Hot take: femininity doesn’t only thrive in heels and you don’t have to choose between the overt sexiness and the comfort of a sneaker. You can have both
If you usually gravitate toward heels but want sneakers that still feel polished, feminine and fashion-forward, these are eight pairs worth considering. From sleek sneakerinas to sporty classics and luxury icons, these “girl sneakers” are some of the best and fashionable sneakers for women who usually prefer heels but want to balance style, comfort and personality.
Editor’s Note: As a lifelong sneaker girl who also appreciates a nasty shoe, I wanted options that feel stylish—not orthopedic or too athletic.
If you own a phone chances are, you’ve seen these sneakers trending on an app or two. I must admit, this sleek sneaker (which is available in a myriad of designs and colors)—is fully worth the hype. They’re comfortable,wide-foot friendly and look just as good with a skirt as they do with a sweatsuit.
Plus, you have options with the laceless Samba Janes if you’re taste better aligns with a ballet flat inspired sneaker.
Speaking of sleek girl sneakers, the Adidas Taekwondo shoes—inspired by street style and martial arts—is a great option for women who want the comfort of a sneaker but aren’t enthused by the idea of a full on trainer.
Available in styles like leopard and basket woven leather, this shoe is likely one I’ll personally be adding to my wardrobe for the summer and beyond.
As a woman who genuinely loves full-on sneakers that some may describe as boyish, I’m shocked to say that low-profile ballet sneakers like Puma Speedcat Ballet are slowly wearing me down.
The core selection features a suede upper, however there’s also options like this satin pair that will likely be in my house in a week.
These are hands down some of the most comfortable sneakers I’ve ever owned in my life (that says a lot). The sole is cloud-like and airy, making them feel especially made for your foot. In pictures they may look like a bulky, “Dad sneaker” but in reality they are light (likely because they’re intended for running).
In a recent newsletter on my Substack, I spoke about how much New Balance is embedded into my personal style story—specially the classic 574s. They’re cozy, well-made and say “I’m just vibing but I also have classic taste”. It’s also amazing that they’re available in both standard and wide width—the latter offering more comfort for the toebox and front of the foot.
The “black coffee” (chef’s kiss to the gum bottom) and “red rock” variations are a couple of pairs that I have on my wishlist.
The intricate details on a pair of Saucony Omni 9 sneakers is enough reason to grab them—the comfort and colorways are just the icing on the cake. While I love the muted, everyday variations (like this peony pair with soft rose gold tones), I’m not mad at pastel options either.
Teenage me is living for the resurgence of the original it-girl luxury sneaker—the Prada America’s Cup. Available in both patent leather and calf skin, I remember these being cushiony and easy to dress up or down.Though these originated in the late 90s, my core memories of these shoes live somewhere around 2009 and that’s why I still have space in my heart (and my closet) for them—good times.
I fully acknowledge that aesthetically, there are more affordable sneakers (including some on this list) that can give you the look of Bottega Veneta Orbit Sneakers but that doesn’t stop me from admiring them. The mesh detailing and signature gum bottom speaks for itself,
FYI, the brand’s site recommends sizing up on these.
It’s no secret that wigs have come a long way since their humble beginnings. Nowadays, you don’t have to spend an arm or leg to get a quality lace closure or frontal human hair wig. The one thing that hasn’t changed, though, is that to protect the integrity of your wig (and your investment), you have to maintain it, which includes proper washing.
In this blog, I walk you through my go-to routine for washing my human hair wigs—a wig bath. My qualifications? I’m a wig enthusiast who has been wearing wigs for a decade now. Through personal experience and chatting with professional stylists over the years (primarily for editorial purposes), I’ve crafted a routine that has helped my wigs last.
Step 1: Before washing your human hair wig, you need to take the time to detangle it. Using a wide tooth comb or a detangling hair brush, gently work your way through the hair from the ends to the wefts, aka the roots of the wig.
Depending on the quality of the hair or hair texture, you may want to approach this differently.
Severely Tangled or Textured Human Hair Wigs—Lightly mist with water before detangling to help loosen knots or tangles. If detangling curly wigs, knots at the nape, etc., it may be worth using a small amount of hair conditioner during the detangling process as well.
Once you can run your comb or brush through the hair with little to no trouble, your wig is fully detangled.
TAKE YOUR TIME!
Thoroughly Washing Your Wig
Step 2: After the hair is detangled, fill up your sink or bucket with lukewarm water. Put enough water to where the hair is fully submerged and covered (no need to overfill).
Step 3: Add a bit of shampoo to the water, gently swirling the wig in the water to fully mix the shampoo into the water. Remember, you’re essentially giving your wig a bubble bath, so apply the same principles.
I prefer using a gentle yet effective clarifying shampoo to ensure that all the dirt, oil, makeup, etc, is removed from my wig,
Step 4: Wash your wig by continuously dipping it into the shampoo water while gently massaging the hair in the direction that it naturally falls. Avoid rough handling the wig or maneuvering in a way that causes tangles (especially in the frontal or closure area, which is already more prone to tangling),
Rinse the wig of shampoo, drain your sink and repeat until your fresh batch of water in the filled sink comes back clear after “bathing” the wig.
