ashantenicolestyle

[ashantenicolestyle]

I Redesigned my Telfar Bag

Like the rest of the internet, I was eager to hop on the Telfar train. Ever since I read an article in 2019 about the brand’s CFDA success, I just knew I had to get my hands on the Brooklyn Birkin.

Unfortunately, my enthusiasm overpowered my typical shopping guidelines, and I never realized that the signature double shoulder straps weren’t removable. So I purchased 2 small shopping bags and was disappointed when I wanted to use the top handles and could only stuff the shoulder straps inside the micro bag.

Unfortunately, my enthusiasm overpowered my typical shopping guidelines, and I never realized that the signature double shoulder straps weren’t removable. So I purchased 2 small shopping bags and was disappointed when I wanted to use the top handles and could only stuff the shoulder straps inside the micro bag. The straps took up half of the space. In addition, they prevented the button closure from staying securely shut, exposing my valuables at the very top of the bag.

It was really bugging me, and I was long past the return date. Besides, I didn’t want to really return it; I just wanted the straps changed. So I got to work and DIYed a solution.

I didn’t want to completely get rid of the shoulder strap. I just wanted the ability to take it off if I wanted to use the top handles. So I carefully cut the shoulder straps down into the lining, so the parts separated into the bag seam weren’t visible. I then added gold loops to the interior lining and use a gold chain strap from an old bag to give it a luxe feel. I, of course, have the option of adding any strap I want, which can make the bag appropriate for any occasion.

This is definitely the most functional solution for me. I definitely suggest making this adjustment if it better suits your taste. Unfortunately, the company does not offer this type of alteration, even for an additional fee. If you aren’t confident in your abilities, I suggest contacting The Leather Spa in NYC, which has strap alteration services (GET MORE INFO).

In addition to the company not making these alterations, they are also consistently sold out. 😕 If you’re waiting for your chance to join the Telfie squad, your best bet is adding your name to the mailing list or waiting to place a pre-order during the next, unannounced, security program date.

See my newly designed Telfar bag in action! 👇🏽 Visit the Telfar Online Shop for more info on the brand.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ashanté Nicole (@ashante.nicole)

[ashantenicolestyle]

Eyetitude Eye Care

They say that one of the first places you can tell a woman is aging is her eyes, so lately, I have spent extra care of the very delicate skin in my eye area. A few months ago, I was sent products from Eyetitude to test out. If you’re unfamiliar with Eyetitude, they are a women-owned, eye area-only beauty company designed to repair, rejuvenate, and protect the sensitive skin around your eyes. I was sent two products to pair together, and I can finally share my thoughts on the products.

NoCrowZ Retinol Eye Cream ($79)

NoCrowZ Retinol Eye Cream aims to fight lines, wrinkles, skin damage to reveal youthful-looking eyes, and a visible reduction in aging signs.

The vegan formula is cruelty-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, fragrance-free, and soy-free. It contains:

Retinyl Palmitate that converts to Vitamin A, providing consistent moisture retention;

Vitamin E to load the eye area with nourishment and protection;

Gentle retinol that produces a remarkable reduction in wrinkles and dark spots.

While I haven’t noticed a reduction in dark spots or fine lines since I do not have many, to begin with, I like how hydrating this formula is. Most eye retinols I’ve tried aren’t the most moisturizing, so I do like that benefit.

I also noticed that this doesn’t plump the eye as much as other retinols I’ve tried. I wish it had immediate effects, even if not permanent. I like to start my day with visibly hydrated eyes, so I tend to use this mostly at night and in conjunction with other products.

EyeZ-Luronic Serum ($65)

The second product I received was the Eyez-Luronic serum, that delivers the maximum allowable amounts of Hyaluronic Acid combined with Japanese Tea Extracts to soften fine lines and increase moisture retention. The vegan formula is cruelty free, paragon free, sulphate free, and oil free. It also contains Japanese Tea Extracts supports skin cell turnover resulting in stronger, firmer skin layers.

