In Review
I haven't done a beauty or product roundup since last quarter, and I've come across some great products since then. This summer was pretty experimental for me (I bought hair from TikTok 🫣). Let's get into a few products I enjoyed over the summer.
I was influenced to buy this hair from the TikTok shop. It wasn't very expensive, so I was fully prepared for it not to be any good. But, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. I've had it sewn-in for about 8 weeks and have washed my hair several times. Each time I wash it, the hair reverts back to its original curl pattern, despite being blow dried and crimped on high heat. It's started to shed more in the past few weeks, but it'll do until my post-hurricane takedown. I ordered Deep Wavy, in 20”, 22”, and 24”.
Tip: I think the hair looks best blown out and then crimped (spritz it afterwards). This method gives it a big, bouncy, and natural effect.
This thing is amazing. It is also one of the hottest hair tools in our home and no one is allowed in the bathroom when I'm using it. The settings are hot, hell, and hades. I've been using it on my WeQueen bundles, and despite the heat, it hasn't ruined the curl pattern. This may also be the result of my generous use of heat protectant.
Tip: Be careful with this thing.
Now, I am pretty particular about my face cleansers. I want my skin to be clean, but not stripped. You know that "squeaky clean" feeling Dial soap can leave on the body? I do not like that feeling on my face. This cleanser strikes just the right balance.
Tip: Wash your face with your preferred cleaner for 60 seconds to heighten its benefits.
Brown Mascara
How long has everyone else known how good brown mascara looks?? How I am the last to arrive at the brown mascara supremacy party? It doesn't matter, because I'm never leaving. Wearing brown over a harsher black gives me a more subtle and natural look. I don't have one to recommend at the moment. While I like the color, none have given me a the effect I'd like.
Tip: Try brown, especially if you're a brown eyed girly like me.
Deon Libra Smoove Exfoliating Cleanser
While I LOVE the lather, bottle, and brand story, my favorite thing about this body wash is that it's unscented. I'm prone to migraines and on the days it feels like my head it about to explode, a dark shower makes things a little better. With this body wash, I get the amazing lather and post-wash softness minus a strong scent that would make my aching head and eyes feel worse.
Tip: Pair it with another scented wash if you prefer a “fragranced” shower.
Naturium Salicylic Acid Body Wash
This body wash does exactly what it says it will do. I still struggle with bacne on occasion and this wash makes me forget about it (until I run out of course). It also has a nice lather and a very faint scent that is almost unnoticeable, which you know I love.
Tip: I kind of use this like a spot treatment, except the spot I'm targeting is my entire back. If like me, you don't want to wash your entire body with a salicylic acid, pair it with another wash. Maybe your Deon Libra perhaps?
Gel-X
I'm a recent gel x convert, and have typically only worn classic acrylic and press-ons. While it is more expensive than the other styles, it's certainly worth it. The nails are all the same size and thickness, which can vary with acrylic. They're also really malleable, so they can take a lot of design and products, like press-ons.
Tips: If you bring a complex idea to your nail tech, send her the picture before you arrive (my bad Pam).
BlackBeautyPop was created as a space to think critically about the products, trends, and standards we adhere to. It's important to me that readers know BBP is not here to market or promote beauty hyperconsumption. This is not that. That said, I also think it's important, and fun, to share my experiences with great products.
Excited to read
I too just discovered brown mascara and am mad it took me so long to find it!