Your New Fave Beauty Products

Bronzers and oils and lip stains – oh, bye! It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the beauty products vying for our loyalty, and we got questions. Will it work? Is it worth the money? Is it for us? Or if you’re really green – what even is this? Still, there are some great products out there, and we’d hate for you to miss out, so unclench that beautiful jaw. We called in the cosmetic cavalry to help you wade through it all. Beauty artist and BLAC friend Cassandra Ward offers up her makeup bag must-haves.

Cream Blends Lip Balm

Moisturize those kissers with this creamy concoction from a Royal Oak-based brand, made with shea butter, coconut oil, almond oil, vitamin E and beeswax from Detroit Hives, a local nonprofit that turns vacant lots into bee farms.

“I’m a lip balm person. Putting it on (your lips) can be just as relaxing as getting a facial.” 

The Lip Bar Fresh Glow Bronzer + Blush Duo

Make sure the light catches all your best angles with this cute little compact, available in five different combo shades with fun names like Girls Night and Just Got Paid. Use the bronzing powder first around your cheek lines, jawline and hairline, then dust the apples of your cheeks with a pop of color.

“They’re not such deep tones, but they’re correct tones to give that naturally bronzing look. Because everybody has shadows on their face, but you don’t want to overshadow.”

Megababe Bust Dust

If the name alone hasn’t won your heart, then maybe it’ll be that this talc-free powder promises to absorb sweat in an instant helping to keep your bra and shirt dry. Made with aloe, lavender and chamomile, it stands up to the bustiest of busts on the most sweltering of days.

“This helps us big girls, little girls, all the girls not to chap and not to sweat. Who wants sweaty boobs? #NoOne.”

Olive + M Shimmer + Glow Body Oil

This lightweight blend of jasmine, argan, vanilla and sweet orange oils, with just the right amount of sparkle, is perfect for any given spot – or all over.

“You can take it and add a couple drops into your foundation and have a nice dewy look on your face, and go out and catch that sun!”

Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Cream Cover

This lightweight all-in-one concealer and foundation uses texture minimizing technology to cover the peskiest of skin imperfections like hyperpigmentation to leave you looking silky smooth.

“Skin is in and this foundation is awesome! A little goes a long way.”

Black Girl Sunscreen

Protect that melanin magic from an increased risk of skin cancer and early aging. This vegan and cruelty-free moisturizing sunscreen lotion goes on before your normal skin care routine and 15 minutes before sun exposure.

“Black people need sunscreen, too, but without the ashy kickback. You won’t find harmful ingredients or that annoying off-white residue. Rub it in, and just like lotion, it dries super clear.”