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Quarantine beauty haul – What I bought

July 15, 2020 / Noire Tropical Beauty / 0 Comments

So….I’ve been shopping. This is a new world that we are living in. Being on lock down in one of the hardest hit cities globally is challenging. Unable to go into stores, I have been indulging in online retail therapy! There have been a lot of sales on beauty products, clothes etc as businesses are trying to get rid of excess inventory and to make up for lost foot traffic. So here’s my quarantine beauty haul (maybe the first of more).

I picked up some items from some of my favourite places like Sephora and Make Up For Ever. Video and pictures below. Let me know you want to see a tutorial or review on any of these products.

Quarantine Beauty Haul – Video

Check it out!

Quarantine Beauty Haul – Pictures: Makeup

Sephora haul MUFE Reboot Foundation — MUFE Reboot Foundation in R530

Quarantine Beauty Haul M.A.C. Selena La Reina — M.A.C Selena La Reina Collection

M.A.C. Selena La Reina Collection - Queen Of Cumbia — M.A.C. Selena La Reina Collection – Queen Of Cumbia

MAC Selena La Reina - Queen of Cumbia Lipstick — Queen Of Cumbia Lipstick

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Blush — Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in 06 Daiquiri Dip

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Blush in 06 Daiquiri Dip — Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in 06 Daiquiri Dip

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in 06 Daiquiri Dip

Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Mascara — Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Full Frontal Volume, Lift and Curl Mascara

Kosas 10-Second Eye Shadow in Element — Kosas 10-Second Eyeshadow in Element

Killian Fun Things Always Happen After Sunset EDP — Kilian Fun Things Always Happen After Sunset EDP

Quarantine Beauty Haul – Pictures: Skincare

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel – Check out the full review here!

DDG Alpha Beta Peel — Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion, 2 oz – Check out my previous review here

Sephora Collection Organic Cotton Pads

Let me know if you have bought any beauty goodies!

Laters!

If you liked this post, make sure you sign up for my email newsletter by clicking HERE! Get the latest curated makeup, haircare & skincare news and see what beauty products that I loving at the moment!

FTC Disclosure: Products were purchased by me, Noire Tropical Beauty. All opinions expressed are 100% honest and my own. I have not been compensated for this review. For more information, please see my Disclosure Policy.

Black Lives Matter – What it means to me

July 1, 2020 / Noire Tropical Beauty / 0 Comments

Hi everyone,

I have not written in a long time on this blog. Still trying to figure out how I want it to evolve.

We are living in unprecedented times. There is a global pandemic that has fundamentally changed the way we live forever. The number of people infected continue to explode across the US and with that the number of casualties continues to increase exponentially. Many of us are risking our lives and our safety as essential workers. Many have lost their jobs. The rest of us have adapted to working from home. So for the foreseeable future, stay physically distant but socially connected. And wear a mask. Over your nose and your mouth.

There is something else that has creeped to the forefront of society that has existed for centuries. That’s racism. Particularly the racism against Black people. From slavery to colonialism to after effects of these atrocities, we have been carrying this burden for generations. Racism is widespread, global, it has permeated every single aspect of Black life. And when I say we, I mean me, I mean us. If you are new to my blog, my name is Nerissa and I am Black. Unapologetically. This is the first time that I remember Black people, as a collective, openly express pain, and acknowledge how much of our daily life is marked by racism.

The primary goal of my blog has always been to provide a Black point of view of beauty. What is looks like, what it sounds like, what is it. For far too long, we have been neglected or straight outcast by the mainstream. Companies most oftentimes consider blackness as an afterthought, sometimes not at all. Something as simple as finding suitable foundation shades, or nail polish swatches on dark skin, is still a challenge, although our options have become a lot better in the last 5-10 years. But it is still a struggle.

I always want to uplift blackness and show the world how beautiful it is. How beautiful we are. Tell Black stories, support Black businesses and continue working on change and global equality.

So here are some resources to get better educated:

Blacklivesmatter.org
Knowyourrightscamp.com
Aclu.org
NAACP
Nmaahc.si.edu
Great book to read: “From Columbus To Castro: The History of the Caribbean 1492-1969” by Dr. Eric Williams

And, as always, Black Lives Matter.

The Best Black Friday/Cyber Monday 2019 deals – Beauty and Natural Hair

November 27, 2019 / Noire Tropical Beauty / 0 Comments

The holiday season and the end of the year already! 2019 has flown by! So, without further ado, here are the best Black Friday/Cyber Monday 2019 Beauty and Natural Hair deals. Check back often as I will update the list as I get more information. One thing this year, is that I have found that many companies have started the Black Friday savings days and weeks earlier. The retail industry seems to be extending the shopping season, so some of these deals may have been already available at the time of publishing. If you have found any great beauty or natural hair deals, especially if they are from POC owned brands, that I have missed, let me know in the comments below! Happy Shopping!!