Step 5: If you have makeup or adhesive built up in the lace, apply shampoo to the area and gentle massage to cleanse. Remember, this area of the wig is very prone to knotting and shedding, so take your time.
Step 6: Give your wig one final rinse to make sure all the shampoo is fully removed.
Properly Conditioning Your Wig
Step 7: Fill up your sink with cold water (again, just enough to fully submerge the wig in the water). Add conditioner directly into the water and a little directly onto the wig (the latter is to ensure there is more than enough present to coat the wig when submerged).
Let the wig sit for at least 10-15 minutes so the cool conditioner water can penetrate it and soften it. My recommendation for conditioner is Silicone Mix—it does an amazing job detangling and softening the hair while also leaving it with a healthy luster.
Pro Tip—Alternatively, you can apply conditioner directly to the wig instead of bathing it with conditioner water. However, this method will require more product.
Boosting Shine & Pre Styling
Step 8: For shine, you can add ice to the water to make it as cold as possible. I’ve recently added this step to my wig maintenance, and my 6+ month-old wigs end up with impeccable shine, body, and smoothness.
After 10-15 minutes, rinse your wig under running water until it runs clear and you no longer feel the slip of conditioner on your fingers.
Air dry your wig by sitting on a wig head/stand or hanging on a hanger (preferably a pants hanger with clips or wig hanger).
Alternatively, you can blow dry. I recommend using a heat protectant as you would with your natural hair.
How Can I Wash My Wig Between Washes (Without Shampoo)?
If your wig has fallen flat and you need to refresh it without shampoo/ a full wash day, try dry shampoo.
Dry shampoo uses powder-like substances (like tapioca starch) to absorb oils and excess products that may be weighing down the hair. These between-washday shampoos also have different fragrances, which can also refresh the scent of your wig if needed.
Best Dry Shampoos for Wigs
Below are some of my favorite dry shampoos to use on my wigs
Once your hair looks oily or stiff, lacks volume and body, and just no longer behaves or styles like it once did, it’s time to give your wig wash. Typically, I wash my wigs a couple of times a month depending on how often I’m wearing them and adding product to style them.
Is It Okay to Use Regular Shampoo on a Human Hair Wig?
While things can get a bit tricky with synthetic wigs, washing human hair wigs with regular mild shampoos is perfectly fine. Furthermore, the bubble bath method dilutes the shampoo tremendously, allowing you to thoroughly cleanse the hair without stripping or damaging it.
Found this blog helpful? Don’t forget to share this with a wig-loving friend. And share your own tips in the comments if you have some!
Ever wondered why beauty influencers and lovers rave about Sephora’s Beauty Insider program? The simple answer is it’s a free program to unlock exclusive perks, savings (like during the Sephora VIB sale), and more. As a beauty lover who shops recreationally but also for work, I highly recommend joining the program even if you don’t plan (emphasis on plan) on shopping at Sephora religiously.
Keep reading to learn all of Sephora’s loyalty program details.
What Is the Beauty Insider Program at Sephora?
Sephora Beauty Insider is a free loyalty program that rewards customers with exclusive benefits based on their spending throughout the year. From birthday gifts to special sale promotions, members enjoy a variety of perks to get more bang for their buck when purchasing their favorite beauty products.
Points are valid so long as there is activity with your Beauty Insider rewards account within a 12 month period (e.g. making a purchase, redeeming a reward, etc.). After that, points will expire.
What are the benefits of being a Sephora Beauty Insider?
Members of the Beauty Insider program earn 1 point for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for valuable rewards. This includes:
Trial-size products, exclusive sets, and even full-size items in the Sephora Rewards Bazaar
A free birthday gift (once per year during birthday month), access to members-only discounts like the Sephora VIB Sale, exclusive events (such as beauty workshops)
All members qualify for Beauty Insider Cash aka $10 off a purchase after redeeming 500 points
Rouge members can access $100 off coupons in exchange 2,500 points in the Rewards Bazaar
Free standard shipping on online purchases with no minimum purchase requirement
Yes, you can earn rewards when shopping at Sephora inside of Kohl’s (U.S.) so long as you checkout with an email address associated with a Beauty Insider account, you can receive points on eligible purchases from Sephora at Kohl’s in addition to Instacart, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube shopping.
How does the Sephora Beauty Insider Program work?
The program is tiered, starting with the entry-level Beauty Insider, progressing to VIB status after spending $350 in a calendar year, and then to Rouge status after spending $1,000. Each tier offers progressively more generous benefits, including better points-to-dollar ratios, free shipping, and early access to products and sales.
