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Looking to add a little oomph to your lashes? Skip the extensions (they’re way too expensive anyway) and reach for the GrandeLASH-MD Eyelash Serum. Renowned for its ~fire~ ability to promote lash growth and improve lash health, this serum has gained a devoted following among beauty enthusiasts, especially on the internet.
The GrandeLASH-MD Eyelash Serum comes in a tube with a brush applicator, making it easy to apply to your lashes. The formula contains a blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids, all of which work together to nourish and strengthen your lashes. The serum is also free from harsh chemicals and irritants, making it suitable for those with sensitive eyes.
One of the main benefits of this serum is its ability to promote lash growth. With regular use, you’ll start to see a noticeable difference in the length and thickness of your lashes. (It’s the one long-term relationship we’ve been able to stick to tbh.) The serum works by extending the growth phase of your lashes, which means they’ll grow longer and fuller before falling out. Additionally, the formula helps to strengthen your lashes, which can help prevent breakage and thinning.
This serum can also be used on both your upper and lower lashes, as well as your eyebrows. This means you can achieve a full, lush look all around your eyes, which is amazing because there’s nothing we love more than a multi-tasking queen. The formula is also safe to use with lash extensions, so you don’t have to worry about damaging them.
In terms of application, the GrandeLASH-MD Eyelash Serum is super easy to use and beginner-friendly. Simply apply a thin layer of the serum to your lash line before bed, and let it work its magic overnight. You’ll start to see results in as little as four to six weeks, and full results typically take around three months.
At a reasonable price point, it’s a great investment for anyone looking to enhance their lashes. With a three-month supply in each tube, you’ll have plenty of serum to achieve your desired results. Plus, the serum is backed by a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, so if you’re not completely happy with your results, you can return it for a full refund. (If only everything in life were like this.)
So, if you’re looking for a way to achieve longer, fuller lashes, the GrandeLASH-MD Eyelash Serum is a top pick. Its nourishing formula, easy application, and versatility make it a must-have in your beauty routine. Get yours for $68 on Amazon right now.
Shop It: Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum, $68, Amazon
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
Hair care is an essential aspect of our beauty routine, and the Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil is an absolute hero product. It can help you achieve healthy-looking hair after just a few uses. Made with all-natural ingredients like rosemary and mint oil, this oil provides the nutrients your scalp and hair need to thrive. It also contains biotin, which nourishes your hair follicles from the inside out, promoting strong, healthy hair that’s less prone to breakage. Plus, TikTok superstar, Alix Earle gave it her stamp of approval, and bottles sold out everywhere in seconds (and OG Mielle fans were not happy).
Using this viral hair and scalp oil is easy—simply apply a small amount to your scalp and massage it in using your fingertips. You can also apply a bit of oil to the ends of your hair to help prevent split ends and breakage and seal any unwanted frizz. And, it’s so versatile that you can also go ahead and use it as a pre-shampoo treatment or a leave-in treatment. It’s also lightweight enough to put in your daily hair care rotation, and you won’t have to worry about having greasy-looking or weighed down strands. Many users have noticed a significant difference in the health of their hair after using this oil for a few weeks. It has also helped with dandruff and frizz, and smells amazing.
And its loyal fans don’t mess around when it comes to this gem. Since its inception in 2014, many naturalistas and women of color have relied on Mielle’s scalp oil for their daily hair care practices. In fact, so many fans have praised the oil that big beauty players took notice and Mielle’s founder, Monique Rodriguez, announced that the brand has been acquired by P&G in January of this year. As for if the formula will change in the future, you’ll have to wait and see.
At the end of the day, this is an excellent product for anyone looking to improve their hair’s health and their scalp health. And, it won’t set you back a ton of dollars, because fans have flocked to it due to its affordability and $8.89 price tag. But, you’ll want to hurry and snag yours immediately, it’s been known to sell out at lightning speed once restocked.
Shop It: Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil, $8.89, Amazon
Is there anything worse than sifting through countless tubes of mascara, only to be disappointed by the lackluster results? Well your search may be over, because the internet agrees that Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara is the holy grail of mascaras—so much that a tube sells every 10 seconds.
