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Tag: Makeup (page 1 of 27)

Quarantine beauty haul – What I bought

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
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 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
NARS Cosmetics Orgasm X Blush
NARS Cosmetics Orgasm X Blush
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

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion
Milk Makeup Vegan Milk Cleanser
Milk Makeup Vegan Milk Cleanser
Milk Makeup Vegan Milk Moisturizer Mini
Milk Makeup Vegan Milk Moisturizer Mini

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

black lives matter blog post

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:

And, as always, Black Lives Matter.

 

NEW Colourpop BFF Mascara – Are these the best colored mascaras?

Coloured mascaras! I am so excited! Colourpop Cosmetics recently came out with 7 new coloured mascaras – 1 black and 6 colours. These are the Colourpop BFF Mascaras. Coloured mascaras are not that prevalent on the market in the US and for the most part, companies bring out black (and variations of black), brown, navy and maybe a burgundy. Oftentimes, brands will bring out a limited edition coloured mascara collection for summer, and this is a permanent line, so that makes me very happy.

If you are interested in looking at my video review instead, click here…otherwise check out the review below.

BFF Mascara Details

There are 7 shades. I bought 5. I did not get the black shade nor the yellow shade. They are available on the Colourpop website and they retail for $8 each for 7 oz. You can buy the entire set at a discount or there are lots of discount codes floating around on the internet (unfortunately I don’t have one).

Colourpop claims that this product volumizes, lengthens and lifts lashes, using a unique nylon brush and does not flake. The formula is also buildable.

colourpop bff mascara_review_51

BFF Mascara comes in a pale lavender box with multicoloured foil and iridescent text, mimicking the colours of the mascaras. The tube is made of white plastic with metallic foil matching the colour of the mascara.

colourpop_bff_mascara_review_50

colourpop bff mascara_review_48

Colourpop BFF Mascara

The BFF Mascara has a large bristle brush with shorter bristles in the middle of the brush. The formula has a slight sheen to it and was not too thick.

colourpop bff mascara_review_33

 

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

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!

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!

The some of the above links are affiliate links (which are marked as affiliate). 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.  

 

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

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

kat von d lash liner review packaging1

Kat von D Lash Liner review packaging2

kat von d lash liner packaging3

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!

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