This formula is extremely liquidy, almost like water. It is in an air pump bottle which can be a little messy to use. It tends to shoot out and runs very quickly, so I wish it was housed in an eye dropper bottle for better application.

Because it is watery, it absorbs rather quickly into the skin. I enjoy using it as a base for my other eye products, as I believe it helps with the absorption and retention of other products better than a toner.

I think that as a new brand, they are off to a good start. I think a few formula and packaging improvements could be made to really enhance the effectiveness of the product, but I do not think they are bad products. If you are new to skincare, I think they would be great starter products.

If you are interested in checking out Eyetitude, check out their full range of products in the Eyetitude Online Shop.

[ashantenicolestyle]

Softstar Shoes

 Having a broad flat foot makes it difficult to find the perfect pair of comfortable and cute flats. So when I was contacted by Softstar shoes to try out their brand, I jumped at the chance to see if I could find the perfect pair.

If you’re unfamiliar with Softstar, they are hand-crafted in the USA brand, making the best minimal style shoes out of their workshop in Oregon. The socially and environmentally responsible company creates shoes from breathable and soft leather shoes that are also customizable and have minimal impact on the environment.

I received a pair of barefoot sneakers for running, as well as the Adult Ballerina Flat in Sunflower ($160).

I provided my foot measurements before ordering, which ensured that they fit my foot dimensions perfectly. They have a super cushiony insole, as well as a woven raised, and almost bumpy rubber sole that helps to cushion shock impact when you walk.

I chose yellow because I have almost no colored shoes in my wardrobe. Still, I can see myself getting a neutral pair in brown or black, so I have a comfortable go with everything when I have meetings or long days at photoshoots.

If you’re interested in finding comfy flats, sandals, or athletic shoes that are handmade with love, head over to the Softstar website to explore all they have to offer!

[ashantenicolestyle]

Pink Wreath Rose Quartz Roller

As soon as summer hit, I noticed an increase of inflammation in my face. I don’t know if its the humidity, or allergies, or both but the morning puffiness has been on a different level. Luckily I have one tool in my arsenal that helps me with this problem; my pink wreath rose quartz roller.

Rose quartz rollers are known to help with a number of skin issues. Some of the key benefits include:

Improve blood circulation and skin tone;

Eliminate toxins;

Improve elasticity of the skin;

Promote lymphatic drainage;

Reduce puffiness and wrinkles;

tighten and reduce pore size;

Reduce dark under eye circles

My go to has been the Pink Wreath Facial Roller ($29). Unlike other rollers I’ve tried, this one is fairly heavy. I can actually feel the effects of using this roller on my skin. Especially when it is fresh out of the refrigerator. The cool, smooth stone immediately tightens my pores and I can see a visible difference in my morning eye puffiness.

I have a jade roller too, but out of the two I definitely prefer my rose quartz. If you’re looking to add a roller to your skincare routine, I would recommend going the quartz route for sure.

[ashantenicolestyle]

Roen Beauty 11:11 Palette

One day I was scrolling Instagram, and came across some eyeshadow swatches that blew me away. Instead of the typical photoshopped arm swatches, they actually showed the eyeshadows on models with different complexions, and the way the shimmers popped was insane. I had never heard of Roén before this, but I immediately took to the internet to find out who they are, and why their shadows looked so good.

I ended up ordering the 11:11 Palette ($42) which is an eyeshadow quad with highly reflective cream to powder shimmers. The Lid Illumes all vegan and gluten free, and contain 4 warm toned shadows that can be staples in every woman’s makeup regime.

The 4 shadows in the palette are Situation, Hashtag, Ciao!, and Rosie. I had the best time photographing these shadows because no matter the lighting condition, or angle, they looked like melted metals and are just as beautiful in person.