This mascara delivers the full, voluminous lashes of your dreams without breaking the bank. At under $5 a tube, you’ll be wondering why you ever bothered shelling out for those expensive department store mascaras.
The secret to Lash Princess’s magic is in the brush. Its conical shape allows for precision application and the ability to reach every lash, even those tiny ones in the inner corner of your eye. The bristles are densely packed, so you get maximum product with every swipe. The formula is also buildable, so you can layer it on for a more dramatic effect without any clumping.
But let’s talk about the real game-changer: the false lash effect. With Lash Princess, you can skip the falsies and still get the same dramatic look. The mascara lengthens and thickens your lashes, giving you the appearance of falsies without the hassle of applying them. And since the formula is smudge-proof and waterproof, you won’t have to worry about your lashes falling flat halfway through the day.
Not only is this mascara effective, but it’s also cruelty-free. Essence is committed to using only the highest-quality ingredients that are safe for you and the environment. So, you can feel good about using this and know that you’re not contributing to any animal testing.
One thing to note is that the formula is quite wet when you first open the tube. But don’t worry, after a few uses, it’ll dry out a bit and become easier to work with. And if you’re someone who likes to apply multiple coats, you may need to wait a few seconds between applications to let each layer dry a bit.
The bottom line: It’s affordable, effective, and cruelty-free. Plus, who doesn’t want to channel princess vibes with full, fluttery lashes? So go ahead and add this mascara to your cart–your lashes will thank you.
Shop It: Essence Lash Princess Mascara, $4.99, Amazon
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
Beauty products go viral every single day of the week, but are they truly all worth the hype? The easy answer is no, but there are a gems that rise above the noise and and actually deserve all the praise they get. Over the past month, I’ve come across the same product over and over again on my TikTok feed: the Maitys 12-Piece Triangle Powder Puff. While the TikTok queen herself, Alix Earle, has been spotted using them in her ‘Get Ready With Me’ videos, it was this video I saw by creator, @MangoMoniica, that really convinced me to buy them.
In the clip, Monica’s skin is clearly dewy after applying her makeup. To wrap up her look, she dips the makeup pad into some setting powder and dabs it onto the areas with a little bit of shine. The result? An airbrushed-like finish with no excess shine or oil in sight. I was sold.
@mangomoniica Finally trying this out.. and omg I wish I bought it sooner❤️ #triangle #powderpuff #loosepowder #undereyes #undereyecircles #undereyebags #undereyetutorial #makeuptutorial #makeupvideos #makeuphacks #viralhack #trending #makeup #beauty #beautytoks #makeuptips #makeuplover #hourglasscosmetics #veil #translucentpowder #settingpowder #elfcosmetics #camoconcealer #fyp #mangomoniica #foryou @Amazon @elfyeah @Hourglass Cosmetics
My skin tends to be on the combination side, with an oilier T-Zone area and chin, but dry cheeks. I’ve found that throughout the day, my skin can look extra shiny—even when I use setting powder. Still, I figured I’d give these small triangular pads a go. On most days, I don’t wear a full face of makeup, but on the days that I do you can expect me to dab on some liquid foundation, concealer, bronzing powder, and cream blush (outside of my brow products and mascara). I waited until I knew that I wanted to wear full glam to put these to the test. Once I wrapped up my face makeup, I dipped this little guy into some Laura Mercier setting powder, and pat it under my eyes, across my forehead, and on my chin.
This pad really allows the setting powder to seep into your skin a lot deeper than it would if you were just using a brush. So, naturally, there was an excessive amount of powder on my face that I had to brush off. After I took a fluffy brush to dust it off, I was stunned. It looked like I had a filter on my face IRL. FaceTune? Don’t know her anymore.