Beauty Insider (entry-level tier)—receives 10% off during VIB sales
VIB (after spending $350 in a calendar year)—receives 15% off during VIB sales
Rouge (after spending $1,000 in a calendar year)—receives 20% off during VIB sales
Please note that if you make a return on a purchase you’ve earned points on, the points will be deducted from your available balance. This will also affect your dollar spending for the year to maintain your VIB or Rouge status. Additionally, products purchased with points from the Rewards Bazaar aren’t eligible for returns or exchanges for different rewards, points or cash etc.
How can I maximize my benefits as a Sephora Beauty Insider?
To maximize your benefits:
Shop during bonus points events to accelerate your points accumulation. For example, there are some instances where shopping will give you 2X the points or more. Sephora will email you as these opportunities come about.
Save your points for bigger rewards, as the value increases with higher-tier rewards.
Rouge members can receive a $100 rouge reward by trading in 2,500 points—the offer is available through the Rewards Bazaar but goes fast. From my experience, typically, you have to add and redeem on a Tuesday or Thursday when they’re first added.
Take advantage of your annual free birthday gift, which does not require a purchase if claimed in-store (purchase required online). You do have to claim your free gift during your birthday month.
Keep an eye on exclusive offers and sales for Beauty Insider members.
Track your spending to maintain your current tier or to work towards the next one.
Can anyone join the Sephora Beauty Insider Program?
Yes, anyone can join the Sephora Beauty Insider program. It’s free to sign up either in-store or online. Once you’re signed up, you can start earning points immediately with every purchase. Just remember to provide your number, email address or scan your barcode at checkout.
Are there any tips for shopping Sephora sales?
Yes, planning ahead is key. Know the dates of big sales events (like the Sephora VIB sale which typically happens in the spring, fall and sometimes again during holiday season). Below are some more tips.
Make a wishlist in advance by adding products to your Loves in the Sephora app (<–download it here).
Consider the higher priced items that rarely go on sale—prioritize those purchases during any sales event. For example, if you were looking to get a Dyson hair tool, the VIB sale is a great time to get it discounted (limit 1 per customer).
During the holiday season sales, shop gift sets that already give more bang for your buck before the additional discount. If it’s a good deal as a gift set, it’s an even better deal once you add 10-20% off.
Request restock notifications for products that you love but are currently unavailable. It’s not unlikely that they may come back in stock before or during a sales event.
Resist the temptation to shop between sales unless you’re restocking your absolute essentials
Is the Sephora Beauty Insider Program the same as the Sephora store credit card?
No. The Sephora Beauty Insider program is completely free, open to anyone and doesn’t require signing up for the Sephora Credit Card or Sephora Visa Card store card. There are two different Sephora credit card options that come with a completely different set of benefits such as 25% off your first credit card purchase, 2X the beauty insider points and more.
Start loading up your shopping carts—the Sephora Spring Savings Event, aka the Spring VIB Sale, is coming in hot! From Friday, April 5th to Monday, April 15th, you can get your hands on some discounted beauty goodies (up to 30% off) to get you stocked up through the spring and summer (using code YAYSAVE).
Whether you’re a seasoned Sephora shopper or just getting into the beauty scene, this sale is a prime opportunity to upgrade your makeup bag.
In this blog post, I’m sharing my top Sephora recommendations for products that are worth adding to your cart during the sale. From skincare that will leave you glowing to makeup that stays and slays all day, I have your back, sis. So, grab your man’s wallet and get ready to shop ’til you drop, honey!
Want to skip ahead to must-haves from Sephora? Click one of the categories below.
When is the Sephora Savings Event, aka VIB Sale, and How Much Can I Save?
The Sephora Savings Event is a tiered sale ranging from 10% to 30% off, depending on your Beauty Insider membership status. Below are the sale dates for each tier.
Sephora Rouge: 20% off discount on all purchases (early access from April 5th to April 15th) Sephora VIB: 15% off discount on all purchases (from April 9th to April 15th) Sephora Insider: 10% discount on all purchases (April 9th to April 15th)
All tiers will receive 30% off all Sephora Collection purchases throughout the full sale dates April 5thth-April 15th. Remember to join the Sephora Beauty Insiders program before the sale.
Original Price: $16 Sale Price: starting at $12.80 Product Description: A gentle liquid cleanser that will leave your skin hydrated and never stripped of moisture.
Original Price: $38 Sale Price: starting at $30.40 Product Description: A melanin-safe hyperpigmentation correcting serum that does what it says it does and more. Period.
Original Price: $24+ Sale Price: starting at $19.20+ Product Description: A quick-absorbing body butter that will literally give you a glow that lasts. Now available in a Jumbo Size (2.5x times larger than the standard-sized jar)
Original Price: $38 Sale Price: $30.40+ Product Description: A body cream made with nourishing cupuaçu butter, hydrating coconut oil, and skin-conditioning squalane. Smells like a tropical vacation, aka Ouai’s iconic St. Barts scent, with notes of dragon fruit, orange blossom, tuberose, and Baltic amber.
Original Price: $28 Sale Price: $22+ Product Description: A tropical-scented body cleanser that will whisk you away to a remote island via your shower. A little goes a long way, and your skin is never left feeling stripped of moisture.