Beauty

Beauty Bakerie – Date: Now – Dec 2, Discount Details: 40% off, Code: No code needed
Bobbi Brown – Date: Nov 26 – Nov 27, Time: 11:59PM PST, Discount Details: 25% off all orders, Code: No code needed
Charlotte Tilbury – Date: Now – Dec 2, Time: Ends 11:59pm BST, Discount Details: 30% off selected items, Code: No code needed
Cirque Colors – Date: Now – Dec 5, Time: TBD, Discount Details: 20% off, Code: HOLIDAY2019
ColourPop Cosmetics – Date: TBD, Time: TBD, Discount Details: 30% off, Code: No code needed
Coloured Raine – Date: Now – Dec 9, Time: Up to 11:59PM PST, Discount Details: Up to 75% off select items, Code: No code needed
CosRx – Date: Nov 25 – Nov 29, Discount Details: 50% off select items, Code: No Code Needed
Illamasqua Date: Black Friday, 11/29, Time: All Day, Discount Details: Up to 50% off + extra 10% off with code, Code: EXTRA10
Glossier – Date: Nov 29 – Dec 2, Discount Details: 20% off Code: No code needed
Juvia’s Place – Date: Now – TBD, Discount Details: 45% off, Code: No code
Kevyn Aucoin Beauty – Date: Now – Dec 1, Discount Details: 25% off, Code: BF25
Live Tinted – Date: Now – Dec 29, Time: N/A, Discount Details: Buy 3 Multisticks, get Rise Multistick FREE + Free US shipping, Code: No code needed
Make Up For Ever – Date: Nov 29 – Dec 2, Discount Details: Code:
Melanie Mills Hollywood – Date: Now – Nov 29, Discount Details: 55% off Code: No code needed
Mented Cosmetics – Date: Now Discount Details: Up to 30% off, plus 4 FREE gifts with purchase Code: No code needed
NARS Cosmetics – Date: Nov 26 – Dec 3, Discount Details: 20% off all purchases or 30% off $150+, Code: MORENARS
Natasha Denona – Date: Now – Dec 2, Discount Details: Up to 50% off online and in-store, Code: No code needed
NYX Cosmetics – Date: Time: Discount Details: 30% off Code:
OhLolly – Date: Nov 22 – Dec 3, Discount Details: 25% off, Code: BFCM2019
Orly – Date: Now – Dec 2, Discount Details: At least 40% off, Code: No code needed
Pat McGrath Labs – Date: Now until Mon 2nd Dec, Time: Until 11:59pm, Discount Details: 25% off purchases under $150, 30% off of purchases $150+, Code: No code needed.
Paula’s Choice – Date: Now – Nov 27, Discount Details: 20% off sitewide + 25% off best sellars + 2 Free gifts on $125+, Code: No coded needed
Peach & Lily – Date: Now – Dec 3, Time: Until 11: 59PM PST, Discount Details: 30% off, Code: PEACH 2019
Prime Beauty – Date: Nov 28 – Dec 2, Discount Details: 40% off, Code: No code needed
Sacha Cosmetics – Date: Time: Discount Details: 30% off at all Image Centres, 40% off all products online, Code: No code needed
Shiseido – Date: Now – Dec 1, Discount Details: 20% off all items + extra 10% off select items, Code: No code needed
Smashbox – Date: Nov 28 – Dec 1, Discount Details: 25% off + free shipping, Code: No code needed
Supergoop – Date: Now – Nov 29, Discount Details: 20% off Code: GET20
Too Faced Cosmetics – Date: Now – Dec 2, Time: 11:59PM PST, Discount Details: 30% off + Free US shipping Code: PINK30
Uoma Beauty – Date: Now, Discount Details: 20% off Code: No code needed. Also All Star Kit ($208 value) for $99 (Nov 27 only). Also up to 50% off foundations and concealers
Zoya – Date: Now – Nov 30th Time: Ends 11:59pm ET Discount Details: Get any 2 colour FREE, plus buy a 3rd colour and gt 3 Z-Wide brushes Code: BLKFRDY19