And they swatched just as beautifully. I could immediately tell that little editing was done to the images on the site because of how they photographed unedited on my phone. They appear to be metallic and almost wet, but they’re powders. They may honestly be the best shimmer shades I have in my collection.

So would I recommend this palette even though it’s a little pricey? ABSOLUTELY. The pay off is completely worth the price. I won’t even think twice when I go to purchase more of their quads and single shadows.

To learn more about Róen, and to see their full range of products, visit the Róen Online Store.

[ashantenicolestyle]

Artist Couture Midnight Maven Palette

When Artist Couture released their first eyeshadow palette, I was first in line to pick one up. I was already a fan of their loose highlighter formula, so I knew their shadow formula would not disappoint. And the color story?!? I was all in!

The Midnight Maven palette ($29) is an 8-pan mini palette, that features vibrant bold pinks, purples and blues as well as creamy neutrals. Perfect for creating any late night sultry look.

The shades in the palette are described as:

Quickie - Matte light warm nude

Rendezvous - Dark blue base with multidimensional teal reflects

After Hours - Dark Purple base with multidimensional violet reflects

Lights Out - Metallic magenta pressed pigment

Frisky - Matte light terracotta 

Rebel - Matte deep warm brown pressed pigment

Night Cap - Matte plum pressed pigment

Vixen - Matte neon pink pressed pigment 

The cruelty-free and vegan formulas are free, fragrance, parabens, silicones, and sulfates. They have a creamy texture that makes the mattes easy to apply, and blend seamlessly. The shimmers have an intense impact, expected given how luminous their highlighters are.

The first shade I was drawn to was the shimmery deep turquoise, so I created a bright smokey eye.

I mostly stuck to 4 shades to create this look. Rendezvous on the lid and on the lower lash line, Frisky and Rebel in my crease, and vixen to smoke out my bottom lash line slightly + add a pop of pink. I do wish there was a matte teal in the palette so I could have blown out the blue higher, but I was still impressed by the color pay off.

All in all, this is a great palette. It is at an affordable price point and has wonderful formulations that you would expect to come from Artist Couture. While it is sold out on the Artist Couture website, it is still available through Sephora online and in select stores.

Artist Couture has since released 2 additional eyeshadow palettes, so you can view their full range of products in their Online Shop. Comment below and let me know if you’re picking any up!

[ashantenicolestyle]

Cheeky Physique

Like most women, my two biggest problem areas are my arms and the back of my thighs. So when I began my weight loss journey, I was looking for products to help speed up the toning and hit my goals quicker. It was perfect timing when I was contacted to try Cheeky Physique, a company that specializes in various toning products for different parts of your body.

I received two of their top products to test out. The first was Arm Sleek ($38).

Arm sleek is a firming serum, made with Actigym Marine Extract, Caffeine, and Peptides to help firm your upper arms. Actigym™ marine extract helps firm and refine the look of the upper arms; caffeine smooths and tones the skin for a more defined look; and peptides create a smoother appearance on aging skin.

The second product I received was Contour Sleek ($38).

Contour sleek contains Camellia Japonica oil, Gotu Kola, and Algae extract to help firm the appearance of cellulite. It also has essential oils including juniper, grapefruit and geranium to help eliminate toxins, firm and tone the look of trouble spots, and smooth the skin.

I began using these products on their own before I had a solid workout routine. I will say that I do not believe that any externally applied product works well on its own, and these products are no exception. I noticed they worked best once I changed my diet and began working out. My skin had a smoother and more even appearance, but you definitely need to be actively changing your body from the inside to get the most out of them.

If you’re looking for a magic product to do all the work for you, I personally wouldn’t expect that. But if you are looking for a product to help accelerate the results of a diet change, and fitness regime then I’d try Cheeky Physique out.

To see their full range of toning products, and learn more about the company, visit the Cheeky Physique Online Store.