Original Price: $40 Sale Price: starting at $32 Product Description: A scalp and body scrub made from sugar crystals and coconut oil that will help you achieve glowing skin literally from head to toe. Also, it smells absolutely amazing.
Original Price: $33 Sale Price: starting from $26 Product Description: If you haven’t tried L’Occitane hand cream, let me be the first to tell you it works wonders for keeping your hands hydrated without leaving them greasy. They typically retail for $12 each—you’ll be paying as little as $7.60 each depending on your Insider status.
Original Price: $28 Sale Price: starting at $22 Product Description: A roll-on exfoliating skin serum powered by exfoliating acids for protecting skin from ingrown hairs (head to toe).
Original Price: $42 Sale Price: starting at $33.60 Product Description: An exfoliating scalp shampoo that’s here to rescue your scalp from build-up, dirt and more.
Original Price: $12+ Sale Price: starting at $9.60 Product Description: A frizz fighting leave in spray that actually stops humidity in its tracks. This product also offers heat protection and impeccable shine.
Original Price: $52 Sale Price: starting at $41.60 Product Description: Dry hair is no match for this nourishing shampoo and conditioning duo. Your hair will be left feeling soft and manageable (and smelling like a fruit smoothie)
Original Price: $30+ Sale Price: starting at $24+ Product Description: A bond repairing treatment that really works for all hair types. You’ll be amazed how your strands come back to life, back to reality with continuous use.
Original Price: $35+ Sale Price: starting at $28+ Product Description: If you love sweets, vanilla is always a great choice to add to your fragrance wardrobe. Two things to note about Madagascar Vanilla Oil by Nest. 1. It’s not overly sweet and nauseating. it layers well with so many perfumes that you’ll never get bored of your collection.
Original Price: $35+ Sale Price: starting at $28+ Product Description: Remember when Jody’s mama was living her best life growing her tomatoes in her garden while her man was in that kitchen making eggs? This is what I imagined she smelled like.
Original Price: $25 Sale Price: starting at $20 Product Description: This is a discovery set from Black Perfumer Chris Collins. Citrus Grande and Lost in Paradise are heavy hitters in the set.
Original Price: $35+ Sale Price: starting at $24 Product Description: A juicy fragrance from Prada featuring notes of Neroli Bud, White Amber, and White Musk.
Original Price: $20 Sale Price: $16 Product Description: Shade “Excellence”. This is rosy-brown lip oil is perfect for the gal looks to keep her lips moisturized and glossy with little to no effort. Perfect pairing with a brown liner or rocking alone.
Original Price: $51 Sale Price: $40.8 Product Description: It’s almost like this bottle has magic in it. Literally it makes your makeup instantly look like skin and #Flawless.
Original Price: starting at $15 Sale Price: from $12+ Product Description: If you need help keeping your makeup in place, this is the answer. Don’t think twice about it! Soon as you apply it, you’ll see your makeup transform right in front of your eyes.
Original Price: $40 Sale Price:$32 Product Description: This bronzer dual does a tremendous job of warming up the skin. If you want to look like a bronzed goddess year-round, this needs to be in your arsenal.
Original Price: $20+ Sale Price: $16+ Product Description: This primer doesn’t get nearly as much shine as it should (maybe because it’s mattifying). If you prefer your skin matte and poreless, forget every primer you have ever known. This is the spring/summer makeup essential you didn’t know you needed. FYI, this primer is water-based.
Original Price: from $15 Sale Price: starting at $12 Product Description: This silicone-based primer features the bright scent of citrus, peptides, and a smooth finish that’s absolutely flawless. For best results, pair with silicone-based foundation and concealer. P.S. The mini size is SUPER small.
Original Price: $42 Sale Price: starting at $33.60 Product Description: This foundation offers impeccable coverage in a comfortable matte formula. See my wear test and review here.
Original Price: $30 Sale Price: $24 Product Description: I’ve been using this concealer for 5+ years (above is me in 2019 vs 2024). The coverage is impeccable and it stays locked in.
Original Price: from $16 Sale Price: starting at $12.80 Product Description: A great choice for a lash primer, especially for barely there lashes. It literally makes any mascara you apply on top work ten times better. Consider this an investment in your lashes future.
Original Price: $15+ Sale Price: $12+ Product Description: This lifting, lengthening, and smudge-proof mascara is heaven-sent if you A. don’t care to rock falsies (especially when it’s hot out) or B. simply prefer an effortless look with your lashes. As a contact wearer with short, thin lashes, I stand by this mascara.
Original Price: $21 Sale Price: starting at $16.80 Product Description: Fenty Gloss Bomb is literally chapstick for bad bitches. If there’s one MUST BUY during the Sephora VIB sale, it’s this. I recommend going with the original Fenty Glow or Hot Chocolit shade. However, also check out Fenty Gloss Bomb Cream, the more pigmented version. You can read my review and see swatches here.
Original Price: $12 Sale Price: starting at $9.60 Product Description: Another lip oil from a Black-owned company that works really well (and is affordable af). When I say I keep that thang on me…I mean this lip oil.
