I may earn a commission for purchases made through links in this post, however, all opinions are my own—YKTV.
Unless you’re new here (if you are, what’s poppin’ sis), you know that I live for Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer (say that three times fast). Even with me being inside for the majority of 2020 and now 2021 going into 2022 (damn), I used this magical gloss pretty often. In conclusion, Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb is chapstick for bad bitches, and I will never stop using it as such. And now we have Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream to add to our bad bitchery.
When I caught wind that Fenty Beauty would be dropping a shimmerless version of the Gloss Bomb, dubbed Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream, I was on the fence. While I was intrigued by it not having any glitter, I also thought, “if it’s not broke, then why to try to fix it?”.
Keeping reading for my honest thoughts and shade try on.
I’m a bit crazy so I purchased every shade from Sephora (using their in-store pickup option, which I highly recommend), and here are the swatches plus my honest opinions.
This shade is meant to be the OG Fenty Glow Gloss Bomb’s exact color match without the glitter. I think this color is FIRE but it looks a little pinker on my lips than the OG Fenty Gloss Bomb does (see my IG pic below to compare).
Described as a chocolate caramel shade, it’s clear that this gloss was made with melanin in mind. This is def a nude gloss that I would wear without any lip liner.
This nude gloss is literally everything, especially if you have a warm skin tone like myself. The name couldn’t describe it any more perfectly. Complete transparency—I used a brown lip liner (shade Intense Cafe from Clinique) and it made the shade look almost identical to Cookie Jar. With that being said, I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary to pick up both.
I don’t know who needed to hear this, but red glossy lips are truly that girl. I used MAC’s legendary “Nightmoth” Lip Liner to create the combo before applying the gloss on top. The centermost part of my lip is the truest depiction of Fruit Snackz color.
Okay, so boom. I’m 100% feeling this new addition to the Fenty Gloss Bomb family. The shimmer in the original formula never bothered me but it’s nice to have an option without that has a bit more pigment. Of course, in these times wearing this gloss with a mask may not be desirable. In that regard, I have to say it’s not a “must-buy right now” kind of product but if you’re like me and love applying gloss in the comfort of your own home, I say go for it, boo.
How about that pigment?
I think a lot of us were expecting the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream to be much more pigmented than what it is however, we have to keep in mind that it’s still a lipgloss, not a lipstick. I did attempt to layer to the gloss heavy to make the color appear more pigmented but let me be the first to tell you that’s not a great idea. Applying too much of the Gloss Bomb Cream inevitable makes the color separate on your lips. While the Sephora description describes it as a medium-to-full coverage gloss, I think sticking to just one swipe is best.
I don’t prefer the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream over the OG Fenty Gloss Bomb range however, I don’t regret adding to my collection and can see the new lip drip being a part of my stay at home glam.
I’m not going to give a long, drawn-out speech for why I’m creating this guide. It’s the holiday season and we’re still buying black (purr). These are the gifts that I’ve been eying for myself (if we’re being completely honest) but I’m certain that they will make amazing gifts for the folks on your list.
From a twisting vibrator to some new drip for you to rock in the living room, here are some of my favorite Black-Owned products to gift this season.
The only way to stay in your bag this holiday season is with the genuine cowhide leather purse that is sure to make a statement. One small detail about this purse that I absolutely LOVE is that it has detachable straps.
Hanifa is already known for their amazing knit designs such as the every so popular Miya knit dress. But this knitted scarf is up next on everyone’s list of Hanifa favs. FYI, seriously buy me this if you don’t know what to get me for Christmas or my half birthday in January.
Designer Brandon Blackwood blessed us this year with the “End Systematic Racism ” totes available in various shades and textures. The latest added to the lineup is this genuine pony hair zebra version. NEED
Note: This item ships starting December 16th, 2020
Ballin on a budget never looked so good with the high-quality jewelry statement piece. This 18K gold over sterling steel style is available in both a 12″choker version and a longer 15″ necklace. If you love the extraness of layering, I’d spring for the set with both for $106.
If there’s one thing about me, I’m going to wear a Black ass graphic tee or hoodie, and women created by a Black designer is the icing on the cake for me. This one features my fave, Lil Kim, which is right up my alley, to say the least.
If there’s one thing about me, I’m going to chill in my house in luxury. These genuine lamb fur slippers are the WOO slippers I need in my life. R.I.P. Pop Smoke.
If there’s one thing that I stan, it’s affordable bad bitchery. This headband which is available in 4 colors, is super cute for the low. Grab a two at minimum.
Mented is uncontestably the GOAT when it comes to nude lipsticks for Black women (after all, that is the root of the brand). They’re currently offering an amazing trio to try out some shades at a slightly discounted price (lipsticks are usually $18 apiece). My dream trio is Dope Taupe, Peach Please, and Foxy Brown just in case you’re wondering.