And these aren’t some super fancy makeup sponges either. A set of 12 triangular pads will only cost you around $12, so it’s like you’re only spending a dollar on each. Since they’re available on Amazon, you can get them in just two days with Prime Shipping if you’re just dying to try them already. While I have the black ones, they come in a bunch of different colors like magenta, lilac, baby blue, or a mix. And, for those of you really feeling them once you’ve tried them out, you can stock up on much different sizes, too. They even have some smaller ones for the teeny corners near your eyes and lips!
All in all, I love a good TikTok find and these makeup applicators certainly didn’t disappoint. With some TLC you can make them last a while too, since Amazon doesn’t have these available for auto-subscribing—at least not yet.
Shop It: Maitys 12-Piece Triangle Powder Puff, $11.59, Amazon
It’s that time of year again when I pretend I’m still in college and escape somewhere warm for spring break…even though technically spring break is non-existent in the corporate world. And while I’d like to think I’ve matured since the all-inclusive, binge drinking, spring break bikini days, my packing habits certainly haven’t.
What can I say? I’m a procrastinator. I tell myself that I work well under pressure, but really I’m just too lazy to be bothered until 30 minutes before I have to leave for a flight. Because I’m a last-minute packer, I always end up bringing 15 bathing suits, 10 pairs of shoes, and enough anxiety to run a small town into the ground—and that’s just a 5 day trip. Thankfully, I’ve found a few tricks through the years that have helped transform my suitcase from a dumpster fire to feeling like I (sort of) have my shit together.
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
These Packing Cubes That Will Keep Your Sh*t Organized
Once you try packing cubes, you’ll literally never go back. It’s truly a game changer if you’re the kind of person who tends to overpack. (In other words, all of us.) It helps you organize the different types of clothing you’re bringing while the compression lets you pack twice as much shit in one carry-on. That’s a win-win.
BAGAIL Compression Packing Cubes, $29.99, Amazon
Toiletry Bag For Your TikTok Influenced 10-Step Skincare Routine
The only time I’m actually proud of the way I store my beauty products is when I’m traveling. When I’m home, I pretty much just throw everything under the sink in such an disorganized way that I’ll be swearing that, “my sister must have stolen it” when I can’t find my favorite lipstick. This solves that issue and makes it so easy to ensure I have every step of the 10-step skincare routine I learned on TikTok with me at all times.
BAGSMART Toiletry Bag with Hanging Hook, $29.99, Amazon
Travel Containers So You Don’t Risk Losing Your Full-Size
Speaking of my 10-step skincare routine—there’s literally no way in hell I’ll be risking an explosion of my new vitamin C serum on the plane. Plus, if I put all my full-sized skincare products in one carry-on, that’s all I’d be packing. This set offers so many different container options, from sprayers to jars. The possibilities are endless.
Morfone 16 Pack Travel Bottles Set, $22.58, Amazon
Cord Organizer So You’re Not a Hot Mess On the Plane
This might feel a little high-maintenance, but I’ve never been more thankful for this organizer than when I’m sitting in a coach seat made to fit a toddler, rifling through my bag looking for a phone charger. You’ll thank me later, I promise.
FYY Electronic Organizer, $12.99, Amazon
Travel Jewelry Box Upgrade From a Ziploc Bag
For as long as I can remember, I literally packed my jewelry in a ziplock bag. And every time, while trying to untangle a bangle from a necklace, I would swear that I’d never do it again. I’ve finally come to my senses and purchased this jewelry case. It’ll keep your jewelry more organized than Khloe Kardashian’s pantry.
Travel Jewelry Case, $50, Shop.Betches.com
Laundry Bag To Keep Your Clean Sh*t From Smelling
No one talks about the struggle of packing your shit up at the end of the trip. I would venture to say it’s one of the most depressing times of life. Let’s not forget the struggle of keeping clean and dirty clothing separate. Kind of like the packing cubes, this helps organize your dirty clothes and keep them away from your clean ones, so they don’t infect your entire suitcase with the smell of BO.
JHX Dirty Clothes Bag, $14.99, Amazon
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
Grab your Kendra Scott jewelry, glitter skirts and Longchamp bags, because it’s that time of year again: University of Alabama sorority recruitment is officially upon us.