I may earn a commission for purchases made through links in this post, however, all opinions are my own—YKTV.
Is this a safe space? The obvious answer is yes. I’m am not a huge fan of the cult-classic YSL Black Opium Eau De Parfum—there I said it. To clarify, I think the OG Black Opium smells great but it’s not a must-have in my fragrance collection. The slight powderiness of the fragrance is a bit off-putting for me. It reminds me of whatever fragrance my third-grade teacher drowned herself in daily or something my mother or grandmother would adore. But moving right along.
YSL came in swinging 2022 with a new version of the beloved fragrance dubbed Black Opium Illicit Green. This reimagined version of Black Opium features new scent notes like fig and mandarin for a fruity non-powdery twist on a fragrance that perfume aficionados know and love. Of course, I blind purchased the fragrance when it dropped at the end of January to see if this was a version of Black Opium that could claim a spot in my growing fragrance collection.
Price: $30 (travel spray), $78 ( 1oz perfume spray), $115 (2.5oz perfume spray) Fragrance Family: Warm & Spicy–Warm & Sweet Gourmand Key Notes: Green Mandarin, Fig, Coffee Top Note:Fig Leaf, Green Mandarin, and Pear Middle Notes:Fig, Jasmine and Orange Blossom Base Notes: Bourbon Vanilla, Coffee, and Patchouli
Fragrance Description: ” Like a shot of adrenaline, this fragrance features a signature accord of black coffee twisted with luscious, juicy green mandarin and creamy fig. A zesty and unique take on the classic Eau de parfum, Black Opium Illicit Green is energizing and thrilling to wear.”Sephora.com
What’s the difference between the original Black Opium perfume and the New Illicit Green?
If you have a decent nose for identifying scent notes, you’ll immediately notice the hint of fig and mandarin which makes this perfume a lot less powdery than its predecessor. Both scents overall smell pretty much the same. With that being said, if you already own the original you may want to skip the newest version unless you’re a die-hard Black Opium fan that wants to collect them all like infinity stones.
Let me start by saying I absolutely prefer the Black Opium Illicit Green over the original. As I mentioned before, the fruity notes did wonders for making this fragrance non-powdery which is my preference. Black Opium Illicit Green is as sexy as the original but more fitting for my personal tastes. I’m all for wearing perfume whenever you want but I’d label this as a Fall/Winter/Nighttime kind of fragrance. It’s sultry and sexy which is why I wouldn’t wear it during the day or in the middle of the summer.
Packaging + Bottle
For this Black Opium launch, YSL didn’t stray too far from the original packaging and bottle, only putting a hint of green to distinguish it between its sister scents.
After wearing it on three occasions, I have to say not so much. After just a couple of hours of wear, the scent is pretty faint. I’ve experienced the same thing when wearing the Original YSL Black Opium Perfume. For fragrances that can feel very overpowering at first, they become rather subtle rather quickly. I thought that this was just a “me thing” but when I did a poll on my Instagram, most people felt the same.
However, if you’re really into any of the Black Opium fragrances and want to make them last longer, I’d recommend applying Vaseline on your pulse points before spraying in order to help the fragrance last longer.
Pro-Tip: Apply Vaseline to your pulse points (wrists, inner elbow, chest, behind ears and behind knees) before spraying perfume to increase the longevity of the fragrance. You can purchase Vaseline on Amazon, Target, CVS and most other drugstores. (Click links to shop).
YSL Black Opium Illicit Green Eau De Parfum is exclusively available at Sephora and YSL. You can shop or save to your wishlist by clicking the buttons below.
I think it’s safe to say that NARS has a cult following when it comes to complexion products (the girls that get it, get). As a self-proclaimed foundation snob, I was absolutely delighted when I got a notification about a new foundation launching from the brand—the NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation. I was lucky enough to receive the launch along with some other goodies in PR to test and tell you all about.
What is it?
Press play for on-skin swatches.
The NARS Light Reflecting boasts a hybrid skincare + foundation formula that helps display your skin “in the best light”. In other words, this foundation has skincare benefits, targeting redness, dark spots, and many other skin concerns (keep reading to learn more).
Number of Shades: 36 Finish + Coverage: Natural, Medium Buildable Coverage Key Ingredients: – Biomimetic Oat(reduces the appearance of redness), Japanese Lilyturf (Supports a strong skin barrier by maintaining moisture), and Cacao Peptides and Milk Thistle (Minimizes the negative effect of blue light and environmental stressors) Ounces: 1 Price: $49
NARS also expanded their Light Reflecting Setting Powders (both the pressed and loose) to now include 3 NEW shades in addition to the original invisible shade “Crystal”.
What skin type is NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation best for?
Skin Types: This formula is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive according to the product description on Sephora.com. It’s intended to conceal visible redness, blemishes, and dark spots while blurring the look of wrinkles, pores, and texture.