[ashantenicolestyle]

Susosu Water

Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, I’ve been spending a lot more time working out outdoors. I’m sure that you can imagine it not being the easiest task in the year round Florida heat and humidity. I frequently end up getting winded and losing my energy much quicker than when I am in the gym.

For me the easiest pickup are sports drinks, but I’ve been looking for natural alternatives to the often very sugary energy drinks on the market, that cause me to be jittery. Plus constant intake really isn’t good for our sensitive systems not meant to process those chemicals. So when the owner of Susosu water reached out to see if I was interested in trying out their brand, I was immediately intrigued by their brand concept.

Susosu water is made from the fresh waters of Uiseong, South Korea, sand filled with all-natural mineral elements including Potassium, Selenium, Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium and Silicon. They come in 100% recyclable, thick layers of aluminum to keep hydrogen sealed inside, so you always get the freshest tasting water in every single punch.

Benefits of drinking Susosu water include:

Natural energy booster by decreasing their lactic acid build-up during physical activity;

Powerful antioxidant that penetrates skin cells to improve skin hydration, collagen, and reducing sun spots by decreasing oxidative damage;

Powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Who knew you could get all of that from water? I know I didn’t!

Susosu water cases are available in a 10- pack of 300 ML pouches for $20.79, a 20-pack for $38.39, or a 30-pack for $55.20. You can also subscribe and have an automatic delivery shipped out every 1,2, 3 or 4 weeks for 15% off any of the packs you choose.

To learn more about the company and the benefits of hydrogen water, or to pick up a case to test out, visit the Susosu Online Store Today!

[ashantenicolestyle]

Colourpop Uh-Huh Honey Shadow Palette

If you’ve read some of my previous blogs, you know I am a fan of the monochromatic 9-pan palettes from Colourpop. Since summer is finally upon us, I decided it was time to break out the warm colors and take a closer look at the Uh-Huh Honey Shadow Palette.

Like the other monochromatic palettes, this one is priced at $12 and features 9 glitter, shimmer, and matte shadows in various yellow hues. The shades in the palette are described as:

Stinger: matte buttery yellow

Sunburst: metallic lemon yellow with blue glitter

Sweet Spot: matte primary yellow

Dandy: metallic vibrant yellow gold

Palooza: bright yellow with a copper duochrome shift

Queen B: metallic dandelion

Totally Buggin': matte butterscotch yellow

Oh Beehave: matte mustard

Buzz Kill: matte yellow brown

Like the others, this one is no different when it comes to formulation. They are highly pigment and easily bendable. In fact, these are actually easier to work with than the cool tone palettes, since warm tones are generally easier to formulate than cool shades. This one also differs from the previous palettes because it contains one of Colourpop’s exclusive pressed glitter shades.

Because I have an olive skin tone, there are many shades of yellow that simply do not look good on me. I like that this palette has different undertones, so I can get away with using most of them. I also enjoy that there is a brown shade with a yellow undertone for the crease area. This is something that has been missing from the other monochromatic palettes. You won’t need to reach for a companion palette because that brown tone is included.

Final Thoughts

If you are in need of yellow shadows, this is a great affordable option to add a variety of yellow shimmers and mattes to your collection. It is great for the summer months, or to take on any vacation you have planned (if we’re ever allowed outside again). Whether you’re a makeup newbie, or an experienced working artist, you will get good usage out of this palette, for every level of makeup application knowledge.

[ashantenicolestyle]

Smith & Cult Locked and Lit CBD Lip Balm

Finding a good lip balm or chapstick can be a difficult task. Outside of the medicated drugstore options, most lip balms fall short of their product claims and can leave lips dry, or cracked throughout the day.