A friend with wine is a friend of mine. I absolutely love McBride Sister Wine and this particular set comes with a bottle of California Reisling, Rose, and Zinfandel. Winter quarantine drinking isn’t complete without these Black-owned wine selections.
If “bad bitch” was glassware, then this stem wine glass set is it. What better way to spend your days than drinking your Black-owned wine from your fabulous Black-Owned wine glasses. *Clink Clink*
Much like many of the women on your feeds, I became a plant mom (of 9 to be exact) during this seemingly never-ending quarantine. Some of my thriving plants came from a Black-owned plant shop, Natty Garden. luckily for you, you can order online if you don’t live in NYC to check out their brick and mortar locations.
My plant pick is a Pothos because it’s super easy to take care of and pretty resilient if you don’t know wtf you’re doing forreal.
I hate to break it to you but the deadline to order this super cute clutch in time for Christmas has passed. But if you’re not too proud to give a fashionable late Christmas gift, this is the one.
You know how black people seem to have the same childhood? Well, this card game tests that and much more requiring you to guess the meaning the culturally relevant acronyms with just hints.
Which one these will be gifting for yourself or for someone this holiday season?
I may earn commission for purchases made through links in this post, however all opinions are my own—YKTV.
The NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation is one of the few recent complexion product launches to excite me in the latter part of 2020.
One of the first prestige makeup products that I’ve ever tried was none other than NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer. Though my ramen noodle budget couldn’t afford it at the time, my lack of self-control (and money management skills) strong-armed me into purchasing. My inner rich aunty didn’t regret it one bit—in fact, it’s probably one of the best concealers I’ve tried to date. What can I say? Your girl LOVES a cream concealer.
Number of Shades: 34 Finish + Coverage: Matte/Full Coverage Starring (Ingredients): Micro-Algae and Bio Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate while absorbing excess sebum (oil) Ounces: 1.5 Price: $40
Who is it for?
Skin Types: Dry, Normal, Combination and Oily.
My Skin Type: My skin is combination but strays towards the “oily” side of the spectrum—naturally, I adore matte foundations. Matte foundation gets a bad rep but the right one always has an impeccable skin-like finish.
My first impressions: Matte foundations get a bad rep and they’re really that girl.
My combo oily skin linking up with matte foundation
The NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation formula boasts a natural skin-like finish which is usually a keyword for “not too matte but not too dewy”. If your skin is dry to normal, you may experience a matte-r finish than I did. However, the balanced skin-like feel of this NARS foundation recipe melted into my skin like butter. It left my skin with minimal shine but not super matte.
When I wear matte foundation, I prep my skin with hydrating products (moisturizer, primer etc). Even as a combo to oily gal, the moisture keeps my makeup from channeling a powdered donut. Natural, healthy skin has a bit of a glow—avoid layering your skin from primer to setting spray in mattifying formulas when wearing a matte foundation.
Pro-Tip: Work in thin layers to ensure a more skin-like application of the NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation.
What I liked least about the foundation…
Besides the tube packaging (I generally prefer foundations with pumps), there isn’t anything for me to dislike, per say. The shade range is pretty good (although I see a few places where just a couple of shades could be inserted). It’s also more product than you’d get from a foundation in it’s price range (1.5 oz compared to the now standard 1fl ounce).
Though it claims to be a full-coverage foundation, I found it to be more of a medium to full (buildable) coverage. I have dark spots from acne-breakouts and I used 2 to 3 layers in those areas to achieve my desired coverage.
Is NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation really transfer- resistant? How about those masks?
I don’t believe any foundation is 100% transfer-proof but resistant? Absolutely. I’ve been around the block with foundations and minimal transfer is the name of the game. After all, it’s foundation not glue.
The NARS Soft Matte Complete’s transferability trumps a lot of foundations I have in my collection. I took a trip to the statue of liberty in 80 degree weather with a mask on and it still looked pretty flawless. If your skin gets oily or sweaty throughout the day, your foundation will appear (keyword) to look 100% in tact even if some transfers. It’s all about appearances, people.
Overall, I think the NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation is a hit. The formula is what I like to describe as a comfortable matte finish—minimal shine but doesn’t make your skin feel or look extremely dry, dull or chalky. Because my skin tends to be a bit oily, I can see myself continuing to use this foundation in the later fall/winter season.
If some of NARS’ cult-favorite foundations such as the ever so popular Sheer Glow or the Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation didn’t quite float your boat, the Soft Matte Complete Foundation may be your savior. From my experience, the skin-like finish and longwear is enough to keep you coming back for more.