My Skin Type: My skin is combination but strays towards the “oily” side of the spectrum. At the time of trying this foundation, my skin was experiencing some texture and dehydration in addition to healing from stubborn breakouts.
At a first glance, NARS Light Reflecting Foundation looks pretty similar to the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation that many people know and love. Reading through the description of both, they are pretty similar in terms of coverage and recommended skin types—however, it may be the radiant finish of NARS Sheer Glow that may be the biggest difference. Also, if you were annoyed that Sheer Glow doesn’t come with a pump (you have to purchase one for an additional $6, FYI), the good news is that NARS Light Reflecting Foundation comes equipped with a pump.
Additionally, NARS Sheer Glow features Vitamin C and Turmeric for brightening and evening skin tone. NARS Sheer Glow is also available in 40 shades (compared to Light Reflecting’s 36) and is priced $2 cheaper at $47.
NARS Light Reflecting Foundation after applying one layer
First Impression: The formula quite literally disappeared as I blended it into my skin. My texture looked less noticeable and my pores were blurred.
Is NARS Light Reflecting Foundation longwearing or transfer-proof?
The description suggests that this foundation is an “all-day wear” foundation. If by “all day” we’re talking about 6-8 hours or so (the average work or school day) then yes. It’s absolutely not transfer-proof.
This is how the foundation looked after 3 hours of wear.
Below was after 7-ish hours of wear.
Although the foundation in my experience wears pretty well, if you have oily-prone skin you may find the need to blot or powder through the day. As you can see I started to experience some excess shine a few hours after applying the foundation. Also, because I didn’t powder or blot my face the foundation looked “worn in”.
My shade: New Caledonia – D2 – deep with warm undertones, and an olive tone
Mika’s Rating
★★★★★
I’ll start by saying that a huge part of the reason why I took off a half a star is because of the amount of product that you receive for the price point. If you read my review for NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation (I highly suggest you read it after this review), you know that particular foundation, which I love, is priced at $40 for 1.5 ounces of product compared to the NARS Light Reflection Foundation priced at $49 for 1 ounce. For those like myself who may require a bit more product to cover imperfections, you may find that this particular foundation may not be the best option.
Other than the price point and size, I don’t have any complaints about this foundation. The formula is very liquidy and goes on skin-like. It also looks good when you get up close and personal. I’m looking forward to seeing how it pairs with similar concealer formulas in my stash. Amongst the other foundations in my collection, this may be the one I grab when I want to look “perfected” but not too made up.
Editor’s Note: I usually go for shade “Macao ” in NARS foundations, but this time around my color is “New Caledonia”. With that being said, I advise that you don’t grab your shade based on old NARS formulas. Swatch or shade match the best that you can because it seems like the shade names carried over but didn’t remain consistent colorwise.
A few months ago, I would have said HELL NO to sweet gourmand fragrances. Then I got introduced to Kilian Love Don’t Be Shy, a fragrance worn by Rihanna before launching her Fenty perfume.Kilian Love, Don’t Be Shy made me realize that smelling like sweets can be quite pleasant.
I read in a Reddit thread that Kilian confirmed via Jackie Aina‘s Instagram that Kilian Princess Perfume was discontinued everywhere except Russia. However, as of March 2022, Kilian confirmed via my Instagram DM’s that Kilian Princess and the entire My Kind of Love Collection are NOT discontinued. The collection is being redesigned, but due to stocks issues, the brand can’t put a definite date on the relaunch. Check out their DM below.
With that said, if you see Kilian Princess randomly restock, buy it without hesitation. My recommendation is to request email notifications on Sephora’s website for when (and if) the fragrance restocks. You can get notified by clicking here, selecting the size you’d want, and selecting “Email me when in stock” on the product page.
Pro-Tip: The travel size restocks more often than the full sizes. Your chances of grabbing a mini size are much higher.
Below are retailers that have carried the fragrance.
Price: 0.25 oz Travel $30, 1 oz $75, 3.4 oz $135 Fragrance Family: Warm & Sweet Gourmands Key Notes: Ginger, Green Tea, Marshmallow Top Note: Lemon Middle Notes: Green Tea, Ginger, Peach, Hedione, Jasmine, and Apple Base Notes: Marshmallow, Vanilla, and Benzoin. Fragrance Description: “I wanted to amp up the girl power with a unique scent calling out all fierce females. Gourmand with a kick, Princess is like sipping on a green tea matcha with a tip of ginger on the nose for sassy spice.”—Kilian Hennessy.
Kilian describes this scent as unisex/genderless. However, it’s evident that Princess was created with feminity in mind. Someone who may want but also doesn’t need a man. She’s secure in herself. She’s spicy yet sweet and gets a kick out of men fighting for her attention (though she’s never impressed).
I love this scent (an understatement). The marshmallow notes make it somewhat of a hyper-feminine scent (kind of like Prada Candy), but the touches of ginger and green tea do a great job of calming down the sweetness. Kilian’s Princess was a blind buy for me, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from the fragrance, but it did not disappoint. I’ve already purchased my second bottle, and I’m waiting patiently for a restock or relaunch to get a third. Princess is signature status for sure.