Natural Hair

Alikay Naturals – Date: Nov 28 – Nov 29, Time: 12am – 11:59pm EST, Discount Details: 40% off, and 20% off all gallons. Code: No code needed.
Anita Grant – Date: Now – Dec 3, Time: Until 11:59pm UK time, Discount Details: Up to 30% off, Code: for 20% off use code 20%, 150GBP+ use code 25%, 175GBP+ use code 30%
Briogeo – Date: Now – TBD, Discount Details: 20% off, Code: HOLIDAY
Brush With The Best (Felicia Leatherwood) – Date: Nov 27 – Nov 28. Time: Starts at midnight, ends midnight Black Friday. Discount Details: $4 off with code BLACKFRIDAY. For $6 off order with purchase of 2 Brushes with code BWTB2
Devacurl – Date: Nov 29 – Dec 1, Discount Details: Buy 2 stylers get 1 free, Code: No code needed
Fanm Djanm – Date: Now – Dec 2, Discount Details: Up to 40% – 50% off, Code: No code needed
Hair Paint Wax – Date: Now – Dec 2, Discount Details: 40% off, Code: BLACKFRIDAY
Oyin Handmade – Date: Nov 25 – Nov 29, Time: N/A, Discount Details: 30% off, Code: No code needed
Pattern Beauty – Date: Thurs Nov 28 @ 4pm – Nov 29 @ 11:59PM PST, Discount Details: 20% off, Code: No code needed
The Doux – Date: Now – TBD, Discount Details: 30% off, Code: AAAYYYEEE
The Wrap Life – Date: Nov 26 – Dec 2, Discount Details: Up to 40% off, Code: No code needed. Also specials in store from Sat 30 Nov.

Laters!

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Affiliate Links

The following links are affiliate links. If you sign up using these links, I will get a small percentage of a purchase and/or referral credit. These links provide discounts or cashback, when available. There is no requirement or obligation to use these links. If you need more information, please see my Disclosure Policy.

Ebates – use this to get cashback online or in-stores on select, qualifying purchases. Great for using at Sephora, Sally Beauty and hundreds of sites! https://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=EGx%2B1ltzid8P9uPThgCQxA%3D%3D&eeid=29041

Join Honey – use this to find discounts on sites visited joinhoney.com/ref/qpwfsu

REVIEW: Journey and Co – Polish with a Purpose

September 4, 2019 / Noire Tropical Beauty / 0 Comments

Quick review here! This is another installment of my favourite indie polish series and today I am going to talk about Journey and Co.

I discovered Journey and Co. at The Makeup Show NYC this year. I love that the Makeup Show continues to provide a platform for smaller brands especially those that are women, POC or LGBTQIA+ owned. So, while browsing one of the upper floors of TMS, I came across a small booth with the most precious, black girl selling nail polish. I just could not resist! Her name was Journey and with her mum, founded a nail polish brand with a purpose. Each polish is handmade in NJ and carries an inspirationa, positivel message. This idea came about when Journey moved to a new school that lacked diversity and she maked nail polishes for all of her classmates to celebrate all of their differences.

J&Co. polishes are Big 10-Free, cruelty-free, vegan and kid-friendly. I bought 3 colours from their debut collection GRL PWR, but they have added more shades since then. The GRL PWR Collection was created “to inspire young girls to ‘Be Seen and Be Heard’ – to take lead in shaping their futures” (taken straight from their website).

VIDEO: Journey and Company Review

What I have learnt in 10 years of blogging…

August 16, 2019 / Noire Tropical Beauty / 0 Comments

So my blog, Noire Tropical Beauty, is celebrating its birthday today! It’s been 10 years since I tentatively put out my first post. It was 2009 and I was avidly looking for all the information that I could about anything in beauty. At that time, forums were the thing, especially for natural hair. I had just transitioned to natural hair in 2008 and I wanted to find out the best products and ways to take care of my hair. I fed my ‘lemmings’ for new M.A.C. releases on Spektra. Makeup was exciting and we were just entering a new age. The internet was changing how we consumed information and how we interacted with brands. YouTube was really brand new and being able to see someone demo a look or talk about a haul, even in 360p, was exhilarating.

Fast forward ten years later, so much as changed. Beauty has evolved from its more simple beginnings. Online content and shopping is king. It is impossible to exist in this space without some kind of social media presence. Brands heavily rely on influencers and online experts to help get the word out to the masses. This has been both good and bad. There is more opportunity for everyone to become an expert in but at the same time many of the prejudicies that have existed within beauty for decades have found their way online.

So what have I learnt in the last 10 years? I have loved producing content. I still get excited when something new, interesting or innovative is released. I have especially enjoyed seeing brands specifically focusing on the needs to black and other women of colour. Allyuh! We have options now!! Real, legit options and now we are in a space where we can demand and expect more and better from beauty companies. Nowadays coming out with less than 35-40 shades of foundation will get a collective cut-eye.

The one thing that I have learned is…

that no matter how many people are in the beauty blogging space, how many followers they have on YouTube, how many clicks they get on their blog, how much ‘sameness’ there is on their IG makeup looks, every individual is different and every voice in unique.

My blog has not been the most successful, I don’t have a huge following, but I have my own perspective on beauty, especially with my science and beauty background. I still enjoy doing the research and bringing new content to my readers. I still love educating and being educated. I am thankful for all of the people that I have met and friends that I have made along the way. And I am grateful to all those who have supported and followed me 🙂

Anyway, stay tuned for new content, say hi and let me know if there is anything that you want me to review.

Laters!

If you liked this post, make sure you sign up for my email newsletter by clicking HERE! Get the latest curated makeup, haircare & skincare news and see what beauty products that I loving at the moment!