I’ve been using the Smith & Cult lip balm for a few months, and it is the complete opposite of what I previously described. By and far, it surpasses all product claims, and expectations. The Clear Locked & Lit CBD Li Balm ($21) is described as a hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) treatment that helps soothe and protect while coconut-derived MCT oil provides intense hydration. It is a gluten-free, vegan lip calm infused with the following ingredients:

Real Hemp-Derived Cannabidiol (CBD) soothes and protects lips

Coconut-derived MCT oil seals in moisture and hydrates

Apple seed oil, rich in Vitamins A, E, & fatty acids, helps maintain smooth, supple lips

Subtle juicy apple scent

It has a very creamy texture that is lightweight, and not sticky. It also seems to absorb into lips slower, so your lips are hydrated and coated much longer than other lip treatments. I also love that the top of the jar is mirrored, so you can use it to apply the balm anywhere you are.

This is currently my favorite lip balm. I use it during the day and in my night time skincare routine. I always wake up with soft and hydrated lips when I put it on before bed. If soft lips are what you are after, this is my top recommendation.

If you’re interested in giving this lip balm a try, check out all shades of Smith & Cult’s Locked and Lit CBD Lip Balms. Also take a look at their full range of CBD Infused Products, for other lip coverage options.

[ashantenicolestyle]

Baby Tress Edge Styler

Like most women with natural hair, I was using a tooth brush to style my baby hairs. I got to a point where I thought to myself, this isn’t the answer. Not only is it not what the bristles are intended for, it just didn’t look good in any hair content I wanted to film. So I began my search for an elevated replacement.

While there are many edge brushes and combs on the market, I came across Baby Tress on twitter one day, and was immediately hooked. I bought one without thinking twice.

Baby Tress is a small black owned business that created a 3-in-1 Edge Styler Brush, that makes it easy to style your baby hairs any way you please. Available in 6 color ways, the $15 brush has a a comb to separate and smooth, natural boar bristles to swoop and shape, and a pointed tip for the finishing details.

What I love about the brush is how easy it is to use, as well as keep clean. Tooth brushes often get discolored and product build up attracts dust which shortens the life line of them. Because this is designed specifically for your hair, the bristles are spaced out far enough so you can thoroughly clean both the brush and comb ends. It also has a protective cap that you can use to keep dust particles out of the bristles.

Final Thoughts

If you want to upgrade your edge styling, I would absolutely recommend adding Baby Tress to your brush collection. As soon as they launch more colors, I’m planning on picking up a few more just to have as back ups.

If you want to see how easy it is to use Baby Tress, check out the video below of me pairing the brush with my Style Factor Pomade.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ashanté Nicole (@ashante.nicole) on Oct 25, 2019 at 5:14am PDT

[ashantenicolestyle]

Mo Knows Hair Collection

For almost 10 years, I have been a huge fan of Mo Knows Hair. Back when I was doing public relations for a hair brand, she was one of the first Youtuber’s I developed a working relationship with. I always enjoyed how informative and educational her reviews were, and I’ve watched from a distance as she became a licensed stylist and grew her channels. So when I saw she was launching her own collection of products with Sally Beauty, I had to get my hands on them!

The Mo Knows Hair collection is comprised of 8 products, all affordably priced between $9.99 and $11.99. At the time I purchased I had a massive overflow of curl cleansing and conditioning products, but had almost no styling products. I didn’t get the collection but I did get all of the styling products to test out.

The first product I picked up was the Curl Primer Leave In Treatment ($10.99). It is a spray leave in that is formulated with apricot, meadow foam oils and mango butter for conditioning and shine. It is extremely lightweight and has great detangling properties. This is actually the first product I finished and way before the others. It is good for out of the shower detangling, as well as curl refreshing for in-between washes.

The second product I picked up was the Curl Styling Potion ($10.99). The difference between this product and the leave in treatment, is that this is a cream product with light hold, and helps to volumize hair. It is a 2-in-1 Leave in styling product, that is formulated with apricot, argan oil and marshmallow root for moisture and shine. It is described as being great for all curl types, and great for braids, twists, up-dos and wash-n-go styles.