I may earn a commission for purchases made through links in this post, however, all opinions are my own—YKTV.
When I first caught wind that Rihanna snatched up the trademark for Fenty Skin I was prepared to throw my purse at her. Rihanna had already shown and proved that she could deliver what the girls want through her namesake brand Fenty Beauty—I was positive Fenty Skin wouldn’t fall short of greatness.
Before we jump into the review, here’s some background on my unperfect skin for reference.
Up until my early 20’s, I had “perfect skin”—no blemishes, no breakouts, just dreamy clear melanin. By age 25, my skin had gotten so troublesome that I finally made the executive decision to head to a dermatologist, where I received a laundry list of prescriptions to help with my acne. In the short term, it absolutely helped a ton, but in the last couple of months, I’ve been looking for more sustainable means of treating acne that didn’t involve meds on meds on meds.
At the top of 2020, I dropped my acne medications like bad habits. For a few months, my skin was doing great without acne meds but then COVID/quarantine hit, and the rest was history. What I wanted from Fenty Skin was mainly something to help balance (not strip) the oil in my skin, one of my biggest contributors to my breakouts.
My First Impressions
I think it’s safe to say that everyone’s first impression of Fenty Skin is that “iT hAs fRaGrAnCe”. While those that have extremely sensitive skin hated this feature of the Fenty Skin line, it didn’t bother me. Honestly, some of my favorite skincare products have a scent (some way stronger than Fenty Skin) and I’ve never found my skin to be sensitive to it.
Fenty Skin’s Packaging is A1—periodt.
From the refillable sunscreen to the twist and squeeze cleanser and toner bottles, it’s obvious that Rih and the rest of the Fenty gang were going for practicality with the packaging. Not to mention the lavender grayish hue of the line is quite enticing—reminds me of an out-of-stock Savage X Fenty Slip that I slept on.
Price: $25 Product Claims: “This 2-in-1 makeup remover-cleanser gives you the delicious deep clean you deserve: Its creamy lather removes dirt, oil, and long-wear makeup without stripping or drying.” from FentyBeauty.com Starring: Barbados cherry (vitamin c), Ginkgo Biloba (oil control and clarifying), Green tea (anti-oxidants), Fig (anti-oxidants), Quince (skin conditioning).
When I started using Fenty Skin, it just so happened that I was on the hunt for a gentle facial cleanser. I had previously been using Milk Makeup Vegan Milk and CeraVe.
I must say, the cleanser is hands down myfavorite product from the line. It seems like the girls either loved or hated it but from my experience, it was just what my skin needed—a cleanser that didn’t leave my skin feeling dry af. It has an addictive thick, luxurious lather—my skin literally glows after washing my face with it. I have no choice but to stan.
FYI: I don’t use the cleanser to remove my makeup. I stand by removing makeup with an oil cleanser or balm BEFORE using any facial wash.
Price: $28 Product Claims: “A 2-in-1 toner-serum combo that targets pores, improves the look of dark spots, brightens, smooths, and fights shine—all without stripping skin.” from FentyBeauty.com Starring: Niacinamide (vitamin B3—for dark spots, evening tone, and oil control), Barbados Cherry (vitamin C), Australian lemon myrtle & witch hazel water (reduce oil and refine pores), Japanese raisin tree (detoxification), Cactus flower (hydration) and Green tea & fig (antioxidants)
After week one of using this product, I was certain that it would be my favorite. Turns out, the more I used it the more my skin hated it. Initially, this 2-in-1 serum/toner made my skin feel SUPER supple. By week 2/3, it started to cause some damage to my moisture barrier, leaving my skin dry and a bit flaky.
My skin began feeling very sensitive to this product and would sting whenever I used it and any other product for that matter. It has witch hazel which is an ingredient that everyone loves to drag but I’ve never experienced any sort of sensitivity to WH prior to using this product. Since I stopped using it, my skin has been almost normal besides my routine/hormonal acne breakouts.
Price: $35 Product Claims: “This 2-in-1 moisturizer and sunscreen is lightweight, oil-free, and truly invisible on all skin tones. It claps back at dehydration, discoloration, dark spots. Makeup-friendly, too: No pilling and zero flashback. Refillable.” from FentyBeauty.com. Starring: Kalahari melon (hydrates), Niacinamide (vitamin B3—for dark spots, evening tone, and oil control), Hyaluronic acid & aloe (hydrates, smoothes, conditions), and Baobab (hydrates).
When I initially started using Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer, it seemed to have a bit of a menthol-esque scent to it in comparison to the distinct vanilla scent of the other products. What I like most about this moisturizer besides the fact that it doesn’t leave a white cast and is refillable, is that it’s oil-free and leaves your skin with a youthful glow.
