Beauty Archives - Noire Tropical Beauty

Tag: Beauty (page 1 of 16)

Black Lives Matter – What it means to me

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.

Is Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen really unseen on dark skin?

July 10, 2019 / Noire Tropical Beauty / 0 Comments

I am continuing my quest for finding the best chemical sunscreens for dark skin. Today I am reviewing the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++. I have heard a lot about this brand and they have carved out a specific space in skincare/beauty, where they consider themselves as sunscreen experts and they focus on making high quality, luxe sunscreen products. They have a myriad of offerings – mineral and chemical sunscreens, powders, creams/gels, stick, spray, face, body and baby. As you all know, wearing sunscreen is very important even if you have darker skin. I found this product at Sephora after browsing all of the different formulas. It is broad spectrum so it protects against UVA and UVB radiation. Unseen has a cult following and has even won an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2018. Honestly, what attracted me to this product, was the name – Unseen. Yes, even in 2019, there are lots of sunscreens that I cannot wear (mostly mineral sunscreens) that still leave an ashy/white cast on my skin. I picked up a sample from Sephora and tried it out for a week before I bought it, to make sure that I was not allergic to it.

Tip: You can pick up a free sample of almost any product at Sephora before you buy! Click To Tweet

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen – Basics

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is described as a broad spectrum, invisible, gripping primer for face that you can wear under makeup or alone. It’s a chemical sunscreen in an SPF 40, PA+++ with four commonly used sun filters. It is interesting that the PA rating is listed as it is not usually seen on sunscreens in the US but very common on sunscreens in Asia. SPF gives you an indication of how well it protects against UVB radiation and PA rating (which goes from 2+ to 4+) gives an indication of protection against UVA radiation.

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen – Other Details

Suitable for all skin types – dry, oily, normal and combination
Oil Free
Scentless and weightless
Vegan, gluten and cruelty free
Paraben-free, oxybenzone free
Part of the ‘Clean At Sephora’ programme

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen – Benefits

Meadowfoam Seed Complex – helps with hydration of the skin resulting in a more balanced skin texture
Red Algae – helps absorbs the blue light from our electronic devices, which may help contribute to aging of the skin
Frankincense – helps to soothe the skin
Antioxidant rich – helps protects against free radicals that can form in the presence of UV light. This helps amplify the effect of the sunscreen.
Water resistant for 40 minutes

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen – Thoughts and Conclusions

This is really invisible as you can see.

I barely need to rub it into my skin and it melts and completely disappears. It is very lightweight and it has a very smooth texture (it does contain silicones). It leaves a soft matte or velvet finish and I did not feel sticky, heavy or occlusive in very hot, humid weather. I would not say that it mattifies the skin but it does not add sheen to the skin. I have dry skin and I always use a moisturizer underneath and this is my last skincare step. If you have very oily skin or want a lot of blurring of the skin, I would be very careful in adding too many additional layers, especially in warmer, humid weather. Using something like a mattifying lotion before applying Unseen. If you must use another primer, use it very sparingly only in the areas most needed and after you have applied Unseen. Remember the goal is to protect the skin first.

The Best Black Friday Deals – 2018 Beauty Edition – What’s on sale

November 22, 2018 / Noire Tropical Beauty / 0 Comments

This is literally the fastest year that I could remember. I cannot believe that it is already Thanksgiving. 2018 is pretty much done and here’s a round up of the all the beauty Black Friday deals. I am also including Cyber Monday deals as well. Check back often as I will be updating as I get more information. Let me know what you are excited to buy!

Oh by the way, black owned or woman of colour owned brands will be marked with an asterisk (*).

And while you are shopping, check out Ebates and Honey (These are affiliate links, not sponsored)

