I’m constantly looking for inspiration in the people and world around me! Never once have I thought to myself that because I’ve now taken on this role as an influencer, that I’m above the recommendations of others. Actually, I seek them out. One of my favorite conversations with good girlfriends or new people I meet is about what products, services, and so forth we are and should be using. Sharing is caring after all!
And when I’m not out chatting it up with the people I know personally, I make sure to follow others who inspire me on a day-to-day basis. Many of them being Black women, who, similar to myself, have found a calling in sharing our expertise to uplift our communities.
So, I decided to tap some of my favs from the ‘gram and see what’s on their list of must-haves right now. Specifically, in the worlds of beauty and wellness, because we look our best on the outside when we feel *great* within.
Alyssa J. Francois
Follow her @alyssa_jf for all things lifestyle, fashion, and personal development. Alyssa shares how she maintains a 9 to 5 and growing her brand, all while keeping self-care at the foundation.
Merit The Minimalist Complexion Stick
“I love a product that is easy to use and gets the job done! I’ve been obsessed with the Merit Complexion Stick ever since I was introduced to the brand when it launched in January. It’s one of my go-to makeup products when I want to create a simple everyday makeup look in just five minutes (no more than that!).”
“Not a beauty product per se but I am a firm believer that beauty begins from within. This is a supplement that I have seen over and over for years but if I’m honest, I really underestimated it. I came across it in Whole Foods recently on sale and I decided to give it a try. It just so happened that I bought it on a day that I was super moody and stressed and I put it to the test. I couldn’t believe how quickly this worked for me. It’s so good and now I have it daily in the evenings.”
“I bought this lip mask at the beginning of spring after hearing so many great reviews about it. My lips get so dry during the night and good ole petroleum jelly just wasn’t cutting it. I love how moisturizing this is on my lips and I don’t wake up with dry lips in the morning!”
Kaice Alea
Follow Her @_kaicealea for all things beauty and self-care. Kaice shares tips, on tips, on tips about how to enhance and maintain your own glow. Her face is always flawlessly beat and that product arsenal? Fully stacked.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench® Hyaluronic Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 45
“Sometimes putting on SPF can feel like an extra chore when doing my skincare routine! I love that this moisturizer gives me the long-term hydration I need PLUS SPF 45 at the same time so I can knock out both in one step.”
NEST New York Seville Orange Perfume Oil
“One of my summertime staple scents! I actually love applying this on my skin first since it’s an oil, then topping it with another fragrance spray to create different scents. It’s fresh, long-lasting, and looks great on my vanity!”
InBloom Brain Flow Holistic Powder Supplement
“This is a really unique supplement powder that I love adding to my smoothies in the morning or before I have to sit down and work. It helps me stay focused and also has great long-term benefits for brain health. Plus it’s all-natural!”
Amber Janae
Follow her @ajscribes and on Twitter to learn how to live more luxuriously and unappollogetically in your everyday life. The insight in the words Amber shares are sure to help you get through the week. She’s also a soon to be momma!
“This kit is probably one of the first things I treated myself to when I found out I was pregnant. Whether I am having a moment when my bump is itchy, or I just want it to glow and feel good; this bump kit includes four items for every stage in caring for my growing bump; I can’t live without it.”
Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Facial Steamer
“Early in my pregnancy, I went through the worst phase of hormonal acne. It was difficult for me because I am so used to my skin being healthy. I invested in a facial steamer, which really helps with keeping my skin hydrated. Such a great way to get a spa treatment in the comfort of my home.”
Marshall Stanmore II Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
“As an expecting mother, my downtown and self-care are of the highest priority right now. When I need to unwind, a good playlist is my go-to. I can’t live without good music, but I honestly cannot listen to music if the sound quality is terrible. I invested in a Marshall speaker and never looked back. It’s probably one of the most affordable ways to get an amazing sound system throughout your home.”
Alex Hill
Follow her @justaddhotsauce_ for all things food, fun, and fellowship. Alex is a self-taught home cook who makes it all look easy! Her tips and easy to follow recipes will help you feel more confident in the kitchen.
“I must admit I was the Black girl that was super late to the sunscreen game! After getting pandemic acne (the worst thing ever) I was on a strict skincare regimen and my esthetician suggested I use Black Girl Sunscreen to protect my skin since I was on strong acne-prone skincare products. She said it leaves you with a great glow and you’re protected! I’ve been hooked ever since, it’s definitely not your typical sunscreen and I use it every day!”
“As I’ve gotten older, I hate the thought of heavy foundation and want an easy, natural-looking makeup look. I’ve tried different skin tints and never found the right coverage or it left me looking really greasy until I found Ami Skin-Enhancing Tint. Minimal to full coverage with a great glow! Also, it’s Black women-owned & operated!”
“NYX lip gloss in Madeline is my GO-TO! I have at least 7 tubes all around my house, the shade looks so great on Black skin and it’s the perfect pinkish nude for me! I never go anywhere without it!”
Lynda Jay
Follow her @naturallyyours_ for all things beauty, lifestyle, and loving the skin you’re in. Lynda’s genuine spirit, relatability, and sense of humor ooze through the screen. There’s never a dull moment!
Rare Beauty Blush in Faith and Nearly Neutral
“I love both their cream and liquid blushes because they are so super pigmented! Rare beauty is the first brand that I’ve tried whose blush paid off so well on my skin complexion. I am all about inclusivity and nothing says “I see you” like a brand genuinely considering deeper skin tones for black and brown consumers.”
“I don’t have acne-prone skin and I don’t get pimples too often, but when I do they always take longer than I would like to go down and almost always leave dark marks. I’ve only used the acne dots on 3 pimples since receiving them and they’ve worked like a charm every single time. I love the efficacy of ingredients in the acne dots which include salicylic acid (which penetrates pores), aloe vera leaf extract (which helps to reduce redness), and vitamin A which promotes healthy-looking skin.”
“This is yet another product that I have only tried a handful of times since receiving it but I am a stan of any shampoo that does not strip my hair of its natural oils and this cleanser actually hydrates it! When it comes to hair products, I am very adamant about the ingredients being free of sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde releasers, etc and Bread is actually a clean beauty brand available at Sephora. One of my favorite things about Clean beauty at Sephora is that they are extremely transparent about what is and what is not in their products under the “Ingredient Call Outs” section of their website so there is always peace of mind when online shopping.”