I don’t know about you, but I was totally fascinated by Bama Rush TikTok last year, and this year is shaping up to be no exception, with my For You Page already full of hopeful PNMs and seasoned sorority girls posting “What’s in my bag?” videos, OOTDs, and dances that would take me three weeks to master. Though our college years may be behind us, the TikTok algorithm will be force-feeding us rush content for the foreseeable future, so we might as well embrace it. I mean, this place (Tuscaloosa) has everything: a store called “The Pants Store” that sells way more than pants, fashion trends that make me feel 100 years old, and more drama than an episode of The Real Housewives.
While I’m not about to leave my house decked out in Shein, Golden Goose sneakers, and 14 pieces of “normal” jewelry, these ladies are prepared for anything, and they’ve shown us some genius everyday essentials to have on standby. Here are the invaluable product recommendations that the 18-year-olds on my FYP have imparted upon me.
Life Hack #1
Always carry a personal fan. You never know when you’ll need to keep your cool, and we’ve all shown up to a meeting just a *little* too sweaty from our commute.
Life Hack #2
De-slick setting spray can save your life (and more literally, save your makeup from melting).
Life Hack #3
Listerine tablets are your best friend, especially when you’re meeting lots of new people and need to make a great impression.
Life Hack #4
Liquid IV will keep you hydrated, along with an immune boost that comes in handy when interacting with so many different people.
Life Hack #5
The Gen Z girlies love a water bottle, so obviously you need one, too. Plus, we should all be cutting down on single-use plastics, and you’ll need something to mix your liquid IV in. It’s a win/win/win!
Life Hack #6
Statement jewelry does, indeed, make a statement. A customized bracelet is a great conversation starter, whether you’re at your third rush party of the day, or meeting your boyfriend’s sister for the first time.
Life Hack #7
Who doesn’t like smelling good? These perfume shots for your hair will keep you smelling fresh, and word on the street is that the cupcake scent is the best.
Life Hack #8
You can never have too many totes, and this durable neoprene one is perfect to carry all of your essentials, and then some. Did I mention it has pockets?
Life Hack #9
I know Hailey Bieber wants us to look like glazed donuts, but sometimes you just get a little too dewy. This oil control roller will fix that (and looks kind of fun to use, no?).
Life Hack #10
I’ll know I’m truly an adult when I actually remember to take an umbrella when I leave the house. This mini one fits easily in your tote bag (see above), and will save your hair/mood if you get caught in a storm.
Life Hack #11
Heels aren’t a girl’s best friend when you’re wearing them for 12 hours straight. Plan ahead and skip the blisters!
Life Hack #12
Spray deodorant doesn’t melt in the heat, and that’s a truly priceless quality. Stock up now.
Life Hack #13
You know these sorority girls aren’t making all those TikToks with one charge! Invest in a new portable charger so you’ll always be ready for content creation and/or basic life needs.
Life Hack #14
You need this resetting powder that doubles as sunscreen. Dewy skin, PLUS you’re protected from the elements—need we say more?
Image credit: Wesley Hitt / Stringer; Amazon
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
Summer is officially here, which means the temperatures are rising and your makeup is starting to melt off by noon. We all know the feeling when you want to throw out the thick shit and swap in some newer, lighter summertime alternatives. I feel like there are some people out there that can get away with no makeup but, *speaking for myself*, that’s not everyone. So we’ve rounded up all the best summer beauty products that will give you that effortless, no-makeup-but-I’m-still-wearing-makeup look.
Face & Skin
Two words: Sweat. Resistant. Estée Lauder has been in the beauty business for longer than many of us have been alive, and they’ve really hit the nail on the head with this one. With a weightless feel and over 25 shades, your skin will glow all day long.
For those of us who tend to get a bit oilier in the summer (*cough* me *cough*) a powder foundation can keep you shine-free for a lot longer than some liquid products. Bonus points: there’s a built-in primer.
This concealer is honestly everything you needed and more. It’s a concealer, eye cream, and spot treatment all in one little tube. Less time layering products = more time day drinking on rooftops.