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

Black Friday Deals – Makeup

*Magnolia Makeup – Friday 23rd Nov; Time: Black Friday only; Discount: ½ off; Code: BLKFRI18
*The Lip Bar – Friday 23rd Nov; Time: Black Friday only; Discount: 30% off + $1 Shipping; Code: no code needed
Giorgio Armani Beauty – Black Friday weekend; Time: online; Discount: 20% off; Code: No code needed
Lancome – Black Friday weekend; Time: online; Discount: 20% off + Free Shipping; Code: No code needed
Orly – Now – Sat 24th Nov; Time: in stores & online; Discount: 30% off @Target + Free Shipping; Code: No code needed
Bobbi Brown – Friday 23rd Nov; Time: Black Friday only; Discount: 25%; Code: No code needed
BlackUp Cosmetics – Now – Sat 24th Nov; Time: 4 days only; Discount: 40%; Code: FRIDAY2018. Blackupcosmetics.com and blackup.co.uk
Murad – Now – Sun 25th Nov; Time: One week; Discount: $25 off of $100 + Free Shipping; Code: BLACKFRIDAY
*Cirque Colors – Now – Wed 28th Nov; Time: ends 11:59pm EST; Discount: 20%; Code: CIRQUE20 (Check out my Cirque Colors video!)
Black Opal Beauty – Now – Sun 25th Nov; Time: ends 11:59pm EST; Discount: 20%; Code: No code needed
ColourPop – Friday 23rd Nov; Time: Black Friday only; Discount: 25%; Code: No code needed
*Mischo Beauty – Friday 23rd Nov; Time: Black Friday only; Discount: 65%; Code: BLACKFRIDAY18
*Gleam by Melanie Mills – Friday 23rd Nov; Time: Black Friday only; Discount: 40%; Code: BF18. Free Shipping US, Canada, EU for orders over $50.
Stila Cosmetics – Friday 23rd Nov; Time: Black Friday only; Discount: 30% + Free Shipping; Code: 30BFSALE
*Iman Cosmetics – Friday 23rd Nov; Time: Black Friday only; Discount: 40%; Code + Free Shipping; Code: IMANBF40
NARS Cosmetics – Now -Tuesday 27th Nov; Time: ends 11:59pm; Discount: 20%; Code: TAKE20
*Natasha Denona – Thursday 22nd Nov – Saturday 24th Nov; Time: n/a; Discount: 20% – 50% off; Code: No code needed. Online and in NYC Flagship store
Smashbox Cosmetics – Friday 23rd Nov; Time: Black Friday only; Discount: 25% off of $50+; Code: No code needed
*Mented Cosmetics – Starts Friday 23rd Nov; Time: n/a; Discount: 30% + Free Gifts; Code: No code needed
*Lauren Napier Beauty – Friday 23rd Nov; Time: Black Friday only; Discount: 2 for $25; Code: No code needed
Glossier – Now – Monday 26th Nov; Time: 11:59pm PST; Discount: 20% off; Code: No code needed; Online and in-store; Check out my video for one of my favourite sunscreens for dark skin here.
NYX Cosmetics – now – Sunday 25th Nov; Time: 11:59pm PST; Discount: 30%; Code: No code needed
Zoya Nail Polish – Now – Monday 26th Nov; Time: 11:59pm EST; Discount: 50% + Free Shipping over $30; Code: YAY;
Eve Pearl – Saturday 24th Nov; Time: n/a; Discount: 65% off; Code: BPTIME;

Black Friday Deals – Haircare & Accessories

*Oyin Handmade (Black Five Day Sale) – now – Friday 23rd Nov; Time: Five days until Black Friday; Discount: 30% + Free Shipping – US only; Code: B5SHIP
*Soultanicals – Friday 23rd Nov – Monday 26th Nov; Time: Black Friday weekend; Discount: 25%; Code: No code needed
*Briogeo – Friday 23rd Nov; Time: Black Friday only; Discount: 20%; Code: HOLIDAY
*Upnorth Naturals – Friday 23rd Nov – Monday 26th Nov; Time: Black Friday to Cyber Monday; Discount: 15%; Code: BLACKFRIDAY. Online only.
*Karen’s Body Beautiful – Friday 23rd Nov; Time: Black Friday only; Discount: 30%; Code: BLACKFRIDAY
*SHOP Naturally Curly – Now – Sun 25th Nov; Time: 11:59pm CT; Discount: 25% + $5 Flat Rate Shipping; Code: BF18
*The Wrap Life – Starts Wed 21st Nov; Time: n/a; Discount: see website for different deals; Code: No code needed
*Moisture Love – Friday 23rd Nov – Saturday 24th Nov; Time: until 11:59pm; Discount: Buy 2 Get 1 Free; Code: BUY2
*Naturally Smitten – now – Sunday 25th Nov; Time: until 11:59pm EST; Discount: 30% off; Code: THANKFUL
*Qhemet Biologics – Sunday 25th Nov – Tuesday 27th Nov; Time: ends 11:59pm EST; Discount: 25% off; Code: BF18;
*Clo-vee Products – Now – Sunday 25th Nov; Time: ends 11:59pm; Discount: See website for details; Code: No code needed;
Carol’s Daughter – Now – Sunday 25th Nov; Time: n/a; Discount: Up to 50% off; Code: No code needed;
*Fanm Djanm – Now – Saturday 24th Nov; Time: n/a; Discount: 15% off select headwraps, additional discounts available, see site for details; Code: see site for codes;
*Anita Grant – Now – Wednesday 28th Nov; Time: n/a; Discount: 30% off; Code: BUYBLACK;

