I’ve been gone… for a while. I know.
But I’m here, alive, and mostly well. The past year has been a lot, mostly in a positive way and somewhat in a living-and-learning way. That means that I have some new content ideas that I cannot wait to share in this space, but completely at my own pace.
When I began this site, I intended to utilize it primarily as a space for myself to write, feel, and exist on my own terms. To me, the external influences (and rewards) come second to that. With that, I’ve been learning to pace myself at my own self-imposed pace (or my lack of a set pace?), as to avoid stressing myself out unnecessarily about having fresh “content” when being a content creator was never my goal. I am hoping that changing and reframing my mindset and re-centering my “why” and purpose for existing in this space will change the way I navigate creating and publishing content here.
Now that we’ve addressed my absence, let’s hop into the fun topic of this post: makeup and other products from Black businesses that I’ve come to love!
Mari by Marsai
When I found out on Twitter that Marsai Martin of Black-ish was launching a press-on nail business called Mari by Marsai, I knew that I had to support. I was sold before I even saw the nail collection, honestly. On launch morning the CEO set, pictured below on me, was calling my name. I had no idea that the set, priced at $22, would come with 24 nails, in addition to the usual kit of nail glue, adhesive strips, and an alcohol pad. I was pleasantly surprised because I found that I needed to use the second set of 12 nails to get the perfect fit for each index, middle, and ring finger.
I’m not a huge fan of long nails for daily use because I type and use keyboard functions frequently as a part of my full-time job, and I find that longer lengths get in the way. However, I love this set for vacation time or quick events where I want nails that are longer. I’m excited to see what else the brand releases—I’m specifically looking forward to a short-medium length collection!
Hogoé Kpessou
Hogoé Kpessou, also known has HK, is a Black woman owned brand that has certainly become more popular since my first purchase. HK is a luxury brand which currently creates a variety of bags, including handbags, messenger bags, backpacks, and crossbody bags, as well as a women’s clothing collection was launched in the last year.
I first purchased from the brand in late January/early February of 2021 as a Valentine’s Day treat to myself. I decided on the Wine Red Leather Saddle Crossbody Bag. The bag went for $110 when I initially purchased, but is now listed for $200.
The brand has since changed the emblem on the crossbody bag, but I’m sure that the quality now is the same, if not better.
The Lip Bar
I made my first The Lip Bar purchase sometime in early 2021. I’d been eyeing the brand for a while and finally decided to make a purchase. Pictured below are the products that I ordered.
Of the products pictured, the Girl Boss lip gloss (top right), the Finishing Powder, and the Hi-Brow eyebrow pencil and gel are my favorites. The Hi-Brow pencil is a daily use item for me. It works as intended and is about the only eyebrow tool I use these days.
But let’s get into that lip gloss. I’d been searching for a perfect pink nude-adjacent gloss for a while and this was it! It’s moisturizing on the lips and pigmented enough to be worn alone, or with a brown liner which is my go-to. I’m running low, so I’ll need to restock soon, but I typically keep that tube in my purse.
As I write this, I’m waiting on another shipment from The Lip Bar which contains the Bawse Bundle Collection, and eyebrow pencil, and their signature mascara. Can’t wait to see how TLB’s classic red Bawse Bundle Collection looks on my skin.
Juvia’s Place
Juvia’s Place now has a special place in my makeup collection after my last couple of purchases from them. Sometime last year, I bought The Wahala 2 eyeshadow palette from their website. It’s no longer listed for sale on the brand’s site, but it is on sale on Amazon. The palette is full of color and perfect someone like me who is interested in expanding their eyeshadow usage beyond the typical browns and golds.
The first time I experimented with the palette, I ended up creating a look that I still love to this day. In fact, some of my favorite looks have come from the colors in this palette.
My second eyeshadow palette purchase from them was The Warrior. Although I love the bright colors in The Wahala 2, I had to stay true to my roots and purchase a palette full of gorgeous nudes, browns, bronzes, and golds. As a lover of these colors on my eyes, I love The Warrior. Dahomey, Idia, and Kano (pictured below) are my favorites.
Grounded
Pivoting from makeup—did anyone else become a big Plant Parent during the pandemic? When I heard that a Black owned plant/nursery business was starting up in my city, I rushed to support.
Grounded is a Black woman owned business that focuses on the benefit that the appreciation of plants has on mental health. They’ve greatly expanded their collection of plants and planters since my first purchase, but take a look at my pothos when I first got her!
TheMissEsquire 