I know some of you are thinking, “Setting spray, really? Isn’t it just overpriced water?” But I promise you this product is worth every penny. It’s smudge-proof and transfer-resistant for up to 16 hours and perfect for those late summer nights.
Merit’s cult-favorite complexion stick is not a foundation or concealer, but it also kind of is? Offering breathable and buildable coverage, this lightweight product can also serve as a contour. I mean, what can’t it do?
Eyes
This base layer provides an incredible blank, crease-free (& vegan!) canvas for all the fun beauty trends you’ll want to try this summer. If you’re feeling brave enough to try them, that is. I heard blue eyeshadow is coming back and idk how to feel about it.
Okay, this is definitely a cult favorite of mine. With its smudge-proof formula and shimmery pigments, this stuff is perfect for the golden-hour-every-hour vibe you’re hoping to give off.
Am I the only one whose eyebrows sweat? I didn’t think so. Enter: this Brow Sculpt Shape and Hold Gel by REFY. Whether you want your brows to have that feathery effect or you simply want to make sure they stay in place, this wax/gel hybrid will work wonders.
Talk about natural—the first ingredient listed in this mascara is water. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and makes people around you ask, “Are those your real eyelashes?” It’s buildable so you can take it from day to night and the only thing that’s flaking is you canceling plans.
Cheeks
For those of us who are locked in an office 24/7, it’s still possible to look sun-kissed without going in the sun. This easy-to-blend formula is perfect for both the bronzing expert and the cosmetic newbie.
This cream-to-powder formula has a natural, yet visible shimmer to it. Highlight for the perfect dewy (not sweaty) look that won’t budge. Also, it’s Rihanna… Enough said.
This blush boasts a 12-hour wear, and I can promise it lives up to the hype. Made with Amazonian clay, this blush glides on seamlessly and provides a true blush, not a fake flush.
Lips
There’s quite literally nothing worse than thick, sticky lip gloss in the heat. This Wet Lip Oil is the perfect balance of treatment and color. It’s light, hydrating, and sheer for a perfect kiss of color.
A lip stain is the ultimate summer lip product—it gives your lips natural color while staying in place virtually all day long. This best-selling cream lip stain is transfer-proof and full coverage—perfect for sweat-filled days or nights.
If you are really going for that “no makeup” makeup look, a balm is perfect for you. This Vanilla Lip Butter Balm smells incredible and can even double up as an overnight lip mask. Great for the beach or bed—my two favorite places.
Image: Martin Pisotti /Deathtothestockphoto.com
Before the social justice uprising that has taken place this year, could you name three Black-owned beauty brands off the top of your head? With little accessibility to brands that represent a range of darker skin tones and different hair textures, Black people are often left with limited options to achieve their desired looks. If we have learned anything this year, it is that representation matters. It should go without saying that Black consumers deserve to be acknowledged in the beauty industry. In honor of National Black Business month, we’re turning our attention to three Black women CEOs who have taken the step to catering to Black women’s needs and are making space for more melanin in the beauty industry.
Wilma Mae of DRK Beauty
“DRK Beauty is a digital community that supports and empowers women of color in all their diversity. Through curated content, programming, and community initiatives, DRK Beauty aims to truly empower those who identify as women of color and fix the flawed relationships between brands and women of color.
DRK Beauty Healing is one of our first community initiatives in response to COVID-19 and the BLM movement. When we first launched DRK Beauty Healing on May 15th of this year—before George Floyd’s murder—we had only conceived the idea two weeks earlier as a response to the impending mental health fallout from COVID-19. Having never worked in the therapeutic space, our first step was to speak to therapists. We had back-to-back Zoom calls five days a week for the first month. We also spoke to mental health associations such as Mental Health America to learn more about the space and researched other initiatives in our community. We effectively educated ourselves as quickly as we could.