Though this moisturizer is a bit on the thicker side, it felt rather lightweight in the heat and my skin drank it up like a glass of water. I would give this 5 out of 5 stars, however, I know there are other SPF moisturizers at lower price points (and without fragrance) that work just as effectively.
It seemed like everyone who received PR for Fenty Skin had minimal skin concerns to begin with which wouldn’t do much for someone like me who has skin issues galore. I wanted to try the line for a month or so to give the girls an unbias review from someone whose skin doesn’t shine bright like a diamond on the regular.
In my opinion, Fenty Skin gives you the basic things you need in a skincare regimen—a gentle cleanser, hydrating toner, and SPF moisturizer (and now eye cream, nighttime moisturizer, and chemical exfoliant). The cleanser is absolutely something I’d repurchase because it’s hard for me to find a basic (gentle) yet effective cleanser.
While I don’t think Fenty Skin is for everyone, I think it’s worth a try if your skincare routine doesn’t even have the basics. After all, you have nothing to lose as Fenty allows returns up to 60 days which is more than enough time for you to test out the products.
I look forward to seeing what Rihanna cooks up next with her Fenty Skin collection. If you’ve tried Fenty Skin, share your thoughts with me below or slide in my DMs.
It’s been over a year since the last time I stepped foot inside a nail salon for a manicure. At the time, I was freelancing, broke, and could no longer justify $80+ nail sets. Additionally, I realized that press on nails have come a long way since the 90s and in walked KISS, my current go-to brand for press ons.
What You Need
I’m super faithful to my press on nails. After much practice, I’ve learned how to make my press on nails last for 1-2 weeks every application. I must say my application process is thorough af and may help you as well.
Properly manicuring and treating your natural fingernails is key to helping press on nails last.
1. Starting with polish free nails, soak your hands in warm water for 5-10 minutes.
The warm water will help soften your cuticles, making them easier to groom.
When pushing back your cuticles, be gentle, and take your time! Taking care of your cuticles is essential, as they protect your skin and nails from infection.
If necessary, use a nipper to get rid of pesky hangnails. Keep in mind that nippers are sharp, and you should take your time when using them.
4. File and buff your nails!
Even though you’ll be applying false nails, you want to keep your fingernails healthy and free from snagging. Be sure to buff your nails with a buffing block to create a smooth, shine-free surface. This is a major key for making press on nails last longer!
Now for the application of press-on nails. I’m using KISS Jelly Fantasy in style “Jelly Baby” with the glue provided.
5. Size your nails for the perfect fit.
If you find that you can’t find the perfect size for your nail, go for one slightly larger and file it down to your nail size (take your time with this).
Pro-Tip: Size one hand and reference the number under the nail to find duplicates in the pack for your other hand!
6. Buff or file the inside of the press on nail (optional).
I consider this somewhat of an advanced tip. However, it helps depending on the style of the nail (works best for opaque nails). Using a buffing block, file, or e-file, file the inside of the nail to hels get rid of the shine and create a rough surface for the press on and your natural nail bond.
7. Dehydrate your nails.
This is a fancy way to say remove the oils and moisture from your nails. You can use the alcohol pads that typically come with your press-on nails.
Pro-Tip: Use a nail hydrator like when your nails are bare in order to keep you natural nails thriving.
8. Apply the nail glue to the center of your natural fingernail and not the press on nail itself.
From my experience, applying the glue this way stops you from applying too much glue, which may lead to spillage. To make your press-on nails last long, you need to use enough glue to cover your entire nail where it meets the press on but not too much as it may cause air bubbles.
When placing the false nail, align close to your cuticle without letting it get onto your skin. I’m using the glue that came with my press on nails.
9. After applying the glue, apply pressure to the nail for 15 seconds give or take.
They don’t call them “press on” for nothing. This crucial step helps the false nail adhere to your natural for longer.
10. Apply a topcoat to extend the wear of your nails and make them look seamless.
If you want your press-on nails to be unlockable, you need to apply a topcoat. It helps blend around the cuticle and make your press-on nails look more like a well-done acrylic nail set.
FYI, between press on nail set’s I make sure to regularly manicure my nails and strenghten them.
From my experience press on nails adhere better to healthy nails. If you find you nails are brittle between press on sets or any nail enhance for that matter, you may want to consider taking a break to care for your nails (starting with a nail strenghtener).
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I may earn a commission for purchases made through links in this post, however, all opinions are my own—YKTV.
I may earn commission for purchases made through links in this post, however all opinions are my own—YKTV.
Why, as an adult with whole ass responsibilities, am I dealing with something that I thought I dodged as a teen? I haven’t the slightest clue. But I know, it was time for me to get out my feelings and get into a dermatologist’s office to seek treatment for my adult acne.
