Makeup, Breakup, and Makeup Again

Have you ever felt like your relationship with makeup was more than just cosmetics? I certainly have. As a makeup enthusiast, my journey with cosmetics has been a rollercoaster of self-expression and self-doubt. It all started with a love for creativity and self-expression through makeup. But as time went on, my relationship with makeup became a crutch, a mask I couldn't take off. At one point, I found myself so entrenched in the world of makeup that I couldn't bear to face the world without it. The daily ritual of applying layers of foundation and mascara became more of a necessity than a choice, leading to a detrimental impact on both my skin and mental well-being.

I had to reevaluate my relationship with makeup and rediscover the joy of embracing my bare face. The breakup with makeup was necessary for my skin and mental health. And now, I have found the confidence to rock makeup again, not as a crutch but as a tool for creativity and expression. 

My Natural Hair Journey: From Big Chop to Waist Length - The Transformation and Tips I Learned Along the Way

February 2024

 Hey there, lovely people of the world! I am thrilled to open up about my natural hair journey with all of you today. It has been one heck of a ride since I made the decision to transition from relaxed to natural hair. There have been highs and lows, moments of self-discovery, and a whole lot of experimenting with hair products. But here I am today, absolutely over the moon to tell you that my once damaged and short hair has transformed into a beautiful mane that reached waist length at its longest. I've since cut it to a more manageable bra-strap length, which suits me better personally.

I want to take you along on this journey of mine, sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly. I'll let you in on the tips and tricks I've picked up along the way, as well as the setbacks I've faced. It's been a journey of transformation, and I can't wait to spill all the details with you. So, are you ready to dive in with me? Let's do this!

My Hair Care Secrets: Unveiling My Long Type 4 Hair Wash Routine

Hello there, my wonderful readers! I'm ecstatic to let you in on my hair care secrets today, dedicated primarily to my long Type 4 hair wash routine. Look, I've got Type 4 hair, so I completely get the unique obstacles and misunderstandings that come with caring for this gorgeous texture. Hence, I'd love to walk you through my tried-and-true routine, every step of the way. Believe me when I say that a consistent hair wash regime is critical for maintaining the health and vitality of Type 4 hair. So, let's immerse ourselves in the realm of curls, coils, and kinks, and let me show you exactly how I keep my long Type 4 hair looking and feeling top-notch!

How to get the Perfect Romantic Valentine's Makeup with Beauty Bakerie?

 Hello World,

Happy Makeup Monday!

Today I have a makeup tutorial for you! Yay! I created this simple soft glam look, that can be used for any of the special occasions or holidays this weekend  - rather that's Valentine's Day, Galentine's day or what I celebrate on February 14th - Frederick Douglass's birthday. 

This post is brought to you in part by Beauty Bakerie... I'm just kidding. This is not a sponsored post, but I did use mostly Beauty Bakerie products to create this look. Not because they asked be to. I just used them because their products are banging! If you want to know more about Beauty Bakerie, you should check out my last post about Black Owned Makeup Brands you should be supporting right now!  Although, since I used almost all Beauty Bakerie products, this is almost a B.O.M.B. Makeup tutorial, it is not completely. So, since you guys requested it, I will be doing a full B.O.M.B. Makeup tutorial soon. I just need to, and by need to I mean just want to, get a few more items. So stay tuned. But here is the step by step tutorial on how to create this perfect romantic makeup look using some boss products from Beauty Bakerie.!

What Black Owned Makeup Brands Should You Support Right Now?

 Hello World!

Happy Makeup Monday!

Today is February 1st, which means it's the first day of Black History Month! In honor of such, I thought it would be nice to take some time to reflect on how far makeup has come for black men and women, or even just brown skin people in general. We are blessed now to live in a time where many brands carry more extensive shade ranges and most brands are making an effort to be more inclusive. There was a time, even in my lifetime, where that wasn't the case. There's where Black Owned Makeup Brands come into play.  These are the brands that have always be there for little brown-skinned girls like me when others were not. And now, there are so many Black Owned Makeup Brands - we actually have options! And that is not only great for me, as an artist, but also it's inspiring for young black entrepreneurs. So if you're trying in get in the right, go ahead and support a Black Owned Makeup Brand! But if you're not sure where to start, I got you.
 

Here is a roundup of some of my favorite Black Owned Makeup Brands!

How to achieve that JLo Glow: JLo Beauty Honest First Impressions

 Hello World,

Last week, the always beautiful Jennifer Lopez launched her very own skincare line. It consists of seven glow-enhancing products, which makes since from JLo. And who doesn't what to have that JLo Glow? Well, I know I do, so when I saw her line was available from Sephora, I ordered immediately!