The third product I picked up was the Curl Smoothing Pudding ($11.99). The pudding is a thicker cream that smooths and defines, while providing flexible hold and beautiful bounce. It is formulated with the same ingredients as the other products, and is great for twist-outs and braid-outs for every curl type and texture. It is also great for gel free updos, or slicked back buns, and will not flake. I often use it when I do gel free wash and gos, and my hair stays tangle free and hydrated for the 4 days between washing and resetting.

The final product I picked up was the Curl Setting Gel ($10.99). It is also infused with apricot and argan oil, with wheat protein for hold and shine without crunch or dryness. It is described to fight humidity and frizz in a lightweight formula, also great for all textures. It is great to set your wash-n-go, smooth your curls into a ponytail or twist your strands for a beautiful, shiny finish. While I did see some reviews where they expressed seeing flaking from using too much in conjunction with the other products, I personally did not experience this. I had a strong flexible hold, with shiny and defined curls when I used it for my wash and gos, and buns.

Final Thoughts

Monica did a wonderful job in creating these products. I personally felt all of the product claims are true, and they do a great job at hydrating and nourishing your curls. I definitely plan on investing in the full collection once I finish my first round of products.

If you’re curious to see the products in action, check out my video below where I used the primer, pudding and gel to create a voluminous wash and go!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ashanté Nicole (@ashante.nicole) on Oct 28, 2019 at 11:08am PDT

[ashantenicolestyle]

I need to read actual books more, so I’m starting with this.

[ashantenicolestyle]

Tiger King Fashion 🐅

What’s up all you cool cats 🦁🐯 and kittens 🐱? With the massive popularity of Netflix’s Documentary Tiger King, I added some elevated Carole Baskin inspired animal prints tor my wardrobe this season. To help you add some stripes to your life, here are my favorite looks to kill for (😉😉), that can be worn for every occassion, without breaking the big cat bank.

Forever 21 Tiger Striped Midi Dress ($8.99)

This stretchy tiger print midi dress fits perfectly in all the right places without being too restrictive. With a criss cross thin strap back and v-cut neckline, it can be worn for a variety of occasions.

Pair with a sneaker or flat sandal for a casual day look to run errands, or just hang out. If you want to dress it up for work, brunch, or lunch with the girls, add a heeled sandal and a light weight jacket.

Pretty Little Thing Red Leopard Print Frill Hem Midi Dress ($58)

If you’re looking for a girly dress, this red leopard print satin dress is right up your alley. It is form fitting, with thin straps, a hidden side zipper, and a frilly asymmetrical hemline that gives it a flirty style. If you’re scared of animal prints the leopard spots are not overwhelming, and from a distance appear to be a geometric print on the red base.

You can pair this dress with a strappy heel sandal or nude pump to wear out for drinks with friends, or even a first date.

Pretty Little Thing Leopard Print Strappy Cup Midi Dress ($35)

This leopard bodycon dress is definitely the sexiest of the bunch. It is made of a very think stretchy material that will accentuate your curves, and help to conceal your problem areas. The sweetheart neckline has flat felled detailing around the bust, to help lift your cleavage.

Wear this dress with a black strappy heel, or black pump for a club night or a special date night.

Pretty Little Thing Tan Strappy Satin Leopard Midi Dress ($55)

Lastly this satin midi dress with a large leopard print, highlighted by the emerald green spots is sure to make you stand out in any crowd. With a draped neckline, thin adjustable straps, hidden center back zipper and high slit, it is perfect for any semi-formal occasion. Pair it with a nude or black heel and a satin shawl for a day time wedding, or dinner party.

I hope my recommendations can help add some ferocity to your fashion. Let me know your thoughts on these picks, or if you picked any of these dresses up in the comments below. Later pussycats 🐈!

[ashantenicolestyle]

Casting Director Jorge Morales and the Importance of Diversity

As a Fashion Institute of Technology graduate, I am fortunate to have known a number of groundbreakers in the fashion industry. One of which, is acclaimed casting director Jorge Morales.

