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When it comes to the goal of sculpting our faces, the one thing that often comes to mind is how much money we’ll spend on facials that can help ensure our face cards are on point. But, what if we could bring sculpting aids to our home? That’s where we can consider Gua Sha.
“Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese healing technique that involves scraping the skin with a smooth edge tool to improve circulation and promote healing,” Evelyn Ramirez, a licensed Medical Aesthetician and the founder of Evelyn Aesthetics tells Beautycon. “This practice has been used for centuries to address various ailments, including muscle pain, inflammation, and even colds.”
Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist based in New York City, also shares, “it can stimulate blood flow, reduce puffiness, and promote lymphatic drainage, leading to a more contoured and toned appearance.”
Additionally, there are many variations of gua sha, depending on what you’re looking for when you use a gua sha tool. Kopelman notes that Jade is the most common gua sha that people use for their skin. “Jade tools are traditionally used for their cooling properties and are great for sensitive skin.” Ramirez also shares rose quartz gua sha tools are popular for “their smooth texture and are great for sensitive skin.”
Denise Rabor, a makeup artist and the founder and director of Wow Beauty and The DOR Beauty Edit recommends when picking out gua sha tools to “choose a tool with a shape that fits comfortably in your hand and that suits the contours of your face or body.”
To use gua sha tools, Elina Fedotova, celebrity aesthetician and founder of Elina Organics & Spa, recommends using a moisturizing botanical lotion or skin oil on the area you are massaging so the tool will slide over the skin. For those with acne prone skin, not to use oil as it can be “too heavy for your complexion.” When using the gua sha tool, gently massage your face from your nose in an outward movement toward your ears, not too hard so you can avoid bruising.
It is not uncommon for people to apply deodorant to areas other than their armpits, such as their arms, legs, underboobs, private parts, and lower back. However, regardless of where you apply deodorant, you will still sweat and potentially develop body odor. That said, recently, whole body deodorants have become a trend in the beauty industry.
Below, Dr. DiAnne Davis, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist based in Texas, and Dr. Phyllis Pobee, founder of Slim Signal, discuss whole body deodorants and their benefits.
What are whole-body deodorants?
“A whole body deodorant is intended to combat odor in more areas than just your armpits,” Davis tells Beautycon. “Using a whole body deodorant in these areas can protect against body odor.” According to Davis, bacteria is naturally found on our skin, resulting in odor in areas that are susceptible to warmth and moisture, such as on the chest, under the breast, between the thighs, private areas, feet, etc.
What are the benefits of whole-body deodorants?
Both Davis and Pobee note that whole body deodorants can provide long-lasting odor protection in areas other than your armpits. People can face insecurities when they’re not confident in how they smell. While body odor is normal, people can solve this problem by going on multiple showers, changing clothes, keeping distance from others, and using products to address odor.
Are whole-body deodorants safe to use everywhere?
Whole body deodorants should only be used externally. They’re generally gentle enough to use on skin and sensitive areas. When looking for a whole body deodorant, you want to consider an option that is going to be gentle on sensitive areas. When picking out a whole body deodorant, look at the ingredients to make sure it’s “made without aluminum salts, parabens, or baking soda” that will not irritate the skin and doesn’t leave a white residue.
What are the differences between whole-body deodorants and traditional deodorants?
Davis notes that the biggest difference between whole body deodorants versus regular deodorants is that Whole Body Deodorants are designed to be gentle for sensitive areas and “to combat odor on different parts of the body,” while traditional deodorants are focused on underarms. Pobee shares that whole body deodorants have different ingredients than regular deodorants. “Whole-body deodorants often contain natural antibacterial agents like tea tree oil and aloe vera to enhance skin health while preventing odor,” Pobee says. “To use a whole-body deodorant, apply it to clean, dry skin across areas prone to sweat.”
Which ones should I use?
We all enjoy experimenting with new hairstyles. If you’re currently hunting for a fresh hairdo, you might want to scour through TikTok or Instagram for inspiration. But, sometimes, simple and classic is the key.That said, think like VP Kamala Harris, and consider a silk press.
“A silk press is a non-chemical service to smooth out your hair,” Lacy Redway says. “It is typically done on textured hair to straighten out natural curls and coils with hot tools and the results are shiny glass-like or reflective feeling to strands.”
Silk presses are a fun, versatile hairstyle for black women. “Silk presses can be a great go-to style when women want to switch up their look,” Ashanti Lation says. “It’s just fun to be able to flip your hair every now and again.”