Packaging/Bottle
As you can see, the box of the Kilian Princess perfume is a play on the actual bottle. The inverted bottle is unique. At the top rounded part, you’ll find the perfume. The base is the cap of the fragrance. My first instinct was that the nature of the perfume bottle would cause it to leak down through the “cap” (since it sits upside down essentially), but I haven’t experienced that.
The Scent and My Body Chemistry
As far as the scent goes, when I first spray the perfume, I get a kick of ginger, but when it dries down, the marshmallow swoops in to soften the ginger notes. I can’t say that I really pick up the green tea notes a ton. If you find Kilian, Love Don’t Be Shy to be overly sweet, Princess is a good alternative that incorporates marshmallows without smelling like a candy shop.
The one thing I didn’t quite enjoy about Kilian Princessis that it didn’t last long, IMO. The first time I wore this perfume, I overdid the sprays, putting some in my hair (wig) and clothes. I don’t find it to be an all-day fragrance on the skin alone. This is a perfume that you want to layer with another scent or apply vaseline at your pulse points to make it last longer. May I also add that I finished a whole 1.7-ounce bottle within a few months, which never happens? I attribute that to how often I wore the fragrance and that I have to spray a ton for it last on me.
Pro-Tip: To make your perfume last longer, apply Vaseline at your pulse points before spraying the perfume. The vaseline will act as a magnet for the perfume to cling onto and linger longer throughout the day.
Want to be notified when Kilian Princess restocks? Sign up on Sephora and follow me on Instagram and Twitter!
In this edition of “TikTok made me buy it,” we have Outre’s Melted Hairline Lace Front Wig HD in style “Jenni.” Once upon a time, synthetic wigs gave old-er church lady vibes (why so shiny yet stiff?). However, today’s synthetic wigs are giving human lace wigs a run for their money. Outre’s Melted Hairline HD wigs are one of the more popular lines of HD synthetic, according to some of the wig wizards on the innanet. Of course, I had to try it out for myself to give y’all the tea. Did I mention this wig starts at $35 (prices vary based on color)?
The details of the Wig (I’m wearing the color Golder Amber)
Jenni after styling with hot rollers. This was after day 5 of testing this wig btw.
I applied this synthetic wig using Bold Hold Liquid Gold as my adhesive. To flatten the top of the wig (surrounding the part) I used She Is Bomb Collection Wax Stick and an electric hot comb. To curl the front of the wig just a bit more, I used T3 Micro Hot Rollers. This helped the Jenni wig look a bit more curled in the front than it comes out of the pack. As I mentioned earlier,Outre’s Melted Hairline collection generally withstands up to 400 degrees in heat.
I wore the Outre Melted Hairline “Jenni” “wig five times for at least 5 hours each (and once while biking with a helmet on—that’s how dedicated I was to see what this wig had to offer). The tangling was minimal. For the hair to be so full, it doesn’t tangle nearly as much as I expected it to. It tangled a bit more than a human hair wig but not to the point of knotting up. To detangle, I brushed it with a Felecia Leatherwood detangling hairbrush.
Jenni wig styled with T3 Micro Hot Rollers. This is after a couple of wears, so the wig needed a shampoo.
There was some shedding but not a ton. The shedding is more than likely coming from cutting the lace and manipulating the parting, which wig wearers know is bound to happen when you’re dealing with lace.
With no hesitation, I must say yes. For starters, this particular style is soft, effortless, and pretty. The wig’s layers are cut perfectly, though I did consider cutting it a bit more in the front. It reminds me of a Dominican blowout done on coarse hair (the fibers on the wig are kinky/yaki textured). If you’ve been looking for a reason to try Amazon Wigs, let this blog post be your sign to pull the trigger.
While the lace is decent for a synthetic, I still needed to add a powder foundation to make the lace match with my skin (Try: FENTY Pro Fil’tr Powder Foundation, Sephora Microblur Powder). I love that I can wear it pre-styled or curl it to get it a bit more defined.
Most recently, I found myself on the fragrance side of Instagram and TikTok. After stumbling upon amazing fragrance pages such as @BlackGirlsSmellGood, I’ve found myself even more invested in uncovering new (to me) fragrances and adding new scents to my collection. The latest addition being Replica By the Fireplace Eau de Toilette by Maison Margiela.
What’s the Hype?
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CUf2rYSBbnm/
If you’re not familiar with Replica Maison Margiela, let me start by saying this is a collection of luxury fragrances. The perfumes typically range from $30 (for travel size) to $135 (a 3.4 full-sized bottle). The hype behind Replica by Maison Margiela is the brand’s commitment to replicating places and moments in time by creating scents inspired by them, transporting you there through smell.
The label of each fragrance gives a complete description of the time, place, and memory that the scent is meant to evoke. As you may have already guessed, By The Fireplace emulates just that—but more explicitly burning wood and chestnuts.