Get that JLo Glow? Yes, Please!

Of the seven products, I tried 5. Before I get into my review, let's quickly go over the two products I didn't get. First off, I didn't get That Big Screen Moisturizer. It claims to be a lightweight moisturizer with SPF 30,  that visibly plumps and protects the skin. There are two moisturizers in the line, and I decided to get the other one, which I will talk about later. No knocks on this one, but I just decided not to get it. Maybe I will try it at some other point. The other product that I didn't get was That Fresh Take Eye Cream, which I'm mad about because I am positive when I went online to Sephora to buy my stuff, it was not there. I'm sure I would have bought it because I'm always looking for new eye creams, because my dark circles are real. If you want to see what eye creams I'm currently using, you can see my full skin care routine here! Now, this eye cream claims to have patented peptides that reduce the look of dark circles and also helps with fine lines and wrinkles. Doesn't that sound great? I sounds exactly like something I would buy, so maybe I will in the future, but for now onto the stuff I did get. 

Skincare Routine for Dark Circles & Dark Spots

 Hello World, 

I said I'd be sharing my current skincare routine in my last Makeup Monday post, and here I am making good on that promise. For reference, I have oily-combination skin, and my main skin concerns are dark spots or hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and dark circles under my eyes. I have different routines for day and night, and I will be sharing both. I will say I do always like to try new products, so this routine could change, but without further ado here is my current skincare routine that has been working for me lately. For more skincare, see my previous post about my top ten skincare products. This post was from 4 years ago, and it's fun to see how much my skincare routine has changed.

Makeup Tutorial: 15 Minute Full Face

 Hello World,

I'm back for another Makeup Monday post, and today I will be breaking down my everyday makeup look that l wear to work. It's simple, professional, and most importantly quick. When I'm getting ready for work, I'm not trying to take a long time, because I don't want to get get up any earlier than I have to. I like to be up and out the door in no more than 45 minutes, so I have mastered this routine that takes no more than 15 minutes ( I have done this makeup look in as quickly as 7 minutes).  Without further ado, here is my 15 minute full face routine. 

Step 1: Primer

Just because we're moving fast, doesn't mean we should skip primer. Primer is important in helping you makeup last longer. I use it as the last step in my skincare routine ( I will go over current skincare routine in another post). For primer, right now I switch between the Winky Lux Whipped Cream Primer and the e.l.f.  Poreless Putty primer. Both of these primers are really good for smoothing pores and giving your skin a smooth base. But you can use any primer that is most useful for your skin concerns. Like in the summer,  I would use a mattifying primer, because my skin is more oily, and as we get deeper into the winter, I'll probably start using a more moisturizing primer, since my skin is usually a little drier in the winter. For application, just apply a quick thin layer. I like to focus my primer in my t-zone, but I apply all over my face. 

Makeup Monday: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez

 Hello World!

So Selena Gomez has come out with her own makeup line - Rare Beauty! And it was no soft launch like a lot of new brands do. It has nearly everything. I'm talking face, lips, brow, and even brushes! The only thing the collection was really missing was eyeshadow. But there was enough to do a full face of Rare Beauty!

So I ordered basically one of everything, so I could try it all out. Without further ado, here's my review of Rare Beauty!

Always An Optimist Illuminating Primer

This was the first official product I tried from the line, and I liked it. It's very lightweight and feels great on the skin. It's like putting on a moisturizer, but it's not greasy. It gives the skin a healthy glow. The full size retails for $26, but there's also a travel size for $14, if you just want to test it out. I would recommend this product, if you're looking an illuminating and moisturizing primer.

Real Techniques Brush Crush Collection: What's the Tea?

Hello World!

So a few weeks ago, I ordered the new limited edition Brush Crush Collection from Real Techniques, and I've finally gotten around to using it. The collection has 8 brushes, a sponge, and a silicon applicator. The design of the whole collection is very cute with pink, purple and glitter! But do they work? I tried everything from the collection and here are my thoughts.

Makeup Tutorial: Least Used Products

Hello World!

Whenever I do my makeup, I find myself always reaching for the same products. I have like 2-3 products that I'll just keep in rotation, or I'll buy something new, and then only use that for a few months. What can I say? I like what I like.


But I was going through my makeup collection, and I rediscovered some products that I really like, but for some reason, I never reach for. So, I created this look using the least used products that I have!

Here's the tutorial on how I got this look!

