What Ashely Can’t Go Without

A roundup of things I use daily

In today’s post:

Q (not) A Beauty & Pop Culture Questions 

The Full Beat What Ashely Can’t Go Without: A roundup of things I use daily

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1. There couldn’t possibly be any negative consequences associated with a Miss AI World pageant? Of course there are. Dr. Kerry McInerney reminds us that while generative AI tools are touted as opportunities to imagine new and more diverse worlds, they often do not. Rather, “These tools are made to replicate and scale up existing patterns in the world…  even if they’re sold as tools that enhance creativity so when it comes to beauty norms… They’re capturing the existing beauty norms we have which are actively sexist, actively fatphobic, actively colorist, then they’re compiling and reiterating them.” And, as someone who works with generative AI I want to echo Dr. McInerney’s statements. These tools use existing information to generate the images we see and engage with. These programs aren’t imagining new worlds, they can’t.

2. Is there something about the morning shed trend that feels familiar to you, as a BlackBeautyPop reader? It should. Recall my argument that there are two pillars that help us uphold beauty standards, that are especially pertinent to our digital age: the (1) Performance Prerequisite and (2) Penance Party. The act of preparing for bed à la bright pink chinstrap and then de-shedding for the audience the next day easily meets point one.

3. Why would Bernie Sanders say this? Idk girl, but he was really trying it. The suggestion that questions about President Biden’s mental acuity is a symptom of politics being turned into a beauty contest (a surface level interest in candidates) is unfair. While issues like job security, housing, and reproductive justice rights, should be top of mind, so too should questions about leadership’s ability to see effective policy changes about said issues through. 

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What Ashely Can’t Live Without

I write about the consequences of hyperconsumerism here regularly. On occasion I make fun of people who stampede one another for cups that are too big for our cup holders. What an incredible symbol of American hyperconsumerism! These expensive and humongous cups are very American in size and trend.

And also, I love things. As a beauty lover I am attracted to beautiful things, products, and the marketing created to sell them to us. I once wrote about my love for the special kind of ostentatious-ness that only a Goop Gift Guide can provide. It is unsurprising then that I also adore The Strategist’s Celebrity Shopping series. Ayo Edebiri’s collection is one of my favorites.

Despite my being neither celebrity nor socialite, it still feels appropriate that I share the beauty items I use nearly everyday. 

1. Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $35

   

I have a lot of sunscreens in rotation, but I always come back to this one. It goes on without a white cast, it has a faint citrusy smell (which I love), and it is so light it sits well under makeup. It can be a bit pricey, but it is definitely worth it.

2. e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil, $8

   

I know that I was just selling out about e.l.f in last week’s issue, but none of that has anything to do with this lip oil. It goes on very shiny, but unlike similarly cheap glosses, it lasts longer. Honey Talks in particular looks so good on Black women of all shades, that I’ve gifted these to at least five women.

3. Glam-a-holic, Monogram Classic Flap Bag Mini, $110

   

   This bag is the perfect size! It holds my phone, wallet, small lotion, and lipgloss comfortably. The chain on the bag is really long, the style can easily be dressed up or down, and it just goes well with everything.  And it’s from a Black woman-owned company. What’s not to love?

4. Pilot G2 Gel Pens, $6

   

As a remote employee, I do nearly all of my work online. So, when it comes to my personal projects I prefer to take my eyes off the screen and hand write my thoughts and ideas. And these are the only pens I like to write with, although those Flair pens are pretty fun.

5. Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling (Over-the-Ear) Headphones, $349

   

I use these every single day on calls at work, on flights, when I want to hear  a great song, in a boat, in a moat, etc. I saw someone wearing a pair to the Renaissance World Tour and as I sat there, ears and head throbbing happily, I knew I’d wear them to my next major concert.

6. Jergens Original Cherry Almond Lotion, $11

   

I like to stick with light scents for a very long time. So, it shouldn’t be too surprising that I’ve been wearing the same lotion since I was a kid. Cherry Almond supremacy baby.

7. Ghostroots: Stories, $25

   

I have an embarrassingly long TBR list and yet I cannot stop myself from grabbing a new book regularly. Of course we love the library over here, but I also enjoy the freedom of writing in books I’ll revisit. In these instances I recommend buying used books from Thiftbooks.com or Bookshop.org to help support local bookstores. I was also just inspired to share the books I wouldn’t have survived without.  

8. Chanel Chance Eau Tendre, $172

   

I am prone to migraines, so I love a very light scent for everyday wear. This scent is a perfect mixture of fruit and cedar, and not one that I plan to deviate from anytime soon. 

9. Old Navy Powerchill Bodysuits, $30

   

I have these bodysuits as shorts, ankle length, and in multiple colors. They are affordable, comfortable, and great for loungewear or working out. As an aside, I am an Old Navy stan. As a tall and chubby little girl in the 2000s, finding cute clothes in store could be a task. But I could always rely on a trip to Old Navy to leave the store with something. As an adult, they carry tall plus sizes, so I remain committed to them as they have been to me. If they ever close down I will need to take a mental health day from work.

10. The Lip Bar Just a Tint 3-in-1 Tinted Skin Conditioner, $17

    

Living with such intense humidity can make wearing makeup feel like a chore for me. I often feel like it’s melting right off. 😫 But in the case of this buildable skin tint, that has SPF, that’s not an issue. This is very much a tinted moisturizer, so if you’re looking for full coverage, look towards a more traditional foundation.