“The warm scent of burning wood recreated by Cashmeran. Addictive grilled chestnuts made with an accord of smoky Gaiac wood & sweet vanilla.”- MaisonMargiela-Fragrances.us
Top notes: Pink Pepper, Orange Flower Petals, Clove Oil Middle notes: Chestnut Accord, Gaïac Wood Oil, Cade Oil Base notes: Vanilla Accord, Peru Balsam, Cashmeran
Generally speaking, I’m not into woody or gourmand (sweet edible fragrance), and Replica By The Fireplace is both in one. I typically love florals and fresh fragrances. I’m pleasantly surprised with how much I likeReplica By The Fireplace. It’s a bit earthy when you first catch a whiff of the scent, but it dries down to be sweet, light, and pleasant.
The woody notes make it feel made for the Fall and Winter. If I had to describe the scent as a place, I’d have to say it takes me to a weekend girl’s trip to the Poconos that involves lots of sweet treats and champagne. It also reminds me of the holiday season in Manhattan. Think of smelling fresh-cut Christmas trees and roasted candied nuts from the street vendors.
Quite honestly, for an eau de toilette (less perfume oil than Eau de parfum), I must say that the fragrance lasts for a decent amount of time (5 hours, give or take). I, of course, spray on pulse points but I also enjoy just lightly spritzing whatever top I have on.
It’s for whoever chooses to wear it. However, the fragrance is a true unisex scent. I don’t find it to lean more masculine than feminine or vice versa.
Replica By The Fireplace is indeed a unique scent, and I’m happy I added it to my collection. I don’t see myself wearing this during the spring or the summer. However, the fragrance indeed makes me want to book a quick fall getaway somewhere by the fireplace. Mission accomplished.
Summer, you’ve been great, but it’s time to usher in my girl autumn, starting with some fall sneakers. If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, or TikTok, you know I always share things that I love (shoes and sneakers especially). In an effort to keep track of the things that I’m eyeing in an organized and shareable way, I’ve decided to bring shopping lists (like this one) over to my blog. Behold—pairs of sneakers that I’d add to my wardrobe without dealing with the stress of the SNKRS App.
Clearly, Converse is trying to show the gworls (girls that they aren’t basic. This new spin on the popularized skippy sneaker is equipped with a bit more intricate details on the sole that make them a true statement chunky high-top sneaker. They do give you a good amount of height and a little bounce in your walk—I just thought I should share that with you.
Converse is two for two from the free-throw line. This sneaker-boot hybrid is another one worthy of adding to your collection if OG Chucks just aren’t your vibe.
This is not a test—2022 is officially the new 2009, and the girls are spinning the block on Isabel Marant Wedge sneakers. The updated style of these sneakers comes in interesting color ways, and they have a nice chunky sole that makes them feel a bit more rough and rugged but still with a feminine touch.
If you like the style of Yeezy Boost 700, meet Adidas Ozelia, They are a similar style but at a more affordable price point and, of course, more accessible.
Veja may not be on many people’s radar, but you likely won’t be disappointed with the quality of these sneakers. They’re higher priced than your average sneaker brand, but the high-quality materials justify that. According to reviewers, this particular Veja style runs a bit small but is overall pretty comfy for wider feet, FYI.
Of all the Nike Air Max sneakers to exist, Air Max 1s may be the least hyped but totally worth every penny. They are sleek af and they’re comfy (made for walking). This particular colorway is undeniably very fitting for the fall season.
The pandemic is slowly erasing the concept of seasonal colors, and this fall, we’re seeing people making statements in bold hues and metallics. If you’re a color enthusiast and willing to splurge on a sneaker, these Balenciaga Track sneakers in the grey multi-color way deserve a space in your collection.
The dad-style Rhyton sneakers from Gucci are a refreshing change from their crowd-pleasing skippy style kicks. Though this color/pattern-blocked style may not be appealing to everyone, the girls that get it, get it and will slay in these for fall seasons to come.
Between the way lines reminiscent of flames, the Air cushioning, and reflective details, you’ll never get tired of having a pair of Air Max Plus in your closet. This colorway is, unfortunately, only available in the Big Kids size range. If you happen to fall within that bracket, grab them now and ask questions later.
I really tried to avoid putting resale-market sneakers on this list, but Air Jordan 1 Mocha just screams “fall.” These sneakers can go with damn near everything neutral in your closet but be careful because, at the price point, you don’t want to turn these into beaters. If you willing to splurge bump these to the top of your fall sneaker wishlist.
There’s something about the silhouette alone of New Balance 574s that meshes with the fall season so well, especially if you live in sweats (the stylish kind specifically). New Balance always makes some of the most comfortable sneakers if you want to live your best cozy life, these are some of the best fall sneakers for women (everyone really) that money can buy.
I don’t think anyone foresaw Asics making a comeback in 2022, but the word on the street is if you want to get into the brand, starting with the Cumulus 24 sneakers is your best bet. Not only are they simple, but they’re also comfortable and will have you feeling like you’re walking on clouds and not cement.
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