Makeup Monday: Best of e.l.f.!

Hello World!

e.l.f. cosmetics is one of my favorite brands, because they make really good products and they are insanely affordable. I created this look using some of my favorite e.l.f. products.

If you're looking for some affordable makeup that works, I recommend checking out e.l.f. Here's a list of what I think are their best products, and what everyone should have in their makeup kits!

Maybelline Superstay Full Coverage Foundation: What's The Tea?

Hello World!

I've been dying to get my hands on the new Superstay Full Coverage Foundation from Maybelline, and I finally got to try it!  Here's the look I created  using the foundation, and I think it turned out beautifully. I used the shade 356 Warm Coconut. 

Maybelline is one of my favorite makeup brands, and definitely my favorite from the drugstore, because they do so many things right. And foundation is definitely one of them! I love the Fit Me Matte + Poreless foundation, and this foundation is like the full coverage version of that! When I say full coverage, I mean FULL coverage! A little goes a long way with this foundation. The coverage is incredible, but it's not heavy and blends easily.

Makeup Monday: Chocolate Monochromatic Look

Hello World!

I created this look for the e.l.f. Beautyscape contest, so here's the tutorial on how I created this Chocolate Monochromatic Look!

Makeup Monday: Natural Glowy Look

Hello World!

Lately, I've been rocking a version of this look everyday. I wear it to school, to work, to the movies, to bed... Anyway here's how I got this everyday natural glowy glam look. Enjoy!

Kerin's Top 10: Must Have Makeup Brushes

Hello World!

Since in the world that is Kerin's Korner, this week started on Tuesday, there was no Makeup Monday this week. ☹ So I thought I just sneak a cheeky little makeup post in today! Don't worry, it's still a Top 10, so I'm not breaking any rules.  Anyway here's the top ten makeup brushes and tools, I think every makeup user needs to have in their kit.

1. Flat Top Kabuki Brush

Perfect for blending out liquid and cream products! It makes your job easier and quicker and leaves you with a flawless, airbrushed finish! I use it for foundations, but it could also be used for cream contour and blush. Just about every brand makes a version of this brush so you can find it anywhere. I personally really like the one from Real Techniques.

Kerin's Top Ten: Foundations for Oily Skin

Hello World!
Hi my name is Kerin and I am a Foundation junkie.

No, but seriously I love foundation, and I think I've mentioned in a previous posts that I have oily-combination skin, so I'm always on the hunt for good foundation that will keep me shine-free throughout the day. I also should mention that I am a full-coverage queen, so most of the foundations on my list are full coverage. Without further ado, here's my top ten foundations of oily skin!

10. Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow! Liquid Foundation 

This foundation has a demi-matte finish, so it doesn't leave your face looking flat and it also as SPF!

Tarte Clay Play Face Shaping Palette: What's the Tea?

Hello World! Here's my review of the Tarte Clay Play Face Shaping Palette. 

When Tarte first launched this palette this summer, I instantly wanted to get my hands on it, but first I couldn't find it anywhere, and then when I finally did it I wasn't sure it was really worth the price. This palette retails for $46, which is on the pricier side, but comparable to other high-end brand palettes. I was so intrigued by the palette because it claimed to be the ultimate face palette with all the shades you could need to shape, contour, and highlight your eyes, nose, face, and even your brows.

#Pink Wednesdays Look

Hello World! So last week, I created this look because #onwednesdayswewearpink! Enjoy!

Origins Voxbox Review

Hello World! So a couple of weeks ago, I received my first Voxbox from Influenster filled with Origins goodies, free and complimentary for testing purposes! Here's my review of all the products I got!

High Potency Night-A-Minis Overnight Renewal Cream - 4/5 stars

This cream claims to boost your skin's radiance, and I think it's fairly successful in doing that. When I first applied it, I noticed it was very heavy, which I wasn't sure about because I have oily skin, and heavy creams usually don't work for me. But I guess it's supposed to seep into your skin overnight, so that's why it's so thick. The next day after using it, I noticed my skin did look more radiant and smoother, and I definitely wasn't as shiny as I was when I applied the cream the night before.  They also claim that the relaxing aroma will help you sleep, but I think it smells like pine trees, which isn't very relaxing to me, but to each's own. This product retails for $43, which I think is kinda of ridiculous for what it does. It's a good product, but it's not really anything special. There are cheaper products that perform just as well. So if you got that JD lifestyle, and money ain't a thang, then I would definitely recommend this product. But if you're like me, then I think a cheaper alternative is the Olay Age Defying Classic Night Cream, which retails for $11.