Jorge was responsible for the groundbreaking L’Officiel Paris September 2016 cover that featured all women of color; something that is virtually unheard of in the world of fashion publications. I had a chance to catch up with him about the iconic cover, and here is what he had to say in his own words:

For this assignment my intention was to explore and showcase all the varied forms of beauty originating in Africa and expand the existing narrative on black beauty.  It is important to feature black women but even more so to show that many types of black women are beautiful.

For L’Officiel Paris, I worked with iconic photographer Ellen Von Unwerth and fashion visionary Jenke Ahmed Tailly.  Jenke, who is himself from Senegal, was invited by the magazine to be guest editor in chief for the issue.  He has worked closely with many legendary black artists that include Beyonce and Kanye West.  It was his idea to dedicate the entire issue to Africa and due to my experience and passion for working with black models he called me to be his casting director. 

It was important that we use not only black models but also varied ages and talents, that is how we decided on Iman and singer Ciara.

Sophie Theallet as a brand at its core has always embraced diversity in ethnicity and body type.  It was this aspect of the brand’s DNA that we decided to explore and expand during the casting process. The list of models we used include:

Veronika Webb - One of the original super models;

Maria Borges - From Angola, has gone on to work with Givenchy, Victoria Secret and is one of the continents top models at the moment;

Shazam Diniz - One of the first black models to ever land a Chanel campaign;

Mari Agory - After appearing on Sophie’s runway she went on to pose for Marc Jacobs campaign;

Lemony Anderson -  After appearing on Sophie’s runway she went on to walk in the famed Victorias Secret fashion show;

Grace Bol - Legendary South Sudanese haute couture model;

Ajax Deng - South Sudanese/Australian supermodel.

In addition to the incredible L’Officiel cove, Jorge also had the pleasure of casting Chanel Iman for Revolve Clothing in 2014. This was the first time the brand ever used a black model in their national campaign.

Jorge is an incredible advocate for designers, and models of color, so to see the strides he’s taken in his career has been nothing short of inspiring.

To see more of Jorge’s work follow him on Instagram @castingbyjorge, and visit his website Jorgemoralesny.com.

[ashantenicolestyle]

Lunar Beauty Moon Prism Powders

I have a ton of makeup, but I’ve never been big into highlighters. It has always been, and still is, the smallest category of products within my collection. I end up feeling like they all look the same on my skin or that they’re too glittery. My perspective changed once I received some of the moon prism powders from Lunar Beauty.

The moon prism powders are a pressed highlighter formula, that leave a natural wet looking glow from within highlight. They do not over power the rest of your makeup, and are very smoothing on the skin. What I like best about them is that they show the true color of the formula. I received 2 to test out and incorporate into my looks.

Mars Moon Prism Powder ($26)

Mars is a soft peachy pink highlighter with a slight icy shift that is best suited for light to medium deep complexions. It can be applied lightly for a subtle highlight, or more heavily for an intense glam look. It can also be used as a topper to add sheen to your blush.

This has been my go to over the past few months. I love how natural it is on the skin and how it doesn’t emphasize any of my texture underneath.

Jupiter Moon Prism Powder ($26)

Jupiter is a deep copper highlight and best suited for medium deep to deep rich complexions. It has small glitter reflects that shift gold, so it does have more sparkle than the Mars formula. It can show a little bit of texture on the skin, so its best to not apply too heavily. It is too deep to be worn as a highlighter on my complexion, but can still be worn as a glittery bronzer on medium complexions.

Final Thoughts

I really enjoy using these formulas, and I highly recommend trying them out. Give these formulas a swatch on your next shopping trip, because you will definitely be impressed by the impact and glow you can achieve from using them. I for one can’t wait for more shades to be released so I can expand my highlighter collection, and wear more on a daily basis.

Lunar Beauty is currently available in Morphe and Sephora stores, as well as in the Lunar Beauty Online Shop.