It all starts with using the right products which helps make it an “easier style, maintenance, and stronger cascade of hair framing their faces,” says Darrius Peace, a Salon Owner, Master Barber, & Natural Haircare Expert at Hayah Beauty. He also notes that the products that are used to create a silk press, usually involve a leave-in conditioner during the blow out session and steam treatments to login and retain moisture.
To achieve a successful silk press, start by using a small amount of product to moisturize your hair and apply direct heat. It’s important to find the right hair products for your hair type and determine the optimal amount of product to use to make your silk press last longer. Additionally, make sure to use appropriate hair straightening tools that allow you to adjust the heat temperature based on your hair type to avoid heat damage.
For us who are on the go, a silk press has amazing benefits. Peace notes that silk presses are “easy management, low maintenance styling, and quicker salon experiences that do not involve sit under dryer time.”
With that note, here are the best products to keep your silk press looking good.
There’s nothing like the power of wearing red lipstick. It’s been a go-to for many boss women— think: Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance, Sade’s signature look, and Beyoncé’s 2013 Grammys glam— who inspire us to step into our greatness.
Furthermore, a red lip can add a statement to any look; whether you’re stepping into a boardroom or completing a no-makeup makeup look with a pop of color, a swipe of red lipstick can show people that you’re unstoppable.
However, to fit your busy schedule, you may be wondering which lipstick will take you from day to night. And, with so many new launches on the market, you may be overwhelmed with where to start.
That said, in honor of National Lipstick Day today, we’re shouting out a few of our favorites— glossy, matte, hydrating, satin, and transfer-free included— below.
Ahead, here are red lipsticks you need to try for yourself.
We’ve been screaming ten, ten, ten across the board, while listening to “Heated” by Beyoncé all Pride Month long. Beginning after the Stonewall riots in 1969, it’s a month to celebrate all things related to the LGBTQIA+ community: from our self-expression to our sexuality. It also serves as a reminder to appreciate the love, vibrancy, energy, and creativity that the community brings to us, not just this month, but all year long.
Throughout this month (and beyond), we’re celebrating the LGBTQIA+ folks who’ve paved the way for us. Today, we honor the makeup artists who set trends and push the bounds of beauty standards.
Below, learn more about the top LGBTQIA+ makeup artists that have the ability to create stunning glam looks that turn heads.
Sir John
Everyone knows Sir Jon as Beyonce’s go-to makeup artist. The celebrity makeup artist got his foot in the door by doing makeup for strippers, then working with Pat McGrath, and now has an incredible resume working with A-list celebs.
Patrick Ta
Founder of Patrick Ta Beauty, this celebrity makeup artist always shows us his glory skin beauty secrets. With an incredible roster of influencers, celebrities and more, he’s certainly leaving an untouchable legacy.
Mario Dedivanovic
Mario Dedivanovic is a trailblazer in the makeup category; specifically creating products that highlight our natural beauty with his brand Makeup By Mario. He’s done it all: from launching in Sephora stores to hosting his own masterclass.
Sam Fine
An Emmy-award-winning makeup artist who put his expertise on Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Iman, Kerry Washington, and many more.
Allan Avendaño
Known to put makeup on Gigi Hadid, Camila Cabello, Sabrina Carpenter, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez and many more, Allan Avendaño sure loves adding shapes and colors to his makeup. He also serves a seat on the L’Oreal Paris League of Experts, a collective of makeup artists bringing inclusivity and sustainability to the beauty industry.
Like Lil Mama, we love to keep our lips glossy at all times. That said, as of last year or so, many people have been opting for lip oils instead of chapsticks. This is because lip oils help keep the moisture locked into your lips with an added shine.
“Lip oils are hydrating and nourishing treatments specifically designed for the lips,” Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, tells Beautycon. “They combine the moisturizing benefits of natural oils, such as jojoba, argan, or coconut oil, with a glossy finish. These products often include additional ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants, which support lip health.”
Dr. Jody Alpert Levine, a dermatologist based in New York City, also shares that lip oils form with other ingredients, such as vitamins and antioxidants, to “nourish the lips and protect them from free-radical damage.”
You may wonder how lip oils are different from chapsticks and lip gloss. Sloane Casper, a celebrity makeup artist, shares with Beautycon that lip gloss and chapsticks are as nourishing as lip oils. “A gloss sits is a makeup product that sits on the top of the lips and adds shine” Casper said. “A lip balm has a more waxy consistency than a gloss and contains other emollients designed to restore hydration and relieve chapped lips.”
