When I first saw the Fenty Beauty video campaign appear on Instagram, I couldn't help but scream YAS! at my phone. An inclusive campaign with a minimal aesthetic shot at the golden hour - SIGN. ME. UP. That whole vibe is right up my alley. Once I was able to get my hands on some of the Fenty Beauty products, the Cocoa Color Story was the first thing I shot.
Read MoreLike the rest of the internet I am OBSESSED with Fenty Beauty. Not only are the products inclusive but the aesthetic still manages to feel fresh while bringing a touch of glam to the table. Check out how I get my #FENTYFACE in the video below! All products used are listed.
Read MoreAccessibility is not a word we're used to hearing when discussing diversity or inclusion in the beauty industry. But it should be.
What do I mean by "accessibility?" Perhaps its easier explain how there is a lack thereof.
As much as we all want to see beauty brands create more inclusive ranges of color cosmetics, that venture is almost futile if the products can't be easily accessed by the consumer.
Some of the most "inclusive" foundation launches of 2017 did not make the darker shades available to consumers in stores. Interested parties with deeper complexions were forced to guesstimate their shade online with little help from the brand.
Let's talk shop. In addition to the growing number of black female entrepreneurs out there, many of us in the beauty community are creators. If you have your own YouTube channel, or dedicated beauty Instagram page, or Twitter account, you have a brand. Our latest Beauty Branding series will focus on tips and tricks to strengthen your beauty brand.
While things like Instagram algorithms and shadow bans can be discouraging, having a strong brand presence will help your brand continue to expand, grow in the long haul.
Read MoreThe minimalist in me keeps gravitating toward soft, yet striking looks. I was listening to some Sade the other day and instantly remembered this iconic photo of her.
Read MoreWhen I first became interested in makeup, I didn't see it as a way to alter my looks or hide my features, I saw it as a way to further express my creativity. Similar to my interests in fashion, dipping and dabbling in makeup just seemed like something I would really enjoy.
The satisfaction of finding the perfect red lip or the perfect bronzy eye shadow was analogous to finding the perfect pair of boyfriend jeans ---gratifying, rewarding, in other words, sweet.
Read MoreIn makeup, perfecting your base is so important. Your makeup look can be thrown completely off if you happen to choose a foundation with flashback or one with the wrong undertone. This is one of the main reasons why foundation shopping can be soooo frustrating. (And why people really need to stop asking us to "wait" for brands to create deeper shades after their initial launches )
Read More"Be patient," they said.
"They will probably release more shades soon." they said.
"Give them a chance," they said.
"Stop complaining, it's just makeup." they said.
Do any of these phrases sounds familiar?
Read MoreAs a minimalist, I really appreciate soft "no makeup, makeup" looks. I came across this old ELLE mag cover with VS model Jasmine Tookes and her smoky glossy halo eye immediately caught my eye.
Read MoreWe should know by now that "nude" is not a one size fits all concept, however, beauty lovers with darker complexions often have a tougher time finding nude lipsticks that are marketed and catered towards them.
Read MoreThis week's Cocoa Color Story is inspired by nature once again..well outer space. Its kind of an intergalactic eye look heavily inspired by the stars in the sky.
Read MoreThis #CocoaTut is all about that "Off Duty Model" look...you know, the minimal bold glam looks you see when models like Duckie, Jourdan Dunn, Philomena Kwao, or Herieth Paul are out and about, looking bomb.com. Check out the tutorial below.
Read MoreSo we all know the Instagram algorithm sucks, especially for creatives trying to build an audience and clientele through the platform. The fact that the Instagram posts on your feed aren't in chronological order means that a bulk of you MISS what we post. Instagram + the Cocoa Swatches app are the two places we normally where we share swatches of the latest products, first.
Read MoreCheck out some tips and tricks for applying false lashes for those with super curly lashes.
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