What we discovered is that there are precious few clinicians of color in the U.S. (Black/African psychologists make up only 5% of the total in the U.S.) and the free initiatives that are out there required prospective clients to fill out online forms and share their data and then wait to be approved to receive the free therapy. This added yet another barrier to entry, not to speak of the cultural stigma of therapy in the Black community. In addition, when you are depressed, traumatized, and/or paralyzed with anxiety, you don’t have the mental bandwidth to fill out forms and wait for an answer. You need the help now! We felt that the need was urgent and we wanted to make the process as seamless as possible. Also, we wanted to make sure that we didn’t breach any privacy rules. So my developers built an online directory and within two weeks we launched with a few hundred hours of therapy donated by clinicians we had spoken to. We asked them to share with their clinicians as well. So they continued to donate hours and within a month of launch, we had 1,000 hours of free therapy to give away. We’ve now raised over 2,000 hours of free therapy and we are now one of the leading platforms for free therapy for women of color in America, covering 27 states with approximately 100 clinicians.”
Brittney Ogike of BeautyBeez
“BEAUTYBEEZ was created to fill a gap in the retail industry. What many people outside of the African-American community do not realize is that ethnic hair care and beauty products are traditionally sold in small local retailers called beauty supply stores. Every Black woman has memories—both fond and unpleasant—of going to the local beauty supply store with our mothers and shopping for those nostalgic “Black girl hair” products. It was a space specifically for us! The larger retailers didn’t (and still don’t) carry these items. Due to various laws and regulations over the past several decades, ownership in ethnic beauty largely transferred to the Korean-American community. Traditionally, they own the stores, the products, the hair manufacturing, and the distribution. And, unfortunately, people of color are oftentimes discriminated against in all areas—most notably in the beauty supply stores. We are followed, harassed, and left to fend for ourselves.
BEAUTYBEEZ is a modern beauty retailer prioritizing beauty for women of color. I founded the brand after my own dissatisfaction shopping for beauty. As an entrepreneur creating success in a field where I’m the minority, I’ve had to be resilient, resourceful, and stand out. There were several challenges that came my way, and I faced them head on. I took the time to equip myself with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an industry that capitalizes off of me. I used my experience as a consumer and infused it in all aspects of BEAUTYBEEZ—from the products and services we offer to the customer experience. My identity and experiences as a Black consumer have single-handedly been the most effective attribute I’ve brought to the business and enabled me to thrive in an industry that is dominated by people who do not look like me.
BEAUTYBEEZ provides an inclusive beauty experience where women of color can shop, explore, and play in a world full of beauty. The brand was created because nothing like it exists and we wanted to be a complete departure from the typical beauty supply. Our mission is to celebrate Black beauty in every way possible—a curated collection of hair care, skin care, and beauty products; selling inclusive beauty brands; promoting minority owned brands; hiring diversity in our team members; tailored services for our unique needs; and most importantly, the creation of a community reflective of our brand’s values and ideals. We’ve been able to successfully create this space because we possess a passion for and knowledge of our consumers and their needs—an approach many of our predecessors have neglected.”
Jamila Powell, Owner & Founder, Maggie Rose Salon
“When I first entered the beauty industry, I didn’t really have a clear understanding of all of the nuances and disparity that existed. I am a salon owner and do not do hair. I was primarily interested in the salon being a second stream of income. I started the salon geared towards extension work, and then transitioned into curly textured hair. As the business grew, so did my desire to become more known in the industry and be recognized as a salon of curl experts. That is when I discovered that salons and stylists of color are put in a box and not given the opportunity to shine on an international platform. Even more surprising, most salons that are recognized for specializing in curls are not Black-owned.
I initially tried to reach out to many of the well-known industry publications, but the feedback was pretty much non-existent. Typically, a handful of stylists of color are chosen to be representatives in the hair world, but new talent is not sought-after. I decided with the access we have to the internet and social media, I would create a lane for myself. I have created a global following for Maggie Rose, along with an educational platform called Texture University, and am in the process of launching a hair system for curls called Naturally Drenched. It has been a journey, but I have realized it is better to create your own platform versus depending on others.”
Images: Cottonbro / Pexels; thisisdrkbeauty, beautybeezstore, maggierosesalon / Instagram
