subscription has been working out for me so far. Hopefully after this review, you can determine if Scentbird is or is not the right subscription service for you.