[ashantenicolestyle]

Tattoo Junkee Mini Lip Paint Kits

In late 2019, I was contacted to test out some lip products from Tattoo Junkee. I don’t often receive makeup packages, and I had never heard of the brand before hand, so I was quite surprised when they sent me 4 different mini lip kit sets to test out. Typically, I don’t really wear liquid lipsticks but I gave them a shot to see how the formulas wore, and if I could add any of the shades to my daily makeup routine.

Each Tattoo Junkee Mini Lip Kit Set comes with 5 .039fl.oz./1.15ml lip paint tubes in various colors, formulas, and themes. They are the perfect size to test out shades you may be interested in, prior to investing in the full size tube. They also make great gifts for holidays and special occasions.

Matte Mini Lip Kit Set ($12.99)

The matte lip kit set includes the shades:

Grunge

Vixen

Rebel

Happy Hour

Sugar

This is probably the one I would have gravitated toward the most if I saw it on a shelf, but isn’t the easiest to wear. Without using a lip liner, the applicator makes it difficult to get a precise line.

The formula isn’t that great to layer. For complete and even coverage, I need 2 or 3 layers. If I apply a 3rd, the formula begins to crack and separate. It’s not great to repair, so I have to take it completely off and start over if that happens, which can be inconvenient if you’re in a rush.

The matte formula can be heavy, and a little tight. The layers take a few minutes to dry, and it is uncomfortable waiting because you need to keep your lips seperated. I definitely won’t try wearing this formula again without a base liner layer, and I’d probably just stick to one coat to skip the drying time.

Urban Jungle Matte Nudes Mini Lip Kit Set ($12.99)

The nude matte lip kit set includes the shades:

Animal Instinct

Barehug

Heirloom

Jungle Boogie

Sugar (also in Regular Matte Kit)

What I like the most about this kit is that there are various undertones in each of the nudes. However, I don’t think I would be able to get away with wearing most of them without a lip liner. They aren’t quite deep enough for my skin tone, so anyone darker than me may have a bit of a hard time making the shades wearable. I won’t wear Barehug, Heirloom, and Sugar again without using a dark brown lip liner for a better transition into my skin tone.

Metallic Mini Lip Kit Set ($5.00)

The metallic lip kit set includes the shades:

Famous

Heartless

Royalty

Semi-Sweet

Spoiled

I think out of all the sets, this lip kit has the most wearable shades. I can easily wear all 5 of the lip paints without a liner. The only downside is that for myself personally, metallic finishes are kind of difficult to wear. They’re better suited for special occasions and holidays, and can be a little too much if you wear bold eye shadow looks. I like the shades, but have found that I have a hard time pairing them with makeup looks ,so I shy away from them.

Angel Dust Mini Lip Kit Set ($12.99)

The angel dust lip kit set includes the shades:

Electric

Innocent

Lollipop

Milkshake

Spellbound

This set is very glittery. I didn’t know at first that they are actually lip toppers, so it was my least favorite initially. The shades are definitely very iridescent, and primarily cool tones so I wouldn’t gravitate towards this kit regularly.

Although the finish isn’t my favorite, these are the easiest shades to apply and remove. I only need 1 coat and a little extra for each. They dry down the fastest, and I can remove with micellar water vs. a liquid lipstick remover that I need for the other 3 kits. I don’t usually wear toppers, but I may use them in the center of a matte lip for a pop of shine.

Final Thoughts

I don’t hate these lip kits, but I also don’t love them. I think that for the extremely affordable price, you do get a good variety of colors and finishes to play around with. They make good gifts for beauty lovers, but I can’t say that I would necessarily invest in the full size tubes of the various shades for myself.

If you are interested in checking out Tattoo Junkee’s range of affordable lip products, as well as eyeshadows, highlighters, brushes, and accessories you can view their full product line in the Tattoo Junkee Online Store.