Black Friday Deals – Skincare

Sol de Janeiro – now to Nov 26; Time: online; Discount: 25% off of orders of $75; Code: No code needed
Belif usa – Friday 23rd Nov; Time: Black Friday only; Discount: 25%; Code: No code needed
Kate Sommerville Skincare – Friday 23rd Nov; Time: Black Friday only; Discount: 25%; Code: CYBER25
Boscia – Friday 23rd Nov – Sun 25th Nov; Time: Black Friday weekend; Discount: 20%; Code: WTHANKS20
The Body Shop – Now – Saturday 24th Nov; Time: n/a; Discount: 40% off; Code: No code needed. Online and in-store
Peach & Lily – Friday 23rd Nov – Monday 26th Nov; Time: n/a; Discount: 30%; Code: PEACH2018

Black Friday Deals – Other

*Afrikaboutik – Friday 23rd Nov; Time: Black Friday only; Discount: 20% off; Code: BLACK
Bed Bath & Beyond – Wed 21st Nov – Friday 23rd Nov; Time: Nov 22 – online only and Nov 23 – in-store only; Discount: 20% off; Code: See website
Sewit Sium Jewellry – now – Sunday 25th Nov; Time: n/a; Discount: 20%; Code: GRATITUDE

Happy Shopping!

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How to line your lower waterline – the easy way! Kat Von D Lash Liner review.

November 21, 2018 / Noire Tropical Beauty / 0 Comments

Hey!!! Kat Von D Lash Liner is here. As far as I know, this is the first liquid inner lash/waterline liner that is made specifically for consumer use in the USA. Most liquid liners are not suitable for use on the lower lash and waterline and for those of us that are fans of that sultry, eye catching look, we are left with using kohl liners. Kohl liners have been used for centuries for protection and beautification, but while they impart that smokey, black look to the eyes, they are also quite soft and run over time. So the Lash Liner promises to give you a longer lasting lined look.

Kat von D Lash Liner – Packaging and Product

So this product comes in classic KvD packaging. A sponge tipped applicator that dips into a well of jet black liquid pigment. The entire product feels similar to your typical eye pencil, i.e. a skinny product that is relatively easy to hold in your hand. The applicator is rounded at the tip and it is fairly flexible. Like a doe-foot applicator but thinner and flexible.

According to the brand, it is a Fluid-Gel formula that dries in about 15 seconds, and it has a rich texture. The clay ingredients allows it to stand up the natural watering process of eye. The liquid pigment applies super shiny but dries down quickly to a semi-matte finish. And it is very, very black. It comes in the shade “Trooper Black”, which is their blackest black shade. Kat Von D also claims that this product is water-resistant, transfer-resistant, vegan and cruelty-free.

Kat von D Lash Liner – Video

So here’s a video review and demo that I did, so that you can see exactly how to apply this. Keep reading below for tips on using the product and my thoughts!

The best neon nail polishes! Cirque Colors Vice 2018 collection

August 8, 2018 / Noire Tropical Beauty / 0 Comments

My prayers have been answered! Cirque Colors has brought out a neon nail polish collection for Summer 2018! Cirque Colors Vice 2018 is limited edition and will be gone by mid September. I posted a picture of one of my favourite pick ups for 2017 and I was able to expand on my collection. Neon colours are notoriously hard to get right. They either are not bright enough, or they have a chalky texture or they lose their intensity really quickly.

Cirque Colors Vice 2018 collection has some of the best neons that I have ever tried. Seriously, go check them out! I have been rocking these as often as I could. I love them! A few notes on this particular formula:

Cirque Colors Vice 2018 Tips

They don’t need a white base coat. Full opacity in 2 coats and what you see in the bottle is what you get!
They dry down to a plasticized/semi-matte finish. Must use a glossy top coat to maintain the brilliance of the colour.
These are blacklight reactive! They glow!!

I picked up four of the six shades. Here are some pictures and a video that I did on this collection.