Additionally, Dr. Levine shares that various skin types can use lip oils, but those with sensitive lips should consider alternatives. “If your lips are very dry (to the point that they are cracked), you will likely benefit from a thicker coating, such as a balm or vaseline, to help them heal,” she says. “Some oils paradoxically cause drying or irritation rather than moisturizing so not every oil is created equally.”
While most can benefit from lip oils, those with long hair may especially love them. Mish Bush, a makeup artist and founder of ShineOff Cosmetics, shares that you won’t have to worry about your hair getting stuck to your lips from using lips oils since they can “enhance” your lip’s natural appearance.
Below, find the best lip oils to try for your pout this summer and beyond.
The way we wear our hair is not only a reflection of our creativity, but also overall health. That said, making sure we do things to keep our crowns in shape is a must. Additionally, adding in a bit of shine never hurts, either. That’s where hair gloss treatments come in.
“A hair gloss treatment is a shine, moisture hair treatment that can be done in the salon or at home,” Graham Nation, a celebrity hairstylist who works with Jared Leto, Demi Moore and many more, tells Beautycon. “It usually takes the place of a mask in your hair routine and comes after the conditioner.”
To be clear and straight to the point, hair gloss treatments give temporary shine and glow to your hair. Think of them like a lip oil for your hair. Additionally, “hair glosses can last for weeks, but certain factors can cause them to wash our faster,” Nation says. “Glosses can fade faster with hard water, well water, over-processed hair from hair color, lack of heat protective products, and UVA/UVB rays.”
If you’re hoping to achieve shiny tresses, find the best hair gloss treatments for your hair below.
While we appreciate the benefits of a good lotion and moisturizer in keeping our skin hydrated, we are always looking for products that can enhance its appearance. With summer upon us, naturally, many of us are on the hunt for products that can bring out the beauty of our skin while we bask in the sun on weekend trips with girlfriends. This is where bronzer drops come in handy.
Not only are they great for adding a subtle radiance to your complexion during your next vacation, bronzer drops can be a great addition to your skincare routine if you want to achieve a natural glow all year round, too. Bronzer drops are lightweight and can also be placed strategically, just like a highlighter, for a luminous finish.
Although there are countless beauty products available in the market that cater to different skin types, bronzer drops are versatile and suitable for all skin types. They have become a staple in many makeup routines and are here to stay. Top-tier brands such as Drunk Elephant, L’Oréal, and Tarte Cosmetics offer some of the best bronzing drops that can enhance your skin’s radiance and make it pop. Believe us, your skin will thank you later. Learn more below.
It’s fun to match our nails perfectly with our outfit of the day. But, whether we want to rock our natural nails– especially while the “no-nicure” is trending– or a fun design, we need to make sure our nails are well taken care of.
That said, you might have noticed your nail technician applying cuticle oil to your nails when you get them done at a salon. This step is especially important because our hands are used for everything we do– from washing dishes to preparing meals. Consequently, they often become dry.
Below, discover everything you need to know about cuticle oils– including the best ones to try at home– so that you can have healthy and strong nails this summer and beyond.
What are cuticle oils?
“Cuticle oil is a product used during and after a nail service, it serves as a moisturizer and is a nutrient-filled product that hydrates the nails,” Soroya Owens, licensed manicurist and CEO of Traveling Aura Mobile Spa, tells ESSENCE. “The benefit of cuticle oil during a nail service is to rehydrate the nails after the manicurist has buffed and filled the nail plate.”
The benefits of cuticle oils
Owens suggests that cuticle oils can help strengthen brittle nails, increase their elasticity, and prevent premature chipping or breakage, which can extend the life of your manicure. Additionally, some cuticle oils contain natural antibacterial properties that can help prevent and treat infections that could damage the nails and surrounding skin. Cuticle oil can also stimulate growth by increasing circulation in the nail area.
When should I apply cuticle oil?
Owen recommends applying the cuticle oil after using and washing your hands and letting it absorb to your nails. “It is best to apply cuticle oil twice daily to receive the full benefits,” Owens said. “I recommend massaging your cuticle oil into the cuticle area, the sides of the nail, and under the free edge of the nail plate nail bed as a part of your daily morning and night routine.”
Key ingredients in cuticle oils
Owens suggests picking cuticle oils that contain Jojoba, argan, avocado, sunflower, frankincense, rose, and grape seed oils because they offer “the best oils for your cuticles.” Since they are light and absorb quickly, the oils can penetrate deeper into the skin and strengthen the nails.
Which oils should I use?
